Our society is becoming so fast paced that we want things to be taken care of quickly and look for instant gratification.  That’s why we all, yes, even I’m guilty of it, go through the drive thru to grab dinner on the go instead of cooking at home.  Have you seen the statics now on obesity in America?  Did you know that more than 2/3 of adult Americans are obese or overweight? Or that about a quarter of 2-5 yr. olds and one-third of school-age children (including adolescents) are overweight or obese in the U.S.?  (Ogden et al., 2014)

When I was reading these facts it was quite a shock to me.  Did you know that obesity is considered a medical illness and that it has its own set of issues that follow with it?  Why is it that we don’t take a few minutes out of our day to cook healthy meals at home?  Why is it that we are okay with eating chips or drinking 48 oz. sodas from the gas station and think that it is sufficient for us and our bodies to function properly?  It seems that we as a society have gotten away from eating our fruits and vegetables that have all the natural nutrients our bodies need on a daily basis.

I attended a conference last year that mentioned, if we just ate healthier and ate our recommended fruits and vegetables, our body would get the necessary dopamine and serotonin naturally that we are looking for in medicines now.  I’ve read numerous articles talking about the unhealthy effects of processed foods on us and our immune system.

So I ask you, is it really worth it to you and your family’s wellness and well-being to go through the drive-thru consistently?  Is it worth adding to or creating medical issues?  What we put into our body affects our moods and irritability.  What we do or do not put into our body also affects our overall well-being and how we function.  If we don’t get the essential vitamins, nutrients and proteins we need, it kurplunks, like a car when it doesn’t get its regular oil changes, tune ups, and gas.

So remember, this year as our New Year’s resolution, let’s all try to eat healthier meals!

For more information on a healthy diet, call your HealthNet health center and ask to make a FREE appointment with our dietician, Karen Gough.

Post by Bhumi Bhavsar

Source:  http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/obesity-in-the-us/

Would you like to reduce stress?  Would you like to sleep better at night and feel more energized during the day?  Wouldn’t it be nice to feel less tired and more mentally alert?  There is a remarkably simple solution to make these things happen: exercise!

Physical activity is a great way to keep your body healthy but it has several benefits for your emotional health as well.  Exercise has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.  Activities like walking, running, biking, swimming, and dancing release endorphins and actually help you feel better.  It also gives you a good opportunity to get outside and with spring arriving soon, we could all use a little sunshine (see previous blog post, Blue Monday).

So, you know the benefits of exercise but still have trouble finding the time to do it?  Below are some ways to help make physical activity a priority in your life.

1.)   Make it something enjoyable!  No one says you have to get on a treadmill for an hour to exercise.  Do something you like and that fits with your life.  Take your kids to the park and play with them.  Try gardening.  Join a class that provides aerobic exercise to fun music or take a relaxing yoga class.

2.)   Make it social.  Get an exercise buddy.  Having a partner helps keep you accountable and also provides time to be with that person.  Maybe it’s something you can do with your spouse or with an old friend with whom you don’t get much time.  The social interaction that can come with exercise (either with a friend or in a class at a local rec center) is another way to boost your mood.

3.)   Be realistic.  You likely won’t have washboard abs after two workouts, and that’s okay.  Take it easy on yourself and your expectations for exercise.  Notice the positive changes you do experience like more regular, restful sleep and more energy.  Praise yourself for taking good care of the one self (physical and emotional) that you have.

For more information about HealthNet and our services, visit www.indyhealthnet.org.

Varon Cantrell, MD

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A:  Born and raised in Indianapolis on the East Side near the State Fair Grounds.  I have a wife of 12 years, 5 children, 8 brothers and sisters and an amazing immediate/extended family.  I love my faith, my family and my friends.  Then, I love being a servant to others.

Q: Why did you become a doctor?

A:  I believe that I was ordained to do this before I was even born.  This was not a “childhood” dream or something that I had planned.  I believe that it is a calling and I have had many mentors, family and peers who have been supportive along this journey which makes it awesome! 

Q: What do you love most about working at West Health Center?

A:  Without the patients, the clinic does not exists.  So, I love the patient, I love the community but most importantly, I love the West Health Team.  The Team is what makes the clinic go.  They are some of the most dedicated and hard working people I have ever met. 

Q: What is one thing you would like people to know about West Health Center?

A:  We are here to serve you and your families.  We are dedicated to the HealthNet Mission  and we are honored to be your new neighbors.

Background: West Health Center
This current 4,500 square foot center offers adult primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, behavioral health, lab and support services in an area that has seen a decrease in providers over the years.

Within the first few months of operation, the center is already vastly exceeding visit projects and plans are under way to add a Women’s Health area by renovating the remaining 1,800 square feet to include 5 additional exam rooms and a procedure room.

If you would like to make a donation to the HealthNet West Health Center Expansion Campaign you can pay by phone by calling (317) 957-2018, online using our safe, secure giving options or by check payable to:
HealthNet, Inc.
Attn: Kay Johnson, Vice President of Marketing, Development and Corporate Communications
3403 E. Raymond St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we decided to debunk the most common myths about mammograms.

1. Mammograms are only necessary once you turn 40.
   False! If your family has a history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor. Your doctor might recommend that you have a mammogram done earlier than you expected.
2. I check myself regularly and have never found a lump. I don’t need a mammogram.
   Just because you don’t feel anything, doesn’t mean that nothing is there. While it is common that a woman might find a lump if she has breast cancer, this isn’t always the case. You can’t be sure unless you get checked.
3. If a mammogram comes out abnormal, it’s a death sentence.
   We can’t say disagree enough! Early detection saves lives and the sooner you find out, the more you can do to fight!
4. Mammograms are painful.
   Although there is some discomfort associated with mammograms, the exam doesn’t take very long and the discomfort is gone after the exam is finished. It’s a small price to pay to know your status.

At HealthNet, providing life-saving mammogram screenings is vital to ensuring our patients are getting the best care possible – regardless of their ability to pay.

To find a HealthNet location near you, click here. If you’d like to schedule a mammogram, or learn more, please call us at 317-957-2000 or visit us online at www.indyhealthnet.org.

Just $25 provides coverage for an Indianapolis woman in need of a mammogram. Click here to help.

Yes, it is already that time of year when kids are returning back to school!  Can you believe it, summer is already over?!  Some us of look forward to this time of year, where others are wondering how am I going to manage everything?  

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Your children are looking forward to starting the next school year with all their extra curricular activities, whereas you are worried about meeting scheduling needs.  First of all, take a deep breath, as I’m sure that can be a very overwhelming feeling.  Sometimes we tend to add extra stress onto ourselves and we don’t even know it.  We do this by thinking of all the things that need to be accomplished, which weighs us down and becomes so overwhelming, that it takes a lot more energy and effort.  So instead, try to break the tasks up into smaller time frames – instead of thinking about the whole school year, break it down into months, but even better, into weeks, or days.

If we break tasks up into smaller tasks or smaller time frames, they don’t seem to be that overwhelming.  Remember, you don’t have to be supermom or superdad, ask for help!  Don’t feel like you have to participate in the PTO or volunteer for things at your child/children’s school just because you did last year.

It is important to spend time with your kids and that they know you are supportive of their extra-curricular activities; however it is also important to take care of yourself.

I’m a big believer in taking care of yourself, as that is the only way you can take care of the others around you.  If you are barely able to think or sleep, it is going to take more energy and effort for you to take care of the loved ones around you. So, make sure you take a few minutes to take time out for yourself, even if that means you take a few minutes to read a magazine, get your nails done or catch up on your favorite sports teams scores, etc.

If you have more than one child, and they are actively involved in school activities, make a schedule or calendar for yourself. Sometimes writing things down helps to keep things in perspective, instead of leaving it to memory. For those that are single parents, be realistic about your schedule and don’t expect yourself to be in two places at once.  For those that have both parents involved, break up the activities amongst yourselves and then switch the next time.

Yes, it’s that time of year again; the kids are going back to school – which means shopping for clothes, shoes, school supplies- the whole works!!  You’re excited and others are excited, however you notice that your child doesn’t seem excited; rather their behavior seems to have taken a change for the worse.  If so, there are probably some valid reasons for the changes. I think sometimes we as parents tend to misconstrue the behaviors and don’t see that the child is asking for help. There may be something about school or going to school that they don’t like or that makes them scared to go.

With all the technological advances in our world today, I think we tend to miss some of the obvious changes that take place in our children’s’ behaviors or lives, as we are more focused on playing that game on our new iPhone, tweeting someone back, or too focused on our Kindle or iPad.

If you do notice changes in your kids’ behaviors, take a few moments to really sit down and ask them what is going on.  Some of you may be thinking, ‘duh that sounds obvious’, however you can’t imagine the number of parents that are unable to or don’t do that. 

You may discover that your child or children do not want to go to school because they are scared the bullying will start over again – whether on the bus or at school.  Bullying is a huge issue that goes on today and it really does impact kids in a negative way.  They may be scared of being around all those kids again in a small space and feeling like they cannot escape or get out.  Or they may feel like they are not good enough or smart enough and may feel intimidated by their friends or other students.

Whatever the case may be, please take a few minutes to ask your children about what is going on and how they feel about going back to school.  If they are concerned about the above issues, make a plan with them so they know they can come talk to you about what is going on at school.  Let them know that you want them to be successful and you are willing to be there to help them with that.  Sometimes it is hard for kids to openly communicate with their parents/guardians for fear of their parents/guardians’ response or not wanting to disappoint them.  If that is the case, check out the nearest HealthNet Clinic near your area and make an appointment with a therapist, so your child does have someone he or she can talk to and does not feel like he or she has to battle their fears, concerns, stressors, etc alone.

For more information about our behavioral health services, please contact your HealthNet center or call 317-957-2200 x 6009.

Post by Denise Kaspar

Healthy Families America is a nationally recognized evidence-based home visiting program model designed to work with overburdened families who are at-risk for adverse childhood experiences, including child maltreatment. HealthNet’s Healthy Families program has been providing home-based family support services for approximately eighteen years.  Healthy Families America has a strong research base, which includes randomized control trials and well-designed quasi-experimental research.  To date, research and evaluation indicate impressive outcomes. Reviews of more than fifteen evaluation studies in twelve states produced the following outcomes:

• Reduced child maltreatment
• Increased utilization of prenatal care and decreased preterm and low birth weight babies
• Improved parent-child interaction and school readiness
• Increased access to primary care medical services
• Increased immunization rates

The primary goal of prenatal care coordination is early entrance and continued participation in prenatal and postpartum care to reduce low birth weight, preterm labor, and infant mortality.  Prenatal Care Coordinators and Community Health Workers provide home-based support services and referral to human services for pregnant women and their families at risk for poor pregnancy outcomes due to physical, social, psychological, financial, or environmental factors.  HealthNet’s prenatal care coordination program, Better Indy Babies (BIBs), has been providing these services for well over twenty years.

Better Indy Babies’ goal is to decrease the incidence of low birth weight and infant mortality.

Research was completed on a similar program in New York City and it was found that home visiting programs during the prenatal period reduces the incidence of low birth weight.

Additionally, both of HealthNet’s programs increase school readiness – first through assisting mothers to have a healthy birth outcome and then assisting overburdened families to enhance parent/child interaction and improve family functioning.

HealthNet’s home visiting services help promote physical well-being and motor development, social and emotional development, approaches to learning, language development, cognition and general knowledge.  Our services recognize and honor the special role that parents play in shaping the lives of their children and can help create families and communities and children ready to learn.

Click here for more information about Better Indy Babies/Healthy Families.

Together, HealthNet’s Better Indy Babies and Healthy Families programs provided more than 10,955 visits to at-risk homes in Marion County. With your help, we can do even more.

Immunizations are an excellent way to help keep your child healthy.  Children entering kindergarten need to show proof of having received DTaP and MMRV boosters.  These vaccines help protect against whooping cough, measles, and chickenpox.  Likewise, children starting sixth grade need their meningococcal and Tdap vaccines.  The HPV vaccine can also be started at this age; this vaccine protects against cervical cancer.  It’s also a good idea to get a flu shot this fall.  Influenza can be quite serious and keep a child home from school for a week or longer.

Adequate sleep is very important to school success.  Start practicing the school schedule at least a week before school starts.  Generally, this means getting to bed and getting up earlier!  Most school children need nine hours of sleep every night.  And plan on enough time in the mornings for your child to get a good breakfast.  Children who eat breakfast get better grades.

Backpacks can get heavy with school books and cause back pain.  Make sure your child’s backpack fits over fits over both shoulders so the weight is evenly distributed over his back.  Throw in some hand sanitizer and Kleenexes to help ward off those school-time germs.

Most children ride the bus to school.  Find out where and when the bus will be coming.  If possible, greet the bus driver and meet the other children at the bus stop.

Many schools have a dress code.  Make sure your child’s clothes conform to the dress code and that they are comfortable and clean.  Contact the school’s social worker if you need assistance.

Your child’s future depends on a successful school experience.  Is your child is ready for school?  Are his immunizations up-to-date?  Does he have a good sleep schedule?  Are his clothes appropriate?  If your child complains about school or isn’t doing well, talk with his teacher(s) early in the school year.  Yes, school is for learning but it should also be fun and safe!

It is extremely important to get tested because symptoms of HIV can take months and even years to appear. Some people can experience ARS (acute retroviral syndrome) which is often described as “the worst flu ever.” The virus can then lie dormant and symptoms of HIV may not appear for up to 10 years or longer in some cases.

HealthNet People’s Health & Dental Center offers FREE, safe and confidential HIV testing. People’s Health offers “walk-in” services (first come, first served) at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday’s and 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. Tuesday afternoons and all day Wednesday and Thursday are by appointment. To make an appointment or get more information please call (317) 957-2970 or (317) 957-2200.

To find other HIV Testing sites near you, visit hivtest.cdc.gov/.

Today is the day you can TAKE CONTROL.

15 Lessons Learned During My Nursing Career

1. Just when I think I’ve seen or heard it all, something else comes along.
2. To be really successful, you must learn to be the master of multitasking.
3. Don’t ever pass up the opportunity to use the bathroom—you might not get another one for a very long time.
4. Losing my sense of smell at age 15 has served me very well in many situations during my career.
5. Family, friends, neighbors will call you at all hours asking you for expert medical advice on any and all ailments, and you will be expected to know the answer—immediately.
6. I have a great appreciation for nurses that work the night shift.
7. I’m a terrible patient.
8. I love Dansko shoes.
9. Learning to accept that you can’t always be all things to everyone at all times.
10. When people find out you are a nurse, they tell you everything—and I mean EVERYTHING.
11. Always carry a blue or black pen.
12. Don’t write your family notes that contain medical abbreviations—they will have no idea what you are talking about.
13. Patients trust and need you.  Do everything you can to respect and maintain that trust.
14. Listen to your intuition.
15. You should expect and look forward to learning something new everyday.

Are you a nurse? What are some of the lessons, tips or tricks that YOU have learned during your career? Leave them in the comments section below!

Not a nurse?  But know one? Be sure to thank your nursing friends TODAY!