Department Spotlight

The Rewards and Recognition team would like to thank the excellent, 25 member staff at the Penrose-St. Francis Blood Bank for the vital services they perform. They keep the life giving flow going behind the scenes.

The Blood Bank covers two priority needs for Penrose-St. Francis as well as the community: performing transfusions for patients and receiving blood from donations.

The Blood Bank transfusion service handles transfusions for any inpatient or outpatient individual who requires plasma, blood platelets, or red blood cells for surgery, trauma, cancer treatments and a wide range of other needs. 

The transfusion service has recently incorporated automation for performing ABORh and antibody screen testing. ABORh determines the blood group- A,O,B or AB and type. Antibody screen testing checks antibodies to red cell antigens to ensure patients don’t have a reaction during transfusions.
 
The donor side of the bank keeps up with the demand for blood through blood drives onsite as well as throughout the city.

The Blood Bank is open various hours Monday through Friday, and is located on the second floor ACC building of Penrose Hospital. They also have a mobile unit that travels the city to collect blood donations.

They can accommodate any business or organization by providing an inside set up mobile unit or the donor coach, the Blood Vessel, which is a mobile site on wheels. The mobile group also travels to the Support Center twice a year.  If anyone would like to set up a drive, please call Carolann Books, donor recruiter at 776-5714.
 
According to the Red Cross, did you know…
           • 1 donation can save up to 3 lives
           • 1 out of 10 people admitted to the hospital needs blood
           • Every 2 seconds in the United States someone needs blood
            • 14 million blood transfusions are performed every year
           • Only 3 out of 100 people actually donate blood
   
As a way to thank and recognize their critical role and superior service, please call to make an appointment to donate blood this month. In times of crisis donating is quite popular, but the Blood Bank always has an ongoing need for donors.

For an appointment, please call 776-5822.  To accommodate those associates at SFMC who would like to donate, the Blood Vessel visits the site the second Tuesday each month.

Update: Associate's Missing Son

In February, the Penrose Pulse asked associates to help look for Jason Holley, 22, the disabled son of Penrose Hospital Pharmacy associate Jan Holley.  Jason went missing from his home Jan. 5. 

Sadly, Jason’s body was found May 8, the apparent victim of a crime. 

“Penrose-St. Francis is a close-knit family and the loss of one of our own affects all of us,” said Margaret Sabin, President and CEO of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. “A tragedy of this type is felt by each and every member, but we will pull together to help our own. We wish to express our deepest condolences to Jan and her family.”

A memorial fund has been set up in “Memory of Jason Holley,” and will be used by his family to pay for funeral expenses.  All remaining funds will be donated to the KS&A Foundation. 

To donate to the memorial fund, please contact Wells Fargo Bank at 719-528-4515, or visit their location at 560 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs.  The fund is under Jason Holley’s name.
 
Jason had a rare disorder known as Klinefelter Syndrome, which causes people to have one or more extra X and/or Y chromosomes. Typically, this results in developmental disabilities. 

The Knowledge Support & Action Foundation known simply as KS&A, is a non-profit organization addressing the needs of the approximately 1 out of 500 individuals who were born with one or more extra X and/or Y chromosomes, as well as their families and the clinicians, educators and research scientists serving them. For more information on KS&A please visit the website at www.genetic.org.

News Briefs

National Senior Health & Fitness Day
Celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day with free “sample” classes May 27.  At 9 a.m. is Senior Circuit, which covers balance, flexibility, and strength.  At 9:30 a.m. is Nutrition for the Golden Years.  Walking Yoga is at 10 a.m., and Tai Chi at 10:30. Classes are at the Penrose Health Learning Center located at 1644 Medical Center Point. For more information and to register, please call 776-4761.

Star Associate Nominations
Do you know someone who demonstrates integrity by speaking positively about other people, departments, and the entire organization? Nominate an associate for this quarter’s Star Associate.  Just e-mail a nomination too stars@centura.org; or fax them to (719) 634- 1874; or interoffice them to Michelle Powers at EAP. You will receive an e-mail notification that your nomination has been received. Click on the nomination link here: Star Associate Nomination.pdf

SAVE THE DATE…TRAUMA EDUCATION DAY
Great speakers, interesting topics! June 12, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Penrose Hospital Gala Room. The cost is $20 per person and includes lunch, breaks, and education credits. To register contact Sherrie Rozwick @ 776-5926 or via email sherrierozwick@centura.org. The event is presented by the Penrose-St. Francis Trauma Department.

Ideas Wanted
Are you just bursting with great ideas and there is no one to share them with? The Rewards and Recognition Committee knows Centura wants to hear from you. Please share your ideas for ways to recognize people or departments. Please email your ideas to rewardsandrecognitionsuggestions@centura.org. Let us know how we can start appreciating more associates for their contributions to our organization.

Benefits open enrollment
The benefits open enrollment window runs through May 22 (at noon), and is your once-a-year opportunity to make changes. To see your current benefit options at any time, log on to My Virtual Workplace and click Associate Services, and then Employee Self Service. Log in to Lawson using your same MVW username and password; click on Benefits, then Current Benefits. If you have benefits questions, contact your human resources department, or call the Benefits Service Center toll-free at 888-622-1111.

Operation Medicine Roundup
July 22 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Penrose Health Learning Center, 1644 Medical Center Point. Never trash or flush medications! Instead, bring them to Operation Medicine Roundup™. Join us in protecting seniors from accidentally using expired medications as well as safeguarding them from the potential theft of medications from their homes. All medications are incinerated at high temperatures that can destroy up to 99.9 percent of all hazardous elements. Help us to protect our water supply and the environment. Here’s all you need to do: 1. Remove pills from bottles and place in resealable plastic bag. 2. Liquids may stay in original containers with labels removed or marked out. Place bottles in resealable bag. We will also be collecting used needles and inhalers. For more information, please call Home Instead at 534-0908.

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.

EMS Week

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services proudly celebrates National EMS Week, May 17-23.

Behind our healthy community is a team of emergency medical professionals and first responders ready to come to the aid of others and provide life-saving care under the most difficult of circumstances.

We thank all of our EMS partners who offer expert, life-saving care to people in our neighborhoods. We honor you for providing hope, compassion and expertise around the clock. Thank you!

Lighten Up Colorado

Lighten Up Colorado runs from May 29 to July 24. Don’t delay, sign up today! The last day to sign up is Thursday.  

Join Lighten Up Colorado, an exciting eight-week wellness program with the goal of improving and creating fun physical fitness, losing weight, and creating new healthy habits.

No magic weight loss pill here! This program takes the idea that “you’ve got to move it to lose it” with the support of your co-workers.

All around Penrose-St. Francis, associates are gathering 5-10 teammates and creating their unique Lighten Up Colorado Teams, so join the fun!

The PSF team that “lightens up” the most will win a personal training session, with an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, for each team member.

To be part of the PSF Team, contact Erin Heberlein at 776-7494.

Lighten Up Colorado costs $15 per person and includes:
1 - A 2009 Lighten Up Colorado t-shirt ($2.00 extra for XXL)
2 - FREE entry into the State Games of America 5K Run/Walk & Opening Ceremony
3 - A gold, silver or bronze medal for the top 3 teams in each category
4 - The top team in each category will be recognized at the State Games of America Opening Ceremony on July 30 at the Colorado Springs World Arena.
** Added HIIP benefit: Weigh-ins to keep you on track at the beginning, middle, and end**

HOW TO JOIN LIGHTEN UP COLORADO

Step 1
Gather 5-10 PSF teammates, select a team captain, and create a team name. (Don’t have a team, call Erin at 776-7494 to be placed on an existing team).

Step 2 
Pick up and fill out Lighten Up Colorado “Team Registration Form” located in HIIP wall pockets

Step 3
The team captain collects the $15 registration fee from each team member, and the team chooses which “division” in which the team will participate:
  “Novice-Walking”
  “Novice-Running” (1.5-3 mile run 3x per week)
  “Intermediate-Running” (3-7 mile run 4x per week)
  “Advanced-Running” (3-9 mile run 5x per week)

Step 4
Team Captains turn in team registration from and money to Erin in the HIIP office by May 21, Employee Health and Fitness Day.

Step 5
Attend the initial weigh-in the week of the May 26-29. (see weigh-in schedule on Lighten Up Colorado HIIP flyer, located in HIIP wall pockets).

Step 6
Begin logging all physical activity starting May 29, and turn in weekly activity logs to team captains every Friday, and continue to lighten up!

Associate Campaign

Penrose-St. Francis is on the downhill slide for the Penrose-St. Francis Associate Campaign! 

So far, the Associate Campaign has raised $304,329!  Only $10,671 to go until we meet our goal of $315,000!

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the campaign so far, however, there’s still time to get your pledges to the Foundation and help put us over the top! 

The Camp Rivalry is still going strong, so if you want to see your camp win an ice cream social and jeans day, don’t delay.

For more information, please contact the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation at 776-7060, or click on the link and make a pledge today: PSFPledgeForm.pdf

Going Green

Did you know...With the warm weather approaching it is common for electricity (energy) use to increase.  Here are simple tips that can help reduce the amount of energy we use.

Going Green Tips of the Week… 
- Lights Out: Turn off lights when leaving the office for an extended period of time.
- Computers Off: At the end of the day remember to shut off computers.
- Maintain Air Conditioner:  Be sure to clean and maintain air condition filters. According to the Florida Environmental Protection Division, keeping the air filters clean can increase air conditioner efficiency five to 15 percent.
- Fuel Savings: Believe it or not this is a huge energy consumer.  With people preparing for vacations please follow these simple tips:
    - Keep tires properly inflated
    - Don’t let the vehicle idle for extended periods
    - Don’t overfill fuel tanks

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 by email annmartin@centura.org.

Health Learning Center

All classes require pre-registration / cancellation a minimum of 24 hours prior. A $20 no show fee will be billed to the participant if registration not cancelled 24 hours in advance. To register or for more information, please call the Penrose Health Learning Center at 776-3600. 

Wellness Classes: 

National Senior Health & Fitness Day - Free “sample” classes May 27.  At 9 a.m. is Senior Circuit, which covers balance, flexibility, and strength.  At 9:30 a.m. is Nutrition for the Golden Years.  Walking Yoga is at 10 a.m., and Tai Chi at 10:30. Classes are at the Penrose Health Learning Center located at 1644 Medical Center Point. For more information and to register, please call 776-4761.

NEW!  Basic Weight Training For All Ages - A wonderful strength and conditioning class for the entire family.  This class will challenge all fitness levels with its varied class format of circuits, resistance training, and core stability training. One hour twice per week for 4-weeks. Mondays and Wednesdays, June 1-24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The cost is $40 for the four-week session.

Essential Core Training - Core strength and stability is essential in maintaining functional ability for activities of daily living.  Core training is not just sit ups and crunches but incorporates stability muscles from your chest to your knees to create a foundation for all movement.  Come and join us for great workouts and “take home” information. Thursdays, June 4-25, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. The cost is $30. 

T’ai Chi – A form of ancient Chinese martial arts that works to improve body awareness, strength and coordination.  Monthly - Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the first Tuesday of each month.  Current class runs through May 28, from 9 to 10 a.m.  Next session is June 2-25  The cost is $40 for the four-week session.

Exercising with the Physioball Level II – A progression from Level I with additional core stability and strength training exercises that may be performed using the physioball. Circuit activities will be included.  Exercising with the Physioball Level I is required prior to enrolling in this class. Bring your own physioballs. 45-minutes once per week for four-weeks. Mondays through June 1 (Skip May 25, Memorial Day), 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. The cost is $20.

Self Defense – Beginning self defense course for the general public.  Learn safety techniques and ways to increase vigilance. Thursdays, through May 28, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30 for the four week session.

NEW! Jalapeno Nia - Body Mind Spirit Fitness to sassy, sultry and latin inspired music and movements. Nia combines the energies of the Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts to bring overall cardiovascular fitness and well-being.  The music of this genre will inspire you to have fun while conditioning your body, mind, spirit and emotions.  Wednesdays, through May 27, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  The cost is $30.

Aquatics Classes – The Penrose Health Learning Center in cooperation with Colorado Sports and Spine. A structured class two to three times per week, concentrating on range of motion, overall strengthening and general cardiovascular conditioning.  All Aquatics classes are located at 1625 Medical Center Point (Union and Templeton Gap).  The cost is $46 per month for 2x / week or $66 per month for 3x / week.
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Monday/Wednesday: 5-6 p.m.
- Monday/Friday: 12:30-1:30 p.m
- Tuesday/Thursday: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Cafeteria Menu

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

TODAY
Breakfast: Eggs Florentine & Mornay Sauce; Lunch: Baked Potato Bar, Chicken Fried Steak, BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, Cherry Pineapple White Cake

TUESDAY
Breakfast: Sausage, Egg & Cheese McMuffin; 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: Green Chili Cheese Omelet; 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

HIIP News

NATIONAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY
National Employee Health & Fitness DayTM is Wednesday. PSF will celebrate Thursday.  Administered annually by the National Association for Health & Fitness, NEHFD is a national health observance, created to promote the benefits of physical activity for individuals through their work sites.

Reach for the Top! (NEHFD Event)
Are you up for the challenge? Get some extra activity for the day and use the stairs….all the way to the top! Receive a NEHFD stair pass located at the info booths listed below. Climb to the top of the staircase, and receive your NEHFD sticker to put on your stair pass. Walk the stairs all the way back down and your completed stair pass will be placed in a drawing for a $20 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods and receive 1 HIIP Fitness Credit!  Climb the stairs at the following locations all day long Thursday:
 ♦ PH- E Tower staircase  
 ♦ SFMC- Main Lobby staircase

Let’s get “physical, physical!” (NEHFD Event)
Join us at PH and SFMC for a fun filled interactive health and nutrition booth Thursday. Ask the experts your nutrition and exercise questions, get moving, and test your knowledge on the latest fitness and nutrition information at the following sites:
♦ PH- 1st floor West lobby, (by cafeteria) 8a.m. and 12p.m.  
♦ SFMC- Cafeteria, 12p.m.
♦ ASC - Main entrance, info available all day     
♦ SFHC- Cafeteria, info available all day

PSF Walking Club (NEHFD Event) 
Grab a co-worker and let’s GO Thursday! Meet at the following PSF sites for a 15-20 min rejuvenating walk and receive 1 HIIP Fitness Credit: 
♦ PH- Main entrance by Valet, 7:15am   
♦ SFMC- Main entrance by Valet, 2:15pm
♦ ASC- Outside Main Entrance, 10:00am   
♦ SFHC- Outside by Meditation Garden, 11:30am

SFMC Wellness Center Orientation
Join us in the SFMC Wellness Center (2nd floor past HR) Thursday at 5 p.m. to get started on using one of the best PSF FREE benefits!  Orientation lasts about 25-35 minutes.  If you are 40 years and older, please pick up a Medical Release Form in the HIIP wall pockets. Orientation counts as 1 HIIP Education Credit.

Lighten Up Colorado
Thursday is the last day to register.  Want to get motivated to increase your physical activity and lose weight NOW? Compete on a team, because this is your chance to lighten up! Join Lighten Up Colorado, an 8 week wellness program to improve physical fitness, lose weight, and create new healthy habits from May 29-July 24. Pick up a registration packet on the HIIP wall pockets or call Erin or Rachel at 776-7494.

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HIIP REPRESENTATIVE MEETING
COME CELEBRATE THE END OF FY09 AND INVEST IN FY10! 
Join the HIIP Staff as we wind down the Fiscal Year 09 and get ready for our new set of classes and events for FY2010.  Mark your calendars for this exciting HIIP Rep meeting.  Please make every effort to be there or send someone in your department to attend.  Hope to see all of you there with a lot of energy and enthusiasm about the upcoming HIIP events! Lunch and a summer treat will be provided. Please RSVP to the HIIP office at 776-7393 by May 20.
May 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m., PH/E-tower basement Gala Room
May 27, Noon-1 p.m., SFMC/Conf Room 3 (Garden Level)

HEALING TOUCH SEMINAR
Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy. Gentle touch assists in balancing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, while working with the energy field to support the body’s natural ability to heal. Safe for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care. Health benefits include reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, strengthening the immune system, enhanced recovery from surgery, care for neck and back problems and much more. Join Myra Tovey, RNBS, CHPI, as she teaches the art of the healing touch practice. The cost for PSF Associates is $75 for the class, and $86.25 for the class and 16 CEs; for Community Members, $150 for the class and $172.50 for the class and 16 CEs. For more information contact Liz Berardi at 776-7393.
May 30-31, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Penrose Main/Cancer Center Rooms A-C.
*Payments are due to the HIIP office no later than May 28 to reserve a spot.
*Class is limited to 24 people. Must have 10 participants or class will be cancelled.

FY09 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
How to get Started with Exercise
Wednesday from 7:30-8:15 a.m. at SFMC/Wellness Center

SELF CARE CLASS
May 28 from 5-5:45 p.m. at SFMC/Conference Room 1

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital

Bootcamp:  Starts Tuesday from 6:15-7 a.m. in the PH/E Tower Aerobics Room for six weeks

Nia: Session 7: Starts May 26 from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for six weeks

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
PH Wellness Center- Tuesday at 4 p.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 had 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, 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet. Contact Michelle Somers 776-5034
SFHC Walking Club:  Every Monday at 11:30 a.m. outside by Foundation Building. Contact Tracy 776-7085
SFMC Walking Club:  Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., meet outside 1st floor/valet entrance. Contact Rox 571-1064.