IU Health Fishers

Fresh & Fit brings fitness, nutrition and support to those who need it most -

IU Health is a nonprofit health system dedicated to improving the health and quality of life in the communities we serve across Indiana. In Hamilton and Hendricks counties, the free Fresh & Fit program is one way that commitment comes to life—combining fitness, nutrition, education and health screenings to help community members build healthier habits.

Measurable impact

Last year, 76 participants were selected for the 10-week program. Eligibility is based on factors such as current health status, household size, income, weekly food budget and a commitment to fully participate. All participants identified needs related to social determinants of health, including limited access to fitness and nutrition resources.

Throughout the program, participants saw meaningful improvements:

- 360 total pounds lost
- 74% improved blood pressure
- 61% improved LDL cholesterol levels
- 75% of those who were diabetic or pre-diabetic lowered their A1C

Since the program launched in 2018 at IU Health Fishers, North and West hospitals, nearly 600 community members have completed Fresh & Fit at no cost to them, collectively losing more than 6,300 pounds while reducing hypertension risk and improving numerous health indicators.

These outcomes reflect the program’s focus on both prevention and long-term health management.

Removing barriers

Now in its eighth year, the 10-week program focuses on supporting those who need it most. This is the third year it will focus exclusively on underserved communities and those with limited access to fitness and preventive care.

Caitlin Vendely (first photo, far right) and Krystle Barber (first photo, far left), community outreach consultants for the IU Health Metro Region, recognize this was an important shift.

“Fresh & Fit is an important program for our underserved community members because often, participants cannot afford healthy foods, fitness programs or other resources needed to live healthy lives,” explains Barber.

“Many community members lack access to programs that help promote these lifestyle factors, whether it’s due to high costs, lack of transportation or any number of reasons,” Vendely adds. “That’s why IU Health developed the free Fresh & Fit program, to remove these barriers so community members have the opportunity to create healthy lifestyles through fitness and nutrition, regardless of circumstances that may otherwise hinder involvement.”

Support that continues

Fresh & Fit combines workouts, nutrition education, health screenings and ongoing motivation to support meaningful lifestyle changes, focusing on practical tools participants can use long after the 10 weeks end.

“Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart conditions, are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the United States,” says Vendely. “Fortunately, there are many lifestyle factors that can reduce one’s risk for chronic disease and improve management of existing conditions.”

After completing the program, participants are invited to attend follow-up health screenings and events, helping them stay accountable and track their progress over time. They also continue to have access to 50 virtual fitness classes offered by certified trainers and the daily lessons introduced during the program.

“Fresh & Fit provides community members with the tools to manage and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension while building lifelong healthy habits,” Barber explains. “It’s incredible to see people taking steps toward a healthier life.”

Applications for Fresh & Fit 2026 will open in August. To learn more, visit iuhealth.org/fresh-fit.

Registered nurse has compassion in every interaction -

On the IU Health Fishers Medical-Surgical unit, patients and team members alike are often greeted by a welcoming smile. Chloe Millican, registered nurse, has been part of the unit for about eight months and is already making an impact through compassionate care.

Millican graduated from nursing school in May 2025 and began her nursing career at IU Health Fishers. In her role, she administers medications, reviews lab results and supports patients throughout their care journey, work that’s made easier by a strong, supportive team.

“Everyone has an ‘all hands on deck’ mindset. If you ever feel like you're getting overwhelmed or have a lot going on, you can find someone to help you out,” she explains.

Millican finds the greatest meaning in the personal moments she shares with patients.

“I like being able to take the time to talk with patients and get to know them, and hopefully make them feel a little bit better,” she says. “Whether it's just that they're able to vent or feel like somebody's listened to them, I’m there.”

Start your nursing career with support. Visit careers.iuhealth.org to learn more.

Hip replacement surgery: From daily pain to miles on the trail -

Susan Hunt enjoys staying active. She began hiking and running in her 40s, but over time, she started experiencing pain in her left hip.

“I’d been having discomfort for several years,” she says. “I was not able to go on the longer hikes with my friends. I was missing out on social contact. I was becoming frustrated that my body couldn’t do what I wanted it to do.”
As a nurse practitioner for IU Health West Neurology, the discomfort affected both her personal and professional life. Her job requires a great deal of sitting, standing and walking between patient rooms—movements that became increasingly difficult.

Doing the research

Hunt previously saw an orthopedic specialist and was diagnosed with arthritis in her hip. She knew she would eventually need a hip replacement, but she wanted to explore her options before moving forward.

“I investigated anterior and posterior approaches,” she explains. “I knew I wanted someone who would use the anterior approach.”

That research led her to Dr. Leonard Buller, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at IU Health Fishers.

“With the anterior approach, the front-side approach, it can be a muscle-sparing surgery, meaning I’m able to move two muscles out of the way and look directly at the hip joint,” Dr. Buller says. “As a result, there is data showing it can speed up recovery and may reduce post-surgery pain.”

Dr. Buller adds that because the anterior approach is muscle sparing, it can also reduce the risk of the ball coming out of the socket.

“I think for her, being as active as she is and the type of work she does, it gave her more peace of mind because she didn’t have to have restrictions, per se, after surgery,” he says.

A patient-centered experience

That reassurance was important to Hunt. She didn’t want to be sidelined for long after surgery and appreciated that Dr. Buller took her lifestyle and goals into account.

“My first impression was that he sees a person, not a patient,” she says. “My biggest concern was post-op, and it was much smoother than I anticipated.”

Her surgery, which took place on February 18 at IU Health Fishers, exceeded her expectations.

“It was so much easier than I anticipated,” Hunt says. “They did a very good job with pain control. I didn’t need to take opioids, and I was off everything by day seven.”

“She didn’t take a single pain pill after surgery,” Dr. Buller adds. “This is not uncommon with patients who undergo the anterior approach. I frequently hear, ‘I just took Tylenol. I didn’t take a single narcotic pain medication.’”

A faster return to what she loves

Just one week after surgery, Hunt was walking three miles. By April, she had worked back up to six.

“It was safe for her,” Dr. Buller says. “I do notice anterior-approach patients are up and moving more quickly. If the patient’s body tolerates it, there really aren’t many limitations.”

“He just told me that if there was any pain, I needed to back off,” Hunt adds.

She also notices a significant difference in her professional life.

“I can hop up out of chairs and walk down the halls with no discomfort,” she says.

Looking back, Hunt wishes she hadn’t waited as long to have the procedure and encourages others to seek care sooner rather than later.

“Had I known a year ago, I would have done it a year ago,” she says. “I would encourage anyone who needs this to do it while they can. Don’t wait until it’s too late.”

To learn more about IU Health’s Orthopedic care, visit iuhealth.org/ortho.