LIVE LOCAL HANCOCK COUNTY
BAC K
TO
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INCLUDES B A C K-T O - S C H O O L WAY S T O P R E PA R E Q&A W I T H DR. JAKE FRIES CARPOOL, COMMUTERS + COFFEE T H E U LT I M AT E L I S T 5 TIPS FOR SUCCESS HELPING KIDS RESET W H AT T O B R I N G T O YO U R C H I L D ' S P H YS I C A L AND SO MUCH MORE!
B A C K-T 0 SCHOOL
HEALTH
sta rts n ow:
3 WAYS TO PREPARE
Hancock Health offers local resources to make the transition back to school easier
BU I L D H E A LT H Y H A BI T S AT H A N C O CK W EL L N E S S CEN T ER S: With convenient options in Greenfield, McCordsville, and New Palestine the centers provide exercise equipment, fitness spaces, and programs designed to support people at a variety of ages and fitness levels. For parents, caregivers and older students, the Wellness Centers can be a helpful place to reset routines, reduce stress, and make movement part of the week.
S TAY H E A LT H Y W I T H H A N C O CK I M M ED I AT E CA R E When unexpected health needs pop up, both Greenfield Immediate Care, at 1515 N. State Street, and Gateway Immediate Care, at 6189 W. John L. Modglin Dr., are available seven days a week for non-emergency needs, including minor illnesses, minor injuries, flu shots, skin conditions, and sports and wellness physicals.
S CH ED UL E A P RIM A RY CA RE A P P OIN T MEN T Hancock Family Medicine provides care for all ages, including annual exams and checkups, preventive screenings, immunizations, treatment for common illnesses, wellness education, chronic condition support, and referrals to specialists when needed. Having an established primary care provider gives families a trusted place to ask questions, track growth and development, manage ongoing health concerns, and plan ahead for the year.
A l it t l e p rep c a n go aa rlatonion g way.
Schedulin g n eeded ch ecku ps time for m , keeping im ovement a munizatio nd knowin n current, reduce str g where to making es s w h e n g o fo th r e w a s chool yea lk-in care Immediate r g e ts b u s can help Care conv y. With W enience, a H a n co c k e ll n e n s d s primary c Centers, Health giv are option es local fa feeling pre s c m lo il s ie e s to home, a pared, sup ccessible ways to s ported an tart the y d ready fo ea r r what is a h ead .
@ HANCOCK COUNTY FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
School’s back – and so are Friday night lights! All across Hancock County, high school football is bringing neighbors together to cheer on local athletes and hometown teams. Mark your calendars for these August and September home games.
GREENFIELD-CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
M T. V E R N O N H I G H S C H O O L
HOME FOOTBALL GAMES
HOME FOOTBALL GAMES
8/14 @ 7 PM
VS MUNCIE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
8/28 @ 7 PM
V S B R E B E U F P R E PA R AT O R Y
8/21 @ 7 PM
VS ALEXANDRIA-MONROE HIGH SCHOOL
9 /4 @ 7 P M
VS GREENFIELD-CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
9/11 @ 7 PM
VS PENDLETON HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
9/11 @ 7 PM
V S N E W PA L E S T I N E H I G H S C H O O L
EASTERN HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL
NE W PALESTINE HIGH SCHOOL
HOME FOOTBALL GAMES
HOME FOOTBALL GAMES
8/14 @ 7 PM
VS HAGERSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
8/21 @ 7 PM
V S S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E P R E P ( W H E ATO N , I L)
9 /4 @ 7 P M
VS CENTERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
8/28 @ 7 PM
VS EAST CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
9/25 @ 7 PM
V S PA R K T U D O R H I G H S C H O O L
9/25 @ 7 PM
VS GREENFIELD-CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
1. WITH FALL SPORTS STARTING DURING SOME OF THE HOTTEST WEEKS OF THE YEAR, WHAT WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEAT STROKE SHOULD PARENTS, COACHES AND STUDENT-ATHLETES NEVER IGNORE? Heat-related illnesses can become serious very quickly, especially during the first few weeks of fall sports when temperatures and humidity are still high. Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, unusual fatigue, and difficulty continuing activity. These symptoms should never be ignored and should prompt immediate removal from play, hydration, and cooling.
Q & A
WITH Dr. Jake Fries, Primary Care Provider
More concerning warning signs include confusion, disorientation, loss of balance, unusual behavior, collapse, or loss of consciousness. If an athlete develops any changes in mental status, immediate cooling and emergency medical care are critical. Rapid cooling, ideally through whole-body immersion in cold water, is the most important part of treatment. The key message for parents, coaches, and athletes is simple: recognize the warning signs early, stop activity immediately, and begin rapid cooling. 2. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP HYDRATION TIPS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER PRACTICES OR GAMES, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE OUTSIDE IN THE HEAT? Proper hydration starts before practice or a game begins • Athletes should drink 16–20 ounces of water or a sports drink 2–3 hours before activity • Then another 8–10 ounces about 15–20 minutes before starting • During exercise, especially in the heat, athletes should aim to drink 5–10 ounces every 15–20 minutes rather than waiting until they feel thirsty • After activity, replacing lost fluids is just as important. A simple guideline is to drink about 20 ounces of fluid for every pound of body weight lost during exercise The best strategy is simple: hydrate early, hydrate often, and give your body time to adjust to the heat before intense practices and competitions begin. 3. HOW SHOULD STUDENT-ATHLETES THINK ABOUT FUELING THEIR BODIES FOR PERFORMANCE, RECOVERY AND OVERALL HEALTH DURING A BUSY SCHOOL YEAR? I often tell athletes to think of their body like a high-performance sports car. If you want that car to run at its best, you need to put quality fuel in the tank. The same is true for athletes. Eating enough calories and choosing nutrient-rich foods such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats provides the energy needed for practices, games, and everyday activities. Just as important as nutrition is sleep. Most student-athletes should aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night, as sleep is when the body does much of its recovery, muscle repair, and adaptation to training. 4. WHAT COMMON MISTAKES DO YOUNG ATHLETES MAKE WHEN IT COMES TO REST, NUTRITION OR INJURY PREVENTION, AND WHAT SHOULD FAMILIES DO INSTEAD? One of the most common mistakes young athletes make is simply doing too much, too soon, and not allowing their bodies enough time to recover. A good rule of thumb is that athletes should not participate in organized sports for more hours per week than their age. For example, a 12-year-old athlete should generally avoid exceeding 12 hours of organized sports participation per week. Another common mistake is early sport specialization. While many families believe focusing on one sport year-round will improve performance, research has shown that early specialization can increase the risk of overuse injuries, burnout, and decreased long-term enjoyment of sports. Encouraging participation in multiple sports helps develop a broader range of athletic skills and may reduce injury risk.
CARPOOL , COMMUTERS + COFFEE Running on empty? Not here! Hancock County has plenty of coffee shops to perk you up and get you moving in the right direction during your morning commute.
B A R R E L R A C I N G B A R I S TA S 4346 S 500th W, New Palestine
c off e e f r i y e day?
s y es
BIGGBY 8824 N 600 W, McCordsville SCOOTERS 709 W. Broadway St., Fortville C O F F E E AT T H E C R O S S I N G 7745 N 600 W, McCordsville
DOUGH NUTS 1522 N State St., Greenfield
HITHERTO COFFEE & GA M I N G PA R L O U R 1558 N State St., Greenfield
N I Y YA H 7441 N 600 W, McCordsville
S TA R B U C K S 2049 N State St., 1474 N State St., & 2776 N H L Phelps Dr., near Gateway
TOASTY EMBER 240 S Main St., Fortville
ZIGGI’S COFFEE 2768 N 600 West, Greenfield
B E S T PAC K E D LUNCH OPTIONS TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BAL ANCED LUNCHES When you’re standing looking blankly into the refrigerator wondering “what am I going to feed them?”, remember, you’re not alone. Try these tips and tricks to guide your approach to offering balanced meals: Maintain a “lunchbox wins” list that you can easily reference back to on those days when you’re feeling uninspired. Use fun tools to cut the food into new shapes. And if you’re wondering what in the world “fun tools” are, think child-safe knives, crinkle cutters and cookie cutters (for fun shapes). Don’t give up on offering a food if your kid doesn’t eat it one time. Explore different ways to prepare it and see if you can find one way they enjoy. Use dips to your advantage. Dipping is fun for kids so use hummus, yogurt, guacamole, or nut/seed butter to make fruits and veggies more appealing and boost nutrition. Rotate, don’t reinvent. Kids actually like repetition. Rotate 5–7 balanced lunches instead of trying to create something new every day. Let your kids weigh in and choose. This increases buy-in so ask questions like: Would you prefer grapes or applesauce in your lunch today?
And read the full blog, What Makes a Balanced Kid’s Lunch? A Simple Guide for Parents, or check out this top 100 snack ideas for additional tips and inspiration.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS: HELPING KIDS RESET FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR The start of a new school year can bring a mix of excitement, nerves and big adjustments for kids and families alike. After weeks of later nights, looser routines and summer fun, shifting back into the rhythm of early mornings, full school days, homework and activities can feel like a lot. A few simple steps in the days and weeks leading up to school can help children (and parents!) feel more prepared, rested and confident.
#1
Ease the transition is to rebuild routines gradually rather than waiting until the night before school starts. If summer bedtime has drifted later, begin moving it earlier in small increments. Even shifting bedtime by 10 to 15 minutes every few nights can make the adjustment feel more manageable. At the same time, set a consistent wake-up time so kids can begin getting used to the morning schedule before the first day arrives.
#2
Practicing the morning routine can also help reduce stress. For younger children especially, it may be helpful to walk through each step: getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, packing a backpack and getting out the door. Families can even do a “practice run” a few days before school starts to see how much time everyone needs. This can make the real first morning feel more familiar and less rushed.
#3
The night before is a great time to set kids up for success. Packing backpacks, preparing lunches and laying out clothes can reduce morning stress, while letting children help choose their outfit or pack supplies gives them a sense of ownership. Prioritizing consistent, quality sleep is just as important. Limit screens before bed, establish a calming bedtime routine like reading or quiet music, and
W H AT T O B R I N G TO YOUR CHILD’S
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHYSICAL
keep weekend sleep schedules as consistent as possible to help children stay rested and ready to learn.
#4
It is also important to talk with kids about what the first week of school will look like. Discuss practical details, such as where they will go in the morning, how lunch will work, who will pick them up and what after-school plans will be. Knowing what to expect can ease uncertainty.
#5
A little preparation can help you make the most of your child’s annual checkup or sports physical. Before the appointment, jot down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your child’s doctor, and bring along these essentials:
SCHOOL OR SPORTS PHYSICAL FORMS IMMUNIZATION RECORDS CURRENT MEDICATION LIST
At the same time, make space for children to share how they are feeling. Some may be excited to see friends or meet a new teacher. Others may feel nervous about a
ALLERGY INFORMATION
new classroom, harder schoolwork, social changes or being away from home. Asking simple questions like, “What are you looking
IF APPLICABLE
forward to?” and “Is there anything you’re
GLASSES OR CONTACTS,
QUESTIONS ABOUT SLEEP, STRESS, NUTRITION OR BEHAVIOR
worried about?” can open the door for helpful conversations. Parents do not need to have all the answers; often, listening and reassuring children that their feelings are normal can go a long way.
With gradual changes, consis tent sleep habits and open conversations, families can cre ate a smoother transition from summer to the school yea r. A little preparation now can help kids feel ready to lea rn.
NEED TO SCHEDULE A CHECKUP OR SPORTS PHYSICAL? LEARN MORE HERE
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Alternatives, Inc. for Domestic Violence (866) 593-9999 Eastern Hancock Schools (317) 936-5444 Family and Social Services (800) 403-0864
FORTVILLE
714 E. Broadway St., Fortville, IN 46040 fortville.in.gov
Clerk Treasurer (317) 482-4052
F.A.R.M. (Fortville Area Resource Mission) (317) 203-9060
Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (317) 485-3100
Hancock Area Rural Transit, Non-Emergency Transit (317) 462-1103
Parks and Recreation (317) 482-4063
Hancock County Food Pantry (317) 468-0273 Hancock Health Connection Center for Substance Misuse, Mental Health, and Resource Connections (317) 468-4231 Hope House Homeless Shelter (317) 467-4991 ICAP Emergency Rental Assistance, Child Safety Seat Inspections, Foster Programs, Legal Services, Housing Vouchers (317) 462-2557 ext. 281 Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen (317) 462-1113 LOVE Inc. of Greater Hancock County (317) 477-1147 Quit Line 1-800-QUIT-NOW or text READY to 34191 Suicide Hotline (800) 273-8255 or call/text 988 WIC (317) 462-3552
Police NonEmergency Line (317) 485-4044, Option 1 Town Manager (317) 482-4049 Utilities (317) 482-4047
Planning and Building (317) 482-4050
GREENFIELD 10 S State St., Greenfield, IN 46140 greenfieldin.org
Animal Management (317) 477-4367
Pothole Line (317) 325-1680
Clerk Treasurer (317) 477-4310
Power and Light (317) 477-4370
Greenfield Central Community Schs (317) 462-4344
Street Department (317) 477-4380
Mayor’s Office (317) 477-4300 NineStar Connect (317) 326-3131 Park Cemetery (317) 477-4387 Parks and Recreation (317) 477-4340 Planning (Permits) (317) 477-4320 Police NonEmergency Line (317) 477-4410
Stormwater Utility (317) 325-1376 Utility Billing (317) 477-4330 Vectren Energy Natural Gas (800) 227-1376 Wastewater Department (317) 477-4336 Water Department (317) 477-4350
Click here for more
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Hancock Health Connection Center Resources
MCCORDSVILLE 6280 Wail Rd., McCordsville, IN 46055
mccordsville.org
Police Non-Emergency Line (317) 462-1125 Sanitary Sewer Services (317) 335-3493 Stormwater Utility (317) 335-3493 Town Hall (317) 335-3151 Utilities Office (317) 335-1044
NEW PALESTINE 42 E. Main Street, New Palestine, IN 46163
newpalestine.in.gov
New Palestine Community Schools (317) 861-4463 Police Non-Emergency Line (317) 477-4400 Town Manager, Streets, Stormwater, Treasurer (317) 861-4727
HANCOCK COUNTY www.hancockin.gov
Assessor (317) 477-1102
Auditor (317) 477-1105
Election Office County Clerk (317) 477-1171
Hancock County Jail (317) 477-1158
Health Department (317) 477-1125
Public Libraries Greenfield (317) 462-5141 Sugar Creek (317) 861-6618 Fortville (317) 485-6402
Recorder (317) 477-1142
SHIRLEY 409 Main St, Shirley, IN 47384
townofshirley.com
Emergency Town Maintenance (765) 571-0297 Fire Dept. Non-Emergency Line (765) 738-6590 Police Non-Emergency Dispatch (765) 738-6547 Police Non-Emergency Office (765) 738-0079 Town Clerk (765) 738-6381 Town Council (765) 354-6561 Utility Office (765) 738-6561
Recycling & Solid Waste Management (317) 462-1113
Sheriff’s Office Admin (317) 477-1147
Traffic Safety Tip Line (317) 477-7332
Treasurer (317) 477-1152
Veteran’s Services (317) 462-8767