Healthy Me! Makeovers bring great reactions!

In my words…
(This blog was written by Colleen Hahn, Public Relations for The Medical Foundation and Coordinator of the Healthy Me! Program)

I’m not sure why Reactions Hair Studio chose that particular name, and I didn’t ask the owner, Chris, when I was there today. But I have a feeling it has something to do with the way people feel when the styling is done.

Owner Chris, JJ, Lori and Kimmie volunteered to give up part of their day off Monday to help Healthy Me! Program participants feel a bit more confident about themselves.

Several months ago, Lori and Chris contacted me, offering to provide makeovers for the participants in the program. I figured that about half way through the program, they might need a little motivation and this just might be the thing. I was excited to be able to offer this to our participants.

I wasn’t sure how the men in the program would feel, but Bob and Bret decided they would participate.

“Although this is not really my gig, I am letting my short hair grow out to be medium length hair to let them do their thing.  Can they make me look like Brad Pitt or Pierce Brosnan?” Bob joked.

JJ worked his magic and had Bret and Bob looking dapper before the end of the afternoon.

Deborah and Joni were next in line for their new looks. Deborah, fond of her long locks, opted for some highlights but kept the length about the same.  Kimmie put some finishing touches on Deborah’s make-up and Chris cut and styled her hair to frame her face. It was an amazing touch for Deborah, as she has worked extremely hard in the program, shedding nearly 40 pounds since the beginning of April.

As Joni walked into the studio, I could easily tell that her weekend of work at Nedderman’s mobile unit at the Niles Apples Fest had taken its toll on her and she might rather opt for a few hours on the couch. But it wasn’t long before Lori worked her magic, picking out swatches of color and highlights and giving Joni and I a small vision of what she could see as the end product.

Before long, Lori was putting the finishing touches on Joni’s hair, making sure each piece was in the right spot, spraying endless amounts of hairspray to keep it perfect until she was able to show her six daughters and her husband. I think it was worth the wait, as she was grinning from ear to ear as the staff and I quickly labeled her as, “sassy.”

As the coordinator of the Healthy Me! Program, it has been a very interesting five months with the participants. It seems as though they are reaching so many milestones, each important such as achieving better lab results from the first baseline tests that were offered. I’ve felt their sadness or their success in the moments when they weigh in. They’ve become more accustomed to working out on a regular basis and are making healthier decisions.

Each participant has experienced struggles and each has experienced successes throughout this project. Deborah, Bob, Bret and Joni opted in for the makeovers and I think each of them left a little more confident than when they walked through the door. Thank you Reactions (JJ, Kimmie, Lori and Chris) for opening your studio to our Healthy Me! Participants and for producing great reactions! 

For more pictures of the Healthy Me! Makeovers visit our facebook page here. 

Read Healthy Me! Program participant Bob Vale's reflections on the program and The Logan's Run

The following is a journal entry written by Healthy Me! Program participant, Bob Vale.

Never Give Up!    8-4-2014

            Over the course of the past year, I have been doing my best to get healthy, exercise more, make healthy food choices when eating and hopefully lose weight in the process.  Fortunately the hard work and discipline in these key areas has been paying off and I have lost some weight.     Part of my overall goal to lose enough weight, is to enjoy jogging more, which was a part of my life in my younger years.  However, my knees are not what they used to be, I still carry too much weight, and I am much slower than when I was younger, so it is a bit of a challenge at 52.

            Therefore as I have lost some weight, I have been able to enjoy a bit of jogging at a very slow pace.  At the beginning of the summer I was able to slowly jog the Sunburst 5K and greatly enjoyed the event.   Following that race, I decided to jog during the summer and slowly increase my distance.   My goal was to run the 10K at the Logan run on Notre Dame Campus at the beginning of August.    I began to prepare myself for that longer race by increasing my jogging distances during the summer.      

            This past Saturday I felt I was ready and showed up at the Logan run event early to pick up my shirt, race number and information bag.    My race number was only # 6, which was very low, considering there were probably close to a thousand participants.  I thought there is no way I was going come into 6^th place, but perhaps that is how fast / slow I would run.   (6 MPH)  The 10K runners all gathered around the large balloon archway, which was the beginning of the race waiting for the begin running call.  The 10K runners took off and I was about in the middle of the pack of probably 200 runners.    I had only three goals for the race that day.  First to complete the full 10k’s.  Secondly, not to walk and always jog and thirdly to do my best to stay under an average of 12 minute miles in my slow jogging pace.   (Fortunately, I was able to accomplish all three of my goals, but it was no easy task!!!)

            After about one mile into the race, my right ham string began to feel pain and cramp up.  This has never happened to me and I thought to myself, I want to definitely finish this race, so I will slow down a bit and see if it goes away. Stopping was not an option considering how much I wanted to finish this race. Fortunately, after about another quarter mile the pain went away and I kept on jogging.   Although I thought I was doing pretty well, I was quickly put in my place as person after person began to pass by me early in the race. First it was the ten year old little boy who seemed to sprint by me.  Then a very young girl also passed by.   Then a gentlemen about 20 years older than my 52 year old body slowly but surely passed by.   I tried to pick up the pace, but reminded myself to just stick to my comfortable pace and finish the long race.

            I stayed positive and just kept my three goals in mind.  Finish, don’t stop and stay under 12 minute miles.   At the first water station I was handed a cup full of gator aid.  I have never drank that during a race, but I did my best to choke down a couple of gulps while I was running and continue down the path.     About half way through the race the runner traffic had thinned out, yet a father pushing a child in a running cart whizzed by me and a couple of ladies did so as well.   I continued to stress to myself, don’t worry who is passing you, just meet your three goals and Never Give UP!!!

            Next came the second watering area.  As I jogged by the table and multiple holding out cups for me to grab, I was handed another glass of gator aid and slowed down enough to try to drink the full glass if possible.  I felt as much as I was sweating, I needed the replenishing qualities of the gator aid in my body.    I think I need to practice jogging and drinking at the same time, because the two don’t occur naturally.  I think I choked & spit up more gator aid than I swallowed.  Now I was on the back stretch of the run with only two miles left.  (Yeah God!!!)   I could tell my pace was slowing down and I was laboring in my breathing and wheezing.  By this time the sun was up and it was getting hotter with high humidity for the day.  The beauty of jogging around the two lakes was very nice.  Not that I was feeling bad enough, about a mile left in the race, a first aid lady rode up to me on her bike and asked me if I was going to be alright because I looked rather peeked.  Which was a kind and polite way of saying, “I think you’re going to drop dead at any moment, can I help you.”  I thanked her and said, “I am fine, I just look ugly and painful when I run.”  (Which I do.)  

            I continued to slowly jog and kept my thumbs up, thanking the many volunteers who cheered me on as I meandered through the course.    Finally I could see the finish line with the welcoming archway of pretty balloons in the distance.  I picked up my pace a bit to finish strong over the finish line.   About fifty yards from the finish line there were some good friends and my wife cheering me on while ringing a cowbell.   I crossed the finish and met all three goals.  I finished, I never stopped jogging, and I was actually under an 11 minute mile average.    Wow, that’s pretty cool, I actually did it.

            I was so very tired and my legs were shaking when I crossed the finish line.  However, when I began to walk a few steps past the finish line, I could tell my stomach was saying to get rid of all that gator aid that I drank at the last two stops. Things were physically in motion and there was no stopping what was going to happen next!   (Where were the first aid folks now?)  Without hesitation, I walked over to the tall weeds on the side of the road and quickly got rid of all that gator aid. I’m sure I was a site for sore eyes.  I felt a bit better, but was still very much drained.   A cold water & banana later helped me to feel better.

This 10k race was by far the most difficult run I have ever undertaken, yet I would do it again in a heartbeat.  I met a goals, which was difficult, but very fulfilling.  I trained for nearly two months getting ready to meet that goal.   As I crossed the finish line, I was handed a small medal with a colorful ribbon, which will go on my desk with pride.  A small reminder of hard work and determination.

            Through it all, I have quickly determined that the shorter 5k run is my race rather than the 10k run at this point in my life.   I look forward to my next 5K run, hopefully soon as I continue to train, eat healthy and lose more weight.   Many thanks to the Healthy Me folks for their continued encouragement and guidance through this process to become a healthier me.   I would also like thank Colleen Hahn, the encouraging and hard-working program coordinator, Jonell, my determined physical trainer, Dr. Troyer, who gives me medical guidance and Erin, the dietitian, who teaches me about making healthy food choices.

Take the Test; Take Control

Did you know that Friday, June 27^th is National HIV testing day?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is urging people to “Take the Test; Take Control.” According to the CDC, black women, more than any other women in the United States are getting HIV. Of all the women in the United States, 66% are African American and 87% of these women got HIV from unprotected sex with a man. 

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) occurs when the body is unable to clear the virus as it does with common flu viruses.  Once you get HIV, you have it for life, because it attacks your CD4 cells or T-cells.  These cells are responsible for helping the body fight against disease and infection. Once HIV weakens and destroys your cells, it weakens the immune system. 

Without treatment, a person with HIV can develop Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).  AIDS is the final stage of HIV. 

How do you get HIV?

Having unprotected sex is the number one way that women get HIV.  The truth about unprotected sex is that if you have had unprotected sex (anal, vaginal or oral) you may be at risk for HIV. 

You can also acquire HIV by sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment with someone who is HIV positive. 

HIV can also be spread through pregnancy from the mother to the baby during birth or through breastfeeding. 

Why is it important to be tested for HIV?

Finding out that you are HIV positive can help you live longer if it is caught early.  Remember, you can screen positive for HIV and feel perfectly healthy.  Treatments are available if the HIV is detected early and can help you live a longer, healthier life.

If you know that you are HIV positive, you will be able to look out for yourself and those you love.

Finally, it’s fast, easy and confidential!

What does the HIV test screen?

The test measures the antibodies, special proteins in the body.  Most people will show affected antibodies in 2-8 weeks after exposure, but for some it takes longer.  The CDC recommends that if you lead a lifestyle that may put you at risk, that you get tested every three months.

If you would like to be tested, The Medical Foundation offers HIV testing at all of our locations.  To view a list of our hours and locations click here.  An appointment is not necessary. Take the Test; Take Control.

Fallen Officer Blood Drive is Thursday in Mishawaka

Over thirty-five strangers saved the life of RayWolfenbarger on a cold December night back in 2001.  It’s a day his wife, and mother of daughter Bailee, will probably never forget.

Wolfenbarger, a South Bend Police Officer, was shot three times while making a routine traffic stop. He was wearing a bullet proof vest; however, he lost over 35 units of blood during surgery and needed several more in the days that followed. 

Today, some may notice his limp or that he walks with a cane, but it rarely slows him down and hasn’t stopped him from cheering loudly at his daughter’s sporting events.  Every milestone is a precious one and time with family isn’t taken for granted.

Ray’s well aware of the importance of blood donations and that if it weren’t for those 35+ people who walked through the door at The Medical Foundation to donate, he wouldn’t be here today.  And it’s that reason that he donates his time and helps plan the Fallen Officer Blood Drive each year at the South Bend and Mishawaka Police Departments.

Last week, the South Bend Police Department hosted their blood drive and 73 people, officers and civilians, gave of their time and a unit of blood to show their support for the families of those who have lost loved ones to violence.

On Thursday, June 26^th, Gary Roberts, will spend time thanking blood donors who show up at the Mishawaka Police Department for their gift of blood. Gary’s brother, Corporal Tom Roberts, and fellow officer, Bryan Verkler were both shot and killed while responding to a dispute in Mishawaka in December of 2003. 

Since his brother’s death, Gary has been active in Project Blue Light, a nationwide recognition of those Police Officers who have died in the line of duty.  He’s also been active in the Mishawaka Police Department Blood Drive honoring fallen officers.

This year, Gary will donate his 24^th unit in memory of his brother.

Fallen Officer Blood Drives are held in all 92 Indiana counties and was started by Janice Starnes, whose husband, Daniel, died in the line of duty in 2001.  During the Medical Foundation Fallen Officer Blood Drives we remember the families of officers who died in the line of duty including the families of Thomas DeRue, Sr., Paul Deguch, Scott Severns, Nick Polizzotto, Tom Roberts, Bryan Verkler, Jim Szuba and his K9 Ricky.

If you would like to donate blood, visit the MishawakaPolice Station located at 200 North Church Street in Mishawaka on Thursday, June 26^th from 10am until 4pm. To make an appointment, visit www.GiveBloodNow.com.  If you cannot donate during those times, visit The Medical Foundation locations on Lafayette Boulevard in South Bend, Edison and Main in Mishawaka or at the Elkhart General Hospital. 

Foundation Employee Katie Williams Represents Indiana at Special Olympics

 

Katie Williams has been an employee of The MedicalFoundation for almost a year now, helping blood donors in the post donation room with juice and refreshments. She outgoing, she’s helpful and she’s a gold medal winner.

Katie participates in the Special Olympics and earned gold in swimming in the Special Olympics during the World Games in Greece.  This week, she will be representing Indiana at the Special Olympics in Princeton, New Jersey when she swims in the Freestyle and Backstroke events.

“My goal is to come back with a medal.  If I come back with a gold it will definitely change my life,” said Katie.

She talked about her coach, Nathan Piwowar, who has helped her excel and his guidance has meant the world to her.  He’s stood by her and encouraged her to do her best, which is exactly what she’ll do when she hits the water this week.

Katie, 35, has spent this year balancing practices with her work at the Foundation.  She wants to do it all!  She practices at Knollwood Country Club or the University of Notre Dame for about an hour, five nights a week. Tuesday and Thursdays she spends about five hours during the day helping blood donors. 

“Katie’s so eager to learn new things.  She likes to stay busy and likes the interaction with our donors,” said Laura Broadstreet, Manager of Blood Donor Services at The Medical Foundation.

If you’ve ever seen her perform her job at the Foundation, you know she’s happy to be there.

“I love the people.  The staff gives me a great opportunity and I love being around professional people.  I call it my happy place,” said Katie.

And this week, her co-workers are being her, rooting for Katie to achieve another gold medal. But even if she doesn’t, Katie is, “excited to see my old friends from Greece and I’ll be representing the State of Indiana on a very high note.  It’s like living the dream,” she said.

If you would like to tune in to watch the Special Olympics, Fox Sports Network is the sponsor and will be conducting interviews and showing various competitions on their station throughout the week.

"Safe Blood for Saving Mothers" is theme for World Blood Donor Day

Is blood something we take for granted? It flows through our body without any thought, and most of the time when we fall and get hurt we don’t worry about needing blood to replenish our system.  If something tragic happens and blood is needed, it seems as though there is an endless source available at any local hospital.

But is it?

In the United States only volunteers are able to donate blood products for those in need of transfusions. The Federal DrugAdministration (FDA) prohibits blood banks who transfuse blood into patients from rewarding donors will anything of monetary value or anything that is considered hard to get such as concert tickets to a sold out venue.  They’ve deemed these rewards as being too high in value which may cause donors to lie about their eligibility as a donor. Therefore, blood donor centers must rely on the generosity of volunteers and often we try and show our appreciation with drawings or gift cards.

While there are some volunteers, these statistics may alarm you.  Approximately 38% of the population is eligible donate blood.  Yet of that 38% percent only 5% will actually donate blood. So it’s not an endless resource, it is one that blood banks struggle year round to collect from the general population.

On Friday, June 14^th, the World HealthOrganization (WHO) will Celebrate World Blood Donor Day.  This year’s theme is “Safe Blood for Saving Mothers.”  The organization’s goal is to bring awareness around the world that everyday about 800 women die from childbirth or pregnancy related complications.  Timely access to safe blood is very important.  Luckily, in the United States, there is a better handle on having safe blood readily available than in other parts of the world. 

Samantha Robbins, a South Bend resident, knows all too well the importance of having safe blood on hand during unexpected times of need. On October 26, 2011, she gave birth at Saint Joseph Regional Hospital to her son, Ashton.  Several years prior, she had another little boy, Austin, without any problems.  As a young, 22-year-old mother, she was healthy, in good shape and anxiously awaiting meeting her second son. 

But this wasn’t any ordinary delivery.  Samantha, now a CNA at Saint Joseph RegionalMedical Center, began losing blood quickly while delivering Ashton.  She was transfused with six lifesaving units of blood.  Her mother, Cristie Carter, recalled that while being in the delivery room she wasn’t sure about the status of her daughter. Her color had turned a bluish-gray and while everyone was worrying about the stress the delivery was having on the baby, Cristie was worried about her daughter.

It was that day that Cristie realized how important blood donations were to others. She’s made an effort to donate blood since then so that others have the available units they need to survive.

Today, Samantha has fully recovered and Ashton is a thriving two-year-old.  There’s no doubt that when Austin gets a little older, he’ll be thankful for the six people who walked into The Medical Foundation to donate blood so that he and his brother could be raised by their mother.

While days like World Blood Donor Day are important to celebrate, it’s important to remember to donate blood all year long.  Blood donors are eligible to donate a unit of blood every 56 days and blood products such as platelets every two weeks.

Visit www.GiveBloodNow.com to learn more about the blood donation process, our hours and locations or to make an appointment.

Visit The Medical Foundation at this week's IRHA Conference

Several members of The Medical Foundation team are packing up and heading south for a few days and we hope you will stop at our booth during the Indiana Rural Health Association’s 17^th Annual Rural Health Conference. 

“All Aboard for Rural Health” is held on June 10^th and 11^th at the Crowne Plaza Union Station in Indianapolis.

Stop at The Medical Foundation’s booth (#40) to see Carrie Robinson, Director of Regional Marketing, and Mary Swift, Manager of Regional Marketing.  If you have any questions about our laboratory operations or would like information about what The Medical Foundation has to offer, Carrie and Mary will be able to help! Christina Tembo, Manager of Blood Donor Recruitment, will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about blood products.

Tom Liddell, The Foundation’s Vice President of Information Systems is also gearing up for the Indiana Rural Health Association’s conference because he will taking center stage and speaking to conference attendees about Meaningful Use as he and Tim Roberts give the presentation, “Making Stage 2 Meaningful Use Really Meaningful: A Closer Look at PHRs and Transitions of Care.”

You can hear Tom and Tim present their presentation on June 10^th from 1:30pm until 2:15pm in the New York Central room at the Crowne Plaza Union Station.

IRHA’s annual conference brings together physicians, nurses, pharmacists, public health professionals and other rural health practitioners and advocates with residents of rural communities. It is an opportunity for those in the healthcare field to share experiences with each other and to learn more from national experts who will be discussing various topics.  For more information on the conference visit http://www.indianaruralhealth.org/main/annual-conference/