MANSFIELD – On Sept. 4, 2018, Jeff Barrett was rushed to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital by his wife after a sleepless, sick night. What they thought was the flu turned out to be far worse than they could have imagined. “Sometimes you feel lightheaded and dizzy, and this was, like, really light-headed and dizzy,” Barrett recalled. […]
Wellness
Strive to Thrive week 5: Keep it fresh by adding variety to your workout
Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Allen Stoll, Exercise Physiologist at OhioHealth and Strive to Thrive personal trainer. Have you found yourself saying, “Running is boring. I don’t like going to the gym. Weightlifting is not for me”? If any of those thoughts have crossed your mind when you think of exercise, that’s okay. […]
Springfield Township firefighter uses Strive to Thrive contest to serve his community better
MANSFIELD — Springfield Township firefighter Justin Brant, 43, got into a car accident 10 years ago, resulting in an injured back and neck. Even though he still struggles with those injuries today, it doesn’t stop him from throwing himself in a line of fire to save lives. Brant, who’s been active as a first responder […]
Strive to Thrive community event gets contestants ramped up
MANSFIELD — A Strive to Thrive community event took place on Thursday, where contestants and community members participated in competitions and group workouts. As the weight loss competition continues to progress, the contestants are growing more comfortable with their workout routines. Strive to Thrive contestant Jonathan Lutzmann has enjoyed his training so far and signed […]
Part VI: A Tale of Two Selves
Editor’s Note: This is part VI of a series on Thriving in the Martial Arts. Written by Chris Hershberger, he provides a first-person look at how he went from being a “poor punk kid” from Mansfield to an Olympic Taekwondo All-American coach. Okay. I know we left the 80’s, but I have to mention a movie that […]
How I wish I’d managed my postpartum anxiety
I was back to work following a seven week maternity leave after my second daughter was born. The entire maternity leave, I was antsy, eager to get back to it. Yet, I always struggled to leave the baby that first week. Luckily, I had a boss that encouraged me to bring her along that first […]
Weathering Winter: Local opportunities to beat cabin fever
Though recently the weather’s turned warm, February means we’re in the thick of winter. But according to Punxsutawney Phil’s declaration this past Sunday, winter is on its way out. While that might elicit cheers and the unpacking of spring clothes, don’t be so quick to wish away the cold season. With winter, comes an outdoor […]
OSU Mansfield student advocates for discussing mental illness, getting professional help
Editor’s Note: This ongoing thrive series looks at how students on college campuses are innovating, overcoming challenges and living healthy lives. ONTARIO — Kaylee McCormick grew up as an active and engaged student, but with a driven mentality also came pent up anger that she could not understand. It wasn’t until high school that she […]
Rescue dogs, Makayla Weixel and gifts we don’t know we have
We just found out my son’s rescue dog is a purebred! 100% American Staffordshire Terrier. Yes, Gomer is a rescue. He was a stray, possibly left to the streets because of health issues and saved from euthanization. And he is most definitely the absolute sweetest dog I’ve ever known. I have lots of superlatives here, […]
Strive to Thrive week 4: Track what you eat — how to keep a food log
Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Emily Freeman, Exercise Physiologist at OhioHealth and Strive to Thrive personal trainer. Grab your pencil before your utensil. Whether you are trying to lose weight or just looking to make healthier food choices, keeping a food log will be key to your success. Tracking your food intake will […]

