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FEBRUARY 2021

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PANDEMIC-PROOF VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HER HEART HEALTH

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HEART DISEASE CANNOT BE QUARANTINED Life beats on, and so does your heart. That means it’s time for a safe return to routine heart care, like scans and checkups. If you’ve been putting off treatment – or are in need of a second opinion – Franciscan Health is here and ready for you. Always.

Call your physician to schedule your in-office or online appointment today!

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PANDEMIC-PROOF VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS

Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided

It’s not every year that you have to get really creative for Valentine’s Day. Usually a gift or flowers, followed by a nice meal with no kids (if you have them) and a glass of wine, is just fine and thoroughly enjoyed. This year,

however, it’s a little more complicated - but just because things are a bit more complicated doesn’t mean you can’t have a great Valentine’s Day. Here are six pandemic-proof date night ideas for you and yours.

TACKLE A PROJECT

While this isn’t the most romantic thing to do, it does bring you together with your partner to tackle something you’ve been wanting to start (or finish). Maybe it’s something you needed for your home, or something to give to someone else. Either way, you’ll feel good working together and accomplishing something at the end of the night.

COOK TOGETHER

While there are a few cooking stores that are still having classes in person, lots are offering online options. If you feel good enough to head out and want to enjoy a private lesson at a shop, do it. If not, sign up for an online class and give it a go in your own kitchen. Otherwise, order an oven-ready meal kit that

you can make together, with included stepby-step instructions as well as all required ingredients.

BINGE A SERIES

A trusty go-to if you can’t figure out what to do. We suggest something completely new that’s getting rave reviews, or something with lots of nostalgia. You can easily get sucked into the old “Supermarket Sweep,” or something a bit newer like “The Office.” Perhaps check out “Cobra Kai,” which can be binged in one evening, and has both a new and old feeling to it.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Yelp has been great during these crazy times for offering info on events with local restaurants and crafters. If you can’t find anything local, YouTube is always a good place to go to learn a new trade. Maybe try DJ spinning lessons or brewing your own beer. Pick something you both want to learn more

about, and dive right in.

GO FOR A WALK OR RUN

Another simple yet perfect way to spend time together is a walk, or if you are feeling up to it, a run. Use the time to talk about how you hope the new year will go, or just catch up a bit.

BOOK A PRIVATE LESSON

Pastries would be a perfect go-to for this one, but you can probably find a class for just about anything. Macarons or chocolate sound delish, and would be fun to make and take. Art lessons are another great option too. If you aren’t feeling that great about going out because of COVID, private lessons provide a great way to get out with minimal contact.

RENT A MOVIE THEATER

Yes, you can do this! AMC Theatres is doing this, and offering private theater rentals starting at $99. It’s pretty cool to have the

entire theater to yourself. Pick something from their library of movies like “Love Actually,” and you’ll have a really lovely evening. They might even have drink specials for you too.

CHECK INTO A HOTEL

Lastly, you can always book a room at a local hotel. Maybe try that new boutique hotel you’ve had your eye on, and order room service. Hotels are still open but generally at a much lower capacity, so make sure to book early. Wherever you decide, pick somewhere you can enjoy and treat yourselves a bit. While times are still a little off, that doesn’t mean you can’t still make time for each other. Everyone needs a little pick-me-up, and Valentine’s Day might just be the perfect time for that. Whether you end up ordering sushi and just watching a movie with the family, or you actually get to partake in a night away, remember - love is all you need.

EMERGING FROM A LONELY YEAR Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

The pandemic has caused a number of emotions, including confusion, concern, panic, pain, anxiety, anger - the list goes on. One positive response to the pandemic, however, has been the act of reflection, as it has been almost impossible not to spend time contemplating how life once was, how different it is now, and how it might look in the future.

ourselves taking a personal inventory of what we should change. Some vowed to get moving as they biked or walked off built-up stress. Others took up baking, At the start of the shutdowns in the spring sewing or some other project that always of 2020, a certain portion of the population seemed to get pushed to the back-burner, felt a collective sigh of relief, as we were like assembling that 1,000-piece puzzle of forced to take a break from our normal the ocean. No matter who you are or what routines. We embraced the chance to take your situation was, we all, at one point or a breather and were thankful to suddenly another, experienced this one universal have something that, for many, was a foreign feeling - loneliness. concept - alone time. I was recently talking to a friend, Alex, who Without having to run to appointments, shared how he had a newfound appreciation meetings, classes, events, rehearsals and for the inevitable loneliness that the elderly other extracurricular activities, we found most certainly face. Even in normal times, FEBRUARY 2021

many of them are unable to get out and about due to their physical or emotional limitations. How isolating that must be. “Years ago I used to take my dog and visit nursing homes once a week, but then life got busy and the regular outing fell by the wayside,” Alex told me. “But I tell you what when this pandemic is over, I’m going to get back to visiting the elderly.”

It makes sense that we’re feeling lonely, because the nature of many of our friendships has adjusted during the COVID crisis. Whether we know it or not, friendships are vital to our health and wellbeing. According to Lydia Denworth, author of the book “Friendship,” loneliness is as deadly as cigarette smoking or obesity. “Friendship is a matter of life and death,” she writes in the

FEBRUARY 2021

"FRIENDSHIP IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH." - LYDIA DENWORTH

book. “It is carried in our DNA, in how we’re wired. Social bonds have the power to shape the trajectories of our lives, and that means friendship is not a choice or a luxury - it’s a necessity that is critical in our ability to succeed and thrive.” The thing I miss most is hugging. I get that not everybody is a touchy-feely kind of person. I, however, am sustained by the embrace, particularly during difficult times. I remember several years ago after my mom died, I felt lost and broken. Craving comfort, I called a friend and simply asked, “Can you come over and give me a hug?” During the pandemic, however, doctors have repeatedly told us the importance of keeping our distance from others, and no matter how you do the math, you can’t hug someone while standing 6’ apart. I told my husband, “After I’m inoculated, I’m getting a T-shirt made that says, ‘I’ve been vaccinated. Hug me!’”

term physical health. This is because humans crave connection. On the radio recently, a deejay was saying, “When this pandemic is over, I’m going to party hard!” I think we will all partake in our own version of that party. For some, the festivities will involve singing, dancing and whooping it up. For others, it’ll be walking side-by-side with a friend, perhaps stopping

for a bite to eat at a cafe. For Alex, it’ll be revisiting those nursing homes with his pooch by his side. As for me, I’ll be hugging the grocery store clerk. What are your plans post-pandemic? Even if you don’t yet have a plan, it’s nice to know that we are inching ever closer to being able to make - and keep - those plans. That alone is cause for celebration.

Know more about your heart and vascular health, especially now Don’t delay important care

He thinks I’m joking, but he’ll know I’m serious when he sees me throw my arms around the UPS driver. Over the course of the last year, we have found ways to connect virtually, which is better than nothing, but there’s something to be said for face-to-face interactions. They’re just inherently more intimate, more meaningful. They are the ones we remember. The ones we cherish. Several years ago, my best friend called me in tears with news that her marriage was on the rocks. I dropped what I was doing, hopped in my car and drove 90 minutes to meet her so we could hug it out, talk it through, and start the healing. I don’t think we could have covered the same ground had we not been in the same room.

Now is a great time to check in on your health, including your heart. That’s why, at Ascension St. Vincent, we recommend a heart scan for men and women over 40. This is a routine scan that may take a few minutes, but can give your doctor a clearer picture of your heart health. We’re also here with a trivascular screening for those who want to know more about their blood flow. Schedule today and know we’re fully prepared for your safety while in our care.

Schedule your screening at ascension.org/stvincentheart

There is a difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Alone is a state that we may enjoy and even seek out. Loneliness, on the other hand, leaves us feeling distressed, disheartened and depressed. According to “Psychology Today,” research has shown that loneliness poses serious threats to well-being and long-

A heart scan is not for everyone. We recommend you work with your doctor on your overall health plan and any risk factors you have.

FEBRUARY 2021

WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HER HEART HEALTH

Writer / Dr. Ibrahim Abu Romeh, Cardiologist at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided

According to the American Heart Association, 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease at some point in their lives. However, 80% of those cardiovascular diseases are preventable. Here are some important things to know about heart disease and how to keep your heart healthy.

COMMON TYPES OF HEART DISEASE The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD). It is caused by plaque buildup in

FEBRUARY 2021

the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. CAD can also be referred to as ischemic heart disease. Another common type of heart disease is arrhythmia, which consists of an abnormal heartbeat.

KNOW YOUR FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY AND RISK FACTORS

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports heart disease as the leading cause of death for women in the United States. It’s important to know if there’s a family history of heart disease, as it can influence your own risk and help guide decision making. Along with knowing your family health history, it’s important to know the other risk factors for heart disease, including diabetes, excessive alcohol use, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use and age. Women are generally protected in their reproductive age, whereas the risk increases after menopause.

SYMPTOMS Common symptoms of heart disease in women include pain or discomfort in the chest, neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and extreme fatigue. These symptoms usually occur with exercise

or during regular activities, but may show at rest sometimes. Some women may show no symptoms at all.

PREVENTION The most important preventive measure is to modify the major risk factors, which are smoking, diabetes and hypertension. Seek help for smoking cessation if you cannot do it on your own. Work with your doctor to control your diabetes. Studies have shown lack of sleep is connected to heart disease due to poor sleep being linked to high blood pressure. At least six hours of sleep per night is recommended. Getting an adequate amount of sleep also lowers chronic stress, which is another area of concern for women. Other ways to lower stress include eating healthy foods, staying active and talking to a trusted individual about your stress.

RESOURCES Working with a health care provider to check on your heart health and customize a treatment or prevention plan that fits your medical needs can make all the difference. Schedule an annual checkup with your primary care provider to assess your risk for heart disease and keep your heart strong.

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FRESH HOPE IU MEDICAL RESEARCHERS PRESENT PROMISING CANCER STUDY RESULTS

IU Medical researchers Dr. Bryan Schneider and Dr. Milan Radovich Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Anyone who has beaten cancer likely often wonders, “What if it comes back?” Two Indiana University School of Medicine researchers, Dr. Bryan Schneider and Dr. Milan Radovich, have exciting new findings, however, that spell good news for cancer patients. Schneider and Radovich came up with a biomarker finding for women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer that is now being taught and used worldwide. This pioneering research is part of the larger IU Precision Health Initiative, which

received $120 million in funding from the IU Grand Challenges Program to also research diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Type 2 diabetes, multiple myeloma and pediatric sarcomas (childhood cancers). According to Schneider, breast cancer remains one of the most common cancer types for women in the U.S., with more than 250,000 women affected annually and approximately 40,000 dying of the disease. Triple-negative breast cancer tends to target young women and black women. Because it’s an aggressive form of breast cancer, even though it makes up a minority of cases, it causes a disproportionately high rate of mortality. FEBRUARY 2021

“Women with triple-negative breast cancer who had Stage 1 through 3 disease are treated with chemotherapy followed by surgery,” says Radovich, noting that there are two post-surgical outcomes. Either chemotherapy melts all of the tumor away (this occurs in approximately one-third of patients), or patients have residual disease post-surgery. “Even though we remove that cancer, they are at high risk of their cancer coming back, usually with a vengeance as the disease most often metastasizes to other organs and becomes lethal,” Radovich says. Schneider and Radovich analyzed ctDNA

Triple Negative Breast Cancer

based biomarker to predict if cancer will come back is being used across other cancers as well. In December of 2019, Radovich presented this data in front of a packed audience of 6,000 physicians and scientists at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. In addition, the work of Schneider and Radovich was published in JAMA Oncology, a prestigious peerreviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association. “The real goal behind this is to take care of those patients who are in a tough situation,” Radovich says. “For those patients who are ctDNA-negative, we envision a future where we can tell them that they are in a situation where there is a really good chance of doing well. It also allows us the potential to think about strategies down the road that decrease the amount of therapy patients get, so they suffer fewer side effects.” For those deemed high-risk, physicians can implement innovative strategies in an attempt to improve outcomes. “As Hoosiers, we should be proud of what our state is doing in advancing research that has implications across the country and internationally,” Radovich says. “IU has been a leader in this concept of using DNA and genomics to guide therapy for more than 20 years, long before it had become a hot topic in the New York Times or Time magazine. What you’re seeing today is an evolution of decades of work in this area.” (circulating tumor DNA), which is DNA shed from tumors into the bloodstream. With cutting-edge technology, a blood sample could be taken and the presence of cancer detected. “We found that if we take this blood sample after chemotherapy and surgery, and we detect this tumor DNA, those women’s cancer will recur,” Schneider says. “If they are negative, those women have a good chance that the cancer won’t come back and therefore have a better, superior outcome.” Physicians in the cancer-fighting world are eager to hear more about these findings, as the concept of using a blood-

In addition to ctDNA, doctors also looked at circulating tumor cells in the study. Much of that work came out of Purdue University.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of cancer that lacks common traits used to diagnose and treat most other breast cancers. About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

TNBC 15%-20%

In 2017, an estimated 255,180 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in U.S. women.

All other types of breast cancer

TNBC accounts for 15%-20% of breast cancer cases.

Because TNBC is estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and (HER2) negative, traditional hormone and targeted treatments that focus on these receptors are ineffective.

HORMONE THERAPY INEFFECTIVE

HER2 TA R G E T E D THERAPY INEFFECTIVE

Based on the newly established ctDNA findings, the new national trial will involve 200 women with triple-negative breast cancer at 20 sites across the U.S.

surgery

radiation

EFFECTIVE T R E AT M E N T S

TNBC is more likely to spread to other parts of the body and reoccur after treatment.

TNBC is more likely to affect African-American and Hispanic women.

This research, which took place at 22 sites across the country, is made possible with funding from the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer and the Walther Cancer Foundation. It is part of the Indiana University Precision Health Initiative Grand Challenge.

Boston Milwaukee

Omaha

Chicago Goshen Fort Wayne Munster West Lafayette Anderson Indianapolis St. Louis

Cincinnati

Harrisburg Hagerstown Washington, DC Norfolk

Oklahoma City Lubbock

“It’s a really neat collaboration both here in the state and across the United States,” says Schneider, who is starting a new clinical trial with Radovich called the PERSEVERE Trial.

chemo

Atlanta South Birmingham

Gainesville

Hollywood Miami

Led by Milan Radovich, PhD, and Bryan P. Schneider, MD, and using the most cutting edge technology, researchers have discovered which patients are most likely to remain disease free and which are likely to relapse following treatment for triple negative breast cancer.

In a new clinical trial, the team will be harnessing information from ctDNA analysis to determine a specialized treatment plan.

According to Schneider, the sequencing of the first human genome propelled much of 12/19

FEBRUARY 2021

Schneider and I are proud to lead our genomics program. We apply genomics to patients with cancer here at IU Health.” To date, they have sequenced more than 5,000 patients. “It’s been a game-changer to tailor therapy for individual patients,” Radovich says. “We imagine a day where genome sequence can be done at your bedside or as part of your routine visit with your doctor. Your genome analysis can then help guide therapies.” Both doctors say they feel blessed to have the opportunity to deal with patients during a difficult journey. science to where it is today.

to see the fruits of that labor.”

“When the first human’s entire blueprint was mapped out, that set the stage for the entire code for which we’re built and how cancer is formed,” Schneider says. “As we have the ability to use genomes in real time in a few days for much cheaper, we’re starting to learn in a logarithmic fashion. Now we are starting

Radovich adds that scientists can now sequence a genome in a couple of days for a few hundred dollars. “It’s unbelievable how commoditized and quick it has become, and how applicable it is to patient care,” Radovich says. “Dr. FEBRUARY 2021

“We get to see the limitations in where we are, go back to the laboratory, and think about some of the things we can do and advances we make that we know will impact the patients when we see them next week,” Radovich says. “That’s an unbelievable feeling, and one that we are incredibly passionate about.”

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Cheri & Mike Freeman

treatment to improve coordination, balance and strength. “Besides helping him physically, the mental and emotional benefits of being outside and around horses was evident,” Cheri says.

PAT ’ S PA L S T H E R A P Y R A N C H A S S I S T S THOSE WITH DISABILITIES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Amy Payne and Pat’s Pals

In 2013, Mike and Cheri Freeman received a phone call that would forever change the trajectory of their lives. Their 23-yearold son Patrick had been struck by a car and sustained a traumatic brain injury that

left him requiring round-the-clock care. Since the accident occurred in California, the Freemans spent several years out west working with various rehabilitation centers, and found that their son responded positively to hippotherapy, which involves the movement of a horse as a therapeutic

After several years, the family moved back home to Indiana. They wanted to continue hippotherapy as a treatment but couldn’t find anywhere nearby that offered what Patrick had been getting. In November of 2019, they came across a piece of property in Plainfield and Mike got the idea to build their own nonprofit therapy clinic that Patrick and others in the community could use. The Freemans weren’t looking to make a profit - they simply had a passion to help the disabled. Plus, the pair knew all too well

18 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2021 / PlainfieldMag.com

what it’s like to be thrown into the world of disability without a moment’s notice. “You become isolated from everyone else because it’s a unique situation,” Cheri says. “We wanted to create a place where the family can just enjoy being together.” In the summer of 2020, they opened Pat’s Pals Therapy Ranch, formed a board of

"IT’S GREAT TO HEAR HOW EXCITED PARENTS ARE WHEN THEY WITNESS WHAT THEIR CHILD CAN DO AFTER JUST A FEW WEEKS WITH A HORSE.” - CHERI FREEMAN

directors and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Board Member Lesley Lautenschlager also serves on the board of the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) and has been a national trainer for decades. “She’s the one who helped us get started with finding therapy horses and getting them trained,” Cheri says.

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One of the buildings on the property is a therapy clinic, and sessions are conducted by skilled physical, occupational and speech therapists. Each one-hour session incorporates hippotherapy in some way, though the time spent on the horse may vary depending on the patient. Therapists also incorporate various tools and instruments into therapy such as exercise bikes and parallel bars. Pat’s Pals recently added an adult bionic exoskeleton that is used especially for brain and spinal cord injuries, and stroke recovery. “That’s something we look forward to incorporating into therapy sessions, because to combine hippotherapy with bionic exoskeleton training can be a huge benefit,” Mike says. “In fact, there are only three in Indiana for outpatient use.” Hippotherapy dials into the mechanics of the body. The movement of a horse’s pelvis is similar to the human pelvis, so it replicates what it’s like for a human to walk. That can help patients with their balance and sensory organization. “You cannot design a machine to replicate the movement of a horse, so therapists carefully choose the horse to use with their patient, as some horses create more forward and backward movement while others create more side-to-side movement,” Mike says. “I’ve seen a patient start facing forward, then change to facing sideways, then backwards, and then get up on hands and knees on the back of the horse.” Each way of positioning the patient creates different reactions between the horse and the patient. Some patients need to strengthen their limbs while others need to strengthen their core. Throughout the entire process, an emotional bond is created between the horse and the patient. “There’s something about that connection that’s fascinating to watch,” Cheri says. “It’s great to hear how excited parents are when they witness what their child can do after just a few weeks with a horse.” Sometimes a child won’t respond to regular therapy but will respond when a horse is involved. 20 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2021 / PlainfieldMag.com

“One little boy literally jumps out of the car when he arrives and runs into his therapy session,” Cheri says. “An autistic boy who volunteers with us went from being afraid of any animal larger than a guinea pig to now riding a horse. The first time it happened I asked him how he felt, and he said, ‘Severely happy!’” Pat’s Pals also works with a 2-year-old whose parents are thrilled with the response they have seen in just a couple of months. “Since starting at Pat’s Pals, my daughter’s core is exponentially stronger, she sits up straighter, she finally holds onto handles, and she’s babbling, saying words she had not previously,” the 2-year-old’s mother says. Every therapy session takes money. Besides paying therapists, there is the cost of feeding and caring for the horses. Plus, each session must include a therapist, a horse handler, a walker and a volunteer to fetch necessary items.

“We want someone on either side of the patient when they are on the horse to ensure safety,” Cheri says. “This is crucial since our patients are fragile.”

Pat’s Pals offers a Financial Assistance Fund, to which people can contribute. Every dollar in the fund goes specifically to help families who can’t afford a session on their own.

The Pat’s Pals team relies heavily on volunteers who do everything from side walking to mucking stalls, grooming, cleaning hooves, painting fences, training, and exercising the horses. Though all volunteers must be at least 15 years old, they need not have prior horse experience. Currently, Pat’s Pals employs five part-time therapists and three horses. Those numbers may change in the future depending on patient load. Though the Freemans are eager to provide this service to those in the community who will benefit, they want it to grow organically at a pace that’s comfortable and safe.

Strides to Success, also located in Plainfield, uses human-animal interaction to help kids and adults overcome trauma and learn valuable life skills. The two nonprofits nicely complement each other.

“It seems to be a word-of-mouth kind of thing,” Cheri says. “When someone’s child benefits, they tell someone else.”

The ranch includes a barn and farm animals to create a serene atmosphere for patients and their families. Though it’s a clinic, the Freemans didn’t want it to feel like one.

“Theirs is an equine learning and equine behavioral therapy, while ours is hippotherapy, which is physical, occupational and speech therapy using the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a tool in that,” Mike says. “They are two different things that are both important.”

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“We know what that feels like to go into a sterile hospital environment,” Cheri says. “We wanted this to be a relaxed place where people can walk around the pond, feed the ducks or pet the cats.”

Pat’s Pals Therapy Ranch is located at 5422 East County Road 600 South in Plainfield. For more information and to learn about how to become a volunteer, call 317-836-5484, email info@patspals.org, or visit patspals.org.

This spring they plan to build a sensory garden full of various colors and textures for patients and their families to enjoy. “It’ll be a place that will be both relaxing and stimulating,” says Cheri, noting that Duke Energy has committed to donating to the garden, and has also donated a heater so that Pat’s Pals can offer therapy sessions in the wintertime. The Freemans are happy to do something that makes a difference in other people’s lives. “We didn’t start out in the world of disability, and it takes quite a toll,” says Cheri, adding that she doesn’t have the energy to put into the ranch what Mike and the volunteers do, because caring for Patrick taps her out emotionally. Together they heal when they go out to the farm, even if Patrick doesn’t get on a horse. “He loves seeing the animals,” Cheri says. “That’s what we want, for this to be a healing place.”

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