09 16
Hand sanitizers
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DEPARTMENTS
9 Fresh Pick Spaghetti squash
FEATURES
12
COVER STORY
14
Get sanitary
Healthly science Night owl? Early riser?
Yes, there’s a right way to use the ubiquitous hand sanitizer.
19 Calendar
20 ACHIEVE Community Spotlight
6
‘Headed South’ goes north Bedford women run 200 miles in Chicago relay
10
Socially acceptable
Social activity is good for older adults
15
INstride INfographic
Should you take an multivitamin?
16
Area comedian gets serious
‘I don’t set goals. My goal is to live longer.’
Q Register to win prizes in our monthly giveaways. Q Connect with our 740-plus members who share similar interests. Q Let our calendar cure your boredom with wellness and fitness
listings in the area. Add your own event.
Q Find delicious new dishes and share your favorite foods. Q Track your fitness progress with a personal weight tracker. Q Nominate your fitness inspiration and read how others stay motivated.
September 2016 • INstride 3
Experience Children under age 12 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult.
Night Paddle Friday, September 16 • 7:30–9 p.m. Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3300 N. Headley Rd. $8/in-city, $9/non-city • Register by 9/15. Experience an evening of peace and serenity on Griffy Lake during the full moon.
i Got in Touch with Nature Saturday, September 24 • 1–2 p.m. Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3300 N. Headley Rd. $4/in-city, $5/non-city • Register by 9/18. Glued to your phone? Take it outside! There are dozens of amazing apps that allow you to explore nature.
May the Quartz Be With You: A Geological Hike
stride
Editorial director: Bob Zaltsberg
Managing editor: Marci Creps Production coordinator: Brooke McCluskey Photo editor: David Snodgress Contributing staff: Carol Johnson, Chris Howell and Emily Moon 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
Sunday, September 25 • 2–3 p.m. Lower Cascades Park, 2851 N. Old State Rd. 37 $3/in-city, $4/non-city • Register by 9/15.
A long time ago, in a place not very far away ... Join us for a hike as we follow in the footsteps of geologists.
Astronomy with the Stars Friday, September 30 • 8:30–9:30 p.m. RCA Community Park, 1400 W. RCA Park Dr. $5/in-city, $6/non-city • Register by 9/26.
Learn to read sky charts and identify constellations, and hear the myths and legends that bring constellations to life.
Coming up in October Q Meet local people who transformed their lives through weight loss and healthy habits. Q Examine aging eyes with an INstride INfographic. Hint: If you can’t read it, see an optometrist.
Growing Trees from Seed Saturday, October 1 • 1–2 p.m. Bryan Park, 1001 S. Henderson St. $4/in-city, $5/non-city • Register by 9/25.
From collection to proper planting techniques, learn the steps it takes to successfully grow trees from seed. 09 16
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department
401 N. Morton St., Ste 250 • 812-349-3700
For more information or to register, visit bloomington.in.gov/parks.
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4 INstride • September 2016
ON THE COVER Photographer Chris Howell goes to the studio to capture a stream of germ-killing hand sanitizer as it’s squeezed into a waiting hand.
EDITOR’S LETTER
A motivation to get healthy This month’s issue has a story about Brad Wilhelm, who made a commitment to get fit following the death of his wife in 2014. Realizing how important it was to be around for his teenage daughter was a motivation. For me, Brad’s story is inspirational. I was 16-years-old and a junior in high school when my father died from heart disease. Three years later, when I was a junior in college, my mother died from heart disease. Heart disease runs in my family. It’s claimed a sister and brother, and I have other family members who struggle with it every day, including my 17-year-old nephew. Back when my parents died, both knew they had heart issues, but I never saw anyone trying to get healthy. They were set in their ways, and there was no talk of eating right or exercising. There were certainly times over the years that I wished my parents knew more about their health issues and were better informed on how to get the most out of life. Not knowing what they were told, it’s hard to know if they were ever given any advice for improving their health. With two teenage daughters, I have willingly undergone tests to make sure my heart is OK, and I heed my doctor’s advice to do what I can to keep my heart healthy. I used to joke that it was no fun being an orphan at 20. In reality, it’s no fun being an orphan at 49 as there are many life experiences that I wasn’t able to share with my parents. But being around for my own children is a great motivator, and I hope they also learn the importance of having a healthy lifestyle. That truly is a great gift to pass along. Marci Creps, editor
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September 2016 • INstride 5
Headed South Quickly BEDFORD WOMEN RUN CHICAGO OVERNIGHT RELAY By Carol Johnson It was all Dana Haddan’s idea. Get together some friends, make some unforgettable memories, have an adventure while seeing some beautiful scenery along Lake Michigan. This would not be a group-of-friends-gettingtogether-to-celebrate-a-birthday kind of adventure. It would involved running, lots of it. At 3 a.m. This was a real adventure. So what if it’s hot, so what if no one sleeps? The idea of running 200 miles with a group of friends seemed, to Haddan, like a fantastic way to spend a weekend.
6 INstride • September 2016
“I enjoy running and run pretty often. The idea of a girls trip and finishing all together … the camaraderie of it just sounded fun,” said Haddan, who is a teacher at the North Lawrence Career Center in Bedford. “I like to laugh and I knew we would. “You can take a girls trip anytime, but you don’t come home with a medal.” It didn’t take long before Haddan, 38, found 11 other Bedford women who shared her sense of fun. They recruited two chauffeurs, found two businesses (Bedford Ford and Sipes Body and
COURTESY PHOTO
The group traveling in one of the vans stops to rest in the shade while waiting for the next exchange. Temperatures were well above average during the relay, with runners enduring temperatures above 90 degrees in the heat of the day.
Glass) to loan them vans for the trip and the plan HEADED SOUTH QUICKLY MEMBERS was set, they would run the Reebok Ragnar Relay Tiffani Kurtz, 43 Jessica Adams, 39 from Madison, Wisconsin, to Chicago. Tina Marlowe, 47 Ashley Austin, 31 The relay was June 10-11. The team covered all Missy Neff, 44 Teresa Boshears, 50 ages, from 18 to 50, and half were in their 40s. Madison Ryan, 18 Lori Cummings, 41 They called themselves “Headed South QuickJenny Smith, 43 Dana Haddan, 38 ly,” because “When I’m with Dana our conversaCarlee Tackett, 20 Hannah Jackson, 26 tions head south very quickly,” joked Ashley Austin, 31. It also was the direction they would be After a few minutes, it was back in the van. running. During night runs, a pacer from the team The team formed in December, training on accompanied the runner. They ran on trails, on their own and together when they could. To stay highways and “the middle of nowhere.” motivated, members sent out group texts. No rest As the Ragnar Relay approached, they mapped Jessica Adams, 39, said it was impossible to out a strategy. Each person was given three legs to run, totaling 13 to 22 miles. Stronger runners took sleep. “One hour of sleep is all I got in 36 hours,” she on the longer legs, beginning runners did shorter said. “You were always driving ahead to meet legs. There would be 36 exchanges. whoever was out running, so you couldn’t really Once the relay started, the team split into two sleep. You’re so focused on finding your runner that vans, driving ahead to the exchange sites. you don’t have time to think about how tired you Haddan said the group expected fatigue would be their biggest foe, but it was the heat that affected are.” On the morning of the last day, it was Adams’ them the most. “The heat index was 97,” she said. “It’s usually in turn to run, but she woke up sick. “I’d had no sleep and didn’t feel well,” she said. the 70s.” “Everyone was offering to do my miles, but I wasn’t Each runner was met by the team at each going to stop.” exchange. Team members spritzed them with cool Even though everyone was tired, the bond from water offered a towel. September 2016 • INstride 7
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The all women’s group, Headed South Quickly celebrates at the finish with their medals. They ran 200 miles in less than 36 hours. They started in Madison, Wis., and finished in Chicago.
running the relay together wouldn’t let them quit. Reasons for doing the Ragnar Relay are different for everyone. For some, the adventure of the relay was a reason. Adams, an occupational therapist, admitted she doesn’t enjoy running that much but was drawn to the challenge. For Austin, a stay-at-home mother of three, the relay was a break from caregiving. Last year, her son Cohen received a heart transplant. After months of monitoring his care and medications, she hadn’t taken much time for herself. The relay gave her a personal goal to strive for. “I ran a half a mile in December and that was huge for me,” she said. She would have to be able to run 13 miles during the relay. “My third leg of the relay, I ran the most I’ve ever run — 6.36 miles. I was running along Lake Michigan and realized, ‘I may never do this again.’ So I made a video and then sprinted the last of it.” For Haddan it was about not giving up or giving in. 8 INstride • September 2016
“I’m almost 40. I’m not giving up on having adventures,” she said. History of Ragnar Relay The idea for the Ragnar Relay belongs to Steve Hill, who in 2004 with his son Dan and his college roommate, organized an overnight relay in Utah of 188 miles. The Ragnar Relay Series is the largest overnight relay series in the nation. The race takes its name from Ragnar, a Scandinavian king known to be a fearless, free-spirited. The group proudly calls themselves Ragnarians, knowing they didn’t quit and were there for each other. Once they had all showered and eaten, the worst part of the race faded, replaced by the satisfaction of finishing. “We felt close before, but after the relay … now it’s a sisterhood,” said Haddan. “When I’m 90, I will tell this story and our inside jokes will still be funny. You’d think you’d be a little sick of each other by the end, but you’re not.” Q
FRESH PICK
GETTY IMAGE
Squash the pasta By Brooke McCluskey Looking for a way to curb your pasta intake? Substitute spaghetti squash, which forms long noodle-like strands when cooked. Its seeds can also be roasted, similar to pumpkin seeds. Each cup of spaghetti squash contains 31 calories and — for those who watch carbs — seven grams of carbohydrates and 1.5 grams of dietary fiber. A cup also contains about three percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B-6 and calcium — and it’s a low-fat, low-salt food.
Quick Spaghetti Squash and Broccolini Bake Ingredients 1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise with seeds removed 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 bunch broccolini, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 2 tablespoons water 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and prehead to 450 degrees. Meanwhile, place squash cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons water and microwave, uncovered, on high until the flesh is tender, about 10 minutes. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add broccolini, garlic and red pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add water and cook, stirring, until the broccolini is tender, 3 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a large bowl. Use a fork to scrape the squash from the shells into the bowl. Place the shells in a broiler-safe baking pan or on a baking sheet. Stir 3/4 cup mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper into the squash mixture. Divide it between the shells and top with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Bake on the lower rack for 10 minutes. Move to the upper rack, turn the broiler to high and broil, watching carefully, until the cheese starts to brown, about 2 minutes. SOURCE: EATINGWELL.COM
Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Ingredients 1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise with seeds removed 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 red onion, chopped 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped 1/2 cup carrots, chopped 1/2 cup sprouts 1/2 cup scallions, chopped 10-20 large shrimp 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 3 eggs Sauce: 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or other seasoning sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, fresh garlic to taste, sriracha to taste Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake spaghetti squash face down on a pan 45 to 50 minutes. In the meantime, mix sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In a large pan, sauté onion, mushrooms, carrots, sprouts and scallions in 1 tablespoon olive oil. When veggies are tender, add shrimp and chicken and cook 5 to 10 minutes. Add 3 cups spaghetti squash, sauce mixture, and mix well. Make a hole in the middle of your pan mixture, add 3 eggs, let them cook through, then mix everything thoroughly and serve. Q SOURCE: PREVENTION.COM
September 2016 • INstride 9
Various events are scheduled at Sally’s Place at the Salvation Army in Bloomington. The events are opportunities for seniors and retired people to gather and socialize.
AMAL ALTOMA | COURTESY PHOTO
Socially acceptable INTERACTION IS CRUCIAL FOR OLDER ADULTS By Marci Creps How important is it to be social? It might surprise you to know that there are specific health benefits for older adults who are more social. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, benefits of social interaction include potentially reduced rate of cardiovasculr problems, some cancers, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis; potentially reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease; lower blood pressure; and reduced risk of mental health issues such as depression. So if you find yourself spending more time alone, consider finding a way to interact with others. Dee Juric, director at Sally’s Place, said activities hosted at the Salvation Army tend to average about 15 participants. During a recent event, however, she said there were 29 people who were interested in the speaker — a doctor who provided advice on how to talk and be prepared to talk to your doctor to get the most out of a visit. “On the first and third Wednesday of the month, we have speakers come in,” Juric explained. But the events planned for Sally’s Place also include music therapy, exercises for balance and even mahjongg group. “Besides the speakers, we also have sharing times 10 INstride • September 2016
where we share our own memories, things that are important to us just to get to know each other and what we want out of Sally’s Place,” Juric said. It’s that interaction with others that can be an important benefit for older adults. “What I’m getting in feedback is just the fact of getting out and socializing that they had a group of people that they could come and visit with and feel comfortable with and that made them get out of their house,” Juric said. The group also helps people find connections. Juric said there is a Parkinson’s group that meets in the gym. “There’s a whole bunch of them that are coming that are sharing their walk with Parkinson’s,” she said. Other like-minded adults have also connected and work together as volunteers. Often they find out about where volunteers are needed and band together to help with those projects. Opal Mullis, a member of the East Side Club, understands the importance of keeping busy. The group previously met at the old Bloomington Adult Community Center that was originally located near the Chocolate Moose. The group was moved to the Twin Lakes complex, but Mullis said the drive was difficult for some seniors. That’s when
AMAL ALTOMA | COURTESY PHOTO
Sally’s Place serves as a gathering space for seniors in downtown Bloomington.
always go and have a grab bag,” Mullis said. She said there was a previous member of the club who loved it, and when she passed away, her daughter wrapped up all the knick knacks and gave them to the club. For years, the group got out the bags and opened them until there were no more. Now members find something useful in their home and regift it. Having a chance to be social and talk with friends is important to Mullis, who said the club entertains her and keeps her from getting bored or lonely. “You have such a good time just talking about things,” she said. Mullis participates in other activities including stretch and balance classes and the Red Hat Society. When it comes to the idea of retirement, Mullis is quick with advice. “Retirement is what you make of it,” she said. “You’re going to get really bored and you’re going to wish you’d never even thought about it. But I retired on Friday and adjusted on Saturday.” Q
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Bell Trace stepped in and offered the group a space to meet. The group is small but mighty. Mullis estimates there are about 10 regular members. “We used to have a lot of them,” she said. The club meets once a month for about an hour. At a recent meeting, the club took up a collection for Teachers Warehouse, a nonprofit that provides school supplies to teachers. “When we get done, then we always go to Wendy’s and eat and talk down there,” Mullis said with a laugh. “A lot of other clubs like that, they’ll bring food and have a pitch in, but we don’t like to do that. We’d rather go to Wendy’s.” But the group sometimes differs in its lunch plans, especially around the holidays. Members also participate in activities together including going on trips hosted by Monroe County Parks and Recreation. Holiday time is a fun time for the group. “We
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September 2016 • INstride 11
Let’s see a show of hands
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAND SANITIZERS
INSTRIDE Report Anywhere you go from the mall to the hospital to your doctor’s office, hand sanitizer is typically available for use. In a pinch, a squirt of hand sanitizer will kill some germs, but here are some fast facts for you when it comes to when to use them and what you should know with information offered by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration. BETTER TO USE SOAP AND WATER If your hands are visibly dirty, do your best to find a sink to throughly wash your hands with soap and water. If you can’t wash your hands, try to use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. The amount of alcohol is typically on the label. For example, Bath and Body Works’ PocketBac anti-bacterial hand gel contains 68 percent alcohol. The Simply Right hand sanitizer contains 65 percent ethyl alcohol. DON’T EAT THIS STUFF Despite the fruity smell coming from many hand sanitizers, swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning. Be especially mindful around children who may mistake the fruity-looking gel for something sweet. THE JURY’S STILL OUT In June, the Food and Drug Administration asked for new studies on how antiseptic gels work and also how they get absorbed in the body. The FDA specifically wants studies on the effect on children and pregnant women. “Today, consumers are using antiseptic rubs more frequently at home, work, school and in other public settings where the risk of infection is relatively low,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a press release. “These products provide a convenient alternative when hand washing with plain soap and water is unavailable, but it’s our responsibility to determine whether these products are safe and effective so that consumers can be confident when using them on themselves and their families multiple times a day. To do that, we must fill the gaps in scientific data on certain active ingredients.”
12 INstride • September 2016
STILL SOME LINGERING GERMS While hand sanitizer kills a number of microbes, it doesn’t eliminate all germs. It also won’t remove harmful chemicals from your hands.
PROPER HAND WASHING IS BEST While hand sanitizer can be a good substitute, the best line of defense is a good hand washing. Remember to scrub vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds with soap and warm water.
PROPER USE When using hand sanitizer, read the instructions to determine how much product to use. Apply the hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand and rub your hands together. Rub the product all over the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. Q
CHRIS HOWELL | INSTRIDE
September 2016 • INstride 13
INSTRIDE ILLUSTRATION
Morning versus night INstride Report Are you an early riser? Do you define yourself as a night owl? It turns out that based on the kind of person you are, you’re more likely to undermine your performance at stressful times when you’re operating at “peak” based on your preferred time of day. A study by psychological researchers at Indiana University was reported in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. The results made a connection between people’s circadian rhythm
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14 INstride • September 2016
and their risk of self-sabotage. The study found that morning people, who are more alert at sunrise, self-handicapped more in the morning. In turn, night owls, who are more alert at sunset, self-handicapped more in the evening. “What this study tells us is that self-handicapping requires thought and planning,” said Ed Hirt, professor in the IU Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and an author on the study, in a press release. “People who are feeling uncertain about themselves and start to fear that they might fail are more likely to identify potential excuses and self-handicap when they’re at their peak than when they’re not.” “When an individual’s positive self-views are threatened, they may lash out against the source of the threat, compare themselves to others worse off than themselves, or engage in self-destructive actions, such as substance abuse,” added Julie Eyink, a graduate student in Hirt’s lab and lead author on the study, in a press release. “Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to get caught in a negative spiral, in which self-handicapping leads to lower self-esteem and higher failure beliefs, which prompt more self-handicapping.” Self-handicapping is when an individual seeks to protect their ego against potential failure in advance by creating circumstances that affect their ability to carry out a stressful task. The behavior can be as simple as failing to study for a test, with some people making claims of debilitating circumstances including imagined illness, fatigue or stress. It can also lead to self-destructive behaviors including aggression, overeating and drug or alcohol addiction. IU researchers administered intelligence tests to 237 students (98 men and 139 women), half of whom were told that stress had been found to affect performance on the test and half of whom were told that stress should not affect the result. The tests were given at either 8 a.m. or 8 p.m. Other authors on the paper were Eric Galante and Kristin S. Hendrix, an undergraduate student and Ph.D. student at IU Bloomington, respectively, at the time of the study. This study was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Q
Bananas Packed with potassium, a mineral which fights fatigue and promotes strong organ function.
Blueberries Powerful antioxidant is low in calories but full of flavor and vitamin C.
Eggs Crucial B vitamins promote healthy skin, vision and energy.
Salmon Rich in B vitamins, which provide energy and overall body health.
Kale
Are supplements necessary? An INstride INfographic Many people take supplements to fill nutritional gaps in their diets. Others take vitamins and other dietary supplements to stave off illness or disease. But there are vitamins and multivitamins that are inappropriate for people with certain medical conditions. And some health professionals question the value of daily vitamins at all. Like many doctors and nutritional experts, Steven Lalevich, the dietitian for Healthy IU, the university’s employee wellness program, believes people should get the bulk of their vitamins from their diets. But which foods provide which vitamins?
Carrots
A great source of dietary fiber and vitamins A, C and K, which promotes proper blood clotting.
Loaded with vitamin A.
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes Packed with vitamins A, E and C, tomatoes have lycopene, which is linked to reduced rates of certain cancers.
Full of several key vitamins and antioxident nutrients, including vitamin A, important for healthy vision and a working immune system.
Nuts Almonds are full of vitamin E, important for a strong immune system and healthy skin and eyes.
Milk A good source for vitamin D, which aids absorption of calcium vital for strong bones and teeth.
Citrus fruit Full of vitamin C, which battles colds, fights the flu and may protect against a variety of cancers. SOURCES: STEVEN LALEVICH OF HEALTHY IU, WEBMD.COM
GETTY IMAGES
BILL THORNBRO | INSTRIDE
September 2016 • INstride 15
MARCELA CREPS | INSTRIDE
Brad Wilhelm works out with weights during an early morning workout at Next Generation Personal Training in Bloomington.
A reason to live
A COMIC GETS SERIOUS ABOUT HIS HEALTH By Emily Moon Brad Wilhelm is a funny guy. He’s a familiar face at Bloomington’s Comedy Attic, and a four-year host of the Limestone Comedy Festival. But when it comes to fitness, he’s pretty serious. Life-or-death serious. Wilhelm says he’s not obsessive, but he does believe in high stakes. And after struggling with weight for decades, he’s learned to focus on what really matters: health, not appearance. “I don’t set goals. My goal is to live longer,” he says. “That is my goal.” Wilhelm, who just took over as director of the Martinsville Youth Development Center, has worked since 2015 to make fitness a part of his life. “My mindset is that this is never going to be over,” he said. “You really just have to change the way you live.” From the outside, Wilhelm said, his dedication is not always obvious. 16 INstride • September 2016
“People are going to read this and say, ‘I’ve seen that guy; he’s not so fit.’” But having cycled through periods of weight loss and gain throughout his adult life, that simply doesn’t bother him. “For me, personally, putting aside the number on the scale, and looking at the number on the blood pressure meter — that’s what lets me sleep better at night.” Wilhelm’s first serious foray into fitness began in the ‘80s, when he started to put on weight. “All my life, I went to gyms and I’d lose it and try and lose it and try.” Then, in 2014, the cycle was blown to bits. That time, it mattered. “Two years ago, my wife died. It was a huge shock to everyone. My daughter was 14 at the time. It really made me have to look at myself in the mirror and say, ‘What happens if she loses you, too?’”
JEREMY HOGAN | INSTRIDE
Bloomington comedian Brad Wilhelm is helped by Ivy Wilhelm with a bow-tie that was part of his Elvis suit during the 2015 Limestone Comedy Festival.
Wilhelm said these concerns still motivate him. “I’ve seen too much loss in my life, and I don’t want to go anytime soon. I want to be around for my daughter.” She wants him around, too. “At least I think,” Wilhelm jokes. “When I have a cheat day or when I go off my diet plan, she gives me the stink eye.” Wilhelm also receives support from his second wife, Ivy, who has been active all her life. When Wilhelm first renewed his exercise efforts, the couple often worked out together. “It’s helpful to have someone going through it with me,” Wilhelm said. “We can both support each other.” Although previously acquainted, the pair
MARCELA CREPS | INSTRIDE
Brad Wilhelm works out with weights at Next Generation Personal Training.
reconnected during a hard period in their lives, when both were grieving for loved ones. “Knowing all the things we had to go through, it was some sort of magic that disguised itself as tragedy,” Ivy Wilhelm said. In the aftermath of this, Ivy noticed Brad’s health was slipping. “I said to him, ‘I’m gonna be selfish. I want my 20 years. At the pace that we both have, I don’t know if either of us can offer that. And I can’t do this unless you help me.’” So they both joined a gym and started cutting out carbs. September 2016 • INstride 17
MARCELA CREPS | INSTRIDE
Brad Wilhelm does floor exercises during an early morning workout at Next Generation Personal Training in Bloomington.
“The easiest thing to control was our habits,” Ivy said. “I said, ‘Why don’t we start there, and see where it leads?’” There were other advantages to this effort. “Workout feels more like recess when Brad’s there,” she said, smiling. It’s not always easy, though. Just months ago, Wilhelm injured the sacroiliac joint on his pelvis and had to cut back on his regular routine. “It is a struggle,” Wilhelm said. “There are times when I fall.” He’s not just facing aching joints and rising blood pressure — all normal for a 52-year-old man. “It’s the way we live, and the way we look at ourselves,” he says. “It’s really hard to swim against the tide of culture.” But in small ways, Wilhelm’s tide is changing. He said his daughter, now 17, benefited from health education he never received as a kid growing up in Connersville. She spends time sleeping in, not exercising (“She’s an internet kid,” Wilhelm says), but she eats healthfully and keeps an eye on her dad. “She got the information and the stuff that I didn’t get,” he explains. And although Wilhelm doesn’t talk about fitness in his professional life, he has made a career working with young people — first at Rhino’s All Ages Club (now Rhino’s Youth Center) in Bloomington and now in Martinsville — who give him another reason to extend his one simple, but singular, goal: to live. Q HT-105083-1
18 INstride • September 2016
CALENDAR
SEPT. ALL SEPT.
Senior Activities WHEN: Daily activities WHERE: The Endwright Center, 631 W. Edgewood Drive, Ellettsville DESCRIPTION: Try classes in Tai Chi, yoga, one-on-one fitness, lowimpact dance, balance and more. Explore puzzles, trivia and brain games. Some classes are free and some have fees. MORE INFO: 812-876-3383 ext. 515
ALL SEPT. Childbirth Prep and Postpartum Support WHEN: Many sessions WHERE: IU Health Bloomington Hospital DESCRIPTION: Includes presentations on childbirth prep, baby basics, grandparents’ classes, sibling classes, tours, postpartum support and more. MORE INFO: iuhealth.org
11 to 16 September Escapade Touring Ride WHEN: Sept. 11 to 16 WHERE: Fairfax State Recreation Area, 8955 S. Fairfax Road, Bloomington DESCRIPTION: September Escapade offers a relaxed, scenic tour of south-central Indiana by bicycle. Starts and finishes at Fairfax SRA on Lake Monroe. Visit Brown County, Spring Mill and McCormick’s Creek State Parks. Breakfasts, dinners and lodging will be at Indiana State Park inns. MORE INFO: triri.org
17 Hero 5K Run and Walk WHEN: 6 p.m. WHERE: Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County, 2009 19th St., Bedford DESCRIPTION: Proceeds benefit the Batcole Foundation for pediatric cancer research. Trophies to overall mall/female 5K run winners plus age group awards. After the race, there is a Superhero Training Grounds activity, with capes, for kids age 12 and under. MORE INFO: batcolefoundation. com or 812-797-4886
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Hoosiers Outrun Cancer WHEN: Packet pickup is at 7:30 a.m. and races begin at 10 a.m. WHERE: IU Memorial Stadium, 1001 E. 17th St., Bloomington DESCRIPTION: The 17th annual race benefits the IU Health Olcott center, which provides patients and their families with information and support thanks in large part to this race. It was voted best local road race by readers of The Herald-Times in the Readers’ Choice Awards. Includes kids’ and family races, plus timed 5K race and walk. MORE INFO: hoosiersoutruncancer. org
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2016 Senior Games WHEN: Through Oct. 2 at various times WHERE: Karst Park and other locations DESCRIPTION: The 2016 Monroe/ Owen County Senior Games will kick off with Opening Ceremonies at Karst Park Sept. 22. Over the next 12 days there are events at various locations, including putt-putt, bowling, softball, pickleball, euchre, bridge, 8-ball pool, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, disc golf, trivia trek (walk), golf scrambles, and two park games/picnics. MORE INFO: 812-876-3383 ext. 515
Smithville Fiber/Edgewood High School Dollars for Scholars 5K Run/Walk WHEN: 8:30 a.m. WHERE: 7600 W. Reeves Road, Bloomington DESCRIPTION: Annual run/walk starts and ends at the Edgewood Intermediate School. Proceeds will be used to fund academic scholarships enabling deserving Edgewood High School students to continue their educations. MORE INFO: Mag7raceseries.com or edgewood.dollarsforscholars.org
Run for the Animals and Barktoberfest WHEN: 9:30 a.m. registration and various event times throughout the day WHERE: Woolery Mill, 2200 Tapp Road, Bloomington DESCRIPTION: The Run for the Animals is a timed 5K race ending with a Family Fun Parade along the Woolery Mill grounds, with all of the proceeds benefiting the programs and services of MCHA. Barktoberfest, happening both during and after the race events, includes vendors, an off-leash dog play area, and tons of other fun activities for both families and furry friends. MORE INFO: monroehumane.org
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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
Looking for more activities and events? Check out myINstride.com/ calendar or add your own September 2016 • INstride 19
ACHIEVE COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
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G.O.A.L. equipment was on display at the 100 Men Who Cook charity event.
Going for the G.O.A.L. By Alex S. Purcell G.O.A.L. program manager, IU Health Bloomington Hospital Editor’s note: This information is presented in partnership with ACHIEVE, a local organization that strives to make the healthy choice the easy choice. In early August, many students throughout Monroe County were welcomed into their classroom with a standard desk and chair as they have been in previous years. However, select fifth-grade students will be cycling, striding, standing and moving while learning in their newly designated G.O.A.L. classroom. G.O.A.L. (Get Onboard Active Living) is a free, family-focused, community approach to decreasing obesity and encouraging healthy lifestyles for children and their families. Research shows that active classrooms provide a myriad of benefits to students that are able to be active in the classroom without reducing time spent on curriculum. G.O.A.L. is a cooperative effort with community partners providing medical, behavioral, nutrition, exercise and community education and support. 20 INstride • September 2016
The dynamic relationship among the community partners adds a unique element to G.O.A.L. that’s not offered in other weight management programs in Indiana. Community partners include IU Health Bloomington Hospital, Riley Physicians, Bloomington Parks and Recreation, the Monroe County YMCA, the Monroe County Community School Corporation, the Richland Bean-Blossom Community School Corporation, the Department of Applied Health Science — IU School of Public Health – Bloomington, the IU Department of Kinesiology, the IU School of Nursing, and the IU School of Informatics and Computing. G.O.A.L.’s mission is to provide kids and families with the opportunity to receive education and support on nutrition, fitness and behavioral habits in order to make positive lifelong changes for an active lifestyle. The G.O.A.L. initiative consists of three divisions to curb childhood obesity in our community
and across the state of Indiana: intervention, prevention and community collaboration. More information about the program can be found at iuhealth.org. Recently, the new program was selected as one of two beneficiaries of the 2016 100 Men Who Cook event held April 30 at the Bloomington Convention Center. The event is hosted by Old National Bank and the Bloomington Hospital Foundation to raise funds for local organizations that aim to make a positive impact in our community. In short, 100 Men Who Cook is the social event of the year in Bloomington with a party-like atmosphere and a night of festivities. This year’s event raised over $120,000 to be split between the two beneficiaries. Through the donations garnered by the 100 Men Who Cook event, G.O.A.L. is able to provide high-quality equipment that integrates movement into learning throughout the school day. By placing this equipment in the classroom, G.O.A.L. is helping to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Each classroom selected to be in the program will receive standing desks, cycling desks, strider desks — which are like elliptical machines with desktops — stability balls for each student, resistance bands, tracking posters and plaques designating the
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David Smith’s classroom at Marlin Elementary includes this standing exercise desk.
September 2016 • INstride 21
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G.O.A.L. equipment is ready for students in a Grandview Elementary classroom.
classroom as a G.O.A.L. classroom. Active classrooms have been shown to provide positive outcomes on learning environments for children, in addition to health benefits. Active classrooms have also demonstrated a more than eight percent increase in attention-to-task and increase performance on standardized test scores by as much as 6 percent. Another win is that children engaged in active education curriculums showed lower BMIs (body mass indexes) when compared to their peers in traditional classroom settings. Traditional
classrooms have shown a strong correlation between high BMI and reduced time-on-task in curriculum. Active classrooms provide a way to mitigate these effects and improve student performance. Our hope is that each child in a G.O.A.L. classroom is able to have fun during the school day while learning and being active. G.O.A.L. organizers would like to thank our community partners, Old National Bank, the Bloomington Hospital Foundation, everyone involved in the 100 Men Who Cook event and our community for all of the support. Q
FALL INTO A HEALTHIER YOU $0 Joiner Fee! September 15-30 Save up to $100
MonroeCountyYMCA.org HT-99248-1
22 INstride • September 2016
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