While regular check-ups, screenings and preventative care measures are essential for maintaining good physical health, they can often be out of reach for people facing financial difficulties. When funds are scarce, the most immediate needs—food and housing—usually take priority and, unless the situation is dire, health care can get pushed to the back burner. ... Read More
Indiana's mix of urban and rural communities provides a good opportunity to understand how interconnected our state’s health care landscape really is. No community is an island, and the ups and downs of one have more of an impact elsewhere than we may initially think. Accordingly, working collaboratively to promote preventative care and increase access in one area can help create healthier communities everywhere.... Read More
Maternal health serves as a cornerstone of public health, reflecting not only the well-being of individual mothers and their babies, but the health and strength of Hoosier communities as a whole. According to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute’s Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy, Indiana has the third highest maternal mortality rate among all reporting states.... Read More
Embarking on a journey towards a healthy lifestyle begins at home, and integrating sports at an early age can be a transformative approach for families. However, this integration does not come without its challenges.... Read More
Nearly 12 percent of adult Hoosiers are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us are out of the woods.... Read More
One in nine people in Indiana faces hunger. While many Hoosiers have rebounded from the challenges posed by the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, things are worse for many in our communities, particularly when it comes to food insecurity.... Read More
The month of October sheds light on issues related to infant mortality as we recognize National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month. In Indiana, the infant mortality rate is 20% higher than the national average, according to Indiana University School of Medicine. ... Read More
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated their guidelines around breastfeeding, now supporting continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond, as mutually desired by the mother and child. Breast milk is and always has been the most optimal source of nutrition for a growing baby, and if breastfeeding is an option for the mother, that is the top recommended practice for giving babies the nutrients they need.... Read More
As the summer ends, TV commercials and store displays repeatedly remind us that our students’ summer break is nearly over and the “Back to School” season is upon us. For parents, this means a hectic time of back-to-school shopping, new bus schedules, pick-ups, drop-offs, after school programs and evening homework help sessions. ... Read More
Despite having the lowest infant mortality rate in over a decade, Indiana’s current infant mortality of 6.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births is still 20% higher than the national average, according to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). ... Read More
