Fishers Magazine February 2024

HEALTH, ENHANCED SOLVE COMPLEX HEALTH ISSUES WITH CUSTOMIZED, REVOLUTIONARY THERAPIES

A Wellness Challenge for Our Community Stories of Sober Living

FEBRUARY 2024

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12 PUBLISHER ALISON GATZ alison@townepost.com (317) 829-6670 KEY CONTRIBUTORS BRIAN BROSMER ALISON GATZ SCOTT FUSSELL MINDY IRISH MICHELLE KAUFMAN LARRY LANNAN RENEE LARR JULIE MONTGOMERY

6

THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS

8

HEALTH, ENHANCED

Solve Complex Health Issues With Customized, Revolutionary Therapies

12

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

FEBRUARY 2024

TACKLING TREATMENT

Addressing the Causes, Symptoms and Solutions Regarding Breast Implant Illness

26

PÜR LIFE Medical

14

22

BACK TO BASICS

A WELLNESS CHALLENGE FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Working on the Fundamentals of Health and Well-Being Can Have a Tremendous Impact

16

30

STORIES OF SOBER NONPROFIT OF LIVING THE MONTH Building a Refuge

/ATFISHERS

/FISHERSMAGAZINE

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

TownePost.com | February 2024 | 5

THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS Writer / Larry Lannan Photography Provided

In late December, I listed my top Fishers news stories for 2023. The top story was passage of the Hamilton Southeastern Schools’ property tax funding referendum.

Coming in second was the controversy surrounding the Hamilton East Public Library board, followed by the City Council election and plans for a new Community Center.

All Fishers elected officials were on hand for a December 19 swearing-in ceremony held at the Fishers fire and emergency services building on Municipal Drive. Mayor Scott Fadness, City Clerk Jennifer Kehl, and all nine City Council members were on hand for the ceremony. Their four-year terms began January 1, 2024.

Michael Ryan was named principal at Fall Creek Junior High School. The previous principal, Stacy Swan, left to take a position outside Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

Tim Mankin had served as interim principal during the search process.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools will be implementing a new procedure to question library materials used in the district. A change in state law requires local schools to fashion such a procedure. Any parent or citizen living within the school district is allowed to file a request to remove library materials. The process begins at the school building level and can be appealed all the way to the school board if not resolved at a 6 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

lower level.

The City of Fishers has entered into a build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement with the Hagerman Group for construction of the new $61 million community center, to be located at 121st Street and Hoosier Road. The facility is scheduled to open in October of 2025. A BOT arrangement is a form of public-private partnership for construction of the center.

The City of Fishers established an online survey of local residents in December, asking for feedback on proposals to establish one trash collection contract for the city with a private firm, with the goal of reducing costs for homeowners and homeowners associations in Fishers. The City Council is expected to look into such a contract in 2024.

The Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety voted on December 12 to donate equipment to Ukraine. This apparatus has been replaced with updated equipment for the city’s fire and emergency services. The donation will be made to U.S. Ambulances For Ukraine, which is managed through the Ukrainian Society of Indiana, in conjunction with the Ukrainian Society in Chicago.

The roundabout at 106th Street and Hoosier Road opened in late December of 2023. However, city engineers say much work needs to be completed in order to finish the project. Look for more construction at that roundabout as weather allows.

The City of Fishers will see an increase in the property and casualty insurance bill during 2024. The city’s insurance broker points to market conditions as the culprit for the premium hike. Out of a $1.2 million price tag for the year, the increase will be $123,000.

Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Dayna Colbert is leaving that post to take a position with the state party.

She is now the executive director of the Indiana Democratic Party, headquartered in Indianapolis. She had chaired local democrats since 1991.

The new Indoor Football League team with its home at the new Fishers Event Center has an official name - the Fishers Freight.

The team will begin play in spring of 2025.

2023 wrapped up my 12th year of writing a local news blog all about Fishers. I started small in 2012, covering the Fishers Town Council (we were a town at that time) and Hamilton Southeastern Schools. The 2010 census counted 76,794 people living in Fishers. City officials say the population of our city is now close to 105,000. The growth in the past 12 years has been substantial and I have been fortunate to have had a front-row seat, watching this community grow. I suspect 2024 will be another busy year in and around Fishers. I plan to be here, writing about it on my blog (larryinfishers. com) and covering it in my podcasts, along with this monthly news summary.

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Health, ENHANCED

SOLVE COMPLEX HEALTH ISSUES WITH CUSTOMIZED, REVOLUTIONARY THERAPIES Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Julie Montgomery

C

hiropractor and entrepreneur Dr. Staci Blume was looking for bioidentical hormone therapy for herself in the Hamilton County area, only to find the few places offering it had wait lists a mile long. She figured if there were that much of a demand for functional medicine services, she along with her husband, Dr. Nate Blume, would open their own clinic, and find a way to offer the services they wanted for themselves, family and their clients.

“I started looking for a nurse practitioner

8 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

that had a passion for holistic health care,” Blume says. “I knew that when I found the right person, together we could accomplish great things for our community. I’ve always believed that when you’re doing the right things for the right reasons, people will walk into your life at just the right time.

That is when I met our incredible Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Mitchko. Along with her clinical expertise, we opened Well Infused in April 2022.”

for each client. Every patient starts with a comprehensive, 72-biomarker panel that goes far beyond labs that most clients have ever had completed. These lab results are then sent to a functional team that provides a report and interpretation that helps to uncover what all others have missed.

Once the lab interpretation is complete, the team of providers at Well Infused can truly address the root cause of a client’s health concerns. Next steps include Blume says what sets Well Infused apart is prioritizing the services a client needs to the comprehensive health review completed help them accomplish their goals. She says

recommendations are customized to the client and aimed not only at addressing their symptoms, but helping to correct the cause.

“I see patients coming in every day saying they went to their doctor and had labs done, but were told everything is normal,” Blume says. “What gets overlooked is that there is a wide range within the normal category. If someone’s results fall within normal, but are out of

balance or even suboptimal, the traditional medical system doesn’t have a way to approach this.

Clients are left feeling frustrated and without direction. Our approach is meant to discover those imbalances and provide holistic solutions. There’s a big difference between what we call ‘lab normal’ and ‘functionally optimal.’ Because of this approach, we now have a TownePost.com | February 2024 | 9

lot of traditional medical doctors sending clients to us for our labs, because they know we can order more comprehensive panels than what typical medical guidelines or insurance policies allow.”

“I’ve been asked by other providers how I determine what services I offer, and at the end of the day, the answer is straightforward and honest,” Blume says. “I only offer services I want for myself and my family. If I wouldn’t do it, we don’t offer it here. You won’t find Botox or fillers here. Everyone here walks the walk. We all utilize our services for ourselves, so patients can rest assured they receive advice we personally follow.”

Another important step in the Well Infused Blume says the salt room started as a way to address the many lung concerns patients process is client education. Blume says after their team analyzes the results, clients were experiencing in 2020. Salt room therapy releases micron-sized salt particles watch a webinar with their report in front into the air through the ventilation system. of them, so they can better understand Blume says inhaling the particulates helps their results, and how any imbalances are with various conditions such as asthma, contributing to their health concerns or goals. This allows the client to have a better allergies, bronchitis, sinus congestion and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s grasp of their questions before they meet also meant to address focus, relaxation and and discuss the next steps with the nurse stress reduction. Patients can combine salt practitioner. room therapy with vitamin infusions, or any of the other services, for compounded “This means they’re going to see better health benefits. outcomes,” Blume says. “I care if our patients feel better, but I want them Well Infused offers cutting-edge actually to be better. I want to see their regenerative therapy services, addressing functional labs improve and their health concerns such as back and spine pain, progress. It’s through this approach that joint and soft-tissue injuries, and systemic we can help clients heal, and often see health concerns as well as the ultimate in diagnoses go away as health and normal biohacking. Blume says she has patients function return.” flying across the country for these high-level services.

Well Infused offers a suite of holistic services in addition to functional medicine labs, including intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy, vitamin shots, ozone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, peptide therapy, weight loss and body composition services, a salt room, regenerative therapy and breast thermography.

10 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

“Our regenerative therapy is top of the line in terms of holistic services,” Blume says.

“It’s not a cure, but when you restore the body’s ability to heal and repair, there are no limitations. With that, regenerative therapy comes into play. I’ve seen people whose fibromyalgia pain goes away or whose

tremors from Parkinson’s disease improve.”

While functional or holistic health services are not covered by insurance, Well Infused offers three different membership levels to help clients get the individualized care they need with a plan in place. The three annual memberships offered are the Functional Membership, Hormone Membership and Executive Membership.

Blume says the Well Infused model lives by the following mantra: “We empower those who question the conventional path to health to transcend the constraints of the current medical system. Together, we embrace a realm where the genuine essence of health care freedom thrives.”

“We’re not just addressing symptoms,” Blume says. “We’re trying to find the root cause of the issues. We don’t simply want to provide holistic solutions for pain management. We’re here to provide options that will help our clients heal, repair, and live healthier with improved quality of life. We have a thriving business because our clients trust us. Their best interest is always our number-one priority. Our team is incredibly honest and authentic in all we do, and I know our patients can see that firsthand.”

Well Infused is located at 14297 Bergen Boulevard, Suite 125 in Noblesville. For more information, call 317-900-1633, and visit them on Facebook @wellinfusednoblesville.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

PÜR LIFE MEDICAL deficiencies. Fluids go directly into the bloodstream, and clients can get their intravenous treatment while enjoying comfortable massage chairs.

“IV therapy is fascinating and it’s one of the reasons why I got into this,” Milien said.

“Everyone can benefit from it and it’s one of the easiest preventative things people can do to keep themselves healthy. If someone doesn’t do anything else, I think it’s worth doing a few times a year.”

There’s also red light therapy, where a client will lay in a bed while light wavelengths stimulate the body’s cells.

For PÜR’s weight loss system, clients get a program that is tailored to them along with physician supervision.

“It’s not like calling someone over the phone,” Milien said. “You’re going to come in and the physician is going to sit with you on pretty much every one of your appointments to actually go over the goals, and watch your weight loss progress from start to finish.”

Writer / Michelle Kaufman Photographer / Brian Brosmer

A new medical care and wellness business has arrived in Indiana, with the goal of helping those with health issues and being proactive to avoid future health issues.

that I was looking for. This is something I’m very proud to bring to Indiana. Especially in the Fishers/Carmel area, we have people who can really, really use these modalities.”

PÜR LIFE Medical opened last month near Fishers’ Nickel Plate District. Each client gets a customized experience and there are multiple tools available to help with their health journey.

New clients will go through a scan using a noninvasive machine during their first visit.

The machine provides a full-body analysis that goes through all 11 organ systems, and will ultimately provide a wellness score.

From there, staff will discuss any issues the client wants to bring up, and make a care plan.

Dr. Seneque Milien, medical director, found PÜR LIFE when he was looking for a holistic way to treat his patients. In addition to PÜR LIFE, Milien is also a hospitalist with Reid Health.

“You don’t want to wait too long to start your wellness journey when you already have things that aren’t going well,” Milien said. “You want to get ahead of things. It doesn’t have to be really significant things.”

“I saw PÜR LIFE and the concept was perfect,” Milien said. “It does everything

PÜR LIFE offers intravenous services that can help with dehydration or vitamin

12 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

During its first year, Milien hopes to create a practice where clients can take a close look at their health and get the results they need.

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A WELLNESS CHALLENGE FOR OUR COMMUNITY Writer / Scott Fussell Photography Provided

“Why am I so tired?”

“Set a goal. Stress. Achieve.

Repeat. That’s what I do.”

“I can’t believe I just barked at my son like that. Why am I so edgy?” “No way I’m going to make the game. He’ll understand.

“Only had my C game today. Hope Always does.” it was enough for them to sign.”

“Something’s missing. We aren’t “I’ll pick up something on the way as close as we used to be.” home. They won’t miss me.”

“Great job out there, but early in “The money’s great, but there’s got the game you should’ve…” to be something more.”

“I just don’t get it. Why are they “I don’t understand why my so much happier than me?” daughter struggles. We’ve given her everything.”

14 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

If you’ve said, heard or felt any of these statements, you’re not alone.

You just may not know it. We as a community are often hesitant to say these things out loud, or reflect on the short- and long-term impact.

In communities like ours, many feel enormous pressure for friends, neighbors, fellow church members and coworkers to think we’ve got everything completely together.

Smart, vibrant and entrepreneurial are three of the adjectives marketers use to describe our community. We’d love to add introspective, brave, authentic and connected to that list.

At The Shift Initiative, we’re built to shift the way people think, talk, act and care about mental health and wellness. What’s that look like for our community? What can you do right now? Here are 10 things you can do immediately to make the shift.

1. EMBRACE REALITY. Times, people and needs change. We can’t rely on what we’ve always done. Talk to your kids, loved ones and friends. Ask questions, listen actively, take a parenting or communications class, shift your approach and watch your relationships grow.

2. MAINTAIN A TEAM ATTITUDE. Our schools, local practices and area nonprofits all offer incredible resources.

You’re not in this alone. Be brave enough to lean on their expertise.

3. THINK LIKE A MULTISPORT ATHLETE. Wellness requires a multifaceted approach. Nourish your mind, body, spiritual and relational health.

We’ll never truly be “Stigma-Free Fishers” until I’m able to tell you about my son or daughter’s anxiety and depression as easily as you tell me about your kiddo tearing his ACL at soccer last week.

Over the past few years we’ve shared our story a lot. One thing we’ve learned and taken great comfort in is realizing we’re not alone…far from it. Of the playlist above,

our primary challenge to you is to tell your story openly, honestly and unfiltered. You’ll be amazed by the stories, connection and support you receive in return.

For more information, details on speaking engagements, or programming opportunities, contact Scott Fussell at scott@shiftinitiative. org, or follow The Shift Initiative on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Threads.

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4. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Ten minutes of yoga. Two minutes of breathing. Hydration. Rest. For some, it can be that simple. As Glennon Doyle says, “When feelings are big, think small.”

5. GET OUTSIDE. Need to get grounded? Spend time outside. Visit a park. Take a hike. Literally lay on the ground. Seriously.

6. GET OUTSIDE… OF YOURSELF. Fifty percent of Americans suffer from isolation and loneliness. What can you do to prevent it? Connect. Share. Serve.

Listen.

7. EXTEND GRACE. Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Choose kindness always.

8. EXTEND THAT SAME GRACE TO YOURSELF. Would you let someone talk to a loved one the way you sometimes talk to yourself? Absolutely not. Turn off the negative talk track that’s on a loop between your ears.

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10. TELL YOUR STORY. Being honest with ourselves and being willing to share our stories is essential.

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Stories of

SOBER LIVING Writer / Alison Gatz Photography Provided

SOBRIETY IS NO LONGER HELD ONLY BY THOSE FIGHTING ADDICTION. TODAY, PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING A SOBER LIFESTYLE FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS AND SHARE THEIR STORIES OF SOBER LIVING.

TODD AND JAMIE

Todd and Jamie started the recovery process about five years ago after realizing the path they were headed down was not one they wanted to continue. Mocktails became the new normal and their new path is a much healthier one.

16 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

BRIAN

After jail and sleeping on the floor of a homeless shelter, Brian decided he didn’t want that life anymore. Recovery has given him repaired relationships, new healthy relationships, and a life that makes him a better man than ever before.

ANGEY

This fitness coach and mentor had no hope five years ago of ever seeing more than two days without alcohol. After failed attempts to manage her drinking through moderation and restriction, she knew her body was just genetically different.

RACHEL

JONATHAN

GENOVA

JORDAN

MAX

JOYLYNN

All she wanted was to find the trick to moderation.

Rachel lived a lifestyle full of healthy behaviors but drinking was the one thing that she couldn’t figure out. She finally had enough, threw everything but the kitchen sink at getting sober, and her sober journey began.

Jordan firmly believes in the phrase “a smart man learns from his mistakes and a wise man learns from the mistakes of others.” Sober-curious became sober living, and today he lives as an example of toxic-free living to others.

After 15 years of being the partier, the fun guy and the life of the party, Jonathan realized he was an alcoholic. Continual relapses, trips to the hospital and almost losing his marriage were catalysts to get sober. Accountability and faith help him stay sober.

After watching his uncle lose his life due to alcohol, Max knew that alcohol needed to be eliminated from his life. Finding sober people and socializing in alcohol-free places has made a huge difference in his sobriety.

Genova started drinking at an early age and every occasion involved drinking alcohol. Today she’s sober by taking things one day at a time and relying on her higher power.

After years of going back and forth between alcohol/ substance use and abstinence, Joylynn felt like a failure since she couldn’t stop. Her sobriety journey began by addressing underlying trauma and today she coaches others in their recovery.

TownePost.com | February 2024 | 17

TODD

PAM

BAILEY

ANNIE

MARIO

KRISTIN

Todd knew extended family members had challenges with addiction so at a very young age he chose not to drink.

Choosing not to start meant he wouldn’t have to choose to stop down the road.

As a business owner and mom of six that just celebrated 23 years clean and sober, Annie never thought this is where her life would be when she was arrested at 18 for possession of a controlled substance.

18 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

Pam has always been sobercurious since alcohol use has been a generational pattern in her family. She started educating herself and today she’s leaving sobriety as her legacy for the next generation.

He lived by the motto “work hard, play hard” and as a binge drinker who could go periods of time without drinking, Mario didn’t see himself as an alcoholic. Hitting rock bottom taught him he is an alcoholic.

At only 25 years old, Bailey realized that one drink was never enough and moderation was not possible. She recognized those patterns from watching family members struggle with alcoholism and decided not to wait for her rock bottom.

Kristin had many stop/ starts and broken rules before finally becoming alcohol free. Getting sober was a process and Kristin encourages others to be gentle with themselves.

ARE YOU SOBER-CURIOUS OR READY TO START YOUR SOBER JOURNEY? HERE ARE SOME LOCAL RESOURCES TO HELP! INDIANAPOLIS INTERGROUP OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS indyaa.org FISHERS HEALTH DEPARTMENT/STIGMA FREE FISHERS fishers.crediblemind.com RECOVERY CAFÉ OF HAMILTON COUNTY recoverycafehc.com

ALISON

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The shame of alcoholism kept her isolated for years. The shame of alcoholism has kept her nine years of recovery a secret. Alison publicly shares her story for the first time.

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LOVE WHERE YOU WORK LOVE WHERE YOU WORK HSE Schools hosts job fair on February 13, 2024.

Writer & Photography/ Emily Pace Abbotts

mily Pace Abbotts

HERE YOU WORK HSE Schools hosts job fair on February 13, 2024.

ob fair on February 13, Southeastern 2024.

Hamilton Schools has long been synonymous with innovative learning and a dedication to

Writer & Photography/ Emily Pace Abbotts Hamilton Southeastern Schools has long been fostering a positive environment for students andsynonymous staff, alike. with innovative learning and a dedication to

rn Schools has long been synonymous with innovative learning andand a dedication to fostering a positive environment for students staff, alike. nvironment for students and staff, alike.

LOVE WHERE YOU WORK As a prospective employee, you can become part of a dynamic team that values creativity and working

LOVE WHERE YOU WORK

As a prospective employee, you can become part of a dynamic team that values creativity and working together.

Additionally, HSE encourages all staff to actively contribute to the growth and development of the

Schools job fair February 13, 2024. loyee, you canHSE become part ofhosts a dynamic teamon that values creativity and working together. Additionally, HSE encourages all staff to actively contribute to the growth and development of the district. y, HSE encourages all staff toHSE actively contribute to TO the growth andJOB development of theFEBRUARY 13, 2024 SCHOOLS HOST FAIR ON

district.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools has long been synonymous with innovative learning and a dedication to fostering a positive environment for and staff, “As the largest employer within thestudents City synonymous of Fishers, we alike. offer a diverse range job opportunities Hamilton Southeastern Schools has long been with innovative learning and of a dedication to fosteringtailored a positiveto “As the largest employer within the City of Fishers, we offer a diverse range of job opportunities tailored various skill sets.

We hope anyone looking for a rewarding career serving the greater community will join usto yer within the City of Fishers, offer and a diverse range job opportunities tailored environment for we students staff alike.

As of a prospective employee, you cantobecome part of a dynamic team that values various skill sets.

We hope anyone looking for a rewarding career serving the greater community will join us As a prospective employee, you can become part of a dynamic team that values creativity and working on February 13 for our upcoming job fair,” said Ryan Taylor, Executive Director of Staff and Student Services. hope anyone looking forand a rewarding career serving the greater community willtojoin us contribute to the growth and development creativity working together.

Additionally, HSE encourages all staff actively on February 13 for our upcoming job fair,” said Ryan Taylor, Executive Director of Staff and Student Services. together.

Additionally, HSE encourages all staff to actively contribute to the growth and development of the ur upcoming joboffair,” said Ryan Taylor, Executive Director of Staff and Student Services. the district. district.

This drop-in event will allow attendees to interact with educators, “AsThis theinteract largest employer within the City ofgaining Fishers, offer a diverse range of job drop-in event will members, allow attendees to we interact withimmediate educators, ll allow attendees to with educators, administrators, and staff insights into the largest employer within the City of Fishers, we offer a diverseofrange opportunities tailored to various skill sets,” said Ryan Taylor, executive director staff of job opportunities tailored to taff members,“As gaining insights into immediate administrators, and staff gaining insights into immediate openings, including roles inmembers, food services, custodial, transportation, and student services.

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HSE in Schools on February 13 andgaining exploreinsights the possibilities of a fulfilling administrators, and staff members, into immediate career education. custodial, transportation, substitute teaching and more. career including in education. openings, roles in food services, custodial, transportation, substitute teaching, and Beyond a job search, it’s an more. invitation to “Love Where You Work.” Join HSE Schools on To view available job opportunities WHAT: Fair To view available job opportunities re You Work Job Fair Love Where You Work Job at HSE Schools, scanjob here: To view available opportunities February 13 and explore the possibilities of a fulfilling career inhere: education.

WHAT: Love Where You Work Job Fair at HSE Schools, scan WHEN: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 February 13,Beyond 2024 at HSE Schools, scan here: a job search, it's an invitation to "Love Where You Work."

Join WHEN: Tuesday, 5 PM - 7 PMFebruary 13, 2024 PM WHAT: Loveon Where You HSE Schools February 13 job andfair explore the possibilities of a fulfilling 5 PM - 7 Work PM WHERE: HSEFebruary Administration Office ministrationcareer Office WHEN: Tuesday, 13, 2024, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in education.

WHERE: HSE Administration Office umberland Road 13485 Cumberland Road WHERE: HSE Administration Office, 13485 Cumberland Road

13485 Cumberland Road To view available job opportunities WHAT: Love Where You Work Job Fair at HSE Schools, scan here: WHEN: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 5 PM - 7 PM WHERE: HSE is Administration Office Kindergarten Enrollment open for the Class of 2037.

Kindergarten Enrollment is open for the Class of 2037.

13485 Cumberland Road Kindergarten Enrollment is open for the Class of 2037.

NEW YEAR, NEW CLASS NEW YEAR, NEW CLASS

NEW YEAR, NEW CLASS

NEW YEAR, NEW CLASS

teachers cover essential areas, such and kindergarten teachers, learn ry, but and kindergarten teachers, learn teachers cover IS essential areas, such It may only be February, but ENROLLMENT KINDERGARTEN OPEN about school-specific offeringsFOR and THE CLASS OF 2037 as: language skills, problemn Schools is teachers cover and school-specific kindergarten teachers, It may only be February, but essential areas, such about offeringslearn and as: language skills, problemHamilton Southeastern Schools is solving, social and emotional well- get excited about the future with the start of about school-specific offerings and Hamilton Southeastern Schools is as: language skills, problemget excited about the future with solving, social and emotional wellalready preparing for the start of It may only be February, but Hamilton Southeastern Schools is already preparing for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. being, general knowledge about the HSE! ar. Families getopen excited about the future with already preparing for the start of alsobeing, solving, social and emotional general knowledge about wellthe is HSE! 2024-25 school year.

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Scan here to enroll today: nning. with incoming kindergarteners Scan here to enroll today: may want to begin planning.

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TownePost.com | February 2024 | 21

Biz Mack one day post explant

Biz Mack current photo

Alison before explant photo 4/8/22

Alison after explant 5/3/22 22 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

Tackling Treatment

ADDRESSING THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND SOLUTIONS REGARDING BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

In the pursuit of boosting their selfesteem, many women turn to breast implants. However, what happens when these implants, meant to enhance their appearance, end up making them sick?

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that some individuals experience after undergoing breast implant surgery for either reconstruction or cosmetic purposes.

Elizabeth Mack, a resident of Fishers, decided to get breast implants in 2017 after nursing her three children for a total of 36 months. She wanted to regain her pre-pregnancy look and consulted with two different surgeons before making her decision. However, within six months of the surgery, she began experiencing unexplained health issues.

“I quickly gained over 15 pounds but couldn’t figure out why,” Mack says. “In the following year I developed anxiety I’d never experienced. I found myself dizzy a lot, my memory was spotty, I lost so much of my hair, and my weight gain continued without explanation. I had vertigo regularly, heart palpitations occasionally and fatigue that dragged me down daily. My circulation

decreased, inflammation increased and my ability to sleep was declining weekly.”

By 2019 Mack was also dealing with strep-like illnesses every six weeks or so, in addition to the symptoms above. Despite her misery, her doctor assured her that her lab results were normal and her overall health seemed fine. However, everything changed for Mack in February 2021 when she came across an Instagram post.

“The woman’s symptoms were my same symptoms,” Mack says. “I was stunned and immediately began researching to learn more. I learned tens of thousands of women experience similar symptoms or worse - autoimmune diseases, crippling pain, cancer and more - who all have had implants. There’s a Facebook group where over 165,000 women connect to support each other through the illness. Their bodies, like mine, rejected the foreign objects in a multitude of ways.”

Dr. Christine Kelley says there is currently no clear understanding of which types of patients are at risk for breast implant illness.

She says most patients presenting with suspected BII do not have a prior personal

history of autoimmune or connective tissue disease. Some present with a family history of those conditions, but this is also uncommon.

“The symptoms are nonspecific and can be associated with other conditions,” Kelley says. “Generally the symptoms are consistent with chronic systemic inflammation. The most common symptoms are fatigue, brain fog, joint and muscle pain and unexplained skin rashes.

Hair loss is frequently reported. Dryness symptoms are common, including dry skin, hair, eyes and mouth. Gastrointestinal symptoms are similar to irritable bowel and include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, reflux and abdominal pain. Neurologic symptoms are also reported including dizziness, numbness, tingling and twitching.

Heart palpitations are common. Some women develop migraines. Others report hormonal symptoms such as heavy, irregular periods, temperature intolerance and infertility.”

Due to the lack of knowledge surrounding breast implant illness, the presence of nonspecific symptoms, and the stigma associated with breast implants, diagnosing TownePost.com | February 2024 | 23

other causes.”

In 2021 Mack underwent surgery to remove her implants. She acknowledges that the road to recovery has been long, but she is grateful to be on the healing side. She shares her story, hoping it might save someone else’s life.

“I have been actively working with a functional health doctor ever since, to detox my body and help heal the physical symptoms for about 18 months after, including pain, fatigue, inflammation and the extra weight,” Mack says. “Today I still work closely with that functional doc to support the autoimmune disease that the implants caused. Those same implants also threw my body into peri-menopause, so we are actively working to balance my hormones so I can feel healthy and live an active, thriving lifestyle.”

Kelley emphasizes that although BII is poorly understood, this does not negate its reality. Patients experiencing these symptoms are going through a genuine and impactful experience. Kelley believes that the lack of knowledge should not be an excuse to dismiss patients’ complaints.

Diana Vogel ruptured implant

BII can be challenging, time consuming and expensive. BII is often met with skepticism in the traditional medical field. Kelley says the diagnosis is considered one of exclusion, meaning that other usual, generally accepted sources of the symptoms are not found upon examination or testing. She also says patients respond poorly to typical treatments for those symptoms.

taken lightly, as it carries many risks.

“Since there is no conclusive association of breast implants with systemic symptoms yet, many physicians and surgeons recommend an exhaustive workup to reduce the potential for unhelpful surgery and loss of breast enhancement,” Kelley says.

“At a minimum, patients should consider screening for metabolic, vitamin, and hormonal issues with basic, readily available Many women are left to navigate their own labs to see if treating those issues helps, path or rely on other women’s experiences and to be in the best possible condition in similar situations. Kelley says that the for surgery. Some patients intuitively sense role of the implant is often considered late in the diagnostic process. She has observed the implant is causing problems for them, women coming to her office seeking implant or they may have other issues of implant removal to see if their symptoms improve. dissatisfaction that cause them to seek However, removing implants should not be explant without an in-depth evaluation for 24 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

“This is a call for compassionate listening and counseling, public awareness and discussion, diligent data collection, and dedicated scientific research,” Kelley says.

“Fortunately, these efforts are burgeoning.

The attitude towards BII is beginning to change. Hopefully we will have sufficient knowledge to more easily predict, diagnose and treat this complex condition in the foreseeable future.”

Diana Vogel suffered from BII for 18 years before making the difficult decision to explant after suffering a laundry list of inexplicable medical issues. She says she learned about the debilitating condition from a naturopathic doctor.

“When I learned about the symptoms, I felt this sense of relief,” Vogel says. “Finally, something made sense as to why I had been suffering from so many symptoms that doctors were not able to explain. I was also so mad - mad at myself, mad at the doctors,

mad at the life I had lived with my implants.

Honestly, I was disgusted. I couldn’t wait to get them out.”

What many of these women want is simply to be heard, but most feel validated when their symptoms resolve after explantation.

The palpable signs of healing manifest in different ways for everyone. Jennifer Fyffe says she waited a whole year to assess how she felt after removing her implants.

experiencing BII symptoms after her reconstructive surgery. Ultimately she made the painful decision to explant and follow up with deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstructive surgery.

“I sometimes feel shameful in sharing that part of my story because people think, ‘Well, you chose to get the implants so it’s your fault you’re sick,’” Gatz says. “It’s

almost like if smokers get lung cancer. It’s not fair but it’s the perception. Then, selfdoubt comes into play. Luckily, for me, my mastectomy was preventative, but for other women healing after breast cancer, it can be a huge issue.”

For more information on BII, visit healingbreastimplantillness.com.

“I haven’t had one symptom since removal,” Fyffe says. “I have my life back and am more active than ever at 53. As a bonus, I thought my hair looked different three months after surgery. I have been 100% white/gray for at least 10 to 12 years, and my hair is colored every three weeks. At three months I saw my original color, red, growing all over my head and new, three-inch hair growth. Overall, more than half of my hair reversed from white to red. Even though I knew I already felt better, and the cause was the implants, it was a truly tangible sign that they were poisoning my body.”

There cane also be some guilt or stigma attached to one’s choice to get breast implants. Alison Gatz underwent a preventative double mastectomy after both her mother and sister were diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. She said she sometimes feels shame in sharing her story because she did have breast implants before her double mastectomy. Gatz started

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BACK TO BASICS WORKING ON THE FUNDAMENTALS OF HEALTH AND WELL-BEING CAN HAVE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT Writer / Mindy Irish Photography Provided

Have you ever wondered, “How good can I feel? Is this my normal or is there something more optimal for me?”

These six will gladly you attend If only you are willing Your mind they’ll ease Your will they’ll mend If you’re like me, I am always working to look, And charge you not a shilling.” feel and perform my best. That mission has led me to discover the possibilities for the I am personally leaning into the “six aging body. I learned not to accept that we’re doctors” to evolve my lifestyle. To sunshine definitely going to slow down, get sick and I would add grounding to touch the earth, degrade with time. to rest I would add sleep and recovery, and to actually make it seven “doctors,” I would include the activity of sweating.

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of On this list, when we mention diet, let’s holistic health.” work to view that as the foods we choose to feed our body versus being “on a diet” It’s empowering to me to know that even as and cutting calories. Keep to the mindset of we get older, we can each use our choices eating a diet “of the earth,” which is made up and activities to define our lifestyle, and of colorful, real items that grow, spoil, and therefore our outcome of our own health and are made of plants and proteins. This is what well-being. What if we can improve with age? truly nourishes our minds and bodies best!

What if we change our mindset to thinking that as we age, we can actually get healthier, With this list and these perspectives in stronger and in better shape - all the opposite mind, our well-being is complete, and the of what we’ve always been told? positive health possibilities are endless. Yet it’s not something we have to tackle and I believe we can, and here are some tips for master all at one time. That’s the beauty of how to start! the process.

A rhyme by Wayne Fields in his 1990 book “What the River Knows” has really helped me define my current habits: “The best six doctors anywhere And no one can deny it Are sunshine, water, rest, and air Exercise and diet.

HOW DO WE GET STARTED MAKING PROGRESS? STEP ONE: Choose one to two areas of “low-hanging fruit” and get baselines on those. In what

areas do you currently feel the most familiarity and mastery? Spend time measuring and monitoring those, and then work to take them up from there.

For example, if you already drink a lot of water on a daily basis, then that’s a positive for you. Track your intake in daily ounces and set benchmark goals of progression.

Once you have a few of the seven areas under your belt, choose several more to improve upon and spend time measuring and monitoring those. In time you’ll be making progress across the board, developing new habits and outcomes along the way.

STEP TWO: Focus on what matters to you. What are you initially most passionate and familiar with on this list? If it’s movement, go do more of the activity that you love and know. If it’s getting outdoors for fresh air, do more of that. Save the harder areas for later on.

STEP THREE: Align with a community. There are tons of groups of like-minded people doing the things you enjoy doing. Find your interests and align with your people. You don’t have to go at this alone!

STEP FOUR: Be territorial on who gives you advice.

Choose a few tried and trusted sources who

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can guide you and will listen to you. If you pay attention to everyone, you’re most likely going to derail from the process out of frustration and confusion from too much information coming at you all at one time.

We don’t have to have all the answers or see the complete journey at our start. Have hope in knowing we can begin right where we are, taking small steps and working to improve upwards and onwards from there.

You’re worth it!

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FEBRUARY 2024

THIS IS FISHERS HAPPENINGS FROM THE CITY OF FISHERS

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS Get to Know Your City Councilors

The City of Fishers welcomed new and returning city councilors for the start of their term on January 1. These city councilors are dedicated individuals who come with a wealth of experience and deep-rooted commitment to represent the interests and wellbeing of Fishers residents.

Newly elected council members are John P. DeLucia, Tiffanie Ditlevson, and Bill Stuart. Mayor Scott Fadness, City Clerk Jennifer Kehl, and council members Cecilia Coble, Brad DeReamer, Pete Peterson, Selina Stoller, John Weingardt, and Todd Zimmerman were reelected.

Learn more about the councilors and see a district map at FishersIN.gov/CityCouncil.

New City Website Fishers Snow Fight: Prepare for Winter Weather

Fishers DPW works hard to keep our roads safe during winter weather events. You can help the Fishers Snow Fight team before a snowstorm by moving parked cars and basketball goals from streets, shoveling snow away from fire hydrants, and clearing storm drains of leaves, snow, ice, and other debris. Don't forget to give snowplows extra room on the roads during a snow event. Learn more at FishersIN.gov/Snow.

Have you checked out the new City of Fishers website? With a fresh, new design and reorganized content, it’s easier than ever to find exactly what you’re looking for. Visit FishersIN.gov to explore the new site.

Register for the Geist Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K

Registration for the 2024 Geist Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K is now open. This family-friendly community tradition returns on Saturday, September 14 with a new after-party experience and the return of the popular 10K race. All participants receive a race shirt and finisher medal. Register at geisthalf.com.

STORMWATER & SEWER LATE FEES Effective January 2024, sewer and stormwater accounts with past due balances have late fees applied to accounts. For more information, visit FishersIN.gov/Utilities.

3 Municipal Drive, Fishers IN 46038

Fishers Indiana Government

@FishersIN

(317) 595-3111 | FishersIN.gov

@FishersIN

City of Fishers

28 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

THIS IS FISHERS HAPPENING NOW Register for Fishers Parks Summer Camp

Fishers Parks offers camps for children ages 4 to 10 to explore their interests, make friends, and shake their summer break boredom. Registration for 2024 Summer Camp is open for Fishers residents and nonresidents. Register at playfishers.com/SummerCamp.

Fishers Parks’ Pre-K Prom

Saturday, February 3 | 4 - 6 p.m. | Fishers Parks HQ (8100 E. 106th Street) | $25/person Get dressed up with your little one (ages 3-6), and "Be Our Guest" at this themed dance! In addition to dancing and music, visit with characters and take part in games, crafts, photo opps, and more while enjoying refreshments and getting a keepsake photo taken. All attendees (children and parents/guardians) must register at playfishers.com.

Fishers Parks’ Heart Hike

VOLUNTEER FISHERS: GET INVOLVED Give back to your community with volunteer opportunities at Maker Playground, Fishers Parks’ Nature First Program, Geist Half Marathon, and more! Sign up at VolunteerFishers.com.

Saturday, February 10 | 9 - 11 a.m.

Ritchey Woods | Free During your short, self-led hike, look for images of hearts that are naturally occurring in nature placed along the walking trails. Learn more at playfishers.com.

Fishers Parks’ Spring Formal

Saturday, March 2 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Fishers Parks HQ | $25/person Adults and children ages 7 to 12 are invited to enjoy a night of fun and dancing at this semi-formal event! With a full-on spring theme, enjoy the atmosphere with crafts, games, photo opps, refreshments, and more! All attendees (children and parents/guardians) must register at playfishers.com.

Save the Date: Disability Awareness Month

March is National Disability Awareness Month, and the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability will celebrate with special events and opportunities to serve as an ally for disability inclusion. Learn more at FishersIN.gov/DisabilityAwareness.

CONNECT WITH US

Stay up to date on the latest news from the Mayor’s Office, Fishers Parks, Police and Fire Departments, Fishers Health Department, and more. Sign up at FishersIN.gov/Subscribe.

TownePost.com | February 2024 | 29

NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY

BUILDING A REFUGE meeting with other men affected by suicide, and Building a Refuge was born. in 2018.”

The group started meeting monthly at Harley Davidson of Indianapolis (12400 Reynolds Drive in Fishers) to discuss topics affecting men. Both Robinson and Leum ride Harleys and know the business in Fishers lost two employees to suicide. They felt the location was a perfect fit for men.

“We felt it was a little less intimidating than going to a doctor’s office to talk about things,” Robinson says. “We usually watch sports, have some pizza and beers, and discuss topics men go through daily.”

Building a Refuge does not provide mental health counseling, but does connect men in need to the appropriate national and local resources. Robinson says from the time he thought about suicide to the time he attempted, it was only three days. He says the wait to get into a mental health provider can often take months, so early intervention is critical.

Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th cause of death in the United States, and in 2021 men died by suicide 3.9 times more than women. Friends Erik Robinson and Brandon Leum have both personally been affected by suicide. Robinson attempted suicide

30 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

in 2010, and Leum lost his brother to suicide in 2015. When attending suicide prevention events, they noticed one thing was missing - other men.

“The things we’re talking about at our monthly meetings at Harley Davidson are often dark and very private,” Robinson says. “Once they realize we’re not in it for anything other than to guide them to get the help they need, they tend to open up a little more.”

“We quickly realized it needed to be addressed,” Robinson says. “We decided The team at Building a Refuge recently to try and do something to make a partnered with the Fishers Police difference in our little corner of the Department (FPD) to provide funding world in Hamilton County. We started for the Fishers Police Department

Foundation. It’s a fund providing opportunities for the FPD to build stronger relationships with residents, by providing support for crime prevention and public safety through grant funding for specialized equipment, and by supporting Fishers police officers in need.

“I do a lot of work with FPD and Sergeant Angela Ellison,” Robinson says. “She told me about the fund. We have been very fortunate this year with donations, so we were able to make a sizable donation to help with mental health treatment for officers.”

Building a Refuge also hosts significant fundraising events throughout the year that encourages residents to attend with their families. On May 18 they will host the 2024 Building a Refuge Rock and Ride for Hope. The day is filled with music, food, and the annual motorcycle ride.

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For suicide prevention resources or more information about Building a Refuge, visit buildingarefuge.org.

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