Health

The Many Benefits of Incorporating Walking Into Your Fitness Routine

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…

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Helping Children Navigate Loss: IU Health’s ‘Camp Good Grief’ Returns to Muncie

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…


Caring For Your Mental Health

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…


IU Health Orthopedic Surgeon to Lead Care for Ball State Student Athletes

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…


Open Door Health Services Will Open in the New Muncie YMCA on June 2

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…


YMCA of Muncie’s Cycle-A-Thon in Support of Cancer Survivors to Take Place on May 17

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…


A Healthier Summer Starts Now: Quit Tobacco For Good

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…


Protecting Medicaid’s Promise for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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…


SB2 Puts Thousands at Risk: Tell Lawmakers to Protect Medicaid

By Heart of Indiana United Way Board of Directors— MUNCIE, IN—At Heart of Indiana United Way, we are committed to building stronger, healthier communities where every individual and family has the opportunity to thrive. Indiana Senate Bill 2 (SB2), known as the Medicaid Matters bill, threatens that mission by putting thousands of Hoosiers at risk of losing their healthcare, including working families, children, andvulnerable populations who rely on Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). If passed, SB2 could strip…


Ivy Tech Muncie to Launch EMT Program to Jumpstart Careers in Emergency Medicine

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—When many students think of a career in healthcare, they think of becoming a nurse or doctor. Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County’s new EMT/Basic Emergency Medical Studies Certificate program will introduce students to another critical role in the healthcare field—emergency medical technician. The demand for EMTs is growing in East Central Indiana, and Ivy Tech’s program, which launches Fall 2025, will help address this critical need while opening doors for students in Muncie…