Weekly View » Health

Commit to Moderating Your Alcohol Consumption This Month

Weekly View — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:09:48 +0000

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This is the perfect time to lower or eliminate your consumption to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing dangerous diseases.
Risky substance avoidance is one of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s six pillars of good health. Alcohol disrupts your sleep and poses dangers to your liver, gut, heart, brain and many other organs. It also makes you more vulnerable to diseases and increases the risk of several health conditions, including high blood pressure and stroke. In 2025 the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory stating that it was the third leading preventable cause of cancer in this country. Alcohol consumption results in a higher risk of developing at least seven forms of cancer. The types of cancer linked to alcohol, according to this advisory, include cancers of the colorectum, breast, esophagus, liver, throat, mouth and voice box.
The advisory also warned that the link between cancer and alcohol is true for all types of alcohol and that the risk for some of these cancers can increase with just one or fewer daily drinks. In other words, moderate drinking (one alcoholic drink per day for women and two for men) is still not safe.
If you consume a moderate amount of alcohol, try to reduce the amount. You can start small: if you currently consume one alcoholic drink per day, cut out one of the days. If you have a routine of going out with friends to a bar for a couple nights each week, convert one of those days into a meal or activity, such as a game, movie, sport or walk. Remember that doing so will not only help your own health, but theirs. Social connections are also a pillar of good health. Work to keep one another healthy so that preventable illnesses don’t stop you from enjoying each other’s company. Simply altering a routine can make a big difference over time.
If you think you have an alcohol use disorder or have concerns about your alcohol use, take advantage of one/more of the many resources available to assist you, all of which are focused on assistance, not judgment:
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is always available for those who are in immediate crisis (call, text or chat).
• There is a crisis hotline specific to veterans: dial 988, then 1 or text 838255.
• The peer-support model of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been beneficial to many people with addiction. You can find a meeting guide on their website (aa.org) that will help you find a location for a regular gathering near you.
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a 24/7 hotline for treatment referrals in English and in Spanish: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
• Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Adult Addiction Services provides outpatient care and treatment for clients with addiction to alcohol as well as other addictions. You can call their access line at 317-880-8491 to set up an appointment.
• Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Care for Recovery at Eskenazi Health Center services are also available (eskenazihealth.edu/mental-health/mental-health-care-within-eskenazi-health-center). These services, which are available through Eskenazi Health’s neighborhood health centers, include linkage to primary care providers, board-certified addiction providers, licensed substance use therapists, peer recovery coaches, social workers, medication-assisted treatment and group therapy. You can call an access coordinator for Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Care for Recovery at Eskenazi Health Center at 317-880-8787.
W hether you are trying to recover from addiction or to reduce your consumption of alcohol for your health, you don’t have to do so without assistance. Your primary care provider can walk you through strategies and can motivate you by discussing alcohol’s effects on your own health conditions.
There are many aspects of our health we have no control over; this is one we can do something about. Take a step toward a healthier life this month by cutting down on or eliminating your use of alcohol.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande

Colorectal Cancer, a Highly Curable Disease If Caught Early

Weekly View — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:09:33 +0000

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is dangerous if left unchecked. It is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the United States. Thankfully, early testing is highly effective in preventing this cancer from developing, so those who catch it early tend to have good outcomes.
There are several forms of screening you can do. Common forms include a stool-based test and a colonoscopy. Typically, it’s recommended that screening starts at 45 years old, with the timing of the next test determined by the results. Starting at this stage is important because CRC rates have been on the rise for younger populations. According to the Cancer Research Institute, 20% of those being diagnosed with it now are younger than 55, and numbers for younger groups (20-39) have been increasing since the 1990s.
The stool sample is a simpler form of screening than a colonoscopy, but if the result indicates that you could benefit from additional testing, a colonoscopy will be recommended. During a colonoscopy, you are not only screened, but other processes also take place that reduce your risk of developing cancer, in many cases before it even begins. Most polyps, small clusters of cells in the colon, can be removed during a colonoscopy. Many polyps are harmless, but some of them can develop into cancer.
You should always check with your insurance before any procedure. Under the Affordable Care Act, CRC screening is typically covered without out-of-pocket costs, but there may be restrictions on which types of tests are available to you based on your age and level of risk.
In certain cases, you may need to get screened before the age of 45. For example, you may have potential symptoms of this disease. The National Cancer Institute lists the most common: abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea and iron deficiency anemia.
Other indicators that show you may have higher risk according to the American Cancer Society include family history of it or of certain types of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, a personal history of colorectal cancer and/or of certain types of polyps, particular hereditary syndromes, having had your gallbladder removed, and previous radiation treatments near your colon.
Depending on your risk level — including what polyps the doctor sees during a colonoscopy — you may be asked to get tested with greater frequency than the typical amount, which is every 10 years for colonoscopies, but more often for stool tests. Likewise, if you are at higher risk, a colonoscopy will probably be recommended instead of the stool sample test.
You have likely heard from friends and relatives about the preparatory day before a colonoscopy, when your bowels need to be cleared to enable the testing to take place. Some people will exaggerate how bad this day is, but it’s true that it’s not a pleasant experience. Before these stories discourage you from taking care of your health, remember this: one day of difficulty every 10 years or so is worth the certainty that you’re doing what you can to avoid developing a deadly disease.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder to all of us to get screened if we haven’t gotten to it yet, and to continue getting tested if it’s time for the next one. If you are between the ages of 45 and 75, regular testing is typically advised. If you are 76 or older, you will want to consult with your doctor about whether to continue testing. Your primary care provider can also give you details about the testing types and the risks of not screening. If you are looking for a new provider, please reach out to Eskenazi Health Connections at 317-880-7666. Keep in mind that good lifestyle practices — such as good nutrition and regular exercise — can also reduce your chances of developing CRC.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande

This Season Could be Injuring Your Mental Health

Weekly View — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:09:47 +0000

We all think of the physical ailments that come with winter: colds, the flu and various other respiratory illnesses. We don’t, however, always give enough attention to the mental illnesses that arrive with winter, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
SAD isn’t always taken seriously since it’s easily confused with winter blues. If February gets you down, you’re in good company. According to a 2023 poll by YouGov, a research data and analytics technology group, the only month Americans dislike more is January.
While winter blues can be frustrating, SAD is a form of depression. This illness affects 5% of the population, who experience symptoms such as increased hunger for carbohydrates, lack of energy, difficulty with focus and oversleeping. Those with SAD may also experience sadness or hopelessness so overwhelming that it can interfere with their enjoyment of and willingness to participate in everyday activities. SAD can occur at different times of year, but it is most common in winter. If you think you may be experiencing SAD, please do not wait to get help.
The exact cause of SAD has not been determined, but it is thought to be connected to seasonal changes to the biological clock and brain chemistry, both of which are tied to our amount of exposure to daylight. Some treatments target those possible causes, while others are more focused on therapies used for other forms of depression. Some common treatments are as follows:
• Bright light therapy — Typically, someone will be exposed to a light box for about 30 minutes in the mornings for SAD. According to the Mayo Clinic, this method, which is meant to imitate being outside, is thought to “cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD.” Keep in mind that this is no everyday light source; the standard is for the light box to provide 10,000 lux of light, many times the brightness of an ordinary lamp. Consult with your doctor before purchasing a light box and use credible sources to identify effective ones.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-SAD) — CBT is a form of talk therapy, focused on helping the patient change patterns of thinking and behavior. It is a type of therapy you may have heard of before since it is used for insomnia, substance use disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, etc. CBT and light therapy have both proven to be effective for treating SAD in research studies and are sometimes used together.
• Antidepressants, vitamins and supplements — Antidepressants are another common treatment for SAD and may be the method your provider recommends. Both vitamin D and melatonin levels are thought to be connected to SAD. Be careful about assuming that altering the amounts you take of either will help your condition. For example, if you have SAD in winter, you are likely getting too much melatonin rather than too little. While vitamin D levels can be lower for those with SAD, studies have not been very conclusive about its effectiveness in treating the illness. Before taking any new supplements or vitamins or increasing their dosage, talk to your provider, especially since some combinations of medications, supplements and vitamins can do more harm than good.
Before you start any treatment, be sure to consult with your primary care doctor. If you have already discussed your symptoms with your provider and want to begin talk therapy, please call the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center access line at 317-880-8491 to schedule an appointment. For emergency assistance with your mental health, please contact the 988 Lifeline (just dial or text those three digits) or call the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center emergency line at 317-880-8485.
In addition to the treatment for SAD you choose with your doctor’s assistance, don’t forget the benefits of simple lifestyle measures. Regular physical activity (weather permitting, outside) and social connections can improve your mood when you are experiencing SAD.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande

10 Exercise and Nutrition Tips for the New Year

Weekly View — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:09:57 +0000

Every year there is a chance to reset old practices and do something better this time around. For many of us, health is the primary focus of New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, so many influencers recommend immediate, dramatic changes even though simple, moderate changes to health practices are a much better strategy. Here are suggestions to get you on the right track this year:
• Habit stack. It is hard to break habits. That’s why sometimes, you should take advantage of those habits instead. If you watch a reality TV show every Thursday, exercise during it. While making a regular call to a friend or family member each Saturday, walk as you chat. Soon, the added exercise will become part of the habit.
• Make easy changes first. Even five additional minutes of exercise can improve your health. Instead of trying to train for a triathlon after months of inactivity, add a ten-minute aerobic session a few times a week or accomplish another moderate exercise goal.
• Focus on gradual changes. It can be difficult to make new routines stick. Ramping them up slowly can help, especially since our bodies often resist extreme changes. If you are, for example, trying to eat more fiber, adding a bunch at once might make you feel unwell. Instead, gradually introduce more nutritious foods to your diet and cut out items that aren’t serving you (unless, of course, you need to change more quickly for medical reasons). Likewise, once you’ve introduced more exercise to your days, slowly build up to more. Any health-improving routines you stick to are better than perfect plans that never happen.
• Consider routines that accomplish multiple goals. We know that better balance is vital as we age. We also know that we need to move more. Yoga, martial arts and similar forms of exercise can help with both.
• Notice how long you sit. Make sure for any long period of sitting, you take time to stand and walk. Among other risks, too much sitting can lead to “increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and unhealthy cholesterol levels” according to the Mayo Clinic. You may have heard of the 20-8-2 rule. For each 20 minutes you sit, stand for eight and move for two.
• Stay hydrated. Among its many other benefits, taking in enough water helps your heart and muscles work effectively. It’s especially important to regularly hydrate this time of year, when we are all vulnerable to flu and other respiratory ailments.
• Bring friends along. Friends can help motivate each other to exercise and can share healthy recipes and strategies. You can experience both advantages by joining Eskenazi Health Healthy Me group sessions (eskenazihealth.edu/programs/healthy-me).
• Try new (good things). Healthy practices don’t have to be a chore. Go to an international grocery or winter farmers’ market and find some fruits and vegetables you have never tried before. Discover a form of exercise you didn’t know existed on YouTube or in person. If it looks safe for you, try it out. Sometimes it’s hard to commit to exercise if you are sick of the same old routine.
• Seek good sources for guidance. That influencer may be trying to sell you something. Get advice from your medical providers and other reliable resources such as doctors’ associations, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and hospitals.
• Be patient with yourself. If you slip up, be easy on yourself. Guilting yourself will probably make you associate good habits with punishment. Just start the good routines again.
Before making any significant changes to your health practices, of course, you should consult with your primary care provider. If you don’t have one, call Eskenazi Health Connections at 317-880-7666.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande

Connect with Your Community this Season

Weekly View — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:09:18 +0000

The winter holiday season can be a joyous time for many, with so many holiday feasts and family and friend gatherings. If the weather is right, kids can play in the snow and adults can enjoy the warmth of a cozy coffee or hot chocolate and an even cozier hot meal.
For those who already feel down or isolated, battle depression or have limited resources, however, this can be the most difficult time of year.
The communal, celebratory atmosphere can make it hard to express very different feelings, especially loneliness. This year, celebrate the true holiday spirit by reaching out to your wider community, helping everyone feel seen and understood — even if happiness is currently not within their grasp.
Here are some ways to assist those in your community:
• Connect with your older neighbors or those who have limited mobility. If the power goes out, make sure they’re okay. Stop by for a visit, bring by a snack or offer them some assistance if there is snow on their stoop.
• Reflect on those within your network who may need attention this season. Do you have a friend who lost their job, a stepsister whose parent just passed or a coworker who just went through a break-up? Consider what might lift them up, but don’t force them into holiday cheer. Sometimes quiet, peaceful time with someone can count more than anything.
• Show understanding to those who don’t want to join big gatherings. Sometimes a crowd can be the worst thing for someone’s mental health. Many people have difficulty with all the sensory experiences of this holiday (the sheer number of sights, sounds and smells). If you have a family member who rejects your invitation to a holiday party, find another way to include them this season. Maybe a walk, movie night together or another simple event would be preferred.
• Help with food relief. This is a time when many people are experiencing food insecurity, so reach out to your local food pantry, such as Gleaners Food Bank. They are always grateful for donations, but if you can’t contribute money, you can contribute by volunteering: gleaners.volunteerhub.com.
• Volunteer with another organization. There are so many different community groups that could use assistance. Consider skills you have that could assist others or nonprofits that could just use another hand. One location where you can find many opportunities is indyhub.org/volunteer.
• Be open to traditions that are not your own. This is a time of year when those of many different faiths have holidays. If you are invited to participate in someone else’s religious or non-religious traditions, try to take part. If you feel uncomfortable doing so, offer an alternative activity you can do together. Make it clear that you value them.
• Expand your card list. If you are in the habit of sending holiday cards, add friends and family members to your list who typically do not get one. If they are not holiday fans, just send a simple note. It’s easy to forget just how special it feels to receive a personal note among the junk mail and bills we are all accustomed to getting.
• Reach out for mental health assistance if you are feeling depressed. For example, you can call the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center access line at 317-880-8491 to schedule an appointment. If you or someone you know is experiencing despair or suicidal thoughts or another mental health emergency, call the 988 Lifeline (just dial those three digits) or the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center emergency line at 317-880-8485.
The ways you reach out to others don’t have to be time-consuming or elaborate. Even simple gestures count for a lot this time of year. A little thoughtfulness goes a very long way.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande

Take Action to Manage Diabetes

Weekly View — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:09:54 +0000

It’s tempting to avoid the doctor if you fear a certain diagnosis. Diabetes can be one of those situations since many of us know it’s a chronic health condition that can lead to risky complications. If you find out you have diabetes early in its progression, however, changes can be made that significantly impact its severity and prevent complications such as vision loss, nerve damage and cardiovascular and kidney diseases. If you think you may be among one-fifth of Americans who have diabetes but are undiagnosed, take these steps this National Diabetes Month:
• Find out if your blood sugar levels are high. Blood tests during regular medical visits will help your primary care doctor determine whether regular hemoglobin A1c tests are needed. Hemoglobin A1c is the test that determines the average of your blood sugar levels over a period of months. If you have prediabetes (your blood sugar numbers are high or higher than normal but not high enough to qualify as diabetes), it’s often not too late to prevent diabetes from developing; you will, however, need to make some lifestyle changes.
• Research the disease. Knowing more about the disease will assist you in making more informed decisions. People with Type 1 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, which is why they need it. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas is still producing insulin; the insulin is just not working as effectively as it should. Since insulin manages your blood sugar levels, those levels will be too high without proper oversight. That’s why lifestyle and medical interventions (which don’t always include insulin) are needed for Type 2 diabetes.
• Increase your physical activity. Exercise can help you reduce blood sugar levels. This doesn’t mean you should go from no activity to running marathons. If you aren’t moving enough now, take gradual steps toward the 150 minutes of recommended moderate-intensity activity per week. Even a small amount of physical activity, such as walking for two to five minutes (especially after meals), can contribute to lowering your blood sugar levels according to a study cited by the Cleveland Clinic.
• Get good sleep. Research suggests that poor sleep is a risk factor for getting diabetes, and getting better sleep can help you manage it. If you are dealing with insomnia and/or possibly a sleep disorder, discuss treatments with your primary care doctor. Your provider may refer you to a sleep specialist, who may recommend different sleep routines, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a device or other methods.
• Make better food choices. Most of us could do something to improve our nutrition. Add whole foods with increased fiber and reduce the number of processed foods you eat. Sometimes it helps to replace any bad habits gradually. The American Diabetes Association has tips on healthy choices (diabetes.org/food-nutrition).
• Seek out resources to help you manage the condition. Just like it helps to have a gym buddy, it can help to have company as you navigate an illness. The Eskenazi Health Center Diabetes Education Program offers group sessions for those who are attempting to lower their blood sugar levels after a diabetes diagnosis. These group sessions, which are available in virtual and in-person formats, last from four to six weeks. Eskenazi Health care team members lead the sessions, which cover such topics as nutrition, medications, meter use and healthy coping. The care team members will include a nurse, dietitian and pharmacist, but you may find your fellow attendees helpful as well. Call 317-880-1320 for information on the program or to enroll.
While you are beginning new lifestyle practices, consult with your primary care physician, who can offer guidance and refer you to various resources in the community. If you need a new primary care doctor, call Eskenazi Health Connections at 317-880-7666.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande

Protect Your Lungs through Healthy Practices

Weekly View — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:09:18 +0000

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine recommends that we follow six pillars for good health: restorative sleep, physical activity, optimal nutrition, connectedness, stress management and avoidance of risky substances. This Healthy Lung Month, we should, of course, focus on nicotine, the risky substance that does so much damage to respiratory health. If we have been doing good work with the other pillars, however, we may already be building some of the strength needed to quit smoking or other harmful tobacco products.
Stress management. Many people turn to smoking to deal with stress. Find methods that heal rather than damage your body when you are stressed. Try yoga or meditation. Diaphragmatic (or deep) breathing can not only make breathing easier, but can also help you manage pain symptoms, lower your blood pressure and improve your core muscle stability according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. To learn the method, go to my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing.
Exercise. Fall is the perfect time of year to get back into shape. You can enjoy the many beautiful fall hikes or walks in Indianapolis or farther afield (https://do317.com/p/best-spots-to-see-indiana-fall-colors). Being outside is also a stress reliever for your body. The American Heart Association references studies indicating 120 minutes a week in nature are good for your well-being. While it may take time to reach the 150 minutes of moderate-level physical activity recommended for adults each week, a brisk walk is included among options for that moderate-intensity physical activity.
Once the weather cools, consider Eskenazi Health Healthy Me programming, free group sessions for patients (eskenazihealth.edu/programs/healthy-me). Exercising alongside others can help you stay motivated. You can also reach out to friends who may want company when they take walks or work out in the gym. The local AARP even includes a list of malls available for walks: local.aarp.org/indianapolis-in/mall-walking.
Connectedness. Quitting smoking or other tobacco products does not have to be a solitary effort. Quit Now Indiana (1-800-784-8669) offers free resources, including the support of a coach who helps you develop a plan based on your own needs and goals (quitnowindiana.com/quit).
Online support groups are available through the American Lung Association as well (lung.org/help-support/patient-caregiver-network/online-support-communities). Reach out to family and friends too. Don’t hesitate to talk to friends who may tempt you to smoke in the early stages of your quitting journey. You can discuss why you must avoid going to certain places or taking part in certain activities with them and encourage them to do alternative activities with you.
Avoiding harmful substances. Nicotine/tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of death in the United States. One of the benefits of quitting smoking the American Cancer Society (ACS) cites is how quickly your lungs start to feel stronger afterward. ACS points out that your heart rate can drop within minutes and nicotine can disappear from your blood in days. Within months, you may notice that it is much easier to breathe.
Avoid vaping and ZYN nicotine pouches as well as cigarettes. They are not good replacements for smoking. While there are healthy replacement therapies, these two methods are not advised. Not only is nicotine addictive, but some studies indicate that vaping and use of nicotine pouches may also expose you to additional harmful chemicals.
Although health is the biggest priority, don’t forget that smoking has become increasingly expensive in Indiana. Just this summer, the tax on cigarettes tripled. A step often included in a smoking “quit plan” is calculating the financial benefits of doing so (smokefree.gov/build-your-quit-plan).
Quitting harmful substances — especially addictive ones, like nicotine — can be very challenging and may require repeated interventions and attempts. Building up your resistance through the support of others, exercise and stress-handling methods can make those first steps just a little easier. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your health care provider for support.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande

Alternative Health Resources Now Available through 911

Weekly View — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:09:50 +0000

When you are calling 911 during a health crisis, you are already stressed. One of the few sources of comfort you have is that you are familiar with the process: after some questions are addressed, you will soon be in an ambulance ride on your way to an emergency room.
Not to worry. You can be assured that the procedure you know is still in place. If, however, your health situation is not an emergency, you now have the option to talk to a licensed nurse about other health care services as well. In other words, 911 is the same as it was before, except that there is now an additional service for those who want to take advantage of it.
This new service is Crosswalk to Care, a program that resulted from a partnership between Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) and the City of Indianapolis. Since the emergency room is not the best option for all health needs, Crosswalk to Care helps callers weigh a range of health care alternatives. Callers who simply want a discussion with a provider can opt for a telehealth service, for example. Others may want to talk to a behavioral health professional. Still others may prefer an in-person appointment with a health care center, such as an Eskenazi Health Center location.
Health care options can be confusing, especially which service is best for which ailment or condition. The medical expertise of the licensed nurses helps a caller navigate the range of different possibilities to find the best service for their needs.
For example, an emergency room doctor is equipped for and accustomed to quick action to save lives and may not be able to have lengthy conversations about routine care for conditions that do not require urgent attention. Primary care providers, however, have the resources and care teams to begin and continue comprehensive care for non-urgent health conditions. They can also begin discussions about nutritional and exercise practices, testing and medications for long-term health. If you are seeking these types of services, a visit to a health care center instead of an emergency room would be advised.
In addition to consultations about health care options, Crosswalk to Care offers another service not previously available to 911 callers: nurses will give you a follow-up call to check whether you arranged the health care appointment you need. In some cases, the nurses will even arrange transportation to conduct you to a health care visit or give you instructions for self-care.
A caller can always opt to return to the 911 dispatcher for an ambulance at any point in the call. If a caller’s health status changes during the call, the nurse can also determine that emergency care is needed and route the call back to the 911 dispatcher.
If you have spent any time researching symptoms online, you know it can be frightening to figure out what your health situation is. It always seems like the same symptoms that mean you have nothing to worry about in one context can mean you are in danger in another. It is not surprising, therefore, that many of us call 911 in situations that do not prove to be emergencies. Crosswalk to Care provides that middle ground for us, giving us alternatives to an emergency room that can cure or lessen the symptoms of our sicknesses without requiring us to spend time in the stressful environment of an emergency room.
In addition, if many 911 callers are routed to other places, emergency rooms in our city may become less crowded and the waits shorter, freeing up medical teams to get to us more quickly when we are in an emergency medical situation.
With Crosswalk to Care, more of us can be assured that the care we need is available to us.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande

Ease Your Stress During National Wellness Month

Weekly View — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:09:08 +0000

The end of summer and start to the fall can be a stressful time for many, with regrets about time lost and worries about the upcoming school year. Even summer vacations that are supposed to be relaxing can turn out to be stressful due to various travel issues, so this is the perfect time to consider what can be done to reduce the stress in your life. Managing stress is one of the six pillars of good health according to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Here are some of the regular practices you could try to reduce your stress today:
• Connect with nature. According to the American Psychological Association, just some of the benefits of time in the natural world include stress reduction, mood improvement and a lower risk of psychiatric disorders. Walking and other types of exercise can also help reduce stress. You can go on a hike (indy.gov/activity/find-a-trail) or use the Pacers Bikeshare (pacersbikeshare.org). An hour in nature results in time not spent on screens, which are likely to cause more stress, eyestrain and headaches.
• Experiment with different relaxation methods to find one that works for you. For example, you can listen to recordings selected by the Eskenazi Health Center for Spiritual Care & Education, which were developed by certified mind-body medicine practitioners and board-certified music therapists. Their collection, Care for You, includes techniques to assist you with mindfulness, soft belly breathing, guided imagery, muscle relaxation and different forms of meditation. Just go to eskenazihealth.edu/programs/musictherapy.
• Listen to music or read to relax.
• Make changes to your everyday activities. If your daily routine is causing you stress, prioritize your daily tasks and consider making time in your schedule to journal about your day and for self-care routines, exercise or a new hobby.
• Revisit a situation or occurrence. The Stress & Development Lab at Harvard University describes two methods that can improve how you see a situation or past occurrence that may be causing you stress: positive reframing and examining the evidence. For example, positive reframing means looking at what might seem to be a purely negative situation or event in a happier light, such as discovering a lesson, positive outcome or opportunity that could result from it.
• Spend quality time with friends and family. Social connections are not only good for your mood but can also enhance your ability to handle stress. Call your friends for a walk, a gathering or even for company on errands.
• Spend time with pets. The American Heart Association reported in a 2022 poll that the overwhelming majority of pet owners depend on their pets to help them with stress. No wonder, since the same organization reports research indicating that even petting your dog can lower your blood pressure. A 2009 study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology found that cat ownership can reduce your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. If you don’t have a cat or dog but know from experience that pet companionship lowers your own stress levels, consider volunteering at a humane shelter.
• Seek medical support. Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems, affect your well-being and possibly have long-term repercussions if untreated. A therapist can help you with handling stress. To make an appointment with a mental health professional, call the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center access line at 317-880-8491 or talk to your primary care provider. If you are in a mental health emergency, call 317-880-8485 or 988, the national lifeline.
While it may not be possible to entirely eliminate stress, you can take steps to reduce its negative effects. Doing so can improve your physical and mental well-being. It’s unlikely that every one of these methods will work for you, but maybe one will make your life a bit easier. It’s worth the effort to find out.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande

Get the Assistance You Need to Prep Your Kids for School This Summer

Weekly View — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:09:37 +0000

The school year is almost upon us. Parents, you have an overwhelming number of tasks to complete to ready your children for it, from replacing clothes they’ve outgrown, to ensuring they get all the health check-ups and vaccines they need. If you’re feeling exhausted just thinking about it, you’re not alone.
Luckily, the summer is full of opportunities for busy parents. Mark your calendars with some great July and August events, many of which include free entertainment as well as wellness offerings.
Vaccinations. If you’ve had trouble scheduling your kids’ shots with their primary care provider on time, be aware that you have other options:
• School clinics. If your kids are in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), you can still catch one of the last vaccination clinics on July 19 or July 25, both of which take walk-ins: myips.org/central-services/unified-student-supports/health-services.
• Pharmacy vaccinations. If you can’t fit in a primary care visit for your kids’ shots before school starts, you can always go to a pharmacy for vaccinations without an appointment if your child is old enough. For Eskenazi Health pharmacies, kids receiving shots need to be 3 years old or older (find locations and shots available at eskenazihealth.edu/health-services/pharmacy; 317-880-0000). Do keep in mind that if your child has qualified for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, those free shots must be given at their primary care provider’s office (cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children).
Resource Fairs and Other Events. The community is eager to help you get ready for the upcoming academic year, providing both free supplies and wellness offerings:
• Back to School Community Resource Day is July 12, when the Marion County Public Health Department offers attendees school supplies, health screenings and entertainment options along with a fire safety festival (hhcorp.org/covering-kids-and-families).
• Other organizations, such as City League and the Urban League, have hosted back-to-school events in previous years, so keep an eye on the calendar to see if they’re hosting events this year as well.
Health Fairs. If you haven’t had time to fit in all of your or your kids’ health visits before school starts, be aware that some wellness offerings are available at local fairs:
• The Indiana Convention Center hosts its annual Indiana Health Fair from July 17 to July 20, featuring numerous community and health organizations, a wealth of resources, free screenings and health professionals available to provide wellness tips and assistance (in.gov/health/indiana-health-fair). Eskenazi Health alone provides numerous offerings to parents as well as kids. Adult resources include blood pressure checks, financial counseling, guidance from imaging services professionals on breast health information, and rehabilitation services tips on avoiding falls.
• Eskenazi Health Center West 38th Street is putting on a health fair on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The health center will be providing their own resources as well as resources from other organizations.
• Eskenazi Health Center Grande is hosting their fair once the school year is well underway: Saturday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This event will include numerous resources from Eskenazi Health as well as from community resources.
Even with the many services and opportunities, of course, the beginning of the school year will be hectic. You will, however, feel better equipped for it if you take advantage of what’s available to you this summer.

Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande