The selection process for Healthy Me! wasn't easy...

-  This blog was written by Colleen Hahn, Public Relations and liaison for the Healthy Me! Program.

I read through 168 applications from men and women all around the Michiana region. Each of them eager and hopeful to be chosen for the Healthy Me! Program.  Each candidate presented some unique circumstances, and almost all presented with the underlying problem of obesity.

The youngest candidate was just 18-years-old, looking for help in losing some of her overweight frame. The oldest, an 83-year-old male, with diabetes and arthritis who just wanted to feel better. Males, females, ranging in ages and backgrounds, some with families, some without, all seeking to become healthier individuals.

At first, I was very sad about the 162 applicants who received letters and emails stating that they were not chosen for the program.  Yet, today, I was energized by the number of applicants and that each person wants to change.  I only hope that because they weren’t selected, that they don’t give up.

Over the next year, The Medical Foundation and our partners: St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C., Memorial Health & Lifestyle Center and Dr. Mader will be giving healthy tips on the www.sbmf.org website, on this blog and on our Facebook pages www.facebook.com/SBMFLAB and Twitter www.twitter.com/SBMFLAB.  I’ll post information about classes which may aid those with Diabetes or those who need to stop smoking. There’ll be classes on ways to deal with depression and support for healthier ways to eat. 

So don’t lose your ambition, your motivation!!!!!

If you don’t exercise now, make a plan to start today.  If you don’t think you can exercise, walk to the house next door and tomorrow walk two doors down. Do something to move! Start small, there’s no need to set your sights on a marathon just yet!

One of the things I read a lot in the applications was that many of the applicants eat fast food because it is convenient.  Instead, take a few minutes each night to plan ahead for the next day’s meals and pack a lunch and snacks. If your household is too hectic at night, plan on Sunday what you’ll have for the week and buy healthy things like vegetables and fruit that you can bag and grab on the run.

Plan ahead! And again, make small, manageable changes.

Empower yourself to begin today!

“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
-Christopher Columbus 

You "nose" it... we're celebrating Logan Center!

Today, over 1,000 people will pack The Century Center for the Logan Center Nose On.  Green circles will be worn as accessories on purses, earlobes, shirts and yes, even noses! And as the snow melts away, you’ll see more and more green circles throughout the Michiana area as lawn signs will finally be visible! Once again, the Logan Nose On has arrived.

The luncheon is a day of celebration when supporters from various companies or families gather to celebrate the abilities of those served by Logan Center.
As a proud supporter of Logan Center and their mission, The Medical Foundation will be present at the luncheon, as well, showing support for two employees, Elizabeth Foley and Jamie McGraw.

In June of 2008, Jamie began working as the Blood Donor Attendant at the Mishawaka Blood Donor Center on West Edison Road. Each morning, he boards the Transpo Access bus and rides to work, where he begins his day making coffee and refilling the juice machine for the blood donors. Jamie’s list of tasks is quite extensive and includes assisting the mobile blood drive team by making bags, cutting cold cloths, stocking supplies and making sure the juice and cookies are stocked and ready to go. His work week is quite intense with a 7:30am -3:30pm, Monday through Friday shift.

“Far too often, people with disabilities are under-employed.  As a young man with Down syndrome, Jamie has been given a wonderful opportunity to be productive every day at The Medical Foundation and a respected member of the workforce,” said Anne McGraw, Jamie’s mother.

Jamie’s family has been part of the Logan family since he was born.  Through the years the McGraw family has looked to Logan for their expert, supportive services, which celebrates individuals with disabilities and their families through all stages of life.

“It is an organization filled with compassionate and capable professionals who make this community one that places value on individuals of all abilities,” said Anne, regarding Logan.

When Jamie isn’t working, he’s a very busy person! For the last 10 years he has been the Chairperson for the Logan’s Run, a fundraiser that takes place each summer on the Campus of Notre Dame. He also goes to the gym and spends time with friends enjoying music, and following his extreme love for the airline industry online each day via the internet.  He’s a devoted Logan volunteer and has been a Hospitality Minister at St. Joseph Church in South Bend.

According to his mother, “he is endlessly engaged in his responsibilities as a donor attendant and takes his role very seriously, often planning in the evening for the days ahead. The job gives him purpose and has taught him great job skills and self-discipline.”

Jamie’s counterpart in South Bend is Elizabeth Foley.  Elizabeth has been the Blood Donor Attendant since April of 2010 at the Lafayette Boulevard Blood Donor Center. 

“Being gainfully employed at The Medical Foundation has been wonderful for Elizabeth,” said Franky Foley, Elizabeth’s mother.  “It has given her a better sense of self-worth and a feeling of confidence and pride.”  Franky mentioned that they have been approached at church, in the airport, and in the community by blood donors who recognize her from the Foundation. 

Elizabeth works on Mondays and Fridays from 9am until 2pm folding t-shirts and getting refreshments for the donors. 

It’s amazing she can fit us into her busy schedule which includes working at the Mishawaka Public Library for 10 hours each week, playing the piano and learning the ukulele.  She also takes Zumba classes, bowls, swims and bikes.

“She’s been active in the Logan’s Run for the last 8 or 9 years and has been involved in Best Buddies, a Logan program at Notre Dame and Bethel College.  Recently, she pranced down the runway during the Logan “Spread the Word” fashion show where she modeled two outfits.

For both of these employees, their relationship with Logan Center and their relationship with The Medical Foundation has been extremely positive. And while Jamie’s mind never stops thinking about how he can help both of the organizations he is passionate about, he’s come up with another fantastic idea.

If you would like to show support for Logan Center and The Medical Foundation, you can donate blood on May 1st, at Logan Center from 11:30am until 6:30pm.  Logan Center is located at 2505 East Jefferson Blvd in South Bend.  

If Logan Center collects 50 units of blood during the drive, The Medical Foundation will donate another $2,500 to Logan Center. Help make Jamie’s idea a success by donating. For more information or to make an appointment visit www.GiveBloodNow.com and use the sponsor code: Logan.  

Meet Healthy Me! Program partner Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C.

As our Healthy Me! Program participants embark on their new lifestyle change, they’ll be receiving guidance from four of the physicians at Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C. 
John Jacobs, M.D., Donald Troyer, M.D., Brian Jacobs, M.D. and Frederick Sheel, M.D. will be meeting with participants on a regular basis to discuss their progress and struggles during the course of the year-long program.

The physicians will meet with the Healthy Me! Program participants to discuss any current medical issues.  At that time, an assessment of each individual will be completed and important vital information such as height, weight, blood pressure and a general assessment including family history and lifestyle choices will be recorded. This will give each participant a baseline to work from and to improve upon throughout the year.  The physicians at Family Medicine believe that detection of health related issues early means a better chance for treatment and a cure. 

The physicians will also speak with the participants about lab work that will be completed at The Medical Foundation following the initial visit. Once the lab work is completed and the results are sent to the office, the physicians will meet with the participants again to discuss any labs of concern. 

These labs, as well, will be used as a baseline and compared quarterly with lab work to discover any improvements that are made. 

Once these two initial meetings happen with the participant and the physician, the two will develop a plan on whether they need to meet quarterly or monthly.

Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C. is located in the University Commons Medical Plaza at 6301 University Commons, Suite 210. The multi-specialty clinic has six areas of specialized care including: , Family Medicine, Primary Care Sports Medicine, Dermatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Radiology.

The four physicians who will be providing guidance through the Healthy Me! Program are all Board Certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Brian Jacobs and Dr. John Jacobs are also certified in Primary Care Sports Medicine.

“Many people find their niche in sports later in life, as they mature and discover the benefits of lifelong exercise.  It is very rewarding to assist them in their journey to be healthy,” said Dr. Brian Jacobs.

Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C. moved from their location in the Skyway building to their current location in 2011.  The location is part of University Commons Medical Plaza and patients have easy access to lab work within the complex and other specialists.

The current facility allows them to house a state-of-the-art imaging system which includes digital storage.  The x-ray, musculoskeletal ultrasound, electrocardiogram and pulmonary function testing instruments make caring for patients an easy task.

But it’s the personal touch that puts Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C.’s patients at ease. 

“The local and national trend is to use hospitalists, but we believe personal care trumps economic efficiency,” said Vicki DeCraene, Administrator for Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C. She explained that the physicians will visit their patients at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center or

Memorial  Hospital Beacon Health Systems, guiding them in times of well care and preventative care and through acute and chronic diseases.
Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C. is accepting new patients and has hours from Monday through Friday from 8am until 5pm and Saturday from 9am until Noon. Call 574.234.4016 to make an appointment.

Meet Healthy Me! Program partner, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center

To be healthy, individuals must have a good balance of exercise and healthy nutritional habits. Last week, The Medical Foundation introduced you to our Healthy Me! Program partner, Memorial Health & Lifestyle Center. This week, we want to introduce you to our Healthy Me! Program partner, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) is providing a Registered Dietitian, Erin Hurst, to oversee the nutritional aspect of the program.

Hurst has been with the hospital since June and also has a background as a personal trainer. Her daily responsibilities focus primarily on the impatient population, but she is excited to be a part of the Healthy Me! Program and offering participants the education and resources they need to succeed.

According to Hurst, her plan for the six participants in the Healthy Me! Program will be very individualized. She will spend some time with the participants on a one-on-one level to get to know them.  Questions may be asked about the participant’s home environment, what foods they tend to eat, how they prepare certain foods, how much activity they get during the day, and other lifestyle questions. These individualized questions will help Hurst and the participant to figure out some realistic goals. 

There are a few themes that Hurst has noticed are common among those who need and want to lose weight.  For example, she mentioned that within our diet as a society, we know that often times we need to monitor portion sizes and make sure we are eating enough fruits and vegetables.

She realizes that many people struggle with good time management which can sometimes lead to poor diet choices. 

“We’ll work on understanding how to make the best choices especially based on limited resources or limited time,” said Hurst.

Planning ahead and preparing a few items that are easy to keep on hand and grab quickly are choices she hopes to instill in the participants as a healthy choice rather than driving to the nearest fast food restaurant.

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center provides a class to the community called the Healthy Heart Nutrition class.  The class is free of charge, but you must register before attending by calling 866.757.6248.

The Healthy Me! Program will have six participants who are chosen to receive a year membership and twice a month meetings with a fitness specialist at Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center, free monthly consultations with a physician at Family Medicine of South Bend PC, free lab work from

The Medical Foundation and nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Those interested in being a participant need to apply by sending your name, address, age and phone number along with a 500 word essay about why you want to be a participant in the Healthy Me! Program.  Applications can be emailed to info@sbmf.org or mailed to Colleen Hahn, The Medical Foundation, 530 North Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, Indiana 46601 no later than 5pm on March 21st.

You can look forward to upcoming articles from Hurst about how to help curb sugar attacks and how to read nutrition labels correctly. If you aren’t chosen as one of the Healthy Me! Program participants, don’t give up! Refer back to our website for updates and healthy tips from all of our Healthy Me! Program partners. 

McGraw receives award for Jamie's Challenge

Little did Jamie McGraw know when he crossed the finish line of his challenge in July on the campus of Notre Dame, that eight months later, he would be the recipient of a standing ovation and an award of excellence for his personal achievement.

Jamie has Down syndrome and has been a lifelong advocate for The Logan Center in South Bend. He’s also been employed at The Medical Foundation for nearly six years as a Blood Donor Attendant at our West Edison Mishawaka location. Jamie’s allegiance to both organizations shines when he talks about upcoming events.

Last year, he called a meeting with Logan and The Medical Foundation to discuss how he, as the Race Chairman since the run’s inception, could help make the Logan’s Run more successful as it entered its 10th year.

After some discussion, The Medical Foundation challenged Jamie to raise $10K for The Logan Center in donations and to run/ walk a 5K.  For every blood donor who mentioned they wanted to support Jamie, The Medical Foundation would donate $5 to his challenge. Jamie was the first one to donate in his honor! With the theme of Blood, Sweat and No Tears, Jamie finished the challenge in front of several community bystanders at the Stepan Center at Notre Dame on July 23rd.

“In his own way, Jamie sheds light on the incredible contribution that an individual can make to a cause that matters,” said Ann Lagomarcino, Director of Marketing for Logan Center.

Her belief in Jamie and her feelings for his accomplishment led Ann to nominate Jamie for the INARF Annual Justin Dart Personal Achievement Award.  The award is presented to an individual who has participated in services through INARF member agencies (Logan Center) and who has maximized their skills and abilities to achieve their chosen goals. 

Jamie’s Challenged raised $15,120.53, blowing away the original goal of $10k. And his achievement of finishing the 5K made Jamie a great candidate for the award.  With seven other people nominated,

Jamie won and was recognized for his achievement at the Sheridan Hotel in Indianapolis on March 13th during the Annual INARF Conference.

Although he may have been a little nervous walking up to the podium after being named the winner, Jamie walked with a confident stride, accepted the award and said, “I would like to thank Logan and The Medical Foundation.” He was clearly on cloud nine and enjoyed the accolades for a job well done.

Jamie’s an ambassador for the organizations he’s passionate about and he doesn’t let anything stand in the way of his ability to be successful.

“His passion is clear and his spirit is contagious,” said Lagomarcino. 

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awarness Month

Colonoscopy.  It’s a word that has become more popular over the last two decades and one that often makes people cringe a little at the thought.

It’s not glamorous that’s for sure. But none the less, as we observe National Colorectal Cancer month, we realize the importance of the third most commonly diagnosed cancer.  It’s also the second leading cancer cause of death among men and women. 

Awareness of colorectal cancer became eminent fifteen years ago when Katie Couric’s husband, Jay Monahan, lost his battle against colon cancer.  Couric used her position at NBC to spotlight the cancer and bring awareness to screenings such as colonoscopies. She went live on television and took her viewers step by step through the process.  Recently, on her current talk show, Katie, she spoke with Dr. Felice Sussman about the progress that has been made in the fight against colon cancer.

Here’s the scoop on colorectal cancer: the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is 1 in 20. However, if it is detected early, it is highly treatable. Most people who develop colon cancer are diagnosed after age 50, with an average age of diagnosis of 72.

Individual risk factors may vary, but the Colon Cancer Alliance notes the following as being common:
1. Family history of Colon Cancer.
2. Colon Polyps, growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum.  Most are benign, some become cancerous.  Removal may reduce the risk of cancer.
3. Genetic alterations: there are two rare genetic conditions, Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC). 
4. If you have had a personal history of cancer, you may develop it a second time. Also, women with a history of cancer in the ovary, uterus or breast have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.  Also, men and women who have had ulcerative colitis or Chrohn’s disease are at an increased risk.

While these points summarize the risk factors, there are several screenings that will help with early detection of cancer or polyps.

The “Gold Standard” Colonoscopy uses a colonoscope, a long lighted tube, to examine the inside of the rectum and colon to look for polyps.  It is recommended that this procedure is done when a person turns the age of 50 and every 10 years after unless instructed otherwise by your physician. 

Another screening option is the flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum and lower part of the colon. Recommendations for this test are to begin at age 50 and repeat every five years. A virtual colonoscopy uses x-rays and computers for 2-3D images of the colon and rectum.  This procedure is recommended every five years after a baseline test at age 50.

A double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) tests for polyps or tumors by pumping air and barium into the rectum.  The solutions will show any type of polyp or tumor on an x-ray.  This test is recommended at age 50 and should have a follow up test every 5-10 years.

Finally, the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) can be done yearly and is a test that The Medical Foundation offers.  Patients are given a test kit to collect a stool sample which is then examined.  For more information on this test visit our webpage.

If you are around the age of 50, speak with your doctor about the benefits of getting a colonoscopy or using another screening method for colorectal cancer.

If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, please consult your physician.  Although you may experience some warning signs of colorectal cancer, screening is important because there are not always symptoms.

If you experience blood in your stool, have aches, pains or cramps in your stomach that don’t go away or are losing weight without knowing why, these may be signs that something is wrong and you should make an appointment with your physician.

For more information on colorectal cancer, visit the Colon Cancer Alliance website.

Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center takes part in Healthy Me! Program

Balance begins here.  It’s a simple statement with a lot of meaning.

According to Sarah Strefling, Fitness Promotions Manager and Cancer Fitness Specialist for Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center, the focus of the organization is on, “health and wellness which encompasses more than just the physical aspect, but also your nutritional needs, emotional  and mental.”

As you enter the facility, which is located at 111 West Jefferson Boulevard in South Bend, you’ll be greeted with bright colors and friendly employees.  If you’ve never been to Memorial Health and Lifestyles, park on the third floor of the parking garage located at the corner of Wayne and Jefferson streets and follow the signs.  The inspirational messages and excitement of the people around you will be just the inspiration you need to put one foot in front of the other to become active!
Memorial Health & Lifestyles has agreed to be a partner in the Healthy Me! Program kicked off by

The Medical Foundation on March 3rd.  The Healthy Me! Program will have six participants who are chosen to receive a year membership and twice a month meetings with a fitness specialist at Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center, free monthly consultations with a physician at Family Medicine of South Bend PC, free lab work from The Medical Foundation and nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Those interested in being a participant need to apply by sending your name, address, age and phone number along with a 500 word essay about why you want to be a participant in the Healthy Me! Program.  Applications can be emailed to info@sbmf.org or mailed to Colleen Hahn, The Medical Foundation, 530 North Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, Indiana 46601 no later than 5pm on March 21st.

Each of the six participants who are chosen will have a health assessment done at Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center.  The assessment will consist of basic biometric data including height, weight, blood pressure, body fat composition, sub-max aerobic capacity test, and some strength and endurance testing. Strefling commented that these tests are used so the fitness specialists can help members figure out a realist plan and set realist goals that are individualized for each participant.

Participants will meet twice a month with a fitness specialist who holds a degree and is certified.  Participants will have access to the facility during normal business hours which are Monday through Friday from 5:30am until 9pm and on the weekends from 7am until 5pm.
The opportunities to become active and find a fitness regimen that the participants enjoy are endless!

There is a lap pool, which is kept at 82 degrees, for those who like to escape to the water for a good workout.  The therapy pool, kept a bit warmer at 92 degrees, is used for those with arthritis to ease the pain and stress on joints. There is a basketball court, free weights, medicine balls, kettlebells, cardio machines, exercise classes and other programming available for each participant. They also have a dry sauna and whirlpool.

Is it too much of a hassle to get a lunchtime workout in because you don’t want to pack up your hairdryer, towels, shampoo and other items? Don’t worry, they know it’s a hassle, so these items are provided for your use.  There’s no need to worry about packing up your shower gel or your towel, its part of the membership.

Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center also offers quarterly health talks that are open to the public and are free of charge.  The next one will be held on March 11th at 11am on Osteoporosis.  The talk will be given by Joanne Bilionis, PTA, M.S. and will focus on how nutrition and exercise can help control osteoporosis.  To sign up, stop by or contact the registration desk or call 574.647.2655.

Strefling encourages people who are just getting active to give it a little time and find something you enjoy doing.  “Honestly, if someone gave it two to four weeks, we’ll help you find something that works for you.  With group exercise there are so many options out there!”

If you are not chosen for the Healthy Me! Program but would like more information about Memorial Health & Lifestyles membership options call 574.647.2653 or visit their website.

Apply to become a participant in the Healthy Me! Program

Do you wish you could lose that 25 pounds of extra weight you’ve been carrying around for the last few years, but nothing seems to work? Do you know you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, but you just can’t seem to figure out how to lower it? Most people would like to become healthier, but they just don’t seem to know what to do to make it happen.

The Medical Foundation wants you to be healthy in 2014 and we’re asking members of the community to submit your personal stories and struggles with becoming healthier.  In 500 words or less, along with your name, address, phone number, age and current health status, tell us your story and email it to info@sbmf.org before March 21^st at 5pm.  Submissions may also be sent to The Medical Foundation c/o Colleen Hahn, 530 North Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601. We’ll choose six participants who will receive all the tools necessary to become healthier. 

We’ve teamed up with physicians from FamilyMedicine of South Bend PC and they’ve agreed to meet with candidates monthly to discuss their progress.  The MedicalFoundation will provide lab testing free of charge and will track your progress on a regular basis.  Memorial Health& Lifestyles Center is providing a free, one year membership and bi-weekly meetings with a Fitness Specialist.  Also, since nutrition is so important, St. Joseph Regional MedicalCenter will also provide monthly counseling sessions for better nutrition.  All the participants have to agree to a year-long commitment to becoming healthier and allow The Medical Foundation and The South Bend Tribune to follow and track their stories on social and print media. It really is that simple!

Help other community members learn from your successes and challenges as we follow your story throughout the next year.  Send us your story today!