World Day of the Sick 2013: Prayers for the sick and our caregivers

If easily accessible over-the-counter pain medication is a hint, most of us perhaps would rather avoid pain and suffering. Not Aline. Aline was only twenty years old when she discovered that she had a heart ailment. Confronted with the fragility and limitation of life, Aline took an unusual path. She faced her infirmity unconditionally to the point that she would even pray for suffering. Apparently she saw something essential that can only be known after having passed through the dark night of suffering and pain. She saw her infirmity as a gift and a confirmation that God took her seriously. And that recognition enabled her to compassionately (com-passion: to suffer with) relate and help others in their suffering. Nine years later, Aline founded a religious community in Olpe, Germany, dedicated to the care of the sick and the poor. Today, 150 years later, Aline is known as the Venerable Sister Maria Theresia Bonzel, the founder of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration.

Monday, February 11, 2013 will mark the 21st World Day of the Sick. Established in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, this day has three consistent themes. First, it offers us an opportunity to reflect and recommit ourselves to be compassionate in our care for the sick. When we have known suffering ourselves, we can relate well with another’s suffering. And when we can trust and see God in suffering, He will also show us the gift therein. Second, it reminds us to pray intensely and sincerely for the sick. And third, this day recognizes and honors YOU and all persons who work in health care as caregivers. Thanking YOU and all those who care for the sick and elderly.

Mission/Spiritual Care Team

My Television is My Trainer

Though gym membership traditionally increases in January, February can find many of us wanting to stay out of the cold and work out at home. For those who do stay home, the television is often our "trainer" through the use of exercise DVDs and gaming systems that offer fitness programs. With more people having access to these at-home workout programs, it's important to look at the pros and cons of using your television as your personal trainer.

Pros:

• Working out at home can give you more time with your family. For those who are working long days, eliminating the drive to and from the gym and working out with or by your family can offer you some much needed time together.
• Working out at home offers you flexibility. Rather than having to make a certain fitness class at a certain time, you can choose when to work out. Whether it's early morning or later at night, you are in charge.
• Working out at home offers you privacy. Some people are uncomfortable exercising in front of others and would prefer to work out alone.
• Working out at home can offer you a wide variety of exercises. You can customize your workout on many of the gaming systems or rent/buy a variety of different fitness DVDs. You are not stuck taking a certain exercise class just because it fits the time you can exercise.
• Weather is not an issue when you work at inside the home.

Cons:

• Working out at home can suffer from many distractions. The phone rings; the laundry is piled up; the kids are arguing, etc. All of these can distract you from the important task at hand - improving your health.
• It can be easy to skip your workout when you exercise at home. Without accountability to a class, trainer or even a workout buddy, it can be easier to skip your workout "just this once." And again. And again.
• Some people don't work out as intensely as they need to when working out at home. For some, having a teacher, trainer or classmates to push you a little increases your intensity and results!
• Your exercise form can suffer when working out at home. Having the proper form when lifting a weight or doing aerobics is important both for the results you wish to achieve as well as to prevent injury. Having a teacher or trainer can help you maintain the proper form while exercising.

So, what to do? If you work out at home, pay special attention to your exercise form to prevent injury. Make exercise a priority and commitment. Use a heart rate monitor to help you stay in your training zone. If you find it too hard to keep your commitment to better fitness by exercising at home, get to the gym regularly, letting your family know that you are giving them the best gift possible - a healthier you! No matter what you choose, make this the year that exercise becomes a habit you will keep for the rest of your life.

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This article was published in the February 2013 edition of the Completely Well newsletter from WorkingWell - an occupational health network of Franciscan Alliance providing a comprehensive approach to employers with job-related health needs.

Now Pinning - Go Red for Women

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 1, 2013. We've created a Pinterest board to get you in the spirit...and to showcase some fashion ideas, recipes and health info to help you and your friends celebrate and support the movement.

Check it out...and don't forget to Go Red for Women on February 1! http://pinterest.com/franciscannwi/go-red-for-women/.

Down in the Dumps? 6 Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Depression

There are many descriptions for depression - feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. During the fall and winter months, we may experience seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), likely due to the cold weather and lack of sunlight.

No matter what type of depression you have and how severe it is, the following self-care steps can help:

• Get enough sleep.
• Follow a healthy, nutritious diet, and limit the use of alcohol.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get involved in activities that make you happy.
• Consider meditation, tai chi, or other relaxation methods.
• Spend time with family and friends.

People who have had repeated seasonal depression should talk to a mental health care professional about prevention methods. Starting treatment during the fall or early winter, before the symptoms of SAD begin, may be helpful.

For more information on seasonal affective disorder and other forms of depression, visit our Online Health Library.

Join us now on Pinterest!

First Facebook, then Twitter...and now Franciscan Alliance - Northern Indiana has joined the social world known as Pinterest => http://www.pinterest.com/FranciscanNWI.

Join us as we share a collection of health tips and tools, infographics, videos and more. It's just another fun, engaging way to showcase our mission! Happy Pinning!

And remember...you can always:

• Find Us on Facebook: facebook.com/FranciscanNWI
• Follow Us on Twitter: twitter.com/FranciscanNWI
• Watch Us on YouTube: youtube.com/FranciscanNWI

Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Lake County, Indiana, adopt visitor restrictions to prevent flu spread

Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Lake County, Indiana, have adopted temporary visitor restrictions in an effort to help prevent spread of the influenza virus.

The measures, effective at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point, Franciscan St. Margaret Health- Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster include:

• People exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to not come to the hospitals to visit. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, or fever of more than 100 degrees.
• Visitors under age 18 will not be permitted.
• No more than two persons at a time may visit a patient and visiting hours will be strictly enforced.
• Visitors are asked to sanitize their hands before coming into the hospitals and to wash their hands often, especially before entering a patient’s room and upon leaving. Hospitals are equipped with hand sanitizer units, as well.
• Reading materials and toys in many cases have been removed from waiting rooms.

Visitors are thanked for their cooperation to help the hospitals minimize the impact of the virus.

Additional Resources

For more information about the flu, please choose a topic:

• In-Depth Report: Colds and the flu
• Questions to ask your doctor - adult or child
• Influenza Vaccine

Videos

• The Difference Between a Cold and the Flu
• Tips on Buying Cold and Flu Medicine
• What Should I Do If My Child Has the Flu?

New Year, New Start: 9 Tips for a New You

Submitted by Nicky Smith, LMHC with the Employee Assistance Program of Franciscan Alliance - Northwest Indiana

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." - Denis Waitley

May this year become a time of new beginnings for you. A time to limit placing conditions on becoming happier. Instead of saying "I will be happy when ..." or "If only I have ... then I will be happy" consider the list below. Choose one or two things that you can do on a regular basis and notice how your view of happiness expands.

1. Visualize the best possible future for yourself and others.
2. Laugh as if you have heard the funniest joke.
3. Donate things you no longer use.
4. Practice forgiveness.
5. Set aside time for one spiritual practice such as prayer, reading the scriptures, or attending church service.
6. Volunteer your time to help others in need.
7. Spend more time nurturing relationships and surround yourself with supportive people.
8. Set limits on time you spend working without breaks.
9. Be generous with compliments to encourage others…and please remember to begin and end each day with gratitude!