Health

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—Temperatures across the northern tier of the United States are bitterly cold, but low body fat levels and thyroid dysfunction may make it feel worse, says Jagdish Khubchandani, associate professor of community health at Ball State University. He noted that people without proper levels of body fat, which serves to insulate the body, may feel colder, he said. “People who eat too little over a long period of time or those who are young and old may have unhealthy levels of body fat,” Khubchandani said. “There are others who go on these extreme diets and significantly…

Editor’s Note: 2:24pm— The hospital has indicated all of their systems are back up and running. The hospital still recommends that patients call their provider today before heading out for a scheduled appointment or procedure.   Muncie, IN –Extreme cold temperatures overnight have resulted in an external public fiber optic line freezing and breaking. The power company and its maintenance vendor are working diligently to repair the line and restore full power today. As a result, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital has limited internet and internet-based systems access, and is working under Downtime Procedures. Leadership is meeting non-stop to continue assessing any…

By: Courtney Thomas—  Muncie, IN– Mandy L. Puckett, M.A., R.D., C.D., Manager of Clinical Nutrition & Weight Management at the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Bariatric & Medical Weight Loss Center, recently achieved board certification as a Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (designated as CSOWM), from the Commission on dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In order to become board certified by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a qualified healthcare professional must successfully meet rigorous specialty practice requirements and pass a nationally administered…

By: Dawn Brand Fluhler— Muncie, IN—In the very near future, if you visit the Emergency Department at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, you will likely see a Starlight Fun Center entertaining a child who is waiting to be seen or waiting with a family member. What is a Starlight Fun Center? It’s portable gaming system on a rolling tower with a large display and control pad that provides entertainment and distraction for children who visit the Emergency Department. “The gaming center provides an outlet for children to feel comfortable in the hospital,” said Natasha Thompson a Family Nurse Practitioner in…

By: Dawn Brand Fluhler— Portland, IN – Jay County Hospital will officially join IU Health on March 1, becoming IU Health Jay Hospital. The announcement followed a vote of approval from the Jay County Council and Commissioners and the signing of the definitive agreement between Jay County Hospital and IU Health. The two parties signed a letter of intent in August agreeing to enter exclusive negotiations. Over the past four months, officials from IU Health and Jay County Hospital discussed the ideal future state of IU Health Jay. Town halls were recently held to allow Jay County Hospital team members to ask…

By: McKensie Monroe, Admissions Coordinator— Muncie, In– Bethel Pointe Health & Rehab has been recognized as a 2017 Bronze – Achievement in Quality Award recipient by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the first of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which was established in 1996 and spotlights providers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality of care for residents and patients in long term and post-acute care centers and communities. “We are honored to be recognized for what we’ve accomplished on our journey to…

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—Lacing up a comfortable pair of athletic shoes before hitting the shopping mall this holiday season is highly recommended by Ball State’s Henry Wang, an exercise science professor who studies biomechanics in the university’s College of Health. He points out that athletic shoes designed for walking or running offer several benefits,including improving comfort, providing cushioning, enhancing support and promoting range of motion. “There are several studies that show the average person will spend two to three hours on visiting different stores during a single trip during the holiday shopping season. During this time, you could walk…

By: Author Paul Kenny,  former VP of Ingredients at Kraft Foods and supper club enthusiast— Get a turkey that fits in your fryer A turkey in the 12 to 15 pound range will work well. Most turkey fryers will fit a turkey of less than 15 pounds. Larger turkeys increase the chances of oil overflow. The smaller turkey also cooks quicker and more evenly. If you are having a larger crowd, you may need to fry more than one turkey. The good news is that it only takes about 35 to 45 minutes to fry a turkey, so cooking two should be…