Coming Soon-CIAA to Host Forum: White House Conference on Aging…………………………………….1

Nutrition and Your Health…………......2 March is National Red Cross Month....3 National Poison Prevention Month ….4

Illinois Kids Count Media Launch Report 2015………………………..…...5

10 Good Reasons To Hire Older Worker…………………………………..6

Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI)…………………………………..7

A Surprising Cause of Depression in Older Adult………………………...…..8

Celebrating Generations……………....9 Speak out-Voice Your Opinions...…..10 Save-the-Date: Golf Tournament…...11 Advice Clinics & Cookbook………….12 Tax Help…………….….……………...13

Rhubarb, Places to Go...Twitter & Facebook….…………….………….14

Support Groups……………..….…….15

U.S. House of Representative, U.S. Senators for IL, IL General Assembly, Board of Directors and Council Rosters………………..…..…16

To Receive Senior Gazette, e-mail Hoangvan (Van) Dinh at

hdinh@ciaoa.net

2015, March Issue Joanne Thomas, PhD, President/CEO Hoangvan (Van) Dinh, B.S., Editor

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

700 Hamilton Boulevard, Peoria, Illinois 61603 Telephone: (309) 674-2071, Toll Free: 1-877-777-2422

Website: http://www.ciaoa.net

Serving Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties

Senior

Gazette

IN THE ISSUE

Dr. Joanne Thomas, PhD, LPC

Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 am—8:00 pm 2nd and 4th Saturdays: 9:00 am—1:00 pm

COMING SOON CENTRAL ILLINOIS AGENCY ON AGING TO HOST FORUM:

WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING

The White House Conference is designed to assist the public and private sectors to

be responsive to the needs of a diverse aging population and to promote the dignity and

independence of and expand opportunities for current and future generations of older

persons and their families.

The following topics adopted by the Conference will be explored for local input:

Retirement security is a vitally important issue. Financial security in retirement

provides essential peace of mind for older Americans, but requires attention during our

working lives to ensure that we are well prepared for retirement.

Healthy aging will be all the more important as baby boomers age. As medical

advances progress, the opportunities for older Americans to maintain their health and

vitality should progress as well and community supports, including housing, are

important tools to promote this vitality.

Long-term services and supports remain a priority. Older Americans

overwhelmingly prefer to remain independent in the community as they age. They

need supports to do so, including a caregiving network and well-supported workforce.

Elder justice is important given that seniors, particularly the oldest older Americans,

can be vulnerable to financial exploitation, abuse, and neglect. The Elder Justice Act

was enacted as part of the Affordable

Care Act, and we need to realize its

vision of protecting seniors from scam

artists and others seeking to take

advantage of them.

We look forward to having you join us

for an important dialogue on behalf of

older persons and family caregivers of all

ages, incomes and abilities.

2 Nutrition and Your Health

MyPlate for Older Adults is a helpful reference that shows different

vegetable and fruit combinations. Such combinations are affordable and handy to

the consumer. People tend to choose the foods that are visually pleasing, MyPlate

provides visuals that allow people to choose foods that are appealing. Mixing color

combinations can be catching to the eye thus leading to some satisfied taste buds.

The MyPlate resource discusses the consumption of bright-colored veggies such as carrots and broccoli, and

deep-colored fruits like peaches and berries. Other foods that are healthier choices consist of whole, enriched and

fortified grains that ultimately just means brown rice and whole wheat breads. Yogurts and low-lactose milk products

that are low and non-fat dairy are good choices. Consuming more water as well as fat-free milk are also better

choices among drinks (MyPlate, 2015).

Omega-3 fatty acids are another important factor that the body needs to function. These fatty acids provide

major health benefits; there are two crucial ones – EPA and DHA which are found primarily in certain fish. The third

is ALA which is found in plan sources like nuts and seeds. EPA and DHA can help decrease the risk of heart disease,

stiffness and joint pain while improving the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Omega-3s also

work to enhance the effects of antidepressants. Consuming such fatty acids can help protect against Alzheimer’s

disease and dementia. Examples of omega-3 fatty acids consist of – anchovies, salmon, sardines, tuna, walnuts,

pistachios, and almonds (Omega-3, 2015).

Elderly obesity rates are on the rise, this indicates that there

is a lack of education among the aging population concerning and

proper nutrition. With age comes body changes – metabolism

slows down and the need for calories decrease. No one likes to

think about their body slowing down so choosing healthier foods

can help forget the slowing and give energy instead.

Jessie Lascelles and Maranda Tarmann

References

MyPlate for Older Adults. (2015, January 1). Retrieved

February 20, 2015, from http://

www.nutrition.tufts.edu/research/myplate-older-

adults

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Facts. (2015, January 1). Retrieved

February 20, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/

healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet

March is National Red Cross Month

3

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides

emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40

percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives;

provides international humanitarian aid; and supports

military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not

-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the

generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, please visit redcross.org

During March, you can get involved with American Red

Cross by volunteers or donation your blood.

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment to give by

using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting

redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767

Peoria Blood Donation Center

405 W. John H Gwynn Jr Ave

Peoria, IL 61605

Phone: 309-677-7272

DONATION PROCESS

Getting

Ready for

Your

Donation

To get ready for your donation:

Hydrate: Be sure to drink plenty of

fluids on the day of your donation.

Wear Something Comfortable

Maintain a Healthy Level of Iron

in Your Diet Before Donating

Bring a List of Medications You

Are Taking: We will need to know

about any prescription and/or over

the counter medications that may be

in your system.

Bring an ID: Please bring either

your donor card, driver's license or

two other forms of identification

Bring a Friend

Relax! Blood donation is a simple

and very safe procedure so there is

nothing to worry about.

The

Donation

Process

Step By Step

After the

Donation

Donating blood is a simple thing to

do, but it can make a big difference

in the lives of others. The donation

process from the time you arrive

until the time you leave takes about

an hour. The donation itself is only

about 8-10 minutes on average. The

steps in the process are:

Registration and go over basic

eligibility and donation information

Private and confidential interview

about your health history and do

mini-physical

The Donation-Certain donation

types, such as platelets, red cells or

plasma (apheresis donations) can

take up to 2 hours.

Refreshments

Here is what to do after your

donation:

Hydrate: More continue to drink

water throughout the day

Avoid Heavy Lifting or Exercise

Accept Our Most Sincere Thank

You!

Also accept the thanks of people

whose lives were changed by blood

donations

Connect with Other Donors!

Visit our Blood Donor Community

and Share Your Story about why

you donate.

Enjoy the feeling of knowing that

you helped save lives!

Source: www.americanredcross.org

AMERICAN RED CROSS

1-800-RED CROSS

(1-800-733-2767)

4

MARCH IS NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION MONTH

For Poison Emergencies Call

1-800-222-1222

Preventing Tips for Older Adult

Older adults often use more medications as they age. It

is important to read labels and warnings, and not mix

up medications. Here are some tips to identify poisons

you may have in your home.

Prescription drugs

Make sure you have the correct medicines and they

are clearly labeled.

Never take medicine in the dark; never take other

people's prescription drugs.

Take only drugs that are prescribed for you.

Over-the-counter drugs

Common over-the-counter drugs that can cause

problems when taken with other drugs

Get rid of medicines that have expired or are no

longer needed.

Understanding labels

To prevent problems, start by reading the labels of all

prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take.

Reading the label will tell you:

What the medicine is for (indications)

How to take the medicine (directions)

What is in the medicine (contents, or active and

inactive ingredients)

What the unusual effects are (warnings)

What activities you should not do while taking the

drug (precautions)

When grandchildren visit

When children visit your home, keep all medicines

and household cleaning products locked up and out

of reach.

Avoid taking medicine in front of young children.

They like to do what adults do.

Call medicine by its proper name. Never call

medicine candy.

Preventing Tips for Child

Kids – if you are unsure of something that could

potentially be dangerous, ask a grown-up.

What should you do if you suspect someone is poisoned?

Tell a grown-up right away and call the Poison

Help line (1-800-222-1222)

Also remember:

If you do not know what something is, do not put

it in your mouth.

Never take medicine unless a parent tells you to.

Stay away from things used to clean the house,

clothes, or car.

For caregivers

Caregivers should be mindful of safety tips to keep

children safe from poisons.

Keep the following poisonous products away from

children:

Painkillers such as acetaminophen and similar

medications

Cleaning products such as laundry detergent and

floor cleaners

To avoid poisonings when taking care of children, be

aware of the following tips:

All medicines and household cleaning products

should be stored in locked cabinets, out of the

reach and sight of children.

Never leave young children alone.

For more information, visit the website

http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/what-can-you-do/prevention-tips/index.html

5

Illinois Kids Count Media Launch Report 2015

In response to an invitation from The

Center for Youth and Family Solutions

and President/CEO Dr. Joanne

Thomas request I attended a meeting at

Friendship House in Peoria called

“Illinois Kids Count Media Launch.”

The purpose of the program was to

facilitate community awareness about

trends in child poverty over the past 15

years and share research findings from

the report “Illinois Kids Count 2015-

Confronting Poverty, Creating

Opportunity.” This report can be found

on the Voices for Illinois Children

website or

http://www.voices4kids.org/ .

The report cites two major trends in

Illinois

1) The number of children living in

poverty is increasing in Illinois and

specifically in this agencies service

area, in Peoria County the child

poverty rates rose from 21% to 29%

between 1999 and 2012, from 8% to

12.5% in Tazewell County and from

6% to 13% in Woodford County.

2) Although unemployment is

improving median earnings and

income has not kept up with inflation.

Median family income, adjusted for

inflation, declined by 9% in Peoria

County.

The effects of poverty on our families

which we serve at Central Illinois

Agency on Aging, Inc or contracted

providers are multifaceted including,

detriments in early childhood

social-emotional health, cognitive

health, academic achievement,

physical health, attendance at school

and higher rates of abuse and neglect.

How is an Agency on Aging concerned

with children living in poverty? The

effects of childhood poverty on an aging

population can be seen in the increase in

number of relatives raising children or

grandparents raising grandchildren and

adult caregivers who are ill equipped

financially or physically to provide

support to an aging family member.

Several ideas were given for combating

children living in poverty including

1) enhancing the EITC or Earned

Income Tax Credit which moved an

estimated 130,000 IL children above

poverty in 2013

2) strengthening the SNAP or

supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program that moved 70,000 children

above the poverty line

3) expanding access to healthcare for

low income children and families

including Medicaid and CHIP greatly

reducing number of uninsured children

4) Renew investments in early

childhood education can produce

significant gains in school readiness and

enables parents to stay on the job.

One other point that was alluded to by

administrators of Center for Youth and

Family Solutions, Tri-Valley Urban

League and Friendship House was the

need to collaborate with community

service providers and partners

committed to alleviating effects of

poverty on our communities. One

agency cannot fill all of the service and

program gaps of an entire community.

I would add that if providers look

systematically at the people served and

services provided that they would find a

significant correlation between how

well for instance children’s programs

are addressed and how much support

a grandparent raising grandchildren is

able to access. Another interesting

correlation would be the effect that

supports for older adults have access

to in a community and the amount of

family medical leave employees take

from their work in order to care for

an adult family member with a

disability. To comprehensively

address the economic problems in

our communities requires addressing

the social problems that appear to be

interrelated.

If you would like to partner with

Central Illinois Agency on Aging,

Inc., there are several opportunities

including Caring Connection

coalition, Celebrating Generations

event and volunteer opportunities to

name a few.

If you have questions about

partnering with the agency and

working to alleviate the effects of

poverty in our communities please

call 309-674-2071.

Submitted respectfully by Mitch

Forrest, LSW, CIRS Family

Caregiver Information and

Assistance Specialist

Central Illinois Agency

on Aging has older

workers willing and

ready to be a valuable

asset to your business

or organization. We

have a list of job ready

applicants waiting for

you.

Skills to offer:

Accounting

Clerical

Janitorial

Drivers

Customer Service

Administrative

Certified Nurses

Assistant

Let us give you 10 advantages in

hiring an older worker…

Employers value the skills and experience older workers bring

to the workplace. Older workers are dedicated, have great

organizational skills and are more dependable. They are more

emotionally mature and can relate better to clients.

1. Punctuality - look forward

to going to work each day,

lower absentee and

turnover rates.

2. Honesty - personal

integrity

3. Detail - oriented, focused

and attentive

4. Good listeners - easier to

train, usually only have to

be told once what to do

5. Pride - willing to stay later

to get a job done because

of their pride in the final

product

6. Efficiency and

confidence

- their years of

experience in the

workplace give them a

better understanding of

how to get things done

7. Maturity - less rattled

when problems occur;

share

knowledge with other

workers

8. Reduced labor costs -

many already have

insurance plans

or an additional source of

income.

9. Experience—less money

and time spent training

10. Loyalty - less likely to

change jobs or job-hop

Are you interested in being

a host site for the Senior

Community Service

Employment Program

(SCSEP)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS AGENCY ON AGING, INC.

700 Hamilton Blvd.

Peoria, IL 61603

309-674-2071

Serving Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark,

Tazewell, and Woodford Counties

Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI)

INFORMATION ASSISTANCE OPTIONS ALTERNATIVES

Central Illinois Agency on Aging

Heart of Illinois Aging and Disability Resource

Center (ADRC)

is now offering information and assistance,

options, and alternatives to those that have

questions regarding the

Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative

(MMAI) (Dual Eligible) Program.

Questions You May Have?

1. What is a Managed Care Organization and why

do I have to choose one?

2. What are my options under this program?

3. I received a letter saying that I have been

enrolled into a Managed Care Organization

under the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment

Initiative, what does this mean?

8

One of the most important factors in treating depression in older adults is the caregiver. The main

thing a caregiver can do to treat or prevent depression in a loved one is to help them re-engage with

their community, family and social network. This could be as simple as helping them get back to

church or see their friends, as isolation and depression go hand in hand.

The problem is that, oftentimes, the reason why many seniors withdraw and begin to show signs of

depression can be directly related to a fear of falling.

The fear of injuring themselves while outside of the home can hold them back from socializing and staying active,

no matter how much their caregiver encourages them. Being stuck alone, inside the house can cause an older adult

to develop depressed feelings and further remove themselves from the outside world.

Since falling and depression may not seem directly linked, it goes unrecognized by many caregivers. However, with

simple fall prevention education, caregivers can put their loved one's mind at ease and allow them to continue their

lives, preventing the onset of depression.

A Surprising Cause of Depression in Older Adults

Below are a few ways that caregivers can implement

a fall prevention program for their loved one:

Determine if your loved one is a fall risk by asking

about their history with falling.

Conduct a home safety assessment. Identify areas

where modifications can be made to help reduce

falls, such as installation of grab bars in the

bathroom and removal of obstacles in the home that

can create hazards.

Create an open dialogue between you and your

loved one, and allow them to confide in you

regarding their fears.

Provide them with ways to combat their fear of

falling, such as test walks to desired destinations,

and encouraging them to exercise in order to

strengthen their legs and increase their endurance.

A family caregiver who is well versed in fall

prevention, and how to create and implement a fall

prevention program can build up their loved one's

confidence and lessen their chances of being cooped

up and isolated. Making an aging adult feel safer at

home often makes them feel more comfortable leaving

the house.

At Caring Senior Service, for example, we are

currently in the process of creating a more robust

fall prevention program that will include:

Fall prevention and safety assessments.

Exercise programs including Tai Chi Classes.

Research has shown that performing Tai Chi, a

slow and gentle form of exercise, can greatly

improve strength, endurance and balance without

worsening existing impairments.

A review of Vitamin D levels as many older adults

that are deficient in Vitamin D can suffer from

muscle weakness and pain. Proper Vitamin D

levels improve strength and helps with balance.

If your loved one lives at home, a fall prevention

program is a necessity for their physical safety and

mental stability. Through pro-active measures, we can

significantly increase the quality of life for the aging

adults in our communities. Source: http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/falls-cause-

depression-older-adults-

By Jeff Salter

Jeff Salter is founder and

CEO of Caring Senior

Service, a national in-home

care company. Jeff has over

30 years of experience in

senior care, and in handling

caregiver needs.

Public Hearing Announcement

10

Speak Out-Voice Your Opinion We want to hear from you!

The presentation of the Public Information Document represents a summary of Central Illinois Agency on Aging,

Inc.’s (CIAA) proposed FY2016,FY2017, FY2018 Area Plan on Aging. The three Public Hearings will inform older

persons, caregivers, service providers, and other interested persons about the Area Plan on Aging. The hearings will

focus on CIAA’s plan for providing access to needed services and giving attention to the CIAA Area Plan Initiatives.

The Public Information Document will be presented at three Public Hearings, as listed below:

May 19, 2015 at 10am Maple Manor Housing Authorities

250 S. Main Street, Apt. 211 Canton, IL 61520

May 20, 2015 at 10am Tremont New Town Meeting Hall

211 S. Sampson St. Tremont, IL 61568

May 21, 2015 at 11am Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

700 Hamilton Boulevard Peoria, IL 61603

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

700 Hamilton Blvd., Peoria, IL 61603

Phone: (309) 674-2071 Fax: (309) 674-3639

Email: ciaoa@ciaoa.net

Coyote Creek Golf Club 8201 W. Lancaster Road

Bartonville, Illinois 61607

(309)633-0911

Save-the-Date CIAA 13th Annual Dr. Laurence E. Norton

Golf Tournament

Date: 08/21/2015

Time: 9:30 am— Games

12 Noon– Shotgun Start

Location: Coyote Creek Golf Course, Bartonville, IL

For more information, contact

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

700 Hamilton Blvd., Peoria, IL 61603

Phone: 309-674-2071

Fax: 309-674-3639

or email one of the following

Golf Committee Members:

Beth Stalker, bstalker@ciaoa.net

Renee Razo, rrazo@ciaoa.net

JoAnn Olson, jolson@ciaoa.net

Shirley Newman, snewman@ciaoa.net

Or

Visit our website www.ciaoa.net

Serving Fulton, Marshall,

Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and

Woodford Counties

13th Annual

Dr. Laurence E. Norton

Golf Tournament The proceeds from the 2015 Dr. Laurence

E. Norton Golf Tournament will be used

to benefit Central Illinois Agency on Aging

Faith-Based Meals and New Year’s Day Meal

Programs for Homebound Seniors.

New Year’s Day meals are delivered to

homebound seniors in Tazewell and Peoria

County. Over 800 meals were cooked and

delivered by volunteers this past New Year’s

Day.

Faith-based meals, also supported by

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, are

served all year round. These meals, prepared

and delivered by two local churches, are for

shut-in seniors.

CIAA’s funding to these organizations

helps with the cost of supplies enabling

them to serve a meal to a homebound senior

at least once a month.

12 Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

Information & Assistance Department

April Advice Clinics

Got Questions?

Where: Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

700 Hamilton Boulevard

Peoria, IL 61603

When: Tuesday, April 7th from 10:00 am– 11:00 am

and Tuesday, April 21st from 2:00 pm—3:00 pm

Bring your questions about your needs and community resources to our advice clinic. Let us tell you

about what’s available in our six-county area.

Example include, but are not limited to:

For additional information and assistance

you may contact us at: 309-674-2071

Every First and Third Tuesdays of the Month

License Plate Discounts

Caregiver Assistance

Nutrition Programs

Relatives as Parents Program

Bus Passes

Food Pantries

Transportation

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Community Education

Housing

Medicare Part D

We have prepared a taste-tempting cookbook featuring

over 350 favorite recipes from members of our

community in the counties of Fulton, Marshall, Peoria,

Stark, Tazewell, & Woodford.

Available for $15.00

These cookbooks contain special pages of interest in our

community, notable People, helpful Cooking hints, and over 350 recipes

including family favorites past down through many

generations, such as Appetizers & Beverages, Soups & Salads, Sides &

Main Dishes, Cookies & Candy and the special This & That Category.

CALL CIAA TO ORDER A COOKBOOK TODAY !!!

METEC - HOUSING COUNSELING RESOURCE CENTER

2605 W. KRAUSE STREET

PEORIA, IL 61605

309-676-3832

Hours: Tuesdays: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Saturdays 9:00 am—2:00 pm

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Source: http://www.aarp.org/applications/

VMISLocator/taxAideLocations.action

Peoria North Library

3001 W. Grand Pkwy.

Peoria, IL 61615

(309) 497-2110

Hours: Wednesdays 11:00 am – 7 pm

Thursdays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Appointment Required

Chillicothe Library

430 N. Bradley Ave.

Chillicothe, IL 61523

(309) 274-2719

Hours: Tuesdays: 9:00AM-1:00PM

Thursdays: 9:00AM-1:00PM

Walk-in Welcome

Alpha Park Public Library

3527 Airport Rd.

Bartonville, IL 61607

(309) 697-3822

Hours: Wednesdays: 1:00 PM-5:00PM

Thursdays: 1:00PM-5:00PM

Fridays: 1:00PM-5:00PM

Appointment Required

Miller Senior Citizen Center

551 S. 14th St.

Pekin, IL 61554

(309) 346-5210

Start: February 3rd thru April 14th

Hours: Only Monday

12:00 pm—4:00 pm

Must make appointment

Morton Public Library

315 W. Pershing St.

Morton, IL 61550

(309) 263-2200

Hours: Wednesdays: 9:00 AM-1:30PM

Thursdays: 9:00AM-1:30PM

Appointment Required

Washington District Library

380 N. Wilmore Rd.

Washington, IL 61571

(309) 444-2241

Hours: Only Tuesdays

1:00 PM—5:00 PM

Appointment Required

Pekin Public Library

301 S. 4th St.

Pekin, IL 61554

(309) 347-7111

Start: February 6th

Hours: Only Thursday

9:00AM– 1:00 PM

By Appointment Only. Library is

temporarily located at 3524 Court

St. (back side of the Pekin Mall-it

faces the Walmart store)

Free File: Do Your Federal Taxes for Free at

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File%

3A-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes-for-Free

Free File is the IRS’ free tax preparation service for almost

everyone. Free File does the hard work for you, either through

brand-name software or online fillable forms. Give it a try!

Places to Go ... Things to See

To see what’s happening in Peoria, visit these websites:

Hult Health

Education Center Seniors on the Go

5215 N. Knoxville Avenue Peoria, IL 61614

692-6650

www.hult-health.org

Peoria Riverfront Museum

222 S.W. Washington St.

Peoria, IL 61602 686-7000

www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org

Peoria Park District Luthy Botanical Gardens

Owens Center Forest Park Nature Center

2218 N. Prospect Road Peoria, IL 61603

682-1200

www.peoriaparks.org

RiverPlex Wellness &

Recreation Center

600 NE Water Street Peoria, IL 61603

282-1700 www.riverplex.org

Peoria Civic Center

201 SW Jefferson Avenue Peoria, IL 61602

673-8900 www.peoriaciviccenter.com

Central Illinois Agency on Aging is now on Facebook and our fan base is on an upward trend. CIAA wants Facebook to be a place where our fans/those we serve and those interested in what we do as an agency can come to find information and updates that pertains to those that visit our page or for those wanting to know more about our services and programs. CIAA also wants to know what you/our fans would like to know more about. ? Please email Lorie Pence, Director of Outreach & Community Services at lpence@ciaoa.net with your thoughts/ideas. Thanks to all of our fans and continue to let others know about CIAA’s Facebook page and all that CIAA does.

By Esther Thompson

Transition Engagement Specialist

One of the first fruits of the Spring

harvesting season is rhubarb. The plant has red or

green coloring and looks a lot like celery with

large leaves. Other Names are: Chinese Rhubarb, Da Huang, Garden Rhubarb,

Himalayan Rhubarb, Indian Rhubarb, Medicinal Rhubarb, Radix et Rhizoma

Rhei, Rewandchini, Rhei, Rhei Radix, Rheum australe, Rheum emodi, Rheum

officinale, Rheum palmatum, Rheum tanguticum, and Rhubarbe. It has been

used as medicine and food for centuries.

The rhubarb should be pulled, not cut, from the ground. Rhubarb leaves are

poisonous. They should not be eaten. When you pick the rhubarb young, it has

an amazing sweet/sour flavor that can be made into a wonderful sauce that pairs

well with lamb or pork. Sugar must be used to tame the sourness of the rhubarb.

My favorite pie is a rhubarb pie. Many people like the combination of

strawberry and rhubarb together.

The root and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine.

Rhubarb is used primarily for digestive complaints including constipation,

diarrhea, heartburn, stomach pain, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and

preparation for certain GI diagnostic procedures. Some people use rhubarb so

they have to strain less during bowel movements; this reduces pain from

hemorrhoids or tears in the skin lining the anal canal (anal fissures). It is a

natural liver cleanser. You can also make a syrup with sugar and rhubarb for

intestinal issues. Just cook the rhubarb with spring water, sugar and rhubarb

stems. Cook until syrupy, then strain and refrigerate. Take 1 teaspoon a day. It

doesn’t take much.

Rhubarb is sometimes applied to the skin

to treat cold sores .Just cut and rub some

of the juice from the stalk on a cold sore.

It has a natural antiviral effect.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb Plant

Support Groups

15

Alzheimer’s Association

Marshall County Heartland Health Care Center

1650 Indian Town Road, Henry, Illinois 4th Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.

309-364-3905

Stark County Toulon Healthcare Center

RR 1, Highway 17 East, Toulon, Illinois 3rd Monday, 3 p.m.

309-286-2631

Tazewell County Apostolic Christian Restmor, Inc. 1500 Parkside Ave., Morton, Illinois

3rd Thursday, 1:30 p.m. 309-284-1416

Pekin Hospital - SNF 600 S. 13th Street, Pekin, Illinois

2nd Wednesday, 2 p.m. 309-353-0925

Peoria County Apostolic Christian Skylines

7023 N. Skyline Drive, Peoria, Illinois 1st Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.

309-691-8091

Lutheran Hillside Village 6901 N. Galena Road, Peoria, Illinois

3rd Tuesday, 6 p.m. 309-689-2180

St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral 3601 North Street, Peoria, Illinois

3rd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. 309-286-2631

Pearce Community Center –Chillicothe

(Respite Available) 610 W. Cedar Street, Chillicothe, Illinois

2nd Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. Room 210 309-351-9774

Men’s Only Support Group

606 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614 3rd Tuesday, 10 a.m.

309-681-1100

PALZ Support Group (Activities available for loved ones with dementia)

606 W. Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614 2nd Thursday, 4:00 p.m.

Please call ahead to register 309-681-1100

Bradley University Counseling, Research & Training Clinic

Caregiver Support Group Meetings

The Caregiver Program provides emotional support to help family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren raising cope with

their caregivers roles, and/or develop and strengthen their capacities for better social and personal adjustments. Meet other caregivers and

grandparents raising grandchildren, learn how to self-care, and learn how to be there without always “being there”.

There is NO CHARGE for services; however, contributions are accepted.

Co-sponsored by Central Illinois Agency on Aging and Bradley University

For more information, call (309) 677-3189 or visit www.bradley.edu/sites/caregiver

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

First and Third Wednesday of the month (1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, 700 Hamilton Boulevard Peoria, IL 61603

Facilitator: Chrystal Down

Peoria Caregiver Support Group

Fourth Wednesday of the month (1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, 700 Hamilton Boulevard Peoria, IL 61603

Facilitator: Chrystal Down

HCR Heartland Healthcare of Peoria Caregiver Support Group

Second Wednesday of the month (1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Heartland Healthcare, 5600 Glen Elm Drive Peoria, IL 61603

Facilitator: Mary Hosbrough

Liberty Village Caregiver Support Group

Second Monday of the month (1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Liberty Village of Peoria, 6906 North Stalworth Drive Peoria, IL 61615

Facilitator: Nargis Khan, NCC, LCPC

Bradley University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and the promotion of equal

opportunities for all persons regardless of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender,

marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The

University is committed to compliance with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination,

harassment and affirmative action.

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. does not discriminate

in admission to programs or activities to treatment of

employment in programs or activities in compliance with

the Illinois Human Rights Act, the U.S. Civil Rights Act,

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Age

Discrimination Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment

Act, and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you

have been discriminated against, you have a right to file a

complaint with the Illinois Department on Aging. For

information, call 1-800-252-8966 (Voice & TDD),

or Joanne Thomas, President/CEO, Central Illinois Agency

on Aging, Inc.

FY 2015 CIAA

Board of Directors

Robert Mueller, Chair Barry Beck, Vice-Chair

Roger Wiseman, Treasurer Wanda Aberle, Secretary

Dereada J. Amos

David Baker Steve Buttice

Thomas Eckert Beverly Grimes

Rose Marie Hasler Roger Hawk

Robert Johnson Cindy Livingston

Mary Frances Prayne Patricia Reinbacher

Denny Rewerts Raymond Russ

Keith Wagy

FY 2015 CIAA

Advisory Council

Paul Flynn, Chair Vicki Hoke, Vice -Chair

Joyce Jackson, Secretary

Zenobia Alexander Maxine Blane

Richard Bowes, Sr. Joan Cheatham Joyce H. Francis

Linda Glackin Donna Ginglen

A. Jeanne Graham Philip Girgurich

Francis Hackwith Shirley Horwedel Maggie Jenkins Sherri Nichols

Charles Owens Leslie Pulfer

Earl Riley Marilyn Sloan-Couch

Roger Sparks Jerry Vanderheydt Margarie Winters

Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (92nd District) 300 E. War Memorial Drive, Suite 303 Peoria, IL 61614 (309)681-1992, Fax (309)681-8572 Rep. Keith Sommer (88h District) 121 W. Jefferson Morton, IL 61550 (309)263-9242, Fax (309)263-8187

Rep. David Leitch (73rd District) 5407 N. University, Arbor Hall, Suite B Peoria, IL 61614 (309)690-7373, Fax (309)690-7375 Rep. Mike Unes (91st District) 19 S. Capitol Street Pekin, IL 61554 (309)620-8631, Fax (309)349-3046

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos 3100 N. Knoxville Ave., Suite 205 Peoria, IL 61603 (309)966-1813

Congressman Aaron Schock 100 NE Monroe, Room 100 Peoria, IL 61602 (309)671-7027, Fax (309)671-7309

Senator Darin LaHood (37th District) 5415 N. University, Suite 105 Peoria, IL 61614 (309)693-4921, Fax (309)693-4923 Senator Dave Koehler (46th District) 400 NE Jefferson, Suite 200 Peoria, IL 61603 (309)677-0120, Fax (309)346-4650

Illinois General Assembly

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. Senators for Illinois Senator Richard J. Durbin 525 South 8th Street Springfield, IL 62703 (217)492-4062, Fax (217)492-4382

Senator Mark S. Kirk 607 East Adams, Suite 1520 Springfield, IL 62701 (217)492-5089, Fax (217)492-5099