State Bar urges Hoosier lawyers to get healthy
State Bar president, C. Erik Chickedantz, is asking Hoosier lawyers to get active as part of a new statewide initiative to promote health and personal well-being among judges, lawyers, their staffs and law students by encouraging positive lifestyle changes through increased physical activity, stress reduction, healthier eating and tobacco cessation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2008, Indiana had the second highest cigarette-smoking rate in the country. The CDC also reports that in 2009 there were only eight states more obese than Indiana, with about one-third of U.S. adults being obese. And specific to the legal profession, studies show that lawyers drink too much and are more prone to depression than most every other profession and society at large.
"There is something about lawyering that is especially stressful, and for many of us, our commitment to an active lifestyle is the first to go amidst pressures at work and busy schedules," said Chickedantz. “With the State Bar spearheading healthy activities at lawyer functions, we aim to educate the legal community about ways to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes.”
Chickedantz appointed Donald R. Lundberg, a partner at Barnes & Thornburg and former executive secretary of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, as chairman of the State Bar’s Standing Committee on Wellness. Terry L. Harrell, executive director of the Supreme Court’s Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program, will serve as vice chair.
“The ISBA is committed to lawyers – not just lawyers as law-practicing automatons, but as real people who need to feel good about themselves,” said Lundberg. “We hope the Wellness Committee will be a catalyst for a new focus on a healthy legal profession and a resource for lawyers to stand out as leaders for healthier communities where they live and work.”
Fit to Practice success stories
Testimonials from Indiana lawyers
No longer campaigning, just running!
Res Gestae (December 2011)
By Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels
"No one, least of all government, has found a fully effective means of inducing large numbers of people to alter the habits of a lifetime. Nothing we've found works as well as positive encouragement from colleagues and friends. So we are enormously grateful for the State Bar's new initiative and leadership in this realm."
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From ‘winded’ to triathlete: the benefits of regular exercise
Res Gestae (January/February 2012)
By Branch R. Lew, Fort Wayne, Hunt Suedhoff Kalamaros
"Regular exercise has reduced my stress, given me more energy and made the practice of law more manageable. In short, the positive benefits have been significant to me, and I would encourage everyone to make exercise a regular habit to improve your health and work."
Fit to Practice programs
SOLD OUT: CLE on the Move: Faster & Faster ... but ETHICALLY!
Monday, Jan. 30, 2012
9 a.m. to 10 a.m. EDT
National Institute for Fitness
250 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind CLE opportunity conducted on spinning bicycles on Monday, Jan. 30, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the National Institute for Fitness in downtown Indianapolis. The class size is limited to 30 registrants so sign up today!
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Make-A-Wish Foundation "Walk for Wishes"
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Fort Harrison State Park
The Indiana State Bar's Wellness Committee and Young Lawyers Section are joining forces to recruit a team of lawyers to participate in the 7th Annual "Walk for Wishes" 5K Walk event on Saturday July 14, 2012. More details available soon! Click here for more information.
Community Programs & Fitness Opportunities
2012 Fight For Air Climb
Saturday, March 10, 2012
One Indiana Square
Indianapolis, IN 46204
The Fight For Air Climb is a fundraising event for the American Lung Association in Indiana. Participants climb 35 stories at the Indiana Square building downtown on teams in a timed event. Sweat, stomp, crawl or climb your way to the top! For more information, visit www.fightforairclimb.org.
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Central Indiana Race for the Cure
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Military Park
Downtown Indianapolis
A survivor celebration, 5K run/walk and one-mile family walk that has grown into Indiana's largest single-day fundraiser, as well as one of the largest races out of all affiliates. Please join in the fight to end breast cancer forever! For more information, visit http://www.komenindy.org/race/
Noteworthy Online Resources
Indiana Resources:
Indiana Healthy Weight Initiative
INShape Indiana
Indy Runners
Running in the USA: Upcoming Indiana Races
Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association
Top 10 places to walk, run and bike in Indianapolis
Indiana Yoga Association
Good Earth Natural Food Company - Indianapolis
Click here for additional online resources!