After three decades of seeing multiple generations of families in southern Indiana, I know that boosting health – especially heart health – can be a challenge. I also know that doing what’s needed for heart health isn’t a one-size-fits-all conversation. Heart disease remains our leading killer, but steps can be taken to prevent future heart issues. 

February is a month to focus on cardiovascular wellness, so that gives us an opportunity to talk honestly about the unique challenges we face in rural southern Indiana—and some real solutions that can actually work here.

What am I talking about? Our region deals with a number of heart health risk factors that differ from people living in larger cities. Because of a variety of factors, higher rates of smoking, being overweight, and consuming high-calorie, processed foods often exist in our region. 

This doesn’t demean people in our region, but understanding why these patterns exist is crucial to do something about them.

Here are some examples: many of my patients work physical jobs, yet ironically, they don’t get the kind of physical exercise that actually promotes wellness. Shift work at manufacturing plants and service facilities or long stretches at desk jobs disrupt normal rhythms of sleep and rest. 

Here are some issues many of us face: when someone finishes a ten-hour day, driving to a gym forty minutes away feels impossible. A store offering quality nutritious food to promote health may be twenty-to-thirty miles away, while a convenience store with highly-processed foodstuffs is only a short drive up the road. And yes, smoking remains deeply woven into our southern Indiana culture in ways people living outside our region don’t always understand.

But here’s what I know: rural people are pragmatic. We respond to solutions that fit our lives, not solutions designed for someone else’s reality. Here’s some to consider.

Start with conversation, not judgment. When patients come in, I’m not here to badger them. I’m here to listen. Mrs. Johnson wants to lose some weight, but she mostly eats processed foods. Why? Because she’s working two jobs and needs meals she can prepare for herself and her kids in fifteen minutes. Can we work together on that issue? Absolutely.

Make reasonable exercise and movement realistic. Forget the Iron Man marathon training plan. I encourage my patients to use what’s already available: walking the driveway while talking on your cell phone, taking the stairs, parking farther away. A thirty-minute walk three times a week in your neighborhood costs nothing and requires no driving. Just getting outside for a brief stroll offers numerous benefits.

Rethink the food conversation. When it comes to food and maintaining weight, some think of the discouraging old joke: “If it tastes good, throw it away.” From my perspective, food is here to be enjoyed. So, yes, you can keep your casseroles—but let’s talk about adding more vegetables. Can you try using ground turkey instead of ground beef in your favorite recipes ? Are there frozen vegetables that fit your budget and cooking style? Can you shop at roadside vegetable and fruits stands in the Spring and Summer? Let’s focus on progress, not perfection.

Address smoking thoughtfully. Quitting smoking or using other types of tobacco is tough. It requires time and support, not ultimatums. When a patient tells me they’re thinking about breaking the smoking habit, I discuss options. Each person’s path is different.

Most importantly: regular checkups. Yes, I know that many people — especially men – put off a regular exam. But this is non-negotiable. Why? High blood pressure often has no symptoms. High cholesterol sneaks up silently. A simple visit once a year—more frequently if you have risk factors—can catch problems early when they’re most treatable. We can’t fix what we don’t know about.

My message this February is simple: You belong in this conversation, your challenges are real, and your solutions can be practical. Schedule that checkup. Take that walk. Make one small change this month. Your heart—and your family—will thank you.

A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in southern Indiana for more than thirty years.

The post Heart Health – A Physician’s Honest Perspective appeared first on Southern Indiana Community Health Care.

February is officially heart health month.

There are a many reasons to raise awareness about what you can personally do to promote the health of your heart today. The health of your heart figures high in the quality of your life, both now and in the future.

Higher quality of life

Healthy hearts and circulatory systems can directly contribute to higher levels of energy and general enjoyment of life, especially as one grows older.

But in my many years as a family physician in southern Indiana, I find that people can too often take the health of their heart for granted, regardless of their age. What’s bad about that? Not taking care of business in eating balanced meals, getting reasonable and regular exercise, and adopting other health steps can take an alarming toll over time.

With some exceptions, heart disease typically develops slowly over a long period of time. As you go about your daily routine, nothing seems to be wrong. Then, one day, a sudden radiating pain in your chest, arm, or jaw (or other symptoms) signals that something is going rapidly in the wrong direction. A serious heart attack may be underway, requiring immediate medical attention. 

The point to consider, especially in this month? Heart disease remains the leading cause for death in America. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that you can often take action to promote the health of your heart. Doing so involves understanding what risk factors can contribute to heart issues. 

Understand the risk factors

At any age – young or old or in-between – it’s very important for people to understand their personal risk factors. Taking action now can help keep your heart in good shape and promote a long and satisfying life. Working alongside a medical provider can help you understand the current condition of your heart and steps you may need to consider. (You can read some good free medical information and view some short videos at https://sichc.org/follow-my-heart/)

An important part of understanding what you face is knowing your own family history. Does heart disease run in your family? If so, you may need to be more attentive and start preventative measures earlier than others.

Risk of heart disease increases as you grow older, with men generally at higher risk than women until a woman reaches menopause. After that, the risk of heart disease is about equal.

Other conditions like high blood pressure/hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes also can elevate risk of heart disease.

Strive for a balanced diet

A chief lifestyle change you can make to help boost your heart health is to eat a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean, low-fat proteins.

Realistically, as a long-time physician living and working in a rural setting, I know from long experience that it can be a challenge to do this. Many people face a challenge in  getting to a grocery store that sells fresh vegetables, and fast food is quick and easy, especially when you have time constraints. 

But it’s important to find ways to do this.

Get in some walks and regular activity

Indiana just went through one of its coldest Januarys, but things are improving. Regular moderate exercise helps strengthen your heart and blood circulation, so try to work on this. Remember, sustained small improvements add up quickly. 

Get regular checkups

Finding out where you are and monitoring key vital signs like blood pressure remain critically important. Find a medical provider to go with you on this journey and boost your heart health today!

A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.

The post Boost Your Heart Health Today appeared first on Southern Indiana Community Health Care.

We wait all year for the sunny, bright days of summer when blue skies and good weather invite us outdoors. It’s also a time when it’s easy to eat plenty of fresh and tasty food to boost our health. 

Some thoughtful care about our choices can help us feel great as we enjoy the warm sunny days.  When we get thirsty, it’s a good idea to consider how summer activities also sometimes lead to lots of beverages that hold very high levels of sugar, such as sweet tea, lemonade, and soda drinks. When grills fire up, sometimes the food can tend toward high-fat and cholesterol-rich meats. The same is true when we check out local county fairs and their once-a-year unusual foods.

But there is good news – eating right doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless. Moderation is key to enjoying summer food and also practicing good nutrition. With an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, longer days, and a natural inclination to be more active, it’s easier than ever to incorporate nutritious foods into your diet.

People with diabetic or related conditions can enjoy summer food

In fact, for those with diabetic or pre-diabetic conditions, summer showcases an opportunity to enjoy a broad range and variety of fresh foods. The American Diabetes Association offers some excellent tips on how to enjoy food and make good choices – even if you are at a fast-food restaurant, a county fair, or a local picnic. Take a look at the good advice available here: https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/eating-healthy/healthy-choices-fast-food

Now is the time to eat fresh food

All year long, as a long-time practicing physician, I remind my patients and their families to eat fresh foods whenever they can. Summer is one of the best times, when inexpensive fresh food is readily available in a variety of healthy choices. Roadside farmer’s markets and many other places offer up great choices, many at peak flavor.

Berries, melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens are just a few examples of the seasonal bounty in southern Indiana. These delicious foods are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Berries are rich in vitamin C and fiber, while tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and your immune system.

Drink water and plenty of it

Southern Indiana is blessed with an abundance of fresh water and plenty of clean water is available to keep you hydrated. Don’t forget to snack on watermelon, cucumbers and oranges, all of which have high water content. 

Enjoy grilling

Lots of people enjoy grilling out during our southern Indiana summers. Grilling produces tasty options and can be healthy when you minimize unhealthy fats and opt for lean proteins like skinless chickens and fish. Marinating meats in herbs and citrus juices can enhance flavor without adding sugar or fat content, making the grill a healthy place.

Summer, barbeque and ice cream all go together, and practicing sensible moderation can help you enjoy these treats. 

Need more information? Monthly cooking classes and gardening techniques are available all over southern Indiana. Here are some online versions: https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/cooking-classes 

Long-time physician Yolanda Yoder serves as Medical Chief of Staff for Southern Indiana Community Health Care.

The post Summer fun and eating healthy appeared first on Southern Indiana Community Health Care.

You typically do it three or so times a day. Sometimes you do it in a hurry. Sometimes you enjoy it, other times not so much. Of course, I write here about the daily task of obtaining, fixing, and consuming food. 

But here’s a critical point. As a physician who has practiced medicine in southern Indiana for more than three decades, I can tell you there is almost nothing more impactful to a person’s life than eating – and especially eating well. Diet and nutrition are imperative in living a life of good quality.

No scolding here

When my patients and I talk about diet and nutrition, I think sometimes they’re a little surprised that they don’t get a stern lecture. As a long-time resident of southern Indiana, I understand the many challenges that people and families face in putting food on the table. Lifestyles, family culture, time availability, finances, location all add up. When one knows that the grocery store – which can be miles away – mostly carries dried-out-food-in-a-box, the challenge often gets higher.

So when my patients tell me that they face challenges in trying to improve the quality of what they eat and practice what we might call sound nutrition, I get it. No scolding or lecturing needed.

What I do often discuss is the link between sound nutrition, quality of life and health, and potential chronic health problems. We look for ways to positively work together to find ways to improve things in daily diets, which will often likely result in unexpected improvements – however initially small – in energy, pep, better sleep, and other good things.

With the spring season moving in, there exist other options to start improving one’s health and diet, especially with fresh fruits and vegetables. 

What’s our goal?

In our rural region, it’s very easy to grab a box of quick-fix macaroni and cheese, add water, and call it a meal. But our bodies need much more than that.

So we’d like to set a goal of deliberately deciding to work in some fresh fruit and vegetables whenever we can. Here are a few ideas. Instead of starting your day with a cookie or sugar-laden pastry, why not try some whole grain cereal or oatmeal topped with berries, a banana or some almonds? Instead of a sugary energy drink, try a glass of orange juice or low-fat milk.

We all occasionally experience hunger pains in between meals. So taking a bit of time and preparing some raw vegetables like carrot or celery sticks in advance – or having a few raw almonds available – can deal with the urge to snack.

When you’re thinking about what to fix for lunch or dinner, try adding in some beans or lentils. They fill you up, they don’t cost much, and their tasty inclusion packs a solid nutritional punch. They also can replace high-fat meats. The same is true of salads. Many salads come today in pre-washed and pre-packaged ready-to-eat bags. Tear open a bag and enjoy – you don’t have to buy the high-priced versions to get good nutrition.

Try your hand at gardening

As spring approaches, think about planting your own vegetables. There are many community gardens in our region, and they often have people who can help. It’s a great family activity and the fresh vegetables help in many ways.

It takes effort – and especially time – to change, but it’s worth it! Start small today and reap the payoff of eating well!

A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.

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As you’re reading this, your heart is busy pumping vital blood all over your body through a vast and complex network of veins, arteries, and capillaries. How long would this system be if laid end to end? An unbelievable 60,000 miles, twice the circumference of the earth.

By this time tomorrow, the heart beating in your chest will have pumped upwards of 2,000 gallons of blood. The point? Your heart holds the singular distinction of being a marvelous, powerful, and many-faceted organ.

Since February marks heart health month, let’s delve into three crucial aspects to safeguard your remarkable, resilient organ.

As a long-time physician, I first want to establish that heart health isn’t just a medical concern; it’s a shared journey. That means that as a trusted healthcare partner, I focus on telling the truth.

Truth in this case includes the fact that heart disease is the number one cause of death in America. But this story ends on a positive note, so please read on.

Take care. The first – and perhaps most simple – thing that you need to know about your heart is that you have to take care of it. It just beats away mostly unnoticed in your chest, but it’s usually one of the first things we medical providers check. Why? Simply put, if it stops, you stop.

So heart health is critically important to us. And you should think about sharing in that.

Here’s a hard fact about life in our region: the levels of cardiovascular (heart) disease in Crawford County and the region trend higher than both the state and national averages. Given that fact, the second thing you can consider about your heart is that this statistic might include you. But you have the ability to stay ahead of the curve!

Slow and stealthy. Related to the second need-to-know item is that heart disease is often slow and stealthy as it advances. Without learning more about heart health and getting regular checkups, many people often express surprise when heart-related symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, or pain – or worse – appear.

Dr. Peter Attia, author of the currently popular Outlive book, tells a sobering story about this. When he was in medical school, his pathology professor asked what was then the most common symptom of advanced heart disease? The unsettling answer? Sudden death.

Of course, the good news here is that advancements in treatment and intervention have significantly lowered that number. But the plain truth is that sudden fatal outcome from a heart attack still represents about a third of all cases.

You can lower your risks. This leads to the third thing you need to know about your heart: heart disease is preventable in many cases. Sometimes your genes may deal you a life situation (did your parents or siblings ever have a heart attack or stroke?), but you can still do something about it. The key point here is that you can make changes and potentially improve heart health at any age or time, but it’s really important to start early.

The main takeaway? Now is the time to do something for you and your heart. It’s always good to get advice from your provider. There also exist good online resources, including suggestions from SICHC’s own Donna Charles, LPN, CHW. Check out her short video at https://bit.ly/FollowMyHeart-CHC

 The time to act is now – take charge of your heart health and reduce risks today!

A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.

The post Three Critical Things about You and Your Heart appeared first on Southern Indiana Community Health Care.

While you’re reading this, your heart pumps roughly 1.5 gallons of blood per minute, reaching around 100,000 heart beats a day. No other organ in your body is as vital to life. The 37 trillion cells in your body depend on it.

That’s why physicians and providers spend a lot of time working to keep your heart healthy. Here’s a wake-up fact followed by some good news: cardiovascular disease, including issues related to the heart, is the world’s number one cause of death. The good news? Engaged patients can directly reduce the odds of heart disease and improve the health of their hearts (and their quality of life), which is exactly what’s happening to many in our region.

Earlier in 2022 we at Southern Indiana Community Health Care started up our Follow My Heart program and the performance numbers are excellent for those who actively participate. Two of our medical staff, Donna Charles, LPN, CHW and Cynthia Gillespie, CMS, CHW have helped many patients in the Crawford County region lower their blood pressure and improve their health. Thier advice to you? “You can do it!”

Why is this important? Blood pressure earned the nickname the “silent killer” because people typically can’t feel it when their blood pressure is high. Left untreated, high blood pressure – hypertension – can lead to all kinds of problems, some potentially irreversible. As people age, their blood vessels typically stiffen which contributes to hypertension and other issues. Donna and Cynthia (and our other providers) help our patients reduce their risks and improve their health.

So it’s in your best interest to learn more, which is why every February is designated National Heart Health Month.

Here’s an important issue: when I tell patients that they have high blood pressure, often I hear comments that they’re planning to do something about it. As many patients have found out, they can indeed take charge of the blood pressure and bring it down!

Here’s one way: through the Follow My Heart program, we give our patients a free blood pressure remote monitor. In the program, which lasts for three short months, Donna and Cynthia provide details about how patients can take their own blood pressure at home. They also provide information about the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), including a free book of tasty, easy-to-prepare recipes. 

The good news? The Follow My Heart program works! The free monitor instantly tells the patient how they’re doing and also securely sends the data to our offices. Coupled with medication and some simple changes in lifestyle, engaged patients watch their blood pressure come down and their heart health improve.

(Donna provides more details in a short two-minute video on our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/FollowMyHeart-CHC) 

Regardless of whether you engage in our Follow My Heart program or another program, you can take steps yourself to promote a healthy heart and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Get Moving

As we age, we often slow down and stop exercising. Your heart can benefit from simple exercises like regular walking for 20-30 minutes. 

Eat fresh foods

It’s easy to grab a box of macaroni and call it a meal. That’s okay once in a while, but your body – and your heart – need fresh vegetables.

Stop smoking

Yes, this is a tough one, but it has a high payoff.

Find a partner to help

There are many good providers in our area, and they can be a big help. You don’t have to go it alone.

Make this February your Good Heart Health month and reap the benefits!

A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.

The post Good News for Your Heart appeared first on Southern Indiana Community Health Care.

That’s a worthy goal, but here’s a statistic to consider: did you know that anywhere from 35-43% of such resolutions fail before February? Perhaps that’s a little discouraging, but there is actually good news.

That leads to another question: How can you truly make a difference for yourself this year? The answer may not be what you think!

Before we answer that, let’s take a look at some common reasons why people make resolutions or self-commit to change, but then fall short. The most common – and the one we’ll focus on here – is that many people set unreasonable or unrealistic goals.

How can this be improved and lead to greater success?

If people set a goal to lose weight, or stop smoking, or other resolutions that require long-term commitment, it is important to be honest. We need to understand that the condition you are presently in probably took a long while to get there. Accordingly, time will likely be required for a commitment to change to fully succeed. That’s one reason why it’s important to set realistic goals.

And that word “change” is very important.  Changing one’s behavior to reach a goal is often more challenging than one may think.  For example, if you want to lose 20-30 pounds, that’s not going to happen overnight (at least not safely). It can be done if one changes how they eat over time and also if they engage with a spouse, friend or partner to help positively encourage them and keep them on track.

Working to make a difference for you physically – including eating more unprocessed foods (and especially fresh vegetables) and adopting a reasonable new habit of regular (and moderate) exercise – can also improve your overall energy, mental outlook, and feelings of well-being.

Let’s answer our questions. Here are some thoughts to consider in setting goals (and reaching them):

Progress, not perfection. There’s an old saying, “All I want for today is to be better than I was yesterday.”  There’s truth in that. You may not perfectly meet your stated goal sometimes, but you can make progress. Remember, “Tiny changes produce remarkable results,” says James Clear, author of the popular book Atomic Habits.

Be reasonable. If we make a reasonable plan together with our resolution, our success rate will likely be higher. We all have good intentions when we start out to change, but we can set the bar too high.

Identify what you want to change. Eating healthy typically has a powerhouse impact over time. Many people in our region eat highly processed foods that are loaded with chemical additives and food coloring. These foods are easy to make and may seem tasty, but they have a cost. Making a decision to eat fresh vegetables and cut back on fatty fast food will likely have good short-term results, including losing weight and having more energy! But you have to make a choice and stick by it.

Don’t give up. Any change effort will run into bumps, even on Day Two. Don’t be overly self-critical. Celebrate your small wins and keep going!

Partner with a friend or family member. It’s easier to keep going (or to restart) when you have a friend or family member at your back. They can also positively help keep you accountable.

Get professional help. Sometimes goals to change – like quitting smoking – will benefit from some professional medical help. Don’t be afraid to ask!

This year, why not make a difference for yourself? Here’s to success in 2023!

A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.

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What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, blindness, and other serious health conditions.

Becoming aware and making a few lifestyle changes, even over time, can change the quality of your life and decrease your risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

You can have prediabetes for years but have no clear symptoms, so it often goes undetected until serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes show up. It’s important to talk to your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested if you have any of the risk factors for prediabetes, which include:

• Being overweight
• Being 45 years or older
• Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
• Being physically active less than 3 times a week
• Ever having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome

Race and ethnicity are also a factor: African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk.

Take the Test  

The Pre-diabetes Risk Test provided by the CDC, https://doihaveprediabetes.org/ can help you determine if you’re a candidate for prediabetes. If you score in a positive or questionable range, call your doctor and get an appointment to get checked out. 

Make a Few Adjustments  

The good news is that if you have prediabetes, a few lifestyle changes could delay or prevent you from having diabetes. Here are a few great starting places:

1) Lose weight – If you are overweight, lose between 5-7% of your current weight, setting manageable goals is key to victory  

2) Get active – Start simple with something that can bring you joy; check out our website https://sichc.org/community/  

3) Eat healthier – Add vegetables (maybe roasted or grilled – try it, it is amazing!); Avoid fried foods. 

4) Manage stress – Find out how to manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can slow your progress. 

5) Quit smoking – If this applies to you, quit smoking! Check out The Indiana Tobacco Quitline https://www.in.gov/health/tpc/resources/ 

Getting with the Programs
There are many online resources to help, like the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program; or learn about healthy living through the ADA’s https://diabetes.org/healthy-living. 

Getting signed-up with an online diabetes program is a good way to take in some fresh ideas and garner support. 

Healthy choices in your life today can change the course of your life and health.

The post Did You know? – Prediabetes – Awareness Can Save You! appeared first on Southern Indiana Community Health Care.

It’s not a pleasant fact, but one worth considering, especially since you can take steps to reduce the risk of having it happen to you. What is it? By the time you finish reading this short column, an average of six-to-ten people will have had a stroke. During that same time, at least one person (on average) will die of complications from a stroke.

Still reading?  That’s good, because there are important facts that can help reduce risk of stroke, or help you survive if you experience one.

A common fallacy is that strokes only occur among “old” people, particularly those over the age of 65. The facts? A few years ago almost 40% of Americans who were admitted to a hospital after experiencing a stroke were less than 65 years of age.

So, what are we talking about when it comes to “strokes”?

Two general types of strokes

There are two basic types of a stroke, which is a condition that causes areas of brain cell damage (or cell death). Most strokes (loss of blood flow) are caused by blood flow being blocked in an area of the brain. These are called ischemic strokes and account for about 87% of all strokes.

Other strokes can occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, but these are relatively rare. When this type of stroke occurs, it is called a hemorrhagic stroke.

Let’s talk about what you can do. Strokes often occur without warning, so it is important to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. When a stroke occurs, every minute counts! Treatment in an emergency room can reduce brain damage and even save a life (including your own). Typical symptoms of a stroke in progress can include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone you’re with suddenly experiences these symptoms, don’t wait – call 9-1-1 for help immediately! Available stroke treatments are generally most effective when a stroke victim gets help within three hours of the onset of symptoms.

Use the F.A.S.T test

Here’s a standard approach – called the F.A.S.T test – that also may help you:

If you think someone may be having a stroke, act “F.A.S.T.” and do the following:

F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?

T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

But what about prevention?

Some stroke risks are specific to gender and race. Hereditary issues can also come into play.

But there are things you can do to positively reduce the risk that you will have a stroke. Here a trusted medical partner whom you can work with can play an important role. Risks of a stroke increase significantly when someone has untreated high blood pressure, is significantly overweight, smokes cigarettes, has untreated high cholesterol, or has diabetes.

Many people living in our area of southern Indiana face these issues. As a long-time physician, I know how hard it can be to deal with these conditions. But with the help of a trusted medical professional, you can walk together to address these tough issues in a way that works for you. Find one today, begin a new journey, and reduce your risk of stroke!

A board-certified family physician, Curtis Thill has been practicing in the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.

The post You Can Reduce Your Risk of Stroke Today appeared first on Southern Indiana Community Health Care.

Four decades ago, today’s Boomer generation in their 60s and 70s once thought they would never age. The biggest and most influential generation in American history, the once-known Woodstock generation now represents a “gray tsunami.” 

With the oldest a mere 23 years old when the infamous Woodstock “Three Days of Peace and Music” festival took place, all Boomers – more than 50 million people – will reach age 65 before 2030, bringing with them a whole new set of senior healthcare issues.

Healthcare coverage for boomers

The vast majority of these aging Boomers will be served through Medicare and Medicaid insurance. Because of advances in healthcare and nutrition, Boomers can generally expect to live longer, generally up to age 74 and beyond (up eight years from data in the 2010 census).

Many aging Boomers prefer to live independently, which means they need to take care of themselves. Medicare itself has undergone notable change, with low-cost Medicare Advantage plans currently a popular option. Before you turn age 65, it is important that you gather information about the various Medicare plans so you can make an informed decision. The website at https://www.medicare.gov is a good place to start. Many hospitals and providers, like ourselves have free insurance navigation professionals to help.

Taking responsibility for your health

Here’s a key point: taking responsibility for maintaining your good health is essential at any age, but it is vital in your 60s and beyond. And let’s face facts – in the Crawford County region, maintaining good health is not always a top priority for some. I see many patients who would probably enjoy a higher quality of life if they would take some simple steps.

So what can Boomers do?

First and foremost, stay physically active. As our bodies age, we will lose muscle – especially if we’re just sitting around all of the time. Energy levels can ebb prematurely. 

One solution? We live in some of the most beautiful areas of Indiana, so try getting outside and taking a regular walk. 

Taking regular walks of 30 minutes or more can provide a whole host of benefits like boosting your immune system, toning up muscles, improving circulation, and helping you get better sleep. If you can, swimming produces excellent benefits, as does an occasional light workout. Yoga classes are available in the region, which also help.

Keep your mind sharp and active. Instead of watching television, why not keep your mind better engaged by ramping up old hobbies or developing new ones? Perhaps taking a class about something you’re interested in – either in-person or online. Reading a delightful book can enrich your life and keep those cognitive muscles toned up. Why not consider passing on your life experiences and serving as a much-needed mentor in our communities?

Eat as healthy as you can. In our region, it’s extremely easy to rip open a bag of chips and drink a cola or a nutrition beverage and call it a meal. Over time that’s hard on your digestive system, which can lead to other healthcare issues. Learn how to eat “heart healthy,” which can be surprisingly good.

It’s important to have a good relationship with a physician or medical professional at any age, but it becomes even more critical for seniors. Find a physician or provider who can walk with you together for good health – and don’t forget that annual wellness visit. It could prolong or even save your life!

Board-qualified in family medicine, Curtis Thill, M.D. is an active member of the Woodstock generation. 

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