View from the Top

‘It’s a great time to be part of Penrose-St. Francis’

By Margaret Sabin
President & CEO

If you’ve seen the news lately, you know we’ve had a couple of very prestigious awards come our way in the past two weeks. 

Last week, HealthGrades announced we were once again a recipient of their America’s 50 Best Hospitals award, the only hospital in Colorado to garner the distinction.  The award places Penrose-St. Francis in the top 1 percent of all hospitals in the nation for quality outcomes. 

This is a huge accomplishment you should all be proud of!  I know healthcare professionals who have worked hard their entire career and never had the honor of being associated with an America’s 50 Best Hospital.

We also learned that Nursing Professionals Magazine placed Penrose-St. Francis in its “Top 100 Hospitals to Work For” list, along with the Mayo Clinic, Cedars-Sinai, and Johns Hopkins Hospitals.  Nursing Professionals sent a survey to nearly 25,000 randomly selected hospital nurses throughout the country to measure job satisfaction, and we made the cut.  Another superb accolade!

I had the pleasure last week of learning more about our Cancer Center’s participation in the National Cancer Institute’s Community Cancer Center Program.  Did you know the Penrose Cancer Center is just one of 16 cancer centers nationwide participating in the program?  What an honor!

The NCCCP is a three-year pilot program to test the concept of affiliating a network of community cancer centers with NCI to enhance their cancer research capabilities and improve the quality of cancer care available to patients in our community. Once the pilot program is complete, NCI intends to expand the NCCCP to multiple community cancer centers nationwide in 2010. 

Our awards and participation in the NCCCP are indicative of the outstanding physicians, associates and volunteers who are committed every day to providing world-class healthcare to the Pikes Peak region.  It’s a great time to be part of Penrose-St. Francis and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of such a superb organization.

Pulse now weekly

Starting today, the Penrose Pulse arrives weekly instead of monthly.  The weekly Pulse replaces the Pulse Points, but will include even more news, information and photographs. 

The weekly Penrose Pulse will arrive every Monday morning.  Many of the monthly columns will now be spread out throughout the month.

Submissions are welcome.  The deadline to get information into the next Pulse will be noon on the Wednesday prior to each week. 

For more information, or to submit stories and news, email or call Stacey Knott at staceyknott@centura.org or 776-5250.

PSF Score Card

The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services January 2009 Scorecard, courtesy of the Mission in Motion Committee.

Click here to view the scorecard.

PSF Top 1%, again!

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services was named as a HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospital™ for 2009 –  the only hospital in Colorado to achieve the distinction.  This is the second consecutive year PSF has garnered the award.

The award places Penrose-St. Francis in the top 1 percent of all hospitals in the nation for quality outcomes.

To celebrate this achievement, PSF is having a trophy presentation and ice cream and cake social March 9 at PSF cafeterias.  The party at Penrose Hospital starts at 1 p.m., SFMC is at 2:30 p.m. and cake will be available at SFHC during the day. 

Hospitals that achieved this award are those that had quality outcomes rated in the top 5 percent in the country for the most consecutive years across 26 different procedures and conditions.

Patients admitted to an America’s 50 Best Hospital are approximately 27 percent less likely to die and 8 percent less likely to suffer from a major complication than patients admitted to non-recipient hospitals, according to HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization.

"We’re extremely excited to once again be recognized for our superior clinical outcomes," said Margaret Sabin, president and Chief Executive Officer for Penrose-St. Francis.  “The award is indicative of the outstanding physicians, associates and volunteers who are committed to providing world-class healthcare to the Pikes Peak region.”

To determine America’s 50 Best Hospitals, HealthGrades analyzed over 110 million Medicare hospitalization records from every hospital in the nation and facilities must have demonstrated superior clinical outcomes, not just in one medical specialty, but across 26 different procedures and conditions, and must have maintained this superior level of care year after year. To make this year’s list, the winners maintained quality levels among the top 5 percent in the nation for a minimum of six consecutive years.

“The hospitals who receive this distinction have figured out how to hardwire clinical excellence into the fabric of their organizations” said Dr. Samantha Collier, HealthGrades' chief medical officer and lead study author. “They are able to maintain superior levels of quality and excellence day after day, year after year.”

The HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospital designation is based exclusively on clinical outcomes – risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for patients at every one of the nation’s nearly 5,000 non-federal hospitals. Hospitals cannot opt-in or out of this independent analysis.

News Briefs

14th Annual Restaurant Expo & Culinary Competition
Join the fun March 8, from noon to 3 p.m. at The Broadmoor West Hotel.  Tickets are $40 either at the door or online through www.PPCRA.org.  $5 discount for advanced ticket purchase. Funds raised will benefit the new St. Francis Medical Center and the Colorado ProStart program. Presented by The Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association.  Includes sample food from participating restaurants, enjoy special tastings of wine and beer from local purveyors, watch the Media-Chef Competition, and win gift certificates to local restaurants. Volunteer positions are available for this event.  All volunteers get in free to the event and must be available from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To volunteer or for more information, contact Julie Cox at 776-5050 or juliecox@centura.org  or Sharon Meyers at 776-7060 or sharonmeyers@centura.org. 

Webb Memorial Library
The Webb Memorial Library will be closed March 2-13, due to the medical librarian, Casey Welch, being out.  Physicians and hospital staff may call Security at 776-2111 for access; you must show your hospital badge.  If you have a research request, e-mail it to webblibrary@centura.org and Casey will get back to you as soon as she can upon her return.

Central Scheduling Moving
Central Scheduling will be moving from SFHC to the PH main patient access area effective March 26.   All phone numbers will remain the same.  For questions or more information, please call Deborah Benner at 776-5351.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Event
A free public event, March 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Penrose Library, Carnegie Room at 20 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs. The event “Catch It Before It Starts!” includes Penrose Cancer Center physicians talking about various Colorectal Cancer tests and treatments, a cancer survivor’s personal story, and refreshments.  People should RSVP for the event by calling Ask-A-Nurse at 719-776-5555.  For more information, visit www.penrosecancercenter.org.
 
Sleep Education Awareness Fair
A free public event, Thursday 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Francis Health Center, 825 East Pikes Peak Avenue, 5th floor cafeteria. The event includes free Sleepiness Evaluations, door prizes, Sleep Center tours, and a sleep presentation by Dr. Gregory Ruff. For more information, please call The Penrose-St. Francis Sleep Disorders Center at 776-8868.
 
Safety Monitor Meetings-Changes
Safety Monitor meetings will be held at SFMC March 4 from 8 to 10 a.m. in Conference Room 4, Penrose Hospital March 5 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Gala Room, and SFHC March 6 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Summit Room. Topics will include recent fire inspection, HazMat reporting (chemical inventory) and pharmaceutical waste. For more information, call Lorin Schroeder at 776-5238.
 
Donations for John Zay Guest House
The Outreach Committee will be collecting items for the John Zay Guest House March 9-20.  Collection boxes and a list of the most needed items will be set up at all Penrose-St. Francis sites.  For more information, please contact Debbie Parrish at 776-5703.
 
Keep the Earth Clean: Pick up Butts
Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.-noon
The first Tuesday of every month, meet outside of PH/Outside Valet area. Receive HIIP Fitness credit by attending.
 
PSF Associate Campaign
The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services 2009 Associate Campaign is coming soon.  For more information, please contact the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation at 776-7060.

For Your Spirit

First Sunday of Lent
From the Spiritual Care Chaplains

In the reading from Mark, Jesus delivers powerful words, which we don’t really hear.

‘This is the time of fulfillment.’

Not tomorrow or next week or at the end of our lives.  This is it.  Right here.  Right now … The kingdom of God is here, even midst the challenges and beauty of our lives.

Jesus also says, “Repent.”  To repent means to turn around.  Go back to the place from which you came.  Each of us came from the innocence and purity of God‘s own unrelenting love.  How might life be different if we lived in the knowledge that separation from God is impossible?  

“Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying or threats, not backstabbing.  Nothing can separate us from God.”  Rom 8:35b  

So how do we carry all that troubles our hearts and seems to separate us from God differently?  How do we foster trust in the wisdom of God so that whatever challenges us can be borne with grace?

Return, says God, with your whole heart because now is when I am with you.  Right here.  Right now.

This is the time of fulfillment. 
The kingdom of God is at hand. 
Repent, and believe in the gospel.
                                    Mark 1:15

Lunch Menu

Penrose Hospital daily lunch menu.

TODAY
Shepard's Pie, Chicken Pineapple Teriyaki, Garlic Butter Salmon Cakes, Blackberry Cobbler

TUESDAY
Santa Fe Chicken Eggrolls, Tri -Pepper Beef Fajita's, Beef Chimichanga, Cinnamon Churros

WEDNESDAY
Chicken Tenders, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Beer Battered Cod w/ Steak Fries, Chocolate Lava Cakes

THURSDAY
Pork Chops in Apple Brown Sauce, Honey Mustard Salmon, Baked Potato Bar, Warm Apple Cobbler

FRIDAY
Fried Catfish, Beef Bacon Cabernet Stew, Chicken Breast Marsala, Apple Cranberry Crisp

SATURDAY
Beer Battered Cod, Meat Lasagna, Chili Dogs, Warm Apple Dumplings

SUNDAY
Country Fried Chicken, Cabbage Rolls, Patti Melts, Cherry Apple Cobbler

For the SFMC menu, please call the daily menu phone line 571-1001.

Health Screenings

The Club HIIP 2009 “Around the World in 6 Days” Health Screenings at Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center and St. Francis Health Center, were a great success. Over 620 associates participated.

Health screenings included blood pressure, BMI, neck/back massages, carpal tunnel evaluations, osteoporosis heel scan, pulmonary function, cholesterol/ HDL/glucose lab work, hearing, vision and more.

Going Green

Did you know….In 2008, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services prevented over 64,000 pounds of plastic from going into landfills?  PSF accomplished this feat by reusing the Sharps containers in patient care areas.

Going Green Tip of the Week…The number one way to reduce energy use is to cut off the lights in your work area when stepping out for periods greater than five minutes. 

The Going Green Section of the Penrose Pulse has been developed to educate and inform Penrose-St. Francis associates, physicians, and volunteers on how to Reduce and Reuse valuable resources.  For questions or to share a tip with everyone, please contact Ann Martin at 776-5111 or by email annmartin@centura.org

Privacy Reminders

When a law enforcement officer is requesting patient information, it tends to get our stomachs in a knot.  It doesn’t have to be that way. 

Here are a few tips to remember to get you through those stressful moments:

The general rule of thumb for a law enforcement officer to receive protected health information (PHI) they need:
-Patient authorization
• Ensure authorization is proper, timely, and valid.
• Copy only portions of the record specified.
• Note in chart what was copied, for whom and the date.
• Any concerns contact Centura Legal Counsel.
-Court order signed by a judge
-Search warrant to release records
• Contact Risk Management or Centura Health Legal Counsel.
• Ask to copy the authorization, court order, or search warrant.
• Ask if a more convenient time could be scheduled so you may gather the records.

Information you may share without patient authorization:
-Legal blood alcohol or urine toxicology ordered by law enforcement
-Child abuse or neglect
-Criminal acts
-Injuries resulting from criminal acts
• Gunshot wounds
• Stabbings
• Assaults
• Domestic violence
-Victims of crimes
-Disclosures to avoid serious threat to health or safety
-Oversight activities
-Non-medical records requests
• Identify or locate a suspect or witness

Always remember to only release the minimum amount of information necessary. Please be aware, special rules apply to drug/alcohol treatment records and psychiatric/psychological treatment records. 

For further information log onto My Virtual Workplace/About Centura/Departments/Compliance Program/Policies and Procedures/Privacy/Release of PHI to Law Enforcement.

Nightingale Awards

Seven nurses from Penrose-St. Francis Health Services have been nominated for the Nightingale Award.

The Colorado Nursing Foundation will present the local awards during 24th Annual Colorado Springs Nightingale Awards-“Nominees for Excellence in Human Caring,” at the Crown Plaza Hotel, March 13. 

Congratulations to the 2009 Nightingale Nominees from PSF:
• Olinda P. Spitzer MSN, RN, CCRN, CNS, ICU/CVU/BBU
• Ruby Hernandez RN, PSF Surgery
• Mary Castle RN, 4th Floor
• Brenda Molencamp RN, NE-BC, Clin Manager, 4th Floor
• Earnestine Nichols RN, 7th Floor
• Theresa Cowger, MSN, RN, CNOR, OR Educator
• Deb Nussdorfer MSN, RN, PMHCNS-BC, Magnet Coordinator.

The Nightingale Awards event was founded in 1985 to honor nurses who best exemplify the philosophy and practice of Florence Nightingale, the 19th century nursing pioneer, who epitomized the art of helping people towards their optimal health.

The winners will be forwarded to the State Selection Committee for consideration for the Nightingale Colorado Award May 9 at the Renaissance Hotel in Denver.

Service Recognition Dinner

The 2009 Penrose-St. Francis Service Recognition Dinner was held Feb. 6, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs.

The celebration honored 338 PSF associates who have been with the system for at least five years.  Their combined service time is 7,821 years!

Additionally, three people were recognized as recipients of the President's Award.
 
Congratulations to:
• Kristi Ecklund, Physical Therapist/Lead, Penrose Hospital Outpatient Rehab
• Janet Reedy, Lead HR Generalist, Human Resources
• Gail Gillen, Clinical Manager, Labor and Delivery (SFMC)

Festivities also included entertainment by PSF leadership.

Obituary: Jo Hyland

Jo Hyland, Wound and Ostomy nurse at Penrose-St. Francis since 1990, passed away Feb. 13 after a brief illness.

Jo was known for her great hugs and back massages.  She was a walking encyclopedia about wound and ostomy care.  Many nurses with problem patients would call out “Hey Jo” for impromptu consultations as she walked down the hall.  You could always tell it was Jo by looking at her from a distance with her white lab coat and bulging pockets.

Jo was dedicated to life long learning, and went back for her master’s degree and then became a Clinical Nurse Specialist.  Jo taught many classes to our new grads and associates.  Always a patient advocate, Jo would approach physicians who ordered outdated treatments and would give them research evidence for new methods.

Her pride and joy were her granddaughter and step granddaughter, her family and her dogs.  Her hobbies were quilting, learning, reading science fiction and nursing journals.

Her husband Pat will continue to volunteer in the Outpatient Wound Clinic.

Many associates didn’t get a chance to say goodbye due to her sudden passing.  A memory book for Jo will be kept outside the SWAB office at Penrose, then brought to SFMC.  Please come and write your message to Jo.  The office is the first door south of the GI Lab reception area.  No other services are planned.

Environment of Care Q&A

During PSF safety/hazards inspection rounds, the Occupational/Environmental Health, Safety and Security office asked associates to complete a quick questionnaire in order to monitor associates' knowledge on various topics. As in years past, some of the questions have changed, so please note these changes. Provided below is the complete list of questions with the correct responses. We hope this will be a valuable tool in increasing your knowledge base.

QUESTION: What does the designation on some of the doors in the hospital mean?
ANSWER: These are fire rated “Smoke Doors” which help separate the building into fire rated smoke compartments. In a horizontal evacuation we would evacuate patients to an adjoining smoke compartment.

QUESTION: What is the preferred method of evacuation?
ANSWER: Horizontal evacuation is preferred because it is less personnel intensive thus allowing staff to move more patients to a safer environment in less time. The building is designed/constructed to provide this option.

QUESTION: How many O2 “E” cylinders can be stored in one room/area?
ANSWER: Up to and including 12.

QUESTION: What is the maximum accumulated weight of product that can be disposed of with in a single red bag bio-waste container?
ANSWER: 50 pounds. (Our vendor, Stericycle, will refuse pick-up of any bio-hazardous waste container exceeding 50 pounds!).

QUESTION: How many days can you use a piece of medical equipment after a Biomed Safety Sticker expires?
ANSWER: 30 days

QUESTION: Can equipment be stored in a corridor? Yes  or No. If yes, for how long?
ANSWER: No! Storage in corridors is prohibited. The code does allow equipment to be “used” in corridors. In order to be considered “in use” the equipment must have been “used” within the last 30 minutes as determined by The Joint Commission. (Please see the Q & A on storage on pages #2 & #3).

QUESTION: What is the best way to limit disease transmission?
ANSWER: Conduct proper hand washing/sanitizing procedures.

QUESTION: What is a Code Grey?
ANSWER: A disaster which can be either internal or external (or perhaps a combination of both).

QUESTION: Who do you call if you see a suspicious person exiting the Med Room on your unit?
ANSWER: Contact Security through 2111.

QUESTION: Can you use extension cords in your area? Yes or No.  For a short period of time?
ANSWER: Only for a very short period of time. The various fire codes we are regulated by do not completely prohibit their use but do severely limit them. Use of an extension cord should never be more than for a few hours during a single day. (The use of power taps is allowed by the various fire codes).

QUESTION: Who is supposed to empty full sharps containers?
ANSWER: Our Sharps containers are serviced by Bio-Systems. However, if a Sharps container is full and needs immediate replacement then Environmental Services will replace the Sharps container.

Valentine's Party

The Penrose Hospital 8th Floor “Healers” celebrated Valentine’s Day Feb. 11 with a special party for staff and Rehab buddies. 

The purpose of the celebration was to express appreciation for the love, skill and creativity the associates and rehab buddies invest in the care of PSF Rehab patients.

The party included delicious goodies and a special Valentine’s present for everyone.

Cancer Center Programs

NEW PATIENT ORIENTATION
Free program to learn about the special programs and services available to you at Penrose Cancer Center and how to access them.  11:30 a.m. on Fridays, March 13 & 17th at Penrose Cancer Center.  Register by calling Linda Gardner, 776-2515.

ASK AND MEET AN EXPERT
Free educational programs held the 3rd Wednesday of every month at  noon in Cancer Center Conference Room A. March 18th  “Colorectal Cancer” by Dr. Jason Huff,  Medical Oncologist Penrose Cancer Center. Register by calling Ask a Nurse at 776-5555. You may also attend these programs by conference call from the comfort of your own home.  The audio dial-in number is 1.866.383.0408.  When the system prompts you for the Conference Access Code, press 7762515#.   If the chairperson is not on the line yet, you, as a member, simply stay on the line and listen to the music until the chairperson logs on.  If the chairperson has logged in already you will be asked to press the 1 key to enter the conference.  A tone will play whenever a participant joins the conference.  To depart from a conference, simply hang up.

HARP MUSIC
Free entertainment is provided by Terry Weatherford, a breast cancer survivor and volunteer.  Terry is trained in hospital and home visitation and is a retired medical technologist. She plays for us  on Wednesdays (March 4 & 18) in Medical Oncology from 11a.m. to noon and in Radiation Oncology from 1 to 2 p.m.

REIKI
Free – provided by cancer survivor Marsha Yost-Lawson, Reiki Master & Sandra Rojo-Miller, Reiki Master.  Reiki is a healing practice that enhances wellness by encouraging balance though out the entire system: body, mind and spirit. Enjoy a free short Reiki session while sitting in a chair.  The touch is light and non-manipulative (or the practitioner’s hands are entirely off the body if that is what you prefer.)  The presenters are donating their time and this service is offered to you as a convenience in Penrose Hospital’s Wellness Center on the basement level.   Enter the front door of Penrose Hospital, pass the information desk, and take the first set of elevators down to the basement.  Walk straight ahead into the Wellness Center.  Reiki sessions are held on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m., March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31. To register call Sandra at 649-4418  or Marsha at 231-2662.
 
YOGA FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
Free—provided by Beth McCarthy, RYT 500, a Structural Yoga Therapist.  Yoga sessions will be held the first 3 Tuesdays of each month ( March 3, 10 & 17) from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. in Penrose Hospital’s Wellness Center.  To register call Beth at 282-9032.

COLORECTAL CANCER—CATCH IT BEFORE IT STARTS 
Free talk by a panel of experts discussing colorectal cancer screening  Monday, March 9, 5:30 p.m. at Penrose Library, Carnegie Room, 20 North Cascade Ave.  Register by calling Ask A Nurse at 776-5555.

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER
Free hands-on workshop that includes a skin care/makeup application lesson, demonstrating options for dealing with hair loss and nail care techniques.  Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Look Good Feel Better is facilitated by certified cosmetologist volunteers.  Professional advice is provided for wigs, scarves and accessories.  Complimentary cosmetic kits in your skin tone are given to each participant.  Noon to 1:30 p.m. on March 9, Cancer Center Conference Room A.  Register by calling Ask a Nurse 776-5555.

SURVIVORSHIP GROUP
Free – six-week series.  Meet with other cancer survivors who have completed active treatment and are defining their new normal. Discussions will build upon the book Picking Up the Pieces, Moving Forward After Surviving Cancer by Magee and Scalzo.   Facilitators are Sharon Schuh, MA psychotherapy and MA in Pastoral Theology and Ministry and Maureen McKasy-Donlin, M.A., certified with 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education, & Penrose Cancer Center’s Outreach Manager. Survivorship Group will meet for six Thursday evenings, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, April 16th-- May 21st in the Cactus Room.  Call Maureen at 776-6035 to register and receive a free copy of the book, Picking Up the Pieces, Moving Forward After Surviving Cancer.   Group limited to the first 12 who register.
 
SUPPORT GROUPS
Breast Cancer Network of Strength for women under age 40  2nd Tuesday of the month (March 10) at 6:00 p.m.  Meet in Penrose Hospital’s E Tower Conference Room.   Sponsored by the National Network of Strength.  Contact Melanie Clark, Network of Strength facilitator, at 719-351-5079.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society  3rd Wednesday of the month, (March 18th) 5:30-7 p.m.  Meetings are held in the Radiation Oncology Lobby - first floor of the Cancer Center.  Facilitator is Margaret Palmer, MSW.  Please register by calling Lynn Calloway, Psy.D., Patient Services Manager 1-800-286-8159.

Prostate Cancer Support Group, Man to Man  meets 1st Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
March 2nd  – The Human Side of Cancer from Diagnosis Through Treatment by Margaret Palmer, Social Worker at Penrose Cancer Center.
April 6th – Physical Activity in Cancer Survivorship by Britta Newcomer, R.N.  Memorial Cancer Center Meetings are held at the Memorial Administrative Center, 2420 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Classroom A.  Enter the southwest doors beneath the 2420 sign.  This group is open to all prostate cancer survivors and their spouses or partners.  No registration needed.

Casting for Recovery
A Support and Educational Program for Breast Cancer Survivors.  Free Fly fishing weekend  May 15-17, 2009 and Sept. 5-7 at North Fork Ranch, Shawnee, CO.   Phone 888.553.3500.

OTHER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Dial Up Seminars, CHI Hospitals
Marilyn Kile, R.N., N.P. of Good Samaritan Hospital speaks on “Cancer Fatigue After Treatment”  March26th at 11:00 a.m..  Register via the Telephone Line to Care at 1-800-278-7837.   Registrants will be emailed a web site to view the PowerPoint and a phone number to hear the teleconference.

The First Steps to Cancer Survival is a free cancer survival “toolbox” with 12 compact discs and a booklet produced by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. 12 topics:  communicating, finding information, making decisions, solving problems, negotiating, standing up for your rights, first steps for the newly diagnosed, topics for older persons, finding ways to pay for care, caring for the caregiver, living beyond cancer, and dying well, the final stage of survivorship.   Contact Linda Gardner in Cancer Center Administration at 776-2515 to borrow this toolbox.

CancerCare - Education
www.cancercare.org  1-800-813-HOPE
Free professional support, counseling, education, information and free telephone education workshops (dial in, listen and learn).  To register either call the phone number above or sign up on line at www.cancercare.org. All the programs are held at 11:30 a.m. MST
March 3 – Treatment Update on Gastrointestinal Stromel Tumor March 5 – Coping with Cancer Pain: What You Need to Know

March 12 – Balancing Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer
March 24– Caring for your Bones When You Have Prostate Cancer
April 14 – Living With, Through and Beyond
Cancer, Part I:  Managing the Stress of Survivorship

ONLINE RESOURCES
Penrose Cancer Center  www.penrosecancercenter.org
American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345   www.cancer.org   Note the “I Can Cope” education / support group as well as info for survivors, caregivers, patients, family and friends.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)  www.asco.org   Information on more than 50 types of cancer and their treatments, clinical trials, side effects and coping.  Also includes live chats, message boards and links to support groups.
American Society of Clinical Oncology  www.cancer.net  Sections on learning about cancer, coping, and survivorship.
Association of Cancer Online Resources - Online peer support www.acor.org 
1-212-226-5525
Cancer Information and Counseling Line (CICL) 1-800-525-3777  Counseling
service to help all people who are affected by cancer.  Emotional support, resource referrals and medical information.
Caregivers (Family Caregiver Alliance) www.caregiver.org -1800-445-8106

UPCOMING
RETREAT FOR CANCER PATIENTS
Free - May 2 at Mount St. Francis.  Watch for more information in the Spring.

For questions or more information, contact Maureen McKasy-Donlin at 719.776.6035.   Or visit the Penrose Cancer Center website at www.penrosecancercenter.org.

Club HIIP

MARCH 2009 LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “Maneuvering the Menu”
Celebrate National Nutrition Month 2009 and learn to “Eat Right”. In our crazy busy lives, this is easier said than done, right? Michelle Somers, Registered Dietitian, will share tips on maneuvering the menu at a restaurant, fast-food location, or the PSF cafeterias. Learn what key words to look for on the menu to help you get fueled up but not fattened up!
 Wednesday, March 18, SFMC/Conf Rooms 2-3, 12:05-12:35 p.m. 
 Thursday, March 19, PH/E-Tower Gala Room, 12:05-12:35 p.m.

KNOWING YOUR NUMBERS
Confused about your Cholesterol test results from the health screen? Do you know the difference between HDL and LDL or have you had high numbers in the past?
Come join us for this educational presentation on how to understand your results and numbers from the Health Screening! Whenever you attend a health screening or see your physician, chances are your results from Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, lab work (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Glucose, etc.) are in numbers.  Come learn what the numbers stand for, what constitutes healthy/unhealthy results, and what you can do to improve your numbers into the healthy categories!  Michelle Somers, dietitian from Club HIIP, will be presenting this informational class!  Those who attend will receive Club HIIP Education Credit.
Thurs, March 12, 12-12:45 p.m., SFMC Conf Rm 1
Mon, March 16,  5-5:45 p.m., PH/Volunteer Conf Rm

WEIGHT WATCHERS AT WORK
Session beginning in the Spring. We are looking to do a 17 week series beginning spring 2009.   If we have more than 20 employees participate the cost will be $10.94/wk. More meetings mean a greater potential for success!! We are trying to gather enough individuals to begin this session, please contact Michelle Somers, 776-5034 if you are interested.

FY09 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
Exercising With Restrictions: Wed, Mar. 11 from noon-12:45 p.m. at SFHC/5th Floor Summit Room
Hypnotist: Behavior Changes: Tues, Mar. 17 from noon-12:45 p.m. at PH/E-tower Basement Aerobics Room
Can Someone Please Push the Pause Button: Thurs, Mar. 26 from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Foundation/Conf Room

SELF CARE CLASS
Wednesday, March 25 from 5-5:45 p.m. at PH/Cancer Center Rooms A-B

LIFE FITNESS
Walking and Learning for a better life physically, emotionally, and mentally
• Walk for 30 minutes.
• Learn tips and tricks to manage stress.
• Master relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and sleep better.
• Discover methods to maintain motivation in all areas of life. 
• Get tools for reducing depression and managing your emotions. 
• Find out the role of nutrition and sleep in your mood and stress levels. 
Penrose Hospital meet at 3:45-5 p.m. in the Aerobics Room on Wednesdays, starting March 11- April 29 (8 weeks).
 St. Francis Medical Center meet at 6:15-7:30 a.m. location TBD, Wednesdays, starting March 18- May 6 (8 weeks).
Spend 30 minutes walking and then the remainder of the time learning how to create a more balanced life.  To register for this free class, please call (719) 634-1825.

HIKING CLUB
Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m., Cheyenne Mountain State Park “Geocashing”
Hit the trails on a high-tech treasure hunt! Combining GPS technology, gadgets and nature, geocaching is a fun and exciting way to explore the park's trails.  Several caches are hidden in the park with clues posted on the internet. Bring your GPS.  Two geocaching enthusiasts, Kevin and Dale will have extra GPSs to share if you do not have one.  Cheyenne Mountain State Park is the newest state park with 1600 acres of natural trails with breathtaking views. We will meet in the main parking lot at 10 a.m.  There is a $6 per car state park entrance fee and it is well worth the investment!  Dogs are not allowed on the trails.  If there is too much snow, we will still hike and postpone the geocaching until March 28…same place, same time.
Directions:  South on Nevada Ave [Rt. 115] to the park entrance directly opposite Fort Carson’s main gate.  Turn right at the traffic light and follow to the main parking lot. For more information contact Lynette at 201-7554 or 448-9905. 

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Walk pockets at all sites for registration form
Body Toning: Sess 5a/b: Starts, Mon, Mar. 2 from 11:45-12:50 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Rm for 6 wk sess
Nia: Sess 5: Starts, Tues, Mar. 3 from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 wk sess
Yoga for a Healthy Back: Sess 2: Starts, Tues, Mar. 3 from 5:15-6:45 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Rm for 6 wk sess
Yoga: Sess 4: Starts, Thurs, Mar. 12 from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 wk sess
**You may pick up a flyer at any of the HIIP wall pockets at all sites!**

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for the orientations below via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
PH Wellness Center- Thurs. Mar, 12 at 8 a.m.
SFHC Wellness Center- Fri. Mar. 13 at noon
SFMC Wellness Center- Wed. Mar. 18 at 11 p.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- Thurs. Mar. 19 at 5 p.m.
PH Wellness Center- Tues. Mar, 24 at 4 p.m.
Anyone over 40 years old must have a physician’s form signed giving permission to use Wellness Centers.
*SFMC Wellness Center Orientations: Please note that if you used to have access to the PCH Wellness Center, you must attend an orientation at SFMC in order to gain access to that facility.

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Thursday at 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet. Contact Michelle Somers x5034
SFHC Walking Club:  Every Monday at 11:30 a.m. outside of the Foundation building. Contact Tracy x7085
SFMC Walking Club:  Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. meet outside 1st floor/valet entrance- Winter season- the group will walk the stairs indoors. Contact Rox x11064.