EmPowerUs is a MeridianHealth initiative that addresses key health conditions affecting our communities. We’ve partnered with dedicated healthcare providers and passionate community groups committed to helping our members and communities live better, healthier lives. 

Together we are providing educational programs, information and resources for:

• Behavioral health
• Blood pressure
• Obesity and body mass index (BMI)
• Diabetes
• Prenatal/postpartum care
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Colorectal cancer

Here are some quick tips to help keep you and your family healthy:

Behavioral Health

Many factors can impact your behavioral health:

• Genes: Traits we get from our family
• Biology: Balance of chemicals in the body and how cells talk to one another
• Environment: Painful experiences, seeing a death, abuse or neglect or living in an unsafe area
• Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, use of drugs or alcohol or trouble sleeping

If you feel sad or overwhelmed, talk to your doctor about your symptoms! Your doctor can help you get medicine or refer you to a specialist. 

Blood Pressure

You can lower your blood pressure and your risk of heart disease by making these lifestyle changes:

1. Lose extra pounds
2. Be active
3. Eat a healthy diet
4. Reduce your sodium intake
5. Limit alcohol
6. Quit smoking
7. Reduce stress

Obesity and Body Mass Index (BMI)

Your BMI is a ratio of your body weight and height. BMI can be used to screen for high body fat. It can also be used to see if you’re at greater risk for certain health problems. A high BMI means a higher risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and heart disease. Talk to your doctor about your BMI.

Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a health condition that can be caused by family history, lack of exercise or unhealthy eating. You can manage your diabetes with these tests:

1. HbA1c test
2. Nephropathy test
3. Diabetic eye exam

Prenatal/Postpartum Care

Even if you feel fine, it is important to attend all prenatal appointments because your baby is constantly growing. Your doctor can help you with any questions or concerns during your pregnancy. Complete your postpartum visit within seven to 84 days after delivery.

Breast Cancer

One in eight women develop breast cancer. You can reduce your risk by:

• Exercising
• Eating healthy
• Knowing your family history
• Getting a mammogram each year at age 40 and older

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men. Most cases develop in men older than 65. Family history, diet and smoking can increase your risk. Stay healthy by exercising regularly, stopping smoking and having regular check-ups!

Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer is cancer in your colon or rectum. Regular screenings help find polyps. Polyps are small growths in the colon which can turn into colon cancer. Colon cancer can be curable if it is caught early. If you are 50-75 years old, ask your doctor which colon cancer screening is right for you.

You are not alone in your journey to living a better, healthier life. Here are the dedicated healthcare providers and passionate community groups we’ve partnered with to support you.

Meet our partners.

Purple Asparagus

Purple Asparagus educates children, families, and the community about eating that’s good for the body and the planet. Through exploration and discovery, they inspire a lasting love of delicious, nutritious foods.

They provide education and inspiration for those in our community with access to delicious and nutritious foods to help them make better choices and explore the exciting world of healthy eating. Purple Asparagus advocates for those without access to delicious and nutritious foods and fight for the access, equity and opportunity for every individual to live a delicious nutritious life.

Purple Asparagus has been an EmPowerUs partner since 2016.

WNBA Chicago Sky/SkyCares Foundation

The WNBA Chicago Sky players and coaches are role models who lead on the court and in the community. The Sky Cares Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) was established by the Chicago Sky in 2007. Through the Sky Cares Foundation, their team is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people with a special emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing positive self-image, military and veteran support and youth and family development through various educational initiatives.

The Chicago Sky has been an EmPowerUs partner since 2017.

I Am A Gentleman, Inc.

The mission of I Am A Gentleman, Inc. is to engage, enrich and empower young men for successful careers, healthy lifestyles, marketable skills, and well-balanced relationships. I Am A Gentleman, Inc. provides personal development classes and enrichment workshops embracing etiquette and statesmanship for young adult and adult men. They guide by mentor opportunities, health and wellness workshops, career and advanced education leads, volunteer projects and various positive community initiatives throughout the year. Since its inception in 2015, I Am A Gentleman, Inc. has impacted the lives of more than 4,000 young men and adult men in Chicago, Indiana, St. Louis, Las Vegas and Atlanta. 

I Am A Gentleman, Inc. has been an EmPowerUs partner since 2016.

Together, we provide educational programs and resources near you.

EmPowerUs meets our members where they are. Check out where we’ll be next in your area!

Upcoming Events