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
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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.
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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
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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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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
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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.
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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
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DIY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
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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 .