January
Experts from Indiana University Health Bariatric and Medical Weight Loss center offered tips to help readers stay on track with fitness and nutrition commitments throughout 2011.
A report by the Institute of Medicine suggests that nutrition labels can be improved by putting nutrition information on the front of packages and focus on the four things healthy consumers want to avoid: calories, saturated fat, trans fat and sodium.
According to Indiana University researchers, the hemoglobin A1c test can determine if a patient is pre-diabetic or at significant risk of developing diabetes.
February
In recognition of American Heart Month, an IU cardiologist discussed heart attacks and what people need to know.
Community Health Network was awarded $100,000 to open Camp Erin Indianapolis, a free camp for children who have experienced the death of a close loved one.
A study from the IU School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute found that Black and especially Hispanic young women are screened for Chlamydia at a significantly higher rate than young white women.
March
The Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing received a $300,000 grant from the Elsevier Foundation to fund the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy.
The Indiana Medical Specialist Group Inc. was formed to serve medically underserved areas and populations, both in urban and rural communities.
A study showed that CPR performed using the combination of two new CPR devices, the ResQPump and ResQPOD, gave patients who suffered cardiac arrest a 53 percent better chance of survival compared with standard CPR.
April
An updated American Academy of Pediatrics car seat recommendation stated that parents should keep their toddlers in rear facing car seats until age 2 or until they reach the maximum height or weight for their seat.
There are about 1,000 Hoosiers on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant. Blacks tend to be represented on the waiting list in a greater percentage than the general population and are more likely to develop end-stage kidney disease. African-Americans are also urged to consider organ donation.
Skipping breakfast can leave kids’ bodies lacking important vitamins such as calcium and vitamins D and C, which help build strong bones and help support the immune system.
May
Members of Chi Eta Phi Sorority held their 26th annual Flip Side event, a night of entertainment by medical professionals.
Planned Parenthood was able to extend care to its Medicaid patients due to financial donations. Their patients became unplugged from health care from the provider after Gov. Mitch Daniels signed HEA 1210 which bars the state from entering into contracts with any entities that provide abortions.
June
IU Health and Green B.E.A.N Delivery introduced Garden on the Go, a mobile produce truck.
The year marked the 30th anniversary of the first cases of HIV and AIDS being reported.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for young children ages 1 to 4. The threat of drowning increases 89 percent in the summer compared to the rest of the year.
July
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that affects memory and thinking. Eventually it can affect behavior and mood and in severe cases, patients need help with basic daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is also more common in African-Americans, which is believed to be linked to higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes in that community.
Several IPS students spent their summer vacation working alongside cancer physicians and researchers at the Future Scientist Program.
August
U.S. minorities are two to four times more likely to develop end stage renal disease than non-minorities.
As back-to-school drew near, readers were educated on backpack safety.
“My Plate” replaced the 20-year-old food pyramid. The plate is designed to be an easy-to-use tool for families and educators showing that fruits and vegetables should take up half of your plate, while grains and proteins each take up a fourth. A circle outside of the plate represents dairy.
September
Risk factors for eye disease include family history, age and race. African-Americans are at increased risk for diseases such as glaucoma. Secondary risk factors include near sightedness, diabetes and elevated eye pressure.
In an effort to help scientists carry out breast cancer research, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at IU Simon Cancer Center encouraged women to donate breast tissue.
October
Free flu shots were provided at various health centers around Indianapolis. Flu season typically begins in October and can last until May.
Many kids suffer from chronic constipation. Fiber beat all other non-drug remedies in helping the condition.
November
Residents of the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood alerts the city about environmental toxins in the area such as lead in the soil.
To help remain cold and flu free this winter, health experts advise that people wash their hands often, exercise and eat healthy and regularly sanitize surfaces among other helpful tips.
December
Experts at Mdwise offer advice to ward off the holiday blues such as setting realistic expectations, getting together with loved ones and getting some efficient exercise among other tips.
The American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons re-verified the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Wishard as an adult level one burn unit, the largest level of burn care available.
Readers were given helpful tips on understanding drug labels. People should read all drug information carefully on prescriptions, communicate with pharmacists when questions about over the counter drug interactions arise and never take medication beyond the expiration date among other practices.
