Franciscan Physicians Offering Free Mammograms

Franciscan Physicians Hospital received $6,750 from the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust (IBCAT) to provide 100 free screening mammograms for underinsured and uninsured area women. Screenings are done at the Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center, 7905 Calumet Ave., Munster.


Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center, 7905 Calumet Ave., Munster

The grant, which will not cover the entire cost of the mammography screening, is available Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2012. Financial assistance will be provided by Franciscan Physicians Hospital to supplement the cost of the mammograms.

The hospital currently provides roughly 5,100 mammograms per year and is partnering with Franciscan Hammond Clinic to identify women who would not otherwise be able to afford a screening.

Participants will complete a survey that indicates possible barriers to testing, such as financial, education, social and cultural, among others. The information is integrated into the program planning to refine the process for overcoming barriers.

The project, developed by IBCAT, the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust, aims to identify and resolve potential and actual barriers for women attempting to obtain regular screenings. Franciscan Physicians Hospital will assist by providing more than 500 women education on breast cancer through multiple educational offerings throughout 2012.

Dr. Cynthia Sanders, vice president of medical affairs at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, states, ”Both organizations are honored to be recipients of this grant. We plan to make it go a long way toward ensuring that this very important, life-saving service is available to women who might otherwise be unable to have the studies done.”


Mammography Screening Machine

For more information about health events and screenings, contact Franciscan Hammond Clinic at (219) 836-5800.

About Breast Cancer

More than 39,000 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2011 from breast cancer. According to the Susan G. Komen foundation, death rates have been decreasing since 1990 due to treatment advances, detection through screening and increased awareness. According to A.D.A.M. Total Health, roughly 12% of women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

Merry Christmas from Franciscan Alliance

"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.'

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'"

--Luke 2:9-14

From all of us at Franciscan Physicians Hospital and Franciscan Alliance to all of you...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Franciscan Hammond Clinic Jan and Feb 2012 Education Schedule

With the New Year just around the corner, it's time to ramp up your 2012 goals and plan ahead for the things that will come to benefit you throughout the year. Franciscan Hammond Clinic offers free patient education classes to compliment a variety of health care concerns and needs. Please note these classes on your 2012 calendar and be sure to join us as we prepare for this exciting New Year!

January classes

Diabetes Support Group: Jeopardy Anyone?

Thursday, January 5th at 6 p.m.
Review your diabetes knowledge and have fun at the same time. Sherri Horvat, Diabetes Educator from Animas Corporation, will be leading us in Diabetes Jeopardy. Register in advance to be elibigle for door prizes!

Weight Management Class

Monday, January 9th at 6:30 p.m.
Are you considering weight reduction surgery? The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has an ongoing weight management class for those interested in weight loss through bariatric surgery. The class meets each second Monday of the month and is free of charge to participants. A one time fee of $25 is accessed for the book and supplies. Physician referral is required.

Healthy Weight Loss with Carb Counting
Thursday, January 19th at 6 p.m.
Still trying to find a weight loss plan that works? Join JoAnn Franczek, registered dietitian at the Franciscan Hammond Clinic, as she discusses the importance of controlling carbohydrate intake for healthy weight loss.

Alzheimer's Support Group
Thursday, January 26th at 6 p.m.
Attend this seminar to learn more about how to work with loved ones afflicted by Alzheimer's disease. Affiliated with the Alzheimer's Association.

February classes

Diabetes Support Group: Your Healthy Heart
Thursday, February 2nd at 6 p.m.
Heart health is an important part of diabetes care. Learn nutritional strategies to improve your cholesterol level. Join JoAnn Franczek, registered dietitian, as she leads us in an evening of Heart Healthy Bingo. Be sure to register in advance!

Weight Management Class

Monday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m.
Are you considering weight reduction surgery? The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has an ongoing weight management class for those interested in weight loss through bariatric surgery. The class meets each second Monday of the month and is free of charge to participants. A one time fee of $25 is accessed for the book and supplies. Physician referral is required.

Alzheimer's Support Group
Thursday, February 23rd at 6 p.m.
Attend this seminar to learn more about how to work with loved ones afflicted by Alzheimer's disease. Affiliated with the Alzheimer's Association.

To register, call (219)836-5800 or 1-800-279-8700
Franciscan Hammond Clinic Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m.- Noon.

Register for any of the classes online at http://www.franciscanhammondclinic.org/!

Thyroid and Weight: A Spirit of Women Presentation in Munster

Please join us on Thursday, January 12, 2012 for our first Spirit of Women presentation titled "Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat?"

The presentation will be given by Dr. Ashwini Reddy, endocrinologist with the Franciscan Hammond Clinic. Dr. Reddy is board certified in endocrinology and has been practicing at the Franciscan Hammond Clinic since October 2009.

The presentation will take place in the hospital's 3rd floor conference room from noon to 1 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public. We hope you can join us for this great event to learn about the thyroid and its effect on the body!

For questions, call (219)922-4200. For more information on thyroid, visit our complete online health library.

About Spirit of Women
The Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region hospitals have joined Spirit of Women. Spirit of Women is a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women's lives with innovative health and community programs. Spirit of Women hospitals touch the lives of millions of women each year through the presentation of educational events, consumer membership programs, annual conferences, marketing communications and grassroots efforts to improve the health and well-being of women everywhere. Spirit of Women enables participating hospitals to focus on community needs while providing the strength of national support. Sign up for Spirit of Women today!

Following our Franciscan Values

Franciscan Physicians Hospital and the Franciscan Alliance center their everyday efforts around the Mission and Values of the organization. It's those items that help drive us to provide the superior care given every minute of the day, every day of the year.

To the internal employee or physician, the mission and values are clear and well-known. But, to an individual outside of our organization, these things might not be so clear. With that in mind, here's is a brief overview of what the Mission and Values of the Franciscan Alliance are:

Our Mission
At Franciscan Alliance, we carry on a mission that began more than eight centuries ago when St. Francis of Assisi left behind all his worldly goods and ventured out to care for those in need. His legacy of service has guided us for more than 135 years, and it continues to inspire us today.

Our mission is Continuing Christ's Ministry in our Franciscan Tradition. This means that it is up to each of us as Franciscan Alliance employees to maintain the values, traditions and good works of all those who have gone before us and who are currently working within the Franciscan Alliance.

Through living out this Mission, we are tasked with assisting in the healing process of our patients according to our own skills, expertise and profession.

Our Values
Five core values are predominantly exemplified throughout our organization. The five values represent a full spectrum of caring and compassion for our patients.

Father Henry blesses the Christmas crib in the lobby
of Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Dyer.

Respect for Life: The gift of life is so valued that each person is cared for with such joy, respect, dignity, fairness and compassion that he or she is consciously aware of being loved.

Fidelity to our Mission: Loyalty to and pride in the healthcare facility are exemplified by members of the health care family through their joy and respect in empathetically ministering to patients, visitors, and co-workers.

Compassionate Concern: In openness and concern for the welfare of the patients, especially the aged, the poor and the disabled, the staff works with select associations and organizations to provide a continuum of care commensurate with the individual's needs.

Joyful Service: The witness of Franciscan presence througout the institution encompasses, but is not limited to, joyful availability, compassionate, respectful care and dynamic stewardship in the service of the Church.

Christian Stewardship: Christian stewardship is evidenced by just and fair allocation of human, spiritual, physical and financial resources in a manner respectful of the individual, responsive to the needs of society, and consistent with Church teachings.

The Franciscan Alliance, in living out each of the above items, is striving to provide all with the best care possible. Our organization of over 18,000 doctors, nurses and employees is focused on healing you.

For more information on our mission, values, and organization, visit http://www.14hospitals.org/.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital wishes you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Listen: Heart Health Tips in a Minute

Franciscan Physicians Hospital has partnered with the American Heart Association to bring you the Heart Health Minute - 60 seconds of information to keep your heart beating in the right direction.

Choose a link below and be sure to tune in each day to WLS 890 AM at the 3 p.m. hour to hear the next Heart Health Minute, and remember, at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, Your Care is Our Passion.

Heart Health Minute: High Blood Pressure
Heart Health Minute: Cholesterol
Heart Health Minute: Dieting
Heart Health Minute: Smoking

Dealing with Dry Skin: 6 Tips to Bring You Relief

As warmer temperatures have now given way to cooler air, many of us may experience some form of dry skin. It happens more often when cold air outside and heated air inside cause low humidity. If not prevented, the skin can crack and peel or become irritated and inflamed. Here are some tips for dealing with dry skin:

• Take fewer and shorter baths. When you bathe, use warm - not hot - water.
• Moisturize your skin immediately after bathing in order to prevent the skin from drying. Avoid products with alcohol.
• Avoid the overdrying of your skin. Try patting your skin dry.
• Soapless cleansers may help. Avoid excessive use of soap, especially harsh soaps.
• Don't overheat your house. Try using a humidifier if possible.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Learn more about dry skin - causes, home care, when to talk to a doctor - by visiting our Online Health Library.

Source: A.D.A.M. Health Library

Managing Stress During the Holidays

The holiday season can be one of enjoyment, connection and fun. It can also be a time of too much to do, too many places to go, and too many people to deal with leaving us tired, frustrated and even angry.

We can feel stress physically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and intellectually. The first step is to identify what the stressors are for us as individuals. We are all different and experience the same events differently. What is fun for one can be dreadful for another.

Judy Elwood, LMHC, MAC, NCC, an Employee Assistance Program Therapist and Case Manager for the Franciscan Alliance, Northern Indiana Region, offers the following tips on how you can better manage stress this holiday season:

Physical Stress

• Take a short nap - more than 30 minutes and you won’t sleep well at night.
  
• Get some exercise - even a brisk walk will help.
  
• Take it easy on the rich, fatty, sweet foods that are prevalent during the holidays.
  
• Increase portions of healthy food and decrease unhealthy food.
  
• Slow down. You’ll actually accomplish more.
  
• Breathe deeply.
  
• Do things that are relaxing to you.
  
  

Spiritual Stress

• Listen to sacred music of the season.
  
• Say a prayer.
  
• Think about the real reason for the season.
  
• Attend worship.
  
• Read uplifting, spiritual materials.
  
• Help someone in need.
  
• Give presents to those who have little.
  
  

Emotional Stress

• Deal with your emotions in appropriate ways. Don’t push them aside.
  
• Have a good cry, if needed.
  
• Have a good laugh. Don’t take everything so seriously.
  
• Listen to another’s troubles. Give them support.
  
• Call a friend or family member if you feel lonely. Reach out to someone.
  
• Don’t expect perfection from yourself or others whether it be decorating, cooking, baking or even finding the "perfect" present.
  
  

Social Stress

• Go to a party. Stay home if you’d rather.
  
• Don’t do things mainly because you "should." Do things that are important to you and the family.
  
• Start some new traditions but remember and celebrate the old traditions as well.
  
• Share the work. Do it in a fun way.
  
• Sing some carols while you work at all those holiday tasks.
  
• Remember the "bartering" system. I’ll do this for you since I like doing it, and you do this for me because you like it and I do not.
  
  

Intellectual Stress

• Focus on a hobby or a good book to take a break from all the holiday "busyness."
  
• Evaluate your goals.
  
• Return the focus to what is important.
  
• Enjoy the quiet of a starry winter night.
  
• Go to bed early. You’ll think better tomorrow.
  
• Have a lively discussion with friends or family.
  
• Play a board game that requires strategy.
  
  

Got 5 Minutes? Take our Stress and Anxiety Assessment. At the end of the assessment you’ll receive:

• An explanation of stress factors in your life
  
• Tips for relaxing and reducing stress
  
• Links to additional reading
  
  

For more information, read our in-depth report on Stress. >>