How does one define the word “Family”?

The definition I found states, “Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place.”

How does one define the word “Thrive”?  A definition I found states, “To grow or develop well or vigorously or to prosper; flourish.”

In my 34 years of living, there is one thing that I have been taught and tried to live on a daily basis and that is that one cannot grow, develop, prosper or flourish where there are no goals/values or where there is a lack of long-term commitments.

It is imperative that one not confuse “thriving” with money.  While money is needed and it is an important part of life, we must not equate our account balances with thriving.

Thriving or prospering occurs when we are in good health (mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally).  Our thriving begins at home and it is shaped/developed by those people who share our goals and values and with those who are committed to us long term (our families).

My wife and I have multiple children and what we do on a daily basis is let them know how committed we are to them.  After long days of work, we spend time with them on their homework, we have dinner with them and after bathing them, we either read or just hang out until bed time.  We do our very best to let them know that we love them by displaying that love towards one another.  Our children prosper (mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually) because our marriage prospers through Grace and Mercy.

Prospering takes commitment.  We have had to limit the TV viewing to Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons only.  While that hasn’t gone over too well, our children are starting to understand the importance of 9-10 hours of sleep every night and how it helps them to maintain a healthy weight and how it helps them to focus better in school.  Also, we have cut back on the sweets, juice and junk foods. Again, it is not popular, but very necessary.  We are encouraging them to learn how to be wise when it comes to finances.  They are required to deposit any money that they receive (Christmas, birthday or even from the Tooth Fairy) into their banking accounts.  What?  That’s right even at ages 9, 7, 6 and 6!  We are teaching them to be savers and not spenders.

Finally, our children’s spiritual and emotional health are, from our perspectives, the most important component of their very being. We believe that the physical cannot function properly without a strong spiritual foundation.  So, we stress spirituality and daily prayer.

Does our family always get it right?  No.  Are we perfect? No.  But, we try our very best to invest into one another and we therefore are a thriving family.  Because of our Spiritual Foundation. Thoughts?

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What are some ways you help your family thrive? Share your tips with us!

Now imagine never being turned away because of inability to pay.

Think about receiving the highest quality of service and care and what that will mean for your family.

Operating as a community health center, HealthNet does exactly that, often surprising uninsured and underinsured patients with the range of low-cost benefits available to them.

For more than 44 years, HealthNet has delivered quality primary care to underserved communities throughout Indianapolis and central Indiana. Over the years, we’ve expanded our definition of primary care to include dental, behavioral health, health education, social work, outreach services and much more. When patients enter the doors of a HealthNet facility, they’ve entered their medical home.

This year, HealthNet began the process of seeking formal recognition for its patient-centered approach through the Joint Commission.

While the term Primary Care Medical Home and the designation are relatively new in the health care industry, it is a practice that HealthNet has used for a long time. Patients benefit from a team of providers, nurses, specialists, health educators and case managers. Our entire team will work with you to develop a custom, culturally appropriate care plan that best suit your health care needs.

And, we’re working to get better at it. Pursuing Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH) status enhances our efforts to continuously improve the personal and coordinated care that we provide for our patients. PCMH creates an environment that allows us to work better as a team and treat the whole patient. It’s at the core of our organization, and is an accreditation that we will be extremely proud to have earned, once the process is complete.

Throughout September we’ll be talking more about the concept of “home,” and how it is key to everyone’s health and well-being. We invite you to join in the conversation!

What you can expect…

- We will be holding conversations every Monday on Twitter and Facebook, sharing favorite quotes, questions, and tips about making your home a healthier place for you and your family. Lots of info will be shared throughout the entire day.  Look for the hashtag #healthystart and TUNE IN!

- We will feature blogs throughout the month from patients and staff who have amazing insights to share on what having a health care home really means – for you, your family, our neighborhoods and our city.

- Keep a lookout on our Facebook page for No Place Like Home Fridays! A giveaway will occur each Friday for those who participate.  Details, again, will be found on our Facebook page the day of the giveaways.

- Want us to keep you updated via email?? Sign up for our eBlasts now by clicking here .

How you can directly help…

If you remember nothing else, please let it be that HealthNet very much needs your help! In order to expand our reach, we need support from people like you who crave to help their community.

If you like what you read in September, we are asking that you please consider forwarding these messages, links, tweets and Facebook posts to friends, family members, and work colleagues. By providing a little education and an easy way to get involved, we believe we can bring new awareness to our cause — especially with your encouragement!