News Center: Franciscan Physicians Hospital

Isn't It Time You Got A Good Night's Sleep?

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:22:00 +0000

Do you suffer from sleepiness? Do you snore in your sleep?

Join Dr. Muhammad Najjar of the Sleep Disorders Center, as he discusses how untreated sleep disorders can pose serious threats to your health such as high blood pressure, heart attack and even cause traffic accidents.

Tuesday, May 22
6 p.m.
Franciscan Hammond Clinic - Specialty Center
7905 Calumet Avenue, Munster

For more information and to register, please call (219) 836-3600.

WorkingWell on Journey to Baldrige Quality Award

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:28:00 +0000

WorkingWell, Franciscan Alliance's Northern Indiana Region network of occupational health care providers, recently received a High Level Bronze-Indiana State Malcolm Baldrige Award, which is a step toward qualifying to achieve the highly coveted Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

The Bronze award recently was announced by The Partnership for Excellence, the Baldrige-based awards program for Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. The group partners with organizations using the internationally based Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence.

Applicants are evaluated by an independent board of examiners in areas of work force focus, operations focus, leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, and results.

Tim Ross, WorkingWell regional administrative director, said the honor resulted from a team effort.

"I was humbled by how Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region leaders pulled together to support WorkingWell staff to achieve this prestige award. This was a team effort by all."

He added, "The journey started with WorkingWell's National Association of Healthcare Providers certification, which laid the foundation to achieve our International Organization for Standardization certification for all five WorkingWell clinics. The Baldrige award is the latest in achievements that WorkingWell has accomplished in our quest for high quality standards."

Ross said the next step in the journey for the ultimate Baldrige award will be earning the tri-state-level honor, which is the next goal.

"We will utilize Baldrige criteria to continuously improve quality objectives to become the best occupational health clinics."

Ross also credited Moulay Alaoui, regional business transformation specialist, for providing information that matched WorkingWell processes to Baldrige criteria.

WorkingWell clinics are located in Crown Point, Hammond, Michigan City, Munster and Valparaiso. To learn more, visit workingwell.org.

About the Award
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recognizes U.S. organizations in the business, health care, education, and nonprofit sectors for performance excellence. The Baldrige Award is the only formal recognition of the performance excellence of both public and private U.S. organizations given by the U.S. president. It is administered by the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, which is based at and managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Up to 18 awards may be given annually across six eligibility categories -- manufacturing, service, small business, education, health care, and nonprofit. As of 2010, 91 organizations had received the award.

The Baldrige National Quality Program and the associated award were established by the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Improvement Act of 1987. The program and award were named for Malcolm Baldrige, who served as United States Secretary of Commerce during the Reagan administration, from 1981 until Baldrige’s 1987 death in a rodeo accident.

Stroke Awareness Month: Remember to Act FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000

The acronym FAST is an easy way to remember signs of stroke and what to do if you think a stroke has occurred. However, it is important to always keep in mind that the most important thing to do is to immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

FAST stands for:

(F)ACE. Ask the person to smile. Check to see if one side of the face droops.
(A)RMS. Ask the person to raise both arms. See if one arm drifts downward.
(S)PEECH. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Check to see if words are slurred and if the sentence is repeated correctly.
(T)IME. If a person shows any of these symptoms, time is essential. It is important to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1. Act FAST.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health, offers up an award-winning video to build awareness about the signs of stroke and the need to call 911 to receive immediate medical treatment. The video includes information on stroke symptoms, treatment, and risk factors, and features medical experts, stroke patients and their families. Take a look:

Happy Nurses and Hospital Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:52:00 +0000

In today's specialized world, we are often tempted to compartmentalize our lives, putting our professional interests in one corner and our spiritual concerns in another.

To Florence Nightingale - the founder of Nursing - fragmenting one's life in this way would have been unthinkable. Nightingale's life work of social action was her way of honoring God. As she put it, "My work is my must." She was and still is an icon of wholeness, an emblem of a united, integrated life. In fact, the integrity of her nursing practice depended on this holistic approach.

In 1875, Mother Maria Theresia - the founder of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration - accepted an invitation to send Sisters to America. Religious persecution in Germany did not stop her from following the One who led her. Like Florence Nightingale, Mother Maria Theresia was determined to keep nursing and hospital ministry as a mission.

As we celebrate National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week, may their examples inspire us!

"It's My Time" to Get an Annual Mammogram

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:10:00 +0000

A MAMMOthon program, consisting of digital mammogram screenings, free chair massages and giveaways, including watches, will take place May 11 at Franciscan Hammond Clinic, 7905 Calumet Ave., Munster, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call (219) 836-3600 to schedule. Here, a physician referral is required.

The program will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 18 at Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond, 5454 Hohman Ave. Call (219) 933-2635 to schedule.

Chair massages will be available from 3 to 7 p.m. at all locations. Participants also may enter a drawing to win an Apple iPad.

MAMMOthon is sponsored by Franciscan Alliance’s Spirit of Women program, which offers information and activities to encourage and enhance women’s health. Early detection is said to be key in beating breast cancer.

Ball of Strength Helps Participants Get in Shape

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:50:00 +0000

Participants in Franciscan Alliance's monthly Franciscanfit Mallwalkers program at Westfield Southlake Mall on April 25 received a lesson in how use of a mini-ball can help boost core body strength.

Jane Bogordos, fitness supervisor for Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness centers, demonstrated numerous techniques to participants.

Blood pressure screenings also were offered by Barbara Neely, a cardiac rehabilitation technician at Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond, and by Christy Cleveland, a registered nurse in that unit.

The program takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month on the mall's lower level, outside of the JC Penney store.

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

For more photos of this event, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/FranciscanNWI.

National Healthcare Decisions Day - Understanding Advance Directives

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:30:00 +0000

There may come a time when you or a family member is seriously injured or gravely ill. In the midst of shock and grief, you may be asked to make hard medical decisions. It is important for you to learn about Advance Directives, types and intensity of medical care, and to discuss the kind of treatment you feel comfortable with before you make those difficult decisions.

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day…a time to bring awareness to the importance of advance care planning and communicating and documenting your healthcare decisions.

Understanding Advance Directives

Advance care directives allow patients to provide instructions about their preferences regarding the care they would like to receive if they develop an illness or a life-threatening injury and are unable to express their preferences. Advance care directives can also designate someone the patient trusts to make decisions about medical care if the patient becomes unable to make (or communicate) these decisions. This is called designating "power of attorney (for health care)."

Advance care directives can reduce:

Personal worry
Feelings of helplessness and guilt by family members
Futile, costly, specialized interventions that a patient may not want
Overall health care costs
Legal concerns for everyone involved

Example of Advance Directives

Verbal instructions. These are any decisions regarding care that are communicated verbally by an individual to health care providers or family members.
Organ donation. This may be accomplished by completing an organ donation card and carrying it in your wallet. A second card may be placed with important papers (such as a living will, insurance papers, and so on).
Living will. This is a written, legal document that conveys the wishes of a person in the event of serious illness. This document can speak for a patient who is unable to communicate. A living will may indicate specific care or treatment the person does or does not want performed under specific circumstances. A living will is not to be confused with a last will and testament that distributes assets after a person's death.
Special medical power of attorney. A legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else (proxy) to make medical or health care decisions, in the event the individual becomes unable to make or communicate such decisions personally.
DNR (do not resuscitate) order. This states that CPR is not to be performed if your breathing stops or your heart stops beating. The order may be written by the person's doctor after discussing the issue with the person (if possible), the proxy, or family.

Recommendations

In the event you choose to create a living will or special medical power of attorney, know specific state laws that may apply. Write the document to be consistent with your state's laws.
If you have a living will or special medical power of attorney, provide copies for your family members and health care providers. Carry a copy with you in a wallet, glove compartment of a car, or similar location. If you have a planned admission to a hospital, take copies for the hospital to include in your medical chart and tell all medical personnel involved with your case about the documents.
Consider the possibilities of the future, and plan ahead. Studies have shown that although the majority of people believe having some form of advance directive is a good idea, most people have not actually developed advance directives for themselves. Many people state that they want their families to make health care decisions. However, less than half of these people have ever discussed the issue and their specific desires with family members.
These decisions can be changed at any time. However, if a living will is changed, everyone involved -- including family or proxies and all healthcare providers -- must be informed and new copies of instructions made and distributed.

The process of creating advance care directives may be difficult. It requires you to think about your priorities regarding quality of life and your death. Treatment options, and their possible influence on your quality of life, need to be fully understood and considered. Know the potential implications of choosing or refusing specific forms of care.

Discuss your wishes regarding advance care directives with your health care providers, family members, and friends. Review your wishes from time to time to remind everyone.

Source: A.D.A.M. Interactive Health

"It's My Time" to Get an Annual Mammogram

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:22:00 +0000

Take the time to have your annual screening mammogram!

An inaugural MAMMOthon program, consisting of digital mammogram screenings, free chair massages and giveaways, including watches, will take place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 27 at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Michigan City, 301 W. Homer St.

The program will take place in the hospital’s Breast Imaging Center, on the first floor.

The event is sponsored by Franciscan Alliance’s Spirit of Women program, which offers information and activities to encourage and enhance women’s health. Early detection is key to beating breast cancer.

Chair massages will be available from 3 to 7 p.m. Participants also may enter a drawing for an Apple iPad.

Mammogram appointments are required. Screening cost is covered by most insurance companies.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (219) 877-1980.

Other programs will be offered on May 11 at Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Dyer, Franciscan Hammond Clinic in Munster and at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point, and on May 18 at Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond.

Volunteers Give Help, Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:16:00 +0000

Volunteers Glenda Bolton, Dorothy Alexander and Mimi Wadas
stand in the hospital’s outpatient surgery center.

"The greatest benefit is helping others. Doing something for others makes me feel better about myself," says Dorothy Alexander, a volunteer at Franciscan Physicians Hospital.

Alexander began volunteering in mid-February, hoping to meet other people. "I got to the point that I could no longer work and I had too much time on my hands. I called Mary Higgins and she set up the orientation for me to be a volunteer. I'm helping out twice a week and hoping I can be here more."

Higgins, director of mission services, kicked off the hospital's volunteer program, which has 42 members thus far, in February. "I'm very excited about the new volunteer program within our hospital. I have enrolled so many great and capable people who are highly motivated to provide assistance and be a part of our Franciscan team. They're helping create new ways to serve Munster and the Northwest Indiana community," states Higgins.

Volunteers provide a variety of essential services. A range of age, history and educational background bring numerous benefits to the hospital.

Glenda Bolton is among those who contribute. Bolton, who assists twice weekly at the hospital, is a retired sixth-grade school teacher from Cedar Lake. "I just retired from teaching and wanted to help out," Bolton says.

"As a teacher, I naturally enjoy the interaction and when I assist with patient escorting, I get the exercise I need. It’s really nice to help out and spend time with other people."

Benefits to volunteers don’t outweigh those received by the hospital. Since its inception, the volunteer program has offered the hospital numerous advantages. "Volunteers have been essential for us as patient representatives, greeters in the surgery lobby, transporters and information providers, among other various positions that are valuable to the operation of this facility," says Higgins.

Hospital president Barb Greene acknowledges the importance of each individual. "Within our facility, we've garnered a community of caring and devoted employees whose focus is solely on the patient and their care. Since February, our volunteer program has quickly melded into that community. My appreciation of these individuals is great and I look forward to the expansion of the program."

To join the volunteer program or for more information, call (219) 922-5897.

Exercising at Work: Tips to Keep You Moving

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:03:00 +0000

Let's face it, many of us spend most of the time that we are awake at work. Couple that with the fact that many people sit all day at their jobs ... it may seem that our work environments aren't great places to focus on weight-loss goals. Well, don't get discouraged. Did you know you can easily add activity to your schedule before work, during work, at lunch, and after work? Here are some tips to get you started:

Before work:

If you drive, park around the corner or a few blocks from your work place so you get a 5- to 10-minute walk before you get to work.
If you take the bus, get off one stop before your usual stop to get in a few extra minutes of walking.
Try walking or biking to work. These are excellent forms of exercise that will save you parking, gas, and bus money.

During work:

Set a timer to remind you to do a one-minute stretching or strengthening exercises every half hour. These one-minute workouts help keep you focused, and they add 16 minutes of exercise to an 8-hour workday. Some one-minute exercises are:
- Stand up straight, then bend forward and reach for your toes. Reach for a count of 20, and repeat two more times.
- Reach both hands up toward the ceiling. Then, reach higher with your right hand for 2 seconds, then higher with your left hand for 2 seconds. Reach each hand higher 15 times.
- While sitting in your chair, place your hands on the arm rests and lift your bottom off the seat. Hold your bottom up for 10 seconds. Do this up to 6 times. Be careful not to lock your elbows.
- Stand with your feet shoulder length apart and your hands on your hips. Reach down across your body with your right hand toward your left foot, and then back up to your hip. Repeat this with your left hand reaching to your right foot. Take a deep breath and repeat. This is a good exercise to do while you make copies.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator to add some exercise to your workday. Or walk down the hall to talk with a coworker instead of sending an e-mail.

At lunch:

If you get an hour lunch break, eat for 30 minutes and then take a 30-minute walk.
If you get a 30-minute lunch, try to fit in a 10-minute power walk.
Invite a co-worker to walk with you. Having an exercise buddy will help keep you motivated. You are also more likely to exercise if someone is counting on you to join them.

After work:

If you parked a short distance away, you’ll get a short walk in before you have to sit again on your way home.
If you take the bus, walk one stop farther from the one closest to your workplace, or do something similar close to your destination.

For more information and tips on how to focus on weight-loss at work, visit FranciscanStMargaret.org/weightloss.

Happy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

- Matthew 28:1-10

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Comes to Franciscan Hammond Clinic

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:13:00 +0000

A highly effective, specialized technique for the removal of skin cancer now is available in Munster.

Tarun Kukreja, M.D.

Tarun Kukreja, M.D., a dermatologist at Franciscan Hammond Clinic, provides patients the Mohs surgical technique.

Mohs surgery, which has a cure rate of up to 99-percent, permits immediate and complete microscopic examination of removed cancerous tissue. Through this process, all "roots" and extensions of the cancer can be eliminated. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure in the physician's office and requires no sedation.

The treatment has the highest reported cure rate, according to the American Society for Mohs Surgery. Aside from tracking and removal of cancerous "roots," the surgery spares normal tissue, providing for quicker recovery and minimal scar tissue.

Mohs surgery is not appropriate for all skin cancers, notes Dr. Kukreja, adding it is reserved for those that have recurred following previous treatment, or for cancers that are at a high risk for recurrence.

"The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has been very supportive in giving me the equipment and capacity to provide this state-of-the art procedure, which gives patients some of the highest cure rates possible, while minimizing the removal of normal tissue, leading to a smaller overall scar and quicker recovery. In addition, this procedure is more cost-effective than an inpatient-based procedure and does not require hospitalization," says Dr. Kukreja.

Dr. Kukreja performed Mohs surgery for three years in residency and is a member of the American Society of Mohs Surgeons.

How it works

Tarun Kukreja, M.D., performs a Mohs procedure.

Surgery begins with a treated area being cleansed, marked and injected with a local anesthetic. The surgeon removes the visible cancer, along with a thin layer of additional tissue, and the patient waits while the tissue is processed and examined.

Next, the removed tissue specimen is cut into sections, stained and marked on a diagram called a Mohs map. The tissue is frozen on a cryostat (a vessel used to maintain cryogenic temperatures) and the technician removes very thin slices from the edge and undersurface. The slices are placed on slides and examined under a microscope.

After examining the undersurface and edge of the specimen, all "roots" of the cancer are identified and pinpointed on the Mohs map. If residual cancer is found, the surgeon utilizes the map to direct the removal of additional tissue, but only where cancer is present. The process is repeated as many times as necessary to locate any remaining cancerous areas within the tissue specimen.

Franciscan Senior Promise Meeting - April 12

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:30:00 +0000

The public is invited to attend the April meeting of the newly formed Franciscan Senior Promise group.

Peter Gregory will conduct a demonstration of “Tai Chi Chih” during the meeting, which will take place at 10 a.m. at Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond, 5454 Hohman Ave.

Franciscan Senior Promise is a newly club offers people aged 55 and older information on health issues and advice on lifestyles choices, along with the opportunity to socialize and make new acquaintances.

Meetings take place monthly, with game days, movie and popcorn days, defensive driving courses, a yearly flu shot clinic and daytime and overnight trips among scheduled activities.

Annual membership fee is $15.

For more information, call (800) 931-3322 or visit FranciscanStMargaret.org.

CSU Pharmacy Students Expand Horizons

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:40:00 +0000

Franciscan Physicians Hospital teaches, learns

Vincent Williams and Debbie Ondimu

"This rotation has really opened my eyes. I'm enjoying the clinical aspect of the hospital," says Uzoamaka Adagbo, a sophomore pharmacy student at Chicago State University.

Adagbo is one of four second-year pharmacy students doing rotations at Franciscan Physicians Hospital. Students Virginia Diaz, Debbie Ondimu and Vincent Williams also work with the hospital’s director of pharmacy, Marva Cooksey, Ph.D., for their rotations.

As pharmacy students, they are required to complete two years of pre-pharmacy schooling, three years of pharmacy course work and one year of clinical rotations, before receiving their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. With one year of course work left, their journey is well under way.

Virginia Diaz and Uzoamaka Adagbo

"The rotation at Franciscan Physicians Hospital has brought everything together in seeing how medications we work with affect patients," says Ondimu. Her rotation partner, Williams, agrees. "We talk about adherence in class, but in the hospital, we see that adherence equals effectiveness, which reduces the time inpatients are here."

Even with the latest technologies and electronic medical record, the atmosphere can be a challenge.

"If one thing is missing or one person fails, our job is compromised. That's why it's important that the whole picture come together to work efficiently in the hospital setting. Staff is exceptionally cognizant and supportive of that notion," notes Adagbo.

A high level of interaction between nursing, pharmacy, physicians and other health providers takes place within the hospital, notes Diaz. It's this interaction that provides the start-to-finish experience the students seek.

"Dr. Cooksey really teaches us the process of pharmacy operations from the starting point to the ending point. She interacts with just about everyone," states Diaz.

Says Cooksey, "I've been in the pharmacy business since 1983, having worked in retail, hospital, HMO, government and direct-mail settings. As such, my experience covers a range of bases and I enjoy teaching my students that they can be more than a one-setting pharmacist."

Despite a thorough approach to clinical management within the hospital, students are learning that barriers do still exist.

"In working with pharmaceutical drugs, we face barriers beyond the clinical spectrum -- things like having an interpreter when a patient speaks another language. We have to overcome that and make sure the interpreter says exactly what we're saying," says Adagbo. "That ensures the patient is taking the right medication at the right time."

The pharmacy student rotations are a two-sided mirror, with benefits reflected by the students’ knowledge and university-level research.

Diaz states, "We are constantly studying new pharmacy guidelines and we're always learning the newest medications and techniques at the university." Adagbo adds, "I feel that the staff learns things from us. It's a great way for everyone to benefit from the interaction."

Ondimu predicts great advancements for the group members, as they analyze operations and system development to better serve patients.

"I'm always thinking about what I can do, what I can change, to predict a better outcome. A lot of it is just processes, finding more efficient ways to manage the care."

Diaz adds, "People count on pharmacists for everything. That’s why we've chosen this field, to better serve patients both now and in the future."

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Franciscan Alliance Employees Aid Tornado Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Local emergency responders from two Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region hospitals joined tornado recovery efforts in southern Indiana March 9 to 15.

Lori Postma, deputy planning section chief for the District 1 Team, is a firefighter with the Lake Township Volunteer Fire Department and serves as medical care branch director for Franciscan Physicians Hospital.

Dustin Godbey, finance administration section chief for the District 1 Team, is a registered nurse with Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City.

Postma, Godbey and nine others were deployed March 9, following an Incident Management Team alert March 2 to assist in tornado response, relief and recovery efforts in the Henryville area of Clark County.

Primary mission of the District 1 team is to support on-scene incident command posts and serve as a multi-agency coordination center for response, recovery and relief efforts. The Northwest Indiana team worked as a mobile unit, supporting the Clark County emergency-management personnel.

Operation priorities included cleanup, relief for victims and communities, support for the safety and well-being of victims, volunteers and for responders in affected areas, and for management of donations and volunteers.

District 1 includes Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper and Newton counties. Team members are from all areas of public safety, emergency management and response.

Omni Health & Fitness Open House - March 18

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:08:00 +0000

Franciscan Omni Health and Fitness will host their annual Spring Open House on Sunday, March 18, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Chesterton location and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Schererville location. Come "Catch the Spirit" as we celebrate at both facilities! We will be offering free tours of our state-of-the-art facilities, raffles for free memberships and prizes totaling over $1,000. Plus, the opportunity in our Grand Prize Raffle to win, a free Week at a Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge Resort. ($3,500 value!) Healthy refreshments and snacks are being provided by Radisson Hotel and Aquafina.

Brett Hoebel
Biggest Loser Season 11

Celebrity appearances by Brett Hoebel, Biggest Loser unknown trainer, Season 11, Jessica and Ramon contestants from Biggest Loser Season 12, and our local favorite celebrities: Courtney and Marci Crozier, contestants from Biggest Loser Season 11. Come out and experience a Group Personal Training Classes lead by Brett himself! The class will be offered at noon at our Chesterton facility (810 Michael Drive) and at 3 p.m. at the Schererville location (221 U.S. HWY 41, Suite A). A Celebrity Meet & Greet will follow the GPT demo class at both locations. For a limited time, guests will have an opportunity to take photos and gather autographs.

The fun and excitement will not stop there. Omni will feature newly decorated Spirit of Women areas in both clubs. Guests will also be welcomed to stop in for a free Thin & Healthy's Total Solution Orientation being held at 1:15 p.m. and again at 2:15 p.m. at each facility and learn how this program has helped our members lose over 7200 pounds.

Omni Schererville will launch a new WATER IN MOTION class at 2 p.m. that members and guests are welcome to attend and participate in, so please remember to bring your suits!

Raffle drawings will conclude the day at both locations with winning entries being returned to the Grand Prize Drawing for a free one week stay at a Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge Resort to be held on Monday, March 19, at the Schererville location at 1 p.m. Celebrities Jessica and Ramon will pull the lucky winner.

March "Spirit of Women" Seminar - 10 Signs of Alzheimer's

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:35:00 +0000

"Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer's: Early Detection Matters"

This introductory program provides an understanding of the difference between age-related memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.

For more information or to register, please call (800) 931-3322.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
12:00 noon
Franciscan Physicians Hospital
701 Superior Ave.
Munster, Indiana
Third Floor Conference Room

For more information about these events call (800) 931-3322. To sign up for Spirit of Women, visit franciscanalliance.org/SpiritofWomen and click your hospital or fill out our online form on Facebook!

Eating Right When Money's Tight - March 15

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:02:00 +0000

There are many ways to save money on the foods you eat.

Join Franciscan Hammond Clinic registered dietitian JoAnn Franczek as she provides tips on how to stretch your food dollars.

Thursday, March 15
6 p.m.
Franciscan Hammond Clinic - Specialty Center
3rd Floor Meeting Room
7905 Calumet Ave., Munster, Indiana

To register call (219) 836-3600 or (800) 279-8700.

Pediatric Sleep Services Now Offered

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:35:00 +0000

Pediatric sleep studies, entailing knowledge, screening, evaluation and treatment practices regarding sleep disorders in children, are often unspoken of.

According to Child Uplift, Inc., less than two percent of students with sleep disorders are identified, treated and corrected.

The Sleep Disorders Center of Franciscan Physicians Hospital, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, is changing that silence for Northwest Indiana with a new location and pediatric evaluations introduced in February 2012.

Located in the second floor of what was previously Surgical Hospital of Munster, 7847 Calumet Ave., Munster, the Sleep Disorders Center provides a range of pediatric sleep disorders tests, along with their adult testing.

Sleep disturbances can represent highly common phenomena interfering with daily life and causing significant emotional, behavioral and cognitive dysfunction over time. Elevated occurrences of sleep problems in youth often coincide with medical conditions and psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Muhammad Najjar, medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center, states "approximately twenty five percent of all children experience some type of sleep problem at some point during childhood, ranging from short-term difficulties in falling asleep to more serious primary sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy."

Childhood sleep disorders, classified into the categories of dyssomnias, parasomnias and medical-psychiatric disorders, include sleep walking, bedwetting, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome and others.

"Sleep is the only priority in our center," explains Najjar. "We have always aimed to be the best sleep disorders center in Northwest Indiana for adults and children by having a board certified physician and credentialed staff here full-time. We continue to be open seven days a week to address the sleep needs of Northwest Indiana in our new facility."

For more information, call the Sleep Disorders Center at (219) 836-7535.

Video Recap: Day of Dance 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:18:00 +0000

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!

Franciscan Focus for iPhone, iPad and Android Users - Download Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:15:00 +0000

Last week we announced the launch of our Franciscan Focus magazine app for the iPhone and iPad.

Now we are pleased to offer a free app for Android users!

Click on the links below to get Franciscan Focus "on the go" - mobile access to news and features about the best and latest services offered at the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana hospitals.

Patient Education Classes, March/April 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:54:00 +0000

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/!@

"Spirit of Women" Shines at Day of Dance Program

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:31:00 +0000

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 Hammond Clinic Receives BCBSIL Award

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:04:00 +0000

MUNSTER | Franciscan Hammond Clinic received the 2010 Blue Ribbon Designation by BlueCross BlueShield Illinois, according to a BCBSIL 2011 report.

The Blue Star Medical Group/IPA Report recognizes HMO contracting medical groups/Independent Practice Associations (IPAs) that have documented high levels of performance in providing patient care.

BCBSIL assesses medical group performances annually based upon national clinical practice and preventive care guidelines.

Groups earn a “blue star” when they meet or exceed a target care goal within a reporting category. Franciscan Hammond Clinic received eight blue stars total for the categories of Asthma, Diabetes, Mental Health Follow-Up, Breast Cancer Screening, Management of Cardiovascular Conditions, Controlling High Blood Pressure, Cervical Cancer Screening and Influenza Vaccination.

Dr. Cynthia Sanders, medical director at Franciscan Hammond Clinic, states, “Franciscan Hammond Clinic is pleased to have been recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois in its annual Blue Star report. Staff is thrilled to have our ongoing commitment to high quality health care for Northwest Indiana recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.”

For more information on the Franciscan Hammond Clinic and the Blue Star report, visit www.franciscanhammondclinic.org.

February "Spirit of Women" Seminar - Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

noreply@blogger.com (Franciscan Physicians Hospital) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Please join us for our monthly Spirit of Women presentation in February:

“A Little DASH Will Do You”
DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a dietary plan developed by the National Institute of Health to aid in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels without the need for medication.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Noon
Franciscan Hammond Clinic
7905 Calumet Ave., Munster
3rd Floor Conference Room
Presented by: Joann Franczek, Registered Dietitian

For more information or to register, please call (800) 931-3322.

Watch for dates for our March seminar: “Avoid a Brainwreck (Concussions)."

For more information about these events call (800) 931-3322.

To sign up for Spirit of Women, visit our webpage or fill out our online form on Facebook!