December 3, 2015 Page 9

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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Exploring The Colors Of Christmas Decorations adorning homes & businesses in the familiar colors of red & green are popular come the h oliday season. Even gift wrap, greeting cards & clothing tend to lean toward red & green as the holiday sea son hits full swing. It is difficult to think of Christmas without envisioning everything awash in these popular c olors, broken up only by the inclusion of gold, white or silver accents.

The colors of Christmas are often taken for granted, and many celebrants are unaware of how these co lors became symbols of the holiday season and why they remain so to this day.

Several theories exist as to why red & green became the hallmarks of Christmas. One such theory is t hat the colors evolved from pagan celebrations similar to the evolution of Christmas traditions. Prior to th e arrival of Christianity, many cultures viewed the color green as the symbol of life. It’s believed that, during harsh winters, evergreen trees were cut down & brought indoors to symbolize that life still exists and thrives desp ite the cold and darkness of winter. Other pagan holidays featured the use of green, red & gold, including the festiv al of Yule.

As Christianity spread across Europe & eventually other parts of the world, red & green were linked to Jesus Christ. Green still represented life, but now this was the eternal life offered by Christ. Red was s aid to symbolize sacrifice, namely the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. Some Christians believe that Jesus w ore a crown of holly thorns whose berries were originally white. As Jesus’ blood touched the berries, they turne d red.

Some theorize that the red of the holiday season represents the apples on the tree of paradise in th e Garden of Eden. Around the 14th century, the faithful would put on Paradise Plays on December 24 to share the story of creation with those who could not read. It is nearly impossible to find a fruit-bearing apple tree i n the winter, so a pine tree adorned with red apples was used instead. Bishops also wore red robes, further tying the c olor red to religious masses & celebrations.

Gold is frequently used in holiday decorations as well. Gold can represent the sun & light, both imp ortant ways to ward off the dark winter. In addition, gold was one of the gifts brought to baby Jesus, making it a color of significance within the Christian faith.

Red & green poinsettias also are a symbol of the holiday season, but they didn’t start the colorful tradition. Poinsettias are a relatively recent addition to Christmas symbolism, as they were only first introdu ced to America in 1828, when they were brought back from Mexico by Joel Poinsett.

The holiday season is filled with colors that brighten up homes & businesses. Combined with the many twinkling lights used on displays, red & green decorations can add vitality to the dark days of December. Take in the colors & lights of Christmas locally during Hometown Christmas this Friday, 5:30-9:00 PM in downtown Belvid ere. Enjoy Belvidere’s first Christmas Light Parade and visit the Holiday Lights Display at Belvidere Park.

December December December

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December 3, 2015Page 10

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Fresh snow means having to clean up driveways & sidewalks. Snow shoveling is something many people do not enjoy, & it can potentially be dangerous if not done properly.

The possibility of an accident or injury while shoveling snow is very real. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that the most common injuries associated with snow removal include sprains & strains, particularly in the back & shoulders. Individuals who use snowblowers are not immune to injury, either. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that more than 6,000 people were injured using snowblowers in 2009.

Get Smart About Snow Removal

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Serious health problems may result from snow shoveling & snowblowing, including heart failure from overexertion. Many people are simply not physically fit enough to move heavy quantities of snow. To reduce the risk of injury when shoveling snow, consider the following tips. • Consult first with a doctor to get a health assessment. If you are restricted from certain strenuo us exercises, it stands to reason that you will be restricted from shoveling snow as well. • Choose the right snow shovel or snowblower. Tools with a curved handle or an adjustable length han dle will help you feel more comfortable & minimize slouching & arching of the back. Select a shovel or snowbl ower that is lightweight to reduce the amount of weight you have to move in addition to the weight of the snow . • Dress appropriately for the weather by layering clothing. Layering enables you to remain warm, but then shed layers should you become overheated. Sweating & having damp clothing could put you at risk for hypot hermia. Be sure to cover extremities to guard against frostbite. • Warm up muscles by treating snow removal for what it is - a physical activity. Cold, tight muscles are more prone to injury. It is adviseable to spend 10 to 15 minutes with moderate exercise to get the body r eady for the workout ahead. • Begin shoveling slowly, lifting only small amounts of snow. Remember that it is not a race. • Keep your back straight while bending your knees to lift snow. Position your feet wide apart for t he best distribution of weight. • Carry the shovelfuls of snow to where you want them, rather than tossing snow to the side or over your shoulders. Try to keep your arms close to your body to reduce stress on the spine. • If using a snowblower, always wear eye protection. Never reach into the blades of a snowblower to dislodge snow or another obstruction. Turn off the snowblower first & wait for a few seconds to let the blade s recoil before attempting to clear the blades. • Turn off the engine any time you are walking away from the snowblower. Keep tabs on the electrical cord so that you don’t trip or accidentally run over it. If you are not feeling well, it is best to leave snow removal to someone else. Snow removal is a fac t of life each winter. Treat it as a strenuous exercise that requires proper technique to help minimize injuries.

How Senior Donors Can Avoid Scams Con artists masquerading as charities can victimize anyone, but seniors are especially vulnerable to such criminals. Scammers often target older men & women, feeling that seniors are more likely to have a s ignificant amount of money in the bank & are less likely to report crimes. Take steps to safeguard yourself fro m scammers looking to exploit your generosity. • Never donate over the phone. No reputable charity will insist on a donation over the phone. If a c aller attempts to pressure you into donating over the phone, hang up. • Maintain a list of your donation history, including the organizations and the amount of your donat ions. This can help you verify if the person calling, emailing or visiting you is telling the truth about past dona tions. • Do not feel obligated to give. Many charities send gifts as a token of appreciation for your suppo rt. Whether a charity is legitimate or not, seniors should not feel obligated to donate simply because they receiv ed a gift. • Insist that your personal information is not shared. Prior to making a donation, speak directly wi th the charity & insist that none of your information be shared with other charities or organizations. If this cannot be arranged, find an organization willing to make such a concession & contribute to that charity instead. • Ask for help. If you are confused when it comes time to make your annual donations, ask a son, dau ghter or trusted confidante for help so you can rest easy knowing your donation goes where you intend for it to go.

December 3, 2015 Page 11

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Cooking For One Or Two Many seniors scale back in the kitchen. While reducing food portions seems easy, those used to prepp ing meals for a large family may find it difficult. The following tips can make meal preparation efficient & c ost-effective.

• Divide & store. Buying in bulk can help individuals save money, but it may not always be practical for people living alone or with just a spouse. If you must buy in bulk, invest in a food vacuum sealer or freez er storage bags. Immediately separate meats & poultry into smaller portions before storing them in the freezer. Other wise, look for bulk items that are individually wrapped to maintain freshness. Many canned & jarred items can be co vered & stored in the refrigerator after containers are opened.

• Plan meals with similar ingredients. To reduce food waste, use leftovers to create casseroles or m ix them in with new meals. Broiled or grilled chicken can be used to make soups, stir-fry dishes, fajitas, & sandwic hes.

• Cut recipes in half. When baking, cutting back on proportions of ingredients can be challenging. S earch online for recipe-scaling programs that can make the work easier.

• Use a weekend day to prepare food & package it into small containers in the refrigerator or freeze r. Then the containers can be taken out as needed and heated quickly in the microwave for fast meals.

• Organize a meal-sharing club. Get together with a few friends who also have empty nests & split co oking duties. If you’re accustomed to cooking larger portion sizes, do so & then spread the wealth with others in the group. Then sit back & relax when it is your opportunity to have meals delivered to you

If you do not wish to cook, check into local meal programs. Lifescapes meals are available for a $2 donation. Meals on Wheels is a local meal delivery program offered to seniors. Call 815-963-1609 for more inf ormation.

Ingredients 2 tsp. oil 1 sm. onion, chopped 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. basil 1 cup water 1 can (10.75 oz.) reduced sodium chicken broth 1 can (14.5 oz.) stewed tomatoes 1 cup frozen or canned corn

1 cup instant brown rice, uncooked 1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions 1. Heat oil in lg. saucepan. Add onion & cook until tender. 2. Add garlic, basil, water, broth & tomatoes with juice. 3. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Cover & simmer for 7 minutes. 4. Add corn & rice. Cover & simmer 10 minutes or until rice is cooked. 5. Pour into bowls & top with parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe: 6 Servings

Amount Per Serving: Calories 150 Fat 4 g Sodium 320 mg Carbohydrate 23 g Fiber 2 g Protein 5 g

This Month’s Healthy RecipeThis Month’s Healthy RecipeThis Month’s Healthy Recipe

Easy Vegetable SoupEasy Vegetable SoupEasy Vegetable Soup This recipe is courtesy of University Of Illinois Extension

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Christmas Wreath - Its Meaning and HistoryArticle Contributed by Barr’s Flowers

One of the most popular holiday decorations is the Christmas wreath. What is the meaning of the wrea th? The term “Wreath” is linked to our word “wrist” with both terms forming a continuous physical circular s hape. It also came from Middle English’s “wrethe” meaning a twisted band or ring of leaves or flowers in garland. Wreaths have been used symbolically for centuries. The circle or ring shape is symbolic for eternity or eternal life; the shape has no beginning and/or end. In ancient Rome, this symbol became so powerful that people u sed decorative wreaths as a sign of victory. Some believe this is where the hanging of wreaths on doors originated.At Barr’s Flowers, we find we do various kinds of wreaths throughout the season. During the Christma s season, our shop is filled with various wreaths done in artificial flowers & evergreens to decorate doors & inside homes. Fresh evergreen wreaths are also very popular for home use & to decorate the cemetery. The fresh eve rgreens we use come from Northern Michigan & will last through the entire winter season in the cold weather. Christmas wreaths fall mainly into two categories: The decorative Christmas wreath & the Advent wrea th. The decorative wreath is made simply for holiday decorations, similar in use to Christmas lights. These have a different purpose than other types of wreaths. Wreaths give a house or office the “finishing touch” to the holiday decorations. Their symbolism & look just give the area the little extra Christmas feeling. Decorativ e Christmas wreaths are usually made of evergreen leaves, holly or other materials symbolizing life throughout t ough winters. The Advent wreath is a tradition that is a part of folklore from centuries ago. Traditionally the Ad vent wreath is made of four violet or rose candles in a circle of evergreens with a fifth candle in the middle. Eac h day at home the candles are lighted before the evening meal, one candle for the first week, & then another each succeeding week until December 25th. The last candle is the middle candle of the wreath. The lighting of this c andle takes place on Christmas Eve & represents the birth of Jesus Christ.

December 3, 2015Page 12

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Prevent Slips & Falls This Winter Winter can be a beautiful time of the year, but the snow & ice that covers the landscape in a pristine sheet of white can present certain hazards as well. Walking on ice can be extremely dangerous, particularly to those people who already may have mobility issues, such as the elderly. According to the National Safety Council, slips & falls are the single largest cause of emergency room visits. Slip & fall injuries also are the third largest cause of workplace injuries, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Yearly Eye Exams Can Reveal More Than Just Vision Trouble More evidence points to the importance of routine eye exams, not only to pinpoint potential conditions of the eye, but also to serve as windows to diseases that affect the entire body. Now more than ever it is essential to make & keep annual eye exams, as they can help to reveal the first signs of serious ailments.

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Many accidental falls occur from lack of stability or poor physical health. However, come winter, ma ny falls can be attributed to walking on slippery surfaces covered with snow or ice. To avoid falls on ice, men a nd women might want to take certain precautions.

Change the way you walk - Adapting to the slippery conditions could help prevent some of the falls caused by snow and ice. When walking on ice, plant feet with toes facing outward slightly, & then shuffle alon g. Hunching over a little & extending arms outward will help to lower your center of gravity & also offer a litt le more stability. Take short, flat steps so that the heels & toes of your shoes stay in contact with the ground as muc h as possible & offer maximum surface contact. You should not take large strides or move quickly. This can definit ely lead to slips & falls. Rather, leave extra time to get to & fro.

Switch shoes - Flat shoes with rubber soles are more capable of gripping the ice than other types of shoes. Contrary to popular belief, clunky winter boots may make walking more difficult. Try rain boots inst ead, as rain boots typically have flatter soles. There also are many different types of shoe ice grips on the mar ket that can be added to the soles of shoes. They easily slip on to offer more traction. Whenever possible, try to a void shoes with already slippery soles or high heels. Carry these shoes with you & change after you are inside.

Treat walkways - Keeping on top of falling snow can help alleviate slippery walkways. Use a combination of snowmelt & sand so that you can keep sidewalks clear.

Remove shoes indoors - Slips & falls can happen inside a home as well. Many people have tile or laminate entryways in their homes, & these entrances can become quite slippery when snow-packed shoes warm up & the snow melts, creating a wet, slick surface. Avoid falls by placing mats by the front door & remov ing shoes when you enter. Stash a pair of slippers nearby into which you can change.

Pack light - Carrying heavy bags can disrupt your center of gravity & contribute to falls. Whenever possible, travel light or use a backpack to evenly distribute weight to help you walk more easily.

Falls on slippery surfaces can be quite dangerous. Avoid trips to the emergency room for broken bone s or abrasions by slowing down, dressing appropriately & walking on paths that have been cleared of snow & ice.

Doctors from around the world say dozens of diseases - from certain cancers to arthritis to high blo od pressure - can show symptoms in the eye. Under the watchful & knowing gaze of an eyecare professional, individu als can get early diagnosis & begin treatment promptly.

According to Dr. Roy Chuck, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Albert Ein stein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, there are many systemic diseases that can be seen i n the eye. In addition to the conditions mentioned, jaundice can indicate liver disease while retinal detachmen t & bleeding in new blood vessels may indicate hypertension. By looking at the color of the cornea, some doctors can tell if a patient has elevated levels of cholesterol. Many people have had their eye doctors be the first heal thcare professional to detect the presence of their diabetes.

If an ophthalmologist suspects an underlying medical condition, he or she will likely refer men and women to their primary care doctors for a more thorough examination.

Going to the eye doctor can do more than ensure your vision is sharp. It’s a life-saving decision fo r many people who have major health conditions diagnosed through the eyes.