May 5, 2016 Page 9

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

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May May May

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

A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

The 411 On Mother’s Day Flowers Mother’s Day is an annual holiday that honors motherhood and provides an opportunity for men, women and children to show their mothers how much they appreciate them.

The tradition of Mother’s Day in the United States dates back more than a century to 1908, when West Virginia native Anna Jarvis held a memorial service to honor her mother, who had passed away three years earlier, and all mothers in Grafton, West Virginia. Mother’s Day would ultimately become a national holiday in the United States in 1914, thanks in large part to Jarvis’ campaigning. As Jarvis, who never married and never had children of her own, grew old, sh e criticized Mother’s Day as overly commercial, even trying to have it removed from the calendar.

While Mother’s Day traditions have changed since Jarvis first proposed the holiday, many people feel it’s customary to give mothers gifts on Mother’s Day. Flowers make for popular Mother’s Day gifts, and we ll-wishers who want to give the special women in their lives flowers this year can consider a host of varieties .

Carnations are popular Mother’s Day flowers, perhaps because they are available in a number of colors. Ask your florist about what each carnation color symbolizes, as each has its own unique meaning. Pink ca rnations, for example, are believed to symbolize a mother’s love.

Roses - Few mothers can resist roses, making them one of the more popular flowers come Mother’s Day. Rose s are symbolic of love and make the perfect floral gift for mothers who like traditional flowers.

Daffodils - Yellow is synonymous with spring, and daffodils can highlight the season in which Mother’s Day takes place while also providing a cheerful look that’s perfect for Mother’s Day floral bouquets. Daffodil s can be given on their own or added to mixed bouquets.

Freesia are long-lasting and will be enjoyed long after Mother’s Day has come and gone. The inviting fragra nce of freesia makes bouquets of these flowers popular choices for Mother’s Day gifts.

For help with your floral orders call Barr’s Flowers at 815-544-3141.

Ingredients 1 pkg. (4-serving) vanilla sugar-free pudding mix 1-1/2 cups skim milk 2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract 1/2 prepared angel food cake 1 carton (8 oz) fat-free frozen whipped topping thawed 1-1/2 cups frozen, unsweetened raspberries or strawberries Cooking spray

Directions 1. At least 3 hrs. before serving, prepare pudding according to pkg. directions, but use only 1-1/2 cups skim milk. 2. Add vanilla or almond extracts to pudding, mix well, and chill. 3. 2 hrs. before serving slice angel food cake into thin strips with serrated knife. 4. Fold half of thawed whipped topping into chilled pudding. 5. Spray 9x9 dish lightly with cooking spray. Place a 1/3 of cake slices in bottom of dish. Cover with 1/3 of pudding then sprinkle with frozen berries. 6. Repeat to make 3 layers. Spread remaining whipped topping over top of dessert. Chill at least 2 hrs. Cut into 12 squares.

Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe:

12 Servings

Amount Per Serving: Calories 84 Fat 0 g Cholesterol 1 mg Sodium 264 mg Carbohydrate 18 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Protein 2 g

This Month’s Healthy RecipeThis Month’s Healthy RecipeThis Month’s Healthy Recipe Angel Cake With Berries This recipe is courtesy of University Of Illinois Extension

May 5, 2016Page 10

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Treating Warm Weather Insects Homeowners know that the arrival of spring also marks the re-emergence of insects. While not every i nsect is harmful, if an infestation grows considerably or if insects begin to move from the outdoors into a h ome, it may be time for homeowners to call in a professional. Homeowners cannot count on bitterly cold winters to help control the numbers of insects in their yards. Insect ecology is affected by various factors.

The first step homeowners can take is to determine if the insects they see are genuine threats to th eir lawns. Some bugs emerge and swarm early in the season, but then gradually disappear as spring turns into su mmer. Other insects may come out of hiding if a homeowner is doing a lot of yard work or construction arou nd a house. Practice a wait-and-see approach to determine if you really have an insect problem or just have stir red up activity. If critters like termites and certain species of wood-eating insects are invasive and damaging your yard, you may need to take action.

Anyone concerned with the side effects of pesticides and insecticides can first try to remedy the pr oblemnaturally. Sometimes it’s just a matter of making a yard less hospitable to insects. Remove leaves a nd clean up debris close to the house, as these can both encourage infestations. Piles of rotting wood or leftov er firewood canbe a food or shelter source for a number of insects. Inspect water spigots for leaks and improve sus pect drainage on your property, as these things can be welcoming to bugs that like moist surroundings. Remove stan ding water whenever possible to eliminate spots for mosquitoes to incubate larvae.

Natural remedies also may do the trick. Mint, bay leaves, catnip, and garlic can repel insects like roaches and ants. Citrus can be a natural flea deterrent. Some homeowners have had success planting marigolds ar ound their yards to serve as a natural bug repellent because the flowers produce a scent that many insects find repulsive. Thai lemon grass plants also can be used to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Remember, natural predators, such as birds, bats, spiders, and larger insects, feed on nuisance bugs . Keeping these helpful predators around may be an effective and natural way for homeowners to control annoyin g pests. Ifan insect problem seems out of control or if you need a professional opinion about the damage being done toyour home or landscape, consult an exterminator. Licensed exterminators have the training and expert ise toassess insect concerns and create a plan of action that will minimize the risk to inhabitants of you r home andwildlife. They will know what it takes to treat insects and maximize the chances of removing the pro blem promptly.

BOONE COUNTY BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING

Exercise And ArthritisAcross the country, more than 50 million people are living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. So says the Arthritis Foundation, which projects that figure will rise to 67 million by the year 2030. Arthritis can not only affect a person’s quality of life, but also his or her pocketbook, as the Arthritis Foundation notes that working-age men and women (those between the ages of 18 and 64) who contend with arthritis are less likely to be employed than people of the same age who do not have arthritis. Arthritis is not only bad for employees, but also for employers, as it accounts for $156 billion annually in lost wages and medical expenses.

Exercise may be the last thing on many arthritis sufferers’ minds, but exercise can play a vital role in reducing the often painful symptoms associated with arthritis. Among its other benefits, exercise can strengthen the muscles around arthritic joints and help men and women maintain bone str ength. In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that lack of exercise can make joints feel more painful and stiff, a s a sedentary lifestyle will ultimately contribute to putting more stress on joints.

Upon being diagnosed with arthritis, patients should speak with their physicians about the best way to use exercise to combat and relieve their symptoms. Some patients may require physical therapy, while oth ers might be able to work with their physicians to develop an exercise regimen that can help reduce the severi ty of theirsymptoms and any pain that accompanies those symptoms. The following are some types of exercises tha t play astrong role in managing arthritis.

• Aerobic exercises: Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help arthritis sufferers alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall health. Losing excess weight is a great way to ma ke physical activity less taxing on your joints as well.• Range-of-motion exercises are typically simple and don’t take much time, but when done correctly, such exercises can be very effective at relieving the stiffness associated with arthritis.• Strength training will strengthen the muscles around the joints, providing more support for those joints and ultimately reducing symptoms of pain. Speak with your physician or physical therapist about appropri ate strength-training activities and the importance of rest. If you experience any pain during strength-training sessions, stopimmediately and report the pain to your physician.

More information about managing arthritis can be found at www.arthritis.org.

May 5, 2016 Page 11

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Though many people are quick to refer to Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer, the day is much more than that. Initially known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day to remember those military members who died in service of the country.

The origins of Memorial Day remain a topic of debate. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y. as the official birthplace of Memorial Day. However, the roots of Memorial Day likely run much deeper, as researchers at Duke University note that during the Civil War, organized women’s groups in the south had begun to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day as we know it today can likely be traced to Charleston, S.C., where teachers, missionaries and some members of the press gathered on May 1, 1865 to honor fallen soldiers During the Civil War, captured Union soldiers were held at the

The History Of Memorial Day

Charleston Race Course and hundreds died during captivity. Upon their deaths, soldiers were buried i n unmarked graves. When the Civil War ended, the May Day gathering was organized as a memorial to all the men who had died during captivity. The burial ground was landscaped, and those freed as a result of the Civil War played an integral role in the event at the Charleston Race Course.

While the event in Charleston might have been the first Memorial Day-type celebration in the souther n United States, General John A. Logan is often cited as inspiring similar events in the north. As commander- in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans’ organization for men who served in the Civil War, Genera l Logan issued a proclamation just five days after the Charleston event that called for Decoration Day to be observed annually across the country. Logan preferred the event not be held on the anniversary of any particu lar battle, and thus the day was observed for the first time on May 30. Celebrating the day in May also was sign ificant to event organizers because May is a month when flowers are in bloom, making it easier for observers of the holiday to place flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.

In 1868, events were held at more than 180 cemeteries in 27 states, and those figures nearly doubled in 1869. By 1890, every northern state officially recognized Decoration Day as a state holiday. But southern states honored their dead on a different day until after World War I, when the holiday was changed to recog nize Americans who died in any war and not just the Civil War. Nearly every state now celebrates Memorial Day, a name for the holiday first used in 1882, on the last Monday in May.

BOONE COUNTY BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING

How To Prepare The Grill For The Season When it’s time to dust off the grill for the season, grillmasters may think all that’s necessary is to pull off the cover, reconnect the gas and start cooking. But it’s best to give grills, new and old, a thorough cleaning and seasoning to prepare them.

Begin by looking inside of the grill and under the cover and grates to see if any insects or animals have taken up residence. If you light the grill before checking for uninvited guests, you may end up cooking more than you expected. Inspect for any debris, such as leaves and twigs, as well. Even if animals are no longer i n the grill, remnants of their nests may be. Spiderwebs can ignite quickly and prove to be a hazard, so clean off any webs inside and on the exterior of the grill.

Check the hose that connects to the portable gas tank or the natural gas line to the house to see if it’s intact and clean. Clean off the hose if it has any buildup and make sure there are no holes or cracks. You do n ot want to risk the hose lighting on fire. If wear and tear is significant, replace the hose for safety.

Take out all of the grates and washable components and scrub them down. Some leftover drippings or f ood particles may remain from last year. Check the grease trap and be sure to clean that out as well.

Next up is to season the grill. When everything is dry and the grill is off, coat all of the grates and gas emitters with high-heat cooking oil like canola. Make sure the oil coats the grates and gas emitters evenly and wipe up any excess. Then light the grill and let it heat up for around 15 minutes, or until the oil burns of f or starts to smoke. Doing this time after time before cooking will help the grates develop a shiny, dark finish, helping them get hotter and cook food more evenly. Lightly coat grates with oil after each use to inhibit rust as well.

After all of these steps have been taken, it’s time to take the grill for a test run. Choose your me al and begin to cook. Check the temperature of the food before serving to determine if the grill’s thermostat is wor king correctly and to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Now you’re ready to grill the rest of the season. For additional information on grills,visit Ace Har dware in Belvidere. For propane tanks or refills stop by J&D Countryside in Poplar Grove or Ace Hardware or Mr. Goodwater in Belvidere.

May 5, 2016Page 12

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

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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

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Assessing Your Abilities As An Aging Driver When a person first earns a driver’s license, they’ve earned more than just the right to legally ope rate an automobile. To many drivers, a driver’s license is symbolic of freedom and self-sufficiency.

The significance of a driver’s license never truly dissipates, which makes it difficult for aging me n and women to address their abilities as a driver and whether or not they can still safely share the road with oth er motorists. Though many drivers can safely stay behind the wheel well into their golden years, others begin to r ecognize their skills are starting to diminish as they approach senior citizen status. For those who want help gaug ing their abilities as a driver, some self-examination can help.

Assess your eyesight - Healthy eyes are essential to being a safe driver, and drivers can assess their eyesight in a number of ways. In addition to visiting an eye doctor for an eye examination, drivers should lo ok for signs that they’re having difficulty with driving. If signs and street markings aren’t so easy to read anymore, you might need a new prescription for eyeglasses. When the glare of headlights at night makes it difficult to see, your driver’s seat might need to be adjusted or you might want to consider antiglare eyeglasses that make it easier to see at night.

Assess your comfort level - Safe drivers are also comfortable drivers. To assess your comfort level as a driver, ask yourself the following questions before getting back behind the wheel. • Is it troublesome to look over your shoulder and change lanes? • Has steering become difficult? • Has your reaction time when switching from the gas pedal to the brake pedal decreased?

If you can answer “yes” to any of the questions above, then it could be that you’re beginning to lose strength, coordination and/or flexibility, which can make it more difficult to operate a motor vehicle. Answering “yes” doesn’t mean you have t o give up your driver’s license. In fact, your doctor might be able to prescribe therapies or medicines or sug gest a fitness regimen that can make it easier for you to comfortably drive a car. In addition, if you’re having tr ouble steering or operating a motor vehicle in any way, you might just want to find a vehicle that’s easier to drive, such as one with an automatic transmission that has power steering and brakes.

When assessing your comfort level, also examine your mental state while driving. If other drivers ma ke you uncomfortable or traffic signs are confusing, this can make it difficult to safely operate an automo bile. Such feelings when driving could also be a side effect of a particular medication, so discuss the issue w ith your doctor to see if that’s the case and if there are any alternatives.

Honestly address loved ones’ concerns - Aging drivers are often the last to notice if their abilities behind the wheel are starting to diminish. Loved ones are often put in the position of talking to aging drivers about their abilities, and this can cause friction. If loved ones have expressed concern about your abilities as a driver, honestly address these concerns, even if it’s initially hurtful or embarrassing to do so. Your loved ones are sharing their feelings out of genuine concern for your well-being, so don’t look at it as an assault on your self-sufficiency. Some organizations, including the AARP and AAA, offer driving classes for mature drivers to help the m more adequately handle the challenges aging drivers might face.

Aging drivers face obstacles they may or may not be prepared for. When such challenges arise, that d oesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to stop driving entirely. Instead, honestly weigh a host of factors befor e deciding if it’s still safe for you to be behind the wheel.

BOONE COUNTY BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING

Boone County Council On Aging Offers Two Different Driving Classes For The Aged Driver

AARP Smart Drivers Safety Class - A two day Drivers Safety Course is offered at the Boone County Council on Aging, at various times throughout the year. Both days must be completed to receive certificatio n. The cost of the course is $15.00 for AARP members and $20.00 for non AARP members. Though geared for drivers age 50 & older, the course is open to all people of any age. Pay the fee the day of the class to the in structor, pre- registration is required.

Rules Of The Road Review Course - The Rules of the Road Review Course is designed to give drivers the knowledge and confidence needed to pass a driver’s license renewal exam. BCCA sponsors the course u nder the direction of the Secretary of State’s office. This free class is offered several times a year. If you have any questions concerning this program, please call the Boone County Council on Aging at 815-544-9893 for class schedules.