Health

Program encourages donations of excess garden produce to local organizations. By John Disher, Healthy Community Alliance— East Central Indiana— Though the skies are drab and we can only dream of the heat and sun of summer, it’s the time of year where avid gardeners are making planting plans so that a harvest will be ready to reap this summer. Gardeners are invited nowto consider intentionally growing an abundance to share produce with community organizations closely connected to neighbors who can use it most. Grow-a-Row is a national program that focuses on planting, picking, rescuing, and delivering free, fresh garden produce…

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN—We’re excited to celebrate Dr. Wayne L. Gray, Cardiologist, practicing for 50 years at IU Health Ball. Dr. Gray has been an integral part of the team since 1973, becoming a renowned heart care specialist and bringing IU Health Ball to the forefront of cardiac care. Dr. Wayne L. Gray first came to Ball Memorial Hospital (BMH) in 1966, as an intern. After completing his Residency and Fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at University of Kansas Medical Center, Dr. Gray returned to BMH in 1973. Since coming on board, he has been an attending physician and cardiologist/interventional…

By Maleeha Khalid, MD— MUNCIE, IN—When you think of health issues women face, you may first think of breast cancer or some other female-related disease. But heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. One in five women will die of heart disease, more than all the cancers combined. February is American Heart Month and a good time to be reminded that no one is immune – even those who believe they eat and exercise right. Here are some great resources to learn more about how to take care of your heart. A little more than half of women…

By Courtney Schmoll— NEW CASTLE, IN —Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Cancer Center in New Castle will start delivering radiation to cancer patients using a brand-new Linear Accelerator. This device is an enhancement to the equipment previously used in this space at the Forest Ridge Medical Pavilion in New Castle, and it is widely considered to be a state-of-the-art piece of equipment in cancer care. This machine has improved image quality and features that will help to target specific needs for each patient, including more precision for delivering radiation treatment. The Linear Accelerator table can tilt and roll in new…

By John Disher— Blood pressure screenings aim to raise awareness for heart health. East Central Indiana— Partners in the Healthy Community Alliance of East Central Indiana have planned a series of events aimed at raising awareness about the importance of a healthy heart and to encourage healthy habits that reduce the risk of heart disease. Community members are invited to visit one of the following locations to have their blood pressure checked and discuss ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle: Invitation Clinic, Hartford City, IN – Monday, February 13, 3pm-5pm Jay Community Center, Portland, IN – Thursday, February 16, 9am-1pm…

By Christina Griffiths— INDIANAPOLIS—A new $1.25 million grant will go toward providing new opportunities for graduate students typically underrepresented in biomedical science. The money is coming from the National Institutes of Health and is part of the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) Program. “The goal of this program is to develop a more diverse group of scientists earning PhDs and create more inclusive training pathways and programs for students who are traditionally underrepresented in biomedical science programs,” said Tom Hurley, PhD, associate dean for graduate education and one of the principal investigators for this training grant. “This award is…

By Liz Yates— MUNCIE, IN—Leah’s Love is a Muncie- based non-profit that seeks to connect with grieving parents experiencing the loss of a child. They do this through the gifting of Leah’s Love boxes. These boxes contain books that have been handpicked by the founders of the group, Mandi (Leah’s mother) and Sue (Leah’s maternal grandmother) as well as other self-care products such as eye masks, grief coloring books and pencils, inspirational bookmarks, Forget-Me-Not seeds, tissues, journals, and bath bombs. Perhaps most importantly, they contain a handwritten letter from Mandi that serves to remind the grieving parents that they are NOT…

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN—Due to a rise in the number of reported cases of flu and other respiratory viruses, IU Health is limiting visitors at some of its hospitals to prevent spreading and protect patients and team members. Starting Monday, December 12, we will be implementing restrictions at IU Health Ball, Blackford, and Jay hospitals. The following restrictions will remain in effect until viral illness rates decline: Only adult family members (18 or older) will be allowed to visit and be on the patient unit, with a limit of two visitors at any one time. Visitors younger than 18…