Video: Spirit of Women - Day of Dance 2013

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

'Be Dazzling' appeals to Spirit of Women

Marci Crozier, regional director of marketing and sales for Franciscan Omni Health and Fitness - Schererville, served as mistress of ceremonies for “Be Dazzling,” a free offering of Franciscan Alliance’s Spirit of Women program, a community health education effort, which took place Nov. 8 at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton. Nearly 300 people were on hand.

Attendees took advantage of health screenings for varicose veins, bone density, blood pressure and blood glucose. Health information also was offered at a Dessert with the Docs segment. A photo booth and professional bra-fitting were available, along with shopping, gifts and refreshments.

Senior Day at the Lake County Fair - August 6

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 6, 9 a.m. to noon, for free health screenings and information including:

• Blood Glucose Testing/Finger Sticks (no fasting required)
• Blood Pressure Testing
• Body Fat Analysis
• Nutrition Information
• Senior Promise Program
• SHIIP
• Stroke Information
• Wound, Ostomy, Continence Information
• Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

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.: Rock & Roll Bingo

Hope to see you at the Fair!

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.

Video Recap: Day of Dance 2012

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!

"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.

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.

Introducing Franciscan Senior Promise

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.

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.

Days of Health - Get Screened!

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.

Senior Day at the Lake County Fair

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!

WorkingWell Offers Heart Health Screening for Women

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.

FranciscanFit Mallwalkers Program Set for May 25

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.

Get Tickets Now for Speaking of Women's Health - May 12

Franciscan Alliance again will be among sponsors of Lakeshore Public Television's annual Speaking of Women's Health program May 12 at the Radisson at Star Plaza in Merrillville.

This year's theme is "Destination Wellness: Cruise to a Healthier Life."

Among its offerings, the daylong conference features nationally recognized speakers, breakout sessions led by local and national experts, health screenings provided by Franciscan Alliance hospitals, free samples and products, a catered lunch, and access to a massage therapist. A sampling of session topics includes heart health, financial preparation, menopause, skin care, beauty tips and fitness.

To purchase tickets, visit http://swh2011.eventbrite.com/.

For more information on the program, visit http://www.speakingofwomenshealth.com/.