The Indianapolis Urban League’s Health and Wellness Department works to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities through health education programs services, and referrals. The IUL engages in systems change initiatives throughout the city to improve access to affordable health care and healthy food. The Indianapolis Urban League’s Health and Wellness programming is responsive to the needs of the community and serves participants from elementary school through adults. Current Health and Wellness programs include Family Food & Fitness, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation (TPC).
FAMILY FOOD & FITNESS
Most American children and adults do not eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. People with healthy eating patterns and who get regular physical activities live longer and are at lower risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. A healthy eating pattern and physical activity can help manage existing chronic conditions.
Family Food & Fitness program seeks to help families make healthier food choices and choose physically active lifestyles. This program encourages the use of fresh fruits and vegetables through education sessions and cooking demonstrations that provide the tools, support, and information necessary to improve health and lower the risk for chronic disease. The Family Food & Fitness program also helps to improve access to healthy food through partnerships with healthcare systems, farmers, and other community organizations. For more information about the Family Food & Fitness program, contact Tallulah Easley, Director of Health and Wellness, teasley@indplsul.org.
FREE FITNESS CLASSES:
Tuesday and Thursday at the Indianapolis Urban League, 777 Indiana Avenue | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Strength Factory and Fusion Fit Warrior are here to keep you on your limbs with free weekly fitness activities. Register at www.indplsul.org/programs/health-wellness-events/
The Indianapolis Urban League is committed to improving public health throughout Indianapolis by providing community members with the tools to live healthier and more fulfilling life. In conjunction with our partners, we are committed to providing the best possible services and programs. Our goal is to help participants achieve vitality and elevated health through health education, wellness programs, healthy food access, and supportive services.
February is American Heart Health Month
Knowing your family history and risk level can help prevent or manage heart disease. For the best heart risk assessments, talk to your doctor. If you do not have a primary care physician, please contact your insurance company for a list of physicians in your network. Need health insurance? Contact the Indianapolis Urban League at 317-693-7603 and inquire about applying for health insurance.
Take the time to protect your heart and check out the links below for more information on heart disease and prevention.
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number 1 killer in the United States.
Heart disease is a term that refers to several types of heart conditions. Sometimes heart disease is known as “silent” because a person is not diagnosed until they experience signs or symptoms of heart failure, heart attack, or arrhythmia.
The most common type of heart disease, coronary artery disease, occurs when there is a buildup of plaque in the wall of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Heart disease is often preventable by adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle looks different for everyone. To maintain health and well-being, changes must be realistic and align with your daily routine such as work, family, social, and educational factors.
Biological and environmental factors can also increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease.
Symptoms
Pain or discomfort in:
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- Chest – known as angina and can feel like a sharp, stabbing, or achy pain lasting seconds or days
- One or both arms and/or shoulders
- Neck, jaw, or throat (women)
- Upper abdomen or back (women)
- Weakness, nausea, a cold sweat, or light-headedness
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness that won’t go away or feels excessive
Risk Factors:
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- Age
- Physical inactivity
- Being overweight
- Usually due to over-eating and unhealthy eating
- Smoking Tobacco and/or marijuanna
Diagnosed with:
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- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure); also known as the “silent killer”
- An autoimmune disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac/Crohn’s disease, Graves’ disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, etc.
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Drinking too much alcohol
- High LDL cholesterol levels