February 4, 2016 Page 7

brereton inc.brereton inc.brereton inc. Health Insurance

Serving Belvidere/Boone County Since 1950

527 S. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008 • 815-544-3180

Major Medical - Medicare Supplements & Long Term Care

Breretons.com Fred Brereton Ric Brereton

“Your Future Is Our Concern Today”

Independent Agency Offering The Products Of:

Barr’s Flowers 815-544-3141 119 S. State St.

Proud member of the tele flora © network

Belvidere’s Only Complete Florist

www.barrsflowers.com

Same Day Delivery Available Monday-Saturday!

Family Owned & Operated

Seasonal Giftware, Purses& Scarves, Greeting

Cards, Truffles & More!

Cemetery Lots $800 - $850 Grave Openings $900

(Weekends Slightly More)

• Cremation Burials • Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Chapel • Pre-Burial Arrangements

1121 N. Main Belvidere

815-547-7642

elvidere emetery ssociation

B C A

Belvidere Funeral Home Inc.

203 Logan Ave., BelvidereFamily Owned & Operated Since 1906

Why Pre-Plan?Peace Of MindPersonal ChoiceLower Costs

√√√

• Tradition Services• Cremation Services• Pre-Planning Services

We Offer:

To Schedule A Free Consultation, Please Call

815-544-2121www.belviderefh.com

Colin A. Jensen - Funeral Director

4452 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.547.6377 • fax: 815.547.3857

www.maplecrestcare.com

2250 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.544.0358 • fax: 815.544.5006

www.northwoodscare.com

Rehabilitation Services Rehabilitation Services Our rehab services extend far beyond the physical - it is about serving every aspect of an individual with care, kindness and respect. Our goal is to provide the necessary approach to facilitate a complete return to health and successful return to home.

Serving Boone County Over 40 Years!Serving Boone County Over 40 Years!

Specializing InSpecializing InShort & Long Term CareShort & Long Term Care

Quality Healthcare Provided By A Professional Staff In addition to the highest quality care, we also strive to

maintain the highest quality of life. For A Private Tour Call Our Admissions Department Today

MapleCrestMapleCrest NorthwoodsNorthwoods

February February February

SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING BOONE COUNTY BOONE COUNTY BOONE COUNTY

A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORSExploring The Connection Between The Heart And Love

Hearts & Valentine’s Day are forever intertwined. One of the most recognizable symbols of love is th e modes t heart, and hearts adorn candy boxes and cookies.

A symbolic heart bears no resemblance to an anatomical heart, yet it is used to represent the deepes t feelings of affection a person can share. Some may wonder just how the emotions of love became tied up in the sh ape of a heart, even though it’s widely known that the brain, not the heart, governs affections.

In ancient times, people believed that the heart was the center of all human emotions. Since the hea rt is prominently located in the center of the chest, it became the cornerstone of human feelings. Love is considered to be one of the most profound & strongest human emotions, therefore it was reasoned that the feeling m ust emanate from the heart.

Surprisingly, the heart has not always been the only organ associated with love. During the Middle A ges, the heart was deemed a useless organ. Followers of the Greek physician Galen theorized that the liver ac tually was the seat of the soul & love.

The first depictions of a symbolic heart date back to the 11th century, when the heart was drawn to resemble a pinecone held upside down with the point facing upward. The scalloped heart that is more familiar to day first arose in the early 14th century. Around the same time, the heart was depicted with the point facing downward & the indentation at the base.

Naturally, as time passed & more was learned about human anatomy, it became obvious that the brain w as the seat of all emotion & thought processes. However, as the brain was something intangible in a living body in ancient times, & the beating heart could be much more readily monitored - with a pulse rate speedin g up when a person is excited or aroused - it’s easy to see how the link between the heart & love has endured. Red has long been associated with passion, so it made sense to depict the heart in a bright red hue.

Come late winter, diners may notice more meat-free selections available on restaurant menus. That’s thanks to the Lenten season that precedes Easter Sunday. During Lent, Christians traditionally abstain from ea ting meat on Fridays. Lent is an ideal time for men and women looking to get healthier to include more vegetables , whole grains and seafood in their diets. Try substituting ground beef with tofu, and incorporate vegetable s where meat may be used. For example, layer lasagna with slices of zucchini instead of filling it with sausage. Plus, eat more fish. Research shows that fish high in omega-3 fatty acids decreases the risk of abnormal heartbeats , which can lead to sudden cardiac death. Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease triglyceride levels, slow the growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque and lower blood pressure.

LentLent

February 4, 2016Page 8

8094 Fairgrounds Rd., Belvidere, IL Open Daily 7-5; Sat. 7-Noon

R. J. Daniels Fuel & Tire

• Brakes & Suspension • Wheel Alignment • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning

815-544-2118

We Carry

Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks

• New Tires • Roadside Tire Service • Small Engine Sales & Service

See Our “Pros” For

123 Meadow St. • Belvidere • 815-547-4155

BREAKFAST EVERY DAY....STARTING AT $2.99 1/2 Orders Available 1/2 Orders Available

NEW ITEMS NEW ITEMS ADDED DAILY! ADDED DAILY!

Senior Citizen Discounts Senior Citizen Discounts Carryouts Anytime Carryouts Anytime

Fresh Food & Friendly Folks Fresh Food & Friendly Folks

Check Out OurCheck Out OurDAILY SPECIALSDAILY SPECIALS

Served With Cup Of Soup Or Tossed Salad, Choice Of Potato,

Vegetable Of The Day, Rolls & Your Choice Of Ice Cream, Rice Or

Tapioca Pudding, Or Jell-O.

207 S. State StBelvidere, IL 61008-3616taftinsurance@hotmail.com

Dr. Eric CoyDr. Sarah GreggDr. Norbert Kulpinski

HAVE YOU HEARD?

30% SENIOR DISCOUNTFRAMES & LENSES

(Includes designer frames & progressive bifocals)

Call us if you need a ride! (Immediate Belvidere area only)

Inside Schnucks (E. State)

815-544-3431

815-397-2020304 North State - Belvidere

Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Powers of Attorney • Nursing Home Planning • Family Law • Traffic & Criminal

815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com

Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere

Attorneys At Law John H. Maville • Karla M. Maville

Tricia L. Smith

Financial Pointers For Older, Unmarried Couples

SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING BOONE COUNTY BOONE COUNTY

mortgage if one exists, will be paid. Decisions regarding who will receive the tax breaks you might be eligible for when paying a mortgage should also be considered. Documenting your financial situation can protect your a ssets should you break up. If these arrangements are not documented, unmarried couples who break up could find themse lves in a contentious financial battle not unlike couples going through a divorce.

* Maintain s ome financial independence. Older, unmarried men and women who choose to cohabitate with their partners should still maintain some financial independence after moving in together. A joint checkin g or savings account might work down the road, but initially keep these accounts separate to avoid any disputes. Keep pay ing your own bills, including car payments and credit cards, at the onset as well.

* Update certain documents and policies. U pon your death, a partner with whom you cohabitate does not have the same legal rights of inheritance as would a spouse. As a result, it’s important for unmarried indivi duals who cohabitate with their partners to update their wills, especially if they have been cohabitating for an extended period of time and want their partner to be taken care of in case of their death. In addition to updating information r egarding beneficiaries, older men and women might want to update certain information regarding their health, like who should take legal responsibility for medical decisions should one partner become incapacitated.

In addition to updating your will, update any existing life insurance policies and retirement benefits to include your partner if you so desire.

* Discuss any cha nges with your family, especially any children. When you make changes to your will, those changes will affect your beneficiaries. Upon making these changes, discuss them with your existing beneficia ries so your partner does not have to deal with relatives whose feelings might be hurt upon your death. This might not be an easy discussion, but you will want your partner to have your family as a support system upon your death. Older, unmarried couples are choosing to cohabitate more and more. While the incentives to doing so are numerous, there are some precautionary measures couples should take before moving in together.

Moving in together is something typically associated with young couples, but more and more unmarried men and women over the age of 50 are choosing to cohabitate. According to an analysis of 2012 U.S. Census data conducted by the Performance Reference Bureau, roughly 10 percent of the 15.3 million opposite-sex unmarried cohabiting partners in the United States are between the ages of 55 and 64, while 15 percent are between the ages of 45 and 54.

Such figures indicate that living toge ther as an unmarried couple is no longer exclusive to younger couples. The incentives for older, unmarried couples to cohabitate are similar to those for younger ones, but older couples should heed a few financial pointers before deciding to move in together.

* Iron out the fi nancial details ahead of time. Young couples who move in together often do so as a precursor to getting married. Such couples do not typically have much in the way of financial assets and, as a result, do not need to come to any formal agreement regarding their finances. Older couples, however, might be bringing a more substantial financial portfolio into the relationship, and these finances can complicate matters. Before moving in together, older couples should document their finances and how household expenses, including a

February 4, 2016 Page 9

218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere 815-544-2616 www.AndersonFCS.com

Our Family Is Here For Yours.

Our mission is to celebrate one’s life and help families navigate the journey of loss with a sense o f hope. One of the most painful events we experience in life is the loss of a loved one. At Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services , we believe that finding an appropriate and meaningful way to celebrate your loved one’s life while giving thanks to God for the ir life is the necessary foundation to healing. - Stephen Anderson

Patrick Stephen Diann Jeffrey

520 Pearl St. • Belvidere

For Independent SeniorsNow Age 55+

(815)547-8479

PEARL PLACE SENIOR APARTMENTS

F F F I E S T A I E S T A I E S T A MARKET MARKET MARKET

400 Chrysler Dr., Belvidere 815-544-2220

www.fiestafrescamarket.com Open 7 Days A Week 7 AM - 9 PM

Quality & Value In Every Aisle

• Premium Meats & Seafood • Seasonal Fruit • Fresh Vegetables • Prepared Foods • Deli & Baked Goods

SHAREYOURGOOD

HEALTHwith Others.

BE A BLOOD DONOR.

(877) RRVBC-99 (877-778-2299) rrvbc.org

• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Silver Sneakers • Gymnasium & Fitness Center With Trained Staff • Fitness Classes Free With Membership

• 85 Degree Swimming Pool • Adult Lap & Open Times Throughout The Day • Discounted And Subsidized Memberships

220 West Locust, Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-5307

www.belviderefamilyymca.org

• For Youth Development • For Healthy Living • For Social Responsibility

Belvidere FamilyYMCA

Best Response To Volatile Markets? Stay Calm Article Contributed By Eric R. Dahl, A AMS Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

I n recent months, stocks have fallen sharply from their record highs, with one-day drops that can rig htfully be called “dizzying”. As an investor, what are you to make of this volatility? For one thing, you’ll find it useful to know the probable causes of the market gyrations. Most exper ts cite global fears about China’s economic slowdown, falling oil prices and anticipation of a move by the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates as the key factors behind the stock market’s decline. On the other hand, the U.S. economy is still doing fairly well. Employers are adding jobs at a prett y good clip, wages are rising, home prices are up and overall economic growth has been reasonably solid. In other words, we are in a vastly better place than in the period before the Great Recession of 2008 and early 2009, w hen the financial markets bottomed out. Nonetheless, it’s only natural that you might feel some trepidation over what’s been happening in th e financial markets over the past few weeks. So, what should you do? Here are a few suggestions:

• Expect more of the same. Be prepared for more volatility, potentially including big drops one day followed by big gains the next. Until the factors considered responsible for the current volatility – that is , China’s slowing economy, low oil prices and the Federal Reserve’s decision on rates have been fully absorbed into th e market’s pricing mechanisms, big price swings, one way or another, are to be expected.

• Don’t panic. The headlines may look grim but volatility is nothing new, and the financial markets are more resilient than you may think.

• Look for opportunities . By definition, a downturn occurs when investors sell massive amounts of stocks, but it actually may be a good time to buy them, while their price is down. Look at the most successf ul businesses and their products and services. If you can envision these companies still being around and thriving in ten years, why wouldn’t you want to buy their stocks at potentially lower prices?

• Diversify . During the downturn, just about everyone’s portfolio was affected. But if yours took a particularly large hit, it might be because your holdings are over-concentrated in stocks, especially the types o f stocks that fared the worst. You may need to further diversify your portfolio through a mixture of domestic and international stocks, bonds, government securities, real estate, certificates of deposit (CDs) and other vehicles. Diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee a profit or prevent against all losses, but it can help blunt the harshes t effects of volatility.

• Review your investment strategy. Unless your goals have changed, there’s no reason to revise your long- term investment strategy, even in the face of wild fluctuations in the financial markets. Still, it’ s always a good idea to review your strategy at least once a year, possibly in consultation with a financial professional . You may need to make smaller-scale adjustments in response to changes in the economy, interest rates, and so on, but don’t abandon your core principles, such as maintaining a portfolio that reflects your goals, risk toleran ce and time horizon. Investing will never be either risk-free or predictable. But by taking the steps described above, yo u can relieve some of the stress associated with volatility and help yourself stay on track toward your financial objectives. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should understand the risks involved of owning investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The value of investments flu ctuates and investors can lose some or all of their principal. Special risks are inherent to international inves ting, including those related to currency fluctuations and foreign political and economic events.

SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING BOONE COUNTY BOONE COUNTY

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research has shown that strengthening e xercises are safe and effective for men and women of all ages, including seniors. The CDC also notes that men and women with heart disease or arthritis may benefit the most from exercise regimens that include lifti ng weights several times per week. A strength-training program at Tufts University enlisted older men and women with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. The program lasted 16 weeks, and by the end of those 16 weeks, participants reported that their pain had decreased by an average of 43 percent while also decreasing the disability caused by their condition s. In addition to the benefits uncovered in the Tufts program, strength training can benefit older men and women by improving balance and flexibility, which can decrease their likelihood of falling and the severity of those fa lls if they do slip.

Did You Know?

February 4, 2016Page 10

O’Brien’s Pharmacy O’Brien’s Pharmacy 216 S. State St., Belvidere • 815-544-3433

Pharmacy Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am - 7 pm; Saturday 9 am - 4 pm; Sunday 9 am - 1 pm

• Personalized Patient Consultations • Durable Medical Equipment • Diabetic Shoes

• Competitive Pricing • We Accept All Major Insurance & Medicaid/Medicare • User Friendly Packaging

Your Co-Pay Is The Same Anywhere You Go. So Why Not Support Your Local Pharmacy?

DISPILL Medication Packaging System DISPILL Medication Packaging System We Offer A Worry-Free Self-

Medication System To Prevent Your Loved One From Missing

Medications Or Taking Too Much. Filled Directly By Our Pharmacist,

So There Are No Mistakes.

Delivery Available 6 Days A Week

WHO NEEDS A DRIVE-THRU WHEN WE

DELIVER!

HOME HEALTH CARE DEPT.

Wheelchairs Walkers Crutches & Canes Commodes Hospital Beds

Support Stockings Braces/Splints Lift Chairs Bath Benches

Monday - Saturday

Enjoy The Enjoy The Enjoy The Life You Life You Life You Deserve! Deserve! Deserve!

815-544-9495 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd., Belvidere

Assisted Lifestyle Communities For Seniors Of All Incomes

815-226-1444

It doesn’t matter if you saved money in 15 minutes.

It doesn’t matter if your neighbor has the same insurance you do.

What matters right now is that you get to enjoy this moment - feeling completely at ease - because your independent insurance agent and the company that stands behind them has you covered.

Flanders Insurance Agency 1947 N. Lyford, Rockford flanders@flandersinsurance.com

Trust is more than just a word. It's who we are.At Alpine Trust & Investment Group, we are a team of experienced professionals who provide the highest level of personalized investment management and trust services to individuals, businesses and organizations.We are the trust and investment group of choice because:

We have a team of professionals who are the most accomplished experts in their fi elds We provide an unmatched level of personal serviceWe help people, businesses and our communities We are local

East State Street Offi ce6838 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108

Phone: (815) 231-2710Fax: (815) 231-2825

Belvidere Offi ce600 S. State Street, Belvidere, IL 61008

Phone: (815) 547-5200Fax: (815) 544-7221

www.bankalpine.com/investmentsInvestment and insurance products are: not products of Alpine Bank; not FDIC insured; not guaranteed; and, may be subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal.

SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING BOONE COUNTY BOONE COUNTY

Heart-Healthy Foods For The Year Ahead

Nutrition Facts Servings per Recipe: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving Calories 280 Fat 10g Sodium 650mg Total Carbohydrate 24g Fiber 1g Protein 22g

1. In a medium bowl, combine first seven ingredients (through garlic powder) and mix well with a fork.

2. Place rolls, sliced sides facing down, on a broiler pan and broil until lightly browned and crispy. Remove from oven. 3. Turn rolls over and spread 2 to 3 tablespoons salmon mixture on each half. 4. Top each with 2 tablespoons grated cheese. 5. Return to oven and broil until the cheese melts on top. Serve immediately.

Ingredients 1 can (6 ounces) salmon, drained 1/4 cup green onions, chopped 1/4 cup celery, chopped 1/4 cup low-fat or lite mayonnaise 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/2 tsp. dill weed 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 4 hamburger buns/rolls, sliced in half 1 cup low-fat shredded cheese

Salmon MeltsSalmon MeltsSalmon MeltsThis Month’s Healthy RecipeThis Month’s Healthy RecipeThis Month’s Healthy Recipe

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, heart disease is the leading causing of death in both men and women. Certain factors beyond an individual’s control, such as family history and age, affect his or her risk of developing heart disease, but men and women are not helpless against heart disease. Diet can be a friend or foe with regard to heart disease. A bad diet may elevate a person’s risk for high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke, while a diet rich in heart-healthy foods can lower that risk. The following are a handful of heart-healthy foods for men and women who want to begin the new year on a nourishing foot.

• Raisins: Researchers from the Louisville Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Research Center found that consuming raisins three times a day may significantly lower blood pressure among individuals with mi ld increases in blood pressure. Raisins can help combat the growth of a type of bacteria that causes gu m disease, which few people may know is linked to heart disease.

• Salmon: Though its label as a fatty fish may lead some to question its nutritional properties, salmon is ri ch in omega-3 fatty acids, which can decrease a person’s risk of developing an abnormal heartbeat (arrhyth mia), slightly lower blood pressure and slow the growth of atherosclerotic plaque, the buildup of which ca n contribute to heart attack, stroke or even death.

• Whole grains: Whole grains help men and women maintain healthy weights while lowering their risk for heart disease, making them perfect dietary additions for anyone who resolves to lose weight and protect th eir heart in the year ahead. According to the American Heart Association, whole grains, such as whole wheat, oats /oatmeal, rye, barley, and brown rice, are great sources of dietary fiber, while refined grains like white ric e and enriched bread contain little fiber. That’s an important distinction, as dietary fiber can improve blood chol esterol levels and lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Tomatoes: Researchers at Boston’s Tufts University analyzed data in an effort to discover the effects of lycopene, which is the antioxidant responsible for giving tomatoes their familiar red color, on the cardiovascular system. They discovered that people who regularly consumed foods with lycopene over an 11-year perio d reduced their risk of coronary heart disease by 26 percent. The lycopene found in tomatoes may be ev en more accessible when they are cooked.

Aspiring to eat healthier is a goal for many people come the dawn of a new year. For more informatio n about heart-healthy foods, visit www.heart.org.

This Recipe Courtesy Of University Of Illinois Extension