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!

Pastoral Care Week: October 21-27

Dear Friends,

If the season is a hint of the work of chaplains and pastoral caregivers, it provides a perfect metaphor. When the mercury of our lives drop, we often find ourselves walking through cold and dark valleys of visible and invisible pain and suffering. Faith can then be tested and many questions arise about the meaning of our lives, the meaning of suffering and the meaning of death. We struggle. Yet, the season also teaches us, when the mercury drops, there is a grand transformation and glorious display of beautiful autumn leaves, as if to tell us that the autumn days of our lives are not without their own gifts….as if to tell us that there’s beauty in the dark valley of life. We too will emerge transformed if we are willing to persevere in our struggles.

The work of chaplains is just that. Chaplains - through the eyes of faith - help individuals in their struggles to move toward transformation. Chaplains empower individuals to draw on their own faith traditions and teachings for comfort and guidance as they walk through the dark valley. Chaplains believe that “FAITH OPENS OUR EYES TO HUMAN LIFE IN ALL ITS GRANDEUR AND BEAUTY,” even when we are facing the dead winter days. Following the Divine Master Himself, Chaplains empower individuals to see hope in a confusion, joy in sadness, light in darkness, faith in doubt, and life in death.

October 21-27 is Pastoral Care Week. Please join me in honoring and celebrating the dedication of our Franciscan Alliance Chaplains and Spiritual Care Staff. To quote the late Sister Corita Last, OSF, “Spiritual Care is the heart of who we are.”

In prayerful appreciation,

Mission & Spiritual Care Services

Video: Living Miracles - Stories of Healing & Hope

Miracles do happen. Check out four heartfelt stories of people who have seen them and lived them...all touched by a Franciscan Alliance miracle at our hospitals.

 

The Flu and You

It's that time of year again. Sick children, ill adults and the never ending attempt to prevent yourself from getting the flu. Influenza, known as "flu" for short, is back in season. Remember that you can greatly decrease your risk of getting the flu through a vaccination within the Franciscan Alliance.

Influenza, while common, is a serious and contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Flu strains are constantly changing, creating the need for an annual vaccination to help the body resist new strains.

Cover your mouth and wash your hands! Experts believe that the flu virus is spread mainly through droplets when people cough, sneeze or talk. People can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest a three step approach to preventing the flu, with the first step being vaccination.

Second, take everyday actions to help prevent the spread of germs that can cause respiratory illnesses. Do this by:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Washing your hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand rub
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals
• Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the virus to others

Third, the CDC recommends that you take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Antiviral drugs work best if taken within the first two days of symptoms to treat those who are very sick. Be sure to see a doctor if you begin to have symptoms reflective of influenza.

To find the closest Franciscan Alliance flu vaccination provider,  call (800)931-3322.

Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis

“FAITH OPENS OUR EYES TO HUMAN LIFE IN ALL ITS GRANDEUR AND BEAUTY.”

Dear Friends,

October 4th is the feast day of the world’s best known and most recognized saint, Francis of Assisi. G. K. Chesterton called him the “first hero of humanism,” and Sir Kenneth Clark called him Europe’s greatest religious genius. According to the Smithsonian bibliography, more lives have been written about him than any other person in history. Even in his lifetime, Francis exerted a magnetic attractiveness, not because of money, good looks and success, but because of his willingness to fully accept the gift we often hesitate to take.

Imprinted in the core of our being is the sense that we are not just accidental, anonymous chips of dust in the universe, destined to flicker for an instant and then disappear forever. We know we are more. We literally feel timelessness, eternity and immortal meaning inside of ourselves. We are special. Faith tells us: We are, all of us, made in God’s image and likeness, blessed. That’s the gift. Our private secret that we are special is in fact the deepest truth.

That isn’t always easy to believe especially in a world in which billions of others are also trying to do the same. Can billions be infinitely precious and utterly unique? Life and circumstances often tire us in ways that tempt us to believe its opposite. American Idols, NFL, Miss Universe, and White Sox tell us that there will be only one special winner. In the end mediocrity, anonymity and mortality overwhelm us.

Saint Francis also faced these challenges. He stepped out into a world being recast by the emerging market economy. His father – thanks to competition – was moving quickly into the new entrepreneurial class with all its positive and negative influences. Francis, however, trusted a deeper voice and a bigger truth. Not only did he see himself as made in God’s image and likeness, but he also saw God’s fingerprints in everything. He saw God in creation, Jesus in the leper, a new church in the ruin, hope in a confusing time, perfect joy in sadness, light in darkness, faith in doubt and peace in the most unexpected places.

Please join us in celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Fall Recipes and Frugal Findings!

The start of fall can be a double-edged sword. While we begin our football parties and winter clothes unpacking, we begin to move away from outdoor activities. And, without the outdoor exercise, it can be a time of calories not burned.

But this year, don't fret: sweat! Have a plan to exercise and utilize the full spectrum of healthy resources available throughout fall and winter while limiting your intake of high cholesterol and calorically dense foods. Franciscan Physicians Hospital is here to help by providing some health recipes and resources for the cold months ahead.

But first, allow us to present some healthy eating tips that you can incorporate into your daily agenda.

Basic Tips for Eating Healthy

First off, eat a variety of nurtrient-rich foods. Utilize the food pyramid and nutrition labels to monitor what you're "taking in."

Second, eat moderate portions without distractions. Make a distinct effort to eat at the kitchen table, or somewhere that won't be distracting. Watching TV or driving while eating keeps your mind from processing how full your stomach is.

Third, eat regular meals. Don't let prolonged periods of time go between meals. Eating consistently keeps out of control hunger bursts from causing you to over indulge.

Fourth, reduce, but don't eliminate foods that you love. This may include foods high in fat, salt or sugar. The key is limiting your consumption while allowing yourself to enjoy them in moderation.

Fifth, know the pitfalls of your diet. Consider tracking what you eat at each meal over the course of several days. Then, look at what contains the most calories or fat, and cut back on those portions. If you're not eating enough vegetables or fruits, increase those portions.

Recipes for Success

Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

Here's a recipe that provides you with plenty of protein and a monsoon of Vitamin A (sweet potatoes have 337% of the recommended daily intake per cup!). Plus, it's a warming recipe that you can mix up with your favorite seasonings. Makes 6 servings.

What You'll Need

6 bone-in chicken thighs

2 lbs. of sweet potatoes, peeled and speared

6 large shallots, peeled and halved

1/2 lb. white button mushrooms

4 cloves garlic, peeled

1 cup dry white wine

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar

The Prep

Place all of the items in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover with a lid and cook on low until potatoes are tender, which will be about 5 hours. Remove bones from chicken before serving, if desired. 

The Nutritional Facts

Per Serving: 285 calories; 6 g fat;  50 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 17 g protein; 5 g fiber; 519 mg sodium (with 1 tsp salt/pepper); 866 mg potassium

Curried Deviled Eggs

Whip up some new flair with healthy antioxidant power. Useful as an appetizer or part of a meal, this simple recipe makes 12 servings.

What You'll Need

12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled

2/3 cup light mayonnaise

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions

The Prep

Slice eggs in half lengthwise and remove the yolks. Place them in a small bowl and mash the yolks.

Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spoon mixture into egg white halves and sprinkle with chives or green onions.

Refrigerate for one hour or until ready to serve.

The Nutritional Facts

Per Serving: 163 calories; 15 g fat; 1 g carbohydrates; 216 mg cholesterol; 191 mg sodium; 0 g fiber; 6 g protein.

Vegetarian Taco Salad

Utilize this zesty recipe when you want to put some color on the kitchen table. With a quick prep time and mix of flavors, you'll be sure to satisfy with the 6 servings this recipe makes.

What You'll Need

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chapped
1 1/2 cups corn kernels
4 large tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1 can (15 oz.) kidney or pinto beans, rinsed
1 tablespoon chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons oregano

1/2 cup chopped cilantro (fresh)

1/3 cup prepared salsa

2 cups lettuce (iceberg or romaine)

1 cup low fat cheese (based on preference)

2 1/2 cups crumbled tortilla chips

The Prep

Heat oil over medium heat in a nonstick skillet. Add the onion and corn, and cook until onion begins to brown (5 mins.). Coarsely chop one tomato and add to skillet along with rice, beans, chili powder and 1 teaspoon oregano. Stir frequently until tomato cooks down and let the contents cool slightly.

Coarsely chop the remaining tomatoes, then combining with the cilantro, salsa and remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano in a medium bowl.

Toss lettuce with bean mixture in a large bowl. then adding half of the salsa and 2/3 cup cheese. Serve sprinkled with tortilla chips and remaining cheese.

The Nutritional Facts

Per Serving: 395 calories; 17 g fat; 20 mg cholesterol; 52 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 14 g protein; 9 g fiber; 459 mg sodium (with 1/4 teaspoon salt); 774 mg potassium.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital will be releasing its first-ever cookbook in the coming months, comprising recipes from physicians and staff. Check back for more details on where to purchase your copy!

Prostate Prevention Preparation

September marks a host of great things, from apple orchard openings to sweaters pulled out  from the back shelf of a closet. But one thing that surpasses these events in importance is the awareness of prostate cancer.

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is highlighted in September of each year to inform men about preventative steps they can take to reduce their risk of prostate cancer.

While you may have heard of prostate cancer and the prostate as a body part, you might not know exactly what it does or how it's affected by cancer.

An enlarged prostate doesn't necessarily mean prostate cancer, but
similar symptoms are seen with enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. 

About the Prostate & Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland that sits under the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It serves an important function in the reproductive process by supplying substances that facilitate fertilization and sperm transit, such as enzymes.

Because the prostate is close to several vital organs, prostate cancer treatment can have a complicating effect on otherwise normal functions like reproduction and urination.

With these uncomforting facts comes the reality that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Several factors play into individuals risks of getting this cancer. Of these factors, which includes age, family history, diet, obesity, race and others, age is recognized as the most significant, though men can be diagnosed at any age throughout their life.

What Can I Do to Lower My Risk?

There's no proven strategy to completely prevent prostate cancer but there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

Start by considering your risk factors and by getting a FREE prostate screening at select Franciscan Alliance locations during the month of September.

As part of your daily regimen try choosing a healthy, low-fat diet. This is a simple way to help prevent lots of disorders, including prostate cancer. Try to increase your fruit and vegetable consumption while decreasing the amount of dairy products you eat.

A second, equally important step to reducing your risk is to maintain a healthy weight by exercising each day. Studies looking at correlations between exercise and prostate cancer tend to show that men who exercise have a reduced risk. This too will have positive effects on other areas of your health including cardiovascular function.

Lastly and most importantly, talk to your physician or health care provider about your risk for prostate cancer. Individuals who do have a high risk can explore other options for reduction such as medication.

The Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008 (the most recent year with available numbers) 214,633 men in the United States were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Furthermore, 28,471 men in the U.S. died of prostate cancer that same year.

With regards to age, the National Cancer Institute states that from 2005-2009, the mediam age for diagnosis was 67 years old. Incidence rates from age 20-34 were 0%.

Race plays a distinguishing factor in the prevalence of prostate cancer as well. From 2005 to 2008 the breakdown is as follows:

All Races | 154.8 per 100,000 men

White       | 146.9 per 100,000 men

Black        | 236.0 per 100,000 men

Asian/PI  | 85.4   per 100,000 men

Am. Ind.  | 78.4   per 100,000 men

Hispanic  | 125.9 per 100,000 men

Make a Difference

Get involved to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others who have been affected by prostate cancer. A wide variety of groups and organizations are available help you organize your efforts and support those in need.

Visit any of the following groups to learn more about prostate cancer and to get involved in your community: Us TOO International, Inc., Dattoli Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society,  American Association for Cancer Research,  and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. 

To learn more about Franciscan Alliance programs offered in our hospitals, including cancer care and preventative services, visit us online.