INstride October 2016

10 16

How’s your financial health?

Q Aging eyes: An INfographic Q Dance to better health

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DEPARTMENTS

10 16 FEATURES

08

06

14

10

Plucky seniors learn the guitar

Local man wins weight battle

11

Spotted

17 22

ACHIEVE

COVER STORY

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20

How’s your financial health?

Our eyes change a lot as we age

Foxtrot or twist, dance is exercise

Fresh Pick The rutabaga

Calendar

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October 2016 • INstride 3

Don’t see yourself as an exerciser?

Look at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center!

“

For me, exercise has been a cure for depression and has removed my aches and pains. I feel a lot better at 58 lbs. less, nicotine-free, and as a runner.

—Lynne Crohn, who decided to lose 50 pounds and stop a 30-year smoking habit by her 50th birthday.

”

Choose the right fitness center to start or continue your healthy lifestyle!

Here are some things to consider:

stride Editorial director: Bob Zaltsberg Managing editor: Marci Creps Production coordinator: Brooke McCluskey Photo editor: David Snodgress Contributing staff: Anna Rochelle, Jeremy Hogan Graphics editor: Bill Thornbro

Publisher: Cory Bollinger CONTENT: 812-331-4289 bmccluskey@hoosiertimes.com

Advertising director: Laurie Ragle Marketing manager: Shaylan Owen

ADVERTISING/DISTRIBUTION: 812-331-4310

INstride is a monthly fitness, wellness and nutrition magazine serving south-central Indiana with offices in Bedford, Mooresville, Martinsville and Bloomington. It is distributed to more than 90,000 readers and can be found at various locations throughout south-central Indiana. The free publication is also inserted in the Bedford Times-Mail, Martinsville Reporter-Times and Bloomington Herald-Times the second Monday of every month and the Mooresville/Decatur Times, the second Thursday of every month.

© 2016 Schurz Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Location

You are more likely to visit a gym that is 10–15 minutes away.

Fees

Know the method and schedule of membership fees. Many gyms, like the TLRC, offer discounted membership rates for people over 60.

Be sure your gym can accommodate your free time!

Hours

Members

Coming up in November Pain, redness, swelling and warm to the touch. What is inflammation?

Ask staff who they consider their “typical” member. You may be surprised!

Equipment

Is there enough, and is it the equipment you need or want to try?

We invite you to visit the Twin Lakes Recreation Center and ask for a guest pass to try us out for free!

Twin Lakes Recreation Center

1700 W. Bloomfield Rd. • 812-349-3720 bloomington.in.gov/TLRC

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4 INstride • October 2016

ON THE COVER 10 16

How’s your financial health as you approach retirement? Illustration by Bill Thornbro for INstride

EDITOR’S LETTER

Finding a purpose awesome result This month’s fitness inspiration is the amazing story of how Jerry Davis made the decision to get fit and lose weight.

His inspiration was his daughter, whose health condition meant Davis and his wife would be caring for her for the rest of her life. Realizing his life wouldn’t be long if he didn’t get healthy, Davis began eating right and exercising and went from 463 pounds to 190 pounds.

While his daughter continues to be an inspiration, he also looks for the little accomplishments to maintain his healthy lifestyle. If you’re trying to be healthy, it is easy to beat yourself up when you fall down. That cookie, slice of bread or extra serving of pasta can sometimes be enough to get us to give up. But isn’t it better to celebrate a day that included healthy servings of vegetables, an extra long walk or choosing water over soda?

A few years ago, I was at my niece’s wedding. I love cake, and I really wanted to have a piece, but I was concerned about my blood sugar levels since I’m diabetic. I opted for a piece of cake, but I tried to remove the heavy icing. Then I danced and danced until I wore myself out. In the end, my blood sugar levels were OK as I found a fun way to sweat.

So if you fall, get back up. Try to find the positive and refocus on your goals. Our road to a healthy lifestyle isn’t straight and easy. There are hills, valleys and curves, but if you stay the course, the road will be long.

Marci Creps, managing editor

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October 2016 • INstride 5

Guitar Heroes

A PLUCKY GROUP OF SENIORS HITS THE RIGHT NOTE

By Anna Rochelle

W

DAVID SNODGRESS | INSTRIDE

Marilyn Uselding and Tim Forbes play during a beginning guitar class at the Endwright Center.

6 INstride • October 2016

ord is starting to spread about a unique opportunity for senior citizens to sing and make music in classes for both beginning and intermediate musicians every week at the Area 10 Agency on Aging’s Endwright Center in Ellettsville.

Both seniors who already know how to play a stringed instrument and seniors who have never played any instrument before are welcome to join the sessions on Thursday afternoons.

Instructor Nathan Dillon, a professional musician who has taught music in a variety of settings, said the number of seniors participating has been growing since the program started a couple of years ago.

The first session from 12:15 until 1:15 p.m. caters to beginners and the second session from 1:15 until 2:15 p.m. is for more advanced players.

Dillon emphasizes that no matter the experience level, any senior who wants to play is welcome and he’ll have them making music in no time.

“Some are beginners,” said Dillon. “Others have played an instrument in the past but got busy working and raising families and put it down.”

Some have instruments of their own and some do not. Students walk in with all kinds of stringed instruments including mandolins, banjos, ukuleles and guitars. For those who do not have an acoustic instrument, Dillon arrives with plenty of extras, usually bringing baritone ukuleles, guitars of various sizes and sometimes a dulcimer.

His goal is to have full participation no matter what the playing ability. If someone does not know how to play or doesn’t have an instrument, he’ll find one for them and teach them at least one chord they can play all the way through a song.

“We’ll have you up and running and you’ll be making music with everyone,” said Dillon.

The ability to have everyone playing music is a skill Dillon says he learned from David Baker several years ago. Baker taught improvisation classes to musicians of various abilities on a wide range of instruments. Dillon said no matter who showed up to the class, Baker quickly had all of them playing together and that has become Dillon’s goal in his classes for seniors.

With each successive class, he says musicians learn new things and gain more skill. Many participants attend both sessions.

“Every class is a first class and every class is a continuing class,” said Dillon. “About 70 percent of them come for both. Those with more experience enjoy the first hour to warm up, then in the second hour, they pick it up.”

For those who might be afraid of making a mistake, Dillon said there’s no need to worry because the group plays together and that easily covers up mistakes.

At least five people are there every week, but 15 is average and some weeks there may be 20 or more. Most of the participants are in their 60s and 70s with the oldest around 86 years old. Although the classes are geared toward seniors, other ages are welcomed and Dillon said younger kids sometimes come to play with their grandparents.

In addition to playing tunes, they sing along.

Students suggest songs and Dillon always has a list of possibilities. They play a mixture of old and new tunes from various genres, including gospel, country, folk, and rock and roll. They may play a Joni Mitchell song, or sing along to a familiar Merle Haggard tune or Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” or learn a new song from a currently popular artist.

In August, the group played its first concert before residents at Bell Trace Health and Living Center. Dillon said the group was well received and will likely schedule more public performances in the future.

Dillon says he finds a special satisfaction when teaching seniors.

“It’s good when a younger person says they enjoyed a lesson or class, but when a 70-year-old, who has acquired knowledge and wisdom in life, tells me they learned something and enjoyed a class, that means something.”

Dillon says people are fascinated and love to

DAVID SNODGRESS | INSTRIDE

Nate Dillon looks at an album cover of Purple Rain with Roseann Dodds during a beginning guitar class at the Endwright Center.

play music whether they are four or 74 years old, and a new challenge like this helps to keep the mind sharp and may open up parts of the mind that have not been open before.

The group meets in a large space with plenty of room and Dillon says it’s a very welcoming group of people.

“They’re a really great bunch,” said Dillon explaining that it’s easy to get involved. “Just show up.”

The Endwright Center does charge a fee to participate in the classes. The cost for members is $12 per month or $30 for non-members.

For more information on these music classes or on the Endwright Center, call 812-876-3383 extension 515, or visit the Area 10 Agency on Aging online at http://www.area10agency.org/ or see their information on the Endwright Center at www.area10agency.org/endwright.

The Endwright Center is at 631 W. Edgewood Drive in Ellettsville. For more information on Nathan Dillon, visit www.everybodyrocks.net/ index.html online. Q October 2016 • INstride 7

How’s your financial health?

By Marci Creps

BILL THORNBRO | INSTRIDE

GET A HEALTHY RETIREMENT PLAN Thinking about retirement? Even the least stressful day at work can have us thinking about how easy life will be when the daily work grind is gone. But are you preparing for retirement?

If you’re in your 60s, it’s probably too late to do anything except buy a lottery ticket and hope for the best. But from your 30s through your 50s, we’ve got some tips for making sure you’re ready for whatever your idea of retirement is.

John Hurlow, managing partner and financial advisor at Hurlow Wealth Management Group Inc. in Bloomington, said it’s hard

8 INstride • October 2016

to give a dollar amount until you determine what kind of lifestyle you expect. If you’re a homebody who doesn’t travel much, the amount you need will be vastly different than the retiree who envisions traveling around the world and enjoys expensive hobbies. No matter what lifestyle you choose, Hurlow’s first recommendation is to start saving anywhere from 1 to 5 percent of your income every paycheck.

“Even if you start with a really small amount, just get it started so you can see how it works

and how it grows and how little you will miss it,” he said. As the years go by, try to increase the amount you’re saving by one percent. “You’re not going to miss it. It’s going to be a few bucks less if you increase it just a little bit.”

IN YOUR 30S

If you’re in your 30s, you’ve got a great opportunity to see how long-term savings will benefit your retirement. While it is often not easy, it’s important to focus on your goals “If you don’t start planning now, you’re not going to be ready down the road,” Hurlow said.

This is also a good time to build your emergency funds. “This fund should be very safe and very liquid, and the purpose that it needs to be there is in case you lose your job for some reason,” Hurlow said, recommending the fund should contain at least three to six months of your salary so you have something to rely on while you look for another job.

If your employer offers a retirement plan, contribute enough to get any matching offers. If you change jobs, don’t cash out those savings.

Instead, roll it into an IRA or a new plan at your new job if that’s possible. If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, don’t let that stop you from starting an IRA.

IN YOUR 40S

Now is the time to get serious about your retirement plan. Hopefully you’ve been saving, but if not, you need to make your retirement plan a priority. Hurlow said to contribute the maximum to your 401(k).

Hurlow recommends that people review their retirement plan once a year. So if you haven’t been doing that, now is the time to again evaluate what you want in retirement. By your 40s, things have changed. There may be kids and college savings that factor into your plans. What you want out of retirement may have changed.

“You’re guessing the whole time, and that’s why it is a process because you’ve constantly got to make adjustments,” he said.

Remember to continue to maintain your emergency fund and make sure you’ve appropriately protected your assets. It’s always a good idea to review your insurance – both life and homeowners — to make sure you’re protected.

IN YOUR 50S

Using a baseball metaphor, Hurlow said you’re rounding third, and it’s important to see if the third-base coach is waving you in. If you’ve been planning well, you’ll be safe. If not, you may get sent back to try and make some adjustments.

“If you are being sent back, it is not the end of the world. You just have to make some changes,” Hurlow said.

Again, you may need to reevaluate your goals. If you hoped to be a world traveler in your retirement years, you may need to scale back on those expectations. You also may need to decide you have to work longer or take a part-time job after retirement.

Some issues will be out of your control. If there is a recession happening when you decide to retire, it will greatly affect your investments.

“The ups and down of the market can have a much greater impact on the likelihood of your running out of money or not,” he said.

You can often get an idea of what your Social Security benefit will be and how much you’ll be able to draw from your retirement accounts. Those numbers will help you determine how much longer you need to work and what changes you need to make to your retirement plan.

FINAL ADVICE

No matter where you are on the curve, it’s always a good idea to be prudent with you rmoney.

“Save as much as you can, invest wisely and know that tomorrow will be here sooner than you think,” Hurlow said. Q

October 2016 • INstride 9

FRESH PICKS

The humble, versatile rutabaga

GETTY IMAGE

By Brooke McCluskey

Smoky Rutabaga Whip

Crispy Roasted Rutabaga

This pale root might seem a little boring, but a 100-calorie serving has about one-third of the fiber you need for a day. It also has 58 percent of your recommended intake of vitamin C. The rutabaga’s delicate flavor makes it a versatile addition to a healthy cool-weather menu. Try it in place of potatoes, yams, squash or carrots. After purchasing, cut off any green tops, wrap rutabagas in a bag and store in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

Ingredients 3 to 4 pounds rutabagas 2 tablespoons butter 4 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1 cup milk 4 ounces cream cheese 2 tablespoons smoked olive oil 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon onion powder Pepper to taste

Ingredients 1 pound rutabagas 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons bouillon 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 garlic cloves, minced Dried or fresh thyme to taste Dried or fresh rosemary to taste

Instructions Peel rutabagas and cut into small slices. Melt butter in a large pot on medium heat and add rutabaga, garlic and salt. Add milk, cover the pot and simmer on low 30 minutes until tender. Allow mixture to cool at least 5 minutes before proceeding. Mash by hand or whip with a mixer, adding cream cheese and mixing until it is the texture of mashed potatoes. Add olive oil, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until blended. For a fluffier texture, whip thoroughly with a mixer.

SOURCE: PREVENTION.COM

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Instructions Preheat oven to 400. Peel rutabaga and cut into slices or chunks. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, and into it put the water, lemon juice, olive oil, bouillon and salt. Add rutabaga to baking sheet and gently toss to coat. Cover pan with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and add garlic, thyme and rosemary. Bake uncovered at least another 30 minutes or until crisp and brown. Salt to taste.

SOURCE: EATINGWELL.COM

SPOTTED

DAVID SNODGRESS | INSTRIDE

Kirby Gann follows his shot from the tee while playing a round of golf at Cascades.

Mary Beth Hannah-Hansen jogs along the B-Line trail.

Create your own photo galleries at myINstride. com

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JEREMY HOGAN | INSTRIDE

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October 2016 • INstride 11

Aging Eyes An INstride INfographic Muscles, joints and organs all break down after several decades of wear and tear. Your eyes are not immune to the aging process.

But there are a few smart things you can do

to maintain good ocular health as you age.

And it should come as no surprise that many tips for good eye health are the same tips that will keep the rest of your body in good working order for a long time.

Four common eye issues as we age 1. Dry eye syndrome Dr. Todd Peabody, clinical associate professor at the Indiana University School of Optometry, says patients typically “complain of dryness, intermittent blur, burning sensation, redness,

Tips for good eye health Lens

Tip 1: Check-up

Iris

Peabody strongly recommends annual eye exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. “Most of these conditions can be diagnosed and managed — if not cured — by your local eye-care professional,” Optic nerve notes Peabody.

Cornea and fatigued or tired eyes.” A common ailment, dry eye syndrome is “chronic and progressive,” affects more women than men and has many “causes and treatment strategies.”

Tip 2: Don’t smoke Peabody goes a step further. “Don’t be around people who do.” Smoking is a “significant risk factor” for two of the common eye conditions, age-related macular degeneration and dry-eye syndrome.

Tip 3: Improve diet

Macula

Add more “brightly colored fruits and vegetables” to your diet, Peabody says.

Lens Retina

Optic nerve

Iris

2. Cataracts Cornea

Cataracts are definitely age-related and occur when the “lens inside of the eye become cloudy,” Peabody says. They can “cause blurry vision, trouble with glare — particularly while driving at night,” but there’s good news. “While visually significant,” cataracts “will not result in blindness.” Treatment typically includes replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one.

Lens

Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindess in the country. Often asymptomatic in early stages, the condition is really “a group of disorders that result in damage to the optic nerve,” which sends visual information to the brain.

Iris

4. Age-related macular degeneration According to Peabody, patients experience this condition when the macula — “the part of the retina that is utilized for fine focus tasks such as reading, driving or recognizing faces” — degenerates. There are two forms, wet and dry. While more common, the dry type results in “less severe vision loss.”

SOURCES: DR. TODD PEABODY; IUHEALTH.ORG/OPHTHALMOLOGY; WEBMD.COM

12 INstride • October 2016

Retina

Lens

3. Glaucoma

Iris

Macula

Optic nerve

Lens

CorneaOptic nerve Tip Macula 4: Sunglasses

Cornea

Macula Retina

What about floaters?

There are age-related vision issues that are annoying butRetina hardly serious. Floaters, for example, are tiny, irregularly shaped spots that appear and disappear quickly but are not a cause for alarm.

Don’t forget “UV protection any time when outdoors,” says Peabody.

Iris Cornea

Tip 5: Get healthy

Optic nerve Macula

It may sound odd, but one of the best things you can do for your eyes is to get the rest of your body healthy. “Many systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be devasting to your eyes” ifRetina not managed, Peabody says.

BILL THORNBRO | INSTRIDE

October 2016 • INstride 13

The ‘before and after’ of Jerry Davis AFTER BEFORE

COURTESY PHOTOS

Jerry Davis, 39, once weighed 463 pounds. But not today.

14 INstride • October 2016

AFTER

By Marci Creps The date was Sept. 21, 2013. That was the day Jerry Davis made a note on his phone that he was going to lose weight.

“That was my wake-up call,” he said.

Davis had never thought about losing weight.

At 6-foot-7, his heaviest weight was 463 pounds.

When his youngest daughter Hiley was diagnosed with severe autism and was declared legally blind, he realized his role as husband and father was more important than ever. If he would be expected to lift his daughter and financially provide for her, his years and ability would be limited as a morbidly obese man.

“You know what, I do need to change what I’m doing in my life. I don’t need to change jobs. I don’t need to change careers. I don’t need to change education. I need to change me,” he said.

So without too much thought, Davis drastically changed his eating habits and began running.

“What I did was just started to kind of run in the morning even though I was really heavy. I admit I didn’t even know what I was doing,” Davis said.

His first few runs seemed like a mile, but he could only make it a half block before he’d have to stop and walk. When it came to his eating habits, he cut out the fast food that dominated his day, stopped drinking soda and began to eat more grilled chicken and salads. At first, no one except coworkers seemed to notice the changes he was making. But his mantra was anything that was bad was cut out.

Eating about 1,400 to 1,600 calories a day was a drastic shift from what he estimates were days when he ate 15,000 to 20,000 calories. He started paying attention to calorie counts and finding healthy ways to eat on the go.

“Knowledge is power for sure,” Davis said.

Davis, 39, was not trying to attract attention to his weight loss attempts. In fact, he talked to very few people about what he was doing. But soon his efforts would be obvious to everyone. Davis went from a size 63 pant to a 30. His hat size went down four sizes. His shoe size plummeted as well.

“I’m pretty well unrecognizable from where I was at,” he said. “Honestly, I look in the mirror some mornings, and I say “Wow! That is me.’,” he said.

He also feels quite different. It’s easier to play

COURTESY PHOTOS

Looking at a healthy Jerry Davis today, it’s hard to imagine him wearing size 63 pants.

softball and enjoy time with his kids.

Life has certainly changed for Davis over the past three years. He’s become a serious runner who often places near the top in his age range for the Mag 7 Series. He’s landed an endorsement deal and happily shares the story of his weight loss journey.

For Davis, he’s upfront that he’s never been on a diet and what he is doing is also not a diet. It’s a lifestyle change. It’s a decision to be healthy. It’s a decision to live.

As a father and husband, Davis hopes his story will inspire other men to get healthy. He often finds himself talking to women who want to be healthy, but men need to appreciate the important role they play in the family.

Davis can appreciate what a struggle it can be to lose so much weight. He admits that he often doesn’t like to give exact figures because he hopes people who need to lose hundreds of pounds versus tens will relate to his story.

While he began his weight loss journey inspired by his daughter, Davis said he realized that wasn’t October 2016 • INstride 15

BEFORE

AFTER

COURTESY PHOTOS

Jerry Davis hopes his story of extreme weight loss inspires others.

always enough.

“The inspiration in you can only last so long,” he said. “You can be re-inspired all the time.”

Like with many firsts, the initial high can never be achieved again, so he finds smaller ways to celebrate his weight loss. He’ll celebrate if he’s gone an entire day and eaten right. He celebrated the first time he completed a run without stopping or the day he was able to touch his toes. He also knows that at some point, he had to do the weight loss for himself.

There are various ways to lose weight, but for Davis, his way worked because he felt he was earning it. Had he done surgery, Davis said he wouldn’t feel he’d earned what he accomplished because he would feel that he didn’t work hard for it.

Davis is from a family of tall people, so he knows that as Hiley ages, she’s going to be tall. His 9-year-old daughter Sabrina is already 5-foot-3 and still growing.

“We’re big people. We’re tall people,” he said.

So as a healthy dad, Davis can do a lot for his 16 INstride • October 2016

daughter. He’s able to carry her and bounce her and keep her happy. With his other three children, he’s able to be active and also set an example for how to be healthy. His role as provider is important.

“That was a big inspiration for me was I’ve got to live longer. I’ve got to do more. Now, the motivation is just every day I’ve got to get the work done to pay the bills,” he said.

Davis said he isn’t perfect every day when it comes to being healthy. Sometimes you reward yourself with a cheeseburger or a piece of cake. But he’s also learned that in the overall scheme, he loves his family more than he loves a piece of bread.

As a Mag 7 Series runner, Davis is sponsored by Nutrition HQ, a company that was happy to support a father who went from morbidly obese to physically fit. He can understand how food addiction can be difficult to overcome, but he is an example of how it can be overcome.

“That’s just one of those things. You’ve got to make that choice. What is more important than life,” Davis said. Q

ACHIEVE COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

INSTRIDE ILLUSTRATION

Wellness at Work

Local alliance boosts workplace safety and health

By Fredna Holmgren SOUTHERN INDIANA WORKSITE WELLNESS ALLIANCE

Editor’s note: This information is presented in partnership with ACHIEVE, a local organization that seeks to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Work site wellness programming has grown to be a commonly recognized feature of employment over the last decade. Employers of all sizes are increasingly aware of the need to contribute to the well-being of their workers. Research continues to show that healthy workers are happier, more productive and have significantly lower health care costs.

While the need to reduce health care costs initially gave rise to wellness programming, today programming considers employee total well-being as critical in a healthy and productive workforce.

An expanded view of work site wellness shows that organizations with healthy workers and who “live” wellness in the workplace attract and retain great workers.

A substantial share of Indiana’s population is impacted by work site wellness programming. Of the three million people employed in the state, October 2016 • INstride 17

approximately one million are from the southern region of the state, and nearly 70,000 are in Monroe County.

As the field grows, resources to provide programming continue to be limited. Wellness leaders among employers often fill multiple roles in their organizations, commonly in human resources or occupational safety. Even if employee wellness is separately staffed, developing the best strategies to impact health outcomes and well-being is a challenge.

The Southern Indiana Worksite Wellness Alliance is a

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18 INstride • October 2016

volunteer collaboration of wellness leaders in southern Indiana who are dedicated to supporting employees and their families in experiencing healthy and full lives. The alliance has more than 100 members from organizations in and around Monroe County. It meets quarterly at various locations hosted by fellow members who often provide lunch. Guest speakers are from all walks of wellness and generously share their time and expertise with the membership.

The alliance was formed in May 2013 through a collaboration between the Active Living Coalition and ACHIEVE. A subcommittee from ACHIEVE leads the alliance by scheduling meetings, finding hosts and guest speakers, and developing strategic plans to ensure the alliance’s ongoing success.

Past meetings included such topics as physical activity in the workplace, implementing wellness initiatives, diabetes prevention resources, lactation in the workplace, strategic planning for wellness programming and much more. The Sept. 23 meeting topic was on leadership and mindfulness. The next meeting will be held Dec. 2.

Guest speakers include Indiana University professors, Indiana Wellness Council members, fellow wellness professionals, state and county public health workers, and other wellness leaders in the community. Perhaps the greatest benefit of attending alliance meetings is the opportunity to network with fellow wellness professionals, learn from colleagues and return to work with additional inspiration and motivation.

The alliance welcomes volunteer guest speakers and new members. Anyone interested in or having responsibility for employee wellness is encouraged to join. Please email fholmgren@ecommunity.com. Q

FLU SHOT FACTS

Some common questions about the flu and vaccine INstride Report For every strain of flu bug, there are probably dozens of myths and misconceptions about influenza and the vaccines designed to control the disease. Here are a handful: ‘THE FLU SHOT GAVE ME THE FLU’ No, it didn’t, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “A flu shot cannot cause flu illness.” Common side effects from the shot are redness, swelling, tenderness and a soreness. There are many reasons why a person might experience flu symptoms after getting a shot, including exposure to a virus before receiving the vaccine. Allergic reactions to the flu are real — but rare.

‘I DON’T NEED A FLU SHOT’ Wrong, says the CDC. “The flu is a serious disease” that can result in hospitalization and even death.

‘DO I NEED A SHOT EVERY YEAR?’ Yes, you do. The CDC recommends an annual shot for everyone older than 6 months.

Flu strains mutate and vaccines change.

Besides, getting a vaccine protects the people around you, including babies and older people vulnerable to serious illnesses.

‘WHAT IS THE STOMACH FLU?’ It’s not the flu, says the CDC. The flu is a respiratory disease, not a stomach or intenstinal ailment. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can be symptoms of any number of problems.

BILL THORNBRO | INSTRIDE

October 2016 • INstride 19

May I have this dance?

Mambo or Cha-Cha to better health

By Marci Creps

The popularity of “Dancing with the Stars” has shown that consistent dancing can really help you drop the pounds.

But you don’t have to be on a popular TV show to reap the benefits. There are options for learning how to ballroom dance and find a fun way to get fit.

According to a story on WebMD, dance is a weight-bear activity which builds bones and is great for upper body and strength.

Dancing will also have you moving your body in ways you might not experience at the gym. For example, moving backwards will engage different muscles.

And dancing is also good for your brains.

According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, frequent dancers

20 INstride • October 2016

had a reduced risk of dementia compared to those who never or rarely danced, specifically ballroom dance.

Joe Verghese, who with his colleagues studied 469 people for the New England Journal study, pointed to three possibilities when it comes to how ballroom dancing affected the brain. One, is that the physical exercise resulted in increased blood flow to the brain. The social aspect of dancing could also result in less stress, depression and loneliness, and finally, there is a mental challenge when it comes to dancing. For example,

ballroom dancing involves specific steps that require the dancers to think, and the partner aspect of the dance could also be a factor.

According to the USA Dance website, there are many benefits to ballroom dancing from physical to mental to social. Dancing two to three times a week will increase mid-afternoon stamina as well as develop the circulatory “second heart.” It will also strengthen your legs and tone the body. You’re also like to experience more balance and flexibility.

So if you’re looking for an ideal workout, consider learning to ballroom dance. If you’re interested in learning how to ballroom dance, check with local dance studios, including Arthur Murray, or check out the Indiana University Ballroom Dance Club. The club is run by students but is open to the community with lessons and open dances for members.

Learn more online at www.indiana. edu/~dance/. Q

October 2016 • INstride 21

CALENDAR

Oct. 11

YMCA Page Turners WHEN: 1 to 2:15 p.m.

WHERE: Southeast YMCA, 2125 S. Highland Ave., Bloomington DESCRIPTION: This is a great way to be an active participant in interactive discussions about a variety of books. Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss a member-chosen book. Free and open to the public, but registration is required.

MORE INFO: monroecountyymca.org/ programs

12

Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington DESCRIPTION: Monthly meeting, cosponsored with the Bloomington Monroe County League of Women Voters.

Meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Learn about community health advocacy events.

MORE INFO: hoosiersforacommonsensehealthplan.org or wooleryn@ bloomington.in.gov

21

49th Annual Hilly Hundred WHEN: Daily Oct. 21 to 23 WHERE: 601 Edgewood Drive, Ellettsville DESCRIPTION: The Hilly Hundred is

DAVID SNODGRESS |INSTRIDE

The 2011 Hilly Hundred.

a classic bicycling event designed for touring cyclists. If you like a bicycling challenge that includes entertainment and fellowship with more than 5,000 cyclists, the Hilly is for you.

MORE INFO: hillyhundred.org

22

Bloomington Breast Cancer Awareness Walk WHEN: 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Showers Plaza, 401 N. Morton Street, Bloomington DESCRIPTION: Free event promotes the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and is followed by a 9 a.m. presentation honoring survivors and a one-mile awareness walk. Free shirts for the first 1,000 walkers.

MORE INFO: siraonline.com/walk

22

12th Annual Run/Walk to the Creek 5K WHEN: 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: McCormick’s Creek State Park, 250 McCormick Creek Park Road, Spencer DESCRIPTION: Racetrackers Enterprises Inc. presents the 12th annual Run to the Creek, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting McCormick’s Creek State Park. 5K run/walk takes place along trails near the park’s creek.

MORE INFO: dbacks@racetrackers.com

22

Trick or Treat Trail WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m.

WHERE: RCA Community Park, 1400 W. RCA Park Drive, Bloomington DESCRIPTION: Take a walk for tricks and treats! The paved trail through the woods comes to life with children’s favorite movie, storybook and fairy tale

THIS IS THE Y YOU ARE WHY

22 INstride • October 2016

31

Lunch with Nature WHEN: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Monroe Lake, Paynetown State Recreation Area, 4850 S. Ind. 446, Bloomington DESCRIPTION: Join the monthly Lunch with Nature series! Bring a sack lunch to enjoy during the main presentation.

Afterwards, there is a short hike/activity that highlights the topic. This month’s topic is Canada Geese. Their story is more complicated than you might think.

There is a $7 in-state and $9 out of state property entrance fee.

MORE INFO: http://bit.ly/2dppmGT

Southeast YMCA

2125 S. Highland Avenue Bloomington, IN 47401

Northwest YMCA

1375 N. Wellness Way Bloomington, IN 47404

The Y has programs to support you on your journey to health. Join us for Group Exercise classes, Personal Training, and much more.

YMCA Gymnastics Center

Discover what we have for you!

YMCA’s Center for Children and Families

MonroeCountyYMCA.org HT-116649-1

characters. Little ones can get creative building with the Rigamajig, a giant wooden playset. Also features taste testing of healthy snacks and active, jumping jack-o’-lantern fun.

MORE INFO: bloomington.in.gov/calendars or reamw@bloomington.in.gov

1917 S. Highland Avenue Bloomington, IN 47401

1375 N. Wellness Way Bloomington, IN 47404

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