Health

By Tim Harms, American Heart Association— INDIANAPOLIS — More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year[1], and 90% of people who have a cardiac arrest will not survive. The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is calling on parents and families to make this summer as safe as it is fun. According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest each year, with nearly 40% related to sports and nearly 20% occurring in infants. If performed immediately, CPR can double or…

By Matt Cox— MUNCIE, IN—With warmer weather and additional daylight here, now is an excellent time to incorporate walking into your personal fitness routine. According to the American Heart Association, walking for at least 30 minutes every day reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, improves blood pressure, maintains a healthier body weight and lowers the risk of obesity. Here’s a breakdown of those benefits: Improved Cardiovascular Health: Walking, especially at a brisk pace, strengthens your heart and lungs, improving blood flow and lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL)…

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN—After the death of a loved one, kids often think: They won’t feel good again There is no other young person to talk to who has lost someone special No one understands IU Health’s Camp Good Grief can help with these feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Through art, music and play, campers will connect with others experiencing loss, learn positive coping and how to preserve memories and honor loved ones. Facilitated by IU Health team members, primarily nurses and other clinicians, it is a no-cost 1-day camp for children ages 6 to 16 with education about grief…

By Jennifer VanSkyock, LCSW, LCAC, LISW-S— MUNCIE, IN—May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this is a great time to focus on ways to improve your mental health through everyday behaviors. What can we do to improve our mental health? There are several things that can have a significant impact on how we feel. One area to look at is your physical wellbeing. This means planning to have daily physical activity in your routine. This doesn’t require any special equipment or even highly strenuous activities, but simply walking, dancing, and stretching can help. It can be especially helpful to walk…

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, INDIANA – IU Health Ball orthopedic surgeon Anthony McPherron, DO, MBA, FAOFO, is joining the orthopedic team that oversees care for Ball State Athletics through IU Health’s ongoing partnership with the university. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, Dr. McPherron brings deep expertise in sports medicine and joint replacement to his role. He will support the care of Ball State student-athletes, with a focus on injury prevention, performance enhancement, and long-term recovery. “Caring for athletes who are so dedicated to their sport and team is a privilege,” says Dr. McPherron. “Our…

By Erin Moore— MUNCIE, IN—Convenient healthcare services are coming to the new Muncie YMCA next month, care of Open Door Health Services. The new health center, opening on June 2, 2025, will offer primary care, chiropractic, and behavioral health services to community members. “We’re excited to work alongside the Muncie YMCA with our shared mission of improving individual and community health and wellness,” said Bryan Ayars, Open Door CEO.  “This partnership allows us to increase healthcare access to the residents who live in the neighborhoods around the YMCA, while also introducing more YMCA members to our high quality and compassionate…

By Sophie Bohanon— MUNCIE, IN—The YMCA of Muncie will be hosting their second Pedal for a Purpose: Cycle-A-Thon in support of their LIVESTRONG cancer survivor program. This year’s YMCA of Muncie and Ed’s Carpet & Flooring Cycle-A-Thon will be held on Saturday, May 17th from 8am to 12pm. LIVESTRONG is a free program for cancer survivors. Each session of Livestrong focuses on improving cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance, flexibility, and emotional wellbeing. The instructors meet participants where they are, encouraging them to go at their own pace—and time and again, participants exceed their own expectations. That growth, both physically and…

By Jordan Moss and John Disher— MUNCIE, IN—With warmer weather and longer days, now is the perfect time to take charge of your health and say goodbye to tobacco—whether that means smoking, vaping, or using other nicotine products. This season offers countless opportunities to stay active and engaged, making it easier to break free from addiction. More Hoosiers Are Quitting Every Year Indiana’s adult smoking rate has dropped from 21% to 16%, a promising sign that more people are choosing healthier lives. However, Delaware County has only seen a modest decrease—from 21% to 18%. While that number is improving, we…

By Debbie Bennett, President and CEO, Hillcroft Services— MUNCIE, IN—In Indiana, more than 50,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on Medicaid for their long-term care and support needs. These are our neighbors, our family members, our friends—and they deserve to have the support needed to live independently, have careers, and thrive in their communities. That support might be in the form of someone coming to their home to help them with activities of daily living, helping them find and retain a job and providing transportation to it, or ensuring they can participate in community events and maintain…