News Center: Franciscan Physicians Hospital

"Love Your Heart" - Heart Month Event

2012-02-22T15:16:00.000-06:00

Cardiologist Thomas Tamlyn, M.D., of Chicago Heart and Vascular Consultants, will be presenting valuable information on heart disease, modern treatments and ways to keep your heart healthy.

Monday, February 27
3 - 4 p.m.
Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center
7905 Calumet Ave., Munster
3rd Floor Conference Room

Take advantage of the American Heart Association's Heart Health Month by joining us for this informative session.

Register by calling (219) 836-3600 or (800) 279-8700.

Pediatric Sleep Services Now Offered

2012-02-22T14:35:00.000-06:00

Pediatric sleep studies, entailing knowledge, screening, evaluation and treatment practices regarding sleep disorders in children, are often unspoken of.

According to Child Uplift, Inc., less than two percent of students with sleep disorders are identified, treated and corrected.

The Sleep Disorders Center of Franciscan Physicians Hospital, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, is changing that silence for Northwest Indiana with a new location and pediatric evaluations introduced in February 2012.

Located in the second floor of what was previously Surgical Hospital of Munster, 7847 Calumet Ave., Munster, the Sleep Disorders Center provides a range of pediatric sleep disorders tests, along with their adult testing.

Sleep disturbances can represent highly common phenomena interfering with daily life and causing significant emotional, behavioral and cognitive dysfunction over time. Elevated occurrences of sleep problems in youth often coincide with medical conditions and psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Muhammad Najjar, medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center, states "approximately twenty five percent of all children experience some type of sleep problem at some point during childhood, ranging from short-term difficulties in falling asleep to more serious primary sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy."

Childhood sleep disorders, classified into the categories of dyssomnias, parasomnias and medical-psychiatric disorders, include sleep walking, bedwetting, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome and others.

"Sleep is the only priority in our center," explains Najjar. "We have always aimed to be the best sleep disorders center in Northwest Indiana for adults and children by having a board certified physician and credentialed staff here full-time. We continue to be open seven days a week to address the sleep needs of Northwest Indiana in our new facility."

For more information, call the Sleep Disorders Center at (219) 836-7535.

Video Recap: Day of Dance 2012

2012-02-21T15:18:00.001-06:00

Feb. 12, 2012: Franciscan Alliance's first Day of Dance event, as part of our new Spirit of Women campaign. More than 700 attendees of all ages took part in a myriad events, including dance instruction and performances, health screenings, cooking demonstrations and a vendors bazaar - all meant to stress health during February, which is American Heart Month.

Enjoy!

Next Mallwalkers Event - Body Vive - Feb. 22

2012-02-19T11:28:00.002-06:00

Join us Wednesday, February 22, for the FranciscanFit monthly Mallwalkers program at the Westfield Southlake Mall (JC Penney Court), 2109 Southlake Mall, Merrillville.

Topic: Body Vive

Blood Pressure Screenings will be available from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

From 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., instructors from Omni Health & Fitness present "Body Vive" - a low-impact, whole body cardio workout. All ages are welcome.

For more information, contact the Franciscan Alliance Health Resource Center at (800) 931-3322.

Franciscan Focus for iPhone, iPad and Android Users - Download Today!

2012-02-17T10:15:00.000-06:00

Last week we announced the launch of our Franciscan Focus magazine app for the iPhone and iPad.

Now we are pleased to offer a free app for Android users!

Click on the links below to get Franciscan Focus "on the go" - mobile access to news and features about the best and latest services offered at the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana hospitals.

Patient Education Classes, March/April 2012

2012-02-16T09:54:00.001-06:00

Join us at the Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center, 7905 Calumet Ave., as we celebrate the health of our community! March and April patient education classes are almost here to provide you and your family a gateway toward better health in 2012! Click image to enlarge.

For more information, visit the Franciscan Hammond Clinic website at http://www.franciscanhammondclinic.org/!@

"Spirit of Women" Shines at Day of Dance Program

2012-02-13T10:31:00.001-06:00

Franciscan Alliance's first Day of Dance program, as part of its new Spirit of Women campaign, kicked off with a bang at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza on Feb. 12, with more than 700 attendees of all ages taking part in myriad events, including dance, health screenings, including for blood pressure, blood glucose, body fat analysis, bone density, breast exam self-education, heart attack prevention, and foot, stroke and peripheral arterial disease testing.

Also offered were a chef's corner, vendors bazaar and other offerings meant to stress health during February, which is American Heart Month.

Among special guests were Maurice Basile, 90, and wife Helen Funk, 101, of Munster, who shared a special fox trot dance to a song done by Jimmy Durante. The couple have been married 14 years and "just love to dance." They also participate in programs offered in Hammond and in Highland. Both are cancer survivors who believe in living life to the fullest by staying active. They also have taken seven vacation cruises.

For more photos of the event, visit facebook.com/FranciscanNWI.

To become a Spirit of Women member and to register for monthly programs, call (800) 931-3322, or visit FranciscanAlliance.org/SpiritofWomen.

Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Northwest Indiana include, Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City, Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point, Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

Franciscan Hammond Clinic Receives BCBSIL Award

2012-02-02T12:04:00.001-06:00

MUNSTER | Franciscan Hammond Clinic received the 2010 Blue Ribbon Designation by BlueCross BlueShield Illinois, according to a BCBSIL 2011 report.

The Blue Star Medical Group/IPA Report recognizes HMO contracting medical groups/Independent Practice Associations (IPAs) that have documented high levels of performance in providing patient care.

BCBSIL assesses medical group performances annually based upon national clinical practice and preventive care guidelines.

Groups earn a “blue star” when they meet or exceed a target care goal within a reporting category. Franciscan Hammond Clinic received eight blue stars total for the categories of Asthma, Diabetes, Mental Health Follow-Up, Breast Cancer Screening, Management of Cardiovascular Conditions, Controlling High Blood Pressure, Cervical Cancer Screening and Influenza Vaccination.

Dr. Cynthia Sanders, medical director at Franciscan Hammond Clinic, states, “Franciscan Hammond Clinic is pleased to have been recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois in its annual Blue Star report. Staff is thrilled to have our ongoing commitment to high quality health care for Northwest Indiana recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.”

For more information on the Franciscan Hammond Clinic and the Blue Star report, visit www.franciscanhammondclinic.org.

February "Spirit of Women" Seminar - Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

2012-01-31T08:49:00.000-06:00

Please join us for our monthly Spirit of Women presentation in February:

“A Little DASH Will Do You”
DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a dietary plan developed by the National Institute of Health to aid in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels without the need for medication.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Noon
Franciscan Hammond Clinic
7905 Calumet Ave., Munster
3rd Floor Conference Room
Presented by: Joann Franczek, Registered Dietitian

For more information or to register, please call (800) 931-3322.

Watch for dates for our March seminar: “Avoid a Brainwreck (Concussions)."

For more information about these events call (800) 931-3322.

To sign up for Spirit of Women, visit our webpage or fill out our online form on Facebook!

Video: Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat?

2012-01-30T12:50:00.000-06:00

Dr. Krista Molina, Family Medicine, talks about the thyroid and discusses how thyroid conditions affect your body, including weight gain. This presentation was held at Omni Health & Fitness in Chesterton in January 2012...one of several Spirit of Women "Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat?" presentations that month across Northern Indiana.

Watch for upcoming monthly seminars “A Little DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Will Do You” in February and “Avoid a Brainwreck (Concussions)” in March.

For more information about these events call (800) 931-3322. To sign up for Spirit of Women, visit our webpage or fill out our online form on Facebook!

Hospital Seeking Adult Volunteers!

2012-01-23T13:53:00.000-06:00

Franciscan Physicians Hospital, located at 701 Superior Ave., Munster, is seeking adult volunteers for its newly formed Volunteer Team.

The program, led by Mary Higgins, director of mission services, will give community members an additional outlet to join the hospital's mission and commitment to provide great patient care.

Barb Greene, president of Franciscan Physicians Hospital, states "We're so happy to have Mary Higgins on board with our leadership team. Mary comes to us with over 19 years of experience in overseeing the mission and volunteer programs at Franciscan St. Margaret Health."

Volunteers will be assisting with many of the services that contribute to the care and comfort of patients, among them escorting, greeting and other non-clinical tasks.

"I'm excited to invite volunteers into our facility," states Greene. "As we grow, it is imperative that we resume our mission programs, ensuring all who visit our facility see the rich culture of the Sisters of St. Francis."

Those interested in volunteering should contact Mary Higgins at (219) 922-5897, or by email at mary.higgins@franciscanalliance.org.

Latest Edition of Franciscan Focus is Here!

2012-01-17T09:35:00.000-06:00

The Winter/Spring 2012 edition of the Franciscan Focus magazine is here!

In this issue:

Gut Feeling - Digestive health not to be ignored
No Bones About It - Education and prevention lead to stronger support
Hospital News & Notes
Just Dance! - NWI residents will groove their way to health at "Spirit of Women" event

About the digital edition

Each page is viewable in an interactive, user-friendly format. As you read through the magazine, just click on the arrows to turn the pages and while you are on a specific page, you can…

Print, bookmark, even make virtual notes on whatever strikes you. Just click on the Tools icon at the top.
Share a page or selection of pages with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, email and other social networks, using the Share icon.
Click on the links provided in articles to be taken directly to the corresponding website.

To get started, click on the "flipping pages" image or here.

We’d love to hear your feedback about Franciscan Focus! Feel free to email comments or questions to Julia.Huisman@franciscanalliance.org.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital Cares for Kids

2012-01-04T12:09:00.000-06:00

MUNSTER | Dec. 19 marked the last St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home fundraising luncheon at Franciscan Physicians Hospital in 2011. Luncheons were held throughout the month of December.

As part of annual support efforts for the children, hospital employees raised $4,000, with all proceeds going to the home. Contributions came from luncheons, payroll deductions and donations.

“My staff is always very considerate towards the children of the Carmelite Home. Supporting them has been a part of our facility’s mission for some time, but we all see the importance now more than ever with the budget crisis they’re facing,” says hospital president Barb Greene.

Physicians and staff generally give presents at Christmas time, but with state funding cuts leaving the home in desperation, a collection was taken instead.

Sister Maria Giuseppe, provincial superior of the Carmelite Home, states “funding cuts have been our biggest struggle over the last year. State funding covers about 70% of our costs, which leaves quite a gap in providing for the children we care for.”

July 2, 2013, will mark the one hundred year anniversary of the E. Chicago Carmelite Home location. Further budget cuts are anticipated in the coming year.

“We cannot express our appreciation to Franciscan Physicians Hospital and the Franciscan Alliance for caring about our children in this great time of need,” says Sr. Giuseppe. “We thank them for allowing us to continue Christ’s ministry in our community.”

To support the Carmelite Home in E. Chicago, send a donation to 4840 Grasselli St., E. Chicago, IN, 46312, or come by in person.

Further support to the Carmelite Home and the community at large will continue to come from Franciscan Physicians Hospital, now a wholly owned, not-for-profit member of the Franciscan Alliance. The hospital, located at 701 Superior Ave. in Munster, holds a number of supportive outreach programs throughout the year.

To learn more, visit online at www.franciscanphysicians.org.

Brandy Egnatz, Service Excellence Member, gives the $4,000 check to Sr. Maria Giuseppe

WorkingWell in Munster Opens at Franciscan Hammond Clinic

2012-01-03T08:08:00.000-06:00

WorkingWell, the occupational health program of Franciscan Alliance's Northwest Indiana hospitals, has moved from its Franciscan Physicians Hospital location and is now open at the Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center, 7905 Calumet Ave.

The move was sparked by efforts to combine the forces of Franciscan Hammond Clinic's occupational medicine department with the WorkingWell entity. WorkingWell, a freestanding occupational health provider, is the only program of its kind to receive the designation of ISO 9001:2008 certification.

The International Organization for Standardization is the world's largest developer and publisher of international standards, instituted in 162 countries. ISO 9001:2008 certification, which has been awarded WorkingWell, ensures the effectiveness of all documented processes, and the commitment to their use for every patient.

Aside from ISO 9001:2008 certification, the transition of the clinic's Occupations Medicine department into WorkingWell brings a host of benefits, says Tim Ross, regional director of WorkingWell.

"This move and merger allows growth opportunity to our program, along with having a board-certified occupational health provider on board for Munster and the surrounding communities. Further, a convenient location just south of 80/94 on Calumet Ave. brings centrality to those coming from any direction."

Patients of the Franciscan Hammond Clinic Occupational Medicine department will gain access to all five of the Northwest Indiana WorkingWell locations Jan. 3, when the new department location opens.

Richard Rodarte, M.D., a board-certified occupational health physician, has worked in the Franciscan Hammond Clinic Occupational Medicine department since November 2005.

"I am very eager for this transition, with WorkingWell bringing their broad scope of services and physician expertise to the Franciscan Hammond Clinic. The move provides extended daytime and after-hours coverage to the local business community."

Irene O’Neill, M.D., works at the current Franciscan Physicians Hospital location.

"I look forward to working with Dr. Rodarte and utilizing his knowledge and experience with occupational medicine. Being in a facility with many medical specialists will be a great resource."

The move is applauded by Gene Diamond, Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region CEO.

"The merger of WorkingWell into Franciscan Hammond Clinic’s Occupational Medicine program benefits everyone. Our client companies benefit from the synergies created as two strong programs come together in one location to offer more services and additional expertise, while their employees benefit from what we believe will be quicker and easier access. We hope everyone agrees that the outcome is an even better program."

WorkingWell hours at Franciscan Hammond Clinic are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The new phone number is (219) 836-4690.

For more information, visit www.franciscanhammondclinic.com or www.workingwellsite.org.

Franciscan Physicians Offering Free Mammograms

2011-12-27T15:53:00.002-06:00

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

2011-12-23T14:26:00.000-06:00

"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

2011-12-21T10:49:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-20T14:23:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-12T12:40:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-08T10:13:00.001-06:00

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

2011-12-07T09:46:00.001-06:00

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

2011-12-01T08:45:00.000-06:00

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. >>

10 Tips to Help Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

2011-11-28T14:22:00.000-06:00

By Jamie Monday, MA - Clinical Psychology, LPC, an Employee Assistance Program Therapist for the Franciscan Alliance - Northern Indiana Region

Research studies show that most adults gain about one pound during the holiday season. Unfortunately, for people who are already overweight, the holiday weight news is worse. People who are already overweight tend to gain a lot more, up to five pounds! Research also supports the idea that weight gain is, in fact, concentrated during the winter holiday season. Although the weight gain may only be one pound, it accumulates through the years and is often times not lost during the summer.

But don’t despair because this year can be different …

You might be asking yourself, “How can I possibly enjoy the holidays and all the yummy food without gaining weight?” There are practical and realistic ways that you can have your cake and eat it, too!

10 Tips to Help Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

Control Portions – Studies have shown that the more food we’re served, the more we will eat – even if we don’t like what we are eating! Keep your portions small, especially with calorie-heavy foods like gravy, eggnog, and desserts.
Keep Moving – Exercise is even more important for maintaining weight loss than for taking off the pounds. In addition, exercise is essential in helping us cope with stress, which tends to increase during the holidays. Regular exercise can actually give you more energy to tackle that long holiday “to-do” list. Keep in mind something is better than nothing! Try to make it a priority by scheduling daily activity into your routine. Read more about how you can better manage your stress during the holidays. >>
Weigh in Regularly – Checking in with the scale at least once a week is the true test for maintenance. Remember to do it first thing in the morning. When the scale notches upward, that’s your signal to cut back on portions or rev up your physical activity.
Eat Plenty of Lean Protein – Boosting your protein intake with lean meats; skinless poultry, low-fat dairy, seafood, and beans will keep you satisfied longer. When you visit the buffet table, opt for these lean protein choices and complement them with high-fiber grains, fruits, and vegetables, which also help fill you up for relatively few calories.
Have a Healthy Breakfast – People who eat breakfast end up eating fewer calories throughout the day. Never skip breakfast because it powers up the brain, gets the metabolism perking, and helps you perform any task better.
Put it on a Plate – It’s hard to keep track of how much food you’re eating when you nibble without using a plate. Serving meals and snacks on a plate will help you avoid the mindless hand-to-mouth munching that can add lots of extra calories.
If You Don’t Love It, Don’t Eat It! – Why waste calories on foods that don’t knock your socks off? One bite is usually enough to tell whether you love it. If not, don’t worry about waste – just leave it on your plate. Use those extra calories for something you love.
Enjoy Soup or Salad Before Going to a Party – Studies have shown that a first course consisting of a large green salad with a light dressing or a bowl of broth-based vegetable soup can reduce the total calories you eat during a meal. These super-nutritious foods take the edge off your appetite so you don’t arrive starving and dive into the candy dish.
Satisfy a Craving with a Few Bites – A piece of pecan pie or glass of eggnog can set you back by more than 400 calories. To stay in maintenance mode, enjoy just a few bites of such rich foods, or choose lower-calories alternatives (like pumpkin pie or low-fat eggnog) so your 200 extra calories will give you more to enjoy.
Savor Every Bite – Sit down, relax, and enjoy every bite of your meal. Take your time and savor the flavors, textures, and aromas of each food. Eating slowly will help you enjoy the meal and will give your brain time to receive the signal that your stomach is happily full.

This season make maintaining your weight a priority, instead of worrying about gaining or losing weight. By keeping in mind these helpful tips, you can enjoy the season’s wonderful foods without feeling guilty.

Franciscan Physicians Receives Community Safety Award!

2011-11-25T09:57:00.001-06:00

On November 17, Franciscan Physicians Hospital received one of three Community Safety Awards for their work in emergency preparedness.

The awards were given by the Lake County Local Emergency Planning Committee, which serves as the liaison between industry and the local community and is accountable to the State of Indiana’s Emergency Response Commission.

A plaque of recognition, given by the LEPC, is located in the hospital’s west lobby.

The District 1 Hospital disaster drills took place on September 24, 2011. The full-scale exercise is designed to test the operational capability of multiple response functions, such as resource coordination, mental health, continuity of operations and risk communication.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital utilized volunteer participants, staged as patients, to simulate a variety of medical conditions relevant to the specific mocked disaster. The September drill scenario involved the detonation of a dirty bomb in three geographic locations in Northwest Indiana.

“We worked hard to ensure that our staff and physicians were prepared for a real life disaster, which was displayed during the scenario played out on September 24,” says Lori Postma, RN and medical care branch director at Franciscan Physicians Hospital.

Barb Greene, hospital president, states, “I’m very proud of our team for executing the plan in full detail as they’ve been trained to do. I am confident that in the face of a real disaster, their expertise and organization would prove successful in protecting our patients and staff to the fullest of their capabilities.”

Kevin Doolin, LEPC president, presents Lori Postma with the hospital's Community Safety Award.

Tips on How to Prepare a Safe, Enjoyable Thanksgiving Meal

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

As we prepare to celebrate and give thanks with friends and family this Thanksgiving, remember a few simple steps when preparing your meal to prevent food poisoning and enjoy a safe and happy feast:

Carefully wash your hands often, and always before cooking or cleaning. Always wash them again after touching raw meat.
Clean dishes and utensils that have had any contact with raw meat, poultry, fish, or eggs.
Use a thermometer when cooking. Cook beef to at least 160°F, poultry to at least 180°F, and fish to at least 140°F.
DO NOT place cooked meat or fish back onto the same plate or container that held the raw meat, unless the container has been completely washed.
Promptly refrigerate any food you will not be eating. Keep the refrigerator set to around 40°F and your freezer at or below 0°F. DO NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish that has been refrigerated uncooked for longer than 1 to 2 days.
Cook frozen foods for the full time recommended on the package.
DO NOT use outdated foods, packaged food with a broken seal, or cans that are bulging or have a dent.
DO NOT use foods that have an unusual odor or a spoiled taste.

If other people may have eaten the food that made you sick, let them know. If you think the food was contaminated when you bought it from a store or restaurant, tell the store and your local health department.

Read more about food poisoning and prevention on our online Health Library.

Traveling With Children

2011-11-23T09:13:00.001-06:00

Traveling with children presents special challenges. It disrupts familiar routines and imposes new demands. Planning ahead—and involving children in the planning—may lessen the stress of travel.

Before you leave, check with your physician. Children often have special medical concerns. The doctor can also advise you about medicines you might need if your child becomes ill.

Know your child’s dosage of common medicines for colds, allergic reactions, or flu. If your child has a chronic illness, consider bringing a copy of recent medical reports and a list of all medications your child is taking.

PLANES, TRAINS, BUSES
Bring snacks and familiar foods along. This helps when travel delays meals or when the available meals don’t suit the child’s needs. Small crackers, unsugared cereals, and string cheese make good snacks. Some children can eat fruit without problems. Cookies and sugared cereals make for sticky children.

When flying with babies and infants:

If you’re not breast-feeding, bring powdered formula and buy water after you get through security. You cannot take premixed formula through airport security.
Small jars of baby food travel well. They make little waste and you can dispose of them easily.

Air travel tends to dehydrate (dry out) people. Drink plenty of water. Women who are nursing need to drink more fluids.

FLYING AND YOUR CHILD’S EARS
Children often have trouble with pressure changes at takeoff and landing. The pain and pressure will almost always go away in a few minutes. If your child has a cold or ear infection, the discomfort may be greater.

Your doctor may suggest not flying if your child has an ear infection or a lot of fluid behind the eardrum. Children who have had ear tubes placed should do fine.

Some tips to prevent or treat ear pain:

Have your child chew sugar-free gum or suck on hard candy when taking off and landing. It helps with ear pressure. Most children can learn to do this at about age 3.
Bottles (for infants), breast-feeding, or sucking on pacifiers can also help prevent ear pain.
Give your child plenty of fluids during the flight to help unclog the ears.
Avoid letting your child sleep during takeoff or landing. Children swallow more often when they are awake. Also, waking up with ear pain can be frightening for the child.
Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing.
Use nasal spray or drops before takeoff or landing.

Ask your doctor about using cold medicines that contain antihistamines or decongestants.

EATING OUT
Try to maintain your normal meal and sleep schedule. Ask that your child be served first (you can also bring something for your child to munch on). If you call ahead, some airlines may be able to prepare special kid’s meals.

Encourage children to eat normally, but realize that a “poor” diet won’t hurt for a few days.
Check food for safety.

ADDITIONAL HELP
Many travel clubs and agencies offer suggestions for traveling with children. Check with them. Remember to ask airlines, train, or bus companies and hotels for guidance and assistance.

For foreign travel, check with embassies or consulate offices. Many guide books list organizations that help travelers.

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

Spirit of Women is Here - Join Today!

2011-11-17T14:11:00.001-06:00

Franciscan Alliance is proud to announce a new partnership with the Spirit of Women Health Network, a program that provides health events and resources specifically for women.

"Spirit of Women uses a 'Health-U-Tainment' approach to health and wellness that engages the consumer through fun, interactive and memorable experiences," said Eva Tokarz, regional outreach and wellness specialist for the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana hospitals. Such experiences include a seminar series along with two special events that occur in the months dedicated to women's health: Day of Dance in February (American Heart Month) and Girls' Night Out in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month).

At Day of Dance, attendees are taught fun dance moves while also learning about heart health and participating in screenings. Girls' Night Out will feature fashion and accessory workshops, mini-spa services and gourmet food tastings along with information on the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

The seminar series pairs fun activities with educational health messages. New topics are addressed every quarter; past topics have included pelvic health, cancer, pain management, and diabetes. Spirit of Women also delivers health information via email newsletters— brief, custom-designed messages about topics that concern women.

Because women are typically the health care decision makers in their households, Spirit of Women aims not only to help them make the right decisions, but also to keep them healthy for continued care of their families.

"Spirit of Women has the busy woman in mind," said Gene Diamond, chief executive officer of Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region. "There are topics, resources, answers to questions and helpful hints as close as her fingertips. The northern Indiana hospitals of Franciscan Alliance are nearby, ready to provide highly trained professionals to meet her needs, whether through education or the provision of high-quality care that is designed by us to make her feel consciously aware of being loved."

For more information or to SIGN UP for Spirit of Women, check out our Spirit of Women pages on our Web site.

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

2011-11-10T09:25:00.001-06:00

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.

Introducing Franciscan Senior Promise

2011-11-09T14:50:00.000-06:00

We are proud to announce a brand new program called Franciscan Senior Promise!

This program offers health and wellness education for individuals age 55 and older. Members receive discounts, travel opportunities, and social activities planned just for them, along with many other benefits.

Please tell your friends and relatives about this exciting program and encourage them to attend our kickoff event! It takes place at Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Hammond, 5454 Hohman Ave, Hammond, from 9 a.m. to noon in the 8th Floor Conference Center on Thursday, Nov. 10.

Open house participants will enjoy free health screenings and information, a continental breakfast and giveaways.

To learn more about the program and its benefits, visit franciscanstmargaret.org.

November & December Health Education Classes!

2011-11-08T11:16:00.000-06:00

Franciscan Hammond Clinic invites you to join them for a host of health education classes held at the specialty center, 7905 Calumet Ave., Munster. Unless specified, all classes are held in the 3rd floor meeting room.

November Classes

Diabetes Support Group: The Latest Technology

Thursday, November 10th at 6 p.m.
Ever wonder how that pizza affected your blood sugar? Fingersticks and A1C testing give only part of the picture. Join Julie Knepper, Diabetes Clinical Manager, as she discusses how Continuous Glucose Monitoring identifies glucose patterns that help your healthcare provider fine-tune your diabetes treatment. Register in advance to be eligible for door prizes.

Weight Management Class

Monday, November 14th 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.

December Classes

Healthy Holiday Cooking and Baking

Thursday, December 8th at 6 p.m.
Lighten up for the holidays! Learn how to modify your favorite recipes to make them healthier to eat. Join Registered Dietitian JoAnn Franczek as she shows you how to create fun, easy and healthful appetizers and find easy ways to lower calories on your dessert table. Attend to sample her sugar-free holiday cookies and delicious dips. Please register in advance!

Weight Management Class
Monday, December 12th 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.

To register, call (219)836-5800 or 1-800-279-8700
Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m.- Noon.
Register for any of the classes online at www.franciscanhammondclinic.org!

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

2011-11-03T15:44:00.000-05:00

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month.

The early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be overlooked because they resemble signs of natural aging. However, extreme memory loss or other cognitive changes that disrupt normal life are not typical signs of aging. In addition, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease do not begin abruptly; they develop gradually and worsen over the course of months or years.

Older adults who begin to notice a persistent mild memory loss of recent events may have a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI may be a sign of early-stage Alzheimer's in older people. Studies suggest that some, although not all, older individuals who experience such mild memory abnormalities can later develop Alzheimer's disease.

Patients may be aware of their symptoms or may be unaware that anything is wrong. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that everyone learn these 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:

Memory changes that disrupt daily life. Forgetfulness, particularly of recent events or information, or repeatedly asking for the same information
Challenges in planning or solving problems. Loss of concentration (having trouble planning or completing familiar tasks, difficulty with abstract thinking such as simple arithmetic problems)
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure
Confusion about time or place. Difficulty recognizing familiar neighborhoods or remembering how you arrived at a location, confusion about months or seasons
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. Difficulty reading, figuring out distance, or determining color.
Language problems. Forgetting the names of objects, mixing up words, difficulty completing sentences or following conversations
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Putting objects back in unusual places, losing things, accusing others of hiding or stealing.
Impaired judgment and decision making. Dressing inappropriately or making poor financial decisions
Withdrawal from work or social activities. No longer participating in familiar hobbies and interests.
Mood and personality changes. Confusion, increased fear or suspicion, apathy and depression, anxiety. Signs can be loss of interest in activities, increased sleeping, sitting in front of the television for long periods of time.

Source: A.D.A.M. Health Library. For more information on Alzheimer's disease be use to check out our In-depth Report.

MSG: Monosodium Glutamate and You

2011-11-02T10:08:00.001-05:00

Various and sometimes even conflicting research can be seen in relation to MSG, or Monosodium Glutamate. MSG is a salt of the amino acid--Glutamic Acid (glutamate). It is also an excitotoxin, along with Aspartame; these excitotoxins excite the nervous system and brain cells to the point of deterioration. Naturally produced by the body, MSG is considered good by some and bad by others; the distinction lies in its origin. Let's first look at the composition of MSG.

Glutamate is one of many amino acids used by the body and linked into the chains of protein in the body. In a simple explanation, some amino acids float freely by themselves and link into proteins to serve important functions; such as being a neurotransmitter which carries nerve cell impulses through the body. Further, some amino acid neurotransmitters like glutamate trigger nerve cells to fire, while others such as taurine and gamma amino butyric acid tell the firing cells to cease firing. This balance, affected directly by glutamate levels, is very delicate. Opponents to MSG argue that glutamate added to foods is bad. Proponents would say otherwise, arguing that MSG is exactly like the glutamate in the human body, and is therefore good. Problems lie in both the amount of MSG ingested, which affects balance levels, and whether the MSG was processed where it may contain contaminants. If processed MSG was the same as the natural glutamate produced by the body, there would be no need to split the amino acids apart to form "free" glutamate; a process known as "hydrolysing."

Talk of MSG's origination and effects on the body tie into the use of MSG. This product is not a preservative; rather, it makes the body think that a certain food is high in protein and nutritious. Thus, the MSG can change your body's perception of both taste and nutritious content. One affect of MSG on the body is its ability to stimulate the pancreas, which produces insulin. Insulin breaks down carbohydrates in food; when insulin is produced without carbs to break down, your blood sugar drops and your appetite, reacting to that drop, increases. If you follow the conclusion that MSG exacerbates or certain diseases, reduce your consumption to decrease your chance of disease. Lori Granich, registered dietitian with Franciscan St. Margaret Health, says "it's a controversial topic, but the USDA says that MSG is safe for human consumption. There's no real evidence of the harmful effects in moderation."

Find Us on Facebook!

2011-11-02T08:24:00.000-05:00

Stay connected with all the northern Indiana hospitals of Franciscan Alliance on Facebook!

As a fan, you will receive the latest hospital news, breaking health news, videos, service line promotions, events and regular updates from St. Anthony Health in Crown Point and Michigan City, St. Margaret Health in Hammond and Dyer and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

Our Facebook page also integrates links to our online Health Resources, Twitter updates, YouTube vidoes and our latest Blog posts.

We want this to be an engaging source for sharing information and conversing with the communities we serve as we continue to strive to provide the best overall care to our patients and their families.

"Like" us today @ facebook.com/FranciscanNWI!

And remember…you can also connect with us via Twitter (@FranciscanNWI) and YouTube (youtube.com/FranciscanNWI).

Franciscan Hammond Clinic Health Fair - Nov. 5

2011-11-01T15:30:00.001-05:00

Franciscan Hammond Clinic will host a health fair from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 5 at its specialty center location, 7905 Calumet Ave., in Munster, Indiana.

The free program will offer chair massages and health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids, bone density, foot, body mass and oxygen levels, to the public. Flu shots will be available.

Informational booths, giveaways and refreshments will be provided. Free raffles include a bicycle for children and Juvederm treatment for adults.

For more information, call (219) 836-5800, or visit: www.franciscanhammondclinic.org.

Latest Edition of Franciscan Focus is Here!

2011-11-01T08:45:00.000-05:00

The Fall/Winter 2011 edition of the Franciscan Focus magazine is here!

In this issue:

Treat Your Ticker - A proactive approach to heart health
Open Heart Surgery - Putting fear to rest
Hospital News & Notes
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Introducing “Spirit of Women“

About the digital edition
Each page is viewable in an interactive, user-friendly format. As you read through the magazine, just click on the arrows to turn the pages and while you are on a specific page, you can…

Print, bookmark, even make virtual notes on whatever strikes you. Just click on the Tools icon at the top.
Share a page or selection of pages with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, email and other social networks, using the Share icon.
Click on the links provided in articles to be taken directly to the corresponding website.

Mallwalkers Learn How to "Move Those Muscles"

2011-10-27T08:23:00.001-05:00

Video highlights from the October 2011 FranciscanFIt Mallwalkers event.

Jane Bogordos and Julia Ladewski, certified instructors at Omni Health & Fitness in Schererville, taught exercise and stretching techniques you can do at home that will build your strength, boost your metabolism, increase your endurance and make you excited about working out.

Free muscle assessments were also offered by Omni Health & Fitness.

The program, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana, takes place from 8 to 10 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month on the mall’s lower level, outside of the JC Penney store.

For more information, call (219) 931-3322.

It's Pastoral/Spiritual Care Week

2011-10-25T08:37:00.001-05:00

This week, October 23-29, is Pastoral/Spiritual Care Week.

Every day throughout our nation's hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and hospice homes, chaplains seek to bring hope, healing, comfort and peace to those they encounter. They listen and affirm the faith values of their patients and calm anxious patients. They empower and help persons tap into their own spiritual resources as they search for meaning of their suffering and pain. They advocate for people regarding cultural and religious tradition, connect individuals with loved ones, support people as they make end of life decisions, lend an objective ear to others, pray if prayer is desired - they bring God's healing and presence to all.

Please join us in congratulating our Spiritual Care Staff - especially your Unit Chaplains - who every day brings God's healing and comfort to all our patients, their families and our staff here at Franciscan Physicians Hospital.

Cold Weather Canopy

2011-10-24T16:05:00.002-05:00

80. 70. 55. 40. 25. 0. The numbers go down as the year goes on. With this year's cold weather just around the corner, it's important that you plan ahead for the temperature, weather, and associated items to come.

The Car

Your car is most likely driven on a daily basis. As your refuge for movement and barrier for protection, it's crucial that your car be well-maintained and prepared for the slick and wet weather. Prepare your car this winter by doing the following:

Check your windshield for cracks; thermal shock can turn your small crack into a huge problem that requires replacement.
Check your fluid levels throughout the car. Fluid checking and replacement is a simple and inexpensive way to maintain your car's overall performance. Make sure oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are at the correct levels. Consider having a mechanic mix water with pure engine coolants, which can otherwise freeze at zero degrees.
Replace your battery if needed. Batteries last an average of 3 1/2 years. Have your mechanic check the battery and cables to ensure that your car starts quickly and reliably.
Replace tires if tread is low. Tires are the basis for traction and control on the road, especially in winter.

The Body

Winter often brings sickness with the lower levels of exercise and often suppressed immune system. Be sure to keep exercising and flexing your joints. Spend time stretching each morning and be sure to get out of the house, even if it's only for a short time. Regular exercise that doesn't place too much stress on bones and joints is good for your health, especially in conjunction with the right nutrients. If you work out regularly, begin altering your workouts to focus on strengthening the body for activities you'll do in winter, such as ice skating, skiing, or hockey.

Consider taking vitamins and natural supplements to keep your immune system at its peak. Be sure to eat healthy as much as possible to support these efforts.

The House

Your home protects your body and often your car as well. That's why it's extremely important to have your house prepared for the cold wind and snow it will soon endure. Utilize these tips to ensure peak performance and protection from your home this winter.

Have your furnace inspected by an HVAC professional
Inspect your roof, gutters and downspouts. These areas handle more weight in winter with mounting ice and snow.
Check your exterior doors and windows for cracks that could let in cold air, increasing your heating bill.
Service your weather equipment such as snowblowers. This ensures less work to get things going when they're needed.
Check all plumbing. Be sure to locate your water main in case it must be shut off.
Prepare an emergency kit in case of a power outage. This should include candles and matches, phone numbers for the utility companies, non-perishable food supplies and water and batteries for backup equipment.

For more information on staying health this winter, visit our complete online health library.

WorkingWell Inducted into Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana

2011-10-21T12:40:00.001-05:00

Members of the Franciscan Alliance WorkingWell leadership
team, which was given membership in the Society of Innovators
of Northwest Indiana on Oct. 20, include (top row, from left):
Dr. Charles Mok, Mike Polich, regional manager; Tim Ross,
regional director; Moulay Alaoui, regional business transformation
specialist; Diana Bridges, regional supervisor, business development.
The team also includes (bottom row, from left): Chris Vanni,
regional director, quality services and performance improvement;
Gaile Sookradge, clinic supervisor-Michigan City-Valparaiso;
Michelle Arvia, clinic supervisor, Hammond and Munster; Sandy
Michalak, clinic supervisor, Crown Point.

WorkingWell, the occupational health program of Franciscan Alliance's Northwest Indiana hospitals, became a member of the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana during a meeting at Horseshoe Casino Oct. 20.

The program reached a milestone recently when the last three of its five sites gained International Organization of Standardization certification.

WorkingWell, a freestanding occupational health provider, is the only program of its kind to receive the designation.

WorkingWell was honored during the 7th Annual Innovators Induction Ceremony for 2011-2012 after being selected from among 80 nominations received by the society this year.

The society was established when the Ivy Tech Community College Northwest Gerald L. Lampkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center was created in 2005.

WorkingWell's Hammond, Munster and Valparaiso locations recently joined their Crown Point and Michigan City counterparts in gaining the ISO 9001:2008 certification.

ISO certification follows a rigorous audit of an organization's quality management system. Quality goals are set, and when they are met, new goals are determined for a continuously improving quality system.

"Industry recognizes ISO as a global standard," said Tim Ross, Franciscan Alliance regional director of occupational/employee health. "Industry vendors are held to those standards, so why not hold occupational health to those standards? We are aligning ourselves with businesses; what better way to do that than to reach industry standards they understand."

WorkingWell provides occupational health care services for all types of workers, including professional, industrial, police officers and firefighters.

For more information on WorkingWell, visit: http://www.workingwellsite.org/.

WorkingWell - Northwest Indiana locations:

Crown Point (at Franciscan Point)
12800 Mississippi Parkway, Suite A 204
Crown Point
Phone: (219) 662-5500
Fax: (219) 662-9684

Hammond (across the street from St. Margaret Health)
5500 Hohman Ave., Suite 1D
Hammond, IN 46320
Phone: (219) 852-2472
Fax: (219) 852-2567

Michigan City
4111 S. Franklin St.
Michigan City
Phone: (219) 879-5400
Fax: (219) 852-5900

Munster
701 Superior Ave., Suite C
Munster
Phone: (219) 924-1568
Fax: (219) 924-2175

Valparaiso
2307 La Porte Ave., Suite 8
Valparaiso
Phone: (219) 476-9389
Fax: (219) 476-9432

"Move Those Muscles" - Mallwalkers Event Oct. 26

2011-10-20T10:49:00.000-05:00

"Move Those Muscles" is the presentation topic for the next Franciscanfit -- Steps to Good Health monthly Mallwalkers program.

The free event, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana and Westfield Southlake mall, is scheduled for 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 26.

The public is invited to attend a 9 a.m. presentation of the program theme offered by Jane Bogordos and Julia Ladewski, certified instructors at Omni Health and Fitness in Schererville. Learn about group exercise techniques that will boost your metabolism, increase your endurance and make you excited about working out.

Muscle assessments will also be offered.

New Mallwalkers members are welcome to register for the program, which takes place on the mall's lower level, outside of JC Penney, on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Regular walkers hours are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 to 11 a.m. Sundays.

For more information, call (800) 931-3322.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital, Franciscan Alliance Recognized for Clinical Excellence

2011-10-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

A report released today by HealthGrades, the nation's most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality ratings, recognized Franciscan Alliance Hospitals in Northwest Indiana as leaders in Clinical Excellence.

Franciscan Alliance hospitals continue to receive Five-Star ratings for multiple years in Cardiac Care, Orthopedic Services, Pulmonary Services, GI Care and Critical Care in 2012.
HealthGrades' report found that patients treated at 5-star rated hospitals experience a 73% lower risk of mortality and a 63% lower risk of complications compared to 1-star rated hospitals. A quality comparison of doctors and hospitals in Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago market area can be found online at HealthGrades.com or via this link Greater Chicago Area.

"We're pleased that the strenuous efforts of our physicians and employees have been recognized in the context of the latest HealthGrades report," said Gene Diamond, CEO of Franciscan Alliance's Northern Indiana Region. "The results demonstrate superior outcomes in a number of key clinical programs and services. The people of Northwest Indiana have come to expect high-quality clinical outcomes from us. They deserve nothing less."

"Patients today have a wide array options when it comes to choosing a healthcare provider," said Kerry Hicks, HealthGrades' chief executive officer. "At HealthGrades, we are proud to have led the way for empowering patient choice based on objective clinical outcomes and access to actionable quality measures. We commend Franciscan Alliance Hospitals for theirsuperior quality and support of consumerism and transparency in the Northwest Indiana area."

Key findings of the HealthGrades 2011 Healthcare Consumerism and Hospital Quality in America report include:

Patients had, on average a 73% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to a 1-star rated hospital, and a 54% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to the national average.
Patients had, on average, were 63% less likely to experience inhospital complications than patients at 1-star programs, and had a 43% lower chance of developing an inhospital complication than the national average.
If all Medicare patients from 2008 through 2010 had been treated at 5-star hospitals, 240,040 lives could have potentially been saved.
In an online survey, 80% said they are very or somewhat concerned about the quality of hospital care in their community.

Franciscan Alliance hospitals have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to clinical excellence and quality improvement as demonstrated by its outstanding patient outcomes across a variety of service areas including cardiac services, orthopedic services, pulmonary services, GI care and critical care. Earlier this year St. Margaret Health Hammond was also recognized for its top 5% national ranking in Women’s Health for the third consecutive year as being named a Women's Health Excellence Award recipient for the 3rd consecutive year. The Franciscan Alliance hospitals have been recognized by HealthGrades with the following achievements by Service Area:

Additional Information on Franciscan Alliance Hospital Clinical Achievements:

Franciscan St. Margaret Health–Hammond
- Cardiac:
  - Ranked #9 in IN for Overall Cardiac Services in 2012
  - Ranked #9 in IN for Cardiology Services in 2012
  - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall Cardiac Services for 4 Years in a Row (2009-2012)
  - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Cardiology Services for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure for 5 Years in a Row (2008-2012)
- Orthopedic:
  - Five-Star Rated for Joint Replacement in 2012
  - Five-Star Rated for Total Knee Replacement in 2012
  - Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Treatment in 2012
- Pulmonary:
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for 4 Years in a Row (2009-2012)
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Pneumonia for 5 Years in a Row (2008-2012)
- Gastrointestinal:
  - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for GI Medical Treatment in 2012
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of GI Bleed for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
- Critical Care:
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Respiratory Failure in 2012

Franciscan St. Margaret Health–Dyer
- Cardiac:
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure for 6 Years in a Row (2007-2012)
- Orthopedics:
  - Ranked #6 in IN for Spine Surgery in 2012
  - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Spine Surgery for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
  - Five-Star Rated for Spine Surgery for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
  - Five-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery (except Spinal Fusion) for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
- Gastrointestinal:
  - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for GI Services in 2012
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of GI Bleed for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)

Franciscan St. Anthony Health–Michigan City
- Orthopedic:
  - Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Treatment in 2012
- Critical Care:
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Respiratory Failure for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012) Orthopedics:
  - Ranked #6 in IN for Spine Surgery in 2012
  - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Spine Surgery for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
  - Five-Star Rated for Spine Surgery for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
  - Five-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery (except Spinal Fusion) for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
- Gastrointestinal:
  - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for GI Services in 2012
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of GI Bleed for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)

Franciscan Physicians Hospital–Munster
- Cardiac:
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure for 4 Years in a Row (2009-2012)
- Pulmonary:
  - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)

Franciscan St. Anthony–Crown Point
- Orthopedic:
  - Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Treatment for 5 Years in a Row (2008-2012)

About Franciscan Alliance
Mishawka-based Franciscan Alliance, which has 14 hospitals, is a leader in providing faith-based, integrated health care, using the latest technology, innovative procedures and the brightest, most compassionate people to serve patients in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. It offers nationally recognized Centers of Health Care Excellence and more than 18,000 employees, including more than 600 physicians. For more than 135 years, Franciscan Alliance has had a mission to provide care for everyone, 2.9 million outpatients and more than 100,000 inpatients every year, regardless of ability to pay.

About HealthGrades
HealthGrades is America's most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital qualityoutcomes. HealthGrades online properties are the nation's leading destination for physician search andempower more than 170 million consumers annually to make

JDRF Walk; Recap Toward Finding a Cure

2011-10-17T15:15:00.000-05:00

HIGHLAND | Franciscan Physicians Hospital and the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region hospitals walked to do their part toward finding a cure for juvenile diabetes. The hospitals, walking collectively with over 50 employees at the October 16th Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes event, raised money and awareness to go toward the disease that affects this younger population.

Diabetes, known medically as diabetes mellitus, is a disorder in which the body has trouble regulating its blood sugar (glucose) levels. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), people younger than 20 who are diagnosed with diabetes account for nearly .26% of all people in that age group. This percentage translates into nearly 215,000 individuals. Working the opposite direction, roughly 1.9 million people ages 20 or older were diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 in the U.S.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation hosts this annual walk that drew in over 2,000 people to the 2011 event at Wicker Park in Highland, IN. This event marked the 12th annual three-mile noncompetitive Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes.

Thanks to all those who participated in this wonderful event to help fund and find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.

The total number raised by the Franciscan Alliance will be incorporated into this post once it has been recorded.

Franciscan Alliance participants at the Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes event in Wicker Park

Two Wellness Centers In One

2011-10-12T12:44:00.000-05:00

Franciscan Alliance partners Omni, Duneland locations

Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection in Schererville and Duneland Health and Fitness Institute in Chesterton have merged to form Franciscan Omni Health and Fitness-Chesterton and Schererville. Both are under the auspices of Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region.

"We have regionalized our wellness centers to create growth and efficiency in their staffing, facilities and programs," said Sharon Sporman, Northern Indiana Region executive director-wellness centers, adding, "Memberships are reciprocal; Schererville members now have access to Chesterton and vice versa."

Members were notified of the merger in September.

The partnership comes on the heels of the facilities recently becoming the first of their kind to achieve International Organization of Standardization 9001:2008 certification.

"The ISO process provides Franciscan Omni Health and Fitness a pathway to build a stronger foundation for our operations and enables us to deliver a high-quality product to our members and the community that we serve," Sporman said.

ISO is the world's largest developer of international standards that have been instituted in 162 nations. ISO certification, which is achieved following requested audits of practices, assures a quality management system that provides a foundation of best practices, resulting in highest-quality services.

Gene Diamond, CEO of Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region, called the certifications "a milestone," and applauded the merger.

"Our members expect us to provide high-quality facilities, programs and services, but we're committed to offering them added value in the form of late-breaking advances tailored to meet their specific health and wellness needs. It's our mission. We think it makes us unique."

What Franciscan Omni Health and Fitness locations offer:

The Chesterton location, 810 Michael Drive, is a comprehensive destination for wellness needs. Fitness memberships include access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a warm water therapy pool, Olympic pool, locker rooms with full amenities, massage therapy, a workout area, complete with cardio and strength equipment; and more than 65 group exercise classes per week (land and aqua included in membership fee). It also offers Kidzone, a safe place where children can play and stay while their parents work out.

The Chesterton location also hosts a number of programs and events throughout the year that cater to client needs. It prides itself on a world-class/professional staff that provides as much, or as little, hands-on attention to each member as needed, keeping individual desired results in mind. Onsite physical therapy and physician offices round out a comprehensive approach to aid those who are in need of medical attention and services.

For more information, call (219) 983-9832 or visit www.franciscanalliance.org/omni.

The Schererville location, 221 U.S. 41, offers services in one location that include physician offices, rehabilitation services through the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, chiropractic services, weight-loss and fitness programs, Vanis salon and day spa, a White Sox baseball training academy, Parisi Speed School, a sports performance training center; a playroom for children and a soon-to-open Family Entertainment Center.

Fitness services include:

More than 80 group exercise classes per week.
A more than 18,000-square-foot Fitness Center that includes cardio, strength training, a Pilates studio, personal and group training; two swimming pools, sports facilities, including basketball, volleyball, racquetball and tennis; Thin and Healthy Total Solutions – billed as a last stop for weight loss and a staff of professionals who want to create a positive experience and assist clients open 24 hours a day.

For more information, call (219) 865-6969, or visit www.franciscanalliance.org/omni.

Hospitals, Students Win with Professional Career Internship

2011-10-11T10:46:00.001-05:00

"To me, it's a win for businesses and a win for students," says Kathy Rosinski, internship coordinator and business department chair at Lake Central High School. Her job: solidifying internships for applicable Lake Central seniors in a wide variety of fields.

This year, the Professional Career Internship at Lake Central has forty-three students interning in NWI. Twenty-eight are in fields such as teaching, law enforcement, fine arts, real estate, veterinary science, pharmacy, accounting and journalism, among others. Fifteen of them are with the Franciscan Alliance.

Rosinski is busy developing internship programs and opportunities for the students she loves. 2011 is her fifth year doing all afternoon programs. "As my student numbers grow, I continue reaching out to the community. Most of my internship opportunities come through networking with businesses and organizations providing the internship opportunities."

The program started in 2000 with the Business Technology Lab, a 7-week spring internship held at the high school. The all-afternoon program is an expansion of that course.

"Whatever a student's dream may be, I come as close to placing them in it as I can. I enjoy placing students and I'm proud to help them achieve their goals," says Rosinski.

Some students work two days a week for five hours at a time, while others work three to four days per week, three hours per day. All students spend six hours per month in class with Rosinski, aside from their regular morning classes. This schedule ensure that the students see as much of the prospective career as possible, while gaining workplace skills that will hlep them be successful.

Further assistance from the Franciscan Alliance is provided by Ina Hodges, Director of Educational Services for Franciscan St. Margaret Health. Hodges, who has been involved in the program for over seven years, helps coordinate the rotations, provide schedules and lead orientations.

"This experience is invaluable for the students. Even if the student decides not to go into that particular field, it's a benefit because they know what not to do," states Hodges.

This internship program benefits staff, too, says Hodges. "Staff often tells me that working with the students reminds them of why they went into their particular profession. The program brings employees back to their youth when they decided to do things that may now seem routine."

Internship opportunities for Lake Central students are far from routine with health care related opportunities like occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing and imaging technologies.

This semester, students are located at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, Munster, Franciscan St. Margaret Health, Dyer and Hammond, and Franciscan St. Anthony Health, Crown Point.

Brittany Warzyniak, a senior at Lake Central, is in a clinical rotation schedule. She is currently working in the cardiac rehab center at Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Hammond. She hopes that her full-year involvement in the program will bring her future career a solid base to grow from.

Brittany Warzyniak, senior at Lake Central, attends Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Hammond to learn about the cardiac rehab department

"This program provides me much more observation than the classroom. You have to be a professional here, too, because this is a real job." Based on her experience, Warzyniak has one word about her future involvement of working in health care after graduation; "Definitely."

Students interning at Franciscan Physicians Hospital are Megan Jubera and Caitlin Kearns. Jubera is working with imaging modalities and applying to several colleges for pre-radiological sciences. Her experience has countered her initial expectations.

Megan Jubera discusses a CT image with Bill Morgan, senior imaging tech at Franciscan Physicians Hospital

"I thought at first that I'd only be tagging along with people around the hospital, but they've gotten me really involved. It's much better than I'd ever expected," says Jubera. She became interested in the program as a result of a stay at Franciscan Physicians Hospital.

"I tore my ACL and had to come to Franciscan Physicians Hospital for an MRI. They showed me pictures of what mine looked like and what it should have looked like. I thought it was really cool and that got me interested."

Rosinski, program coordinator, enjoys the benefit internships provide. "These types of programs really set students apart from those who only have an idea of what the career entails. Our interns are required to have a good GPA along with clean discipline and attendance records. Furthermore, they're required to have two teacher recommendations." She adds, "We make sure students understand that once they step into the training site, they're no longer a teenager. They're a representative of that organization and a precursor for the next year's prospective interns."

Hodges, too, believes in the strength of the program, saying "Our students really appreciate people taking time to answer their questions and explain things to them. It gets them away from the TV image of health care and the full-rounded experience helps them appreciate the time they get to spend with staff."

2011-2012 Interns with the Franciscan Alliance are:
Nina Barnes, Karle Bateman, Jade Blessing, Allison Czazasty, Lisa Goldstein, Richard Guevara, Alexa Hughes, Kristen Milbrath, Shannen Sebahar, Melissa Shell, Brittany Warzyniak, Brittany Smith, Stephanie Wojcik, Megan Jubera, and Caitlin Kearns.

Note: Mrs. Rosinski is always looking for good training sites. If a company is interested in being considered, please send contact information to: Mrs. Kathy Rosinski, Lake Central H.S., 8400 Wicker Avenue, St. John, IN 46373.

Video: Hundreds Gather to Respect Life

2011-10-04T16:17:00.002-05:00

Approximately 700 students from area Catholic schools, plus employees, community members and Franciscan Alliance representatives, gathered on a warm and sunny Tuesday morning for the annual Celebration of Life prayer service at Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer.

The service—which included music by Ron Foltman, a homily by Most Rev. Dale J. Melczek, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, and a praying of the rosary—commemorated lives lost to abortion.

In the lawn adjacent to the ceremony, 4,000 white crosses were on display, representing the number of abortions performed daily in the U.S. To close the ceremony, 1,000 balloons—each representing four abortions—were launched into the air.

See highlights of the ceremony on the video below.

WorkingWell Physician to Address Safety Conference at Blue Chip

2011-09-30T09:38:00.000-05:00

Joins other industry leaders to bring safety to the forefront in discussing safety and industry topics at large-scale conference

Dr. Charles Mok, an occupational medicine specialist with Franciscan Alliance's WorkingWell program, will be among speakers at the Beyond Safety Conference and Expo Oct. 26 and 27 at Blue Chip Casino.

The conference and expo is the leading tradeshow in the industry, bring together key stake holders in all facets of safety.

Dr. Mok will address the role of acupuncture in treating work-related-injuries. Acupuncture can be used to treat acute pain, in addition to medication and other therapies. In cases where patients do not tolerate pain medications, acupuncture often decreases symptoms so that additional medication is not required.

The lecture will begin with a brief synopsis of the history and fundamentals of acupuncture. It also will include a discussion of the indications for acupuncture and case presentations where acupuncture was used in work-related-injury treatment.

"I am pleased to be a part of this program and to share information that can prove so helpful to those who are enduring pain," Mok said, adding, "I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of this educational program."

The second annual event will bring safety professionals and leaders together for a two-day program of education, networking and exhibitions. New this year is the opportunity for professionals to earn 1.2 Continuing Education Units, awarded by the American Society of Safety Engineers, by attending both days of the conference.

About Franciscan Alliance

Mishawka, Ind.-based Franciscan Alliance, which has 14 hospitals, is a leader in providing faith-based, integrated health care, using the latest technology, innovative procedures and the brightest, most compassionate people to serve patients in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. It offers nationally recognized Centers of Health Care Excellence and more than 18,000 employees, including more than 600 physicians. For more than 135 years, Franciscan Alliance has had a mission to provide care for everyone, 2.9 million outpatients and more than 100,000 inpatients every year, regardless of ability to pay.

About Diversified Marketing Strategies

Diversified Marketing Strategies is an award-winning, full-service marketing, communications and public relations agency with more than 20 years of experience in the Midwest. The firm also publishes the award-winning Building Indiana magazine, the leading source of business and economic development news in the state of Indiana. The woman-owned and operated firm is headquartered in Crown Point, with other locations in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Visit www.3dms.com and www.buildingindiananews.com for more information.

Nursing Fair Coming October 4th!

2011-09-28T11:41:00.000-05:00

Are you a nurse or nurse practitioner? Are you looking for a competitive edge? Do you want to work for a strong company with great benefits and family values? If you answered yes to any of these, you should be with us!

Franciscan Physicians Hospital, one of 14 Franciscan Alliance hospitals, is seeking qualified nursing candidates to help expand their family-like hospital environment. The hospital offers nearly 50 specialties and sub-specialties in a 63-bed, acute-care facility. Providing inpatient and outpatient services with an outstanding level of service and quality, Franciscan Physicians Hospital is the place for you!

JOIN US for a career changing opportunity on October 4th, 2011, from 4 to 6 p.m. for an evening of wine and cheese sampling with our hiring managers. See the facility, meet the staff, and explore what Franciscan Physicians Hospital has for you!

We’re offering competitive employment in the following areas:

Critical Care
Cath Lab
Additional nursing specialties

What’s even better? A $5,000 bonus for candidates with 5+ years experience in critical care!

Our competitive salaries and benefits go hand-in-hand with professional growth and career advancement. The Franciscan Alliance employs over 18,000 physicians, nurses, and employees; all driven to provide high quality, comprehensive health care. JOIN US at Franciscan Physicians Hospital as we continue that journey……

To make your reservation, contact Corrine Sikora at (219)922-4200 x. 4006 or Corrine.sikora@franciscanalliance.org.

Learn more about Franciscan Physicians Hospital by visiting http://www.franciscanphysicians.org/.

Caring for Your Kidneys

2011-09-27T15:39:00.000-05:00

Your kidneys: one of many organs that provides more than meets the eye. While you may not spend much time thinking about your kidneys and their functions, they spend lots of time working for you!

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located near the middle of the back, just below your rib cage. They are roughly the size of a fist and one is located on each side of your spine. Do you know how much your kidneys work? Each day, your kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood, sifting out nearly 2 quarts of waste products and extra water for excretion and recovering nearly 198 quarts.

How does the filtration work?

Kidney function is performed through a complicated chemical exchange that allows the organ to filter waste materials and water out of your blood and into your urinary system. Your kidneys have roughly 1 million nephrons; a nephron consists of a filtering unit of tiny blood vessels called a glomerulus attached to a tubule. In this tubule, chemicals and water are either added to or removed from this filtered fluid according to your body's needs. The final product: the urine that you excrete.

Why are my kidneys important?

While the major known function of the kidneys is to remove excess waste and fluid, it serves another purpose: the kidneys are critical in regulating the body's levels of salt, potassium and acid content. Furthermore, your kidneys produce a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production! Other hormones that come from the kidneys regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism.

While kidneys sustain life in a number of ways, they are susceptible to damage and disease like any other organ. For more information on kidney disease, click here.

For more information on kidneys or any other medical topic, visit our complete online health library.

Franciscan Alliance Appoints New Director of Imaging Services

2011-09-26T15:29:00.000-05:00

Michael Budimir's interest in his future career began when he needed an ultrasound as a high school student.

Today, Budimir, a Chicago native who resides in Dyer, brings 24 years of experience in the radiology field to Franciscan Alliance's four Northern Indiana Region hospitals, where, since mid-September, he has served as director of imaging (diagnostic) services.

He also is glad to be headquartered at Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point.

"I once had a very pleasant and positive experience with the emergency room there, which made a statement about the hospital's quality of services," he said.

Soon, in addition to other duties, he will preside over the hospital's newly revamped $6 million Radiology Oncology Department, which is expected to be completed in December, and will be home of a Trilogy Linear Accelerator. The device, which utilizes microwave technology, will make cancer treatment more efficient and more effective, with fewer side effects for patients.

"This new equipment makes a statement to the area that we offer complete care for all patients – oncology cases in addition to providing diagnostic imaging."

An open magnetic resonance imaging unit also is on the horizon for Franciscan Point, St. Anthony-Crown Point's outpatient treatment center, which, he said, "will be very beneficial for patients who may be claustrophobic," while providing state-of-art imaging to help diagnose problems.

In addition, a new Cancer Treatment Center of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City is scheduled to open in April 2012.

The 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will combine the most advanced technologies available to fight more forms of cancer with the latest treatments available and access to clinical trials.

Services will include a state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator and PET/CT Scan, along with 14 infusion bays, lab and pharmacy.

There likewise will be a patient and family education center and a community room. Treatment of all types of cancer will be consolidated into the facility, making the process more accessible and comfortable for patients and their families.

Budimir said one of his goals to is coordinate the services and equipment use for all of the region's hospitals, which also include Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster, "so that no matter where a patient goes, there will be a positive experience."

"We want to streamline services and provide the highest-quality imaging available so our patients will be happy. Patients are number-one to us; they're why we're here," he added.

Days of Health - Get Screened!

2011-09-14T09:56:00.000-05:00

You and your family are invited to Franciscan St. Margaret Health's Days of Health screening days. Learn more about Franciscan St. Margaret's services and take advantage of a wealth of health information, screenings, giveaways and refreshments.

Thursday, September 22, 2011
5 - 7:30 p.m.
Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond
Renal Dialysis Building
5454 Hohman Ave., Hammond

Thursday, September 29, 2011
5 - 7:30 p.m.
Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Dyer
Outpatient Center
24 Joliet St. (US Route 30), Dyer

Screenings Available

You must register for the following screenings by calling the Health Resource Center at (800) 931-3322:

Bone Density Screening for Osteoporosis
Foot Screening (free)
Peripheral Vascular Disease (free)
Prostate Screening ($8)

Registration is not necessary for the following FREE screenings:

Balance Test and Posture Screening (Dyer only)
Blood Pressure
Blood Glucose Screening for Diabetes
Body Fat Analysis
Heart Risk Assessments
Oxygen Saturation
Sleep Disorder Screening (Dyer only)
Stroke Screening (Dyer only)

Unless otherwise noted, screenings are free. Other screening fees may be paid by cash or check.

For more information, contact the Health Resource Center at (800) 931-3322.

The Meaning of Our Tau Symbol

2011-09-13T12:44:00.002-05:00

The tau is the sign used by St. Francis to wish peace to all he met. The tau cross is a common symbol of the Franciscan Order. It looks like a T. In the Old Testament, it is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. For Christians, the T came to represent the cross of Christ as being the fulfillment of the Old Testament and it also represented the means by which Christ reversed the disobedience of the old Adam and became our Savior as the "New Adam."

After St. Francis's conversion, he worked with a religious community whose main ministry was caring for lepers. These men wore the cross shaped like a T as a symbol of their trust in God to ward off skin diseases. Eventually, St. Francis adopted the T as his own symbol. For him, it represented lifelong fidelity to the Passion of Christ and a reminder to be an example of compassion for God's people.

Today, followers of St. Francis - laity or religious - wear the tau cross as an exterior sign, a seal of their own commitment to exemplify God's love and continue the ministry of Christ.

The symbol of Franciscan Alliance, is a tau cross with a giving hand and a receiving hand. The giving hand is generously prepared to minister Christ's healing to the weak, the suffering and the vulnerable. The receptive hand is ready to receive His healing power through our joyful, sensitive Franciscan ministry.

FPH Recognizes CPHQ Recipient Lisa Leckrone

2011-09-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

Lisa Leckrone, Franciscan Physicians Hospital director of risk management and quality assessment, recently attained the prestigious international credential – that of a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality.

Leckrone recently passed an international examination that assesses knowledge and understanding of the process to achieve regulatory compliance and accreditation/licensure, program development and management, continuum of care, quality improvement concepts and departmental management skills.

Lisa Leckrone, CPHQ recipient, in her office at the hospital.

The credential covers the field of quality, case/care/disease/utilization and risk management and emphasizes how the programs and processes integrate into an effective system.

Leckrone, looking to utilize the skills gained from the program, said, “Getting this certification will help me determine what quality strategies are needed in our organization with the coming changes of health care reform. I’m very happy to have earned this CPHQ distinction.”

Leckrone joins the ranks of more than 10,700 colleagues internationally who have achieved the certification.

Barb Greene, president of Franciscan Physicians Hospital, states “We look forward to Lisa’s continued professional contribution to Franciscan Physicians Hospital and are pleased to celebrate this success story with one of our valued employees. Lisa does a wonderful job leading many of our quality initiatives.”

Pumpkin Prance 5K Set for October 1 ... Sign Up Today!

2011-09-07T08:51:00.001-05:00

Omni 41 Health & Fitness Connection's 30th Annual Pumpkin Prance 5K Run/Non-Competitive Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 1. Applications are currently being accepted and are available at the club and also at omni41.com.

Download and print your application >>

The race/walk will start at 9 a.m. Race day registration will be held across the street from Omni 41 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The course is a flat 5k (3.1-mile) course through the Plum Creek Subdivision across the street from Omni 41, 221 US Hwy 41 in Schererville.

Prizes will be awarded to overall and master winners and top three male and female finishers in the different age divisions. Prize drawing for participants who come in costume. Tee-shirts and goodie bags are guaranteed for pre-registered participants only.

Pre-registration entry deadline is September 24. Entry fee for the race is $20, which includes apparel, or $15 fee if no apparel is desired. Participants under age 18 must have a parent present the day of the race to fill out and sign a liability waiver.

For more information on this event, please contact Lisa at Omni 41 at (219) 865-6969.

Disaster Training: Going Full Scale to Prepare for the Future

2011-09-06T15:55:00.000-05:00

On September 24th, 2011, Franciscan Physicians Hospital will take part in a full-scale exercise plan that simulates a disaster, providing hospital participants with experience, knowledge and coordination to handle a large influx of patients should such a disaster occur.

The Federal Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) requires that emergency preparedness exercises be built on the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). The exercise is designed to test the operational capabilities of multiple response functions, such as resource coordination, mental health, continuity of operations and risk communication.

The purpose and scope of this operation is to address hospital response elements to a massive surge in patients resulting from multiple detonations of radiological explosive devices in Northwest Indiana. Multiple hospitals and agencies across the District will coordinate and communicate response actions in a live, functional environment.

Five objectives exist for Franciscan Physicians Hospital:
1. Redundant Communications
2. Effective implementation of the Hospital Incident Command System
3. Surge Response, coordinating a massive surge of patients
4. Procedures to support family reunification
5. Mutual aid response for decontamination

To further the seriousness of this staged emergency, Franciscan Physicians Hospital will utilize mock "patients" that simulate a variety of medical conditions relevant to the specific mocked disaster. Each hospital will provide patient role play cards to the mock "patients" to act out various roles.

In planning the scenario for this exercise event, participants are asked to accept the details of the scenario, even if exact timing of the exercise does not correspond to the timing of events as they would actually occur. All hospitals participating in this exercise will be evaluated for their performance against the objectives and tasks set forth by the controllers.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital has employees trained at the state-level to provide direction and communication should a disaster ever occur. Several employees and administrators are trained twice a year through the Indiana State Department of Health and the Lighthouse Readiness Group.

It's National Cholesterol Education Month - Know Your Numbers!

2011-09-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

Your body needs cholesterol to work well. But cholesterol levels that are too high can harm you. Extra cholesterol in your blood builds up inside the walls of your blood vessels. This buildup is called plaque. Plaque reduces, or even stops, the blood flow. This can cause a heart attack, stroke, or other serious heart disease. And this is why it is important to know your numbers and educate yourself on ways to help you control your cholesterol. After all, September is National Cholesterol Education Month!

Your Cholesterol Numbers

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Most people should have their blood cholesterol levels tested at least every 5 years once they reach ages 20 - 45. Have your cholesterol checked more often (probably every year) if you have:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Blood flow problems to your feet or legs
Had a stroke

A blood cholesterol test measures the level of total cholesterol. This includes both HDL ("good") cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

Your LDL level is what doctors watch most closely. You want it to be low. If it gets too high, you will need to treat it.

Treatment includes:

Eating a healthy diet that can lower your cholesterol
Losing weight (if you are overweight)
Exercising

You may also need medicine to lower your cholesterol.

If you have heart disease or diabetes, your LDL cholesterol should stay below 100 mg/dL.
If you are at risk for heart disease (even if you do not yet have any heart problems), your LDL cholesterol should be below 130 mg/dL.
Almost everyone else may get health benefits from LDL cholesterol that is lower than 160 to 190 mg/dL.

You want your HDL cholesterol to be high.

For men, it should be above 40 mg/dL.
For women, it should be above 50 mg/dL.
Exercise helps raise your HDL cholesterol.

It is still important to eat right, keep a healthy weight, and exercise even if:

You do not have heart disease or diabetes
Your cholesterol levels are in the normal range

Learn more about cholesterol, including lifestyle changes, by visiting our Online Health Library.

Helping Those Who Help Those In Need

2011-08-30T16:43:00.002-05:00

Employees and physicians at Franciscan Physicians Hospital worked to raise $8,050 for the St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home, a residential treatment center for abused, neglected, and abandoned children in East Chicago.

The Carmelite Home recently endured significant state funding cuts, limiting the number of children they are able to care for. This treatment center, which previously took in as many as 105 children, is now caring for only 35. These funding cuts have moved children from the Carmelite Home to foster care throughout the region and have left diminished resources and financial obligations a still prominent struggle.

Janet Rolley, Service Excellence Committee chair,
Sister Maria Giuseppe, Carmelite Home administrator,
and Barb Greene, Franciscan Physicians Hospital president.

Efforts to raise money included week long events like dress down Friday, a Mexican Fiesta, bake sale, department basket raffle, movie basket raffle and breakfast rounding cart. Physician donations were also taken to contribute to the fundraising event.

Barb Greene, president of Franciscan Physicians Hospital, notes that she is proud of her staff and physicians and she is proud to be part of an organization that encourages helping those less fortunate. “My staff all has large hearts and are very generous. They are moved to help those in need. They are genuine people and I am proud of their efforts here. Christ’s ministry continues through the work of their hands.”

Pictured: 7 of the 8 East Chicago Carmelite Home Sisters pose with
Janet Rolley and Barb Greene after receiving the $8,050 check.

The fundraising campaign was headed by the hospital’s Service Excellence Committee. Janet Rolley, chair of the Service Excellence Committee, states “I am very humbled by the generosity of our staff and doctors. They saw a need and gave unselfishly. I am appreciative of the donations businesses made to help us in our efforts to raise funds for the Carmelite Home. Some businesses donated money, others were able to donate items or give us reduced pricing." Special thanks go to the businesses that donated/reduced prices on items for our fundraising efforts.

These businesses include:

Gus Bock’s Ace Hardware, Dyer
Accents on 45th
Albanese Candy
All That Glitters
Baum’s Natural Foods
Butterfingers
Calumet Bakery
Costco
Howard & Sons
Jewel-Osco
La Chiquita
Pepsi Co.
Schilling Lumber
Strack & Van Til
The Charley Horse
The Great Frame Up
Typsy Cake
The Liquor Stop
Tipsy Cake
Howard’s Meats

Pictures of the Fundraiser

Left: Hospital employees enjoy a Mexican Fiesta luncheon. All items were bought or donated with all proceeds going toward the cause!

Bake sale items were displayed throughout an afternoon for employees to purchase.

Hospital departments made baskets, which were raffled off on Friday afternoon.

From the CEO's Desk: "Advancement & Growth at Franciscan Alliance"

2011-08-29T16:24:00.000-05:00

Submitted by Gene Diamond, chief executive officer of Franciscan Alliance's Northern Indiana Region. This was also published in the 2011 Quality & Innovation special section of The Times of Northwest Indiana newspaper.

The hospitals that serve Franciscan Alliance's Northern Indiana Region continue to be at the forefront of innovation, not only in their nationally and locally recognized provision of health care, but in management and fiscal practices that help us operate efficiently – and lead to growth.

That growth is evident in our recent acquisitions of Calumet Surgery Center of Munster and Hammond Clinic's three area locations.

Our latest advances in care are numerous. Examples include:

Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City is scheduled to open a new, state-of-the-art Cancer Treatment Center next April. The 20,000-square-foot facility will combine the most advanced technologies. What's more, the hospital recently was recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancerwith an Outstanding Achievement Award.
Franciscan St. Anthony Health will open a Chesterton Health and Emergency Center early next year that will include onsite laboratory, MRI and CT scans, primary care and 24-hour emergency coverage.
Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point recently opened a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Early next year, the hospital will open a 27,000-square-foot outpatient surgery center at its Franciscan Point health complex located along U.S. 231, near Interstate 65. In late fall, it is expected to open a revamped and relocated Radiology Oncology Department that will be the new home of a linear accelerator, which will make cancer treatment more efficient and effective.
Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond just opened a Family Birthing Center at its Dyer Campus, in addition to the obstetrics unit at the Hammond Campus. It also offers what has been called the "quintessential" wound care center in the Chicago area – the Wound Healing and Prevention Institute. Its Bariatric Institute likewise offers unsurpassed care.
Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster is the first in Indiana to purchase the Trabectome minimally invasive glaucoma treatment program that provides better treatment through reduced risk and cost effectiveness. It likewise offers a new catheterization laboratory that provides the latest equipment for interventional cardiology and endovascular procedures.

Our advancements are made possible by employing the smartest and most efficient business practices, needed more than ever with the challenges brought by health care reforms that threaten the very existence of some hospitals.

Enter Lean and Six Sigma, a nationally recognized set of business and management practices we have followed since 2005 to help eliminate defects in processes and assure utmost efficiency. Our advancements are too numerous to list, but Dr. Paul Strange, Franciscan Alliance corporate vice president of quality, sums it up well: "Lean and Six Sigma models for process improvement and elimination of waste in health care mean improvements in the quality of our care, making our systems safer and cost effective."

Yes, the changes brought by latest health care reforms present the greatest challenges we have faced.

But our culture of care, advancement and working as efficiently as possible, will prove invaluable in weathering the storm.

Autism Awareness: Americans Asking for Answers

2011-08-29T11:58:00.002-05:00

Autism is a word that has grown to hold significant meaning and worry for future generations. Today, the word autism can be heard almost anywhere. From presumptuous causes to the future of cures, autism is speaking loud and clear.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital investigates the available evidence to provide some facts, statistics, and advocacy routes for those looking to learn more about autism.

What is Autism?

Autism, according to autismspeaks.org, is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).

Disorders in this group can include Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Some refer to this group more simply as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Characteristics of autism are most often found in behavior, and can be seen from infancy with more obvious symptoms during early childhood. Developmental screenings are utilized to screen for possible autism with the child’s doctor asking questions about their growing and learning progress.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) lists five behaviors that signal further evaluation should be taken:

Does not babble or coo by 12 months
Does not gesture by 12 months
Does not say single words by 16 months
Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months
Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age.

These signs do not mean your child has autism; they only stand out as possible indicators. A multidisciplinary team can provide deeper investigation into behavioral abnormalities.

The Statistics

Based on autismspeaks.org statistics, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism. Further, an estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism, with government statistics suggesting that the prevalence rate is increasing 10-17% annually.

The Autism Society estimates that autism has an annual cost of $60 billion and that the cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.

What causes Autism?

No single cause is determined to cause autism. The vast majority of autism cases are not traceable to any definitive cause due to different levels of severity and combination of symptoms.

Researchers are finding that it’s most likely there are a number of causes for autism, with each case having its own various combinations. Multiple genetic components and timing of exposure during the child’s development may also play a role in the development or final presentation of the disorder.

Cases that are distinguished to have causes are small in number. These cases are linked to genetic disorders such as Tuberous Sclerosis, Fragile X, and Angelman’s Syndrome. Other cases are linked to the exposure of infectious or chemical environmental agents during pregnancy.

One thing is clear: autism is not caused by bad parenting, contrary to initial belief in the early 1940’s and 50’s. Dr. Bernard Rimland, founder of the Autism Society of America and the Autism Research Institute, helped develop and communicate this to the medical community in the 1960’s and 70’s.

Treatment options

Some children with autism tend to respond to a gluten-free or casein-free diet. Though a review of studies on this topic in 2008 didn’t find any evidence of diet affecting response, some parents say they do see a difference in behavior.

Other studies suggest that vitamin B6 and vitamin C may help some children. Studies of the vitamin B6 used doses that were higher than the recommended amount and potentially toxic. These should only be administered under doctor’s supervision. Vitamin C supplements may help improve behavior, but studies were not entirely conclusive.

Touch therapy and massage are alternative treatment options for some children with autism. Research shows that fewer symptoms were seen in children who had undergone several weeks of touch therapy.

Other treatment options include art, music, and pet therapy. Each of these provides an opportunity for the child to develop social and communication skills.

For more information regarding autism, visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/, autism-society.org, or visit our complete online health library.

FREE Patient Education Classes at Franciscan Hammond Clinic!

2011-08-26T10:49:00.001-05:00

Franciscan Hammond Clinic, the newest member of the Franciscan Alliance, is continually working to keep our community healthy. Through patient education, their health care facility supports the notion that an empowered mind promotes an empowered body.

Join Franciscan Hammond Clinic for these free classes in September and October at their specialty center location: 7905 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321.

September

Diabetes Support Group: Managing Diabetes
Thursday, September 8th, 6:30 p.m.
You don't have to be alone on your journey to successfully managing your diabetes! Come listen to A1C champion, an individual who will speak of personal experiences and accomplishments in controlling diabetes!

Weight Management Class
Monday, September 12th, 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.

Get the Facts About the Flu
Monday, September 19th, 5 p.m.
With the onset of flu season, learn the facts on the best way to protect yourself against it by attending this talk with Franciscan Hammond Clinic Physicians Brian Jacover, DO. Find out the symptoms, treatment and vaccinations available to help make this flu season easier on you and your family!

Stroke Awareness
Tuesday, September 20th, 6 p.m.
Stroke can happen to you or those around you at anytime and fast! Attend this talk by Franciscan Hammond Clinic neurologist, Aisha Shareef, MD, to learn the warning signs of stroke and how timely medical attention can ease the outcome.

Alzheimer's Support Group
Thursday, September 22nd, 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.

Overactive Bladder
Monday, September 26th, 6 p.m.
Overactive bladder is a medical condition that can affect anyone at any age. This condition is identified with symptoms such as leaks, strong sudden urges to go, and going to the bathroom too often. Attend this talk with Franciscan Hammond Clinic urologist Jay Hwang, MD, to learn more about the cause and treatment of Overactive Bladder.

October

Weight Management Class
Monday, October 10th, 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.

Discussion Support Group: Diabetes and the Skin
Thursday, October 13th, 6:30 p.m.
Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin. As many as one third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by this disease. Join Franciscan Hammond Clinic Dermatology department nurse practitioner Vicki Lackey as she discusses these issues and provides tips to help you care for your skin. There will be a demonstration of blood glucose meters. Light refreshments provided. Sponsored by Bayer Healthcare.

Alzheimer's Support Group
Thursday, October 27th, 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.

Nicotine Cessation Seminar
Saturday, October 29th, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Les us help you kick the smoking habit! Join us for this FREE seminar on nicotine cessation presented by Pat Konvalinka, nurse practitioner from the Franciscan Hammond Clinic pulmonary department.

To register, call (219)836-3600 or 1-800-279-8700.

Hours are Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to noon

Unless specified otherwise, all classes are held in the 3rd floor meeting room.

Register for any of our these classes at hammondclinic.com.

Back-to-School Safety Tip: "Lighten that Backpack Load"

2011-08-25T10:04:00.001-05:00

It's back to school for most area kids. Did you know that children carrying overloaded and improperly worn backpacks are likely to experience neck, shoulder, and back pain?

Here are a few safety tips to help children "lighten the load":

Backpacks should weigh no more than 15% of a child's body weight.
Load heaviest items closest to the child's back.
Wear both shoulder straps and waist belt for an evenly balanced load. Straps should be well-padded and adjusted properly.
Check what your child carries to school and brings home to make sure the items are necessary for the day's activities.
If the backpack is too heavy, consider using a book bag on wheels.

Have a safe, enjoyable school year!

For more health and wellness information, visit our Online Health Center for Parents and Kids.

Mallwalkers Learn to Balance Aging with Strength, Control

2011-08-24T15:00:00.002-05:00

A healthy number of participants received lessons in balance and strength control, as they relate to the aging process, during the Aug. 24 Franciscanfit Mallwalkers program at Westfield Southlake Mall in Hobart.

Jane Bogordos, exercise physiologist at Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection in Schererville, discussed the benefits of balance and core strength and led audience members in related exercises, including a number using a seated ball, during the program.

In case you missed it...here is a video recap:

Pulmonary function screenings were offered by Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point.

For more information, call (219) 931-3322.

Soldier Care Package Recap: Thank You!

2011-08-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

A special thanks to all who participated in our soldier care package collection! Your contributions made this event surpass our initial expectations and we’re looking forward to hosting such an event again in the future.

Overall, we packaged 58 large flat rate boxes to be sent to soldiers serving in Iran and Afghanistan. Each box weighs roughly 14 lbs, putting our total weight at over 800 lbs! Boxes are being shipped out this week from the FHC St. John location.

Each package contained items from the initial collection list, including lotion, Chap Stick, drink additives, playing cards, pen and paper, and books, among other items. Before packaging began, items were categorized by tables of hygiene, entertainment, food, and clothing to simplify the packing process.

Each box was packed with a personal note saying who the box was from (FPH and FHC) and wishing the soldier a safe and quick return home.

We would like to thank hospital and clinic employees, along with the public, for all of their contributions toward this effort. Further thanks go to C.A.M.P. (Caring About Military Personnel) for their $120 donation toward shipping costs, and Immanuel United Church of Christ.

Next FranciscanFit Mallwalkers Program Set for Aug. 24

2011-08-18T15:36:00.003-05:00

"Balance and Strength As We Age" is the presentation topic for the next Franciscanfit -- Steps to Good Health monthly Mallwalkers program.

The free event, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana and Westfield Southlake mall, is scheduled for 8 to 10 a.m. Aug. 24.

The public is invited to attend a 9 a.m. presentation of the program theme offered by Jane Bogordos, exercise physiologist at Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection in Schererville. She will discuss the benefits of balance and core strength during the aging process.

Pulmonary function screenings will be offered by Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point.

New Mallwalkers members are welcome to register for the program, which takes place on the mall's lower level, outside of JC Penney, on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Regular walkers hours are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 to 11 a.m. Sundays.

For more information, call (800) 931-3322.

Other Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana include Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster, St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond and St. Anthony Health-Michigan City.

Check Out Our New Digital Newsletter - Franciscan Focus

2011-08-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Franciscan Focus magazine!

About the magazine
In this issue you will learn about the best and latest services offered at the Franciscan Alliance northern Indiana hospitals. You’ll also find information on events at our facilities as well as health advice from our very own experts.

About the digital edition
Each page is viewable in an interactive, user-friendly format. As you read through the magazine, just click on the arrows to turn the pages and while you are on a specific page, you can…

Print, bookmark, even make virtual notes on whatever strikes you. Just click on the Tools icon at the top.
Share a page or selection of pages with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, email and other social networks, using the Share icon.
Click on the links provided in articles to be taken directly to the corresponding website.

Generic or Brand-name? The Choice is Yours

2011-08-16T10:55:00.003-05:00

We're all aware that medications come in many varieties. Not only are we offered a host of different medications; we're exposed to medications that treat the same conditions as others. With these things in mind, it's important to know why generic drugs exist, what purpose they serve, and if a brand-name drug does in fact give you the best benefit.

The first and foremost fact relating to generic drugs is that they are cheaper. Often times, brand name drugs can cost hundreds of dollars a year, as opposed to generics that can total only a fraction of that amount. Why is this so? Do generic drugs have different ingredients? Do they mean you're getting less quality? Quite the contrary, says Dr. Neha Patel, M.D., internal medicine. "Generics are cheaper because of the research and marketing costs associated with creation and initial production. Brand-name companies only have a limited amount of time on their patent to research, test, and produce the drug, which makes the cost high. Once the patent expires, the cost of the medicine is driven down to the consumer by other manufacturers."

Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have the exact same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original brand-name drug. Not only do generic producers want their drug to be the same; the Food & Drug Administration requires that the generic drug be as safe and effective as the brand-name one.

"There are not supposed to be any differences in the production of a drug. This is one reason why the U.S. won't accept drugs from outside of the country; they aren't regulated on the same standards as those within the U.S. by the FDA. In reality, slight variabilities may occur, but they're mostly psychological. The truth is that the active ingredients in the medicines are all the same," says Dr. Patel.

Differences perceived psychologically can easily be tied into other factors as well, such as the colors, flavors, and active ingredients of generics that are differet than the original medications. Trademark laws in the United States do not allow the generic drugs to look exactly like the brand-name ones, but the active ingredients must remain the same to ensure the same medicinal effects.

Overall, generic drugs, when available, provide the same effects and benefits as the brand-name ones. Gary Buehler, M.D., director of the FDA's Office of Generic Drugs states, "People can use them with total confidence."

For more information on generic drugs, visit our complete online health library.

Healthy Grocery Shopping

2011-08-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

A key step for losing weight, keeping the weight off, and staying healthy is learning how to buy the right foods at the store.

Smart shopping
Avoid buying foods in bulk and shopping in warehouse-type stores if you can. Getting a good deal can lead to overeating. If you do buy large amounts of a food, divide it into smaller portion sizes and store what you will not use right away.

Know how to read food labels
Learn how to read the Nutrition Facts labels on food packages.

Know what the serving size is and the amount of calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates per serving.

Learn how to tell the difference between foods that are truly organic. Two words on labels that can be misleading are "natural" and "pure." See also: Reading food labels

Plan ahead
Before you buy food for the week, think about your schedule:

When and where you will be eating over the next week?
How much time will you have to cook?

Then, plan your meals before you shop. This can keep you from buying whatever foods look good to you, whether or not they are healthy.

Make a shopping list. Remember to take it with you, and promise yourself you will not buy things that are not on it.

Never go food shopping when you are hungry. You will make better choices if you shop after you have had a healthy meal or snack.

Be sure to check out the Midwest Bariatric Institutes's Weight Loss Health Guide for more information, resources, health and behavior assessments and other tools to help you learn more about how to lose and keep off excess weight.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: The Facts, Stats, and You

2011-08-08T10:03:00.003-05:00

Modern society has provided us with some exceptional things: advanced technologies, instantaneous communication, and a developed infrastructure in many areas of our lives. It has also given us the ability to repair health issues like abdominal aortic aneurysms with little complication and no open surgery.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlargement or weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aneurysm of this area is caused by a breakdown of the lining of the vessel. The vessel lining gets weaker, primarily due to age and other risk factors, and consequentially becomes thinner. Eventually, the wall expands and this expansion is the aneurysm.

The Stats
Based on 2011 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Rupture of an AAA carries a risk of death up to 90%
AAA is more common in men and in people ages 65 and up
Smoking is associated with a 3-to-5 fold increase in the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Symptoms of an AAA are felt once the vessel has ruptured, or is leaking. These symptoms can include:

pain in the abdomen or back
clammy skin
nausea and vomiting
rapid heart rate
shock

Treatment of AAA comes in two procedure options: open surgical or endovascular repair, with endovascular becoming the preferred choice due to the minimal invasion it requires. The endovascular repair process involves sealing off the aneurysm by placing a graft inside the diseased aorta, allowing blood to flow through freely. This procedure, typically taking one to three hours, is done by Dr. Paul Jones at Franciscan Physicians Hospital.

Dr. Jones, founder of the Jones Endovascular Institute, is Chief of Cardiovascular Services at Mercy Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Center.

In the traditional or open repair, a large cut is made in the abdomen. The vessel is then replaced with a graft made of synthetic material, such as Dacron.

Alternatively, endovascular treatment is done with some of the most definitive imaging machines and catheterization (cath) labs available. Franciscan Physicians Hospital recently completed construction of a new cath lab, the Philips Allura Xper FD20. This lab provides Dr. Jones and his cardiovascular team with the best ability to repair AAA cases, among many other things.

For more information on AAA procedures and a complete online health library, visit our A.D.A.M. Online Health Library.

Senior Day at the Lake County Fair

2011-08-04T16:09:00.002-05:00

Franciscan Alliance is a proud sponsor of Senior Citizens Day at the Lake County Fair, Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point.

Join us in the Seniors Tent on Monday, August 8, 9 a.m. to noon, for free health screenings and information including:

Blood Glucose Testing/Finger Sticks (no fasting required)
Blood Oxygen Checks
Blood Pressure Testing
Body Fat Analysis
Nutrition Information
Pulmonary Function Screening
Senior Services/SHIIP
Stroke Information
Wound, Ostomy, Continence Information

Also, in the Showcase Tent, come and check out these events:

9 a.m.: Goldtones
11 a.m.: Apple Peeling Contest
12 noon: Ladies' Red Hat Contest
7 p.m.: Charlie Blum and Friends (Showtunes and Classics)

Hope to see you at the Fair!

Soldier Care Package Collection Continues

2011-08-03T15:02:00.007-05:00

Soldier care package collections at Franciscan Physicians Hospital and Franciscan Hammond Clinic are well under way. The collection has already drawn hundreds of items to bins located in each facility’s lobby.

The collection, which began on July 14, will continue through August 12.

Dropoff areas are:

Franciscan Physicians Hospital
Hospital Lobby: Rear Entrance
701 Superior Ave.
Munster, IN 46321

AND

Franciscan Hammond Clinic
Main Lobby
7905 Calumet Ave.
Munster, IN 46321

Please look for the bin marked "Designated Drop-Off Area" when bringing items.

In collecting for the troops, both organizations are looking for the following items or similar:

Plastic jars/Peanut Butter
Skin lotion
Chap stick
Playing cards
Paperback books; new or used
White socks
Hard candy
Self-opening cans of snacks (Pringles, etc....)
Drink additives (Gatorade, Crystal Light, Kool-aid, etc....)

Items collected will be divided into smaller care packages and then shipped to soldiers in Iran and Afghanistan. Help us gather as many items as possible in the next eight days to show our love and support for those defending our freedoms!

For more information, contact Andrew Mullins at (219) 922-4200 ext. 5346 or by email at Andrew.mullins@franicscanalliance.org.

Bright Light? Imitate Night!

2011-07-26T10:12:00.003-05:00

Sunglasses have become a staple of modern culture; not just during the summer, but throughout the year. Children and adults from all different lifestyles can be seen wearing these darkened spectacles, but what is it that sunglasses actually do? And, how did sunglasses come to be such a popular expression of style?

Did you know: Sunglasses were first used by judges in Chinese courts to conceal their facial expressions while questioning witnesses?! While they serve a significantly different purpose today, sunglasses have become an important part of eye protection. Here's why:

Sunglasses minimize the exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays that cause both short and long term ocular problems. Experts suggest wearing sunglasses that relflect or filter out 99-100% of UVA and UVB light. This light, having wavelengths of 400 nanometers (a unit of length in the metric system), can be blocked with sunglasses labeled UV400.

Light is broken into three different types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA has longer wavelengths and passes through glass easily. UVB rays are the most dangerous, as they don't go through glass. These types of rays make sunglasses a must. UVC rays don't reach the earth because of atmospheric blockage.

Utilizing polarized and anti-reflective sunglasses greatly reduces severe glare. Light that is reflected from surfaces like a flat road or smooth water is generally horizontally polarized. The horizontally polarized light from these surfaces is blocked by the vertically oriented polarizers in the lenses of these types of sunglasses. Anti-reflecting coatings reduce glare that comes from light reflection off the back surface of the sunglass lenses. Both of these types are of great benefit when doing activities on water, snow, or driving.

History of the Style

The beginning of this article mentions the first known uses of sunglasses by Chinese courts. But what about from there on? Information from Sunglass Internationals notes that the turn of the 20th century caused the widespread use of sunglasses as early silent movie stars began wearing them before filming to shield their eyes from the stage lights.

Cheap sunglasses (not the ZZ Top song!) were first manufactured in 1929 by an American man named Sam Foster, whose primary purchasers were beach goers in New Jersey. This was the defining time of sunglasses as a fashion accessory. Polarized lenses crept into the scene in 1936 from developer Edwin Land, who patented the Polaroid filter.

The biggest promotion for the accessory use of sunglasses is thought to be from WWII, when prominent military figures such as General MacArthur were seen wearing them. The popular wartime image made them a desirable item for youth and young adults.

Ever increasing styles, materials, and varieties of sunglasses are being made everyday. Remember: eye damage is cumulative, meaning it increases from year to year, so the sooner you protect your eyes, the better.

For more information on eye protection, eye damage, and medical conditions or treatments, visit our complete online health library.

New Mallwalkers Program Set for July 27

2011-07-25T08:57:00.001-05:00

"Take Charge of Your Health" will be the presentation topic for the next Franciscanfit -- Steps to Good Health monthly Mallwalkers program.

The free program, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana and Westfield Southlake mall, is scheduled for 8 to 10 a.m., July 27.

The public is invited to attend a 9 a.m. presentation of the program theme offered by Jean Kim, M.D., an endocrinologist at the Franciscan Hammond Clinc. Dr. Kim will discuss diabetes, osteoporosis and bone disease.

Glucose and blood pressure screenings also will be provided by the nursing staff of the Franciscan Hammond Clinic.

New Mallwalkers members are welcome to register for the program, which takes place on the mall’s lower level, outside of JC Penney, on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Regular walkers hours are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and 9 to 11 a.m., Sundays.

For more information, call (800) 931-3322.

Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana include Franciscan Physicians Hospital LLC in Munster, St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond, St. Anthony Health-Michigan City and St. Anthony Health-Crown Point.

Managing Your Stress with Simple Techniques

2011-07-19T12:00:00.002-05:00

Stress--noun [stres]:

special emphasis or significance attached to something
mental, emotional, or physical strain or tension

Stress is a daily factor in most, if not all, of our lives. Stress can provide benefits to an individual's life, being a source of motivation or a stimulant of the sympathetic nervous system, causing an individual to have a "fight or flight" response.

While positives can and do exist in relation to stress, its much more often known as a source of negative feelings like worry, panic, anxiety, depression, and even heart disease.

Avoiding stress whenever possible and learning how to manage the stress that's unavoidable is integral to leading a happy and healthy life. By following the available advice and strageties for dealing with stress, we can help eliminate and manage the things that damage our emotional and physical health.

It's important to first categorize stress as it pertains to internal and external factors. Internal factors include physical things (infections, illness, inflammations) or psychological (intense worry or fear). External factors include adverse physical conditions (pain, hot/cold temperatures) or stressful psychological environments.

Furthermore, A.D.A.M. online health content notes that stress can be chronic (long-term) or acute (short-term). Acute stress generally provokes the fight-or-flight response, where a situation is perceived as an immediate danger. Chronic stress generally refers to those perceived dangers or stresses that occur over time, such as ongoing work pressures or relational problems.

Managing Your Stress

As you begin learning ways to manage your stress, be sure to work at implementing them in your daily routine. Establish mental cues that help you remember how and why you're managing your stresses. Some of the ways to manage your stress include the following:

Remove yourself from the stressful situation: Give yourself a break from the situation, if possible. Even if it's only for a moment, try to remove yourself from the situation.
Don't overwhelm yourself: learn to take tasks one at a time; don't concentrate on the entire workload ahead of you.
Work off stress: pick up an activity such as exercise, bicycling, or running. Physical activity not only relieves stress, but it's good for your overall health!
Manage stress through meditation or relaxation techniques: meditation and relaxation can help you release your stress and anxiety and renew your feelings of ease.
Use a Coach: ask for someone to assist you in giving perspective and resolving problems.

A host of ways to resolve stress exist and are available to you through the internet. For more information on stress symptoms, causes, complications, and treatment, visit the stress category of our A.D.A.M. Online Health Library.

An Economic Anchor to our Community

2011-07-18T11:10:00.005-05:00

As we inch past the half-way mark of 2011, it's important that we pause and reflect on the impact our organization has had on the local economy and our community.

First, we are proud of the high quality, efficient health care we provide to our community. Our hospital stands ready to care for you with open doors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Every year, we serve thousands of individuals and endeavor to keep our community healthy, strong, and vibrant. This record of service is, and will always be, our most valuable contribution to the community.

Less often recognized is the hospital's contribution to the local economy, such as the people it employs and the impact of it's spending. Franciscan Physicians Hosiptal plays a vital role in the economic vitality of the community. It is a major source of employment and purchaser of goods and services, while providing health care that allows people to be productive citizens.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital:

Provides well-paying consistent employment
Stimulates the local economy with the purchases of goods and services
Improves infrastructure with capital expenditures and physical improvements
Pays real estate taxes
Makes donations to local charities
Contributes over $6 million annually in Social Accountability and Outreach Programs
Works with neighborhood civic and cultural groups
Ensures safety during an emergency or disaster
Attracts visitors to the area, including vendors, patients, physicians, and students who utilize services in the community

We think it is important to recognize the role our hospital plays in supporting the local and state economies. Our resolution for the approaching year is to continue growing, keep families healthy, improve quality of life, and continue to be a stable economic anchor working hand in hand with our community.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital's Economic Benefits (2009) are determined by the Indiana Hospital Association. They are:
Jobs provided: 240
Economic Impact:
Supply Purchases: $23,975,000
Capital Spending: $2,456.000
Total Impact: $44,860,000
Employment: 169
Total Payroll: $11,048,000
Money spent by employees on groceries, clothing, mortgage, rent, and other expenses: $18,429,000
FPH annual spending: $14,373,000
In 2009, FPH spent $1,472,000 on buildings and equipment
Capital spending at FPH generates approximately $2,456,000 for the local economy.
In 2009, FPH spent $241,971 on renovation and landscaping, all contracted locally.
2009 Hospital Stats:
Inpatients: 895
Outpatients: 7,276
(All numbers based on 2009 estimates by the Indiana Hospital Association).

As you can see, hospitals provide much more economic vitality to the local community than meets the eye. Franciscan Physicians Hospital offers these figures to provide awareness of how much they influence the community and surrounding areas. For more information and our complete online health library, visit: http://www.franciscanphysicians.org/Index.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=1.

Radiology Groups Merge to Improve Services

2011-07-14T10:02:00.000-05:00

Effective Aug. 1, Imaging Associates of Indiana (IAI) will provide radiology services for Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region hospitals.

IAI represents a merger of three radiology groups currently serving Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City, Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point.

The merger forms a larger radiology group of greater capability that will serve those hospitals and associated services, as well as Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

"The agreement came about due to the need to grow our radiology groups in order to offer greater radiology specialty services and to provide an improved platform upon which to recruit new radiologists as the need arises," said James Callaghan, M.D., president of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City, who was instrumental in forging the agreement, along with staff physician Richard Dobben, MD.

"They also benefit from the Picture Archiving and Communications System in which radiologists from one of our hospitals are able to read images from our other hospitals."

IAI will provide 24-hour, seven-day-per-week coverage. Its Picture Archiving and Communications System is expected to allow reading of imaging studies across hospital lines effective in mid to late September.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital Awarded HFAP Accreditation

2011-07-13T10:53:00.001-05:00

Franciscan Physicians Hospital was awarded accreditation from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), an independent, recognized accreditation authority. It earned this distinction after HFAP conducted an extensive and objective review of the hospital's quality and safety standards.

"We're always very proud to have this distinction," said Lisa Leckrone, Risk Management Director at Franciscan Physicians Hospital. "Our community comprises individuals with health care experience from many different providers. It's important that we establish a well-rounded, consistent environment in which they can place trust and pride. I believe we've done that, and the HFAP is one outlet for us to provide those elements."

The HFAP is one of only three national voluntary accreditation programs authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to survey all hospital and other medical facilities for compliance with the Medicare Conditions of Participation.

The HFAP is a non-profit, nationally recognized accreditation organization. It has been accrediting healthcare facilities for more than 60 years and under Medicare since its inception. Its mission is to advance high quality patient care and safety through objective application of recognized standards. Its accreditation is recognized by the federal government, state governments, managed care organizations, and insurance companies. For more information, go to: www.hfap.org.

Help Us Support Our Troops!

2011-07-11T15:35:00.003-05:00

TO THE "TROOPER" IN YOU:

It's important that we remember to thank our soldiers during this patriotic time of year. In celebrating the dedication and endurance our troops display in fighting for out freedom, Franciscan Physicians Hospital and the Franciscan Hammond Clinic are having a soldier care package collection for our troops.

The collection will run from July 11th through August 12th, 2011. Dropoff areas are:

Franciscan Physicians Hospital
Hospital Lobby: Rear Entrance
701 Superior Ave.
Munster, IN 46321

AND

Franciscan Hammond Clinic
Main Lobby
7905 Calumet Ave.
Munster, IN 46321

Please look for the bin marked "Designated Drop-Off Area" when bringing items.

In collecting for the troops, both organizations are looking for the following items or similar:

Plastic jars/Peanut Butter
Skin lotion
Chap stick
Playing cards
Paperback books; new or used
White socks
Hard candy
Self-opening cans of snacks (Pringles, etc....)
Drink additives (Gatorade, Crystal Light, Kool-aid, etc....)

Please help us as we work to show our love and appreciation for all that our troops do. Many thanks go out to those who contribute their time, effort, and resources into putting these gifts together, and even more thanks to the troops fighting for our freedom.

For more information, contact Andrew Mullins, Community Outreach Specialist, at (219)922-4200 ext. 5346.

Your Joints and You: Supporting a Healthy Lifestyle

2011-07-06T09:59:00.002-05:00

27 million: Does that seem like a large number? How about 27 million people suffering a painful condition.

That’s the estimated number of American adults age 25 and over with osteoarthritis, according to A.D.A.M. Online. While joint health may seem like a minor detail in the rush of life, treatment and prevention at a young age can help to decrease later effects on the body.

Prevention, the easiest and most beneficial step, begins with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy weight. These key ingredients to joint health provide benefits to many other aspects of life as well.

Exercise benefits joint health by supporting bone density, improving muscle strength, and improving joint flexibility.

While prevention is important, it’s also very important to know the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis so individuals are aware if they suffer from it. Symptoms include:

Aching or stiffness
Worsening during activity and improving during rest
Occurring intermittently
Grating sensation when joint is moved
Bony growths on the margins of joints

While no wholly curing treatment for osteoarthritis exists, there are treatment options that can reduce pain, improve flexibility and increase overall quality of life. These treatment options include:

Lifestyle modifications
Non-drug approaches such as exercise, weight loss, and physical therapy
Medications
Surgery

Why does osteoarthritis occur?

Osteoarthritis is generally a slow process that occurs when the cartilage in a joint deteriorates. Cartilage is a slippery tissue that coats the ends of bones, providing a cushion during muscle movement.

In the early stages of deterioration, the surface of cartilage becomes inflamed and swollen. As the joint continues to lose molecules and other tissues, it starts to lose water. Eventually, fissures and pits appear in the cartilage.

Further progression leads to further loss of cartilage. With the individual still using the joint(s) everyday, increased damage and injury occur. Eventually, with large amounts of cartilage destroyed, bone ends leave the joint unprotected and injury occurs more rapidly.

Am I at risk?
There are lots of risk factors that can affect the 27 million Americans living with osteoarthritis. These include:

Age: While the disease can affect anyone, it rarely occurs in individuals younger than 40.
Gender: When the disease does occur in individuals younger than 45, it occurs more frequently in men. After 45, it develops more often in women. Research suggests that women may feel greater muscle and joint pain than men.
Obesity: Obesity is defined as being 20% over one’s healthy weight. Because of increased weight on the joints, obesity places individuals, particularly women, at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis.
Work/Leisure Factors: Work and leisure that pose increased stress on joints and muscles present risks for developing osteoarthritis. These include repeated stressful motions, such as lifting, climbing, or carrying heavy objects.

Changing Your Risk Factors for the Better

Options are available to reduce your risk of osteoarthritis starting today. The first is considering an occupational change, if your job poses added risk to joint deterioration. People in occupations with repetitive and stressful movement should try to reduce the trauma by adjusting work areas, substituting tasks, and reducing overall wear on joints.

Exercise is another important step to reducing your risk factors. Moving joints equal healthy joints, and prolonged periods of inactivity cause the arthritic joint to stiffen and adjoining tissue to waste away; a process called atrophy. Moderate exercise with low-impact aerobics helps to reduce stiffness, increase flexibility, promote weight loss, and improve overall strength. Improving strength leads to increases in balance and endurance, which can both assist in the reduction of osteoarthritis.

Three types of exercise are best for those with osteoarthritis:

Strengthening exercise
Range-of-motion exercise
Aerobic, or endurance, exercise

Weight reduction is of significant benefit for those who are obese or overweight. An in-depth report on weight loss and diet showed that losing 5 lbs. of weight can eliminate 20 lbs. of stress on the knees. This happens because knees sustain 3 to 5 times your body’s weight when descending stairs or other declines.

Heat and ice treatments are an option for those experiencing inflamed joints. Ice can be applied when a joint is inflamed for 20-30 minutes to reduce swelling. Heat treatments, such as lying in a bath or applying a heat pad, can also help to reduce stiffness and pain.

Further options include mechanical aids, pain management, herbs and dietary supplements, and acupuncture. A range of options are available to assist in reducing the impact of osteoarthritis on your everyday health.

For more health and wellness information, visit our complete online health library.

WorkingWell Offers Heart Health Screening for Women

2011-07-05T14:29:00.001-05:00

Heart disease, often thought of as a man's problem, is the number one killer of women. In fact, more women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

WorkingWell wants women to get smart about their heart health today!

Risk Factors
Many heart disease risk factors can be controlled by making changes in your lifestyle and, in some cases, by taking medications. Risk factors include:

Existing coronary heart disease (heart attack, bypass surgery, heart stents)
Stroke or carotid artery disease
Blocked arteries in your legs
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes
Cigarette smoking
Poor diet
Lack of regular exercise
Overweight
Family history of heart or vascular disease
High blood pressure
Abnormal cholesterol levels

The Women's Cardiovascular Health Screening program at WorkingWell makes it easier than ever to know your risk. Screenings include:

Lipid Profile blood draw**
FBS (fasting blood sugar blood draw)**
Blood Pressure Check
BMI (Body Mass Index measurement

Cost is $25 (fee must be paid in cash or credit at time of screening). For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 866-552-WELL (9355).
**Requires fasting 8-10 hours prior to lab draw.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital House Supervisor Pays it Forward

2011-06-28T11:24:00.000-05:00

Susan Goodman, whose later name became Susan Komen, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. Three years later, she lost the battle to her illness. Susan’s younger sister, Nancy, made a promise to increase awareness about cancer and its treatment in hopes that future generations would have better outcomes.

TO DONATE, CLICK THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM!!

Today, the breast cancer awareness movement has grown to international levels, with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Walk raising over $600 million dollars since 2003, according to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Taking part for her first time in this endeavor is cancer survivor Jessica Tancos. Tancos is a Nursing House Supervisor at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, who says her involvement is all about “paying it forward.”

American author and historian Edward Everett Hale once said this: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Jessica is reflective of that ideology as she works to raise the $2,300 to walk in the Susan G Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk.

“The 3-Day for the Cure Walk is such a distinctive event. I’m working to raise the money not only for the benefit of those fighting breast cancer, but also so that I can come together with other survivors and do something that, at one point, I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to do again. I’m getting more and more excited everyday, yet I always come back to thinking about those still suffering,” says Tancos.

The 3-Day for the Cure Walk pushes men and women to raise money for breast cancer research while pushing the boundaries of their own goals. Thousands of people take their commitment to end breast cancer and walk 60 miles over the course of three days.

These walks, reaching national proportions, will take place in Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Arizona, Cleveland, Dallas, Michigan, and many other locations.

Raising the money to participate in this challenging endeavor is no easy feat, but Jessica has taken the stand to fight back against breast cancer. As a cancer survivor herself, Jessica’s endurance will be on par with many others who walk as a way of supporting the fight against cancer.

“I have two girls that I have to worry about now, and I’ve lost two very good friends to breast cancer, both under the age of 45,” says Tancos. “I just hope that we can continue to expand this event and soon end breast cancer for good.”

To donate to Jessica’s cause, click here. This donation page allows you to post comments, track Jessica's achievements, and more! Click here to reach the 3-Day for a Cure website, which provides links, donations, locations, and more about the 3-Day for the Cure Walk.

Video: Making Diet Changes Now to Improve Future Health

2011-06-24T08:02:00.001-05:00

Jody Adams, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, discusses how changing your diet and eating habits today will impact your well being in the future.

Blessing of the Franciscan Hammond Clinic

2011-06-15T16:23:00.001-05:00

June 15, 2011 - Today marked the blessing and commitment service of the Franciscan Hammond Clinic. Staff gathered to give thanks for the clinic and to commit to its healing ministry. Together, the Franciscan Hammond Clinic and Franciscan Alliance are able to offer patients access to more providers, newer procedures, and new diagnostics.

Childhood Obesity: Facts, Figures, and Fun Ways to Change

2011-06-14T12:55:00.001-05:00

The National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality identifies higher levels of physical inactivity, lower levels of moderate physical activity, and excessive consumption of sugar sweetened beverages as detrimental contributors to high rates of childhood obesity.

Between 2007-2008, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics found that almost 17% of children and adolescents ages 2-19 were obese. Furthermore, they report that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last 30 years, and that obesity prevalence among children aged 6 to 11 years old increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008.

What do all of these numbers tell us with concern to our future generations? They tell us that an era of instantaneous technology and unhealthy foods is having a negative effect on the young ones we love. It's up to today's adults to strive for a healthy young generation.

Understanding the causes of obesity, specifically in children, can help to determine an appropriate plan of action to improve their physical wellness. Many factors contribute to obesity, and some are listed below:

-Medical conditions
-Genetic conditions such as Down, Prader-Willi, or Bardet-Biedle syndrome
-Heritability, such as relatives and immediate family members
-Nutritional factors
-Sedentary lifestyle, with availability of TV, computers, video games, etc

Changing the lifestyle of an obese child, as studies have shown, is easier than that of adults because children respond better to treatment. Reasons for this include greater motivation, more influence of the family on behavioral change, and the ability to take advantage of longitudinal growth, allowing children to "grow into their weight," according to the World Health Organization.

All of these factors are influencing parents to monitor their children's eating and exercise behaviors more closely than ever, with physical activity becoming a staple of growth and health prosperity.

Increasing physical activity in children and youth is easy, and fun! Not to mention, you can get involved as well, which makes for great family bonding time. Physical education in schools is a great start, but isn't enough for many children to receive their recommended daily physical activity.

The PLAY (Promoting Lifestyle Activity for Youth) program encourages the accumulation of 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physicial activity daily beyond school time. This has been shown to increase the physical activity levels of children, especially girls.

Further physical activites you can utilize with your children, highlighted by the World Health Organization, include active transportation, unorganized outdoor free play, personal fitness, and recreational activities.

In conclusion, you can assist in your childrens health by following the 5-2-1 steps:
5: Eat 5 or more servings of fruit and veggies every day
2: Limit screen time to no more than 2 hours a day
1: Be active for 1 hour or more every day.

Let's work together to keep our future generations healthy and happy by promoting better diets and more physical activity in their daily routines. For more information, visit the National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality or visit our complete online health library.

Bike Smart...It Makes for a Fun Ride!

2011-06-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

Riding a bike is an excellent way to get fit and can be fun for children and adults. But accidents do happen. Each year, more than a half-million people in the U.S. are treated in emergency rooms for bike-related injuries. So before taking that two-wheeler out for a spin, take a few minutes to brush up on some tips to help you enjoy a safe, healthy ride.

Wear a bike helmet.
Make sure bikes are the right size. A child should be able to straddle a bike with both feet on the ground.
Young children should use bikes with coaster brakes -- the kind that brake when you pedal backwards. With hand brakes, a child's hands should be large enough and strong enough to use the levers.
Avoid riding at night if at all possible. Make sure your bike has reflectors.
Stop at stop signs, check for traffic before turning, and never ride out into a street without stopping first.
Ride on the same side of the road as the cars.
Be predictable and ride defensively. Ride where drivers of cars can see you. Bicycles are frequently hit by cars because the driver did not even know the bike was there. Many accidents have been avoided because the biker was watching out for cars.
Wear brightly colored clothing so that motorists can easily see you.

For more health and safety tips, visit our online Health Library at www.franciscanphysicianshospital.com.

Beat The Heat!

2011-06-07T13:25:00.001-05:00

As temperatures climb into the mid- to upper 90s this week in Northwest Indiana (with the chance for triple-digit heat indexes!), it is important that you are aware of heat emergenices and what you can do to try to beat the heat.

Children, elderly, and obese people have a higher risk of developing heat illness. People taking certain medications or drinking alcohol also have a higher risk. However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.

If the problem isn't addressed, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heatstroke. Heatstroke, the most serious of the three, can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death.

Prevention

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in hot weather.
Rest frequently and seek shade when possible.
Avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity outside during hot or humid weather.
Drink plenty of fluids every day. Drink more fluids before, during, and after physical activity.
Be especially careful to avoid overheating if you are taking drugs that impair heat regulation, or if you are overweight or elderly.
Be careful of hot cars in the summer. Allow the car to cool off before getting in.

First Aid

Have the person lie down in a cool place. Raise the person's feet about 12 inches.
Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person's skin and use a fan to lower body temperature. Place cold compresses on the person's neck, groin, and armpits.
If alert, give the person beverages to sip (such as Gatorade), or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water. Give a half cup every 15 minutes. Cool water will do if salt beverages are not available.
For muscle cramps, give beverages as above and massage affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax.
If the person shows signs of shock (bluish lips and fingernails and decreased alertness), starts having seizures, or loses consciousness, call 911 and give first aid as needed.

For more information on heat emergencies, visit our Health Library at www.franciscanphysicianshospital.com.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital: Under the Influence of Great Woman Leader Barb Greene

2011-06-03T16:32:00.000-05:00

Franciscan Physicians Hospital president Barb Greene received the award "2011 Influential Woman of the Year" along with 2011 Influential Woman in Healthcare on Thursday, June 2nd at the inaugural event Influential Women of NWI.

Held at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, IN, the event delivered great results with some 550 people in attendance. Women were honored in 11 fields including business, non-profit, and political, among others.

Influential Women of NWI distinguished 100 nominees and 22 winners total, benefiting the United Way organizations of Lake and Porter County.

Barb Greene, reflecting on the achievement, states "I'm grateful to Diversified Marketing Strategies and Andrea Pearman for having the idea of this tremendous event to honor women in NWI. I was overwhelmed when I walked in the door to see that there were over 500 attendees at this inaugural event."

Greene thanked mentor Gene Diamond, CEO, Franciscan Alliance, Northern Indiana Region, along with Sisters of the Franciscan Alliance. "This is an extreme honor for me, being born and raised in NWI and working for the Franciscan Alliance. If not for them, I would not have been able to accomplish some of the things I've done."

Andrea M. Pearman, president of Diversified Marketing Strategies, a full-service marketing communications agency headquartered in Crown Point, IN, states "We created this event to encourage, support, and celebrate our female business leaders in NWI."

"We are honored to bring together such an accomplished group of women to share their successes and facilitate networking between the real movers and shakers of our business communities," added Pearman. Building Indiana News, which is also a sponsor of the event, will cover the celebration in their third quarter issue.

Thanks Barb for all that you do for the Franciscan Alliance and the community at large!

Philips Cath Lab Blessing Moves Operations Forward

2011-06-02T10:05:00.003-05:00

Franciscan Physicians Hospital, proud to announce the opening of their new Philips FD20 Cath Lab, held a blessing of the space on Wednesday, June 1st, in the hospital's lower level. The new FD20 is a state-of-the-art lab that provides enhanced image quality with flat-panel technology.

During the blessing, Father Gregory Holicky was designated as Celebrant, with Barb Greene, FPH President, and Tracey Franovich, VP of OPerations/CNO, welcoming guests and providing the opening remarks.

Recommitment reading was done by Sister Jane Marie, Chairperson for the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Paul Jones, Interventional Cardiologist and Endovascular Specialist, read the Word of God.

Procedures afforded by the new Philips system will provide the level of detail image necessary for complex surgical/endovascular procedures such as peripheral vascular work, carotid stenting, complex revascularization and complex thoracic and abdominal aneurysm repairs.

FPH President Barb Greene states, "We're moving in an expansive new direction with this technologically advanced machine. The Philips system is going to provide Franciscan Physicians Hospital with some of the most definitive interventional abilities in the NWI region and greater Chicago land area. We look forward to promoting its capabilities with our exceptional Cardiology team."

With technician training now complete, cases will begin this week in the hospital's new cath lab.

Watch the attached video to see the Cath Lab Blessing and the Cath Lab itself.

Click here for our A.D.A.M. complete online health library.

Making Your Home a Safe Environment

2011-05-30T09:47:00.000-05:00

June is Home Safety Month. According to the Home Safety Council, home related injuries result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year. Fortunately, many accidents -- for both children and adults -- can be avoided if simple safety measures are taken.

Household Safety

Wear protective footwear and eye wear when mowing the lawn, operating power tools, working with a chisel, or hammering metal on metal.
Keep tools away from children until they are old enough to use them properly.
All stairways should have a sturdy hand rail. Don't leave objects on stairways. Make sure that carpet on stairways is securely fastened.
All entryways should have bright lighting.
Unplug appliances when they are not in use.
In the bathroom, use non-slip floor mats. Put non-slip appliques on the bathtub.
Don't use any electrical appliances when you are wet or in the bathtub, shower, or pool.
Keep guns locked up and unloaded. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately.
Make sure your house number is easily visible from the street.

When You Go on Vacation

Arrange for friends or neighbors to pick up newspapers and mail.
Notify a neighbor you'll be gone.
Arrange to keep your lawn maintained.
Use timing devices for your lights.

For more home and general safety tips, visit our Health Library at http://www.franciscanphysicians.org/.

All Franciscan Alliance WorkingWell Sites Achieve Worldwide Recognition

2011-05-27T16:42:00.001-05:00

WorkingWell, the Occupational Health program of Franciscan Alliance's Northwest Indiana hospitals, reached a milestone recently when the last three of its five sites gained International Organization of Standardization certification.

WorkingWell's Hammond, Munster and Valparaiso locations recently joined their Crown Point and Michigan City counterparts in gaining the ISO 9001:2008 certification.

(Pictured: Rich Shelhamer, far right, national sales manager for Rosemont, Ill.-based Perry Johnson Registrars, displays the latest ISO certification award with Tom Gryzbek, center, president of Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Hammond and Dyer; and Tim Ross, Franciscan Alliance regional director of occupational/employee health.)

WorkingWell, a freestanding occupational health provider, is the only program of its kind to receive the designation.

ISO is the world's largest developer of international standards that have been instituted in 162 nations. For more than 65 years, ISO has been a leader in quality certifications for the steel and manufacturing industries. ISO certification assures a quality management system that provides a foundation of best practices, resulting in highest-quality care, improved outcomes and reduced errors for patients.

ISO certification follows a rigorous audit of an organization's quality management system. Quality goals are set, and when they are met, new goals are determined for a continuously improving quality system.

"Industry recognizes ISO as a global standard," said Tim Ross, Franciscan Alliance regional director of occupational/employee health. "Industry vendors are held to those standards, so why not hold occupational health to those standards? We are aligning ourselves with businesses; what better way to do that than to reach industry standards they understand."

WorkingWell provides occupational health care services for all types of workers, including professional, industrial, police officers and firefighters.

Tom Gryzbek, president of Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Hammond and Dyer, was pleased to hear of the certification.

"Franciscan St. Margaret Health always strives to meet and exceed quality standards and metrics. The ability of our occupational medicine program to achieve this stellar recognition reflects the commitment to provide top-notch quality to the employees of the industrial clients we are privileged to serve," he said.

For more information on WorkingWell, visit: http://www.workingwellsite.org/.

FranciscanFit Mallwalkers Program Set for May 25

2011-05-23T09:05:00.001-05:00

Heart health will be the presentation topic for the next Franciscanfit -- Steps to Good Health monthly Mallwalkers program.

The free program, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana and Westfield Southlake mall, is scheduled for 8 to 10 a.m. May 25.

The public is invited to attend a 9 a.m. presentation of the program theme offered by Terri McCambridge, a cardiac catheterization nurse at Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Hammond. McCambridge will teach participants about lifesaving heart health numbers. High numbers can indicate a risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and several forms of cancer.

Glucose and blood pressure screenings also will be available.

New Mallwalkers members are welcome to register for the program, which takes place on the mall's lower level, outside of JC Penney, on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Regular walkers hours are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 to 11 a.m. Sundays.

For more information, call (800) 931-3322.

Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana include Franciscan Physicians Hospital LLC in Munster, St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond, St. Anthony Health-Michigan City and St. Anthony Health-Crown Point.

FPH Joins Nation’s Top Health Care Providers With New Glaucoma Treatment System

2011-05-19T10:41:00.000-05:00

Franciscan Physicians Hospital is the first hospital in Indiana to purchase Trabectome minimally invasive glaucoma treatment, according to NeoMedix, Inc.

Trabectome, developed by NeoMedix, Inc., Tustin, CA, is an FDA-cleared device that removes glaucoma-causing tissue, improves natural drainage pathways of the eye and eliminates pressure safely without the aid of mechanical implants or shunts. Trabectome is featured on the Glaucoma Research Foundation website as breakthrough technology for the treatment of glaucoma: http://www.glaucoma.org/.

As the first area provider of this new treatment in Indiana, Franciscan Physicians Hospital is joining several other nationally recognized health care institutions including Jules Stein, Mayo Clinic, Bascom Palmer, Duke, and Yale Medical.

Trabectome surgery is performed through a small incision and does not leave a permanent hole or pocket in the eye wall, allowing patients to return home the same day. The Trabectome procedure, taking approximately 20 minutes, maintains a remarkably high success rate in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) with minimum side effects.

Trabectome procedures at Franciscan Physicians Hospital will be performed by Karen Briggs, DO, and Aurabind Balagani, MD.

"This system will open up a whole new horizon in treating patients with glaucoma. This is a minimally invasive system, which is the best choice because it minimizes the chance for infection now and even years after a surgery case," Briggs said, adding, "Although anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at a higher risk than others. For instance, persons over age 60 are at a higher risk for developing glaucoma, as well as Latinos and people with a family history of glaucoma. Glaucoma is also the leading cause of blindness for African Americans. It's important that anyone in these risk groups receives an eye pressure check and dilated pupil eye exam every year."

Barb Greene, president of Franciscan Physicians Hospital, states, "The Trabectome system is a great advancement for the community. It's just one more example of how we're providing minimally invasive care to serve our patients with reduced risk and cost effectiveness. We're looking forward to the expansion of this system as we lead the NWI region with this new method of care."

For more information, visit http://www.franciscanphysicianshospital.com/ or http://www.neomedix.net/.

About Glaucoma
Glaucoma, the second-leading cause of blindness, is a disease that causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve from increasing pressure within the eye. The Glaucoma Research Foundation states that glaucoma loss is not curable, vision lost cannot be regained, and that over 4 million Americans have glaucoma, yet only half know it. The Foundation adds that the most common form of glaucoma, called open angle glaucoma, has virtually no symptoms and generally no pain associated with the increase in eye pressure. The first sign of glaucoma is loss of peripheral vision that is usually not noticed by the patient until it affects the central vision.

Get Ready for Summer - Free Women's Health Event on May 26

2011-05-19T10:10:00.000-05:00

Franciscan Alliance will present a free program titled, Women’sWorks – Tools for a Healthier You, from 2 to 6 p.m. May 26 at Westfield Southlake mall.

Offered in conjunction with National Women’s Health Week, the event will include a demonstration of the da Vinci Si (robotic) Surgical System, a discussion by Dr. P. Andrew Waran, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, who performs surgeries with the da Vinci system; health information, giveaways and a summer fashion show, which is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Information will be available on critical risk factors for women, symptoms and treatment options to assure better health.

The program will take place outside the JCPenney store on the mall’s first floor. For more information, call (800) 931-3322.

Franciscan Alliance Northwest Indiana hospitals include St. Anthony Health-Crown Point, St. Anthony Health-Michigan City, St. Margaret Health Hammond and Dyer, and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

Heart Disease in Women: Brighter Thinking for a Brighter Future

2011-05-18T10:02:00.000-05:00

Speaking of Women's Health is an annual event dedicated to educating women to make informed decisions about health, well-being and personal safety for themselves and their families. This year's event took place on May 12th at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Merrillville, IN.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital was excited to have Hilton Hudson II, M.D., F.A.C.S., a cardio-thoracic surgeon at FPH, attend the event and give a presentation on heart disease in women. Dr. Hudson, over the course of 40 minutes, covered a range of topics including heart disease symptoms, causes, preventions, and treatments. FPH and Dr. Hudson would like to share some of that information with you.

Dr. Hudson, in his presentation to roughly 30 women, opened with stories of 3 middle-aged women with heart disease. These women, coming from different backgrounds and lifestyles, denied the facts and evidence that was leading to heart failure and eventually encountered critical health issues, and even death in one case. The point of these stories: to explain how even young, healthy women are at risk.

After telling these stories, Dr. Hudson explained several conditions including coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and angina (when the heart is starved for blood). For all conceptual purposes, Dr. Hudson reiterated the notion that coronary artery disease and coronary heart disease were, for the patient's understanding, basically the same.

Dr. Hudson explained that angina is a condition in which the heart is starved for blood, while a heart attack occurs when blood flow to an area of your heart is completely blocked. Angina, the lack of oxygen-rich blood flowing to an area of heart muscle, can be recognized as a pressure of squeezing in your chest. Pain may also occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Dr. Hudson's consistent advice: don't risk it. If you're having pain, see a doctor and GET CHECKED OUT!

At this point, Dr. Hudson began speaking about coronary heart disease (CHD) in women. He relayed the following statistics: CHD is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. One in nine women ages 45-65 has coronary artery disease (CAD), and one in three women older than 65 has CAD. Furthermore, CHD in women has more complications than in men, has less successful bypass surgery and angioplasty, and generally has delayed diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Hudson's words were strong yet again: get checked out if you're feeling any abnormal pain or discomfort!

A large indicator of women with CHD is risk factors, which were highlighted as a significant motivator for getting evaluated. These include:
-Family history (strongest risk factor)
-Smoking (disproportionately raises your risk for every type of cancer)
-Cholesterol levels
-Hypertension
-Diabetes
-Obesity and being overweight
-African American ethnicity

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack or CAD, brought forward by Dr. Hudson, include:
-Check pain
-Vague check pressure
-Weight gain
-Vomiting
-Palpitations (abnormal heart beats; too fast or too slow)

Now for the good news! Dr. Hudson covered both prevention and treatment of CAD in women. BE ADVISED: THE BEST TREATMENT IS PREVENTION!! Dr. Hudson made this very clear to all women in the presentation. See your doctor and be aware of YOUR risk factors. Also, don't smoke, keep diabetes controlled, and exercise; those who exercise have a 44% lower risk of CHD!

Women should keep a consistently healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, low saturated fats, and low cholesterol. Also, cholesterol lowering drugs, called statins, can help to reduce strokes and death from CHD. But before considering medications, talk to your doctor. He/she can help you make the best medical decision that takes your risk factors into the picture.

If, and only if, prevention fails, there are treatment options available, says Dr. Hudson. These may include:
-Bypass surgery
-Valve surgery
-Stents
-Angioplasty
-Endovascular stenting

It is Dr. Hudson's belief that before anyone reaches the point of a treatment listed above, she/he should choose prevention. Prevention is easier, cheaper, and less painful than treatment alternatives.

In retrospect, Dr. Hudson covered all of these topics with one recurring theme: avoid denial and get checked out if you're experiencing any abnormal or uncomfortable symptoms. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Don't let it take you or your loved ones.

For further information on heart disease and wellness information, visit our complete online health library.

Franciscan Companion Newsletter Receives Bronze in International Design Competition!

2011-05-16T08:51:00.000-05:00

Franciscan Physicians Hospital is proud to announce that they are the recipients of a bronze award in the magazine category from Summit International Awards. Moran Design, of Hammond, IN, handles the layout, design, and distribution of the newsletter. They submitted it for the 2011 award competition. Thousands of submittions poured in from 22 countries with the Hammond design firm scoring among the very best with their creative entries.

The "Franciscan Companion" is a quarterly newsletter written and edited by FPH employees Andrew Mullins, PR & Marketing Coordinator, and Janet Rolley, Executive Assistant. The full color, family-oriented magazine features short articles centered around living a healthy, happy life. It also works to highlight healthcare services, community organizations, and fun facts, providing a well-rounded, friendly magazine.

Janis Moran, owner of Moran Design in Hammond, states "Receiving an award from Summit International, a permier arbiter of creative excellence, is truly a coveted honor due to its prestige worldwide. Our entries were creative opportunities for us, with the goal of fostering effective communications for out client-it's what we like to do."

Moran Design, a veteran in the industry, provides state-of-the-art graphic design, advertising, marketing, Web design, copywriting, photography and public relations services.

Summit International Awards, celebrating it's 17th year, is an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in the marketing communications industry. It administers three distinguished advertising and marketing award competitions throughout the year with the goal of raising the awareness of companies and individuals who have the creative and marketing talent to go beyond the ordinary.

"Winning a Summit Creative Award is a significant accomplishment," says Jocelyn Luciano, executive director for Summit International Awards. "The combination of our excellent judges and the tough judging criteria ensures that only deserving entries receive Summit recognition."

Franciscan Physicians Hospital offers a special thanks to Moran Design for their exceptional work in the design industry. Their ability to implement various themes and factors into a concept, while maintaining the goal and directive of the piece, sets them apart from the norm. The hospital truly appreciates all of the work they do.

To view the award, click here!

National Hospital Week: Happening Here, Happening Now!

2011-05-09T08:38:00.000-05:00

May 9th through May 15th marks National Hospital Week for hospitals across the country. The week-long event, sponsored by the American Hospital Assocation, was originally conceived by a Chicago magazine editor who believed that more information about hospitals might alleviate public fears about the "shrouded" facilities of the day.

According to the American Hospital Association, National Hospital Week is the nation's largest healthcare event, serving the purpose of highlighting the history, technology, and dedicated professionals that make our facilities operate with confidence and care.

The 2011 official theme for National Hospital Week, "Champions of Care," will provide opportunities for employees, patients, and community members alike to give regard and appreciation to the men and women who keep our community healthy.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital is taking advantage of this opportunity by providing employees with a new theme each day throughout the week. Administration will be serving ice cream, popcorn and salad on their respective days to employees in the facility, finishing the week with a cookout for all employees and physicians.

A "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony will also be taking place at Franciscan Physicians Hospital to bless those assisting throughout the week. It's through their dedication and time that we can make events like these happen.

National Hospital Week is a time to step back and appreciate the work being done in each and every facility, but it's also a time to analyze your healthcare needs. While it's extremely important that healthcare facilities operate at critical standards, it's also important that you maintain your body and lifestlye through regular checkups and needed procedures.

Utilize this hospital week to visit your healthcare provider. Let them know you're thankful for all they do, and continue to work your way toward a healthier lifestyle! For more information, health assessments, and wellness tools, visit our complete Online Health Library. At Franciscan Physicians Hospital, Your Care is Our Passion.

Nurses Trusted to Care - Nurses Week 2011

2011-05-06T08:09:00.002-05:00

As National Nurses Week is noted today through May 12, we at Franciscan Physicians Hospital express our undying gratitude and admiration for the many acts of kindness, bravery, compassion and giving, especially during tough times, which are part of daily life for the nurses who serve our hospital. Their feats often go unheralded and are known only to them and the patients they serve so well.

Nurses are a backbone to our medical staffs; without their services, we could not exist. Their duties are many, their toils are steady. They see our patients through the best and worst times and often shed tears of joy, and sorrow, with them. Our nurses, in a word, are love. Franciscan Physicians Hospital honors them during their week, and appreciates what they do every week.

National Nurses Week celebrates the committment made by nurses to provide the highest quality of care. We honor all nurses who provide superior compassionate and joyful care for our patients. Every day you serve the needs of our community with skilled hands and hearts. Thank you.