MUNCIE, Ind. — During American heart health month communities across the country are being encouraged to focus on prevention. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. In Muncie, that prevention is happening through movement, measurement and meaningful connection.
Cardinal Wellness is a Ball State student led program that provides students with practical experience while empowering the community to lead healthier lives. Providing free fitness classes, nutrition education and childcare to the community. The goal is not just to get people moving, but make overall health improvements realistically available for everyone.
Delaware County is facing a critical crisis, currently ranked in the bottom ten statewide for life expectancy. With nearly 30% of adults in Delaware County reporting little to no physical activity, which is a major threat for heart disease.
Research base assessments set Cardinal Wellness apart. Participants are able to receive individual health feedback every three months, including blood pressure and hand strength measurements.
“Grip strength is just as important for longevity as blood pressure," said Dr. Shannon Powers, Director of Cardinal Wellness and Ball State kinesiology professor. “It gives us a clear picture of where someone is and how their health is changing.”
These measurements lead to improvements. For example, a 86-year-old breast cancer survivor drives from Indianapolis twice a week to attend classes and has increased her hand grip strength by 10%. Another participant shared her improvement in grip strength as she’s now able to carry everyday items like a gallon of milk.
Fighting on the frontlines against heart disease, Cody Hager, Strength and Resistance coordinator, views the program as a collaborative shield on communication and trust.
Coaching participants life saving cardiovascular changes, Deeleiloh Alioe (Dee), manager of Cardinal Wellness states, “Heart healthy programs can be hard to come by and expensive, which can be difficult. We are able to give this to the community for free, which is important.”
As heart disease prevention month continues, Cardinal Wellness welcomes accessible programs for the community in hopes to make heart disease prevention possible for everyone.
Contact Rayanna Goble with comments at rayanna.goble@bsu.edu.
