February Bloomington News & Views

December 2010

Heartland Edition

www.MyNewsandV i ews . com

FREE

The Real Truth About Cholesterol

Page 10

New Tax Regulations for 2011

Page 3

Tasty Ways to Love Your Heart

Page 9

Thick-lensed glasses with bifocal lines, dentures that look too perfect to be real and, of course, bulky,

heavy hearing aids that just can't be over-looked - once, there was no mistaking the signs of age. Many people chose to endure the inconveniences of aging, rather than wear the overly obvious devices that might have eased vision and hearing losses. Technology, however, is making aging less conspicuous. Advances in optomet-ric science and great design have turned glasses into style statements worn by people of all ages. Products like bifo-cal contact lenses and virtually invisible hearing aids can make some of the natu-ral bodily changes associated with grow-ing older seem less obvious and reduce their impact on a person's quality of life.

February 2011

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www.MyNewsandV i ews . com

Technology Makes it Easier

Than Ever to Age Gracefully

is a VITAL part of our community.

tection" tip the balance for you? Here's what you need to know:• Aspirin can prevent cancer. While there

have long been indications of this, the sturdy new data analyzed cancer deaths among 25,570 people who'd been in a string of aspirin studies. Over 20 years, aspirin cut the risk of dying from esophageal can-cer by 60 percent, colorectal cancer by 40

It was the David-versus-Goliath smack-down of 2010: In a pair of headline-grab-bing studies, ordinary low-dose aspirin

slashed the risk of dying from nine scary cancers by an average of 30 percent. The humble headache tablet took down cancers of the colon, prostate, brain, lungs, pancreas, esophagus and more. Wow. The news made us YOU Docs smile as we swallowed our daily 162 mg of aspirin, washed down with warm water (we'll tell you why in a minute). Should you be doing the same? We're betting plenty of people who ought to be taking aspirin aren't -- and that some people who'd be better off not taking it are, despite the risks.

Risks? Yep. Weighing the ins and outs of aspirin therapy is a lot like trying to solve your first Rubik's cube. It's already proven to reduce risk for heart attacks and strokes, which is why aspirin's recommended for most men over 45 and women over 55. But regular use can trigger major, even fatal, stomach and intestinal bleeding. So deciding about aspirin requires sorting out your personal risks and benefits. Does adding "cancer pro-

The Little Pill That Battles Cancer — and Wins

Photos courtesy Shutterstock

By Nichael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

FebruaryNEWS&VIEWS2011Page2

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percent, lung cancer by 30 per-cent, and prostate cancer by 10 percent. The studies didn't distinguish between develop-ing cancer and dying from it, but other research shows that regular aspirin use protects against getting breast, colon, esophageal, prostate and ovar-ian cancer in the first place.

• If you develop cancer, aspirin could keep it from killing you. A fistful of studies has found that: Women with breast can-cer who regularly take aspirin are 64 percent less likely to die. Among men with prostate cancer, regular aspirin use cuts death risk by 50 percent. And people with non-small-cell lung cancer who take aspi-rin live longer after surgery.

How Does Aspirin Beat Cancer? Basically, it throws the kitch-en sink at the disease. First, aspirin blocks COX-2 enzymes, which help many cancers grow (COX-2 levels are high in colon, prostate, breast, pancreas, bladder, uterus and some lung

cancers). Aspirin also shrinks estrogen production, starving breast cancers that feed on this hormone. In lab studies, aspi-rin flips a biochemical switch that tells cancer cells to die. And it also seems to clean up genetic mutations before they turn cancerous. So is aspirin right for you? The short answer is yes if you're a man over 45 (for heart attack prevention) or a woman over age 55 (for stroke prevention; it may also protect against heart attacks in women over 65). Consider starting aspirin earlier if you're at high risk for heart dis-ease or stroke, or have a family

history of cancer. We think it's also a great idea if you have diabetes or you're a woman tak-ing hormone therapy. Both raise your risk for heart attacks and strokes; HT can also make you vulnerable to some cancers that aspirin fights. The answer is no if you've already had a scare with gastro-intestinal bleeding from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. It's also no if you take steroids or regularly take an NSAID for, say, arthritis. It might be no if you're at super-low risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Gotcha Thinking? Then Take These 3 Steps.1. Get a second opinion. Talk

with your doctor about aspi-rin. Take the RealAge Test beforehand (www.realage.com) — it weighs your person-al health risks and benefits, and will help you discuss it.

2. Take aspirin the right way. We recommend 162 mg daily. That's two low-dose tablets, one in the morning, one at night, or half a regular tab-let. The cost? About a penny — talk about bargains! Drink half a glass of warm water beforehand, the rest after-ward. Warm water dissolves

the tablet faster, which makes it less likely to trigger serious bleeding. (Enteric-coated or buffered aspirin may keep your tummy comfy but neither protects against bleeding.) Finally, if you're taking aspirin for colon can-cer protection, don't follow an every-other-day aspirin regimen. That's often rec-ommended to reduce heart attack threats while mini-mizing aspirin's risks, but it's a dud for colon cancer.

3. Start now. Cancer protection doesn't kick in immediately. It takes a while. How long isn't

clear. Some data say five years, but in two randomized colon cancer studies, aspirin-takers had significantly fewer cancers in 90 days. We don't let a day go by without our aspirin dose. Time to find out if it belongs on your daily list, too.

The YOU Docs, Mehmet OzandMikeRoizen,areauthorsof"YOU:OnaDiet."Wantmore?See "The Dr. Oz Show" on TV(checklocallistings).Tosubmitquestions, go to www.RealAge.com. (c) 2011 Michael Roizen,M.D.andMehmetOz,M.D.

The Little Pill That Battles Cancer continued from page 1

FebruaryNEWS&VIEWS2011 Page3

New Regulations for Paid Tax Preparers and What It

Means for the TaxpayerBy Krista McBeath

[email protected]

Starting in 2011, The IRS will begin requiring a higher standard for tax

preparers who prepare more than 100 returns. Currently, anyone may prepare a feder-

al tax return for anyone else and charge a fee. While many preparers are licensed by their states, or are enrolled agents, many do not have to meet any government or professionally mandated competency require-ment before preparing a federal return for a fee. This new regula-tion will enhance the protection and service for the taxpayer and will be phased in over 2 years. However, steps have been taken to step up the oversight of tax preparers for this filing season. For tax year 2010, all paid prepares who sign federal returns are required to register with the IRS and obtain a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). These preparers will be subject to a limited tax compliance check to ensure that they have filed fed-eral personal, employment and business tax returns and that the tax due on those returns is paid. Competency testing will also be required for all paid preparers with the exception of attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents who are active and in good standing with their respective licensing agencies. Ongoing continuing professional education will also be a requirement. Lastly, the ethics rules found in the Treasury Department Circular 230, which currently only applies to attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agent who practice before the IRS, will extend to all paid preparers. This expansion will allow the IRS to discipline or suspend tax preparers who engage in unethical or disrepu-table conduct.

In the mean time, the IRS is bringing immediate help to tax-payers by offering helpful hints for choosing a tax preparer. This is particularly important because taxpayers are legally responsible

for the information that is on their tax returns- even if the return is prepared by someone else. Here are some simple steps the IRS recommends you take to make sure you choose a reputable tax preparer:• Be cautious of tax preparers

who claim they can obtain larg-er refunds than other preparers

• Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund

• Use a reputable preparer who signs the return and provides a copy to you.

Consider whether the indi-vidual or firm will be around to answer questions about the return in the future• Check their credentials. Only

Attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters. Other preparers may represent you in the event you are audited for a return that they prepared.

• Reputable preparers will ask questions and request documen-tation to determine whether expenses, deductions and other items qualify. By doing this, a preparer is trying to help you avoid penalties interest or addi-tional taxes that could result from an IRS examination.

For information regardingtaxpreparation youmay contactourofficeat309-808-2224.KristaMcBeath, Investment AdvisorRepresentative,McBeathTaxandFinancialServices,LLCSource: www.IRS.gov

One Step Closer to Peace of Mind

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With the dust finally settling around the nation's economic cri-

sis, baby boomers are taking stock to see if their retirement plans need revising. There are many ways to adjust to today's economic uncertainty: from working longer to changing investment strategies or living situations. The shocking news for many is that some of their safety nets may no longer be viable. Declining real estate values mean many can't turn to homes for money. Tumult in financial markets resulted in declines in 401K plans. And some experts say Social Security may not be there when needed most by the baby boom generation. For the second consecutive year, Social Security benefits didn't rise, something which hasn't happened in over 75 years. What's worse is, begin-ning in 2016, payroll tax revenue will be insufficient to pay full Social Security benefits, accord-

ing to Allen W. Smith, a retired economics professor and author of the new book, "The Looting of Social Security."

"A pledge in the 1980s to only spend Social Security funds on benefits was broken by every presidential administra-tion since. Money earmarked for seniors was diverted into the government's general fund and used for whatever politi-cians chose to spend it on," says Smith, whose high school text-book on economics was used by 600 schools nationwide. "Approximately $2.6 trillion of Social Security revenue that was supposed to be saved and invest-ed for paying benefits to baby boomers, was instead spent for other things and replaced with non-marketable government IOUs," he stresses. According to Smith, these IOUs represent only a claim against future gov-ernment revenue. They have no monetary value, until and unless the government raises the money through future tax increases or borrowing to repay the missing money. Against this backdrop, many are altering retirement plans: • Keep Working: Some seniors

are now planning to stay on the job longer. Many who are physically able to work longer are postponing retirement until the future becomes clearer, because they know that once they retire, they may be unable to re-enter the workforce given today's high unemployment.

• New Priorities: Many are shift-ing investment plans to ensure the money they need within five years of retirement is safe in low-risk investments, like fixed-income funds. This can help them endure short-term market drops while the money they need later grows in more aggressive investments.

• Belt Tightening: Many who are approaching retirement age are cutting back on spending and putting more into savings, in case their Social Security benefits get cut. Practicing austerity, and wisely invest-ing the money that is saved, is one of the most viable options for seniors.

With Social Security bene-fits accounting for nearly 40 percent of average income for retirees over 65, Smith is advis-ing seniors to exercise caution in their financial decisions. Purchases that can be delayed probably should be delayed, and for those still in good health, working a little longer than planned could make a big dif-ference in quality of life when they do retire.

FormoreontheSocialSecuritycrisis, read "The Looting ofSocial Security." by Allen W.Smith,Ph.D.

Tips For RetiringIn An Uncertain Economy

"


Consider the light, humid-ity, and temperature of your indoor spaces to determine the best choices for your home. Put a Majesty Palm in your living room, fern in the family room and peace lilies in the kitchen. Add golden pothos or heart leaf philodendron for beauty and maximum air cleansing benefits. In your fast-paced life, plant-filled rooms help keep you in touch with nature and as

Wolverton asserts, "Just the ability to view living plants enhances our psychological and physiological well-being." He recommends that for homes and offices, you should "place as many plants as space and lighting will allow."

To learn more about the fas-cinatingworld of indoor house-plants,visitwww.O2foryou.org.

Hail the Mighty Plant:Plants Naturally Purify

Homes and Offices

There should be a "take a plant to work" day. And while you're at it, you

should keep one on your desk. Or, better yet, have two or more in your office and for every room in your home for cleaner, fresher air. Most people spend 90 percent of their lives inside, where the indoor air they breathe contains at least 10 times more pollut-ants than the outdoors, accord-ing to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Instead of wearing a mask to work or around your home, there's a natural solution: indoor houseplants. Plants fil-ter the very air you breathe round the clock from common pollutants and continuously release oxygen and moisture in homes and offices. "Plants act as the 'lungs of the earth' by giving off oxygen and taking in carbon dioxide," says former NASA research scientist Dr. B.C. Wolverton, author of "How to Grow Fresh Air" and co-author with Kozaburo Takenaka of "Plants, Why You Can't Live Without Them." After decades of research, Wolverton asserts that beside aesthetics, research reveals that the mere presence of plants has been proven to "lessen environ-mental pollution, increase labor productivity and reduce the cost of health care."

What's in the air? Modern life depends on tech-nology, but ordinary products like paints, tobacco smoke, printer inks and even carpets hold hidden dangers that plants can help reduce. Today, there are over 80,000 synthetic chemicals that emit off-gases. Formaldehyde is one of the leading chemical com-pounds found in indoor air emis-sions and is a component in paper products, paints, uphol-stery, drapes and pressed wood products, Wolverton notes. A recent study published in the British Medical Association's journal, Thorax, found that "chil-dren exposed to higher levels of VOCs were four times more like-ly to suffer from asthma than children who were not."

Plant magic Plants improve air quality through their natural "filtering" ability. Wolverton found that indoor houseplants absorb up to 87 percent of VOCs like ammo-

nia, formaldehyde and benzene found in many homes and offices. And certain indoor house-plants 'clean' the air every 24 hours. How? They absorb toxins into the leaves and root zone where they're turned into nutri-ents. Some tropical plants actu-ally suppress airborne mold. Researchers at Washington State University studied the impact of indoor houseplants on dust reduction in office spaces. When indoor houseplants were present, dust particulates were reduced by 20 percent compared to rooms without plants.

Working day and night Some of the hardest work-ing plants are the peace lilies, ferns, palms and spider plants. Mike Rimland of Costa Farms, the largest indoor houseplant producer in North America, recommends epiphytic bromeliads and orchids, partic-ularly in your bedroom. These natural botanical air purifiers make perfect bedroom buddies to refresh and beautify your room for a truly healthy, restful night's sleep. Rimland's favorites are anthuriums. "They come in an array of colors, with stunning blooms that last up to 13 weeks, are easy to grow, freshen the air and add exotic beauty to your bedroom," he says.

Bring a plant to work Put a plant on your desk and feel happier, enjoy better health and be more productive. Wolverton recommends office workers should have at least one plant in their "personal breathing space" where most of the work is done to effec-tively remove indoor pollutants. Wolverton suggests two areca palms or lady palms should remove sufficient VOCs to sig-nificantly improve the indoor air quality in a room. Snake plants, broad sword ferns and rubber plants are among the top 10 air purifi-ers recommended by experts. They're easy to grow, are natural humidifiers and remove airborne chemicals. Other green heroes are chrysanthemums, Gerbera daisies and spider plants.

Location, location, location "Which plant you choose, and where you place your plants is important to reap optimum benefits," says Rimland.

Photos courtesy ARA


"Your eye doctor may start talk-ing about bifocals when you enter your 40s, and by the time you are in your 50s, you may notice a difference in your hearing," says Dr. Barry Freeman from hearing aid maker Starkey Laboratories, Inc. "Many people may put off doing something about hearing loss or vision loss because they don't like the thought of wear-ing a visible hearing or thick glasses, and being thought of as 'old' when they still feel young in other ways." If you've begun to experience age-related vision or hearing loss, don't wait to see your doc-tor, Freeman advises. "You have plenty of options for doing some-thing about hearing loss and vision changes - options that can help relieve the problems these changes cause, without making you feel old in the process."

Modern hearing aids Hearing loss affects more than 31 million Americans, according to the Better Hearing Institute. People age 55 to 64 make up the largest group with hearing loss. In fact, 15 percent of people ages 45 to 64 have some level of hear-ing loss. If you're old enough to need help with hearing, but still young enough - or young enough at heart - to dislike the idea of a traditional hearing aid, there is good news. For people with mild to mod-erate hearing loss, modern hear-ing aids not only reduce back-ground noise, cut static, make it easier to hear on the phone and can be controlled remotely, some are virtually invisible as

well. Because invisible hearing aids are inserted deep into the ear, near the eardrum, they require less power and amplifi-cation. And the snug fit makes them more comfortable to wear. Starkey's new invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid, OtoLens,

is invisible when worn because it sits within the second bend of the ear canal. Unlike other "invisible" in-canal hearing aids, this one can be removed by the wearer every day; other brands require a visit to an audiologist to insert and remove the aid, or even to change its batteries. Daily removal can promote bet-ter ear health. Digital signal pro-

Technology Makes it Easier continued from page 1

Travis Richardson, DO815-844-4062

Jason Seibly, DO309-662-7500

Ann Stroink, MD309-662-7500

John Atwater, MD309-663-6461

Brian Sipe, DO815-844-4062

cessing ensures clear sound in nearly every situation. Log on to www.starkey.com to learn more.

Better bifocals Ben Franklin invented bifo-cals in the late 1760s, to help relieve the need to carry two pairs of glasses - one for close

reading, the other for seeing distances. Bifocals have come a long way since then. While many of us may remember seeing the tell-tale line between the distances and reading portions of the lenses in our grandparents' glasses, modern bifocal glasses can look the same as single-vision lens-es. The line of division between

lens powers can be invisible. Another type of lens actually allows the wearer to turn off the reading magnification. And bifocals can now be fitted into virtually any designer frame — bulky frames are no longer needed to hold thick lenses. Finally, if you've always

worn contact lenses, there's no need anymore to add read-ing glasses to your vision care equipment. Now you can wear contact lenses that also provide a bifocal effect. Thanks to modern technol-ogy like invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid and better bifocals, it's possible to age more grace-fully than ever.


Central KitchenMeals served on Monday and Tuesday contain

100 mg. Cholesterol or less.Skim milk and desserts with no sugar added are available upon request.

Ask the Site Supervisor for information.Sometimes we need to substitute on our menus.

We still guarantee a nutritious meal.The Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program suggests a donation of $3.00 for each congregate and home delivered meal. No older per-son shall be denied a meal because of their failure to contribute all

or part of the cost of the meal. We accept the Illinois Link Card.

February 1Chicken and NoodlesCopper CarrotsRosy ApplesaucePineapple TidbitsWheat Bread February 2BBQ RibletBaked BeansCole SlawFruit CrispBun February 3Pork LoinMashed Potatoes w/gravyGreen Bean CasseroleCherry SaladWhole Wheat Bread

February 4Cheese MeatloafScalloped PotatoesBrussels SproutsPeachesWheat Bread

February 7Spaghetti w/Meat SauceBean MedleyLettuce SaladMandarin Oranges and PineappleWheat Bread

February 8Tangy Vegetable Pork Chopette w/Brown RicePeasWarm Cinnamon ApplesPuddingWheat Bread February 9Vegetarian LasagnaWinter Blend VegetablesGelatin w/FruitFresh FruitRoll

February 10Oven Fried ChickenMashed Potatoes w/ gravyCreamed Corn Spicy Fruited Carrot CakeWhole Wheat Bread February 11Hamburger or BratKidney Bean SaladOrange JuiceMixed Fruit Salad w/RaisinsBun February 14Beef ChiliCheese Pimento SaladChunky ApplesauceFruit CocktailWheat BreadCrackers February 15Golden Chicken PattieSeasoned Potato WedgesMarinated Vegetable Slaw BananaBun

February 16Salisbury Beef PattieMashed PotatoesBeets and PineappleWarm Fruit Compote With GranolaWhole Wheat Bread February 17Glazed Ham LoafSweet PotatoesMexi CornFruit JuiceLemon Layered Dessert

February 18Turkey TetrazziniLima BeansLayered Lettuce SaladWarm Cinnamon ApplesWheat Bread

February 21CLOSED FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY

February 22Beef Sloppy JoeTri-TatersCold Bean SaladFresh FruitBun

February 23Roast Beef w/ GravyMashed PotatoesLyonnais Carrots and LentilsImpossible French Apple PieWhole Wheat Bread February 24Baked Chicken Breast FiletHot German Potato SaladSpinachPeachesOatmeal CookieWheat Bread February 25Salmon LoafCreamed Peas and PotatoesPerfection SaladCinnamon PearsRoll

February 28Ham and BeansPickled BeetsApricots Cornbread

Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program

February, 2011

409 S. Prospect Rd., Suite DBloomington, IL 61704

www.smarthealthcenter.net

Call (309) 661-8325 to schedule a free consultation.

We specialize in treating patients with chronic problems such as: • Back pain • Headaches • Arthritis • Acid reflux • Fibromyalgia • Chronic fatigue • Hormone imbalances • High blood pressure • Diabetes (Type II) • Weight management …and more.

We perform specific labs and exams in order to find the cause of the patient’s symptons and offer individualized chiropractic, diet, exercise, enzyme, and

whole food supplement recommendations to treat the underlying cause.

In other words, we treat the patient, not the patient’s symptoms.

Melanie Walker, CRS, GRImobile: [email protected]

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Your financial future can only be in focus if you have developed a finan-

cial plan. The “nuts & bolts” of your financial plan will depend on your accurate records pro-viding the details of your life. That’s why your records should be as individual as you are. This list will help you gather your “nuts & bolts” to build a foundation for budgeting, investing, planning for college, looking toward retirement or estate planning. Your records should include:

•Full, legal name•Social Security number•Legal residence•Date and place of birth• Names and address of spouse

and children (location of death certificates if deceased)

•Location of will or trust• Location of birth certificate

and marriage, divorce & citi-zenship certificates

• List of employers and dates of employment

• Education and military records

• Religious affiliation (name of church or synagogue)

• Memberships in organiza-tions and awards received

• Names and addresses of rela-tives, close friends, doctors, lawyers or financial advisers

• Requests, preferences, or pre-arrangements for burial

Keep these records in one secure place, and make sure that a family member or friend

knows the exact location of your records file. Along with your records you should provide infor-mation about insurance policies, bank accounts, deeds, invest-ments and other valuables to insure that all of your assets can be found when the need arises. Recheck to be certain all the following information is in one convenient place:

• Sources of income and assets (pension funds, interest income, etc)

• Social Security and Medicare information. Insurance infor-mation (life, health and prop-erty with policy numbers).

• Bank accounts (even credit union).

• Location of safe deposit boxes• Copy of most recent income

tax return.

• List of liabilities (to whom and when is it due).

• Mortgages and debt (includ-ing how and when payments are paid). Credit card and charge account names and numbers.

• Property tax records.• Location of personal items

(jewelry & family treasures)

Having all this information organized will help you meet the challenges of your later years and assist you with intel-ligent decisions today.

For more information [email protected] Content provided by Forefield Inc.

Financial Record Information

By Karen Hanson,CFP® VP & Senior Wealth Advisor

Busey Wealth Management

Selling your home in 2011? Tips to Add Value During

Winter Months

Major home renovations can be overwhelming, but there are a few

fundamental repairs that can update your home's appearance and increase its value. If you're planning to sell your home in

2011, take advantage of the colder winter months to prepare your home for a spring sale by focusing on a few key projects:

Make a first impression. The entryway is the first up-close encounter a potential homebuyer will have with your home. Manicure your front yard and update or even replace your front door to complement your home's exterior. Select a rich, dark stained wood or bold white door to draw attention to the main entry and add personal-ity to your home. If your door is already in great shape, consider a simple replacement of weak or older-looking hardware that will impress buyers at first sight.

Get cookin' in the kitchen. Experts agree that a kitchen can significantly impact a home's perceived value. An outdated kitchen can be a deal breaker for many homebuyers. Naturally, then, it's the place you might spend the most amount of time updating. To increase the appeal of your kitchen, consider invest-ing in updated, matching appli-ances that match the style of your kitchen. Some manufac-turers even offer replacement panels to update the exteriors of older appliances. Next, if you can't afford to add new cabinetry, change out the hardware so the knobs, drawer pulls and handles match your decor and add a modern flair. Adding technology-driven fix-tures, including built-in water

filtration systems, garbage dis-posals and high-tech faucets is another great way to increase the room's appeal. Delta Faucet's Touch2O Technology will impress homebuyers and add a sense of luxury to the

room. The technology enables users to turn the faucet on and off with just a touch anywhere on the spout or handle, and is available on a variety of models.

Update and upgrade light fixtures. Lighting is key. It can drasti-cally change the look and feel of a room, and lighting fixtures are affordable and relatively simple to install on your own. Shop discount stores and home improvement depots to find a statement piece to add spice to your living room. A beautiful ceiling fan with lighting can serve double-duty to update your family room. Remember, well-lit and bright rooms appear larger and more open.

Step on it. Flooring is one of the first things that potential homebuyers notice. Make sure you dust, vacuum and clean so that you show off the flooring to its best advantage. If you have carpet, consider replac-ing it with wood floors or wood alternatives. If you already have hardwood floors, polish and pro-tect your flooring so that it gleams when potential buyers step into the home. Whether you're trying to sell your home this winter or sim-ply want to update its look, you don't have to wait until the spring thaws. When the cold weather drives you inside, take advantage of the time to make attractive upgrades that can increase the appeal and value to your home.


Valentine's Day naturally brings thoughts of hearts, flowers, sweetness and love. But did you know that it also falls during American Heart Month? A perfect time to start taking care of

your heart and the hearts of the ones you love. You might think that a heart-healthy diet is boring or flavorless. Actually, eating for your heart can add a lot of flavor, and some of it may come from surprising sources - such as watermelon. Eating watermelon can help maintain cardiovascular health. That's because the amino acid called citrulline in watermelon increases free arginine which helps maintain blood flow, the arteries, and overall cardiovascular function. To get more scrumptious recipes like these, and to learn more about the heart benefits of watermelon, visit www.watermelon.org.

Watermelonseason is roughly May through October. But you can enjoy delicious imported watermelon all year round.

Watermelon Oat CrumbleServes 6 to 8

2 cups rolled or quick cook oats1/2 cup light brown sugar1/8 cup honey1 teaspoon cinnamon1 cup chopped pecans6 cups watermelon balls

Toss the oats, sugar, honey, cinnamon and pecans until mixed well. Spread into an even layer on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake in pre-heated 300∞F oven until golden brown. Turn off oven leaving the tray in for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and cool. Break into crumbles. Arrange the watermelon balls in 6 to 8 small bowls or wide stemmed glasses and top with the oat crumble.

Watermelon S'moresServes 4

1 cup graham cracker crumbs1/2 cup melted dark chocolate chips4 2 x 4 x 1-inch-thick rectangles of seedless watermelon1 cup mini marshmallows

Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the center of 4 plates. Drizzle 1/3 of the dark chocolate over the crumbs. Place a watermel-on rectangle over the crumbs and chocolate on each plate. Drizzle 1/3 of the dark chocolate over the watermelon. Sprinkle the marshmal-lows over the watermelon and drizzle the remaining chocolate over the marshmallows.

Grilled Scallops and Watermelon Mini KebabsServes 12 as an appetizer.

12 sea scallops4 cups boiling vegetable or chicken broth24 1 x 1-inch watermelon cubes1/4 cup soy sauce1 tablespoon sesame oil1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger

Cut the scallops into halves across the diameter to create half-moon shapes. Place them in a heatproof casserole dish in a single layer. Pour the boiling clear broth over the scallops and let them poach for 5 minutes. Drain and cool the scallops. On each skewer alternate 1 half-moon scallop, then 2 watermelon cubes, then anoth-er half-moon scallop. Mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger and brush the kebabs as they are grilled over a medium hot grill for about 90 seconds per side turning once. Serve warm.

Heart-Healthy Eating Plan The DASH eating plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a highly recommended diet that has been proven to lower blood pressure. It's been endorsed by:

• The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (one of the National Institutes of Health, of the US Department of Health and Human Services)

• The American Heart Association• The Dietary Guidelines for Americans• US guidelines for treatment of high blood pressure

And new research has shown that following the DASH diet over time will reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, as well as kid-ney stones. The benefits of the DASH diet have also been seen in teens with hypertension.

Learnmoreatwww.dashdiet.org.

Watermelon S'mores

Watermelon Oat Crumble


The Real Truth About Cholesterol

By Gregory Smart, DC, IHS

Over the last 30 years or so, cholesterol has been cast in a very negative light. We

hear how high cholesterol greatly increases the risk of cardiovas-cular disease and cardiovascu-lar deaths. Cholesterol medica-tions (statin drugs) have become one of the highest selling drugs in the U.S., with $17 billion in sales annually. Is all the hype sur-rounding cholesterol really true, though? The facts will probably surprise you. Believe it or not, cholesterol is essential to sustain life. Among its functions are: 1) it is a com-ponent of the cell membrane of every cell in our body; 2) the body makes vitamin D from cholesterol; 3) it is converted into bile, which is needed to break down and digest fats; 4) it often elevates to support the immune system in response to chronic infections; 5) stress han-dling and reproductive hormones are made from cholesterol; 6) it is part of the covering around nerve fibers, making it vital for proper nerve function; 7) it is needed for proper brain function, with syn-apses (connections between nerve cells) being made almost entire-ly of cholesterol; 8) it is needed for proper brain development in infants and is typically found in large amounts in breast milk; 9) it is used by the body as part of the healing process. How could something so vital to life cause heart attacks? The truth is, it doesn’t. Yes, the plaque found in coronary arteries con-tains some cholesterol, but choles-terol is not the cause of the prob-lem. Chronic inflammation and arterial wall damage are the real culprits. When the arteries are damaged, the body tries to heal it. Cholesterol is put there intention-ally by the body as part of the pro-cess of healing the damaged area. Also, many research studies have failed to support the high choles-terol/heart disease hypothesis. The Framingham Study found that for every 1 mg/dl per year drop in cholesterol levels, there was an 11% increase in the overall death rate and a 14% increase in the car-diovascular death rate! Another

small study done in France on women living in nursing homes found that the lowest death rate (mortality) occurred in women with average total cholesterol of 273 mg/dl. The highest mortality (5.2 times higher than the low-est) occurred in women with aver-age total cholesterol of 156 mg/dl. After the age of 50, low cholesterol is associated with a significantly greater overall mortality. What about the statin drugs used to lower cholesterol? It turns out they probably do a lot more harm than good. Statins have not been found to reduce overall mor-tality in women, nor have they been found to reduce overall mor-tality in men without previous heart disease. The only benefit was found in men with a prior history of heart disease. In this population overall mortality was found to decrease by less than one percent. In addition to the limited benefit of statin drugs, reported side-effects include liver and kid-ney damage, muscle damage, cat-aracts, chronic aches and pains, ‘brain fog’, memory loss, confusion, depression, dementia, slow wound healing, impaired immune func-tion, numbness, tingling, swell-ing, weakness, fatigue, impotence, decreased stress-handling ability, nerve disorders, and increased incidence of heart failure. So, what should you do if your doctor tells you you have high cho-lesterol? First of all, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you’re going to have a heart attack. According to Dr. Janet Lang, of Lang Restorative Health Services, high cholester-ol can be a symptom of another problem, the most common being chronic stress, as your body tries to force production of more stress hormones. Identifying and treat-ing the underlying cause would allow cholesterol levels to normal-ize naturally in these cases.

Formoreinformation,Dr.Smartcan be contacted at the SmartHealth&WellnessCenterat(309)661-8325. Research data quotedare from “The Great CholesterolCon”byMalcolmKendrick,M.D.

Back Pain and Weight Loss: The connection that could

hurt - or help - your efforts.

Which came first, the back pain or the extra pounds? The question

may be academic for millions of obese Americans whose chronic spine and joint pain keeps them from getting the exercise that would help them lose weight. Relieving that pain could be instrumental in getting them to exercise more. Excessive weight is not only associated with an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea and some forms of cancer, it also can have damaging effects on the nerves, bones, joints and muscles of the body, exacer-bating conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain and joint pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). The associa-tion is making healthy weight management the focus of its annual observance, National Chiropractic Health Month. "If you're carrying more weight than the load-bearing structures of your body -- the spine, legs, etc. -- can handle, there's going to be pain, loss of movement and degeneration in the joints," explains Dr. James Powell, a doctor of chiropractic (DC) in Canton, Ohio, who serves on ACA's Wellness Committee. "Particularly if you're carrying most of your weight in your abdomen, the lower back and the spine will need to work harder to hold you upright. This adds extra stress and tension to your muscles, which in turn creates stiffness and pain." Muscle tension and stiffness often leads to pain in the back, neck, hips, knees and legs, which causes many people with weight problems to avoid exercising and to look for easy fixes such as diet pills and extreme diets. "These quick fixes do not offer healthy, long-term solutions," says Dr. Rick McMichael, ACA presi-dent. "Doctors of chiropractic, on the other hand, offer natural approaches such as specific exer-cise recommendations, dietary advice and hands-on care to help keep people active and able to achieve their weight-loss goals." Talking to a doctor of chiro-practic about weight manage-ment might be news to some, but it's precisely what happens every day in many chiropractic offices. "DCs are experts at help-ing patients reduce or eliminate pain naturally -- helping them become more active and func-tional," Dr. McMichael says.

"In addition to their expert structural care, doctors of chi-ropractic often counsel their patients on enhancing wellness through nutrition, ergonomic and lifestyle recommendations - this has been a part of chiro-practic training and education from the start."

A sensible approach to weight loss

Without exercise, the cha-nces of successfully managing weight problems are greatly diminished. Removing pain-ful back, neck and joint pain - obstacles to exercise - through chiropractic care can be the first step toward winning the battle against overweight and obesity. From there, ACA recommends considering some small but sig-nificant ways to become healthier: • Start small. If all you can

manage is a five-minute walk, do it. Eventually, you'll be able to work your way up to 30 minutes or more, and you'll be taking a big step toward maintaining the flex-ibility and mobility of your joints and burning calories at the same time.

• For those on a time crunch, take small breaks from work. Simply getting up from your desk and walking around the office or the parking lot, or going up and down the stairs a few times, is enough to get your blood flowing and to trigger feel-good endorphins to get you through the rest of your day.

• As for your diet, choose foods high in fiber - fruits and veg-etables, whole grains and legumes — as fiber curbs hun-ger. Also reduce your simple carbohydrates that are not made from whole grains. In some people, simple carbohy-drates can trigger overeat-ing, as well as blood-glucose slumps, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, craving sweets, depression, irritability and a host of other symptoms.

• Eating well does not have to cost a lot of money. To lower your food expenses, consider buying meats in bulk, buying fruits and vegetables in sea-son and sticking to smaller serving sizes

Lookformoreweight-lossandnutrition tips on the NationalChiropractic Health MonthWebsite at www.acatoday.org/NCHM. To find a doctor ofchiropractic near you, visitwww.acatoday.org/findadoc.


I have often asked my clients (and prospective clients) what features and benefits

they would like most to see in the ultimate safe money plan the following is the list that I always am likely to hear. Above average returns (Better than the other safe money vehicles such as Bank CD’s, money markets, bonds, bond funds, etc.)

Protection of principal (Safe money means virtually NO chance for losses)

Liquidity (Access to my money when I need it)

Flexibility (If the financial markets change I would like other interest crediting options such as bonds or CD type rates)

Tax Advantages (If I’m not going to use the money I don’t want to pay taxes)

Strong Financial Institution (My money is only as safe as who holds it!)

You might be thinking what plan or product could possibly do all this. Well, I’m happy to tell you that there is a plan available today that does all this. In my opinion, it is simply the best safe product on the planet. Never before has a client or prospect had the ability to invest in a plan that allows their interest to be calculated using the performance of the stock market without having to worry about stock market losses. We all know that historically long term the “market” outper-forms other investments. The problem with the market itself, for most investors, is two-fold.

First of all patience. Many inves-tors buy at the wrong time and sell at the wrong time. This plan takes care of that for you. You are in the market every year, but you don’t have to worry about timing. This plan com-pletely avoids negative years and you get to keep all prior year’s earnings. We have been using thi plan for nine years and it’s still hard to believe that statement; with this plan you not only have no negative years, but you also get to keep all prior earnings regardless of what happens in the future. The second problem with the market is not knowing what to buy. Most of us hear about a particular sector that has been hot, and like lemmings we all run to the hot sector (remember Tech stocks?). Unfortunately the increase has probably already happened and we miss it. Once again this plan takes care of this for you; your investment is tied to major market indexes such as the S & P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Today’s version of this plan even allow you to participate in Asian

and European indexes like the Hang Seng Index, the Nikeii 225 Index, and the Euro 50 Index. What is this great plan/prod-uct called? What difference is it what we call it? The fea-tures and benefits of any plan are far more important than a name tag that someone puts on it. Someone once said that “Bragging ain’t bragging if it’s true,” and it’s hard to turn away from a good story.

Please call my office todayat (309)454-9171 and we’ll behappytoexplainall thedetailsandjusthowthisgreatplancanbenefityouandyourmoney.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The Best Safe Money Product Ever Created!

By Dennis Kagel, CHFC


With today's busy sched-ules, it's hard enough to stay connected with

your family and closest friends, never mind those pals of whom you think fondly but rarely pick up the phone to call. For most of us, long lost friends stay lost and sometimes even family members aren't far behind! Thankfully, some new advanc-es in technology are making it easier to stay close to those who matter most. Here are some new ways to help you keep in touch:

• Look first. Many photo shar-ing Web sites, like Flickr and Picasso, make it easy for family and friends to share images. You can create virtual photo albums of the kids for grandparents or share candid snaps with your college buddies. Some cameras feature Wi-Fi to instantly send images directly to photo shar-ing and social networking sites without a computer.

• Go retro. The family newslet-ter is an age-old tradition, but new technology is giving it a facelift. Web services like Mail Chimp or CheetahMail make it easy for individuals to create e-mail newsletters and instant-ly send them to family and friends across the globe. While these sites have been embraced by businesses, many families are using them, too.

• Phone a friend. Staying in touch is easy. Always run-ning through the house look-

ing for that ringing cell phone and find it just when voicemail picks up? New phone technol-ogies can change this. Check out Panasonic's new Link-to-Cell system which lets you sync your cell phone and home phone, so both ring when a call comes in. It also allows you to copy your cell's phone-book to the system for easy access to your favorite numbers directly from your home phone. And we're all used to coming home to many messages from telemarketers or that school call tree, causing you to miss ones from those who matter most. To help, Panasonic has launched a new technology called Choice Mail that lets you quickly view and play messages in any order, so you can first play those from Mom or your best friend. This feature is available on many of the company's new cordless home phones.

• Take five. Impromptu chats through e-mail or social net-working sites are often the best ways to keep in touch with fam-ily and friends, so long as they don't keep you from being pro-ductive at work. Welcome chats by keeping e-mail or your favor-ite social networking platform open at specific times, but alter your status to "busy" when you really have to get work done.

With technology, loved ones really are just a phone call, text, or instant message away, so reach out and connect.

New Ways To Stay Close To Family And Friends

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#1 Customer Comment:

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321 Susan Drive, Suite A, Normal, IL 61761 • Call (309) 454-9171

$5,000 min. Flexible terms, No fees, Monthly interest available. First year yield includes bonus for entiredeposit. Subsequent year’s rates set at renewal annually(Guar. Min%) Available to age 90.

Most Liquid Plan of it’s type available today! Take yourchoice - an attractive rate with more liquidity OR a littleless liquidity with a higher rate.

Thinking of retiring? After a lifetime of hard work and income tax,

you probably want to get the most out of your social security dollars. Fortunately, social security is flexible enough to accommo-date different circumstances. And knowing your different options is the first step to find-ing what plan will work best for you and your family.

What To Consider The first step you'll need to take in order to make an informed decision is to find out how much money you'll receive in a couple of different sce-narios. Your benefits will vary not only according to your age and salary, but also depending on whether you start collecting early, collect while working, receive spousal payments, or suspend your payments until you're 70. You also want to consider your overall health and other retirement or pension plans you have. To learn about the different options available to you, visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) at www.socialsecurity.gov and use the online calculator.

Collecting Early Tactics While the full retirement age for most Americans is 67, most are eligible to start collecting early at age 62. And while you can continue working while collecting, your benefits may

be reduced by up to 30 percent. Some of your benefits can be withheld if you have extra earnings, but after you reach the full retirement age, the SSA will recalculate your ben-efit amount to give you credit for any months for which you did not receive benefits. In this tough economy, collecting early may be a desirable option for seniors unable to find work but still able and willing to work in the future.

Double Team Delay If both you and your spouse are at full retirement age, you can choose to collect benefits off your spouse's account (usu-ally around 50 percent of his or her monthly payment) while letting your account accrue additional benefits. Benefits can be accrued until age 70, increasing your eventual pay-ments by 6 to 8 percent a year. Regardless of whether you do decide to delay your ben-efits or collect, it's important you sign up for Medicare at age 65. Not doing so can cause your Medicare coverage to be delayed or cost more when you do need it. Obviously, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to maximizing your social security benefits, so consult a financial advisor or speak to an SSA representa-tive by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.

How To MaximizeYour Social Security Benefits



Dennis Kagel Financial Services and News & Views Present…

A RISK-FREE RETIREMENT Seminar

Attendance by By RSVP only.

Call 309-454-9171 (limit 2 reservations per person/per call)

Thursday April 7, 201112 pm - 2 pm

Lunch will be served following seminar.

D e n n i s K a g e l F i n a n c i a l S e r v i c e sSponsored by:

Hosted by:

In conjunction with:

Dennis Kagel will be presenting information every investor needs to know including:

• Guaranteeing Lifetime Income• Stock Market Volatility• Is There a Perfect Investment?• Challenges Facing Today’s Investor• When Should I Withdraw From My

Retirement Accounts?• Guarantee Nursing Home Benefits

without Long-Term Care Insurance?• Do I Need a Living Trust?

FREESeminar

According to the Alzheimer's Association, about 3.6 mil-lion Americans age 65 and

older have moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a degenerative disease of the brain that gets worse over time. By 2050, this number is expected to nearly triple to 10.4 million.

With the growing aging popu-lation, it is important to develop treatments that may help patients and their families living with this devastating condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new once-daily, higher dose Aricept (R)(donepezil HCl) 23 mg tablet,

offering a new dosing option for patients with moderate-to-severe AD. In the study of patients with moderate-to-severe AD, cogni-tion was significantly improved in patients taking the Aricept 23 mg tablet versus those taking the Aricept 10 mg tablet, whereas global functioning was not. "Slowing the decline of cogni-tive symptoms is important at all stages of Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Martin R. Farlow, lead author of the study publication and professor and vice-chairman of research in Indiana University School of Medicine's Department of Neurology. "Throughout the course of Alzheimer's disease, caregivers are usually the first to notice changes in cognition. When a loved one notices the disease has gotten worse, it is important that they speak with a doctor about these changes and consider other treatments."

About Alzheimer's disease Age is the biggest risk fac-tor for AD, as the chances of developing the disease doubles every five years after age 65. AD affects the patient, caregiv-ers and the entire family. In fact, nearly 11 million people in the United States - mostly women - take care of a loved one with AD in addition to their families. Family members can create a support system for their loved ones by engaging with healthcare professionals and AD groups as early as possible.

About Aricept (donepezil HCl) Aricept is the first and only pre-scription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of all stages of AD - mild, mod-

erate and severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. It is not a cure for AD, but Aricept may help provide symptomatic ben-efit for some patients. Aricept may work differently for each person. For those who respond, symptoms may improve, they may stabilize or they may prog-ress more slowly than without Aricept. Aricept is co-promoted in the United States by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Aricept is a prescription medi-cine to treat mild Alzheimer's disease (5 mg or 10 mg) and moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (10 mg or 23 mg). Before starting on ARICEPT 23 mg/day, patients should be on ARICEPT 10 mg/day for at least three months. The start-ing dose of ARICEPT is 5 mg/day and can be increased to 10 mg/day after four to six weeks. Please take ARICEPT as pre-scribed by the doctor.

Important safety information ARICEPT may not be for everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors because seri-ous stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. People at risk for certain heart conditions should tell their doc-tor before starting ARICEPT because they may experience fainting. People with serious lung conditions and difficulty breathing, bladder problems or seizures should tell their doc-tor before using ARICEPT. ARICEPT 23 mg is associated with weight loss. Check with the doctor if this is a concern. Inform the doctor if the patient needs surgery requiring anes-thesia while taking ARICEPT. Some people may have nau-sea, diarrhea, difficulty sleep-ing, vomiting or muscle cramps. Incidence of nausea and vomit-ing were markedly greater in patients taking ARICEPT 23 mg/day versus patients taking ARICEPT 10 mg/day. Some peo-ple may feel tired or may have loss of appetite. If they persist, please talk to the doctor.

For Full Prescribing andPatientInformation,pleasevisitwww.aricept.com.

DisclosureThisarticlewasprovidedbyEisaiInc.andPfizerInc.Dr.FarlowservesasaconsultanttoEisaiInc.andPfizerInc.

New FDA-Approved Dosing Optionfor Treating Moderate-to-Severe Alzheimer's Disease


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Community Events

Make Me a MatchFebruary - Mar. 6, 2011, Thursday, Friday, Saturday eve-ning, Sunday BrunchConklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre Timberline Road Goodfield, IL 61742 309-965-2545

Stephanie Mills is a rich, demand-ing corporate executive used to having her way. Unmarried, hearing the tick of the biological clock, she would like to have a husband. Through a friend, and under the urging of her irrepress-ible mother, she reluctantly hires Robin McFee, a matchmaker who happens to be male, brash and used to having his way! Sex, love and laughter entwine as Robin supplies Stephanie with "suit-able prospects" each leading to hilarious if disastrous results. This clever and observant comedy about the perils of modern day matchmaking is guaranteed to leave you laughing!Cost: $32-$36

Naturally 7Feb. 3, 2011 7:30 pmBloomington Center for the Performing Arts 600 N. East Street Bloomington, IL 61701 309.434.2777

They’re more than just an a cap-pella group, they’re a force! Best known for their collaborations and tours with Michael Bublé, Naturally 7 combine multi-layered harmonies, an unbeliev-able ability to replicate instru-ments and a stage presence that can be felt in every seat of the house into a concert experience that has electrified audiences worldwide. Combining gospel, soul, R&B, jazz and hip hop into their own style of _Vocal Play, Naturally 7 become an orches-tra of instruments without ever picking one up. When you see them, your ears wont believe your eyes & but youll be too happy to care.Cost: $23.40 - $35.00

Weekly Square Dance LessonsFeb. 3, 2011, 7:00-9:00 PMYWCA 1201 N. Hershey Bloomington, IL 61704 309.827.3190Weekly square dance lessons on Thursday evenings hosted by Twin City Twirlers. Adults and children age 10 and older with

an adult are welcome. Please call 309.827.3190 for more information.Cost: $4 per person per night

F1RST FR1DAY Tour de ChocolatFeb. 4, 2011 , 5-8pmDowntown Bloomington 309.829.9599 It's art. It's action. It's entertainment. See and be seen, every F1RST FR1DAY in Downtown Bloomington. Downtown Bloomington offers free evening and weekend park-ing on streets and in all garages.Cost: FREE

Lincoln's Birthday Celebration Feb. 12, 2011David Davis Mansion 1000 E. Monroe Street Bloomington, IL 61701 309.828.1084

The site consists of a 36-room mansion, 1870s ornamental flower garden, and 5 outbuild-ings, situated on 4.1 acres in a residential area east of down-town Bloomington: a Wood house (1872), Barn/stable (1856), Carriage Barn (1868), Foaling Shed (1872) and Garage (1910). The Davis Mansion is handi-capped accessible. Suggested donation: Adults $4, Children $2.

International Fair 2011Feb. 12, 2011 - Feb. 13, 2011Illinois State University Brown Ballroom Normal, IL 309.438.5276

For the last 41 years, International Fair has celebrated cultures and countries around the world by featuring ethnic food and live entertainment at Illinois State University. I-Fair, as its fans know it, is a two-day annual event where guests can visit dozens of booths that rep-resent countries, regions of the world and community organiza-tions. Students prepare food from their home countries, provide live entertainment and wear beautiful traditional costumes. International Fair is always a tasty treat and beautiful event.

Cherubs And Chocolates, Victorian Valentine TeaFeb. 13, 20112:00 pm - 3:30 pmDavid Davis Mansion 1000 E. Monroe Bloomington, IL 61704 309-827-2200Enjoy a truly Victorian Valentine's Day with a teatime full of fine confections, red roses, delicate vintage Valentines and

February lovely Victorian traditions. Guests will make a Victorian Valentine to take home. Celebrate this Valentines Day in a very special way. Teatime reservations must be prepaid Please call Nancy at The Tea Ladies ~ 309-827-2200Cost: $22.00

Blacksmith Demonstration Feb. 19, 2011 0900 - 1200Sugar Grove Nature Center 4532 N 725 East Rd. McLean, IL 61754 309.874.2174

Blacksmith Demonstration Saturday, February 19, 9:00 a.m. - noon On the third Saturday of every month, the public is invited to observe local members of the Illinois Valley Blacksmiths Association as they work at the Sugar Grove Forge, across the parking lot from the Nature Center. Fee: Free, no registration required.Cost: FREE

American Heart Month www.heart.org

AMD/ Low Vision Awareness Month www.preventblindness.org

National Wise Health Consumer Month www.healthylife.com

HERE IS A PLEASANT LITTLE GAME that will give you a message every day. It’s a numerical puzzle designed to spell out your fortune. Count the letters in your first name. If the number of letters is 6 or more, subtract 4. If the number is less than 6, add 3. The result is your key number. Start at the upper left-hand corner and check your key numbers, left to right. Then read the message the letters under the checked figures give you.


Q: What's the difference between a golfer and a fisherman?A: When a golfer lies he doesn't have to bring anything home to prove it!

Q: If you are an AMERICAN when you go into the bathroom and you are an AMERICAN when you come out of the bathroom....What are you WHILE you are in the bathroom?A: EUROPEAN... of course!'

Doctor! I have a serious problem, I can never remem-ber what i just said.

When did you first notice this problem?What problem?

The Boss' Retirement The boss is finally old enough to retire from the company. On his last day of work, he ordered a farewell party for himself. The boss wanted everyone to express their good feeling about him by writing on the farewell card, so later he could remember how his staff missed him. Most people are writing standard phrases like, "Without you, the company will never be the same" We will always remember you" etc. Obviously the boss was not satisfied. "I need something from the bottom of your heart, something really touching, you know. Okay, John, you have been working with me for the last 20 years. You are my best staff. I am retiring now. What do you have to say?"Slowly but firmly, John wrote, "The best news in 20 years."

Sam: Would you punish me for something I didn't do?Teacher: No, of course not.Sam: Good, because I didn't do my homework.

Turtle Soup A man sits down at a restaurant and looks at the menu. He tells the waiter "I think I will have the turtle soup." The waiter leaves, but the man changes his mind to pea soup. He yells to the waiter "Hold the turtle, make it pea."

What did George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Christopher Columbus all have in common? They were all born on holidays.

You Might Be An Engineer If...Buying flowers for your girlfriend or spending the money to upgrade your RAM is a moral dilemma

In college you thought Spring Break was a metal fatigue failure

The salespeople at Best Buy can't answer any of your questions

You Might Be An Engineer If...The thought that a CD could refer to finance or music never enters your mind

When you go into a computer store, you eavesdrop on a salesperson talking with customers and you butt in to correct him and spend next twenty min-

utes answering the customers' questions, while the salesperson stands by silently, nodding his head

You are convinced you can build a phazer from your garage door opener and your camera's flash attachment

Praying for a Bike A little boy wanted $100 to buy a new bike, and his mother told him to pray to God for it. He prayed and prayed for two weeks, but nothing turned up. Then he decided perhaps he should write God a letter requesting the $100.00. When the postal authorities received the letter addressed to God, they opened it up and decided to send it to the President. The President was so impressed, touched and amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a check for $5.00. He thought that this would appear to be a lot of money to a little boy. The little boy was delighted with the $5.00 and sat down to write a thank-you letter to God, which read:

Dear God; Thank you very much for the money. I noticed that you had to send it through Washington. As usual, they deducted $95.00 for themselves.

Where is God? Two little boys, ages 8 and 10, are excessively mischievous. They are always getting into trouble and their parents know if any mis-chief occurs in their town, the two boys are probably involved. The boys' mother heard that a preacher in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The preacher agreed, but he asked to see them individually. The mother sent the 8 year old in the morning, with the older boy to see the preacher in the afternoon. The preacher, a huge man with a deep booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly, "Do you know where God is, son?" The boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open. So the preacher repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God?! Again, the boy made no attempt to answer. The preacher raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE is GOD?!" The boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him. When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?" The younger brother, gasp-ing for breath, replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time!" "GOD is missing, and they think WE did it!"

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