Franciscan Physicians Hospital changes name to Franciscan Healthcare - Munster

Effective July 1, Franciscan Physicians Hospital, 701 Superior Ave., changed its name to Franciscan Healthcare - Munster "to better reflect the hospital as an evolving, full-service, health care center," according to Barb Greene, hospital president.

"The new name is more reflective of the high-quality, broader-scope, medical center it represents today and will into the future, while serving Munster and the surrounding communities," she said.

The change also was made in light of the hospital’s changeover from a previously, for-profit partnership between Franciscan Alliance and a number of physician shareholders, to a nonprofit.

"“Over time, an agreement was made with the physician partners to sell their shares of the hospital to Franciscan Alliance," Greene said. As a result of that process, the hospital is now fully owned by Franciscan Alliance and its status has changed to a nonprofit."

"The new name fully supports our unique system brand, Franciscan, as our anchor and foundation. The term, Healthcare, represents the comprehensive array of medical services we offer and plan for the future,” Greene said.

"Adding the town to the name identifies our geographical location to the patients and communities we are privileged to serve."

The growth will continue, according to Greene.

"A major master facility plan to enlarge the Franciscan Healthcare - Munster campus also is on the horizon. It includes the addition of an emergency department, bed tower, chapel and other expanded services," Greene said.

Celebrating National Nurses & Hospital Week 2013

A special message from our Mission and Spiritual Care Team:

May 6-12, 2013 is National Nurses Week. No other profession touches people the same way a nurse does. Our nurses touch the heart, soul, mind and body of each patient.

A patient commented, "I am 82 years old and the nurse saw that I was frightened and she asked if I wanted her to stay with me…. She stayed and comforted me…. I loved the concern and I felt safe!!!" Another patient commented, "Nurses may not be angels, but they are the next best things…."

Although each day is a challenge, and the work is often physically and emotionally demanding, what a privilege the nursing profession must be. Florence Nightingale – the Founder of Nursing – put it well: nursing is a "higher calling" for the special few who can combined art and science into a thing of beauty, compassion and caring at the bedside. It is not just a job, it is a mission.

Following Nurses Week, we celebrate National Hospital Week, May 12-18, 2013. For years, Franciscan Alliance hospitals have touched the hearts, souls, minds and bodies of thousands in Nortwest Indiana and South Chicago land. It is a continuing mission that begun 150 years ago by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel – the Founder of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration. Little did Florence Nightingale and Mother Theresia realize that over a century later their visions would converge across the Atlantic as Franciscan Alliance.

Let us honor and celebrate our nurses and staff for continuing to answer the call to bring Christ’s compassion and caring to others. WE ARE PROUD OF OUR NURSES! WE ARE PROUD OF OUR STAFF!

Every minute counts: the facts you need to know about stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. A stroke results when blood flow to the brain is interrupted and nearby cells die from a lack of oxygen and nutrients.

Treatments are available that can greatly minimize damage caused by a stroke—but you must recognize symptoms and get to a hospital immediately to avoid disability. Every minute counts.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

The warning signs of a stroke have a quick onset, and include sudden:

• numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• confusion
• trouble speaking or understanding speech
• difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
• trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance/coordination
• severe headache with no known cause

If someone is having stroke symptoms, perform the FAST assessment:

(F)ace: Ask person to smile; look for facial droop and uneven smile.

(A)rms: Ask person to raise both arms. Can he/she do it evenly?

(S)peech: Ask person to say a simple sentence. Listen for slurred speech.

(T)ime: CALL 911 and get to the hospital immediately!


Am I at risk of having a stroke?

The following are stroke risk factors that can be minimized with medical treatment or lifestyle changes:

• High blood pressure: This is the number one cause of stroke. Know your blood pressure and have it checked regularly.
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Physical inactivity and obesity
• Excessive alcohol use

Knowing your stroke risk is the first step in prevention. Have regular medical checkups, and talk with your health care provider about what you can do to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Online Stroke Assessment
Our online Stroke Assessment can help explain your risk factors and recommend steps for reducing your risk. Take the Stroke Risk Assessment >

Because May is National Stroke Awareness Month, on May 22, 2013, Franciscan Alliance stroke coordinators Kari Kerstetter and Amy Linsemeyer will be discussing stroke recognition and the importance of early activation of 911 at the monthly Mallwalkers event at 9 a.m. at Westfield Southlake mall in Hobart. The Mallwalkers program, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance and the mall, takes place on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the JC Penney court on the first floor. Blood pressure screenings also are available.

Managing Change

Submitted by: Cathy M. Cinko, LCSW

Change is one mainstay in our lives today. Change affects us in our home lives, but also in our workplace. Change is all around us. Change is not only persistent, but it is also consistent. Do we want to embrace change or resist change? Embracing change is an adaptable quality. Resisting change is maladaptive. Resisting change could be perceived by others as being rigid and inflexible. Embracing change, on the other hand, could show others that we are flexible and a team player.

Some people view change positively. This change is viewed as a learning opportunity or growing potential. Others may view change negatively. Change is perceived as something to fear or avoid. Fearing or avoiding change will only prolong the inevitable. If change is feared then sometimes it is important to develop coping skills to assist an individual with embracing the changes. Coping can be defined as behavioral and cognitive strategies to deal with experiences that are perceived as negative.

Coping with change means that you take charge and be a part of the change solution, including managing your feelings. Ask yourself if this change is going to affect you in a positive or negative way. People who have a positive outlook find it easier to engage in the change process. Use positive thinking techniques like positive affirmation statements while visualizing a good outcome. Ask yourself questions: Is this change likely to ease your work load or enhance your skills?

If the change is a perceived threat then knowledge can translate to power and control. Be proactive, and assertively ask for news updates. Being proactive is an important action step to help navigate the changes. The famous self-help book, Who Moved my Cheese, by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard, is an amazing resource for individuals that struggle with change at work and at home.

Embrace change by becoming a change-agent! Remember: change is inevitable!

Cathy M. Cinko, LCSW, is a therapist with the Employee Assistance Program for the Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Northern Indiana.

Volunteers receive Most Valuable Team award

Franciscan Physicians Hospital congratulates its volunteers as the winners of this quarter’s MVT (Most Valuable Team) award.

This award is a Service Excellence initiative to honor those who demonstrate outstanding team services. The award is determined by previous winners; last quarter, the Outpatient Surgery Team won the award and nominated the volunteers this quarter. The winners have their picture taken and are on display in a large award board in the main lobby.

From assisting patients in the hallways to answering phones, guiding family members to their loved ones in pre-op and recovery, and helping with hospitality, there is nothing that the FPH volunteers cannot do to brighten someone’s day and add a valuable piece to our health care puzzle. Their generous dedication to helping others Makes a Difference!

THANK YOU, Volunteers, for your outstanding service here at Franciscan Physicians Hospital and for winning the MVT Award.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Franciscan Physicians Hospital and Franciscan Alliance, visit FranciscanAlliance.org/volunteer.

National Healthcare Decisions Day - Understanding Advance Directives

There may come a time when you or a family member is seriously injured or gravely ill. In the midst of shock and grief, you may be asked to make hard medical decisions. It is important for you to learn about Advance Directives, types and intensity of medical care, and to discuss the kind of treatment you feel comfortable with before you make those difficult decisions.

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day…a time to bring awareness to the importance of advance care planning and communicating and documenting your healthcare decisions.

Understanding Advance Directives

Advance care directives allow patients to provide instructions about their preferences regarding the care they would like to receive if they develop an illness or a life-threatening injury and are unable to express their preferences. Advance care directives can also designate someone the patient trusts to make decisions about medical care if the patient becomes unable to make (or communicate) these decisions. This is called designating "power of attorney (for health care)."

Advance care directives can reduce:

• Personal worry
• Feelings of helplessness and guilt by family members
• Futile, costly, specialized interventions that a patient may not want
• Overall health care costs
• Legal concerns for everyone involved

Example of Advance Directives

• Verbal instructions. These are any decisions regarding care that are communicated verbally by an individual to health care providers or family members.
• Organ donation. This may be accomplished by completing an organ donation card and carrying it in your wallet. A second card may be placed with important papers (such as a living will, insurance papers, and so on).
• Living will. This is a written, legal document that conveys the wishes of a person in the event of serious illness. This document can speak for a patient who is unable to communicate. A living will may indicate specific care or treatment the person does or does not want performed under specific circumstances. A living will is not to be confused with a last will and testament that distributes assets after a person's death.
• Special medical power of attorney. A legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else (proxy) to make medical or health care decisions, in the event the individual becomes unable to make or communicate such decisions personally.
• DNR (do not resuscitate) order. This states that CPR is not to be performed if your breathing stops or your heart stops beating. The order may be written by the person's doctor after discussing the issue with the person (if possible), the proxy, or family.

Recommendations

• In the event you choose to create a living will or special medical power of attorney, know specific state laws that may apply. Write the document to be consistent with your state's laws.
• If you have a living will or special medical power of attorney, provide copies for your family members and health care providers. Carry a copy with you in a wallet, glove compartment of a car, or similar location. If you have a planned admission to a hospital, take copies for the hospital to include in your medical chart and tell all medical personnel involved with your case about the documents.
• Consider the possibilities of the future, and plan ahead. Studies have shown that although the majority of people believe having some form of advance directive is a good idea, most people have not actually developed advance directives for themselves. Many people state that they want their families to make health care decisions. However, less than half of these people have ever discussed the issue and their specific desires with family members.
• These decisions can be changed at any time. However, if a living will is changed, everyone involved -- including family or proxies and all healthcare providers -- must be informed and new copies of instructions made and distributed.

The process of creating advance care directives may be difficult. It requires you to think about your priorities regarding quality of life and your death. Treatment options, and their possible influence on your quality of life, need to be fully understood and considered. Know the potential implications of choosing or refusing specific forms of care.

Discuss your wishes regarding advance care directives with your health care providers, family members, and friends. Review your wishes from time to time to remind everyone.

Source: A.D.A.M. Multimedia Encyclopedia

Pope’s decree of miracle paves way for beatification of Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel

On Wednesday, March 27, 2013, Pope Francis approved his first decrees from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Among them was a ‘Decree of Miracle’ acknowledging a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God, Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, foundress of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.

This miraculous cure of a young boy from Colorado Springs, Colo. – who is now a young adult -- paves the way towards her beatification, which is scheduled to take place on Nov. 10, 2013, in Paderborn, Germany.

Mother Maria Theresia, was born on Sept. 17, 1830, in Olpe, Germany. She sought to combine the contemplative and active religious life through an unfailing commitment to Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the works of mercy in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Mother Maria Theresia died on Feb.6, 1905.

About the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration:
The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration continue to serve in education, health care, and other ecclesial ministries in Germany, the United States, the Philippines, and Brazil. In doing so, they follow in the footsteps of Jesus who spent His public life praying, teaching, healing and ministering to others. The Provincial House of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province is located in Mishawaka, Ind. These Sisters serve in the Archdioceses of Chicago and Indianapolis, and the Dioceses of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Lafayette-in-Indiana, and Gary. The Sisters rejoice that this gift comes during their celebration of the 150th Jubilee of the Congregation and the Year of Faith. To learn more, go to http://www.ssfpa.org.

Caring for Carmelite Kids at Easter

Franciscan Physicians Hospital has a tradition of helping the children who live at St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home and this Easter is no exception. But, what started as a hospital committee project turned into a project completely driven by Facebook groups wanting to help.

Office supervisor and Franciscan employee, Brandy Egnatz, is part of the Service Excellence Committee at Franciscan Physicians Hospital and helped formulate the idea for the Easter basket donation. To make the most out of the project, she decided to write a post requesting donated Easter items in two different Facebook groups she belongs to. One post went to went to a group of over 3,000 northwest Indiana moms and the other was for the town of Lowell.

Egnatz coordinated the project when she started getting an outpouring of Facebook members who wanted to help in the mission.

“I told them what I was doing and I asked for donations. Then I bought the baskets and the next thing you know, I had everything to fill them!” Egnatz said. “I met the women to collect the donations and with the help of my mom, Vickie Loeber (whom is also a Franciscan employee) and my babysitter Kris Holsti, we filled the baskets”.

Delivery of the gifts took place Thursday March 14th, during which time a basket with each child’s name was provided. Baskets contained stuffed animals, candy, toys and books that were all age appropriate for each child. Over 65 baskets were made and delivered.

Egnatz commented on why this project was so important to her. “I just wanted the children to have something to open on Easter. I have three kids and couldn’t imagine them not having a basket to wake up to. I just wanted to make them happy”.

For information on supporting the mission of the St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home, visit www.carmelitehome.org or call (219)397-1085.

About the St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home

Since its establishment nearly 100 years ago, the Carmelite Home has been a refuge for neglected and abused children from birth to age 18. Known for having the highest outcomes in Indiana, children of the Carmelite Home are successfully integrated back into the community. The nonprofit organization for family and child services offers comprehensive care with a residential treatment center and emergency shelter so no child will be homeless.

MAMMOthon - Grab the girls and go!

You know MAMMOGRAMS are the best defense you and your best gal pals have against breast cancer.

Make an appointment for your next screening mammogram during the Franciscan Alliance MAMMOthon.

Chat it up with the girls. We have refreshments, prize drawings (chance to win an iPad mini!) and chair massages (availability limited). Make a day of it. Reserve your spot today!

MARCH 20

6 AM - 7 PM
FRANCISCAN ST. ANTHONY HEALTH
301 West Homer Street • Michigan City
Appointments: (219) 877-1980

APRIL 17

9 AM - 6:30 PM
FRANCISCAN HAMMOND CLINIC
A department of Franciscan Physicians Hospital
7905 Calumet Avenue • Munster
Appointments: (219) 836-3600
Physician referral required.

APRIL 19

7 AM - 7 PM
FRANCISCAN ST. MARGARET HEALTH
5454 Hohman Avenue • Hammond
Appointments: (219) 933-2635

APRIL 19

6 AM - 7:30 PM
FRANCISCAN ST. ANTHONY HEALTH
1201 S. Main Street • Crown Point
Appointments: (219) 757-6250

APRIL 25

7 AM - 7 PM
FRANCISCAN ST. MARGARET HEALTH
24 Joliet • Dyer
Appointments: (219) 933-2635

Most insurances accepted. Physician referral required only at the Franciscan Hammond Clinic location. A limited number of appointments are available.

Video: Spirit of Women - Day of Dance 2013

Feb. 10, 2013: Franciscan Alliance's second annual Day of Dance event, as part of our Spirit of Women campaign. More than 900 joined us at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville to "Get Their Dance On" and focus on women's health through a myriad of events, including dance instruction and performances, health screenings and discussions with local doctors.

This Winter - Bury Your Heart Attack Risk

It’s not uncommon to hear one say that another has a “cold heart.” This winter, Franciscan Physicians Hospital is providing some tips to keep you from having a “cold heart,” quite literally.

The combination of shoveling and typical winter temperatures causes a significant increase in heart attacks with heart attack deaths tripling among men 35 to 49 years old, says Daniel Forman, MD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital cardiologist.

With a heightened risk to you and your health in the winter season, it’s important to review the symptoms and signs of a heart attack so that you’re aware if you’re having one.
The American Heart Association lists these prominent symptoms that should be recognized and treated immediately:

• chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
• discomfort in other areas of the upper body including the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach
• shortness of breath with or without discomfort
• other signs that include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

Be aware of the signs and symptoms for the safety of you and your loved ones. Now take a look at some common tips from the American Heart Association to reduce the stress on your heart while shoveling snow.

• Don’t eat a heavy meal prior to or soon after shoveling. This puts an extra load on your heart.
• Take frequent breaks during shoveling so that you don’t overstress your heart.
• Use a small shovel or consider a snow blower.
• When possible, simply push the snow instead of lifting it.
• Learn the heart attack warning signs and listen to your body. Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.
• Don’t drink alcohol before or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol produces a sense of warmth and may cause an underestimation of the strain that the cold is having on your body.
• Consult your doctor prior to the first anticipated snowfall to assess your risk of heart attack.
• Know the dangers of hypothermia. Heart failure causes the most deaths in hypothermia, so be sure to dress warm.

Utilizing these tips will help you to avoid a heart attack from snow shoveling. Whenever possible, utilize alternate methods for removing snow such as plowing, snow blowing or asking a neighbor to help out. Minimizing the strain on your heart will minimize the risk your heart endures.

World Day of the Sick 2013: Prayers for the sick and our caregivers

If easily accessible over-the-counter pain medication is a hint, most of us perhaps would rather avoid pain and suffering. Not Aline. Aline was only twenty years old when she discovered that she had a heart ailment. Confronted with the fragility and limitation of life, Aline took an unusual path. She faced her infirmity unconditionally to the point that she would even pray for suffering. Apparently she saw something essential that can only be known after having passed through the dark night of suffering and pain. She saw her infirmity as a gift and a confirmation that God took her seriously. And that recognition enabled her to compassionately (com-passion: to suffer with) relate and help others in their suffering. Nine years later, Aline founded a religious community in Olpe, Germany, dedicated to the care of the sick and the poor. Today, 150 years later, Aline is known as the Venerable Sister Maria Theresia Bonzel, the founder of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration.

Monday, February 11, 2013 will mark the 21st World Day of the Sick. Established in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, this day has three consistent themes. First, it offers us an opportunity to reflect and recommit ourselves to be compassionate in our care for the sick. When we have known suffering ourselves, we can relate well with another’s suffering. And when we can trust and see God in suffering, He will also show us the gift therein. Second, it reminds us to pray intensely and sincerely for the sick. And third, this day recognizes and honors YOU and all persons who work in health care as caregivers. Thanking YOU and all those who care for the sick and elderly.

Mission/Spiritual Care Team

My Television is My Trainer

Though gym membership traditionally increases in January, February can find many of us wanting to stay out of the cold and work out at home. For those who do stay home, the television is often our "trainer" through the use of exercise DVDs and gaming systems that offer fitness programs. With more people having access to these at-home workout programs, it's important to look at the pros and cons of using your television as your personal trainer.

Pros:

• Working out at home can give you more time with your family. For those who are working long days, eliminating the drive to and from the gym and working out with or by your family can offer you some much needed time together.
• Working out at home offers you flexibility. Rather than having to make a certain fitness class at a certain time, you can choose when to work out. Whether it's early morning or later at night, you are in charge.
• Working out at home offers you privacy. Some people are uncomfortable exercising in front of others and would prefer to work out alone.
• Working out at home can offer you a wide variety of exercises. You can customize your workout on many of the gaming systems or rent/buy a variety of different fitness DVDs. You are not stuck taking a certain exercise class just because it fits the time you can exercise.
• Weather is not an issue when you work at inside the home.

Cons:

• Working out at home can suffer from many distractions. The phone rings; the laundry is piled up; the kids are arguing, etc. All of these can distract you from the important task at hand - improving your health.
• It can be easy to skip your workout when you exercise at home. Without accountability to a class, trainer or even a workout buddy, it can be easier to skip your workout "just this once." And again. And again.
• Some people don't work out as intensely as they need to when working out at home. For some, having a teacher, trainer or classmates to push you a little increases your intensity and results!
• Your exercise form can suffer when working out at home. Having the proper form when lifting a weight or doing aerobics is important both for the results you wish to achieve as well as to prevent injury. Having a teacher or trainer can help you maintain the proper form while exercising.

So, what to do? If you work out at home, pay special attention to your exercise form to prevent injury. Make exercise a priority and commitment. Use a heart rate monitor to help you stay in your training zone. If you find it too hard to keep your commitment to better fitness by exercising at home, get to the gym regularly, letting your family know that you are giving them the best gift possible - a healthier you! No matter what you choose, make this the year that exercise becomes a habit you will keep for the rest of your life.

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This article was published in the February 2013 edition of the Completely Well newsletter from WorkingWell - an occupational health network of Franciscan Alliance providing a comprehensive approach to employers with job-related health needs.

Now Pinning - Go Red for Women

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 1, 2013. We've created a Pinterest board to get you in the spirit...and to showcase some fashion ideas, recipes and health info to help you and your friends celebrate and support the movement.

Check it out...and don't forget to Go Red for Women on February 1! http://pinterest.com/franciscannwi/go-red-for-women/.

Down in the Dumps? 6 Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Depression

There are many descriptions for depression - feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. During the fall and winter months, we may experience seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), likely due to the cold weather and lack of sunlight.

No matter what type of depression you have and how severe it is, the following self-care steps can help:

• Get enough sleep.
• Follow a healthy, nutritious diet, and limit the use of alcohol.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get involved in activities that make you happy.
• Consider meditation, tai chi, or other relaxation methods.
• Spend time with family and friends.

People who have had repeated seasonal depression should talk to a mental health care professional about prevention methods. Starting treatment during the fall or early winter, before the symptoms of SAD begin, may be helpful.

For more information on seasonal affective disorder and other forms of depression, visit our Online Health Library.

Join us now on Pinterest!

First Facebook, then Twitter...and now Franciscan Alliance - Northern Indiana has joined the social world known as Pinterest => http://www.pinterest.com/FranciscanNWI.

Join us as we share a collection of health tips and tools, infographics, videos and more. It's just another fun, engaging way to showcase our mission! Happy Pinning!

And remember...you can always:

• Find Us on Facebook: facebook.com/FranciscanNWI
• Follow Us on Twitter: twitter.com/FranciscanNWI
• Watch Us on YouTube: youtube.com/FranciscanNWI

Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Lake County, Indiana, adopt visitor restrictions to prevent flu spread

Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Lake County, Indiana, have adopted temporary visitor restrictions in an effort to help prevent spread of the influenza virus.

The measures, effective at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point, Franciscan St. Margaret Health- Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster include:

• People exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to not come to the hospitals to visit. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, or fever of more than 100 degrees.
• Visitors under age 18 will not be permitted.
• No more than two persons at a time may visit a patient and visiting hours will be strictly enforced.
• Visitors are asked to sanitize their hands before coming into the hospitals and to wash their hands often, especially before entering a patient’s room and upon leaving. Hospitals are equipped with hand sanitizer units, as well.
• Reading materials and toys in many cases have been removed from waiting rooms.

Visitors are thanked for their cooperation to help the hospitals minimize the impact of the virus.

Additional Resources

For more information about the flu, please choose a topic:

• In-Depth Report: Colds and the flu
• Questions to ask your doctor - adult or child
• Influenza Vaccine

Videos

• The Difference Between a Cold and the Flu
• Tips on Buying Cold and Flu Medicine
• What Should I Do If My Child Has the Flu?

New Year, New Start: 9 Tips for a New You

Submitted by Nicky Smith, LMHC with the Employee Assistance Program of Franciscan Alliance - Northwest Indiana

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." - Denis Waitley

May this year become a time of new beginnings for you. A time to limit placing conditions on becoming happier. Instead of saying "I will be happy when ..." or "If only I have ... then I will be happy" consider the list below. Choose one or two things that you can do on a regular basis and notice how your view of happiness expands.

1. Visualize the best possible future for yourself and others.
2. Laugh as if you have heard the funniest joke.
3. Donate things you no longer use.
4. Practice forgiveness.
5. Set aside time for one spiritual practice such as prayer, reading the scriptures, or attending church service.
6. Volunteer your time to help others in need.
7. Spend more time nurturing relationships and surround yourself with supportive people.
8. Set limits on time you spend working without breaks.
9. Be generous with compliments to encourage others…and please remember to begin and end each day with gratitude!