Kudos

A St. Francis Medical Center Emergency Department nurse recently passed one of the hardest certification examinations for registered nurses.

Heidi Stouffer, a registered nurse for nearly three years, passed the Certification Emergency Nursing Examination.  According to the Emergency Nursing Association, the percentage of passing participants is only in the 70 percentile.

“Her successful completion of one of the hardest nursing certification examinations is a credit to her knowledge and skills as an ED nurse,” said Pam Assid, SFMC Emergency Department clinical manager.  “It validates her knowledge and expertise in emergency nursing and assures the community that she is both competent and current in her nursing specialty.”

The ENA reports CEN certified nurses are high achievers, have high patient satisfaction ratings and are more effective communicators with other health care providers. 

“Her achievement is not only a personal victory,” Pam said, “but also great for the community. We are so proud of her.”

Way to go Heidi!

Editors note: March 19 is Certified Nurses Day.  Thank you to all of PSF's certified nurses!

For Your Spirit

Lenten Message: Living the faithfulness and generosity of God.
From the Spiritual Care Chaplains

Jesus was angry.
 
He saw money changers and merchants in the Temple.  He turned over their tables.  He spoke with authority to money changers.

The Temple housed the precious gift God the Father gave, and he couldn’t understand how people could defile it with bartering and selling.  Why weren’t they worshiping on the steps, in awe and reverence over the fidelity and generosity of God?

How do we, in our everyday lives, forget to live the faithfulness and generosity of God? 
-When we demean and make fun of another ... or abuse verbally or emotionally or physically, we forget. 
-When we live in fear, anger, and envy, we forget. 
-When we compete to get ahead without consideration of the effect on others, we forget. 

There are many ways to forget to live the faithfulness and generosity of God.  How do you forget?

To stop this kind of behavior requires courage - the courage to soften our hearts and see another person or situation differently.  Why does this take courage?   When we stop holding tightly to certain views or actions, we may be left with the underlying uneasiness that our hard-heartedness protected us from.  It takes courage to feel vulnerable.

This week, let us take time to notice the situations where we forget to live in the faithfulness and generosity of God.  And then let us soften our hearts and live with courage.  It is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves, to others and to God.

News Briefs

Central Scheduling Moving
Central Scheduling will be moving from SFHC to the PH main patient access area effective March 16.   All phone numbers will remain the same.  For questions or more information, please call Deborah Benner at 776-5351.

ASK AND MEET AN EXPERT
“Colorectal Cancer” presented by Dr. Jason Huff,  Medical Oncologist, Wednesday at noon in the Penrose Cancer Center. Register by calling Ask a Nurse at 776-5555. This class may also be attended from the comfort of home via phone by calling 866-383-0408 and using Conference Access Code 7762515#.  

Hurry…time is running out…
The Rewards and Recognition Team wants to hear about all those associates who smile, make eye contact, and greets everyone in a friendly manner. The deadline to nominate someone is March 26. For more information, to nominate someone or to request a registration form, please e-mail stars@centura.org, fax (719) 634-1874, or interoffice mail to Michelle Powers at EAP.

Donations for John Zay Guest House
The Outreach Committee will be collecting items for the John Zay Guest House through March 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.
 
PSF Associate Campaign
The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services 2009 Associate Campaign is coming soon.  The Associate Campaign Hour Club Gifts may can be seen in the glass display case in front of the PH Cafeteria, at SFMC in the EVS Office, and on the foundation website, http://psffound.org/, click on Associate Campaign on left side of the home page. For more information, please contact the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation at 776-7060.

Relay for Life
The Colorado Springs relay for life is June 19 at Liberty High School. Help support the Penrose Cancer Center team by purchasing a long-sleeve t-shirt or a variety of jewelry. All proceeds benefit the local American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. T-shirts and jewelry are available for purchase in Medical Oncology, Suite CC #201 at Penrose Hospital. People interested in joining the team, may register at Medical Oncology or online at www.acsrelay.org. For more information or questions, please contact Mary Wolf or Gina Biondi at 776-5454.

Wine, for the Health of it!
April 16th, 2009, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at The Warehouse, 25 West Cimarron Street
Includes Hors d’oeuvres, live band, and silent auction. Cost is $40 per person - unlimited tasting. Wine Basket Door Prize Entry with tickets purchased prior to April 1. RSVP by calling 719-776-8850 or purchase tickets online at www.setofcs.org. Wine Provided by Broadmoor Wine & Spirits. All proceeds going to SET Family Medical Clinics, which provides basic medical services and holistic health programs to uninsured, underinsured and low income people without discrimination.

TB Screening Reminder Now in LEARN
TB screening is required annually during associates' birth month, once a Quantiferon level is drawn.  To assist associates in remembering this requirement, a reminder will be assigned in LEARN the first day of one’s birth month.  The associate will receive an email stating that the assignment is in LEARN.  Ten days before the end of the birth month, the associate will receive an email notification if the LEARN reminder has not been opened. If the LEARN reminder has not been opened by the first day of the month following one’s birth month, another email notification will be sent.  Please note, this assignment is a reminder only:  the requirement is to complete the TB Screening tool available from Employee Health.  The LEARN assignment will be removed from LEARN by the 15th of the month following an associate's birth month.

Hand Hygiene Saves Lives

From PSF Infection Control and Prevention

What’s causing all the fuss about hand hygiene?  Isn’t this a basic part of care giving?

Although it sounds quite simple and should be almost instinctive, based on the attention this topic receives, statistics show differently. 

Studies indicate compliance with hand hygiene is generally less than 50 percent.  Although people often think hand hygiene is about protecting ourselves, it is key to patient safety.  By increasing compliance with hand hygiene, people will reduce health care associated infections.

What’s the impact of healthcare associated infections?  They affect 5-10 percent of hospitalized patients each year.  This adds up to about 1.7 million infections and about 99,000 associated deaths annually.  Not a reassuring statistic if you, your friend or a family member is about to be hospitalized.

Here, at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, we are committed to raising awareness with hand hygiene. We have posters in all the elevators and increased availability of foam hand sanitizer in patient and visitor areas. We also implemented an education module for all of our associates as well as asked all associates to influence the behavior of others by their own actions, and provided information to patients and visitors about the importance of hand hygiene. 

Together we will demonstrate to our patients our commitment to patient safety and quality care.   For questions or more information, please contact Anne Dennis at 776-5253.

Department Spotlight

The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Rewards and Recognition Team is proud to salute the Radiation Oncology staff for their outstanding service to patients and families in the Penrose Cancer Center. 

This dedicated staff of 23, in addition to other support staff, cares for 40-60 patients on a daily basis and carries on a long-standing tradition of excellence in cancer care for the Colorado Springs community.
 
The Penrose Cancer Center installed the first radiation treatment machine in the state of Colorado in 1938 and the original Penrose Tumor Clinic was established in 1939.  Between 1949 and 1974, 67 residents, at that time one third of the nation’s radiation oncologists, were trained at the Penrose Cancer Center in principles of radiation oncology by Dr. Juan del Regato, a pioneer in the field of radiation oncology and contemporary of Henri Coutard and Madame Curie.
 
The Penrose Cancer Center was the first center in Colorado Springs to offer modern advances in the field of radiation such as High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR) for prostate cancer, breast, gynecological, head and neck, esophageal, and lung cancers.  It also offers Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery.  As the Penrose Cancer Center grows, state of the art technology continues with the addition of Cyberknife technology in May 2009.
 
Today’s team is headed by nationally recognized radiation oncologists, Dr. Anuj Peddada, and Dr. Alan Monroe.  Team members include: Gina Nygaard, manager; Lori Malenfant and Thorsten Ostrander, dosimetrists; Dana Franko, Brent Olofson, Jennifer DiBartolomeo, Rose Sturdevant, Tony Switzer and Sue Marshall,  radiation therapists; Shelly Adams,  radiation therapist/RN; Vicki Mathers, dental hygienist; Leah Denson, medical assistant; Margaret McKinney, Gail Mayne, Stacy Rossow,  and Jim Price, RNs; Teri Meno, nutritionist; Shannon Thomas, transcriptionist; and Jerry White, Greg Gibbs, Gyongyver Bulz and Jack Towry, physicists.  The Front Desk is manned by Dixie Hammer, Jonni Wright and Jeanine Ellis, who make sure patients are greeted with a smile and kind word.  They also do pre-authorizations and referrals so patients don’t have financial worries. This staff connects with patients and families because they care.

“It is a blessing to care for people who have taught me so much about the beauty of life,” said Sue Marshall, a PSF Radiation Therapist. “Through the years I have learned from our patients to deeply enjoy each moment in life.  It truly makes my heart soar to be able to give a person the quality of care we do, and to work with the best people ever!” 
 
Offering patients hope and healing, along with state of art technology and treatments, defines this award winning department and all-star team.  On a daily basis these associates epitomize and live the PSF standards and values of compassion, respect, integrity, spirituality, stewardship, imagination and excellence.


The Penrose Cancer Center Radiation Oncology is the Department in the Spotlight this month. (Photo by Stacey Knott) 

Cafeteria Menu

MONDAY
Breakfast: Ham & Swiss Quiche; Lunch: Baked Potato Bar, Chicken Fried Steak, BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, Cherry Pineapple White Cake

TUESDAY
Breakfast: Sausage McMuffins; Lunch: Beef Taco Bowl, Tri-Pepper Chicken Fajitas, Hot & Spicy Chicken Wings, Warm Blueberry Crunch

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos; Lunch: Glazed Salmon, Curry Chicken Breast, BBQ Beef Brisket, Homemade Apple Strudel

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles; Lunch: Beer Battered Cod, Beef Pepper Steak over Rice, Country Fried Chicken, Triple Berry Granola Crisp

FRIDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza; Lunch: Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, English Breaded Orange Roughy, Bourbon Baked ham, German Peach Cake

SATURDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza; Lunch: Red Hook Fried Shrimp, Turkey Pot Pie, Meat Lasagna & Garlic Bread, Blueberry Cherry Cobbler

SUNDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles; Lunch: Country Fried Chicken, Meatball Hoagie, Macaroni & Cheese, Apple Dumplings

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

Aging Knees?

The public is invited to a free, informal and informative session on aging knees, Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Colorado Sports & Spine Centers. 

Part of the Woodland Health Series, speakers Dr. Michael Messner and physical therapist Molly Smith will address diagnosis of knee arthritis as well as surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

The event includes a question and answer session following the presentations and refreshments.

For directions and to RSVP, please contact Colorado Sports & Spine Centers at (719) 686-0553.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Did you know that colorectal cancer is largely preventable, treatable and beatable?

During March, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and all year long, people can reduce their risk of this common cancer by: 

• Getting screened starting at age 50
• Stop smoking
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating less red meats
• Eating more fruits and vegetables

“Colorectal cancer affects men and women of all races and is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S.,” said Dr. Jason Huff, Penrose Cancer Center Oncologist and Hematologist.  “Penrose-St. Francis Health Services wants the Colorado Springs community to better understand the many things we can all do to prevent colorectal cancer, and learn more about how to prevent, treat, and beat this disease!”

Colorectal cancer is growing across the United States.  But there are many things that people can do to reduce their risk of getting colorectal cancer.

"Everyone should begin colorectal cancer screening at the age of 50, sooner if they have a family history or other risk factors for the disease," Dr. Huff said. "But lifestyle changes can also make a big difference in preventing this cancer.  Regular exercise and a healthy diet, along with forgoing cigarettes and alcohol, will help anyone reduce their risk of getting colorectal cancer."

The public is welcome to attend a free Colorectal Cancer Awareness event, “Ask and Meet an Expert.”  Dr. Jason Huff, Penrose Cancer Center Medical Oncologist, will present “Colorectal Cancer,” Wednesday at noon in the Penrose Cancer Center. Register by calling Ask a Nurse at 776-5555. This class may also be attended from the comfort of home via phone by calling 866-383-0408 and using Conference Access Code 7762515#.  

The Penrose Cancer Center offers the latest treatments for colorectal cancer and is part of the National Cancer Institute’s Community Cancer Centers Program, offering community access to education and information from the NCI.

For more information, visit the Penrose Cancer Center at www.penrosecancercenter.org.

Going Green

Did you know….That you can turn in empty toner cartridges to Supply Chain Management, and they send them to a company preventing them from going into the landfill.  This will drastically assist in reducing valuable resources, since it’s estimated to take ¾ of a gallon of oil in producing a toner cartridge.

Going Green Tip of the Week…Reduce the amount of plastic bags going into landfills by purchasing and using reusable bags for shopping.  Here are some reasons to use reusable bags:

- 14 plastic bags contain enough petroleum to drive a car one mile
- Cities spend up to 17 cents per bag in disposal costs, wasting millions of tax dollars

The Going Green Section of the Penrose Pulse was 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, please contact Ann Martin at 776-5111 or annmartin@centura.org.

Healthgrades Celebrations

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services celebrated being named one of HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospital™ for 2009.

Trophy presentations were made March 9 at Penrose Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center, as well as an ice cream and cake social for all physicians, associates and volunteers at PSF cafeterias. 

Penrose-St. Francis is the only hospital in Colorado to achieve the distinction and places PSF in the top 1 percent of all hospitals in the nation for quality outcomes.

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.

This is PSF’s second year in a row for the award.

Margaret Sabin (right), Penrose-St. Francis Health Services president and CEO, accepts the HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospital™ for 2009 trophy from Chris Boyer, a HealthGrades representative, March 9 at Penrose Hospital. (Photo by Stacey Knott)

Nate Olson, St. Francis Medical Center CEO, accepts the HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospital™ for 2009 trophy from Chris Boyer, a HealthGrades representative, March 9 at Penrose Hospital. (Photo by Julie Cox)

Cover the Uninsured Week

March 22-28 is Cover the Uninsured Week, a national effort to underscore the sad fact that so many Americans – including eight of 10 in working families  – are living without health insurance.
   
In fact, there are almost 46 million Americans without health insurance, including more than 9 million children. That’s a disgrace. And that number climbs each week as a deepening recession costs more and more men and women their jobs – and their health insurance.
   
Every one of us needs to get involved in this important educational effort.

SET Family Medical Clinics is hosting a free walk-in clinic for uninsured people March, 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the St. Francis Health Center located at 825 East Pikes Peak Ave. Bldg. 29, and needs volunteer doctors, nurses and PAs. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Barb Cronin at 776-8850 ext. 1007.
   
Cover the Uninsured Week has been held every year since 2003. But this national observance has never been more crucial than it is this year.  The country finally has a chance to make substantial reforms to a health care system that has failed so many for far too long. 

The nation has begun a vigorous debate on health care reform and this is an opportune time to begin praying, learning and advocating for affordable and accessible health insurance for all.

Facts about the Uninsured
• In 2007, forty-six million Americans were living without health care coverage.
• Since the Census Bureau collected 2007 data, the unemployment rate has grown from 4.4 percent to 7.6 percent, resulting in 3.5 million new people who are now uninsured. An estimated 14,000 persons a day are now losing coverage as a result of the recession.
• Sixty-four percent of the uninsured are employed full-time, year-round.
• Nearly 20 percent of uninsured Americans, or 8.7 million persons, are children.
• Ethnic minorities make up a disproportionate percentage of the uninsured population.
• The poor are more likely to be uninsured. Thirty-four percent of non-elderly persons below the poverty line are uninsured, compared to 21 percent of non-elderly persons earning two to three times the poverty line.

How People Can Respond
• Make a commitment to learn more.
   ◊ Learn about the Church’s teachings by reading the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ A Framework for Comprehensive Health Care Reform, which can be found at usccb.org/sdwp/national/comphealth.shtml
   ◊ Read the recent backgrounder on health care from the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development at usccb.org/sdwp/projects/backgrounders.shtml.
   ◊ Read Catholic Charities USA’s materials on health care and the role health care reform plays in CCUSA’s Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America: catholiccharitiesusa.org.
   ◊ Read Catholic Health Association’s Vision for U.S. Health Care and access information on hosting community meetings and reaching out to local media: ourhealthcarevalues.org.
   ◊ Visit the Cover the Uninsured Week website for educational resources, local events, and ideas for action as an individual, parish, or community: covertheuninsured.org.
• Use the Prayer and Liturgy resources at usccb.org/sdwp/aboutctuw.shtml to engage your parish or community in this issue.
• Partner with a local group funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development that is working on health care reform. Some PICO-affiliated groups and others will be organizing “Faith and Health Care Sundays” throughout May 2009. You can also consider partnering with a local Catholic Health Association member. Go to chausa.org and choose “Directories.”
• For more information, contact Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development, USCCB, by email: ksaile@usccb.org or phone: 202-541-3134.

Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

According to The Joint Commission and the locally adopted fire code, alcohol-based had rub dispensers may be installed (including egress corridors) under the following conditions:

• If located in an egress corridor, the corridor width must be six feet or greater in width and dispensers must be at least four feet apart
 
• Dispensers must be installed at least six inches from an ignition source (electrical outlet, switch, appliance, or device) and the floor underneath must remain clear and unobstructed

• Dispensers shall be mounted such that the bottom of the dispenser is a minimum of 42 inches and a maximum of 48 inches above the floor

• Dispensers should not release contents except when the dispenser is manually activated

• Smoke compartments (with fire sprinkler protection) may have dispensers over carpeted surfaces

• A maximum size of an individual dispenser is 0.3 gallon for dispensers in rooms, corridors, and areas open to corridors (suites, as defined in the codes have special allowances)

• The maximum quantity allowed in a corridor within a given fire area/smoke compartment shall be 10 gallons

HIIP News

AROUND THE WORLD IN 6 DAYS HEALTH SCREENING
Congrats to the 623 people who participated in our Around the World HIIP health screening!  We are excited to report that this is the best attendance EVER!! 

Winners of the raffle:
GRAND PRIZE PAL DAY-Cheryl Rudolph-STF Wound Care
Curves one-month trial membership-Melissa Chang-PH Inpatient Rehab Therapy, Janet Reedy-HR, Sue Garcia-EAP;  Trial membership 24 Hour Fitness-Martha Fitzgerald-Cancer Research;  Bird Dog BBQ gift certificate -Geneva Metzler-SFMC Ambulatory Care, Lenora Kraft-6th Fl;  Fit ball-Katherine Warl-SFMC NICU; POLAR heart rate monitor-Kristina Conner-Materials Management; Crowne Plaza Hotel gift certificate -Louann Halton-SFMC Central Services, Tami Hartzler-PSF Pharmacy; Elitch Gardens 4-pack-Deanna Blake-CSSC; Marriott gift certificate-Pearl Guier-SFMC Housekeeping, Janet Mitchell-PH Pharmacy; Dream Dinners session $75-Sr. Lou Krippel-John Zay House, Lola Fuhrman-PH PACU; Dream Dinners beverage set-Sonja Fox- Volunteer, Sandy Wolczak-PH Post Op; Pink baseball cap-Pat Tetterton-SFMC Birth Center; Villa sport cap-Marian Didier-Volunteer; PSF coffee mug-Karl Wunder-STF Nutrition Services;  Set of golf balls-John Ruth- SFMC Volunteer; 2008 Beijing Olympics mug-Mark Moore-PH ED; Gift Certificate for Club HIIP Fitness Class-Maridel Hagan-7th Fl, Jaina Mulge-PH Pharmacy; Visa Gift Card-Rosa McDonnell-SFMC Nutrition Services; Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy massage gift certificate-Melody Gustafson-SFMC Labor & Delivery; Java Mountain coffee gift certificates-Linda Anderson-SFMC Housekeeping, Susan McQuade-PH Inpatient Rehab, Ofelia Ledezma-SFMC Housekeeping; Harlem Globetrotters World Tour tickets-Karen Sickles-PH Housekeeping; Sky Sox box seat tickets-Calvin Eisenach-SFMC Pharmacy,  Jeanne Jussel-SFMC NICU; Professional briefcase/ notebook-Esther Keeports-PH Surgery; Digital photo frame-Liz Benavidz-STF Nutrition Services; Macho mini tool set-Robert Epling- Safety; American Heart Association Cookbook-Nancy Bader- EAP; VIP Tour of US Olympic Complex-Sean Mulholland-PH Facilities; YMCA 3-month family membership-Elise Tevez-STF Nutrition Services; Pedometers-Terry Trent-Penrose Community Urgent Care, Nicole Miller- Fitness Instructor; Elephant Bar gift certificate-Marcia M. Edwards-PH PACU Gift pack-Maureen McKasy-Donlin-PH Cancer Center.
Congratulations!!!

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, SFMC/Conf Rooms 2-3, 12:05-12:35 p.m. 
Thursday, 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.
Today, 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
Hypnotist: Behavior Changes: 
Tuesday, noon to 12:45 p.m. at PH/E-tower Basement Aerobics Room

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. 
PH 3:45-5 p.m., Wednesdays, through April 29 (8 weeks) meet in the Aerobics Room
SFMC 6:15-7:30 a.m., Wednesdays, starting Wednesday through May 6 (8 weeks). Meeting location TBD
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.

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for the orientations below via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
SFMC Wellness Center- Wednesday at 11 a.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- Thursday at 5 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.

AUTISM SPEAKS COMMUNITY WALK
Looking for a leader! The first annual Autism Speaks walk will be held June 13, 2009 with an exciting kick-off event at SFMC on April 24, 2009. Please contact Michelle Somers in HIIP 776-5034 if your heart is near and dear to this cause and you would be willing to be the team leader for this new walk.

HIIP Special Promotion
Participation counts as a HIIP Education Credit! Through March 27 schedule a Program Design or a Fitness Assessment with a Buddy for only $25. Or schedule a one-on-one appointment for only $15.  Many studies show that people who have a workout partner are up to three times more likely to exercise. To schedule your buddy system program design, contact Kristina Sercel at 776-7494. Each buddy can schedule separately at their own convenience.