July 2015 Indy Metro Woman

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The story of HCG began in the Fifties when, after having done research on weight loss for 40 years and research on HCG specifically for twenty years, Dr. Simeons reported that patients taking small amounts of HCG, in conjunction with a very low calorie diet, could lose weight

safely and quickly without exercise, muscle loss or hunger.

But all HCG is not created equal. The SuperVision Weight Loss program starts with pharmaceutical HCG.

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of confusion created by products being sold without guidance that call themselves “HCG” but do not contain any in their ingredient list. HCG is one of 67 hormones naturally produced in the human body, so if a product states that it is hormone free, it's not HCG.

HCG does not produce weight loss by itself. However, in concert with a very specific balanced diet, and our help in avoiding unexpected environmental or behavioral deviations, HCG will allow the body to naturally pull the nutrients and calories needed from stored fat reserves into the blood stream at the rate of 1500 to 4000 calories per day.

We are sure that those who follow our protocol WILL lose 20-30 pounds in 40 days. These fantastic results ARE typical with our full service packages. SuperVision Weight Loss program is not your run of the mill “eat less and exercise more” diet for a slow loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week that seems to take the rest of your life. Our protocol tricks Mother Nature a little, maybe, however only natural processes are at work. Per Dr. Simeons, it is safe and so very effective.

Cindy's StoryFor years, I've had trouble losing the excess weight that I put on. I've tried several plans and fad diets, only to put the weight back on. I came to Super Vision Weight Loss when my doctor told me that I was pre-diabetic. I found the program easy to follow. i was glad to have the support of the staff through the entire transition. I am so happy with my results and my new lease on life.

Gary's Story My doctor was on my case about my blood pressure, and I know that the extra weight I was carrying wasn’t helping that situation. My knees hurt and I just wanted to feel better. I gave Super Vision Weight Loss a chance to help me get the weight off. They were really great!! I lost 38 lbs. in 31 days! My girlfriend is thrilled. I travel for a living and I was able to stay true to the diet protocol even on the road. I’m so glad I did this diet with Super Vision Weight Loss. I feel YEARS younger and I know I’ll never have that belly again.

To get slim and stay that way, call our office at (317) 849-THIN today. We will help you reach your weight loss goals and improve your health, appearance and self-image.

Nothing tastes as good as THIN feels…

The HCG Story...

Kathryn Azhar, Ownerand her staff

Before

Before

After

After





What are stem cells?Stem cells are unspecialized cells that maintain and repair tissues. Stem cells are unique in that they have the potential to develop into many different types of cells. In regeneration, stem cells may seek out areas that need repair or restoration. Our body’s natural healing process is fairly efficient, but modern science can accelerate the process.

Where do stem cells come from? There are primarily two types of stem cells used for treatments: embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos. Adult stem cells can be derived from a patient’s own body. Adult stem cells exist throughout the body, however the most abundant (and accessible) source is abdominal fat.

What is Stem Cell Therapy? Stem cell therapy is the process of isolating adult stem cells from abdominal fat and reintroducing them into the body where they can do the most good. The process begins with extracting a few ounces of fat from the patient in a “mini” liposuction procedure. Once the fat is removed, the stem cells are isolated utilizing the state-of-the-art Healeon Medical CENTRIcyte 1000 Centrifuge. Once isolated, the stem cells are then re-introduced to the body by IV and/or by injection for more localized treatments. Local treatments can help with knee, shoulder and other joint pain. Stem cells can also be applied to the face, neck and scalp using a micro-needle system to give you a more healthy and youthful look. The treatments are outpatient procedures conducted in a sterile environment in your doctor’s office utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Under sedation and local anesthesia, the process is relatively painless and safe with minimal downtime.

What kind of ailments can stem cell therapy help? Stem cell therapy may improve a variety of conditions. Our patients have shown significant improvement in:

• Blood pressure• Diabetes• Crohn’s Disease• Fibromyalgia• Joint pain• Macular degeneration

Stem cell therapy patients have also reported higher energy levels, better sleep and overall improved quality of life. No treatment can be guaranteed, and outcomes will vary from patient to patient. Your doctor will conduct an individual health assessment.

How long does the liposuction take? The “mini” liposuction only takes about 20 minutes. Once the fat has been extracted, the patient can relax or sleep while the stem cells are isolated.

How does the stem cell isolation process work? Utilizing the CENTRIcyte 1000 Centrifuge, the medical staff will perform four separate steps to isolate your stem cells. The process is completely closed and sterile for your safety.

What happens after you are done isolating the stem cells? Once your stem cells have been isolated, your physician will reintroduce them into your body with an intravenous mix of saline and stem cells. If you have elected local application, you physician will inject stem cells directly into the areas of concern. Application to the face, neck and scalp for cosmetic purposes may also occur at this time.

How long is the recovery?Many patients are able to go back to work on the day following the procedure. We ask you to refrain from exercise for at least a week.

How long does it take to see improvement? Individual ailments vary and the outcome of Stem Cell therapy depends on your body’s unique healing process. Some patient may experience results immediately or within just days of receiving Stem cell therapy. Other patients have taken months to reach optimal resolution of their ailment. No one can guarantee the outcome for this or any treatment. Each patient is different and results will vary. Your physician will determine a treatment plan tailored specifically for your condition that gives you the best chance for success.

How long with the benefit last? Results will vary from patient to patient depending on the ailment and the natural variation in isolated cells. Results have been shown to last 5+ years depending on the ailment and the age/overall health of the patient.

Is the stem cell isolation procedure FDA approved?Currently all procedures utilizing stem cells to treat specific ailments are considered experimental. The procedures are carried out utilizing FDA cleared and registered equipment and all fall within the FDA regulations for transferring tissue.

Can you guarantee results?No treatment can be guaranteed. Results vary from patient to patient. However, approximately 90% of our patients have experienced positive results.

Stem Cell Therapy FAQ




July 2015 Calendar of Events

Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4Fountain Square Music Festival at Fountain Square on Virginia Ave. On July 4, twelve Indianapolis and national acts will play on two stages on Shelby Street between Prospect Street and Woodlawn Avenue. In the days lead up to the main event on July 4th, there will be free music from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Fountain Square plaza at the intersection of Shelby, Prospect St. and Virginia Ave.

Wednesday, July 1, 11:30 am – 1:00pmNetwork of Women in Business (NOWIB) - Southside Lunch Special Interest Group at Fireside Brewhouse in Greenwood. Join in for a casual conversation and networking with NOWIB members and guests. www.nowib.com

Wednesday, July 1, 11:30 am – 1:00pmMomentum Networking Lunch at Scotty’s Brewhouse at 4530 Southport Crossing Drive. Momentum is a free monthly, business networking event designed to educate, inspire and motivate. Each month a different speaker will present a talk or workshop with a Q&A afterwards. You will have ample opportunity to network both before and after the talk. Bring your business cards.

Thursday, July 2, 7:00pmLights Over Morse Lake Balloon Glow in Cicero. walk/run and get active! Come on out and bring the family. Sit and relax on the lawn at the Cicero Christian Church or visit each of the balloons. Balloonist from around the Midwest will be showing off their hot air balloons for a beautiful display after sunset. 1715 Stringtown Pike, Cicero, IN.

Friday, July 3, 4:00pmCarmelFest in Hamilton County in Carmel. A 2-day festival with patriotic parade, fireworks, entertainment, festival food, shopping marketplace, and more. Free admission. July 3-4: Fri 4-10 PM, Sat 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 5:00pmFirst Friday Food Truck Fest at 502 N New Jersey St. Leinenkugel's will be bringing back Indianapolis' own First Friday Food Truck Festival (FFFTF) for its 5th annual season. Occurring the first Friday of each month from May through October, you are invited to indulge in the savory selections of Indy's best food trucks and eclectic assortment of brews from Leinenkugel's while enjoying live music and entertainment.

Friday, July 3 and July 10Zoopalooza Concert Series at the Indianapolis Zoo. Featuring a live music performance by Jayne Bond and the Pink Martinis. www.indianapoliszoo.com

Friday, July 3, 7:00pmIndependence Celebration and Fireworks in Saxony on E 131st in Fishers. Let's start the holiday early! Join Saxony in celebrating our nation's independence with an evening of family fun, music, and fireworks This event begins at 7 pm with a concert featuring My Yellow Rickshaw and will conclude with fireworks at dusk (around 10 pm). Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. This event is open to the public and free!

Friday, July 3, 9:00pmFirecracker Blues at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Enjoy a night of dancing in the Nickel Plate District! The AMP After Dark is presented by Century 21 Scheetz. Four Day Ray Brewing is the exclusive beer vendor and JJ Winery is the exclusive winery.

Saturday, July 4Family Day at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at the Indianapolis Zoo. A day of exploration, adventure and play with the IMA's new Family Day series. Family programming and activities, 11 AM to 3 PM, first Saturday each month. www.imamuseum.org

Saturday, July 4, 2:00 – 10:00pmIndyPendence Day Concert for Cancer at the Georgia Street Downtown. The inaugural INDYpendence: Concert for Cancer was a huge success attracting over 5500 attendees on Georgia Street and raising over $50,000 for the St. Francis Hospital Patient Assistance Fund and The Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Indiana. This year, the Lintner Foundation is back with an event that promises to be bigger and better! www.indypendenceday.com/

Saturday, July 4, 9:45pmRegions Bank Freedom Blast Independence Day Fireworks Show Downtown Indianapolis. Celebrate Independence Day with a bang...or a blast! See Indy's largest fireworks display, shooting from the top of the Regions Bank Tower! This fantastic fireworks show is a local tradition and favorite activity! Bring the entire family downtown for food, music and fun that lasts all day and ends in an amazing fireworks display after dusk synchronized to patriotic and popular music.

Sunday, July 5, 11:00amTaste of Indy at White River State Park. Taste of Indy pairs the city’s most unique restaurants with events and activities for the whole family. Come to ride the State Farm Mechanical Surf Board or game around in our 24 seat video game truck whether its playing with the RC boats on the canal or enjoying one of our over 30 food purveyors and 14 musical


July 2015 Calendar of Events

acts, the Taste of Indy is the event of the summer. In addition to chef demonstrations, live music and kids’ activities, there’s a delectable assortment of ethnic fare, from Asian, Soul to Greek, Mediterranean and Cajun. It’s not often one can munch on fish tacos, barbecue rib tips and meatloaf sliders from noon until sundown all in one place.

Tuesday, July 7, 7:30 – 9:00amIndianapolis Business Networking Event at SpinWeb at 8500 Keystone Crossing, Suite 420. Join for a business networking event that will make you new connections, grow your business, and learn of new ideas and technologies on how to effectively network in Indianapolis, Indiana. These events generate hundreds of business opportunities and there is no cost to attend. www.tipclub.com

Wednesday, July 8, 5:00-7:30pmSPARKS – Mingle, Be Inspired & Share at Moon Dog Tavern. Each month business owners, business development people and professionals just like you will converge with thought leaders at Sparks. This TED inspired event features 3 timed talks where new ways of thinking in the areas of personal & business development, marketing, technology, motivation and inspiration will be shared. http://sparkstalk.com/

Thursday, July 9, 11:30 am – 1:00pmNetwork of Women in Business (NOWIB) - Northside Lunch Special Interest Group at Champps, 8711 N. River Crossing, Indy. Join in for a casual conversation and networking with NOWIB members and guests. www.nowib.com

Saturday, July 11Pat McAfee - Uncaged at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Colts kicker brings his stand-up comedy to the stage with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Pat McAfee Foundation, a non-profit helping provide educational scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel. This is an 18 and up show.

Tuesday, July 14, 4:00 – 6:00pmPremier Women’s Network at Granite City on 96th St. They welcome all women in business, including retail fronts, MLM, Home Based Business’s, Executives, Corporate, and Non-profit. They believe in building strong relationships first, then sharing your business secondary. www.premier-womens-network.com

Wednesday, July 15, 11:30am – 1:00pmOne Zone (Carmel & Fishers Chamber) Luncheon at 502 East/Jonathan Byrd’s. Get connected with other business people for after-work networking. www.onezonecommerce.com

Thursday, July 15, 11:30 am – 1:00pmNetwork of Women in Business (NOWIB) – Pop Lunch at Buca de Beppo castleton. Come join at Buca de Beppo Castleton and hear from Guest Speaker Teri Ditslear, wife of Noblesville Mayor, John Ditslear. www.nowib.com

Thursday, July 16, 12:00 – 1:00pmMentoring Women's Network Workshop – Building Mentors at The Platform. Whether you are a current member or just learning about what Mentoring Women's Network has to offer, this presentation will help you apply strategy to your mentoring relationships and a wonderful networking opportunity. Mentoring Women's Network is sponsoring this presentation. http://mentoringwomensnetwork.com/

Saturday, July 18, 8:30am – 5:00pmIndy Women Fitness 2015 at The Institute of Fitness and Sports. Join Indy’s leading fitness professionals and Molly Galbraith, co-founder of Girls Gone Strong, for a day of fitness and healthy living topics designed for women. For female fitness enthusiasts and those just starting the journey to a healthier lifestyle, Indy Women’s Fitness 2015 will be a day of inspirational fun, motivational speakers and hands-on training with local strength and fitness coaches. indywomensfitness.com

Tuesday, July 21, 11:30 am – 1:00pmNetwork of Women in Business (NOWIB) -Downtown Lunch Special Interest Group at Tavern On South, 423 W. South St, Indy. Join in for a casual conversation and networking with NOWIB members and guests. www.nowib.com

Tuesday, July 21, 11:30 am – 1:00pmNetwork of Women in Business (NOWIB) –Wellness & Community Awareness at 10-01 Food & Drink. This event wo;; onclude a presentation by a speaker and plenty of time for casual conversation and networking with NOWIB members and guests. www.nowib.com

Are you a woman’s organization or having an event just for women? Are you a non-profit organization with a special

event? Email [email protected] and send us the details for our monthly

calendar by the 5th of each month for the following month’s issue.

You can also go to www.indymetrowoman.com and post

your event on our community calendar.




Known for providing hands-on learning environments, Medtech College educates students wishing to enter a variety of healthcare careers. Building upon previous education success, Medtech College in Indianapolis now offers a Dental Assistant program that helps prepare students to meet the need for new dental professionals.“There are several people who impact your career, high among them are educators,” said Medtech College Dental Assistant Program Director Amy Applegate, B.S., CDA, EFDA. “We created a program that puts students first. Their success is our number one goal.“I want them to become as passionate about dental assisting as I am.”Dental assistingDental assistants are important to dental care, preparing patients for treatments, sterilizing instruments, assisting during procedures and, often, processing X-rays or maintaining records. As ongoing research links oral health to general health, demand for preventive dental services may increase, expanding the dental assistant’s role.“Dental assistants are an asset to any dental practice, cross-trained to work anywhere, from the front office to the back office,” said Campus President Jason Horton. “Here at Medtech, we tailored our program so students are able to master the skills associated with the job of a dental assistant.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assisting will grow by 25 percent nationwide through 2022 – much faster than the average for all jobs. Dental assisting also is a career that has been ranked high for upward mobility and job flexibility by U.S. News & World Report Money. About the programMedtech’s Dental Assistant program follows the belief each student is unique, with the ability to think and do. It provides mutual respect and support amid a learning environment where students are encouraged to achieve their maximum potential.

The program provides instructional, laboratory, preclinical and clinical content, with clinical hours spent assisting dentists who offer comprehensive dental treatment. To enhance student learning, program faculty and leaders meet weekly to review clinic, program and student issues. Their goal is to deliver a solid foundation of dental

practices so students have access to the knowledge, skills and work habits to successfully perform as dental assistants.Ongoing surveys

reveal students are very satisfied with their classes and the hands-on work they get to perform: - “I am very pleased with how things are going. It is everything I expected.” - “I have learned so much already and my classmates are so wonderful and helpful.” - “It’s nice to have educators that you feel comfortable going to if you need anything.” Industry-standard technology Students at Medtech – Indianapolis are being prepared to address current and future trends in dentistry. Among the skills being learned and practiced is proper procedure for taking high-definition, digital X-rays.Digital X-rays are the future of dentistry. By getting “hands-on” experience with the latest technology, Medtech students have an opportunity to position themselves for a wider variety of career openings after graduation.“Our students train on equipment from Henry Schein, the world’s largest supplier of healthcare

EducationSpotlight

Medtech College Prepares Extraordinary Dental Assistants


products and services – the same equipment found in many dental offices,” noted Applegate. The Medtech team designed the Dental Assistant curriculum to match current trends in the field. Medtech students utilize electronic adaptive learning tools, sit chairside and learn to assist dentists in both front- and back-office needs – everything from oral surgeries, endodontics and pediatric dentistry to performing laboratory procedures, charting notes, coding insurance and developing oral treatment plans. And, they practice all of these tasks with

the assistance of the Dentrix dental software program. Career opportunitiesNo question – many patients are apprehensive when in a dental chair. Dental assistants help them feel more comfortable while working side-by-side with the dentist or hygienist.The primary objective of

Medtech’s Dental Assistant program is to provide students a hands-on education in the fundamentals so they are able to perform successfully in both clinical and office settings.

Their classroom instruction focuses on dental procedures – from radiographs to impressions, as well as office procedures and patient care. In fact, Medtech provides a comprehensive learning experience for a full-service dental assisting career. “Dental assisting school was one of the greatest experiences of my career. I made true connections for life and couldn’t feel more proud to say what school I graduated from. I want our students to feel

the same,” said Applegate.Area students can prepare to become dental assistants on the same equipment typically found in dental offices without leaving Indianapolis by enrolling in Medtech College’s Dental Assistant program.“Whether or not they plan to work in a state

that requires certification, taking and passing the Certified Dental Assistant exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board is recommended for students. Graduates of Medtech’s Dental Assistant program will be prepared to sit for that exam,” Applegate added.Focused on emerging healthcare needs, including dental assisting, Medtech College in Indianapolis is reinforcing its status as a valued contributor to the community and the state of Indiana.

For information about preparing for careers as a dental assistant or other

healthcare fields at Medtech College, call the Indianapolis campus at

317-845-0300.

Medtech Dental Assistant students learn from a team of experienced professionals and educators, led by Program Director Amy Applegate, B.S., CDA, EFDA.

(L) Applegate has an Expanded Functions Certification and worked as a dental specialist in pedodontics and periodontics, as well as general dentistry. During more than eight years in dental education, she was both a program director and instructor, wrote a dental radiography resource manual, and assisted in preparation of national board practice questions.

(R) Amber Troutman, B.S., has front- and back-office experience in pedodontic, oral surgery, limited orthodontics and general dentistry. Experienced in digital radiography, placement of dental implants and the CEREC system, Troutman has more than 300 hours of continuing education in multiple areas of dentistry.

(Bottom) Carri Bevington, CDA, brings more than 24 years of experience in the dental field to the Medtech College campus. Having worked in general dentistry, orthodontics and oral surgery, she joined the dental education field in 2012.

Professional Staff


Carol Juergensen Sheets LCSW PCC is a psychotherapist and personal life coach. She does motivational speaking and empowerment trainings locally and nationally. To find out more about her

services--contact her at www.carolthecoach.com or call her at 317 218-3479. You can watch Carol the Coach segments on WTHR’s Channel 13 Wednesdays @ 12:50PM.

Bad things happen to good people all the time. It is likely that you grew up with some unfortunate things that have happened to you. Enlightened people will want to work on processing these events so that they can understand them better and grow from them. That is truly one aspect of living a good life. When trauma occurs it is so very important to acknowledge the feelings and work through the pain so that you can make sense of your world and redirect your life in a purposeful way.

I work with lots of people who have experienced trauma. The initial trauma occurred in their childhood and usually they did not have the support or resources to help them to resolve it as it was happening or directly afterwards. The trauma might have been living with an alcoholic parent, or being physically, emotionally or sexually abused or living in chronic poverty. If they aren't given the opportunity to process and work through it; there is a high likelihood that they will experience it as an adult. The only way we can make sense of that is to understand that until it is fully understood and resolved in one's own psyche, the trauma will return to the person so they can figure it out and truly reprocess it. Once my client has worked through the issues, she will undoubtedly feel stronger, healthier, and better able to you use the skills she learned from resolving the trauma to better her life. This typically means that she also has to go through the process of forgiveness because forgiveness allows her to let it go.

It is the process of letting go that will allow her and encourage her to find meaningful ways of growing and contributing to life so that she feels good about herself.

All the great theorists say that it is the

suffering that promotes human beings to grow into people that are fully actualized and evolved. I know many of you are reading this and may be saying "Why do we need to experience so much suffering to actualize growth?" Well what I believe to be true is that life does have much purpose and if one does not deal with the past pains one cannot learn and get healthier. If you don't work through the pain, you will likely stay stuck and blocked from allowing good things to come into your life. As a therapist, it saddens me to watch clients repeatedly experience hardships, and yet the work they do to work through it makes them stronger, wiser and more self actualized!

Time for ReflectionHave you been through some pain in your childhood that continues to haunt you?

Do you believe that it has blocked you from growing?

Has it showed up in your life again in a different way?

Have you sought out support and resources to help you work through the pain?

Has your suffering made you stronger?

Can you list the ways that you have grown?

And if you have been trying to do this on your own, you have more than likely felt alone because of the trauma that occurred in your past. If this is the case, are you willing to seek out support and resources to help you work through the pain now?

You deserve to get healthy and release yourself from the pain. Get some help so that you can heal and use your past to strengthen the future!

Carol Juergensen Sheets

Processing Pain is Good for the Soul



Shelly Aristizabal is the author of This Is Your Year to Design & Live the Life of Your Dreams, a leader in the Community Commerce Industry, Motivational Speaker and the New President of Business Women Connect. Visit www.BusinessWomenConnect.com for details on our upcoming events in the Indianapolis area!

Shelly AristizabalBusiness Women Connect



“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

As you might expect, toxic people are the ones who always dwell on the negative. The dictionary defines toxic as “poisonous,” and toxic people continually spew their verbal poison. In contrast, the dictionary’s definition of nourishing is “to nurture or promote the growth of.” Nourishing people are positive and supportive. They lift your spirits and are a joy to be around.

Negative people will always drag you down to their level. They hammer away at you with all of the things you can’t do and all of the things that are impossible. They barrage you with gloomy statements about the lousy economy, the problems in their lives, the problems soon to be in your life, and the terrible prospects for the future. If you’re lucky, they might even throw in a few words about their aches and pains and recent illnesses.

After listening to toxic people, you feel listless, depressed, and drained. Jack Canfield describes them as “energy vampires” -- they suck all the positive energy out of you. One thing is certain; these vampires will wear you down and kill your dreams.

On the other hand, how do you feel when you are around people who are positive, enthusiastic, and supportive? You are encouraged and inspired. You start to pick up their attitude, and you feel as if you have added strength to vigorously pursue your own goals.

Pick Nourishment

If you had a choice, wouldn’t you rather hang out with nourishing people? Well, in fact, you do have choice. It’s up to you to determine with whom you spend your time. If toxic people surround you in your daily life, you can do something about it.

To begin with, develop friendships and associations with people who are positive and supportive. In addition, seek out people who are action-oriented and service-oriented. As you spend more and more time in the company of people who have these traits, you, too, will develop the same successful characteristics and put them to use in your life.

Consider with whom you have been spending your time. Examine your friendships and relationships at work and during your leisure hours. Those who occupy your time have a significant impact on your most priceless possession -- your mind! It is your responsibility to regulate what you allow into your mind.

Tips to Eliminate Toxic People

*If you regularly have lunch with toxic people at work, stop it. Find a diplomatic way to extricate yourself from the “poisonous” group.

*If you have a toxic relative, it is important to put some limits on your relationship. Don’t go out of your way to take the person’s call each day or when you do and if he or she is going to pull you down, you can fill the conversation with positive uplifting remarks.

*Form your own positive group with friends or colleagues. Make a commitment to meet with these people on a regular basis to discuss goals, exchange ideas, and offer support. These should be people who accept you as you are and yet challenge you to be the best that you can be.

To regain your mindset fully and skillfully, it is important to surround yourself with positive, nourishing people at home, at work, at play, at church, at all times -- they will lift you up the ladder of success and happiness. Do the same for them!!

Like Attracts Like by Shelly Aristizabal






Many grandparents are raising grandchildren. A recent report conducted by U.S. 2010, A Research Project on Changes in American Society founded by Brown University in the Russell Sage Foundation, corroborates a recent study by the Pugh Research Center that showed that 7.7 million U.S. children – 1 in 10 children – were living in the same household as one of their grandparents in 2011. In many cases that means living in the grandparents' home. In 1997, the Census reported that of the grandparents who maintain homes for their grandchildren, 55% of grandmothers and 47% of grandfathers are not yet age 55. In addition, 19% of the grandmothers and 15% of the grandfathers were under the age of 45.

During the last few years, in my law practice, I have noticed more and more grandparents calling me to establish guardianships of their grandchildren. A guardianship must be established according to the procedure in the Indiana Code. A “Guardian” is a fiduciary appointed by the court to be a guardian who is responsible as the court may direct for the person or the property of an incapacitated person or a minor. A “Minor” is any person who is less than 18 years of age and who is not emancipated as a minor. By its very nature, a guardianship is temporary.

A guardianship is usually established because a Parent does not have the financial resources to take care of the Child or is under a certain life stress such as an addiction. The Parent requests the Grandparent to establish a guardianship. As the Parent matures, they become financially stable and then requests that the Grandparent terminate the guardianship.

By this time, the Grandparent may have developed a parental bond with the Child and does not want the guardianship to terminate.

Unfortunately when a Grandparent raises a grandchild, they often start to unintentionally feel that they are the parent and not the grandparent. Thus, when the Parent is in a position to terminate the guardianship, the Grandparent fights the termination. A court fight then ensues. This Court battle is stressful for everyone, including the Child. To begin the termination proceedings, the Parent must petition the court to terminate the guardianship. This court case causes the Parent and Grandparent to incur attorney fees and court time. Often, the contentious termination of the guardianship causes a breakdown of the parent-grandparent relationship. This breakdown has a negative impact on the Child as well.

There are times that I have suggested to a grandparent that they adopt the grandchild either before or after the establishment of the guardianship. An adoption is not temporary. If, at that time, the parent is in dire financial straits or under an addiction, and the grandparent requests the parent consent to the adoption, the parent may consent. If, however, the parent recovers from the addiction or their financial picture improves, the chances of a parent consenting to the adoption decrease. Indeed, the Court, at that time, is less inclined to continue the guardianship. If you are a grandparent raising a grandchild and you want to make the relationship permanent, the only way to make it permanent is by adoption.

Grandparent Guardianships by Tamie Jo Morog






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July 2015 Indy Metro Woman