• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Today's Transitions

  • Home
  • Home
  • Find Help
    • Search Care Communities
    • Caregiver Solutions
    • Health Treatments
    • Search Home Caregiving
    • Search for Resources
    • All Caregiving
  • Beautiful Living
    • Travel and Daytrips
    • Health and Fitness
    • Delicious Food
    • Happenings Guide
    • Home and Books
    • Technology
    • Meaningful Work
      • Volunteering
    • Money and Finances
    • Positive Mental Thinking
    • People
  • Living Options
    • Search for Living Communities
    • Home Improvements
    • Low Maintenance Living
    • Downsizing
  • The Magazine
    • Read New Issue
    • Find Magazine
  • Connect
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
    • Manage Listing (Provider/Advertiser)
    • Advertising Options
    • Subscribe to Print Magazine
    • About Today’s Transitions
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home / Topics / Health Treatments / Small Changes Make a Big Splash

Small Changes Make a Big Splash

October 22, 2021 · Leave a Comment

How this organization is helping you be more accountable.

You may not realize that Kentuckiana serves as a central hub for numerous organizations focused on aging well, one of which is the Trager Institute, a nonprofit affiliated with the University of Louisville. “Our philosophy is that we can flourish as we age; aging is an opportunity, not a disease,” says Mona Huff, a community health education coordinator at Trager. 

One of the many health promotion opportunities at Trager is the free Microclinics Program which addresses a person’s physical and mental health needs by building community and promoting accountability. While a person of any age can participate, many older people have found the program especially helpful if they are dealing with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. 

The Microclinics Program focuses on nutrition and movement without using words like “diet” and “exercise” which tend to turn people off. Often people are hesitant to enter any kind of program because they expect to have to make huge changes in a very short period of time, but Microclinics starts by encouraging two small changes: exchanging sugary drinks for water and stretching. “You can’t shove good health down people’s throats; we have to model it,” Mona says. 

While physical health is the focus of Microclinics, some of its topics include healthy problem-solving and mental health which can make or break a person’s goal to pivot to a healthier lifestyle. “We talk about problems we might have and people who might sabotage us,” Mona says. 

What makes Microclinics unique is the way it brings people together. “The social connection [of the program] is sometimes considered the secret sauce,” Mona says. “We start with an individual and ask them to invite their social support,” which can be friends, family members, or co-workers. 

The beauty of this approach is that it provides support but allows each person to choose his or her own support team. Nearly everyone has had the experience, whether at school, work, or a social event, of being put into a group not of their own choosing and having to negotiate the awkwardness that follows. By self-selecting the individuals who become their health encouragement team, Microclinics participants promote their own health while also contributing positively to the larger model of public health. 

Trager adopted the Microclinics Program in late 2018, but Mona says much of 2019 was spent training and having staff and practicum students adopt it themselves. Before bringing the program to the larger community, it was important that Trager representatives model what they hoped individual patients would adopt themselves. Of course, 2020 happened which forced Mona to change the delivery of the Microclinics Program to the public. She rewrote the curriculum to be virtual, retrained Trager staff, and is now ramping up to get more clients to try it out. 

Mona says the virtual programming is really focused on multi-generational participants and their families. “We want our young people to learn early so they don’t get some of these same chronic diseases their grandparents have,” she says. Plus, a grandparent who participates with a grandchild has the benefit of having a person well-versed in technology to help them navigate Zoom. While Mona looks forward to when she can have in-person classes again, she says virtual Microclinics classes have allowed individuals who might never have participated in a real-life program to learn about and improve their health. 

How to Sign Up

Classes are currently meeting virtually once per week over a 10-week period. Participants work in small groups of their existing friends, family members, or co-workers to learn easy and practical ways to eat healthier, become more active, and take control of their health conditions in a supportive, group environment. Sign up at tragerinstitute.org/microclinic-program.

By Carrie Vittitoe

P.S. Swim the pain away.

Filed Under: Exercise and Fitness, Featured, Health Treatments

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search for Caring Communities

Search for Resources

Sponsored

Search

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • subscribe

todaystransitions

Today's Transitions
It’s that time of year when we need to adapt to It’s that time of year when we need to adapt to shorter days, which means less amount of time enjoying what we’re instinctively drawn to – natural light. So during the fall and winter seasons, how can we best enhance this natural source into our homes and duplicate its capabilities? In our fall issue, we spoke with interior designer @joanwaddell for guidance on enhancing home spaces with natural and artificial light. Tap the link in bio to get her tips for creating a welcoming foyer.⁠
⁠
📝 & 📸:@eatplantsew ⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Motivation #FallIssue #HomeDecor #NaturalLight #ArtificialLight
Be sure to grab a blanket and cozy up with our Fal Be sure to grab a blanket and cozy up with our Fall Motivation issue out now. 

Find the issue at your local CVS, Valu Market, Gould’s Discount Medical, and many more! For a full list, visit our website. 

#fall #ConnectWithTT #louisville
For our fall Motivation issue, we checked in with For our fall Motivation issue, we checked in with local on-air host and features reporter Kirby Adams. Her earnest curiosity and willingness to step out into the unknown has motivated her career and fueled her day-to-day life. “I’m a big believer in the flow of life,” Kirby says. Stepping into life’s flow and being aware of the positive opportunities that surround you is a perspective Kirby can see guiding her career path. “When I look back, all these little things stacked up to my advantage,” she says. Read the full article at the link in bio.⁠
⁠
📝: Tonilyn Hornung⁠
 📸:@eatplantsew ⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Motivation #FallIssue #PassionsProfile #KirbyAdams #CourierJournal
Carrot cake, to many, is the epitome of fall. And Carrot cake, to many, is the epitome of fall. And for those who avoid gluten, whether due to an allergy or preference, cake of any kind is usually avoided. Until now. Try this perfect gluten-free carrot cake that we modified into a breakfast muffin, and frosted to make a yummy dessert! Tap the link in bio for the recipe from our fall issue--out now! 🥕🍁⁠
⁠
📝 & 📸:@eatplantsew ⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Motivation #FallIssue #MealPrepRecipes #glutenfree #carrot #Muffin ⁠
⁠
According to Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Amy Ka According to Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Amy Kassouf, the antioxidant vitamin E can benefit skin, especially during the summer when skin may be getting more sun rays than at other times of the year. Topical vitamin E can enhance moisturization, and may reduce sun damage from ultraviolet light (although this does not mean you can use vitamin E instead of sunscreen). Of course, eating more foods with vitamin E is a good idea, but you can also take a supplement (no more than 15 mg a day). Tap the link in bio to get more tips to help you live your best TODAY.⁠
⁠
📝: Carrie Vittitoe ⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #TryThis #Skincare #VitaminE⁠
⁠
The fall issue is out and we are talking all about The fall issue is out and we are talking all about Motivation! What motivates you? Does this change as we age? As we move throughout life, we realize what motivates us are things that are less tangible. In this issue, we explore ways that others find motivation: music, saying yes, volunteering, a serious health issue...tap the link in bio to check out the full issue.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Motivation #FallIssue #fall #joy⁠
⁠
⁠
"Shelter is my guiding word for this year. It is a "Shelter is my guiding word for this year. It is a non-striving word. A shelter offers refuge, provides safety, and embraces calm and quiet." Writer Lucy M. Pritchett explores the word shelter, what it means to her, and how she finds it in her life. Tap the link in bio to read part 2 of Finding Shelter...In My Home.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #FindingShelter #Home #wordfortheyear #Decluttering #SwedishDeathCleaning #part2⁠
⁠
If you are looking for a fun town to explore, we'v If you are looking for a fun town to explore, we've got a great spot for you. Centrally located in the Louisville-Cincinnati-Indianapolis triangle lies the charming town of Madison, Indiana. Madison is an easy one-hour drive from Louisville along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Tap the link in bio to check out this beautiful state park we visited, perfect for exploring this fall!⁠
⁠
📝 & 📸:@hartogphotog⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #WanderIndiana #Madison #CliftyFalls #ThingsToDo⁠
⁠
For 59 years, there was a proverbial hole in Jacki For 59 years, there was a proverbial hole in Jackie Nelson’s bucket (list). Travel was set aside to care for others. Last summer, however, a lifelong friend inspired Jackie to board a plane and head to Los Angeles with their daughters–a move that opened up her world. Tap the link in bio to read about this epic girls trip.⁠
⁠
📝: Megan M. Seckman⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #SummerIssue #GirlsTrip #TravelingWithFriends⁠
⁠
⁠
Tap the link in our bio to hear more from Fitness Tap the link in our bio to hear more from Fitness Inspiration, Katey Holtgrave. Learn her diet strategy, what she thinks about rest days, and how she calms her mind.⁠
⁠
📸:@eatplantsew ⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #Fitness #SummerIssue⁠
"Shelter is my guiding word for this year. It is a "Shelter is my guiding word for this year. It is a non-striving word. A shelter offers refuge, provides safety, and embraces calm and quiet." Writer Lucy M. Pritchett explores the word shelter, what it means to her, and how she finds it in her life. Tap the link in bio to read this month's Finding Shelter feature.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #FindingShelter #Home #wordfortheyear #Decluttering #SwedishDeathCleaning⁠
In our rush for newer, quicker, better, we seem to In our rush for newer, quicker, better, we seem to be missing out on what we fundamentally crave: a calmer, gentler, sweeter and more grace-filled life. Is it easy to achieve such a life? Definitely not. Is it possible? Absolutely, positively, certainly, yes. Tap the link in bio to read this month's article from Bishop Bob Mueller. ⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #PositiveThinking #GraceFilledLiving⁠
⁠
Tap the link in our bio to meet Fitness Inspiratio Tap the link in our bio to meet Fitness Inspiration, Victor Lee. From his daily diet to advice he would give to someone just starting, read our Q&A with Victor in the Happiness issue!⁠
⁠
📸:@eatplantsew ⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #Fitness #SummerIssue⁠
⁠
Ahhh September! As summer fades into fall, we welc Ahhh September! As summer fades into fall, we welcome the return of cooler weather, changing leaves, and all of our favorite fall activities. Tap the link in bio to get the scoop on where to go and what to do in Cincinnati next month.⁠
⁠
📝: Lindsay McDonald⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #SeptemberHappenings #FallFun #ThingsToDo #Cincy⁠
⁠
Are you curious about Botox and other injectables Are you curious about Botox and other injectables that can help improve your personal appearance? How important is routine skin care as you age? Tap the link in bio to read part 2 of our skin care feature.⁠
⁠
📝: Carrie Vittitoe ⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #SummerIssue #LoveYourSkin #Injectables #skincare
Have you ever known someone who always seems to be Have you ever known someone who always seems to be happy? What’s the secret? Is it something they do, or an innate gift? We talked to people, in various stages of life, to get their views on happiness. One thing seems clear, happiness is an inside job. Follow the link in bio to see how others view happiness and where they find it in their lives (part 2).⁠
⁠
📝: Cheryl Stuck⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #Summer #AreYouHappy⁠
⁠
Hello September! Tap the link in bio to get the sc Hello September! Tap the link in bio to get the scoop on why we love September and all it has to offer!⁠
⁠
📝: Lindsay McDonald⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #SeptemberHappenings #FallFun #ThingsToDo⁠
⁠
Got tomatoes? Get Louisville native and chef Tim S Got tomatoes? Get Louisville native and chef Tim Smalley's recipe for an easy pasta salad. Recipe at link in bio. 🍅⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #Summer #PastaSalad #TryThis #recipe
Sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica, is a t Sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica, is a type of back pain that can be very troublesome. “Sciatic pain is pain that radiates from the sciatic nerve, located in the lower back, down the leg,” says Bradley Wheeldon, PT with Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. The pain can be mild or feel like an intense shock or burning, and can extend from the hip to below the knee. Tap the link in bio to get solutions for this painful condition.⁠
⁠
⁠
📝: @tpyles74⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #Summer #Sciatica #ItsHeckGettingOld #backpain⁠
⁠
If you are looking for a fun town to explore, we'v If you are looking for a fun town to explore, we've got a great spot for you. Centrally located in the Louisville-Cincinnati-Indianapolis triangle lies the charming town of Madison, Indiana. A destination in and of itself, Madison is an easy one-hour drive from Louisville along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Read all about our trip to Madison in the summer issue, or tap the link in bio to check out what we ate along the way, including Hinkle's delicious signature burger!⁠
⁠
📝 & 📸:@hartogphotog⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Happiness #SummerIssue #WanderIndiana #Madison #signatureburger #ThingsToDo⁠
⁠
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Spend An Enlightening Afternoon On The Ohio
  • Plan A Dream European Vacation To Greece
  • Get Outside Your Bubble: Online Meeting Apps To Try
  • Avoid Three Common Financial Mistakes
  • Keep Enjoying Life With Tech

Manage Listings · My Account · Caregiving Listing Help
Privacy Policy · Terms of Service
© 2023 · Today's Media· Built by Breakaway Analytics