"Spirit of Women" Shines at Day of Dance Program

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.

FranciscanFit Mallwalkers Program Steps Off Again on Feb. 23

In light of February being designated American Heart Month, "Resistance Band Training for Cardio Health" will be the presentation topic for the next Franciscanfit -- Steps to Good Health monthly Mallwalkers program.

The free program, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana hospitals and Westfield Southlake Mall, is scheduled for 8 to 10 a.m. Feb. 23.

The public is invited to attend a 9 a.m. presentation of the program theme offered by Carlos Celis, Franciscan Alliance regional wellness specialist. Celis will offer an interactive demonstration that will show participants how to build strength, tone muscles and maximize cardio workouts by using resistance bands.

Blood pressure screenings will be provided by The Heart Institute at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point. Healthy heart information will be available from Jody Adams, a cardiovascular nurse practitioner at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, LLC, in Munster.

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 (1-800) 931-3322.

The Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana hospitals include Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point; Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Michigan City; Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond & Dyer; and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.