Healthpossible Magazine - November, 2021

LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR REAL LIVES

H A N C O C K H E A LT H I S S U E 1 1 | FA L L 2021

Including FA L L F I T N E S S GET OUT AND ENJOY FALL | 6

YO U R F I R S T D I A B E T I C T H A N KS G I V I N G YOU CAN STILL HAVE A DELICIOUS DAY | 14

H AU L O U T T H E H O L LY IS IT TIME FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TO YOUR LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE? | 16

P L U S: PUT THOSE NEWFOUND DIY SKILLS TO WORK | 18 IS IT TIME FOR A THERAPIST? | 20

COOL SEASON FITNESS See page 8

PG.X 2

I S S U E # 171

PG. 05

CONTENTS

A Few Ideas to START With A WORD FROM STEVE

Hear From Our President PG. 06

FA L L F I T N E S S

Create Movement With Family Chores Get Out and Enjoy Fall in Hancock County PG. 10

FA L L F I T N E S S | P G. 6

Create Movement With Chores

PUMPKIN: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE FUN

Enjoying This Fall Veggie Beyond Pumpkin Spice!

PG. 12

RECIPES

Pass the Pumpkin, Please!

PG. 14

YOUR FIRST DIABETIC THANKSGIVING

You Can Still Have a Pretty Delicious Day PG. 16

W H AT ' S C O O K I N G | P G . 1 2

Pumpkin-Packed Recipes

H A U L O U T T H E H O L LY

Is It Time for an Alternative to Your Live Tree?

Put Those Newfound DIY Skills to Work PG. 20

IS IT TIME FOR A THERAPIST?

After the Last 2 Years, It’s Worth Considering

LOOKING FOR THERAPY | PG. 20

Time to Find a Therapist?

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

PG.3

A NOTE ON SUPPORT GROUPS & CLASSES Our in-person support groups and classes are on hiatus due to the

INFORMATION. INSPIRATION. FUN. It’s about living in a more intentionally healthy way.

HealthPossible.org

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

He has a Lily Pad that acts as “good-will central” for employees wanting to share some kudos with their fellow Hancock team members, sending messages of encouragement, gift cards and even days off for a job well done. Now he’s venturing outside Hancock Regional Hospital and can be seen at community events as Hancock County’s biggest (and most orange) cheerleader.

When I say I’m “Hank-ful,” it doesn’t mean that I’m donning the orange frog suit (though that might have been suggested).

It means that I’m filled with gratitude for 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

those people with whom I am privileged to work day in and day out. And in this season of giving thanks, it seems only appropriate

Last summer, we introduced our Hancock Health mascot, Hank.

that I reiterate how thankful I am for these

An orange frog, standing more than 6 feet

People like Billie White, a receptionist at

tall from his webby feet to the top of his

Hancock Pediatrics, who is changing the

big, brown eyes, he embodies the positive

lives of some of our most precious and

characteristics that we’ve seen on display

vulnerable community members. She and

as our organization faced the stress of

her husband, Jake, are foster parents who

overwork and uncertainty. The name

have provided a home for 11 children over

“Hank” represents “Hancock is Awesome,

the past nine years, including three they

Nurturing and Kind.”

have adopted into their family.

people.

WELCOME

I AM HANK-FUL Or Healthy365 Congregational Health Navigator Laura Baker, who is spreading waves of positivity throughout Hancock County as she encourages people to prioritize their mental health as much as they do their physical health. Laura draws from her own experiences both as a mental health facilitator and a young mother who once needed the support she hopes to give in her role with Healthy 365. It’s all about authenticity, she says.

These inspirational stories aren’t hard to find at Hancock Health. It seems every person here has their own way to give back and embrace the community. And that’s what makes me “Hank-ful.”

Wishing a happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays to you and yours. As we enter 2022, let’s strive to be more like Hank: awesome, nurturing and kind!

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

PG.5

PG.6

ISSUE #11

If you have a fireplace or backyard firepit,

Your family can also help with a deep

hand chop and stack the wood instead

cleaning. In order to add in some challenge

of purchasing it from a store. When

and strength building, forgo the mop and,

you perform tasks like this, though, it’s

instead, clean the floors with a rag. A mixture

important to keep proper form to avoid

of baking soda and water is great for little

injury, especially as you age. Never bend

hands to remove all those greasy, grimy

Hancock Wellness Centers are great

at the waist to pick up things from the

spots on your kitchen floor. The same goes

for keeping up with a healthy lifestyle

ground. Instead, squat with your legs,

for base boards or other surfaces in your

routine. However, sometimes it’s just

keeping your back fairly straight. You will

home. When you’re done, take a walk outside

too hard to make it to the gym. When

feel the burn after a short amount of time.

as a cool-down to burn even more calories

you find yourself struggling to fit in a

You can even enlist your family to help and

while enjoying the crisp fall air.

gym workout, don’t give up and loaf off

get everyone their daily dose of movement

all day. Instead, use your fall and winter

at the same time!

chores to create more movement in your life!

STACK YOUR LIFE!

When “life gets in the way,” there are alternatives. You can commit to your routine

GARDENING ISN’T JUST FOR SUMMER

of joining in on fitness classes and exercising at your local wellness center while also

Gardening is a great summer activity, but

adding in some additional movement at

Katy Bowman, author and movement

it’s often forgotten once fall rolls around.

home. Whether you enjoy raking, mowing or

expert, coined the term “stack your

Cleaning up and winterizing your garden

shoveling snow, there are always options to

life” to refer to fitting in your daily dose

provides various types of movement for the

build strength while also getting your chores

of movement while also completing

body. Bending down, squatting, kneeling,

done for the season.

everyday tasks. What she means by this

reaching … these are all great for keeping you

is that you can fit more movement into

limber and building strength. You can even

your daily routine by simply changing

add in some fall planting with bulbs, garlic,

how you do things or by adding certain

spring cabbage and broad beans. Make sure

chores to your to-do list. For instance,

to leave some perennial stalks and plants for

instead of using a leaf blower to rid your

hungry winter birds to enjoy!

yard of leaves, use a good old-fashioned rake instead. The strength-building

GET YOUR FAMILY IN THE GAME

and cardio of raking turns an average

Kids can help clean windows from the

afternoon of yardwork into a total body

outside, rake leaves and put summer toys

workout. The same goes for shoveling

and tools away to prepare for the winter

snow instead of using a blower.

season. They may also enjoy helping out indoors. Many families find fall and winter a great time to minimize their life by sorting out clothes and toys no longer needed.

If your home has multiple levels, haul donated items of boxes or bags up or down stairs to build strength with an added dose of cardio.

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

PG.7

FA L L F I T N E S S

Create More Movement With Chores

COOL WEATHER FAMILY FITNESS

S

taying active as a family is vital in ensuring your children’s health both in the present and the future. Kids look to their parents to model

healthy behaviors such as eating right and exercising, which will help them carry healthy habits into their adulthood. As the weather begins to cool, it may be harder to find outdoor activities to do as a family.

We’ve compiled some great ideas for you, sure to get even the littlest couch potatoes up and moving.

Apples or Pumpkins?

Take Your pick!

Plucking apples in an orchard and picking the perfect pumpkin are fun activities for the whole family.

Did you know it’s also exercise? Walking through an orchard or farm field requires movements in the smaller muscles of the ankles and feet to keep balance.

Those steps also add up, especially while carrying a heavy load of produce. Not only that, teaching kids where their food comes from is especially important in creating a curiosity about the natural world and all of the beautiful fruits and vegetables we harvest in the fall.

Family Bike Rides Hancock County has a plethora of bike trails, including Pennsy Trail in Greenfield. Family bike rides are a great option for staying active because they’re a fun way to get some cardiovascular exercise into your weekly or daily routine. Talk to your kids about bike safety before gearing up for your ride and make sure everyone has a helmet!

PG.8 X

I S S U E # 181

HWC Kids Programming

Hiking not only gets those steps in, but it also

If the weather isn’t cooperating enough to get

immerses you and your family in nature, which

outdoors, try heading over to one of the Hancock

has a stress-reducing effect. In fact, it has been

Wellness Centers in Greenfield or McCordsville.

proven that spending time in nature increases

Both offer kids programming, including access

pleasant feelings while decreasing those of anger,

to the swimming pool, basketball courts, kids

stress and even fear. You can choose to go for

Zumba and cardio classes as well! Parents pay

a hike on a local trail, such as the Thornwood

only $3 per visit or $20 per month. Parents can get

Nature Preserve, or you can opt for a day trip to

their workout in at the same time, with tons of

something farther and more difficult, like Brown

classes to choose from as well as state-of-the-art

County or Clifty Falls State Park. Either way, your

equipment. If you have younger kids, you can join

whole family will find some calm and achieve its

in on a Zumbini class (for ages 0-4) or drop them

fitness goals by spending some time in the woods!

off at the Jungle Club, where they can choose from

FA L L F I T N E S S

Hiking Trails

a variety of activities and games.

Get a Pickup Game Going Is your family into sports like basketball, football

Whether you choose to go on a day-long hike, pick

or baseball? What about badminton, croquet and

some apples, stay close to home with yardwork or

bocce ball? These are all great sports to improve

shoot some hoops together, getting active as

coordination, get in some movement and up the

a family will keep you healthy and fit even as the

teamwork factor in your family. Fall is a great time

weather gets colder. Teaching kids healthy habits

to get a pickup game going with your family and

now means they’ll make better lifestyle choices

neighbors or friends. You can even host a friendly

as they mature. Get up, get out there and have

backyard competition.

fun together!

Yard Work It Out Yardwork may not sound fun to most people, but by working together as a family and keeping things light in nature, it can be a fun way to get exercise while caring for your home. Kids can rake leaves, pull dead brush or plants out of garden beds, and even help straighten up the garage for the winter. They’ll move their arms, legs and bodies a lot in order to accomplish tasks, which makes yardwork a winner for that daily dose of exercise.

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

PG.9

PUMPKIN:

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE FUN What comes to mind when you start to think of fall? Is it pumpkin-spiced everything?

For many, this time of year is ripe for yummy, warm, home-baked treats and comfortfood dishes featuring this popular orange veggie. Some such offerings are fairly healthy and contain ample nutrition, while others can lead to an overindulgence that will blow your healthy lifestyle (read: diet) out of the water.

THE GOOD Aside from carving them for jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins have a great place on your family’s dinner table. With a plethora of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, these fall super-gourds are known to aid eyesight, boost immunity, lower your risk for certain cancers and promote heart and skin health. They’re also low in calories for those trying to watch their weight. Yay! And, they contain fiber as well as seeds you can roast for snacking, a great option for a healthy dose of protein and vitamins on the go.

PUMPKINPACKED RECIPES If you’re in the mood for something completely new, check out these new recipes.

SEE RECIPES ON PAGE 12.

P G.1 0

ISSUE #11

M ENNU' TS RHI T E IAOLNT H

PUMPKIN-PACKED RECIPES

THE BAD

THE MAYBES

This fall, why not lean into healthy, trying

Not all that hails from this orange gourd

Countless brands have pumpkin-flavored

pumpkin in a variety of savory or lightly

is healthy, though. In general, it’s best to

products hitting the shelves as soon as

sweetened foods? Chili is always a great

avoid pumpkin-spiced drinks from your

there’s a hint of fall in the air. Although some

place to start when trying to find a healthy

favorite coffee shop, as they usually contain

of these may be incredibly tasty or appear

yet delicious dinner that pleases the whole

high amounts of fat and sugar. The famous

harmless, make sure to read the labels before

family. This black bean, beef and pumpkin

Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte contains a

purchasing. Check out the sugar content as

chili recipe contains fiber from veggies

whopping 50 grams of sugar, more than you

well as fat and other ingredients in products

and legumes as well as a healthy dose of

need in an entire day! If you just can’t resist

you purchase from grocery store shelves.

pumpkin-supplied vitamin A. As many of

it — we understand ... it IS the season — ask

One of the best food shopping habits is to

us know, chili is a great idea because it’s a

for less sugar. However, if you can beat down

walk around the perimeter of the grocery

throw-it-in-the-crock-pot-as-you-run-out-

the craving, go for some spiced tea instead.

where the fresh produce, meats and dairy

the-door-in-the-morning kind of meal. If

(For a healthy homemade version,

are stocked. As a rule of thumb, more of your

chili isn’t your thing, though, this ginger and

see page 12.)

purchases should come from this outer ring

pumpkin soup is another delicious option.

Pumpkin donuts and cookies may abound

than any other section of the store.

at your local farmers’ market or bakery, but If you’re in the mood for something

if you’re trying to maintain a diet, it’s best to

If you’re trying to maintain a healthy

completely new, check out these recipes for

avoid these treats as well. However, making

lifestyle this season, it’s OK to indulge in

vegetable and pumpkin stir-fry or pumpkin

your own treats this season is a great option

a few treats, but it may be less risky for

chickpea curry. We know pumpkin is

because you can control both the quality of

blowing your health goals to avoid them

often associated with autumn sweets, so it

ingredients as well as the amount of sugar

altogether, opting for healthier pumpkin-

wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t include a healthy

used for each recipe.

laced foods instead. Try out some of our

and tasty dessert featuring fall’s orange

(See page 13 for healthier pumpkin bread.)"

healthy recipes or get into the kitchen

favorite. This recipe for healthy pumpkin

and experiment to find your own yummy

blondies contains coconut sugar, a better

and healthy pumpkin recipes. Happy fall,

sweetening alternative, as well as oat flour,

everyone, and happy cooking!

which packs more fiber and nutrition than regular white flour.

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

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PUMPKIN-PACKED RECIPES #HealthPossible

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte L AT T E

COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM

1 TEA BAG OF SPICED 1 CAN CHAI (OR DECAF SPICED

CHAI ROOIBOS)

½ CUP PLAIN, UNSWEETENED

ALMOND MILK OR MILK

OF CHOICE

2 TBSP. REAL PUMPKIN PURÉE

1 TBSP. REAL MAPLE

SYRUP OR HONEY 1 TBSP. ¼ TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT ½ TSP. ¼ TSP. PUMPKIN SPICE BLEND

(OR ⅛ TSP. GROUND ⅛ TSP.

CINNAMON, ⅛ TSP.

GROUND GINGER, DASH

OF NUTMEG, DASH

OF CLOVES)

TINY DASH SALT

½ TSP.

ARROWROOT STARCH OR CORNSTARCH (OPTIONAL; MAKES LATTE SUPER CREAMY)

OPTIONAL GARNISHES:

1 CINNAMON STICK

OR STAR OF ANISE,

COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM

P G.12

ISSUE #11

FULL FAT COCONUT MILK, CHILLED AT LEAST 10 HOURS (THE COCONUT MILK MUST BE FULL FAT AND MUST BE REFRIGERATED FOR AT LEAST 10 HOURS. PUT A MIXING BOWL IN THE FREEZER TO CHILL WHILE YOU’RE AT IT.) MAPLE SYRUP VANILLA EXTRACT CINNAMON

INSTRUCTIONS

1.

In a small saucepan, bring ½ cup water to a gentle boil. Remove from heat, add tea bag and let it steep 4 minutes. With a spoon, squeeze teabag against side of pan to remove any remaining liquid.

2.

Add the almond milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin spice blend and salt to the pan. Whisk in the (optional) arrowroot starch or cornstarch. Pour mixture into a stand blender and blend for a minute or two, until the components are well blended and creamy.

3.

Pour mixture back into pan and gently rewarm on stove, then pour into a mug.

(Optional: Top with whipped coconut cream and/or garnish with cinnamon stick or star of anise.)

4.

For optional topping: Open the chilled can of coconut milk and scoop the solid coconut cream into the chilled bowl. (You can use the coconut water in smoothies!) With an electric hand mixer, beat the cream until fluffy and smooth. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon and gently blend again to combine. Use the cream immediately or cover and store in fridge.

.

Healthy Pumpkin Bread INSTRUCTIONS

½ CUP

1. Preheat oven to 325°F

and grease a 9 × 5–inch

loaf pan.

MELTED UNREFINED 1 TSP. BAKING SODA COCONUT OIL OR EVOO 1 TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT ½ CUP HONEY OR MAPLE ½ TSP. SALT SYRUP 1 ¾ CUPS WHITE WHOLE WHEAT 2 EGGS

FLOUR OR REGULAR 1 CUP PUMPKIN PURÉE

WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR ¼ CUP

MILK OF CHOICE OR WATER

½ CUP MIX-INS LIKE

CHOPPED WALNUTS

OR PECANS,

CHOCOLATE CHIPS,

RAISINS, CHOPPED

DRIED FRUIT (OPTIONAL)

1 ½ TSP. PUMPKIN SPICE BLEND (OR ½ TSP.

CINNAMON, ½ TSP.

GROUND GINGER, ¼

TSP. GROUND NUTMEG

AND ¼ TSP. ALLSPICE PINCH OF GROUND

OR CLOVES) CINNAMON

Healthy Pumpkin Bread

2. In a large bowl, whisk

oil and honey together.

Add eggs and whisk

until blended. (If coconut

oil solidifies on contact

with cold ingredients, let

the bowl rest in a warm

area for a few minutes,

like on top of stove, or

warm it for about 10

seconds in the microwave.)

3.

O K I E A N D K AT E COURTESY OF CO

Add the pumpkin purée, milk, pumpkin spice, baking soda, vanilla and salt and whisk to blend. Lastly, with a big spoon, stir in the flour, just until combined. Some lumps are OK! Gently fold in any mix-ins (optional).

.COM

RECIPES

INGREDIENTS

4. Pour batter into your

greased loaf pan and

sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.

5.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in loaf pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer bread to a cooling rack to cool for 20 minutes before slicing.

Note: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute Bob’s Red Mill’s all-purpose glutenfree flour, or substitute 2 ½ cups certified gluten-free oat flour instead. Do NOT substitute coconut flour.

FIND MORE IDEAS FOR 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

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I S S U E # 91 1

NUTRITION

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR FIRST THANKSGIVING AS A DIABETIC If you’ve been recently diagnosed

DO THINK ABOUT TIMING

DO BALANCE YOUR PLATE

with diabetes, Thanksgiving can

As a diabetic, it’s important to keep your

Fill roughly half your plate with non-starchy

feel like too big an undertaking or

schedule and routine, even on holidays.

vegetables, one quarter with meat (turkey!)

a huge disappointment waiting to

Make sure to test and give your insulin as

and the remaining quarter with starchy

happen. Between the amount of food

you would any other day. Take along glucose

foods, if you prefer, like mashed potatoes. If

available and the high carbohydrate

tablets, juice boxes or other snacks to have

dessert is too tempting to pass up, take this

load possibility, it can cause problems

on hand in case the meal runs later than

into account when choosing your starches.

for anyone trying to maintain

planned. If you’re the host, have snacks

Balance your meal just as you would any

a healthy lifestyle. If you’re heading

readily available for guests and try to time

other day.

into the holiday season this year

the meal appropriately.

sure to check out these do’s and don’ts

DO CONSIDER THE MENU

DON’T SKIP MEALS LEADING UP TO THE MAIN EVENT

before eating.

Talk to the host or hostess ahead of time

Stick to your food schedule even on

about what they plan to serve. If you’re

Thanksgiving, making sure to eat a

concerned there won’t be something that

balanced breakfast and lunch leading up

fits your needs, bring a healthy, blood

to your holiday dinner. Fasting in order to

sugar–stabilizing dish to share. If you’re

overindulge will certainly backfire.

with diabetes on your plate, make

hosting, take into account the special dietary considerations of your guests, including

DON’T BET THE RANCH

those with diabetes, so everyone enjoys the

Diabetes is a serious illness, especially if left

gathering. This may seem like a tall order,

unmanaged. Don’t assume it’s OK to miss

but having these conversations beforehand

one day of managing your illness. Besides,

can relieve anxiety and stress on the day of

when you’re with family and friends, you

thankfulness.

want to feel your best, and if your blood

DO SLOW DOWN AND SAVOR THE MEAL

sugar is out of whack, you won’t want to socialize. Bring snacks, check your blood sugar both before and after the meal, eat a

It’s easy to eat quickly, especially when

well-balanced plate and slow down enough

there’s so much good food surrounding you.

to hear your body’s “I’m full” signals. If you

Slow down and savor each bite and engage

follow these guidelines, you’re sure to have

in relaxed conversations with family and

a great Thanksgiving holiday, even with

friends. Enjoy the day! It takes about 20

diabetes.

minutes for fullness signals to reach your brain, so the slower you eat, the less likely you are to overindulge and send your blood sugar to the red.

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

P G.1 5

IS YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE TRADITION HURTING THE PLANET?

Who doesn’t love a live Christmas tree?

If you’re going for a real tree this year but

The smell alone is a constant reminder

also want to consider the environment

of the joy of the season. Many people,

in your choice, we have good news. There

however, are beginning to forgo live

are many ways to maintain your holiday

Christmas trees in favor of something more

tradition and feel better about your impact

environmentally friendly.

on the earth. Afterall, if we respect our environment, we also respect our family’s

Some people enjoy artificial Christmas trees,

physical and mental health as well based on

and the debate continues as to whether

the interconnected nature of our bodies and

these are the best option. Those who have

the planet we live on.

DECORATE A TREE IN YOUR BACK YARD OR LOCAL FOREST PRESERVE Perhaps the best solution for families is to make a special Christmas eve or winter solstice outing every year in which you decorate a living tree that can also serve as a food source for woodland creatures.

Assemble your family and friends to create a host of edible decorations. Citrus peel bird feeders are a great option to help wintering

their heart set on a real tree have a hard time

birds get the sustenance they need to

accepting the phony feel of fake needles.

survive. Cheerios or popcorn on a string

We’re beginning to realize, however, that it

make a lovely garland for animals (and kids)

isn’t necessarily healthy for the environment

to munch.

to continue cutting large swaths of trees in order to decorate for a short holiday season.

P G.1 6

ISSUE #11

You can also hang by string dried apple or fruit slices on a tree to make adorable LIFE + HOME

ornaments. Fruit is a great source of calories for many animals who will be searching for food once the snow falls. Part of the benefit of practicing this type of holiday tradition is that your children will learn about helping the planet while also giving a hand to the animals who are at the mercy of Mother Nature during harsh winter weather. If your tree is in your back yard, it’s an even better chance for kids to learn about the animals living around them.

REPLANT AND KEEP HOLIDAY MEMORIES ALIVE ALL YEAR LONG Did you know that, historically, Christmas trees weren’t cut down, but instead the root ball was kept intact so that the tree could

Then plant the tree in a large tub packed with peat moss, sawdust or even shredded

be replanted after the holiday season? What

newspaper. It’s best to only keep it indoors for seven to 10 days because it may begin to

a great idea! It’s still possible to do this,

think it’s spring. If your tree acclimates to the warmth inside of your home, it will likely

although it will require a bit of preplanning.

not survive being planted outdoors after the holidays. When planting the tree outdoors,

Contact your local Christmas tree lot to see

dig a hole about one and a half times larger than the root ball. If you think the ground

if they offer trees with intact root balls. Once

will be too frozen, dig the hole before the holidays.

you get your tree, place it in your garage or cool basement for a few days to acclimate so

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

that the temperature change to indoors isn’t

If you do choose to purchase a cut tree for your holiday celebration, make sure to

too shocking. Keep the root ball moist and

recycle it with the city. Most municipalities turn old trees into mulch that can be used in

covered in burlap or a blanket.

playgrounds or gardens. Or, cut the tree up yourself, curing the trunk to use as firewood and stripping branches to use as covering for your garden through the winter.

Considering the health of our environment in our holiday celebrations makes those traditions feel even better. Afterall, the winter season is about giving and slowing down, two things Mother Nature teaches us in abundance. This year, create sustainable new traditions that honor the work of our earth and keep our planet and our families healthy and happy.

dried apples

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

P G.1 7

DIY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

P G.1 8

ISSUE #11

Homemade vanilla extract is a super easy

Salt dough ornaments are another

brought a lot into

DIY gift, although it does involve some

great gift for children to create. These

our lives, some of it

planning. Pick up a bottle of quality rum

classic keepsakes are easy to make with

welcome and some of it,

or bourbon, toss in 5-10 whole vanilla

ingredients you probably have on hand.

well, not. Mask mandates, quarantines,

beans sliced lengthwise, and steep in a

Cut them into any shape you want and

endless Zooming, bingeing on favorite

cool, dark place for a few months. Then,

decorate with paint, markers or even

television shows and, of course, new

pour into decorative individual jars and

glitter. Check out this link for a ton of

hobbies to pass the time were part

add some festive ribbon or a tag. Talk

ideas making use of salt dough!

of the experience for many people.

about a gift that takes care of itself!

LIFE + HOME

T

he global pandemic

Wrap It Up

Now that the holidays are drawing ever closer, why not put those newly

Gingerbread fudge will have everyone on

Even store-bought gifts can have a bit

developed (or now well-honed) COVID

your list licking their lips. Easy to make

of homemade flair if you personalize

hobbies to good use? Not only do heart-

and fun to give away (after taste testing,

the wrapping paper! For a dose of

felt, handmade gifts mean more to the

of course!), this might become a new

earth friendliness, wrap gifts in fabric

receiver, they’re usually a lot easier on

holiday tradition!

scraps or repurpose items like baskets

the wallet. Win-win.

to present gifts to loved ones. If you

Got Some Little Helpers?

would like to handmake your wrapping

Hot chocolate stirrers are a great gift for

paper, purchase your preferred paper

kids to help make for relatives or friends

type from a supply store and adorn it

There is no shortage of inspiration

who love a hot mug of cocoa. Just melt

with stamps, drawings or hand-written

when it comes to DIY ideas. Whether

your chocolate of choice and carefully

messages. Brown grocery paper bags cut

you learned how to knit, took up

dip the straight ends of candy canes into

apart and turned inside out can also be

photography or baking during the

it. Add sprinkles and set out to cool on

a great (and free!) option, especially if

pandemic or anything else, you

a tray. Kids can have fun creating gifts

you ask your little helpers to decorate

can let your creativity run wild in

to go along with these, like homemade

them. For more ideas and instructions

making memories for those you love.

marshmallows or hot chocolate mixes.

for hand-decorating, click here and here.

You Don’t Have to Be a Martha Stewart

If you love the idea of designing your

Homemade gifts hold a special meaning for friends and family who are lucky

Stick gnomes are easy to create and

own wrap but just don’t have the time

enough to be on the receiving end.

make a great keepsake for grandparents.

or imagination you’d like, try designing

Not only that, but there are plenty of

They also involve heading outdoors for

it online. What fun! You can even turn

options to get kids involved as well.

supplies. Exercise! Fresh air! Task your

your year of photos into collages of

child with finding a stick about an inch

wrapping paper!

Bake Much?

thick. Use a saw to cut the stick into

Citrus marmalade with star anise is

segments at an angle, so that the cut

Whatever holidays you celebrate this

perfect for any loved ones who enjoy

side becomes the oval face of the gnome.

season, we hope you enjoy adding your

dips and spreads. Put it in a basket with

Use the saw to cut a flat bottom to make

own personal touch to the gifts you give

some beautiful homemade or bakery-

sure your stick gnome can stand upright.

to your friends and loved ones. Whether

bought biscuits.

Paint the face whatever fun colors you

you put your new hobbies to use, cook

like, making sure to include a gnome hat

up a storm in the kitchen or simply

at the top of your oval!

enjoy a moment or two of creativity with your family, handmade gifts make a lasting memory for friends and family alike.

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

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Signs It May Be Time to Find a Therapist Therapy. It has been the subject of jokes, the safe place for people in turmoil, and a life-saver for many Americans this past year-plus. Upon hearing the word “therapy,” some may think only of a mental health doctor who prescribes medications, aka psychiatrist. Others may think of talking to a professional about something fragile. Some may even stereotype a person who seeks therapy as needy, difficult or overly emotional.

In reality, many Americans, especially women, suffer from mental health issues. A whopping one in five American women have a mental illness, ranging from occasional anxiety to severe psychosis. Mental health is nothing to joke about. According to the CDC, suicide was the 11th cause for death in 2020. It was ranked second and fourth for cause of deaths in 2019 for ages 10-34 and 35-44, respectively. Roughly 90% of those who commit suicide do so because they are sufferers of a mental illness.

We all go through difficult times. Counseling is an outstanding help when you need it.

The ear of a trained and skillful therapist can be a safe place to unburden yourself of your problems, uncertainties and fears. Your brokenness.

In light of the prevalence of mental health concerns involving women, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen a rise in the need for trained therapists who are specifically centered on women’s health. The pandemic, parenthood, work and life balance and various other traumas contribute to a psychological patterning that can shape how you live your day-to-day life.

So, how do you know if you need help?

If your emotions are beginning to interfere with your day-to-day functioning, it’s time to

Why Should I Go To Therapy?

seek help. Some of the biggest (and most common) concerns for women include feeling

You may question the benefits of therapy

Do I Need Therapy? overwhelmed, fatigued, hopeless, apathetic and resentful or angry. Additionally, if you’re having difficulty regulating emotions or building and maintaining relationships, are experiencing changes in sleep or appetite, or you no longer enjoy activities you once loved, you should seek help.

for your specific circumstance. Why not just talk to a friend about your problems and save the money and time, right? But not only does a well-trained therapist listen to you,

Everyone feels these nuances to some degree, but if you’re experiencing them so much that it makes working, parenting or just plain living difficult, you would greatly benefit from talking with someone who can provide a listening ear as well as propose helpful recommendations. Other reasons to seek therapy may be more extreme and obvious, such as phobias, feelings of extreme anxiety and depression, obsessive compulsiveness, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc.

from their years of practice and study they can offer you any number of tools to use.

They will help you build a veritable “toolbox” so you can take charge of your own mental health.

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ISSUE #11

M E N TA L H E A LT H

A therapist also offers a nonbiased ear in which to dump all your stresses. If you talk to a friend, you may worry how they’ll look at you after you share a trauma or a vulnerable emotion with which you struggle. A therapist is there to listen and help you sort through any traumas, intense emotions and other troubles with skill. Therapy will help you set and achieve mental health goals, learn more about yourself and lead to improvement in many areas of life, including setting boundaries, investing in healthy relationships and fostering interpersonal connections.

Finding the Right Therapist Having a trusting relationship with your therapist is the only way your sessions will contribute to your healing process. Therefore, finding the right therapist is essential. Ask around to see if anyone has any recommendations or has heard of a counselor who checks your requirement boxes. You can also search online or post in an online forum. You may want to get multiple recommendations and then do a quick interview with each before deciding. However you approach the task, be clear about what you want and what type of therapy you’re seeking.

Finding the right therapist will help you on your path toward a happier, more fulfilled version of yourself. If you experience any of the emotional states previously listed, seek out the help you need.

In Hancock County, Healthy365 offers mental health resources, including Support Navigators to identify local resources. Remember, if you or anyone you know has suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

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

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

HANCOCKREGIONALHOSPITAL.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR/

To learn more about us and find a doctor, please visit us at HancockRegional.org.

We want to be your

801 N State St Greenfield, IN 46140

health system .