Health Possible - Issue 08, Spring 2021

LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR REAL LIVES

H A N C O C K H E A LT H I S S U E 08 | SPR I NG 2021

HEALTH POSSIBLE NOW MORE THAN EVER

Including T H R E E J O U R N E YS , O N E P U R P O S E: L OV E PHYSICIANS EMBODY HANCOCK HEALTH CULTURE: LIVING OUR VALUES EVERY DAY | 6

H E A LT H Y 3 6 5 CONTINUING TO GROW COMMUNITY RESOURCES | 11

W H AT YO U N E E D T O K N OW MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH | 15

P L U S: RESOURCES FOR HEALTH POSSIBLE, INCLUDING HEALTHY365 CONNECTION CENTER & GATEWAY

GET FIT WITH YOUR BUD See page 14

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I S S U E # 87

PG. 5

CONTENTS

A Few Ideas to START With A WORD FROM STEVE

Hear From Our President PG. 6

THREE JOURNEYS

Physicians Who L.O.V.E. PG. 8

EGGCELLENT RECIPES

THREE JOURNEYS. ONE PURPOSE | PG. 6

Physicians Who L.O.V.E.

Savory and Sweet Eats for March PG. 10

R E L AT I O N S H I P S E V O LV E

In The Wake of COVID-19 PG. 11

H E A LT H Y 3 6 5

Growing Community Resources

W H AT ' S C O O K I N G | P G . 8

No hiding these eggs PG. 12

S T R O N G FA M I LY T I E S

Two Docs, One Last Name PG. 13

G AT E WAY

Easy Access for Everyone PG. 14

GET FIT

Perks of a Fitness Buddy PG. 15

W H AT YO U N E E D T O K N O W

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

W H AT YO U N E E D T O K N O W | P G . 1 5

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

H E A LT H P O S S I B L E . O R G

PG.3

A Walk a Day Is Good for Body, Mind and Soul

INFORMATION. INSPIRATION. FUN. Explore the all-new HealthPossible.org

A NOTE ON SUPPORT GROUPS & CLASSES Our in-person support groups and classes are on hiatus due to the coronavirus but will return just as soon as it’s considered safe for all.

In the meantime, you can still join our Hancock Wellness Center team on our Facebook pages for online video workouts and classes (both live and replays).

Questions?

Call us at 317-468-4708

HEALTH POSSIBLE

This past year, we have demonstrated how we can work together. As the virus crept across the globe last spring, local leaders of government, business, education, non-profit, law enforcement, media and healthcare worked together to create a response that worked best for Hancock County. It was an approach that balanced the very real threat of the disease with common-sense approaches to save as much of our local economy as possible.

S T E V E L O N G, P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O, H A N C O C K H E A LT H It is hard to believe that one year ago, we were just beginning the long journey through a pandemic. Ultimately, more than 130 Hancock County residents would die from COVID-related complications, and 7,500-plus would test positive. Few could fathom that eLearning, Zoom meetings and curbside pick-up at restaurants would become a way of life for nearly 12 months.

Today, I believe we are mere months away from hosting mask-burning parties in our back yards. We have the capacity to vaccinate every eligible adult in our county by the end of summer, thus breaking the stranglehold the virus has had on our lives.

But we must all choose to get the shot.

Masks quickly became the calling card of the pandemic as did elbow bumps and awkward moments when we inadvertently invaded each other’s space. Thousands of face masks were created locally, and tens of thousands more were procured and distributed countywide. Economic development officials took advantage of the massive move toward online shopping and procured more than $1B in investment in warehousing and distribution facilities, resulting in some of the largest distribution companies in the world choosing our county for new construction.

The Health Department and Hancock Regional Hospital worked together to create exceptional access to COVID testing, with nearly 39,000 residents receiving almost 90,000 tests so far. Later, an exceptional monoclonal antibody infusion center was rapidly created and processed more than 500 patients in six short weeks. And then the vaccine arrived.

Hancock Regional was one of 50 hospitals in the state who received the initial doses of the first vaccines a few days before Christmas.

More than 500 vaccinations per day are currently being provided across our county in multiple locations with plans in place to double that number when the state receives additional supplies. To date, more than 17,000 citizens of Hancock County have received their initial dose of vaccine, with more than

WELCOME

“NORMAL” IS WITHIN REACH … WITH THE SHOT 10,000 of those having received both doses.

With this good news, one might be tempted to think the pandemic is over, and we can go back to normal life. While it is true that 10,000 people have achieved immunity via the vaccine, and perhaps 16,000 have likely had the disease (double the official figure of nearly 8,000), that still leaves us 30,000 short of herd immunity (56,000 = 70% of the county population). More than half the people in our county still have no immunity to the rapidly mutating, more infectious, coronavirus.

More than 300 million people worldwide have received at least one injection, including 90 million in America, and more than a million in Indiana. Side effects are minor, and effectiveness appears to be even better than originally thought.

Medical professional societies have given their approval for almost all groups to get the shot, including reassurances that there is no known impact on fertility. Employers will be removing safety nets for sick leave usage when the vaccine is available to all. Airlines may require proof of immunity to travel, especially internationally. Mask-free social gatherings for those with immunity are already commencing. In short, the reasons to get the shot are mounting quickly, while the reasons to hesitate are diminishing.

Make the decision to do your part to end the pandemic early and get your shot as soon as it is available to you!

Learn more at ISDH.org and hancockregional.org.

H E A LT H P O S S I B L E . O R G

PG.5

PHYSICIANS EMBODY HRH CULTURE: LIVING OUR VALUES EVERY DAY

Three Journeys, One Purpose: LOVE

Attending Indiana University School of Medicine, the native Hoosier set her sights on being a neurosurgeon, despite a personality profile index that pointed her to radiology oncology. But a series of happenstance encounters with radiation oncologists — a mother’s friend and a random seatmate during a flight — caused a reconsideration.

Since 1933, the grateful public has formally recognized Doctor’s Day to express appreciation for the lifesaving work of physicians.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush recognized the numerous contributions of physicians by formally designating March 30 as National Doctors’ Day. During the last year, there have been countless instances of healthcare professionals being recognized for their epic efforts during an unprecedented pandemic.

It only seems fitting that on National Doctors’ Day 2021, we highlight three Hancock Regional physicians who have provided both their leadership and medical skills to our community long before COVID-19 hijacked lives and upended healthcare.

PG.6

ISSUE #8

DR. JULIA COMPTON The president of Hancock Physician Network (HPN) wasn’t even sure she wanted to be a doctor.

Julia Compton, M.D., initially hesitated on her commitment to becoming a physician, taking a position as a microbiologist at Eli Lilly following undergraduate studies at Indiana University. The job that followed — a consultant to hospitals — would put her in conversations with chief medical officers in which the topic turned to medicine.

“Obviously, medicine was my passion,” says Dr. Compton.

Since 2014, she has served patients from Hancock County and surrounding communities, first as a radiation oncologist and then as the president of HPN. “I had the opportunity and privilege of being part of the team that opened the Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center in 2015,” she says. For her, that accomplishment goes beyond providing a strictly medical treatment.

“The biggest element for someone diagnosed with cancer is finding a place that really cares and will wrap around both that patient and their family,” she says. “Cancer is scary.

It was really important to me that patients have resources in the room to guide them through treatment and answer questions, having dieticians and nutritionists checking in with them, and providing support groups throughout their treatment.”

Participating in that journey has been one of the most rewarding facets of Dr.

DR. MICHAEL FLETCHER

Just a few months prior to the pandemic’s deadly spread, Dr. Compton began her role heading up HPN. From her vantage point, she has seen some of the best healthcare professionals make something extraordinary from something worse than anyone ever anticipated.

“Throughout the months, creating processes with my physician peers that impact the whole community has been remarkable,” she says. “I witnessed physicians coming together like I never have, helping the community while keeping themselves safe. It was incredible.

The speed in which we could make changes, share ideas and allow people to create and innovate was totally awe-inspiring.”

Perhaps what Dr. Compton likes best about serving Hancock Regional patients is the idea that the physicians and clinical staff are what she terms “very high-value healthcare” in a setting in which those treating you might be a parent of your child’s classmate, a neighbor or a former schoolmate. “You can get clinical care anywhere, but that feeling of knowing and trusting your medical team? We do that incredibly well.”

DR. STEPHEN FLINK Like Dr. Compton, Stephen Flink, M.D., hadn’t been focused on the medical profession when he majored in chemistry at Wabash College. “But then I started doing clinical research and thought it was sort of boring,” he says.

What he did like was analyzing and figuring out complex problems, which led him down the vocational path to internal medicine.

“Being an internist is like being a detective.

You are establishing a diagnosis through clues in one’s history, physical symptoms and test results,” he explains. “And then I made a rather surprising discovery in that I really enjoyed the relationships I had with patients. I’m not just treating a disease, but I’m taking care of someone with whom I have a relationship.”

He’s been doing that for a good part of four decades. Now 71, Dr. Flink serves as the medical director for HPN, a job he started on a part-time basis while still practicing medicine.

Another internal medicine physician, Dr. Michael Fletcher, Chief Medical Officer of Hancock Regional Hospital, believesthe combination of being scientifically inclined and a “people person” led him down the road to medicine. And he contends he’s never been “to work” a day in his life.

While he never had much interest in the administrative side of healthcare, he believes his professional experiences allow him to navigate both the healthcare professional side as well as the administration perspective. “It’s very different. Lots of meetings, collaboration and long-term projects. But most physicians are lifelong learners. I still enjoy learning, and I love winning,” he says. “I want to do everything I can to help our physicians attain the very best outcomes for patients.”

He knows firsthand the challenges physicians face and notes that once he stopped practicing, that difficulty became even more clear. “Most people really don’t have an idea how hard it is. You’re making hundreds of critical decisions every day, figuring out how to address numerous coexisting health issues, and there’s no rest.

When I stopped practicing medicine, in retrospect, I couldn’t believe I ever worked that hard!

“But it’s a very fulfilling occupation,” he continues. “You have an intellectual challenge; you’re getting to help people who are grateful; and you’re making a difference in their lives.”

“Enjoying working with people and making a difference, valuing being there for people when they’re at difficult times in their lives married with the science of internal medicine was definitely a draw,” he reflects. Like Dr. Flink, he enjoys the detective work of diagnosis. “The ability to put together information — the clues — to solve a diagnosis is intellectually very stimulating. When you figure it out, it’s so rewarding. By far, the most difficult thing about being a physician is to find the time to be as thorough in the care of patients as you want while balancing that with personal and family time.”

But challenges seem few when patients put things in perspective. “I remember walking down the hall of the hospital, and a man walked up to me and said, ‘You saved my life.’ That is the reward, the meaningfulness as a physician,” he says.

You always want to think about, ‘What if that was my wife, mom, child?’ Being a physician is also about being empathetic and making that personal connection.”

Practicing at Hancock Regional Hospital since 1989, he believes that both the quality and breadth of service providing healthcare is something of which to be proud. “We have an exceptional medical staff that really embraces and lives our values. We also have very proficient physicians and specialists who have excellent training. Really, almost any healthcare service you need, we have the specialist to take care of that right here, within Hancock Health.”

Dr. Flink believes he is helping patients receive the best care physically, emotionally, spiritually … even extending the offer to pray together if that was something they sought. “Some people aren’t interested in it, but for some, it’s very important to their healing. I have prayed about my position here often, and I have no doubt the Lord led me here.”

H E A LT H P O S S I B L E . O R G

PG.7

LOVE

Participating in that journey has been one of the most rewarding facets of Dr. Compton’s career. “Getting to walk with patients through the entire journey; holding their hands and saying, ‘WE are going to get through it’; watching them experience some of the hardest parts of their lives, and then giving them a high-five when treatment is done … it’s amazing.”

EGGCELLENT RECIPES FOR SPRING #HealthPossible Breakfast does the body good Eggs have long been considered a pretty perfect food. Just hard-boiled, they pack a powerful protein punch (6.3 grams) and have only 77 calories. Furthermore, eggs offer a complete range of amino acids, which means they are a complete protein source. They also offer various important nutrients, including vitamin D, zinc, calcium and all of the B vitamins. They’re a particularly good source of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin B12.

Nonetheless, just serving a brunch guest a hard-boiled egg will not bode well for your hostess skills. So, if you’ve got a brunch on the books for the near future, OR you just want to make a breakfast you can grab and go over the course of a week, read on!

Whole30 Veggie-Packed Breakfast Frittata INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp extra-virgin

olive oil 1 small

green bell

pepper, diced 1 small red bell

pepper, diced 1/2

red onion, thinly sliced

2 cups packed baby spinach

2 cups sun-dried

tomatoes (not

packed in oil), chopped 1 clove garlic, sliced 10 large eggs, beaten

Kosher salt

and freshly

ground black pepper

Hot sauce, for serving

This is perfect for an easy, on-the-go breakfast (bake in muffin tins for individual servings!).

It’s packed with veggies and can be stored in the fridge up to a week. Eat it hot or cold, your choice.

INSTRUCTIONS

•

Preheat oven to 375°F.

•

Heat oil in a medium-size, oven-safe, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until spinach is just wilted but still vibrant green, about 1 minute.

• Reduce heat to low and add the eggs,

1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds

of black pepper. Stir gently to distribute

vegetables. Bake until set, 13 to 15 minutes.

•

Let stand 5 minutes, then slice into 6 pieces. Serve with hot sauce.

•

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

— Food Network Kitchen

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ISSUE #8

Family Fav: The Breakfast Casserole INSTRUCTIONS

IN THE MORNING:

6 cups cubed white bread (1" cubes)

5 eggs

•

Lightly grease a 9 x 13

1.

Remove casserole from

glass baking dish.

refrigerator and uncover.

2 cups milk

•

Mix bread and ham

Let sit at room temperature

in baking dish.

while oven preheats to 325°F.

•

Sprinkle with

2.

Once oven is preheated,

shredded cheese.

place uncovered casserole

•

In a bowl, beat eggs,

in oven and bake at 325°F for

then mix in milk, dry

1 hour. Remove from oven.

mustard, salt, pepper

Let cool 5 minutes before

and garlic powder.

cutting and serving.

•

Pour over ham and

3.

Refrigerate any leftovers.

bread mixture.

•

Pour melted butter over all.

•

Cover and refrigerate

2 cups cubed

precooked ham (1/2" cubes), bacon or breakfast sausage, crumbled

1/2 tsp ground mustard 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 cup salted butter, 2 cups shredded melted sharp-cheddar cheese

RECIPES

INGREDIENTS

overnight.

D A LWAY S RANDMA/FRIEN ON YOUR MOM/G S A E R A S ’ E R E TO LOVE? IS, BUT TH L . W H AT ’ S N O T O B A B LY H A D T H KE-AHEAD MEA A M EVERYONE’S PR A ) 3 D N A E ) V E R S AT I L T’S 1) DELISH 2 P R E PA R E D I T. I

FIND MORE IDEAS FOR

Bread-Based Breakfast Casserole

H E A LT H Y F O O D A N D B E T T E R L I V I N G AT H E A LT H P O S S I B L E . O R G

H E A LT H P O S S I B L E . O R G

PG.9

R E L AT I O N S H I P S

RELATIONSHIPS EVOLVE IN WAKE OF COVID-19 Being stuck somewhere with other humans is the start of as many romances as horror stories. Isolation and familiarity apparently are as likely to spark flames of love as they are to burn everyone alive.

Feeling singed after months of lockdown?

China saw an increase in divorce after its coronavirus lockdown, but here in the United States, early results aren’t as daunting. Twice as many couples said they’re arguing less than couples who reported arguing more.

How? Maybe by following some of these relationship truths that have emerged as we’ve adjusted to life during COVID.

GIVE EACH OTHER SOME GRACE. When was the last time you dealt with a global pandemic? Exactly. Even the luckiest among us is facing unprecedented stress. And stress tends to mean a lot of unpleasant relationship repercussions, like a shorter fuse and irritability. Try to watch your tone and keep in mind that your partner’s tone probably has little to do with you and everything to do with the weight of the world he or she is carrying. You might be able to offer the softer tone that leads to a productive conversation.

LEAN ON YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK. One person can’t be everything to you, even if you’re looking at just one face all day, every day. You may not be able to

NOVELTY MATTERS.

throw your arms around your friends, but

Even though you’re eating breakfast for

making sure you connect with them can

dinner for the thousandth time this year

relieve pressure in your relationship.

and looking at the same four walls, you

can introduce something new, and doing

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE.

so is worth the effort. New stuff means

You’re feeling surly, trapped and worried.

dopamine, which means YAY! individually

Your partner is blasting that one Fiona

and as a couple. Spice up your takeout

Apple song for the hundred-billionth

routine, sure, but look also for new

time, wearing the same sweater they’ve

activities that you can do together.

had on for a week. It might be a good

LISTEN MORE THAN YOU TALK.

through the many things you love about

Being together more doesn’t mean you

this person. Too tough to ponder at this

magically understand each other better, and a general rule of successful couples is that each partner has to listen to the other. It takes practice but does a ton to help understanding and empathy, which happen to be superb qualities in a partner.

time for meditation or for thinking

exact moment? Table it and find some of the positives in your life outside of this relationship. Sometimes you have to start elsewhere. That’s OK. Once you build up that positivity muscle, you can get back to focusing on what you love about the person who shares your life and accepting the things that drive you crazy.

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Healthy365 Continues to Grow Community Resources This month launches a new, easierto-navigate website and increased community outreach through digital channels and public relations efforts.

THE BEGINNING Healthy365 began five years ago with the intention to create an easier transition for residents seeking mental health support in Hancock County. Before the founding of this organization, patients had to slog through heaps of information to find the right provider for their needs. The problem was obvious: Those suffering from addiction, depression, anxiety and myriad other challenges don’t need another roadblock to getting muchneeded assistance.

The initiative is a direct result of public input from a community health–needs assessment supporting the concept that identified navigation — connecting clients with resources — as a priority.

Healthy365 was launched focusing on mental fitness, workplace wellness and healthier choices in an effort to enhance the overall health of Hancock County. Since then, a Congregational Network was added to connect with local ministries and faith leaders. In addition, a System of Care was established as a

collaborative support system for youth and families in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment.

H ERAELCTIHP YE 3S 6 5

Slightly more than one year ago, the brick-and-mortar Healthy365 Connection Center opened its doors.

The Healthy365 Connection Center and its team of support navigators help residents eliminate barriers, whether bare cupboards, an empty gas tank, medical issues or drug addiction. They assess needs and find solutions for overall wellness: mind, body and spirit.

THE DOORS OPEN Healthy365 and its staff are dedicated to assisting patients by finding an appropriate provider, setting up meetings and consultations and providing support along the way. When the Connection Center established its physical presence in January 2020, it allowed people to walk into an actual location and ask for help. This aided Healthy365 in providing even greater support to the community in a more intimate way.

The Connection Center has consistently created contacts and collaborations among many organizations and individuals in Hancock County, all striving to help residents navigate life’s challenges. By August 2020, only eight months into opening its doors, the Connection Center had referred 325 patients for navigation, had 230 referrals to the Hancock Health Congregational Network, and had made 794 referrals through its navigation services.

The Healthy365 Connection Center is conveniently designed to provide access to countywide services and resources all in one place. The 10-room center includes an inviting and homey waiting room, a cozy family meeting room with a centrally located computer where a Support Navigator can help clients apply for Medicaid, food stamps, housing or more.

In addition, the Center includes a large meeting space that can accommodate up to 20 people for support group meetings, staff training and professional development sessions and public classes on first aid and CPR. For more information, visit Healthy365 online at behealthy.org or contact the Connection Center at 317-468-4231, or visit them at 120 W. McKenzie Rd., Suite G, in Greenfield.

HHEEAALLTTHHPPOOSSSSIIBBLLEE..OORRGG

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C L AY S T R O N G , M . D .

HANCOCK ORTHOPEDICS 8 0 1 N O R T H S TAT E S T R E E T, SUITE 2100, GREENFIELD, IN 46140 (317) 47 7-6683

T

wo docs, one last name and

inspiration from his father, Dr. Rick

a mutual commitment to positive

Strong, a general surgeon practicing in

patient outcomes.

New Castle. “I wanted to be a part of a hospital that serves community directly

The vocational inspiration for Hancock

and in an intimate fashion. I watched

Regional OB/GYN Molly Strong, M.D., came

my dad do it for 35 years,” he says. “I saw

from a Washington, D.C., women’s clinic.

that this approach was also the goal of

She was volunteering there, working with

Hancock Health’s leadership. I’m really

teen mothers, when she picked a career

happy here.”

in obstetrics and gynecology.

His sister-in-law concurs. She wants

M O L LY S T R O N G , M . D .

HANCOCK OB/GYN 300 EAST BOYD, SUITE 208, GREENFIELD, IN 46140 (317) 462-5544

“I fell in love with the way you can

women to feel like her office is the right

empower a woman during pregnancy. The

place to express themselves and build

young women I worked with were at a

a plan to meet any goals they have, from

pivotal point in their lives, and I loved that

weight loss and increasing daily energy

I could form a relationship with them and

to scheduling routine screenings.

become a guide,” she says. “Later, as I learned more about the gynecology side

“They should expect that when they call

of it, I felt it was the same — just working

us, any issues they’re having are going

hand in hand with women to improve

to be handled quickly and efficiently.

their lives.”

And that’s part of the culture at Hancock Health. The people who work

Meanwhile, her brother-in-law, Clayton

here have real, authentic compassion

Strong, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon for

and care for the patients,” she says.

Hancock Regional Hospital, gained his

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ISSUE #8

Easy and affordable imaging, labs, screenings and an urgent care Hoosiers residing in Hancock County have access to many G AT E WAY

different paths toward wellness, including Hancock Regional Hospital, which has already proven itself to be one of the best county hospitals in Indiana. To continue its upward trajectory of offering patients the best quality of care, Hancock Health opened the doors to Gateway in 2019 for outpatient needs and services.

EASY ACCESS FOR EVERYONE Gateway is a one-stop wellness destination for patients of Hancock Health, offering convenient and affordable labs, imaging and more. There are few things worse than feeling ill or having a sick family member. If you add the juggling of doctors’ appointments, pricey bills or the confusing number of tests and screenings to the physical and emotional stress of illness, it creates even more strain. Gateway aims to take the pressure off patients by providing easy-to-access services that are both high in quality and low in cost.

Gateway’s immediate care clinic offers high-tech care with customer service in mind. Whether your child has an ear infection, your family needs flu shots or you’re worried about a minor injury, the staff at Gateway is there to help you with those as well as any other concerns. By offering convenient hours

Gateway Committed to

ACCESSIBLE HEALTH SERVICES

and a wait time tracker on their easy-to-navigate website, they have managed to make quality care accessible for all, even those who work odd hours or have families in their care. Residents of Hancock County can make appointments online or walk in when needed.

STATE-OF-THE-ART, LOW-COST SCREENINGS Usually CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds and MRIs are not only costly but can take awhile to schedule. Gateway offers state-ofthe-art imaging at lower prices because they work directly with you, the consumer. Convenient scheduling also allows patients to get results faster. The same goes for chemistry screenings, diabetes screenings, immunization status tests, liver function tests, nutrition tests, sexually transmitted disease testing, thyroid screenings and both women’s and men’s health screenings.

At a time when health is forefront in our minds, Gateway offers an easy way to ensure that you are taking care of yourself and your family. Gateway is located at 6189 W. John L. Modglin Dr. in Greenfield, less than 15 minutes from New Palestine, McCordsville and east Indy. Visit hancockgateway.org for more information or to schedule an appointment.

H E A LT H P O S S I B L E . O R G

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S NG S TAY E C T II O NW T IETLL L E

SIX PERKS

TO HAVING A FITNESS BUDDY

What’s the most important factor in the long-term success of implementing healthy changes? Not willpower or selfmotivation. It’s a strong support system.

Even as the pandemic wanes, you can connect with a workout buddy virtually or in person while practicing social distancing. Here are six ways a fitness friend helps you hit your goals.

SHOWING UP Appointments help follow-through. No one feels good flaking on a commitment with another, but we barely notice standing ourselves up. Partner accountability gets you out of bed and geared up on a winter morning; when your partner is you, you can have a cozy chat that results in hitting snooze four more times.

COMPETITION/ENCOURAGEMENT Competition and encouragement are powerful motivators.

Your cohort can keep saying, “You got this!” as you finish the final set and threaten to send your secret crush sweaty postsession pics if you don’t. Their own progress is inspiration for you to improve.

INJURY PREVENTION Another set of eyes prevents injuries. You may not feel or even see in a mirror that you’re leaning forward during a weighted back squat, a form error you’ll feel in your neck and shoulders tomorrow. Your workout partner can correct you until you learn how the proper form feels.

MOVING AND CONNECTING Sitting is the new smoking; loneliness is the new obesity.

Studies show growing evidence that both sitting and loneliness are serious health risks. Regularly working out with someone gives you the benefits of movement and spending time with a friend, both of which reduce stress.

INPUT If you’re not enjoying exercise or aren’t making progress, you’re in a rut. It’s hard to get fired up to work the same set of 8-pound dumbbells you’ve been lifting for six months when in a rut. Two friends with their own separate experiences can bring new light and life to rejuvenate a boring routine.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT You’ve never enjoyed exercise? Many people mistakenly believe lifestyle changes need to be big and are made solely through willpower. Health goals that consider only the body leave out a big part of the equation. Fitness partners engage body, mind and soul, and create a ripple effect: Healthy activities create other healthy habits.

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ISSUE #8

EN N TTIIOT N SPE R CET V IO LE

March is

COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH What You Need to Know H E A LT H P O S S I B L E . O R G

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Did You

KNOW?

These celebrities all battled colorectal cancer.

CHADWICK BOSEMAN

CHARLES M. SCHULZ

The actor, who played King T’Challa in Black Panther and baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 42 , died of colon cancer at age 43.

The man behind the legendary comic strip “Peanuts,” Charles Schulz brought Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and Snoopy to readers in 75 countries in thousands of newspapers each week for nearly 50 years.

D AV E H A H N “When you have cancer, you’re scared; you don’t know what’s around the corner.

But when you feel like you’re with family, it makes it a lot easier.”

DARRYL STRAWBERRY

SHARON OSBOURNE

The power player for both the New York Mets and New York Yankee was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1998 at age 36 and again two years later. Today he and his wife, Tracy, run recovery centers in Florida and Texas.

Sharon opened up about her colon cancer diagnosis in 2003 on her reality TV show, The Osbournes. The cameras followed her from diagnosis and treatment to remission.

After her recovery, she created the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program to help others living with the disease.

AUDREY HEPBURN

SAM SIMON

The iconic queen of style who brough Holly Golightly and Eliza Doolittle to life on screen spent her later years as a humanitarian. She developed colon cancer and died from the disease in 1993.

A nine-time Emmy winner, he wrote episodes of Cheers, Taxi and It’s Garry Shandling’s Show before collaborating on TV’s long-running animated hit The Simpsons. He died in 2015 of colon cancer at age 59.

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I ISSSSUUEE ##88

C AT H E R I N E C U S T E R “It’s been so important to me to have a place to go for treatment that’s so close to my home.”

WHAT IT IS Colorectal cancer is the third mostdiagnosed form of cancer. It’s called a few different names, including colon cancer, bowel cancer and rectal cancer, but all refer to a cancer originating in

A PERSONAL TOUCH

within the colon or rectum. Polyps,

In 2000, Dave Hahn, director of

although many times not cancerous, can

construction at Hancock Regional

become cancerous over time, which is

Hospital, received a CRC diagnosis.

why it’s important to take this screening

He knew he needed both a surgeon and

seriously. Other ways to protect yourself

a place for treatment. It didn’t take him

from developing risk factors include

long to decide on Hancock Regional

getting a moderate amount of physical

Hospital for both. Even though it’s a

activity regularly and maintaining a

smaller hospital, Dave knew from his

healthy diet with plenty of fiber, fruits

experience of working with the doctors

and vegetables.

and nurses every day that he was making the right choice.

factors, you should talk to your doctor

the colon or rectum. Cancer refers to abnormal cells growing in an area of the body and crowding out normal cells, leading to disfunction. In cases where CRC has progressed, metastasis can be found in the bladder, uterus, prostate

“I didn’t want to feel like a number,” he

about getting regular colonoscopies

says. “When you have cancer, you’re

starting now. This early detection tool

scared; you don’t know what’s around

saves lives, especially in a disease with

the corner. But when you feel like you’re

which symptoms may not appear until

with family, it makes it a lot easier.”

later stages of progression.

Dave was pleased with the personal

ADVENTUROUS SURVIVOR

touch of Hancock Regional and even

“I like to go places where I see beautiful

made friends with other CRC patients.

things,” Catherine Custer says. “I love

He is still in remission 20 years later

hiking and backpacking, being outdoors,

and attributes his good-outcome

because it gives me peace. I tell my

experience to the skill of the doctors

friends all the time, it’s good for my soul.”

and other surrounding organs and tissues. Symptoms to watch for include bleeding or blood in the stool, pain, abdominal cramping, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

WHO’S AT RISK This particular form of cancer affects men 30% more often than women.

Almost all cases are diagnosed in people age 50 and older, with roughly 12% diagnosed in younger individuals (American Cancer Society). Other risk factors include inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, family history and genetics.

Certain lifestyle factors make one more at risk of developing CRC, including a lack of physical activity, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, increased consumption

Even if you aren’t yet 50 but have risk

and staff as well as their “truly caring attitude.”

As the mother of two teenagers, an investigator in the local prosecutor’s

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

office and the biggest cheerleader for her

Dave was lucky he caught it early, but

husband’s family business, Catherine stays

numbers are steadily improving for this

busy. But her mind is always wandering

type of cancer. The five-year survival

to the thought of her next outdoor

rate for CRC tends to be around 80%.

adventure. “Snowmobile, fishing, boating,

However, this lies in early detection

water skiing and recreation. That’s what

and the overall health of the individual.

I love.”

Colonoscopies are routinely prescribed for those aged 50 and older as a method to detect polyps or other abnormalities

of processed meats, obesity, alcohol consumption and tobacco use.

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Getting a cancer diagnosis can be incredibly scary and overwhelming.

This is especially true when it comes to something as difficult to recover from as colorectal cancer (CRC). Successful treatment of this disease lies in early detection, which is why it is important to bring awareness to screening methods and symptoms as well as risk factors.

But when Catherine was diagnosed with

Discouraged by her diagnosis, Catherine

Now Catherine’s back hiking. With a

state IV colon cancer, she was forced to

sought second and third opinions in

lake house in northern Michigan, she

reduce her hikes and begin the journey

Indianapolis and Michigan. “I went to

has plenty of opportunities to escape.

for treatment. She ultimately chose the

other places and got a second opinion to

oncology program at Hancock Health’s

see if anybody could do anything more or

And even though Chase was there for

Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center for

different, and everybody always seemed to

his mom’s diagnosis and drove her to

her treatment.

be on the same page as Dr. Hayek,” she says.

many of her treatments, he doesn’t let her use cancer as an excuse when

A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM

“I’m going to do this for the rest of my life,”

they’re out on the mountain. “Last time

Born and raised in Rush County,

Catherine says about her maintenance

we were in Marquette, two weeks ago,

Catherine still lives in the area with her

chemotherapy regimen at the Sue Ann

he made me hike the difficult way up

husband and daughter. Her son, Chase, is

Wortman Cancer Center. “The goal is just

this mountain instead of taking the

now a freshman soccer player at Northern

to prevent it from spreading further at this

easier incline,” she asserts. “He pushes

Michigan University. “It has been a good

point. It’s one less drug. It’s faster, and it’s

me. Some days I’m like, ‘Hey, this is

place to raise kids,” she says of their home,

easier on me.”

hard on me.’ And he’s like, ‘Get over it.’

“because you know everybody.”

My kids keep me humble.”

BACK ON THE TRAIL Catherine’s cancer was discovered when

Though she’s cut back, Catherine is hardly

And she credits Hancock Health with

she went to the emergency room after

sitting on the sideline. She credits her close

getting her back out into the woods.

being unable to keep food down for a

relationship with her Hancock Health nurse

“Thanks to Hancock Health, I’m back

couple of days. Her oncologist, Dr. Fadi

navigator as giving her the confidence to

doing what I love,” Catherine says. “I’m

Hayek, recommended an intensive round

take chances and stay active. “I went on a

ready to hit the trail again.”

of chemotherapy.

vacation, and I didn’t tell Dr. Hayek because I knew he would tell me no,” she whispers

Hancock Health System is dedicated

Unfortunately, Catherine’s cancer spread

with a wry smile. “So, I just didn’t ask. She’s

to ensuring our patients’ health and

to her bladder and liver. Dr. Hayek

just like, ‘You tell us this stuff. Not Dr.

well-being. If you have questions or

informed her that she would likely never

Hayek.’ So that’s nice, too.”

are concerned about your risk for

be cured, but with ongoing treatment,

colorectal cancer, contact a physician

they would work to contain the disease

She appreciates the convenient care

and she could still live a long, relatively

Hancock Health provides. “It’s been so

normal life.

important to me to have a place to go for treatment that’s so close to my home,” she says. “There are a lot of days, especially after treatment, when you just do not feel very good at all. To have a shorter drive versus having to drive home an hour when you’re feeling sick to your stomach or lightheaded makes it a lot easier.”

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ISSUE #8

through our Physician Network today!

According to the American Cancer Society, you should contact a physician if you experience any of the following symptoms

• A CHANGE IN BOWEL HABITS, SUCH AS DIARRHEA, CONSTIPATION OR NARROWING OF THE STOOL • A FEELING THAT YOU NEED TO HAVE A BOWEL MOVEMENT THAT’S NOT RELIEVED BY HAVING ONE

Signs and Symptoms of

COLORECTAL CANCER

• RECTAL BLEEDING WITH BRIGHT RED BLOOD • BLOOD IN THE STOOL, WHICH MIGHT MAKE THE STOOL LOOK DARK BROWN OR BLACK • CRAMPING OR ABDOMINAL (BELLY) PAIN • WEAKNESS AND FATIGUE • UNINTENDED WEIGHT LOSS

H E A LT H P O S S I B L E . O R G

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for more than a few days:

THE CARE YOU NEED WHEN AND WHERE YOU NEED IT. Find a Hancock physician of your own. Now accpeting new patients for safer virtual and in-person appointments

801 N State St Greenfield, IN 46140