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!
Continuing Christ’s Ministry In Our Franciscan Tradition.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
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:
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:
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.
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
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.
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