My name is Katie Kauffman and I am the Social Worker for PACC.

When asked to write this blog post, I was coming out of a tough week (as many of us face in our work) and hopefully can shed some light on the impact not only we as medical providers have, but also the impact our patients have on us.

I have been working as a social worker for over 12 years and have spent at least half of that time here at HealthNet in one capacity or another. I have the privilege now to provide care and support to our most vulnerable population, pediatrics and adolescents at PACC.

In my work we face varying degrees of needs and situations with our patients.  One of the many wonderful things about HealthNet is we often see people from birth, at the start of a new and exciting time in a family’s life, to the toughest of days. Among the increased needs of our patients, the increased caseloads we carry as social workers, the most important part of what I do every day, is stopping and listening.  Coming to this organization every day and checking in with patients, assisting them with referrals to community resources for the most basic of needs, to sharing a laugh or a struggle with a co-worker is a most humbling experience and one I never take for granted.

Often times the term “social worker” leaves many wondering what that title or role involves. Unfortunately, with that role comes the tough part of my job, the part that no one enjoys. My number one priority is to always be an advocate for my patient. My patients are helpless, innocent children and ensuring their safety and that their basic needs are met is always a focus of mine. Providing resources and connecting patients with outside agencies is a big part of what I do. A number of community agencies we have close working relationships with include, Catholic Charities, The YMCA, and Indiana Legal Services, to name just a few. I also work closely with Department of Children Services and have often been called to court to speak on behalf and advocate for our patient’s needs.

At the core of what we do is care. We also strive to understand where our patients are coming from and providing empathy for the road they are traveling, at whatever stage of life they are in.

Our patients face change and unpredictability on a daily basis. We as medical caregivers and providers at HealthNet can be the one stability for them. That is something I strive to be for the people I serve.

Post by Katie Kauffman

1. Sign up for a family 5K run/walk. Throughout summer and fall, many organizations set up 5K run/walks. Check around with local organizations to sign your family up to walk or run together.
2. Go for a hike and a picnic. Indianapolis has many beautiful parks and trails, so pack a lunch and go for a hike!
3. Visit your local Farmer’s Market. Take the kids to your local farmers market and pick up some fruits and vegetables for the week. Not only can you get some meal shopping done, but you can get in a nice walk!
   
4. Plant a garden. Gardening is a great physical activity, and it’s fun for kids too! Whether you are planting flowers or vegetables, let the kids help pick what they want to plant.
5. Go for a bike ride. Make it a tradition to go for a bike ride after dinner or bike to your favorite places around town like the library or park.

 Staying active is an important part of our health. Lead by example to show your kids that being active can be fun!

As a part of Healthy Families Indiana, we recognize the importance of fatherhood, and deal closely with fatherless families. As a child abuse and neglect prevention program, we especially take notice of the effects of fatherless homes as it relates to child abuse. Compared to living with both parents, living in a single-parent home doubles the risk that a child will suffer physical, emotional, or educational neglect. The overall rate of child abuse and neglect in single-parent households is 27.3 children per 1,000, whereas the rate of overall maltreatment in two-parent households is 15.5 per 1,000. (U.S. Census/U.S. Department of Health)

In response to these statistics, we continue to recruit male home visitors. Alan Goffinski, our current male home visitor, has committed to finding new ways to focus our program for fathers, and “de-genderize” our approach. He challenges us to have a less female biased view on child abuse prevention. He is assisting us in increasing our overall knowledge on the unique challenges of fathers, and the specific barriers men face. It is very important to have more male home visitors; as a result, some women will experience their first positive male relationship. Fathers will have the opportunity to be culturally represented as a part of the program; which increases rapport building and establishing trusting relationships. Alan Goffinski agreed to be interviewed about his experiences so far with the Healthy Families Program:

What do you see as your mission/role as being the only male home visitor at Marion I, Healthy Families?

I view my role to be much the same as other Family Support Specialists.  We all are doing our best to connect to individual families in a significant and holistic way that allows us to be a positive force affecting their health and well-being physically, emotionally, and mentally. As a male FSS, I get the unique honor of connecting to many young men and walking with them into a new phase of life, fatherhood.  Fatherhood is still significantly under-appreciated and undervalued thing for many of the populations that we serve.  I get to be a positive voice and example in a culture that still has a lot to learn about supporting men and encouraging their involvement in the lives of their children.  Beyond that, I also get to serve as a voice among my peers, offering insight into how to best engage new fathers.  After all, the program is called “Healthy Families” not “Healthy Mom and Baby.”

What is the biggest barrier you face in being a male home visitor?

There are definitely some preconceived notions among the population we serve as to what their home visitor will be like.  Much of society thinks that raising children is a woman’s job!  For those in the program who are open to having a male caseworker, it usually turns out to be a very good thing for the family.

What do you find to be the greatest barrier for the fathers you serve?

I come across fathers time and time again that feel they are not able to adequately support their families because of legal problems.  I have met with fathers who have difficulty getting a job because of a felony resulting from a high school fight they were mixed up in a half decade ago. Many young men are not aware that there are legal resources available to them.  Additionally, connecting fathers with employers willing to hire individuals with felonies on their record is crucial.  Beyond all of that, it is important to remind dads that there is more to fatherhood than providing financially.  Most important is the realization that their children need parents that they can rely on and will be a consistent and positive presence in their lives.

What has been the biggest challenge you have experienced in working with fathers?

The biggest challenge working with fathers is how young men view themselves and their role as a father.  Young men have the odds stacked against them.  For starters, many young men are falling into a generational pattern of being emotionally and physically distant from their children.  We’ve all heard the phrase, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”  The reality is, every day I meet with fathers who were never fathered.  Therefore, they have little idea how to be a good father. Try to think of the last time you saw a positive father figure in media.  The truth is, it is far easier to spot the bumbling, emotionally distant, pseudo-dad.  As a male caseworker, I find my biggest hurdle is convincing dads that it is a good thing to crawl around on the floor and baby talk with their child, to be emotionally invested, and to embrace what it really means to be a daddy!

For part two of Alan’s interview, check out the blog this Thursday! 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kids who perform better in school are more likely to be physically active on a regular basis. Adding physical activity to your child’s day can not only keep him or her healthy, but also increase attention, behavior, and positive attitudes leading to improved academic performance.

If 60 minutes a day sounds like a lot, consider that 8 to 18-year-olds spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media including TV, computers, video games, cell phones and movies in a typical day, and only one-third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity.

With the weather getting cooler and days getting shorter, are you having trouble getting your kids motivated to be active? Check out some fun fall suggestions from Sneaky Fitness:

1. Geocaching

With geocaching available in many local areas, you don’t have to go far to participate in this outdoor treasure hunt. Using a GPS-enabled device or your smartphone, you walk or hike to specific locations to find hidden containers or caches. The caches contain a logbook with notes from other people who were there or other items for a fun discovery adventure.

2. Obstacle courses

Whether in the backyard or in the playground, an obstacle course is a great way for kids to engage in a variety of activities. Obstacle courses are also great for kids of all ages to play together, because they can compete against their own time – not against each other. The course can include a variety of activities like sprinting, a bike ride, jump roping, a hula hoop, and a Frisbee toss.

3. Races

You can set up a regular backyard race or get more creative and customize it with your kids’ interests – from dance moves to sports drills. Many local race events for adults also include a kids’ fun race which is a great way to train and compete together.

4. Circuit training

Rather than a boring gym routine, circuit training for kids can incorporate any sports drill, Yoga pose or exercise – and can be done indoors or out, in a pool or on the playground. Set up eight to 10 circuit stations and alternate cardio, strength training, flexibility and balance exercises. Preschoolers should be at each station for thirty seconds or less and two to five minutes is good for older kids.

5. Tag with a creative spin

A game of tag is an easy standby but you can spice it up depending on the age. Preschoolers can pretend to be different animals, so when the child who is “it,” is tagged, he then has to move like a different animal (for example, slither like a snake or crawl like a cat). For older kids, use clothespins to tag each other; the player to get rid of all of his clothespins wins.

6. Do-gooder events

Charity work is a great way for kids to get active and feel good about helping others. Let your kids pull a wagon around the neighborhood to collects books for their library, canned goods for a local food pantry, or socks, hats and gloves for programs serving the homeless. Volunteering can help them be more active too!

HealthNet is always in need of kids to host a Helpings Drive in their neighborhoods. Contact us at info@indyhealthnet.org for more details! 

You can shop healthy with a manageable amount of expense. Here’s a dozen ways to take care of your health at the grocery store without breaking the bank, thanks to HealthNet’s Health Promotions staff:

1. Clip, save and use coupons. Stick with only the items you use.
2. Check out the store flyer for sale items as you enter.
3. Stick to the edges of the store. For the most part, this is where the healthy choices are – less processed foods and more fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat.
4. Don’t shop hungry! You’ll buy more than you need.
5. Watch the shelves. Stores put items they most want to sell on the shelves between knee and shoulder height. The highest markup items are the ones about chest level.  These are easy to grab and toss into the cart.
6. The store brand is cheaper than national brands.
7. Fruits and vegetables: Pre-cut fruits and veggies can be expensive. Buy in season. It’s cheaper to buy produce in the bag and not by the piece like apples, oranges and potatoes. Check out the freezer aisle. Frozen vegetables can be an economical way to get your veggie servings, but stay away from added creams, sauces, butter or sugar.
8. Breads, cereals and pasta: Choose the least processed foods that are made with whole grains.  Aim for 4 grams of fiber and less sugar. To help your family get used to whole grains, you can start out with a blend of whole grains and slowly go to 100%. Buy your grains and cereals in bulk like brown rice, barley and rolled oats. Oatmeal in the canister is less than the instant flavored envelopes.
9. Meat, poultry and fish: Lean can be pricey. You can choose less expensive cuts of meat, but you have to practice portion control. Buy larger packs. Use what you can eat and freeze the rest.  Tilapia and sole may be more affordable. Choose frozen fish fillets or fish steaks, but stay away from breaded or marinated fish. Canned fish and chicken are great options for sandwiches, salads, and casseroles.
10. Other sources of protein: Beans are cheap and a great source of protein. Buy in bulk. Another low cost item that is healthy is the egg. Try going meatless once a week.
11. Dairy: Non-fat or low fat milk does not cost any more than whole or 2% milk. Buy a large container of plain yogurt and add your own sweetener like honey or fruit. Buy blocks of reduced-fat cheese and grate it yourself. Shredded or sliced cheese is more expensive.
12. Ignore the checkout displays!

Here’s another bargain for you. In partnership with Garden on the Go, HealthNet’s Health Promotions team helps low-income families access affordable, fresh produce in their neighborhoods — and learn the whys and hows of eating healthier. #GiveACareAbout reducing barriers for families in need. Along with coaching from a dietitian, a $5 donation provides a small financial incentive for a family to try fresh fruits and vegetables and begin making healthy lifestyle choices. With your help, we can do even more to help families in Indy.

Want more healthy shopping tips? Stop by our booth today through Sunday at the INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair at Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration in the Indiana Convention Center. Learn how to stay healthy on a budget — and sign up for a prize drawing to win a grocery store gift card!

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What healthy grocery shopping tips work for you?
What’s your favorite farmer’s market?
Comment below.
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Clients of the BIBs/HF program get a sense of community at the picnic. We all have had situations where we felt alone and as if we are the only person in the world going through a particular experience.  The BIBs/HF staff take pride in supporting clients, connecting them to community resources, and letting them know that they are NOT alone.

Both home-visitation programs are dedicated to meeting the needs of culturally diverse families in our community. They encourage self-sufficiency and healthy parent-child relationships. I had a chance to talk with three different families who attended the picnic. Support was the repeated and underlying feeling that shined through in every answer to my questions.

Carrie Tahat was a mother who was completely by herself when she found out about BIBs/HF in the hospital.

HealthNet: What services have been the most useful for you and your daughter?
Tahat: Receiving referrals and information to community resources.  When I was homeless they connected me with the program that helped me find an affordable place to stay.  BIBs/HF staff would even drive me to my doctor appointments when I really needed to get to the doctor.

They have been really helpful with all things for clothing, food, and shelter. I have been with the program for 8 months, and they have helped me with EVERYTHING that I have needed.

Melanie Smith was referred to BIBs/HF when she was 3 months pregnant and attending her appointment at HealthNet’s own Barrington Health Center.

HealthNet: If you met someone in a similar situation as yourself, what would you say to get them to seek out the services provided by BIBs/HF?
Smith: I have referred A LOT of people.  A lot of people come up to me and ask me HOW I am doing such a good job raising my children and make sure they are hitting their milestones.  I tell them that BIBs/HF is a great way to find support from people OTHER than your family.

They do a really good job of letting you know that you are not alone. They do a really good job of supporting YOU.

Cliff and Serena Williams have a 3-year-old son who is a GRADUATE of the program.  Serena had no idea about the support system available from BIBs/HF until she was referred by the doctor, and now she tells EVERY pregnant woman she meets that it is essential for them to get into this program.

HealthNet: What is the best part of the BIBs/HF program?
The Williams: The home visits are interactive and personal.  Our son has been a handful, and our home visitor has presented a wide variety of activities and strategies to help him reach his milestones and goals. 

There are so many more success stories like these! Together, HealthNet’s Better Indy Babies and Healthy Families programs provided more than 12,634 visits to at-risk homes in Marion County last year. With your help, they can do even more.

Every parent and parent-to-be needs support and encouragement. Know someone who might benefit from BIBs/HF’s programs? Email info@indyhealthnet.org to learn more!

It is not a secret that the economy in the United States has been struggling over the last couple years. As Americans, we have been facing one the worst recessions in history. Thousands of people have lost their jobs, homes, and health insurance. In fact, the Census Bureau’s annual report on poverty shows just how tough 2009 was. The increase in the number of Americans living below the poverty level and those without health insurance painted a bleak picture. According to a post on ABC News Online, the uninsured population topped 50 million for the first time – rising to 16.7 percent.  And, the percentage of Americans living in poverty increased to 14.3 percent.

HealthNet has seen a rise in uninsured patients and our providers have struggled to keep up with the demand for quality and accessible health care for those living in poverty. But health care does not just encompass medical care. The need for mental health and counseling services has also increased and HealthNet’s social workers have been working hard to help families simply meet their basic needs. We have witnessed more and more families struggling to keep up in a weak economy and most are seeking guidance and help to provide the basic necessities, such as a roof over their heads, heat in their homes and food on their tables.

Often times, when our families come to our health centers needing medical care, our providers are able to identify other areas of need that, in some cases, is leading to health concerns. For example, a family who has recently lost a job is concerned about making their mortgage payments. They are unable to afford their heating bills, their children are in need of new shoes and uniforms for school, and they are struggling to put food on the table. This added stress can lead to elevated blood pressures, gastrointestinal problems and even increase the risk for abuse and neglect for young children. HealthNet’s social workers engage these families in case management support and are able to direct them to area services such as housing and utility assistance programs, legal aid, and other area organizations who can help them with basic necessities.

We believe that health care goes beyond the medical services we provide. HealthNet’s social workers provide a key element in the wrap around care that we believe treats the whole person, not just their medical conditions.

Join us in the fight to build a healthier Indianapolis community. By contributing $25 to our social services program, you are enabling our social workers to continue providing outreach and case management support to those that need it most. A gift of $25 towards our patient emergency fund helps our social workers provide immediate needs such as food, diapers, school uniforms and utility support while they seek other long-term assistance.  You can help those that have to make the unfortunate decision between heat in there home and medicine for their child.

The Indiana Youth Institute sent out an issue alert entitled “Kids Raising Kids“, and another surprising fact to accompany the increasing teen birth rates is that one in five of these births is to a teenage girl who already is a mother.

“Children born to teen mothers are more likely than children of older parents to grow up in a poor and mother-only family, to live in a poor or underclass neighborhood, and to experience high risks to both their health status and potential school achievement.”- Issue Alert from Indiana Youth Institute

These children are 50% more likely to be born at a low birth weight and do not perform as well as children of older mothers on measures of child development and school readiness.  With these numbers increasing in Indianapolis, it is important to know what resources are out there for teen mothers in order to help them out.  In a study done by the FSU Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy, children born to teen mothers are more likely to experience abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

By raising awareness for HealthNet’s Better Indy Babies (BIBs) and Healthy Families (HF) Programs, we can change the wording of that last sentence.  Learn more about the resources available for teen mothers, or donate directly to BIBs/HF here.

Who is blamed for childhood abuse? – Adults/caretakers in that child’s life.
Who is blamed for addiction? – The individual who can’t help themselves.

But before you click away, what if I posed an answer that said we as a community and society can also be blamed for this?

In reading an article outlining an interview with Canadian physician and best-selling author Dr. Gabor Maté, it made me think about how policies and outreach can help create a better environment for children to live and develop.

Dr. Maté’s response to whether or not genetics is linked to behaviors and dysfunctions in humans is very intriguing.  In part, genetics HAS to play a role in tendencies, but Dr. Maté poses that if we place blame on genetics for behavior and dysfunction, then it takes people off the hook.

“Well, if people’s behaviors and dysfunctions are regulated, controlled and determined by genes, we don’t have to look at child welfare policies, we don’t have to look at the kind of support that we give to pregnant women, we don’t have to look at the kind of non-support that we give to families…” – Dr. Gabor Maté

If we are taken “off the hook” so to speak, then we don’t have to worry about not providing prenatal care for at-risk mothers or support services for young families on the brink of poverty.

Children who grow up in low-income families are more likely to be abused, more likely to be neglected, and more likely to end up as addicts.  The environment that a child grows up in creates the person that child will become, and parents in these situations are subject “not [to] bad parenting, [just] extremely stressed parenting”. And, this stress affects the child.

To read the full interview of Dr. Gabor Maté, click here.  To help directly, visit HealthNet’s website and learn about our Better Indy Babies Program, or donate directly to help a low-income family in Indianapolis create a better environment for their child.