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For area residents, health tops 2021 priority list

Pharos-Tribune - 12/30/2020

Dec. 30—Healthy. Wealthy. Wise.

No matter who a person is or from which walk of life a person comes, these three topics seem to top the list of New Year's resolutions. But the one that stands out for 2021 is health — mental and physical health.

With COVID as the predominate aspect of this year, people's health has taken a hit. From those suffering the virus — even the many who succumbed to the pandemic — to those who have been in forced isolation out of fear of contracting the virus, depression and sedentary lifestyles have plagued the nation.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in collaboration with five federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, the country has been struggling with mental health issues at a greater rate than previous years. As part of the groups' 2020 Household Pulse Survey, which focused on various health concerns such as the social and economic impacts of COVID on American households, mental health issues have skyrocketed. The CDC stated that the Household Pulse Survey was designed to gauge the impact of the pandemic on employment status, consumer spending, food security, housing, education disruptions, and dimensions of physical and mental wellness.

As a nation, anxiety and depression affected approximately 30.8 percent of the population between April and May while 36.8 percent were affected as of Dec. 7, per the most recent statistics by the U.S. Census Bureau, Household Pulse Survey. By comparison, Indiana averaged slightly higher than the country. The first part of 2020 saw around 31.8 percent of Hoosiers struggling with anxiety and depression while the state topped out at 41.7 percent as of the latest data from Dec. 7.

While the two mental health concerns have always been part of people's lives, the vast struggles of this year propelled the issues forward and into more households. Four County Counseling Center's Director of Nursing, Dawn Griffith, said that those who already suffered from depression often want to remain in isolation. However, when people are kept apart from others over a specified period of time, that isolation tends to lead to depression.

It's a curse that never seems to end, especially when schools and businesses are forced to issue quarantine mandates. The same can be said of nursing homes and hospitals, where residents and patients are kept safe from outside visitors.

All things considered, the country has been on lockdown for the better part of 2020. And people were not designed to be kept apart, according to Griffith, who said isolation takes a toll on mental health.

That's why people are focusing on getting outdoors and exercising now more than ever.

In fact, golfers have been following this format for several months. "We have a lot of people taking advantage of it," said Logansport Parks Department Administrator Jan Fawley of Dykeman Golf Course. "People are getting out and getting fresh air. Swinging clubs to hit that ball is all good for you. When COVID hit, golfing and riding in a cart was something everyone could still do and be social distanced. You don't have to be with anyone and it's a great form of activity no matter a person's age."

As of November, the golf course posted a $10,000 increase over last year's profits.

Fawley said the trails have been well used, too.

Logansport's Desiree McKeever, 43, was one of the outdoor walkers. She preferred Muehlhausen Park, but once the cold snap hit, she opted to move indoors and joined the Cass County Family Y. Spending time on a treadmill helps keep her in shape and also affords an opportunity to work out with her 20-year-old daughter who is home from college.

Gaining new members like McKeever is something Nick Latham hopes will continue. As the program and aquatics director of the facility, in which construction will wrap up by the middle of January except for the pool, which will be done at a later date, he recognizes the benefits of a consistent workout. Cardio improves the function of the heart and lungs, he said.

"Exercise prolongs life and produces a better quality of life," said Latham, who holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science. "This happens with any type of work-out. People look better and feel better. Working out releases endorphins, which give you that happy sense so that you feel better. They're pleasure hormones that the body releases. Working out helps with a person's emotional and physical health so that they can deal with stress better."

And if there's ever a time to have a better handle on stress, this is it.

At least, that's why 28-year-old Jessie Williams of Logansport chooses to spend her free time at the gym. A mother of a 2-year-old, a 4-year-old, and who also cares for an autistic child, she exercises as a means of therapy. Walking the stair-stepper or enjoying another piece of equipment is her "me time," she said.

Between cardio and strengthening sessions, Williams appreciates the impact her routine has on her mental and physical health.

So does Ed Norris.

Approximately five years ago, the 76-year-old Logansport resident underwent back surgery. Part of his physical therapy was an exercise program. Feeling the benefits, he wanted to keep going. "Once I started, I kept at it," he said. "I thought it couldn't hurt. It seems to help and it keeps me in shape."

All three individuals will continue with their exercise patterns in the New Year. But for people who are not yet focused on the welfare of mental and physical health, Latham said the Cass County Family Y will be making it easy to experience the benefits.

Each week in January, different age groups will have an opportunity to try the gym for free. Between Jan. 2 and 9, people 60 and older can work out free-of-charge. The following weeks will provide the same option to other age groups: Jan. 10-16, people aged 35-59; Jan. 17-23, people aged 23-34; and Jan. 24-31, people aged 8-22.

Also throughout the month of January, the Cass Y will waive fees for the first month of a membership agreement. By the 4th, babysitting will be brought back.

Latham hopes people will recognize the importance of mental and physical wellbeing. "In general, the healthier you are going into any sickness, COVID or other, the better chance you have of fighting it off."

And when a person is healthy, then the other two prominent resolutions could be kicked into gear...being wise by reading how to earn more money in 2021.

Reach Kristi Hileman at kristi.hileman@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5150

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