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/!@

Franciscan Hammond Clinic Jan and Feb 2012 Education Schedule

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/!

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

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.

FREE Patient Education Classes at Franciscan Hammond Clinic!

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.