Get Healthy Summer 2016

Healthy NWI.COM/GETHEALTHY

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REGION INFRASTRUCTURE PROMOTES HEALTHY LIVING

Fighting Addiction with Faith

7

WAYS TO EAT HEALTHY

This Summer

LET Kids Benefit THEM from PLAY! Outdoor Activity Summer 2016

Should II have my Should have my wisdom teeth removed? wisdom teeth removed?

When should I have them removed?

These are a few questions that are commonly asked in our office.

We would like to have the opportunity to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. Consultations are always complimentary for wisdom teeth and dental implant patients. Dr. Platt has been serving Northwest Indiana for over 20 years with quality oral surgery care in Wisdom Teeth Removal, Dental Implants, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Extractions, General and IV Sedations.

Patient financing available

Wisdom

teeth

322 Indianapolis Blvd., 322 Indianapolis ndianapolis Suite 100 Blvd., Suite 100 (BehindSteak Steak N’ N’ Shake) (Behind Shake) Schererville, IN Schererville, IN

219-864-1133 219~864~1133

w w w. j p l a t t d d s . c o m www.jplattdds.com

We welcome new patients Monday -Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday: 7am - 2pm We are currently scheduling summer appointments. Please consider scheduling your wisdom tooth consultation early for the most convenient appointment times.

Dr. Jay Platt and his staff work closely with you and your dentist to ensure your treatment exceeds your expectations. Choosing an oral surgeon is an important decision. Our team is composed of experienced professionals who are dedicated to your care. We are looking forward to fulfilling your dental needs.

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contents

summer 2016

notes 4 editors’ 6 hot topics 9 the medical report 10 your health

Fun and unusual health stats FEATURE PACKAGE PHOTO BY PENNY FRAZIER; YOUR BEST FRIEND AND THE FIT LIFE PHOTOS BY TONY V. MARTIN

Simplifying arthritis treatment

Fighting eye strain, why kids should play outside, aging and nutrition, and doctor’s office advice for men

16 on the table

How to eat healthy in the summertime

18 the fit life

Why belly fat is harmful and how to get rid of it

20

families on the go

Healthy mobile meals, and family fitness activities

22 sound mind

A faith-based program that helps with hurt and addiction

28 your best friend

18 24 28

feature package Building Physical Activity: Region towns offer opportunities for fitness and wellness

A positive approach to training your dog

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Methodist Physician Group’s

AWARD-WINNING Cardiology Team Post-Tribune readers agree!

Methodist Physician Group cardiovascular specialists deliver the best heart and vascular care in Lake County. We use the most advanced methods to accurately diagnose and effectively treat even the most complex cardiovascular conditions, and return our patients to their healthy, productive lives.

Andre Artis, MD Cardiology

Venkatrama Garlapati, MD Cardiology

Mihas Kodenchery, MD Cardiology

The Best is Getting Bigger!

Methodist Physician Group proudly welcomes the cardiologists of Cardiovascular Clinics, PC, with ofďŹ ces in Gary, Merrillville, Munster and Knox.

Vijay Dave, MD

NOW WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS! nwi.com/gethealthy

Sorin Lazar, MD

Thach Nguyen, MD

Harish Shah, MD

The right doctors make all the difference.

heart

M e t h o d i s t P h y s i c i a n G r o u p . o r g GET HEALTHY

Summer 2016

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editors’ notes

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 4

I

PUBLISHER

Christopher T. White

In the last community where I lived, Lawrence, Kansas, I could easily take long walks around my neighborhood: all the sidewalks were connected, the crossings marked.

Where I currently reside, in Highland, it’s not so easy.

The sidewalks start and stop; in some spots, they’re cracked, uneven or torn up.

So built environment—as most, if not all, public health officials will agree—has a big impact on community health.

In Kansas, if I wanted to take a stroll, I didn’t think twice about going. In Northwest Indiana, I have to decide if I want to push my kids’ stroller over bumpy sidewalks that often stop in the middle of the block. Sometimes I choose to stay on the couch.

CO-EDITORS

Giles Bruce Julia Perla Huisman DESIGN DIRECTOR

Mary Garrison DESIGNER

April Burford CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Eve Adams, Christine Bryant, Shannon Rooney, Mark Loehrke, Carrie Rodovich, Carrie Steinweg, Amanda Wilson

Giles Bruce GET HEALTHY CO-EDITOR

F

NICHE PUBLICATION SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

For me, eating healthy in the summertime is much more difficult than in the wintertime. Yes, fresh fruits and vegetables abound, but so do burgers, brats, s’mores and ice cream cones.

I tell myself I can indulge in these goodies on special occasions only, but in the summer, those occasions are more frequent than special.

So I was glad to read Ashlee Johnson’s advice for people like me who struggle with summertime eating. One idea of hers that I tried at a party this last weekend and it worked: drink lots and lots of water.

Mike Cane, Andrea Walczak VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Joe Battistoni ADVERTISING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Eric Horon ADVERTISING MANAGER

Craig Chism ADVERTISING PUBLICATIONS MANAGER

Julia Huisman GET HEALTHY CO-EDITOR

Lisa Tavoletti PUBLISHED BY LEE ENTERPRISES The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Productions Division 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200

Healthy NWI.COM/GETHEALTHY

ON THE COVER

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Fighting Addiction with Faith

7

WAYS TO EAT HEALTHY

This Summer

LET Kids Benefit THEM from PLAY! Outdoor Activity

Delicious

2080 N Main St, Crown Point, Indiana 46307 219.662.5300

Ryan Myszak of Munster runs along the trail at Wolf Lake in Hammond.

Photo by Tony V. Martin.

REGION INFRASTRUCTURE PROMOTES HEALTHY LIVING

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Get Healthy magazine is published six times each year by Lee Enterprises, The Times of Northwest Indiana, Niche Division, 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, IN 46321. nwi.com/gethealthy

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MAKE YOUR

BOTTOM YOUR TOP

PRIORITY.

Harsh, Dalal, MD, FACG

Navin Kumar, MD

Rahul Julka, MD

Call Today!

Get checked for colon cancer today.

Schedule an Appointment at One of Our Convenient Locations!

The specialist at Digestive Disease Centers bring their expertise and experience to patients throughout Northwest Indiana.

With offices in Merrillville, Highland, Dyer, Winfield, Valparaiso, and Whiting, we are able to schedule patient appointments very quickly to assess your symptoms, recommended a testing/treatment plan or to simply provide digestive wellness screenings and check-ups.

Dr. Harsh Dalal, Dr. Navin Kumar and Dr. Rahul Julka are dedicated to providing the highest quality of compassionate care, placing emphasis on their patients’ comfort, privacy, and health concerns at all times.

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE Digestive Disease Centers specialize in comprehensive care of all gastrointestinal and liver diseases with an array of testing and treatment services, including: • • • • •

Colon Cancer Screening Colon Polypectomy Upper Endoscopy Esophageal Dilation ERCP

• Video Capsule Endoscopy • Gastric Pacemaker • RFA for Barrett’s Esophagus • H-Pylori Bacteria Breath Test • Hepatitis Treatment

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU HIGHLAND 9731 Prairie 219-922-4900

MERRILLVILLE 5825 Broadway Suite B 219-981-9000

DYER 16000 W 101st Ave. 219-864-0101

WINFIELD 9150 109th Ave. Suite 2D 219-981-9000

VALPARAISO 1551 S. Sturdy Rd. 219-464-7200

WHITING 2075 Indianapolis Blvd Whiting IN 46394 219-922-4900

Call Today! Schedule an Appointment at One of Our Convenient Locations! New Patient Appointments Available 1-2 weeks. nwi.com/gethealthy

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topics DON’T TALK AND DRIVE DETERGENT DANGERS

Parents often take precautions to keep their children safe by moving poisons out of reach, but a new study shows something commonly found in the home is causing a 17 percent increase in calls to poison control centers across the nation.

Henry Spiller, director of the Central Ohio Poison Control Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, says laundry and dishwashing soap—especially laundry pods—are cause for concern because they’re colorful, attracting the eye of a little toddler roaming the halls.

In the two-year study, poison control centers received more than 22,000 calls because of children either eating or inhaling laundry pods or squirting the contents into their eyes.

Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital

More Kids Covered

Number of uninsured kids in first year of the Affordable Care Act’s full implementation: Dropped from

5.4 4.5

MILLION to

CHRISTINE BRYANT

Next time you think about making a phone call while driving, consider this.

The U.S. National Safety Council says talking on your phone typically slows reaction times at least as much as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Phone use while driving requires your brain to multitask, making driving much more unsafe.

However, the U.S. National Safety Council notes talking to someone in the car is different than talking to someone on the phone because passengers are much more aware of potential road dangers than phone contacts.

Heels&Wounds A new survey confirms what many women already know—the number one culprit of foot pain: high heels.

More than

70 percent

of women say high heels hurt their feet.

Nearly

50 percent

say they wear 3-inch heels or higher.

High-heel related injuries sent

123,000 women to an ER between 2002 and 2012.

Source: American Podiatric Medical Association

MILLION Source: Urban Institute

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The 30-Minutes-Or-Less E.R. Service Pledge* – at all 3 Porter Health Care System Emergency Rooms.

In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at Porter Health Care System, you’ll find faster care in our emergency rooms. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional** in 30 minutes – or less. And, with a team of dedicated medical specialists, we can provide a lot more care, if you need it.

PORTER REGIONAL HOSPITAL VALPARAISO MEDICAL CENTER PORTAGE HOSPITAL

EMERGENCY CARE WITH

LESS WAITING AT ALL 3 PORTER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM EMERGENCY ROOMS.

*E.R. wait time, which is defined as the time it takes from check-in at the E.R. desk until a patient is initially seen by a physician, can change quickly. This time is dependent on the severity of the illnesses and other patients also in the E.R. **Medical professionals may include physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. • Porter Regional Hospital is owned in part by physicians.

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A Life Without PainIt’s Possible

Don’t Worry,

MIDWEST NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATES

WE SPECIALIZE IN TREATING

NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS The team of professionals at Midwest Neurology Associates is well-known for diagnosing and treating difficult neurological disorders in Lake County.

Team of experts uses the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic treatments to ensure accurate diagnosis and successful results.

• Long Term Care and Follow - up • Nerve Block Treatments for Chronic Pain • Steroid & Therapeutic Botox Injections

• Back Pain • Neck Pain • Shoulder & Knee Pain

• Headaches & Migraines • Joint Pain • MS

• Diabetic Neuropathy • Seizures • Strokes • Parkinson’s

• Memory Problems

• Dementia • Alzheimer’s

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Concussion • Tremors

• Convenient Point Of Service Care: • Insomnia • Vertigo EMG, EEG, Ultrasound •

Dizziness

• Bi-Lingual Staff

Neurology Associates Samer Kassar M.D. Dyer:

1001 Main Street, 2nd Floor East

Crown Point:

Pinnacle Hospital, 9301 Connecticut Dr.

Call today for an appointment: (219) 836-2096 • www.mwneuro.com AS OF JULY 5, DYER LOCATION MOVING TO 11OO JOLIET ST., STE 201 8

Summer 2016

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Health Jobs Healthy Strong job growth in health and life sciences occupations in Indiana is fueling the state’s ability to be competitive on a global scale, according to a new report. • For scientists and engineers employed in the health and life sciences industry in Indiana, the report shows growth of 53 and 34 percent respectively from 2010 to 2014—more than double the national growth rates for each occupation. These jobs account for one of every 10 private sector jobs in Indiana, according to the report. While demand is strong, however, the report shows more training and efforts are needed to develop, retain and attract talent.

Source: TEConomy Partners

W

ith the help of a $21 million donation, Harvard is rounding up top researchers to launch a center to study happiness and health, and whether they’re connected.

Some scientists believe there is a clear link between mental and physical health, while others have found happiness has no direct effect on mortality.

Source: Harvard University

Traveling = Sleepless Nights?

It’s that time of year when families pile in the car and hit the road for summer vacation. Just because you’re traveling, however, doesn’t mean you can’t get a good night’s sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests when traveling for work or pleasure to pack a non-backlit e-reader to help you read, relax and wind down. An eye mask also can help block out light, and a comfortable pair of earplugs will eliminate noise. A C-shaped neck pillow made of memory foam can help support your head and neck, while a travel-sized white noise machine will help you catch some peaceful ZZZZ’s. nwi.com/gethealthy

MEDICAL REPORT

Arthritis Simplified

COURTESY OF METHODIST HOSPITALS

A

rthritis is the leading cause of disability in America that affects nearly 50 million adults and 300,000 children. Treating arthritis does not need to be complicated; simple options do exist. Educate yourself when you Dr. Vineet P. Shah consider who will treat you for arthritis and evaluate the surgeon, the facility and spend time talking to the orthopedic practice so that you get the best treatment for your pains.

Genetics and gender (female) are two non-modifiable risk factors, but there are many risk factors that can be modified and controlled: 1) Maintain a healthy weight. Create a “doable” daily exercise plan, incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises, and start simple behavior modifications that promote a healthier diet.

2) Stop smoking. It aggravates inflammatory forms of arthritis.

3) Increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods and overtthe-counter supplements such as methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

4) Take anti-inflammatory medications and over-the-counter Tylenol.

5) Apply topical gels and creams.

6) Try injections. Hyaluronic acid (Euflexxa, Synvisc, Supartz) helps overall health of damaged cartilage.

When you have tried everything to control arthritic pain and the disease has progressed further, you then have to think of hip or knee replacement so as to improve your quality of life.

Points to remember and consider: 1) Minimal incision does not always equate to better outcome.

Remember that metal components have to be placed in knees and hips, and squeezing them through small incisions is simply not ideal.

2) Educate yourself about same-day total hip and knee programs—ask questions about how pain is controlled and how complications are handled.

3) Look at facilities that have multiple surgical approaches such as posterior and anterior hip replacement.

4) Consider hospitals that have total joint camps, meaning they’ve streamlined their process to allow each patient’s experience to be seamless.

5) Look for surgeons who have specialized in hip and knee replacement, especially those who have successfully completed an accredited fellowship in joint replacement.

Dr. Vineet P. Shah treats his patients as though they are his family. His greatest satisfaction is seeing his patients do well after treatment. Dr. Shah is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with Methodist Physician Group, with offices in Merrillville and Gary. He is fellowship trained in total hip and knee replacement, and is medical director of the Total Joint Program at Methodist Hospitals. nwi.com/gethealthy

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Summer 2016

9

Health SENIOR HEALTH

Aging AND

Nutrition

W

EVE ADAMS

hile the majority of us are trying our best to prepare healthy meals, many seniors struggle to have a single nutritional meal per day. Due to decreased physical strength, limited income, lack of transportation and lack of socialization, their nutrition and health suffer.

“The aging process in itself affects body composition and function that in turn affects MEAL PROGRAMS nutrient needs,” says Meals On Wheels of Janet Smaron, registered Northwest Indiana dietitian at Hartsfield 8446 Virginia St Merrillville Village in Munster. A 219.756.3663 dearth of nutrition mealsonwheelsamerica.org contributes to chronic The Senior Luncheon at diseases such as diabetes, Wicker Memorial Park congestive heart failure, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd Highland pulmonary disease, 219.932.2530 arthritis, and coronary Peapod Grocery artery disease. peapod.com If you know an elderly individual in this situation, Smaron suggests ways you can help end the cycle. Bringing him or her a variety of fresh produce on a regular basis is the best

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Summer 2016

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place to start. Suggest or help your elderly loved one invest in a blender, food processor or juicer, making it easy for them to drink their nutrition.

Freeze foods that you have prepared for them in advance that are high in protein. Help them look into programs such as Meals on Wheels, the Senior Luncheon at Wicker Park or a home grocery delivery program such as Peapod. There are numerous senior home care programs in the area that provide shopping or transportation for the elderly at a cost to the individual.

“Remember that eating is a social event in this country,” Smaron says. “All the right foods can be provided but left uneaten or remained in the freezer because no one was there to share in the meal. Stay and eat with them whenever you can.”

6 WAYS TO BETTER NUTRITION • Eat foods high in protein, such as eggs and lean meats.

• Incorporate dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese.

• Increase fresh produce.

• Make smoothies with fruits, vegetables, nut butters or yogurt.

• Drink 6 to 8 cups of water or non-caffeine fluids per day.

• Take a multivitamin/mineral supplement daily.

Source: Janet Smaron, registered dietitian at Hartsfield Village

nwi.com/gethealthy

Hip and Knee Replacement

“My advice?

Don’t put it off another day.”

Ready to live life to the fullest? With our advanced hip and knee replacement procedures and friendly, dedicated rehabilitation team, Ingalls can get you back to feeling your best faster than you thought possible.

Your only regret will be not having done it sooner.

Specialists available within 24-48 hours. To schedule an appointment or to register for a FREE joint pain seminar, call 708.915.PAIN (7246) or visit Ingalls.org/Classes.

Move Again. Live Again.

SM

Calumet City • Crestwood • Flossmoor • Harvey • Tinley Park

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Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana Offers the highest caliber of specialized Orthopedic care to Northwest Indiana & Chicagoland patients.

O

rthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana (OSNI), the largest fully integrated orthopaedic group in Lake County, has been providing world-class care to the patients of Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area for twenty years.

“Our physicians and surgeons have trained at the most prestigious institutions from around the country and have been continuously recognized for their research and patient excellence awards,” said Dr. Dwight Tyndall, the Stanford and Hospital for Special Surgery trained spine care specialist.

“Everything related to the treatment of orthopaedic care is offered in one easily accessible modern state of the art facility,” said Dr. Hecht, who is a University of Chicago trained joint surgeon. He further added, “We, the doctors, felt that we should have a modern and welcoming environment for our patients as well as our staff who do a tremendous job taking care of our patients.” The OSNI office offers easy access to parking as well as all needed diagnostics (X-rays, Open MRI) and physical therapy, all under one roof.

By Bob moulesong, Times Correspondent

From L-R: Jack gelman m.d., Faaps Hand, Wrist and Elbow; dwight tyndall, m.d., Faaos Spine Care, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Disc Regenerative Therapy; sunil dedhia m.d., Faaos Sports Medicine, General Orthopedics, Arthroscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Upper/Lower Extremity, Knee Replacement, Work-Related Injuries/ Conditions; nitin khanna m.d., Faaos Spine Care, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery; arshad a. khan dpm Foot and Ankle Surgery; robert W. coats ii m.d., Faaos Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions; Joseph d. hecht m.d., Faaos Hip and Knee Joint Replacement, General Orthopedics

spinal conditions OSNI offers treatment for many spinal conditions including disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, cervical disc disease, spinal stenosis, spinal compression fractures, and spondylolisthesis.

Surgical procedures are considered only after all conservative treatment options have been exhausted, according to Dr. Tyndall.

“We conduct a thorough examination of the patient to determine the best course of action,” Dr. Khanna said. “This examination includes digital X-rays and an open MRI to assist us in a correct diagnosis.”

Alternative options to surgery include physical therapy; exercise, medication, and manipulation are explored and exhausted before surgery is considered.

Joint replacement OSNI offers minimally invasive hip replacement surgery that can have the patient home the day after surgery.

Our joint specialist, Dr. Hecht, has helped champion new procedures including anterior hip replacement, which results in less tissue trauma as the technique goes between muscle planes during

hip replacement, Dr. Tyndall explained. “The artificial implants used include enhanced polyethylene plastic and metal with ceramic properties as well as permitting porous bone ingrowth rather than bone

orthopaedic specialists oF northWest indiana 730 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321 • (219) 924-3300 • osni.org

call today to schedule an evaluation with one of osni's physicians (219) 924-3300 12

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

cement. This leads to longer lasting joint replacements compared to earlier designs.

Specially designed surgical instruments are used to prepare the joint to get the implants in place through very small incisions.” Because the new techniques are minimally invasive, patients can return home sooner, even overnight, and return to normal activities faster than ever before.

Workers compensation Given the complexity of treating the injured worker, OSNI has a dedicated team of work comp professionals to ensure a seamless process throughout the entire plan of care. If surgical intervention is needed after failure of nonsurgical conservative treatment, all efforts are made to restore function in a minimally invasive, tissue sparing approach and to get the injured worker back on their feet.

The team of professionals is well versed in both Indiana and Illinois cases. The OSNI physicians understand that dealing with pain and injuries can negatively affect not only a patient’s performance at work but also a patient’s personal life. Therefore, a team approach involving the physicians, staff, case managers and patients is used to assure timely treatment and return to work.

sports surgery

Dr. Sunil Dedhia, a Northwestern Medical School and Orthopaedic residency graduate, who specializes in sports medicine and is the team doctor for Andrean and Purdue Calumet College, explained that the t. To that end the entire practice is structured to focus on the patients, from their first check-in to their rehab after surgery. He further explained that by focusing on just sports medicine and sports surgery he is able to offer the specialized care that sports related injuries such as ACL tears and shoulder rotator cuff tears require.

To speed patients’ recovery and return to active sports as soon as possible Dr. Dedhia utilizes the latest arthroscopy technology in treating these injuries. innovative diagnostic testing OSNI offers innovative diagnostic testing such as an open MRI and digital X-rays.

“Frequently, pain forces patients to seek medical help,” Dr. Tyndall explained. “Our focus is to make our patients as comfortable as possible and that begins with having state-ofthe-art diagnostic testing right

here in our building so patients don’t need to go to multiple places to get their testing done.”

Since many people have a fear of enclosed places such as a traditional MRI, OSNI offers patients an open MRI machine for their test. “We see many patients who are full figured and have difficulty fitting into a regular MRI. Being able to offer these patients an open MRI is a wonderful opportunity to ease their discomfort.

They are already suffering; we don’t want to add to their discomfort.” Dr. Tyndall said OSNI also offers state-of-theart digital X-rays. “Digital X-rays allow the physician to see the results by the time the patient returns to the examination room,” Dr. Dedhia said. “This allows us to shorten the wait time that is often experienced by patients in more traditional type offices.”

physical/occupational therapy We have a seamless process between physician and therapist,” Dr. Coats said. “Being in close proximity allows our staff to communicate as often as needed to ensure that the patient is receiving the best care possible.” Both Dr. Gelman and Dr. Coats agreed, adding that being able to directly speak to the hand therapists about difficult hand rehab cases helps to speed the patients’ recovery and helps to engage the patients in their rehabilitation.

The physical therapy staff has advanced training in joint mobilization and manipulation as well as orthopaedic nonsurgical and post-surgical care.

Staff members are certified in a variety of rehabilitations including sports, joints, hand, spinal and pain centralization.

OSNI brings the highest caliber of specialized orthopedic care to northwest indiana and chicagoland area.

OSNI physicans have been awarded compassionate doctor,top 10 doctor in the state, doctors of excellence, america top orthopedist, and Best of the region. nitin khanna md, sunil dedhia md, and dwight tyndall md received this honor for the difference they have made in their patients’ lives. dwight tyndall md also earned the 2015 on time doctor award. nwi.com/gethealthy

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Summer 2016

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KIDS’ HEALTH

GENERAL HEALTH

Playground

Rest Your Weary Eyes

PERKS JULIA PERLA HUISMAN

School’s out and the weather’s warm, which means there’s never a better time for kids to be playing outside than now. It’s well known that outdoor play is good exercise, but the benefits extend beyond the physical. Here is a look at the holistic impact of playing outside.

FOR THE BODY

According to Leah Okner, wellness manager at Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness, outdoor play is an easy way for kids to stay active because it’s exercise packaged in fun. “Playing outside is an opportunity to build muscle, burn calories, improve bone strength, and have fun at the same time,” Okner says. “Imagine a child playing hopscotch—they are doing single leg squat jumps and improving their coordination without even realizing it.”

SAFETY FIRST

Leah Okner, wellness manager at Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness, recommends the following tips to stay safe on the playground.

• Dress appropriately for the weather.

• Wear athletic shoes.

• Bring a water bottle with you. “Playing at a park may not feel like a workout but on a hot day it is easy to get dehydrated while playing outside,” Okner says.

FOR THE MIND

There is an abundance of research proving that mood and mental health improves with exposure to nature.

Even the simple act of getting dirty helps. According to studies by the Sage Colleges, the bacterium in soil has the same effect on the brain that Prozac does—it stimulates serotonin production, resulting in increased relaxation and happiness.

T

AMANDA WILSON

aking time to take your eyes off of your digital devices offers relief for your overworked eyes and can help in preventing eye complications. Whether it’s the strain caused by constantly staring at devices such as smartphones, tablets and desktop screens, or the accumulated damage from the screens’ blue light, experts agree that our eyes are paying the price for our round-the-clock digital dependence.

According to Dr. Brant Molenaar, optometrist at Molenaar Eyecare Specialists in Lansing, Ill., new studies indicate that the blue light emitted from electronic flat screens, including smartphones, iPads, and tablets, may have a multitude of detrimental effects on the eyes.

“One of the biggest concerns is that the wavelength of the blue light spectrum coming from these devices may increase the risk of macular degeneration,” Dr. Molenaar says.

Yet the issue goes beyond the device-produced blue light to the eye strain caused by continual use of the devices themselves. Dr. Nandini Menon, ophthalmologist at LTF Eye Clinics in Crown Point, Munster, and Valparaiso, cites an overall change in lifestyle for the rising rates of eye complications such as dry eye.

“People are doing more near-oriented tasks, whether that’s looking at a TV screen or a smartphone,” Dr. Menon

says. “With these kinds of tasks, the blink reflex reduces, which increases the tendency to get dry eye.”

Dr. Menon explains that blinking acts like windshield wipers for your eyes in clearing debris and expressing oils from the meibomian glands in your eyelids. When the blink rate is continuously reduced, the meibomian glands don’t produce and release the oils needed to maintain a healthy tear film, which causes the watery layer in the tear film to evaporate. This cycle leads to dry eye complications including blurry vision, corneal abrasions and scarring, and eye infections.

With the constant, easy availability of digital devices, Dr. Menon stresses the importance of people being intentional in blinking and resting their eyes. One easy way to do this is with the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and redirect your gaze to something that’s at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. She also recommends eyelid massage, which is done by washing your eyelids at least once a day with a gentle cleanser like baby soap while gently massaging the eyelids to promote healthy meibomian glands.

It also helps to make the most out of your downtime—whether that means listening to music during your morning commute or simply daydreaming while sitting in the waiting room at your doctor’s office—by taking your eyes off of your digital devices whenever possible to give them a much needed break.

FOR THE SOCIAL SKILLS

Okner points out that kids can learn valuable social lessons as well. “Playing outside can be very social and a great opportunity to learn,” she says. “At a park, a child may have to wait their turn for the slide or practice sharing a ball or toys.”

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3 words can turn your world upside down.

MEN’S HEALTH

ARE MEN LYING TO THEIR DOCTORS?

A

EVE ADAMS

recent study done by Rutgers University showed that 65 percent of men are lying to their doctors about their symptoms. Is it possible men feel too embarrassed to discuss certain symptoms? Do they feel invincible, or is it just plain old forgetfulness?

Whatever the reason, being up front with your doctor about all of your symptoms could be the difference between life and death. Dr. Ripple Doshi, an interventional cardiologist with Ingalls Health System, sees this problem in his office frequently. Doshi says that when a male patient brings his significant other to the appointment, that person will remind the patient of symptoms to tell the doctor. “Many times these may have been minor things that do not change my thoughts or plans for the patient,” Doshi says. “However, occasionally this extra information can make the difference between downplaying the patient’s symptoms, to being very concerned and changing the plan completely.”

To ensure accurate care, Doshi gives these recommendations.

• Bring a list of symptoms to your doctor appointment so you don’t forget to mention something that could end up being important.

• Bring a family member or friend with you as an advocate for your own health. Sometimes it’s easier for someone else to say something that might be difficult for you to say.

• Don’t be embarrassed. “We have definitely heard and seen worse so you should never be embarrassed,” Doshi says. If you still feel unsettled, writing down your list of symptoms and having your doctor read them may spare you any embarrassment. Also keep in mind that all physicians are bound to confidentiality.

• “It’s important that all patients, not just men, not be afraid to tell or ask their physicians anything,” Doshi says. He quotes an old saying quite relevant to this concern: “The only stupid question is the one you did not ask.”

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Summer 2016

15

Table ASHLEE JOHNSON

W

hile winter is the season most commonly known to cause weight gain because of the holidays and heavy foods, it can be difficult for people to eat healthy in the summertime as well. There are holiday picnics, graduation parties and family reunions tempting us to indulge in junk food. Here are some tips to avoid putting on extra pounds this summer:

The heat will 1. make you more susceptible to dehydration. Start your

7

WAYS TO

EAT HEALTHY IN THE SUMMERTIME

When 5. you know you have a summer party to attend, always start the Prepare for parties.

day with a healthy breakfast and get some exercise in. Then ask the host or hostess what you can bring with you. Always choose something healthier and lower in fat so you know you will at least have something good to eat. Also, eat a snack before you go. This will help keep you from overeating when you get there.

6.

Avoid the ice cream and hot dog stands and make a picnic Eat healthy at the beach.

so now’s the time to load up on those in-season fresh veggies and colorful fruits. It will give your body the nutrients it needs.

lunch when going to the beach.

Pack a cooler with bottled water, sandwiches with whole grain breads, pita chips, hummus, yogurt and fresh fruit. Also, grab some games to stay active on the beach instead of lying around the whole day.

2. that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When

4. know you want to grill out, then plan ahead by picking up

7. to go for a morning walk before the sun gets too hot or

you wake up in the morning your body is running on fumes.

Eating a breakfast with protein, carbs and fresh fruit will kick start your metabolism into gear and provide you with energy to start your day.

healthier options at the grocery store. You can make chicken and veggie kabobs, or build a healthy burger with lean beef, guacamole and a whole wheat bun. Grill salmon or tuna and have a seafood night. Add variety so you don’t get tired of the same things each week.

even an evening walk with your family to burn some of those summer calories. You can also get a workout in when you take the kids to the park using benches for step-ups, bench push-ups, or bench dips. Make their playground your total body workout!

Stay hydrated.

morning by drinking water, and keep drinking it throughout the day and at each meal. Carry a water bottle around with you as a reminder to stay hydrated.

Don’t skip breakfast. It’s true

3.

It can get boring in the winter eating frozen vegetables, Eat fruits and veggies.

Pre-plan your meals. If you

Exercise outdoors. Try

WHAT’S IN SEASON? Take advantage of the delicious fruits and vegetables in season this summer.

FRUITS Apples Apricots Bananas Blackberries Blueberries Cantaloupe/ muskmelons Cherries Honeydew melon Kiwifruit Mangoes Nectarines Peaches Plums Raspberries Strawberries Tomatillos Tomatoes Watermelon

VEGETABLES Beets Bell peppers Carrots Celery Collard greens Corn Cucumbers

Ashlee Johnson is the Thin & Healthy supervisor at Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness in Chesterton.

Eggplant Garlic Green beans Lima beans Okra Summer squash and zucchini Source: United States Department of Agriculture

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Summer 2016

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Fit Life

Belly Fat 101 Why It’s Bad and How to Avoid It

f you’re concerned about carrying a spare tire—that extra “pouch” of fat around your middle—maybe this factoid from the Center for Human Nutrition at Washington University School of Medicine will convince you to head to the gym: Fat around the midsection is a strong risk factor for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and even some types of cancers.

While a tight pair of jeans may give us a good push, it’s our health that should drive us toward working off belly fat.

Experts aren’t totally sure why belly fat is an indicator of disease. They do know people with large bellies and visceral (deep) fat tend to lose sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that helps the body burn energy. When insulin loses its power, the body responds by creating more, throwing the system further off balance. As a result, people with an abundance of belly fat are more likely to develop insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome.

A belly bulge is a wake-up call, but nothing that can’t be changed. Sharon Bohling, a personal trainer and wellness director for the Hammond YMCA, says the best way to conquer belly fat is to eat less and move more. “When it comes to reducing body fat, including belly fat, there is no magic pill, potion or exercise,” she says. Clients come to her often asking how to get rid of belly fat. She can’t offer easy answers but says a comprehensive weightloss program is the best bet. “Just as weight gain is an all-over body process, with people storing fat from their cheeks to their ankles, losing weight is an all-over process

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Sharon Bohling of the Hammond YMCA demonstrates a rotational crunch or bicycle.

Stability ball crunch

as well,” she says. “Spot reduction and toning are a myth. No amount of crunches will magically melt your middle and give you six-pack abs.”

Reducing belly fat requires a holistic approach that includes nutrition and exercise. Bohling recommends keeping a food journal to track your calories and the

types of food you’re consuming. Once you have a baseline, make small adjustments over time. “For example, drinking eight glasses of water a day or adding one serving of vegetable to dinner. Once you have accomplished that, you add another healthy dietary habit, such as incorporating dark, leafy greens,” she says.

She also recommends focusing workouts on cardiovascular health, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance rather than spot toning.

Ultimately, it’s about what you’re willing to do consistently. “There are many paths to a healthier direction. Each person has to experiment a bit to see what solutions fit their life and their temperament,” Bohling says. “With consistency and persistence, this type of well-rounded exercise program, combined with dietary changes . . . results in loss of belly fat.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

I

SHANNON ROONEY

AB EXERCISES TO TRY

BY SHARON BOHLING OF HAMMOND YMCA

ROTATIONAL CRUNCH OR BICYCLE

The rotational crunch, commonly referred to as bicycles, was rated as the most effective exercise for engaging the rectus abdominis in a study, commissioned by the American Council on Exercise, examining 13 common abdominal exercises. It also rated second for engagement of the obliques, making it a good choice for tightening the midsection.

1. Lie flat on the floor, making sure the lower back is pressed into the ground.

2. Interlace your fingers behind your neck, palms cradling your neck. Contract shoulder blades so elbows are wide. Chin is straight forward with neck in line with the spine. Maintain this position throughout the exercise so undue strain is not placed on the neck.

3. Extend one leg straight and lift it 3 to 4 inches off of the ground.

The opposite hip and knee should be bent to 90 degrees each. Ankles should be flexed, with toes pointing upward.

4. Curl your torso and pelvis toward each other, rotating your torso toward the bent leg. The left elbow should move toward the right knee, right elbow toward the left knee.

5. Complete a full repetition by rotating your torso toward the opposite side, straightening the bent leg, and bending the straight hip and knee to 90 degrees each. Shoulders should remain lifted between repetitions. Make sure you are turning your torso, not just moving your elbows.

Exhale as you twist; inhale as you straighten the spine.

6. Continue alternating sides to complete the set. Work up to 3 sets of 12 full repetitions.

Tips: Form is critical. Move slowly and deliberately, pausing a beat when the elbow and knee are touching, although it is not necessary to touch if it puts too much strain on the neck. Stop if you have pain in the lower back or neck. To make this exercise easier, allow shoulders to touch the mat between repetitions or keep the leg bent on the bottom leg instead of extending it. To make it harder, perform it on a BOSU ball.

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STABILITY BALL CRUNCH

Completing a crunch on a stability ball was rated number three for abdominal activity in the same study. Stability ball crunches reduce the strain on the lower back and minimize the reliance on often-overtightened hip flexors as experienced when performing traditional full sit-ups.

1. Sit on a stability ball with your feet flat on the floor about hip width apart, parallel to each other with toes pointing forward.

Slowly roll down on the ball until thighs and torso are parallel with the floor. Your back will be slightly arched over the back of the ball.

2. Interlace your fingers behind your neck, palms cradling your neck.

Contract shoulder blades so elbows are wide. Chin is straight forward with neck in line with the spine.

Maintain this position throughout the exercise so undue strain is not placed on the neck. Crossing your arms on your chest is an alternative.

3. Keep your hips stationary as you contract your abdominals, raising your torso about 45 degrees.

Concentrate on curling up and forward. Keep your spine long and extended, not rounding your back at the top of the movement.

4. Lower back down to complete the repetition. Time your breath with the movements, inhaling as you lower and exhaling as you flex forward. Complete 12 to 16 repetitions for 3 sets.

Tips: For better balance, spread your feet wider. To challenge the obliques, place the feet together.

To increase the resistance, hold a weight plate or dumbbell on your chest. Make sure you remain stable before incorporating weights. You also can add a twist at the top of the movement.

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Summer 2016

19

Families

mobile

meals

How to eat healthy while on the go

O

CARRIE STEINWEG

ne of the biggest challenges for busy families is getting in a good meal when you’re on the go.

It’s hard to fit in a nutritious and wellbalanced meal when you’re running from work or school to sports practices and other activities. Too often, parents turn to unhealthy fast food for the sake of convenience.

While it’s easy to pull into a drive-thru for a burger and fries or keep the car stocked with cookies and chips, it’s not healthy or economical.

Terri Sakelaris, a dietitian and nutritionist with Community Healthcare System, has been in the shoes of many busy parents.

“My daughter was a gymnast and practices would be about three hours. I would pick her up after school from

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Summer 2016

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cheer and then take her to the gym for practice and she’d get home at 9 o’clock,” Sakelaris says. “I would have dinner in bowls covered in Saran Wrap and I’d stop home and heat them up. I started doing everything I could in a Crock-Pot the night before and she’d eat it in the car, things like fried rice that could heat quickly in the microwave or casseroles or lasagna. It did take a lot of preparation.”

When weather is really hot, kids might not have big appetites and smaller bites will sometimes tide them over. “I’ve found that with a lot of kids in the heat, they want cooler things.

I freeze grapes and then it’s more like a popsicle,” Sakelaris says.

Taking time to prep is important, she says. Cutting up vegetables and fruits and having them ready to go in plastic bags is a good way to avoid the drivethru.

ON-THE-GO FOOD IDEAS Breakfast:

Hand-held items you can take out the door, such as a slice of toast with some avocado or a toasted waffle with peanut butter and bananas.

Lunch:

Sandwiches that can be pre-made and kept in a cooler with lunchmeat, cheese, lettuce, cucumber, tomato and other vegetables. Use a bun or pretzel roll that will hold up better than bread and not get soggy. Keep containers of condiments in the cooler to be added when eaten.

Yogurt topped with fruit or granola.

Dinner:

Pre-portioned light meals that can be heated and eaten in the car on the way to an event. Also, meats that can be served cold, like diced chicken breast with some raw vegetables that can be eaten as a salad or put into a tortilla or wrap.

Snacks:

Go for proteins and healthy carbs to help energize kids, says Sakelaris. Homemade granola, pretzels dipped in peanut butter, cheese cubes with whole wheat crackers, cut up fruit, fruit cups, nuts, raisins, air popped popcorn.

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Outdoor Family Fitness CARRIE STEINWEG

G

etting kids out of the house, even on a beautiful day, often isn’t easy given the allure of electronics.

But once you make it outside, there are many fun fitness opportunities to be found.

A day at the beach can involve more physical activity than just swimming and building sandcastles, says Luke Triveline, owner at St. John’s Fitness Evolution. “We have the dunes and it’s a good place to utilize the hills, just walking up and down them or making a game out of it,” he says.

“Do bear crawls or lunges up the hill and make it a competition, so it doesn’t feel like exercise.”

He recommends beach volleyball. “Or even do a sprint to see who can make it back to the beach towel the fastest. Kids

tend to like when you make it a game,” he says. “There are also so many trails, and you can have kids search for rocks or other things to keep it fun.”

Playgrounds also offer a lot of ways to be active other than hanging on the monkey bars and swinging. “It’s already a fun place anyway, so it doesn’t feel like exercise.

See who can do the most chin-ups or go down the slide and do five push-ups,” says Triveline. “Any running or jumping activity is good to keep them active. You want to keep them active for 60 minutes a day. They can also ride bikes to the park or walk the dog there.”

Even a backyard can become an obstacle course. Parents can set up chairs or other objects for kids to run around or go under, Triveline says.

When it rains, he says, get moving during commercials by seeing who can do the most push-ups or who can plank the longest.

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Mind

CELEBRATE RECOVERY LOCATIONS

Ray Hall and his family celebrated one year of his sobriety at Myrtle Beach this spring.

BETHEL CHURCH 10202 Broadway Crown Point 219.663.9200 bethelweb.org

Meets every Tuesday from 6:30-9pm

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100 81st Ave Dyer 219.804.0300 faithchurchonline.org Meets every Tuesday from 7-9pm (Dyer campus) Also meets at Hammond Arts Center, 5832 Hohman Ave, Hammond, Friday from 7-9pm

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Meets every Thursday from 7-8pm

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Summer 2016

Recovery

S

AMANDA WILSON

taring into the abyss of addiction, brokenness and pain, it can be hard to fathom that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step Christian ministry dedicated to guiding the hurting and broken through the darkness into a place of healing, grace and forgiveness.

Celebrate Recovery is for people who are struggling with addictions to drugs, alcohol and sex; eating disorders; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; financial bondage; and marital strife. It is anonymous and offers confidential support through fellowship, worship, a biblically based 12-step recovery program, and small group discussion and support.

Though the particular types of addiction vary for Celebrate Recovery participants, the common denominator is pain. Gary Butler, pastor of

GET HEALTHY

counseling and family ministries at Bethel Church, says Celebrate Recovery isn’t strictly an addiction ministry; it’s for everyone who’s struggling with pain in their lives. “We welcome people into a place where they’re shown grace and love, a place where they can come in and feel safe,” he says.

Deeply rooted pain along with a yearning to find safety and break free from the chains of addiction is something that Ray and Meghan Hall, members of Bethel, know all too well. The Halls had what looked like a picture-perfect marriage.

Childhood sweethearts brought up in solidly Christian homes, their friendship blossomed into romance and marriage. Meghan stayed home full time to take care of their three children while Ray worked long hours to provide for his family.

Yet Ray had been using drugs and alcohol since his sophomore year of high school and, even though he’d had periods of sobriety, his substance

abuse problems took a turn for the worse when a co-worker introduced Ray to Vicodin one year after the marriage. Although he kept the scope of his drinking and drug use hidden, his addiction and the issues resulting from it had strained their marriage to the breaking point when Ray confessed everything to Meghan the weekend before his 33rd birthday. “I thought we had it all together; little did I know that my husband had been living a lie for the majority of our married life,” Meghan recalls.

Their marriage was already strained, so when Ray was advised by one of Bethel’s pastors to confess everything to Meghan, Ray feared that coming clean would push his marriage over the edge. “I was lost and desperate for change,” he says. “I prayed to God to get me out of the mess I’d created. I’d been hiding in darkness for so long that I didn’t know what to do.”

The same way Ray’s pastor says God loves his children even as they sin, Meghan loved and supported Ray as he went into an inpatient detox facility.

“Ray chose the kids and me over the alcohol and drugs,” Meghan says. Ray and Meghan recently enjoyed a trip with their three children and extended family to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this past April to celebrate one year of sobriety for Ray. Though the inpatient detox facility healed Ray of his physical dependency, Ray and Meghan credit Celebrate Recovery with continuing to heal each other and their marriage while strengthening their faith. They also deeply value the Celebrate Recovery community, who have helped guide them through the dark times, and are committed to doing the same for others who are hurting. As Meghan says, “God allowed us to experience his grace and love through this. He gives meaning to the trials we go through.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MEGHAN AND RAY HALL

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Carmen Garza and Enam Nanevie of Hammond run on the trail around Wolf Lake.

PENNY FRAZIER

MORE TO BE DONE

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

NWI’s built environment increasingly offers opportunities for fitness and wellness

J

GILES BRUCE

essica Baran decided to take her new bike out for a spin around Wolf Lake on an immaculately clear and sunny day recently.

Two years ago, she wouldn’t have had this option. But then a regional development group invested nearly $1 million to

build the trails.

For Baran, a 25-year-old Wal-Mart stocker from Whiting, the infrastructure provides an opportunity to improve her health. “It makes you want to get out here, especially on a nice day,” she says, facing the flames of the BP oil refinery, semis passing by on the Indiana Toll Road behind her. “It’s nice out, and I need to get in shape.”

Baran is one of an increasing number of Northwest Indiana residents turning to the Region’s streets, trails and waterways for physical activity, thanks to an increased focus in recent years on the area’s built environment.

The shift represents a welcome change for the more health-conscious residents of an area known more for heavy industry and gyros

24

Summer 2016

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restaurants than physical fitness and outdoor recreation.

“Land use, transportation systems and community design either provide us opportunities for healthier behavior or limit it,” says Kim Irwin, executive director of Indianapolis-based Healthy by Design. “Having communities where active transportation options are available—trails, sidewalks, bikeways—are all a way for people to get physical activity as part of their day-to-day routines.”

Advocates say the infrastructure changes in Northwest Indiana only serve to improve the health of a region where more than a third of residents are obese.

“It’s one of those ‘If you build it, they will come’ kind of things,” says Don Parker, chairman of South Shore Trails. “On the Erie Lackawanna Trail in Schererville on a summer Saturday, we’ll actually hear complaints that there are too many people on it.”

Parker says it’s now almost possible to take a bike all the way from downtown Chicago to the Indiana Dunes. And in more and more communities, people can make short trips to the store by bike or foot, increasing physical activity and cutting down on air pollution.

But Northwest Indiana still has a lot of work to do. For one, there isn’t a lot of public transportation. In Lake and Porter counties, nearly 90 percent of residents drive to work by themselves and more than a third have long commutes where they drive alone, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Both numbers are above the state average and a far cry from the top U.S. performers.

Also, there are no towns or cities in the Region where most errands can be accomplished on foot, according to WalkScore.com, which rates communities on their walkability.

In Northwest Indiana, the website scored East Chicago the most walkable and Portage the least.

And while Northwest Indiana now has more than 140 miles of regional trails, it’s still difficult for most residents to get to the trail heads without driving to them, says Mitch Barloga, active transportation planner for the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission.

But even getting to this point has been quite an accomplishment for the Region.

“We’re a nation that has been catering to the automobile for well over 50 years now and we are feeling the effects,” Barloga says. “In Northwest Indiana, we’re one subdivided bedroom community

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Summer 2016

25

after another with small downtown areas.”

Barloga points to two local communities that stand out in their commitment to healthy built environment: Hammond and Valparaiso, which have both invested heavily in trails in recent years. In addition, Lowell and LaPorte have adopted “complete streets” policies requiring that all road projects accommodate all users, regardless of their ability and mode of transportation.

HAMMOND AND VALPO STAND OUT

It helps to have a fitness nut for a mayor. Take Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., an avid bicyclist. He says the city is lucky that it had so many sidewalks in place, as well as old rail lines that could be turned into trails. The job has been to connect the city’s bike paths, particularly from downtown to Wolf Lake.

So the city has transformed the north part of Sheffield from four lanes to two with a bike trail. Other recent improvements include adding a bridge crossing over New York Avenue and a miles-long extension of the Monon Trail to Munster.

“We’re trying to change people’s perception of Hammond, Indiana,” McDermott says.

“Hammond, Indiana, 50 years ago didn’t build bike trails and bridges. Hammond, Indiana, in 2016 does.”

“By doing these quality-of-life improvements, it gets people to stay,” he adds. “It’s good for the community and good for community health.”

Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas has kept this quote in mind as he has helped mold his city’s infrastructure.

“We shape our communities and they shape us,” he says.

The city of Valparaiso has been adding miles and miles of bike trails in recent years and creating developments where people can live, shop and take public transit all within walking distance. Other initiatives include installing workout equipment at parks, making parks accessible to people with disabilities and planting flower beds in ditches.

Valparaiso residents can even play outside during the cold-weather months, thanks to the city’s downtown ice-skating rink, which was visited by 51,000 people last winter. A future possibility includes an indoor recreational facility with a skate park and swimming pool.

Costas, who has competed in triathlons and biked to Chicago and Indianapolis, says

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Summer 2016

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a health-conscious mindset “has to be part of every project you do.”

“If you make it easy for people to walk, it encourages them to get out and be outside,” he says. “Athletics and parks are things that bring people together. I’ve met some of my closest friends through running.”

IMPROVEMENTS ON LAND, WATER

Steve Lopez, president of the Calumet Region Striders running club, started running in the Region in 1984. He says he sees a lot more runners out nowadays, particularly women, perhaps because the trails provide a safer environment than running on the street.

Terri Saltzman, community wellness coordinator for Purdue Extension Lake County,

echoes that sentiment, noting that crime can be a deterrent to physical activity, a reality in certain Northwest Indiana communities. If people don’t feel safe walking or running in their own neighborhoods, they’re not going to do those things.

She points to other areas where the Region could enhance its built environment: making sure sidewalks lead to parks; more mixed-use land development so residents live in the same areas where they shop; and increased access to fresh, nutritious food in low-income communities so people can both walk to the grocery store and eat better.

She’s noticed some recent improvements to the Region’s healthy built environment, including curb bump-outs and buffers between

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WALKABILITY OF NWI COMMUNITIES

Walkscore.com rates the walkability of cities, towns and neighborhoods across the U.S. Here’s how the website scores communities in Northwest Indiana (from best to worst): • East Chicago: 59

• Gary: 35

• Hammond: 48

• Michigan City: 35

• Highland: 45

• Crown Point: 27

• Griffith: 41

• Hobart: 22

• Valparaiso: 40

• Schererville: 22

• Munster: 36

• Portage: 17

Rating system: 0-24 (almost all errands require a car), 25-49 (most errands require a car), 50-69 (some errands can be accomplished on foot), 70-89 (most errands can be accomplished on foot) and 90-100 (daily errands do not require a car).

Workout equipment was installed at Fairground Park in Valparaiso, one of the towns best known for its commitment to healthy built environments.

PHOTOS BY TONY V. MARTIN

J Calaway, Enam Nanevie, Ryan Myszak, and Carmen Garza run together on the trail around Wolf Lake in Hammond.

PENNY FRAZIER

the street and sidewalk in Crown Point and bike racks and benches in East Chicago.

Built environment isn’t just on land. Over the past several years, the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association has been working to improve public access to local waterways. Since 2009, the organization has developed 170 miles of water trails in the Region, including Lake Michigan and the Little Calumet and Kankakee rivers, clearing logs, putting up signage and installing boat launches.

Association president Dan Plath says paddling is a great way to get in shape. “There aren’t many exercises or sports out there that are better for your core than kayaking,” he says.

“It’s also a zero-impact sport. You can do it your whole life and not tear your body up. Running

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and a lot of other sports are hard on your joints in the long term.”

FINISHING TOUCHES IN THE REGION

Back on land, some communities, like Dyer and St. John, still need to link into the regional trail network. If municipalities can’t afford bike bridges or tunnels, Barloga suggests HAWK signals, red lights that are only activated by pedestrians who need to cross. One such device is going up on 45th Avenue, where the Erie Lackawanna trail crosses from Highland

into Griffith.

Gary, Lowell and Burns Harbor are among the places planning to expand their trail systems. And, Barloga says, completion of the Pennsy Greenway in Schererville will ultimately make it more time efficient to bike across that town than drive.

“Trails are nothing short of community elixirs,” he says. “They improve property values, improve community health, help people get outside. When you’re on a trail, you’re going to smile at people for the most part.

You’re not going to do that in a car, trust me.”

GET HEALTHY

Summer 2016

27

Best Friend

Stay Positive CARRIE RODOVICH

ewarding good behavior with a click and treat has proved an effective way to train dogs.

Liz Geisen, a trainer at Deer Run Animal Hospital in Schererville, is one of the only people in the area who has completed the Karen Pryor Academy Clicker Training program, which is a marker-based, “forcefree” training that focuses on rewarding good behavior in animals.

“When a dog performs a positive behavior, he is rewarded with a good sound, a click and a treat,” Geisen says. “When they do something we like and we want them to repeat, we reward it. It’s telling the dog they got something right and then paying them for it.”

The training method started with marine mammals, using whistles to reward dolphins for positive behavior. The practice can be used on any animal. “You can do it with anything that has a nervous system, whether it be a fish or a crab, a dog or a cat,” she says.

Repetition is important, as is using a “high value” treat like lunch meat, cheese or a hot dog, she says. “The dog starts thinking, ‘How can I make her click and give me more food?’” she says. “So a dog might sit on its own, and then you click and give a treat. They learn that specific behavior means a good treat, whereas jumping up doesn’t get that treat.”

There is no yelling, positioning the dog, or use of force involved with the training. “It’s cool, because there

28

Summer 2016

GET HEALTHY

Liz Geisen at Deer Run Animal Hospital uses a clicker and treats to train dogs for positive behavior.

is this moment where you can see the dog’s wheels turning when they figure it out,” she says. “The clicker is a clear, concise communication form between you and your subject. There’s no guessing for them.”

Roseanne Porter, of Lansing, brought Gus, a bullmastiff, to see Geisen in February, when the dog was only a few months old. “I thought it was great because it’s a reward training. You click, you give a treat, and they learn by positive feedback, not negative

DEER RUN ANIMAL HOSPITAL 308 US 30 Schererville 219.864.7180 deerrunanimalhospital.com

feedback,” Porter says. “He loved going there and meeting new dogs. He’s much more focused when I use the clicker.”

She says she’ll continue to go back for fine-tuning, and is having Geisen come visit Gus at home to help with specific issues.

“She is incredible. She has a bond with every animal,” Porter says. “She’s a dog whisperer, she really is.”

Laura Rubino, of Munster, has had similar success with her English bulldog, Parker, whom she adopted from the Chicago English Bulldog Rescue.

“We worked with (Geisen) for a while, and it was really beneficial, and he learned a lot of things,” Rubino says.

“He responded really well, both in the controlled setting training environment as well as outside in the natural distractions of the everyday world. She has been a great help and a great resource.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

R

Click-based training successful with dogs

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