Mallwalkers Learn How to "Move Those Muscles"

Video highlights from the October 2011 FranciscanFIt Mallwalkers event.

Jane Bogordos and Julia Ladewski, certified instructors at Omni Health & Fitness in Schererville, taught exercise and stretching techniques you can do at home that will build your strength, boost your metabolism, increase your endurance and make you excited about working out.

Free muscle assessments were also offered by Omni Health & Fitness.

The program, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana, takes place from 8 to 10 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month on the mall’s lower level, outside of the JC Penney store.

For more information, call (219) 931-3322.

It's Pastoral/Spiritual Care Week

This week, October 23-29, is Pastoral/Spiritual Care Week.

Every day throughout our nation's hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and hospice homes, chaplains seek to bring hope, healing, comfort and peace to those they encounter. They listen and affirm the faith values of their patients and calm anxious patients. They empower and help persons tap into their own spiritual resources as they search for meaning of their suffering and pain. They advocate for people regarding cultural and religious tradition, connect individuals with loved ones, support people as they make end of life decisions, lend an objective ear to others, pray if prayer is desired - they bring God's healing and presence to all.

Please join us in congratulating our Spiritual Care Staff - especially your Unit Chaplains - who every day brings God's healing and comfort to all our patients, their families and our staff here at Franciscan Physicians Hospital.

Cold Weather Canopy

80. 70. 55. 40. 25. 0. The numbers go down as the year goes on. With this year's cold weather just around the corner, it's important that you plan ahead for the temperature, weather, and associated items to come.

The Car

Your car is most likely driven on a daily basis. As your refuge for movement and barrier for protection, it's crucial that your car be well-maintained and prepared for the slick and wet weather. Prepare your car this winter by doing the following:

• Check your windshield for cracks; thermal shock can turn your small crack into a huge problem that requires replacement.
• Check your fluid levels throughout the car. Fluid checking and replacement is a simple and inexpensive way to maintain your car's overall performance. Make sure oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are at the correct levels. Consider having a mechanic mix water with pure engine coolants, which can otherwise freeze at zero degrees.
• Replace your battery if needed. Batteries last an average of 3 1/2 years. Have your mechanic check the battery and cables to ensure that your car starts quickly and reliably.
• Replace tires if tread is low. Tires are the basis for traction and control on the road, especially in winter.

The Body

Winter often brings sickness with the lower levels of exercise and often suppressed immune system. Be sure to keep exercising and flexing your joints. Spend time stretching each morning and be sure to get out of the house, even if it's only for a short time. Regular exercise that doesn't place too much stress on bones and joints is good for your health, especially in conjunction with the right nutrients. If you work out regularly, begin altering your workouts to focus on strengthening the body for activities you'll do in winter, such as ice skating, skiing, or hockey.

Consider taking vitamins and natural supplements to keep your immune system at its peak. Be sure to eat healthy as much as possible to support these efforts.

The House

Your home protects your body and often your car as well. That's why it's extremely important to have your house prepared for the cold wind and snow it will soon endure. Utilize these tips to ensure peak performance and protection from your home this winter.

• Have your furnace inspected by an HVAC professional
• Inspect your roof, gutters and downspouts. These areas handle more weight in winter with mounting ice and snow.
• Check your exterior doors and windows for cracks that could let in cold air, increasing your heating bill.
• Service your weather equipment such as snowblowers. This ensures less work to get things going when they're needed.
• Check all plumbing. Be sure to locate your water main in case it must be shut off. 
• Prepare an emergency kit in case of a power outage. This should include candles and matches, phone numbers for the utility companies, non-perishable food supplies and water and batteries for backup equipment.

For more information on staying health this winter, visit our complete online health library.

WorkingWell Inducted into Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana

Members of the Franciscan Alliance WorkingWell leadership
team, which was given membership in the Society of Innovators
of Northwest Indiana on Oct. 20, include (top row, from left):
Dr. Charles Mok, Mike Polich, regional manager; Tim Ross,
regional director; Moulay Alaoui, regional business transformation
specialist; Diana Bridges, regional supervisor, business development.
The team also includes (bottom row, from left): Chris Vanni,
regional director, quality services and performance improvement;
Gaile Sookradge, clinic supervisor-Michigan City-Valparaiso;
Michelle Arvia, clinic supervisor, Hammond and Munster; Sandy
Michalak, clinic supervisor, Crown Point.

WorkingWell, the occupational health program of Franciscan Alliance's Northwest Indiana hospitals, became a member of the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana during a meeting at Horseshoe Casino Oct. 20.

The program reached a milestone recently when the last three of its five sites gained International Organization of Standardization certification.

WorkingWell, a freestanding occupational health provider, is the only program of its kind to receive the designation.

WorkingWell was honored during the 7th Annual Innovators Induction Ceremony for 2011-2012 after being selected from among 80 nominations received by the society this year.

The society was established when the Ivy Tech Community College Northwest Gerald L. Lampkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center was created in 2005.

WorkingWell's Hammond, Munster and Valparaiso locations recently joined their Crown Point and Michigan City counterparts in gaining the ISO 9001:2008 certification.

ISO certification follows a rigorous audit of an organization's quality management system. Quality goals are set, and when they are met, new goals are determined for a continuously improving quality system.

"Industry recognizes ISO as a global standard," said Tim Ross, Franciscan Alliance regional director of occupational/employee health. "Industry vendors are held to those standards, so why not hold occupational health to those standards? We are aligning ourselves with businesses; what better way to do that than to reach industry standards they understand." 

WorkingWell provides occupational health care services for all types of workers, including professional, industrial, police officers and firefighters.

For more information on WorkingWell, visit: http://www.workingwellsite.org/.

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WorkingWell - Northwest Indiana locations:

Crown Point (at Franciscan Point)
12800 Mississippi Parkway, Suite A 204
Crown Point
Phone: (219) 662-5500
Fax: (219) 662-9684

Hammond (across the street from St. Margaret Health)
5500 Hohman Ave., Suite 1D
Hammond, IN  46320
Phone: (219) 852-2472
Fax: (219) 852-2567

Michigan City
4111 S. Franklin St.
Michigan City
Phone: (219) 879-5400
Fax: (219) 852-5900

Munster
701 Superior Ave., Suite C
Munster
Phone: (219) 924-1568
Fax: (219) 924-2175

Valparaiso
2307 La Porte Ave., Suite 8
Valparaiso
Phone: (219) 476-9389
Fax: (219) 476-9432

"Move Those Muscles" - Mallwalkers Event Oct. 26

"Move Those Muscles" is the presentation topic for the next Franciscanfit -- Steps to Good Health monthly Mallwalkers program.

The free event, sponsored by Franciscan Alliance hospitals in northern Indiana and Westfield Southlake mall, is scheduled for 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 26.

The public is invited to attend a 9 a.m. presentation of the program theme offered by Jane Bogordos and Julia Ladewski, certified instructors at Omni Health and Fitness in Schererville. Learn about group exercise techniques that will boost your metabolism, increase your endurance and make you excited about working out.

Muscle assessments will also be offered.

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 Physicians Hospital, Franciscan Alliance Recognized for Clinical Excellence

A report released today by HealthGrades, the nation's most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality ratings, recognized Franciscan Alliance Hospitals in Northwest Indiana as leaders in Clinical Excellence.

Franciscan Alliance hospitals continue to receive Five-Star ratings for multiple years in Cardiac Care, Orthopedic Services, Pulmonary Services, GI Care and Critical Care in 2012.
HealthGrades' report found that patients treated at 5-star rated hospitals experience a 73% lower risk of mortality and a 63% lower risk of complications compared to 1-star rated hospitals. A quality comparison of doctors and hospitals in Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago market area can be found online at HealthGrades.com or via this link Greater Chicago Area.

"We're pleased that the strenuous efforts of our physicians and employees have been recognized in the context of the latest HealthGrades report," said Gene Diamond, CEO of Franciscan Alliance's Northern Indiana Region. "The results demonstrate superior outcomes in a number of key clinical programs and services. The people of Northwest Indiana have come to expect high-quality clinical outcomes from us. They deserve nothing less."

"Patients today have a wide array options when it comes to choosing a healthcare provider," said Kerry Hicks, HealthGrades' chief executive officer. "At HealthGrades, we are proud to have led the way for empowering patient choice based on objective clinical outcomes and access to actionable quality measures. We commend Franciscan Alliance Hospitals for theirsuperior quality and support of consumerism and transparency in the Northwest Indiana area."

Key findings of the HealthGrades 2011 Healthcare Consumerism and Hospital Quality in America report include:

• Patients had, on average a 73% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to a 1-star rated hospital, and a 54% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to the national average.
• Patients had, on average, were 63% less likely to experience inhospital complications than patients at 1-star programs, and had a 43% lower chance of developing an inhospital complication than the national average.
• If all Medicare patients from 2008 through 2010 had been treated at 5-star hospitals, 240,040 lives could have potentially been saved.
• In an online survey, 80% said they are very or somewhat concerned about the quality of hospital care in their community.

Franciscan Alliance hospitals have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to clinical excellence and quality improvement as demonstrated by its outstanding patient outcomes across a variety of service areas including cardiac services, orthopedic services, pulmonary services, GI care and critical care. Earlier this year St. Margaret Health Hammond was also recognized for its top 5% national ranking in Women’s Health for the third consecutive year as being named a Women's Health Excellence Award recipient for the 3rd consecutive year. The Franciscan Alliance hospitals have been recognized by HealthGrades with the following achievements by Service Area:

Additional Information on Franciscan Alliance Hospital Clinical Achievements:

• Franciscan St. Margaret Health–Hammond
  • Cardiac:
    - Ranked #9 in IN for Overall Cardiac Services in 2012
    - Ranked #9 in IN for Cardiology Services in 2012
    - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall Cardiac Services for 4 Years in a Row (2009-2012)
    - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Cardiology Services for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure for 5 Years in a Row (2008-2012)
  • Orthopedic:
    - Five-Star Rated for Joint Replacement in 2012
    - Five-Star Rated for Total Knee Replacement in 2012
    - Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Treatment in 2012
  • Pulmonary:
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for 4 Years in a Row (2009-2012)
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Pneumonia for 5 Years in a Row (2008-2012)
  • Gastrointestinal:
    - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for GI Medical Treatment in 2012
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of GI Bleed for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
  • Critical Care:
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Respiratory Failure in 2012

• Franciscan St. Margaret Health–Dyer
  • Cardiac:
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure for 6 Years in a Row (2007-2012)
  • Orthopedics:
    - Ranked #6 in IN for Spine Surgery in 2012
    - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Spine Surgery for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
    - Five-Star Rated for Spine Surgery for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
    - Five-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery (except Spinal Fusion) for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
  • Gastrointestinal:
    - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for GI Services in 2012
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of GI Bleed for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)

• Franciscan St. Anthony Health–Michigan City
  • Orthopedic:
    - Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Treatment in 2012
  • Critical Care:
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Respiratory Failure for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012) Orthopedics:
    - Ranked #6 in IN for Spine Surgery in 2012
    - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Spine Surgery for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
    - Five-Star Rated for Spine Surgery for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
    - Five-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery (except Spinal Fusion) for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
  • Gastrointestinal:
    - Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for GI Services in 2012
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of GI Bleed for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)

• Franciscan Physicians Hospital–Munster
  • Cardiac:
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure for 4 Years in a Row (2009-2012)
  • Pulmonary:
    - Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)

• Franciscan St. Anthony–Crown Point
  • Orthopedic:
    - Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Treatment for 5 Years in a Row (2008-2012)

About Franciscan Alliance
Mishawka-based Franciscan Alliance, which has 14 hospitals, is a leader in providing faith-based, integrated health care, using the latest technology, innovative procedures and the brightest, most compassionate people to serve patients in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. It offers nationally recognized Centers of Health Care Excellence and more than 18,000 employees, including more than 600 physicians. For more than 135 years, Franciscan Alliance has had a mission to provide care for everyone, 2.9 million outpatients and more than 100,000 inpatients every year, regardless of ability to pay.

About HealthGrades
HealthGrades is America's most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital qualityoutcomes. HealthGrades online properties are the nation's leading destination for physician search andempower more than 170 million consumers annually to make

JDRF Walk; Recap Toward Finding a Cure

HIGHLAND | Franciscan Physicians Hospital and the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region hospitals walked to do their part toward finding a cure for juvenile diabetes. The hospitals, walking collectively with over 50 employees at the October 16th Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes event, raised money and awareness to go toward the disease that affects this younger population.

Diabetes, known medically as diabetes mellitus, is a disorder in which the body has trouble regulating its blood sugar (glucose) levels. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), people younger than 20 who are diagnosed with diabetes account for nearly .26% of all people in that age group. This percentage translates into nearly 215,000 individuals. Working the opposite direction, roughly 1.9 million people ages 20 or older were diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 in the U.S.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation hosts this annual walk that drew in over 2,000 people to the 2011 event at Wicker Park in Highland, IN. This event marked the 12th annual three-mile noncompetitive Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes.

Thanks to all those who participated in this wonderful event to help fund and find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.

The total number raised by the Franciscan Alliance will be incorporated into this post once it has been recorded.

Franciscan Alliance participants at the Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes event in Wicker Park