November is National Healthy Skin Month!

We all have it. We all wash it. We all take efforts to feel our best inside of it. What is it? This time it's not your car, it's your skin! And November is National Healthy Skin month, a recognition that provides us the opportunity to give advice on maintaining your precious human hide.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), along with Franciscan Alliance dermatologists, continually focus on helping people keep their skin healthy. While a wide variety of methods exist, lets concentrate on the simple ones.

Generally speaking, the first thing a person notices is your face. It's important to take care of your face whose skin is often very sensitive. The AAD offers the following advice for the best way to wash your face:

1) Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol.

2) Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. Other items (washcloth, sponge) can irritate your skin.

3) Resist temptation to scrub your skin. Scrubbing can lead to irritation.

4) Rinse your skin with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
5)Apply moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy.

6) Limit washing to twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration irritates the skin, so it's important to wash it off as soon as possible.

The face may often be the focus of our skin care, but with winter upon us it's important to take care of our body in its entirety. Here's some winter skin care tips for you to keep in mind as the snow begins to fall!

-Seek a specialist. A dermatologist or esthetician can analyze your skin type, review your skin care regimen and give you sound advice on the skin care products you use.

-Moisturize more! Use an oil-based moisturizer rather than a water-based one because it will provide a protective layer over your skin that helps retain moisture.

-Utilize a humidifier. Furnaces and space heaters blow hot, dry air through your home. Humidifiers get more moisture into the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out.

-Keep it cool in the bath! Extremely hot baths, while pleasant in their own time, break down lipid barriers in the skin which can lead to moisture loss.

Your local dermatologists are extensively trained on skin care, skin disease and skin care products. By utilizing their knowledge and expertise you can keep the quality of your skin at it's best.

For more information on skin care tips during this month of skin health, visit www.aad.org or visit the dermatologists at Franciscan Hammond Clinic! Make an appointment today by calling (219)836-5800!

Endless Improvement is Our Committment

Franciscan Physicians Hospital and Franciscan Hammond Clinic aren't slowing down as the year comes to an end. Rather, they're charging forward with the implementation of myriad improvements and programs to solidify the safest, most convenient care for our communities.

How are they doing this? It's safe to say there's very complex processes underway throughout these organizations. Lets start by looking at Franciscan Physicians Hospital and the efforts taking place in the hospital.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital has recently gone through a strategic hiring process to build a comprehensive, highly-skilled nursing structure. The structure was designed to ensure that all work taking place is being done under an umbrella of care and accountability. This structure includes a variety of nursing leaders, including:

• Five House Supervisors
• Nurse Manager
• Nurse Educator
• Director of Patient Services
• VP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer

 Working under the direction of the president and vice president these 8 individuals provide an all encompassing approach to patient care through safety, satisfaction and overall hospital experience. But that's not all!

Hospital risk management and quality personnel recently finished the development and implementation of a discharge packet which takes into account the specifics of each patient's needs. The packet, which is broken down into easily navigable sections, is populated with the patient's specifics including diet, exercise, medicine and followup appointments.

Through the discharge packets patients are able to reference any information they need in one place, rather than searching through a variety of items. Once discharged the patient can relax knowing their care is still of the utmost importance to our physicians and staff.

Yet another advancement being made in the hospital is an implementation of the EPIC computer system, a process that will take several more months but will yield unprecedented results through streamlined workflow, simpler scheduling, enhanced customer service communications and more. Through EPIC we're continuing to bring convenience to you!

Franciscan Hammond Clinic is also improving the patient experience through the development of a Direct Admit Program. The program, formed in conjunction with Franciscan Physicians Hospital, allows patients to call the clinic at any time outside normal business hours and speak to a night staff nurse. The nurse will note the patient's symptoms and call a physician who can determine if the issue warrants a direct admit at the hospital. Through the program patients avoid emergency room waits and charges, ultimately improving their experience while getting them the care they need quickly.

Together hospital and clinic staff put forward creativity and dedication to the improvement of your care. Next time you need care, it's great to know that Franciscan Physicians Hospital and Franciscan Hammond Clinic are right here in Munster, ready to serve you and your loved ones!

Hospital, clinic to provide 24-hour care

Franciscan Hammond Clinic and Franciscan Physicians Hospital have teamed up to provide patients a convenient option for afterhours care.

Together they have developed the ‘Direct Admit Program’ allowing patients to be seen 24/7 when Urgent Care and physician offices are closed.

The process, utilizing night staff nurses at Franciscan Hammond Clinic, gives individuals needing care out of the emergency room where prolonged wait times can delay treatment.

Dr. Cynthia Sanders, medical director at Franciscan Hammond Clinic, states “Our Direct Admit program lets Franciscan Hammond Clinic patients avoid unnecessary trips to the ER, and having their complete medical history at our fingertips allows hospital and clinic staff to make quick and efficient decisions about their care.”

To be directly admitted an individual calls Franciscan Hammond Clinic after hours where they are connected to a night staff nurse. The nurse gathers the patient’s symptoms and contacts the on-call internal medicine physician.

If the symptoms warrant an admission, the physician will contact the Hospitalist at Franciscan Physicians Hospital. The Hospitalist can then review the patient’s chart and prepare for their arrival.

A Hospitalist is a physician whose practice emphasizes provision of care for hospitalized patients. Franciscan Physicians Hospital keeps a Hospitalist on-site twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

During this time the nurse will call the patient back and assist them with coordination of transport to the hospital through an ambulatory provider, family member or friend.

Upon arrival the patient is admitted and seen by the hospitalist who can provide treatment and contact their primary care provider.

Patients receive care from Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) trained physicians as well as ambulatory transportation when necessary and minimal to no wait time.

The program will provide patients of Franciscan Hammond Clinic and Franciscan Physicians Hospital an added benefit of access to medical history through an Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

Through the EMR, clinical staff can review previous medical treatment, conditions, surgeries and testing, ultimately increasing the care received.

Tracey Franovich, vice president of operations and chief nursing officer at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, condones the new program.

“Our hospital and clinic leaders felt that a new, streamlined avenue was necessary to benefit our patients and treat their emergent needs in a setting where medical records and adequate staff are available at all times. This program is a solid step toward improved patient satisfaction and coordination of care.”

For more information or to reach a night staff nurse, call (219) 836-5800.

Free health screening fair set for August 4

The BIG SCREEN is coming!

Join us for our free health screening fair from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, August 4 at the Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center, 7905 Calumet Avenue, Munster.

Free screenings include (you must register for the following by calling 800-931-3322):

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (requires fasting after midnight, August 3)
• Carotid Artery
• Hearing Screening
• Diabetes
• Bone Density

Registration is not necessary for the following free screenings:

• Scoliosis
• Blood Pressure

Also...come for the screenings...stay to meet Chicago White Sox pitchers Jesse Crain and Addison Reed! The Superior Ambulance Helicopter and District 1 Disaster Trailer will also be on campus.

Again...to register for screenings, call the Health Resource Center at (800) 931-3322.

Fireworks: It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Gets Hurt

Independence Day is quickly approaching! Warm weather, parades, and cookouts are all ways to celebrate the 4th of July. But, what truly stamps a trademark on this tradition are the fireworks. While mesmerizing and exciting, fireworks can be very dangerous. Knowing about firework safety is extremely important to your health during this season of celebration.


According to data on US Hospital Emergency Departments, about 9,600 injuries were from fireworks in 2011, and one fourth of those injuries involved children under the age of fifteen! Eye injuries and severe burns are most common when it comes to injuries from fireworks, but other repercussions can be much worse if you are not cautious.

When it comes to fireworks, your best protection is not using them at all. Professional fireworks displays are the safest way to enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July and the people who provide them are professionals who are aware of the dangers and safety precautions. However, if you still find the urge to set off fireworks on your own, here are six saftey tips to keep in mind.

1. The first rule of safety is to never make your own fireworks. Leave it to the professionals!
2. When purchasing fireworks, make sure there is a printed label and instructions on them. This shows that they are legal. If they do not have a label or instructions, they may be illegal and highly dangerous.
3. Keep children away from the vicinity of fireworks at all times. They are explosives and should not be taken lightly. Even fireworks directed toward small children are dangerous. Did you know a sparkler can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit?
4. Not only can fireworks directly harm you, they can cause danger those around you. According to Fire Marshall Jim Greeson of Indiana, “More than 32,000 fires result annually from the mishandling of fireworks, and cause more than $30 million in property damage." When lighting off the fireworks, make sure you are in a large, open space with nothing in the surrounding area like homes, buildings or cars. Fires are a popular result from careless use of fireworks.
5. Fireworks can also often shoot in the wrong direction, so NEVER hold them in your hands.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby in case of an emergency.

It is important to enjoy your holiday this July, but your health and safety are just as important. Make wise decisions this 4th of July. Enjoy the fireworks, but be cautious if handling them yourself.

If in case of emergency, Franciscan Hammond Clinic’s Urgent Care is open 365 days a year at the specialty center, 7905 Calumet Ave. For more information call: (219) 836-5800.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Comes to Franciscan Hammond Clinic

A highly effective, specialized technique for the removal of skin cancer now is available in Munster.

Tarun Kukreja, M.D.

Tarun Kukreja, M.D., a dermatologist at Franciscan Hammond Clinic, provides patients the Mohs surgical technique.

Mohs surgery, which has a cure rate of up to 99-percent, permits immediate and complete microscopic examination of removed cancerous tissue. Through this process, all "roots" and extensions of the cancer can be eliminated. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure in the physician's office and requires no sedation.

The treatment has the highest reported cure rate, according to the American Society for Mohs Surgery. Aside from tracking and removal of cancerous "roots," the surgery spares normal tissue, providing for quicker recovery and minimal scar tissue.

Mohs surgery is not appropriate for all skin cancers, notes Dr. Kukreja, adding it is reserved for those that have recurred following previous treatment, or for cancers that are at a high risk for recurrence.

"The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has been very supportive in giving me the equipment and capacity to provide this state-of-the art procedure, which gives patients some of the highest cure rates possible, while minimizing the removal of normal tissue, leading to a smaller overall scar and quicker recovery. In addition, this procedure is more cost-effective than an inpatient-based procedure and does not require hospitalization," says Dr. Kukreja.

Dr. Kukreja performed Mohs surgery for three years in residency and is a member of the American Society of Mohs Surgeons.

How it works

Tarun Kukreja, M.D., performs a Mohs procedure.

Surgery begins with a treated area being cleansed, marked and injected with a local anesthetic. The surgeon removes the visible cancer, along with a thin layer of additional tissue, and the patient waits while the tissue is processed and examined.

Next, the removed tissue specimen is cut into sections, stained and marked on a diagram called a Mohs map. The tissue is frozen on a cryostat (a vessel used to maintain cryogenic temperatures) and the technician removes very thin slices from the edge and undersurface. The slices are placed on slides and examined under a microscope.

After examining the undersurface and edge of the specimen, all "roots" of the cancer are identified and pinpointed on the Mohs map. If residual cancer is found, the surgeon utilizes the map to direct the removal of additional tissue, but only where cancer is present. The process is repeated as many times as necessary to locate any remaining cancerous areas within the tissue specimen.

Eating Right When Money's Tight - March 15

There are many ways to save money on the foods you eat.

Join Franciscan Hammond Clinic registered dietitian JoAnn Franczek as she provides tips on how to stretch your food dollars.

Thursday, March 15
6 p.m.
Franciscan Hammond Clinic - Specialty Center
3rd Floor Meeting Room
7905 Calumet Ave., Munster, Indiana

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

Patient Education Classes, March/April 2012

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/!@

WorkingWell in Munster Opens at Franciscan Hammond Clinic

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

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.

November & December Health Education Classes!

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!

Franciscan Hammond Clinic Health Fair - Nov. 5

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.