Memorial Day

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services observes Memorial Day and honors the sacrifices of America's heroes.

OUR SOLDIERS 
Author Unknown

When the security of our land is threatened,
We call on our soldier's might,
To go wherever they're needed,
To defend us day and night.

They leave their loves ones behind,
A great price our soldiers must pay.
Let us salute their courage and bravery,
May we remember them each time we pray.

Each time we spot "Old Glory"
Waving for all to see,
Let's think of all the soldiers that have
Kept it flying proud and free.

This great country is tolerant
Of cultures from other lands,
But, when they attack our precious freedom
We will punish with a heavy hand.

Our soldiers are tried and true,
Tempered like carbon steel,
Born of American Spirit;
Raised with American will.

Remember our fallen heroes that died,
So freedom may grow,
To nations around the world,
Wherever our warriors may go.

News Briefs

Penrose Hospital Cafeteria
Starting Thursday, the Penrose Hospital cafeteria hot line will be closed for construction.  A temporary hot line will be in place by the cashier stand, however hot choices will be limited.  The salad bar, sandwich bar, and grab and go cooler will remain open and accessible.  Construction is anticipated to last six to eight weeks.  In an effort to continue to meet associate and customer needs, Nutrition Services will host an outdoor BBQ every Friday during the construction.

Jason Holley Memorial Fund
A memorial fund has been set up in “Memory of Jason Holley,” the son of Penrose Hospital Pharmacy associate Jan Holley.  Donations will be used to pay for funeral expenses and all remaining funds will be donated to the KS&A Foundation.  To donate, please contact Wells Fargo Bank at 719-528-4515, or visit at 560 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs.

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.

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.

March For Babies

2009 March of Dimes -Team PSF a HUGE Success!
By Erin Heberlein, HIIP Staff

Congratulations to over 40 team Penrose-St. Francis walkers for showing their support for the 2009 March of Dimes, March For Babies April 25. The PSF team raised over $3,553, plus an additional $2,500 PSF Corporate Sponsorship.

Much of the recognition for this year’s success has to go to the individual fundraisers. Kudos to Mimi Stilson, SFMC NICU nurse, who raised over $660+ on her own, and consistently proves to be Team PSF’s biggest single March of Dimes fundraiser year after year. (Photo right, Erin Heberlein and Mimi Stilson)

A generous portion of the March of Dimes fundraising donations was a result of the successful “Love Your Baby Day” craft sale in February at St. Francis Medical Center. 

The craft sale featured various Valentines Day crafts and gifts, and included a silent auction, that raised over $1,200. Thank you to all who helped to organize this event: Pat Tetterton- Birth Center, Gail Gillen- Birth Center, Kathleen Woodard-NICU, Candace Garko-Birth Center, April McPike- Birth Center, Nancy Marts- Birth Center, Terri Mandell- MOS, Lisa Dykes, NICU, Frank Thornburg-Nursing Administration, and Peggy Thornburg.

In addition to the craft fair, Denim Jeans Day for Babies on April 24 proved to be a fundraising sensation, raising over $425 from PH, SFMC, SFHC, and ASC.

A great deal of appreciation and gratitude goes out to all who participated and attained this years March of Dimes fundraising achievements.

Continue putting PSF’s Mission in Motion, and join the PSF American Heart Walk Team! The walk will take place June 20, at 9:45 a.m., at the Grand Lawn at Cordera.

To register, visit: www.csheartwalk.org. Agree to the waiver agreement and click on “Join A Team.” Select “Penrose-St. Francis/ Club HIIP,” and enter your personal information. Or contact Michelle Somers at 776-5034 to sign up now!

When we all combine our small efforts, we can make a HUGE difference!

A special thank you to Erin Heberlein, HIIP staff, who organized the PSF Team and did a fantastic job motivating everyone to be involved with fundraising and walking on our team.  Erin did a terrific job as the team captain for PSF and continues to live our Mission in Motion!!  She has helped make a BIG difference in the lives of little babies.

Nate Olson, St. Francis Medical Center CEO, and Mark Hartman, SFMC Vice President of Operations, raised the bar by running the entire six mile course! (Courtesy Photos)

Going Green

Did you know...In the last few weeks fuel prices have steadily increased.  Let’s help protect the environment, reduce our use of this valuable resource, and protect our health by not letting our vehicles idle for more than 30 seconds.  Some interesting facts are listed below that highlight some possible outcomes if we let our vehicle idle for more than 30 seconds:

Going Green Tips of the Week… 
- Exposure to car exhaust increases the risk of heart and lung problems
- Idling consumes ½ to 1 gallon of gas per hour.
- Excessive idling causes your engine’s components, including cylinders and spark plugs, to wear prematurely.
- Children’s asthma symptoms increase as a result of car exhaust.

So the next time you are picking up your children or grandchildren from school and you are going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, please remember to turn off your car.  Contrary to popular belief, it really isn’t bad for your car, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

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.

Special 'thank you!'

The Rewards and Recognition Committee has actively worked to spotlight those associates who go above and beyond by demonstrating our pillars.  Each month we highlight a department, and quarterly we acknowledge “Star Associates” at each facility. 

This month, we also wanted to say a special “thank you!” and acknowledge the person whose hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm has made the Rewards and Recognition Committee a part of the culture at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services.  That person is Michelle Powers.  At our regular monthly, meeting we “showered” Michelle with eggs and honored her with a delicious cake.

Michelle is the business office coordinator at Profile EAP and when Steve Tucker, the leader of the Rewards and Recognition Committee, nominated people to serve on the committee, he naturally selected Michelle. 

She has worked at Profile EAP since 2002.  When Steve is not able to chair the Rewards and Recognition Committee meetings, Michelle has stepped in to take his place.  She has worked countless hours developing the monthly flyers, writing some of the Department in the Spotlight articles, purchasing, assembling and delivering the awards to the department each month, coordinating the awards presentations for the quarterly Star Associate and so much more! 

Her leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering enthusiasm continues to motivate committee members and leaders to reward and recognize all of our associates.

Thank you Michelle for representing our pillars and Mission in Motion!  (Courtesy, Rewards & Recognition Committee)

Speech-Language, Audiology Month

May is speech-language and audiology month! 

Audiologists and speech-language pathologist try to inform, educate, and raise public awareness of speech, language, and hearing disorders that affect over 42 million Americans.

Speech-language pathologists specialize in disorders of language, swallowing and cognition.  They provide training in compensatory strategies for memory, problem solving, orientation and attention, which impact life skills.

Audiologists specialize in hearing and vestibular disorders that cause vertigo and communication problems.  Audiologists also counsel regarding hearing conservation and amplification options. 

Since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, speech-language pathologists and audiologists at Penrose-St. Francis have seen an increase in mild traumatic brain injury due to veterans returning home from the war.

Soldiers have non-traditional traumatic brain injuries because many have not suffered a loss of consciousness but have been exposed to multiple blasts.  These patients suffer a whole range of symptoms including memory problems, word finding problems, attention and cognitive deficits, balance problems, vertigo, tinnitus, hearing lass as well as symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.

Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and physical therapists from PSF are part of a Traumatic Brain Injury Professional Community Circle Group that is helping to provide better continuity of care in the Colorado Springs community.

PSF salutes our veterans and our speech-language pathologists and audiologists, which includes: speech-language pathologists Gretchen Harder, Andrea Price, Kay Stohr, Robin Cockerham, Kjaeren Rutland, Jaclyn Foust, Michelle Croom, Kristin Perry and Charice Palmer-Flory; and audiologist Anna Soennecken.

Relay For Life

Come to the Penrose Cancer Center’s 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast, June 12, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the Penrose Cancer Center Lobby. 

The event is a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life.” A minimum donation of $3 is requested.  Pancake fixin’s were donated by Penrose Hospital Nutritional Services.

If pancakes aren't your style, help support the Penrose Cancer Center team by purchasing a t-shirt or a variety of jewelry. All proceeds benefit the local American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. 

Don’t forget to join the PSF Team participating in "Relay For Life" June 19 at Liberty High School.

For more information or to sign up, please call team captains Gina Biondi and Mary Wolf at 776-5454, or visit the website at www.acsrelay.org.

Associate Campaign

Thank you to the 1,100 Penrose-St. Francis employees who made this year’s Associate Campaign, Imagine, Achieve, Believe, a record-breaking success. 

More than $348,000 in gifts and pledges were recorded. The Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation anticipates breaking the $350,000 mark with pledges waiting to be processed!  Our next highest amount was recorded during the 2007 campaign when $330,288 was raised.

While the goal has been reached, we still invite those employees who haven’t given and would like to, to send their pledge forms to the Foundation.  Every additional dollar we raise allows us to help out that many more associates and patients at Penrose-St. Francis, as well as individuals in the community. 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

Since we anticipate the numbers to continue to rise, we will wait to publish final amounts and funding breakdown until June.

Congratulations to Rosie Wunder (right), from Rehab Administration! She won the drawing for the iPod Touch, which was presented by Foundation Vice President, Cynthia Bullock (left).  Rosie was just one of hundreds of employees who qualified for the drawing simply by returning their pledge forms to the Foundation by May 7. (Courtesy Photo)

AMR based at SFMC

American Medical Response Ambulance Service began basing an ambulance and crew at St. Francis Medical Center at 8 a.m. May 18.

They will operate 24 hours a day, seven days per week. AMR made the decision to base an ambulance and crew in order to better serve patients in the Northeast area of El Paso County.

Each crew consists of a Paramedic and EMT. Their quarters are located near the SFMC Emergency Department and across from the Flight For Life helipad.

The first crew ran their first call by 9 a.m.!

Both AMR and Penrose-St. Francis have worked hard to make their quarters functional and comfortable. Officials hope their time at SFMC will be a positive experience for both entities. 

Please extend them a warm welcome if you see them.

Supply Chain 'Links'

Approved for Conversion
Anesthesia Airways – Rusch

Conversions under Review
Casting and Splinting – BSN
Laryngoscopes – Welch Allyn or Rusch
OR Accessories – Kendall
Yankauers – Cardinal
Dust Covers – Vital Care Reps
Equipment Drapes/Prope Covers – Vital Care Reps
Ice Bags (refillable) – Kerma
Sterilization Pouches – Vital Care Reps

Future Conversion
CHG Prep Products
Headware and Shoe Covers
Impervious Footwear (Boot Covers)
Orthopedic Soft Goods

Cafeteria Menu

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

Penrose Hospital daily lunch menu.

NOTE:  Starting Thursday, the Penrose Hospital cafeteria hot line will be closed for construction.  A temporary hot line will be in place by the cashier stand, however hot choices will be limited. The salad bar, sandwich bar, and grab and go cooler will remain open and accessible. Construction is anticipated to last six to eight weeks.  In an effort to continue to meet associate and customer needs, Nutrition Services will host an outdoor BBQ every Friday during the construction.

TODAY
Breakfast: Eggs Florentine & Mornay Sauce; Lunch: Shepard's Pie, Chicken Pineapple Teriyaki, Garlic Butter Salmon Cakes, Blackberry Cobbler

TUESDAY
Breakfast: Sausage, Egg, & Cheese McMuffins; Lunch: Santa Fe Chicken Eggrolls, Tri -Pepper Beef Fajita's, Beef Chimichanga, Cinnamon Churros

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos; Lunch: Chicken Tenders, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Beer Battered Cod w/ Steak Fries, Chocolate Lava Cakes

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles; Lunch: Pork Chops in Apple Brown Sauce, Broiled Salmon in White Wine Sauce, Fresh Vegetable Stir Fry, St. Francis Pistachio Cake

FRIDAY
Breakfast: Green Chili Cheese Omelet; Lunch: Outdoor BBQ, Fried Catfish, Beef Bacon Cabernet Stew, Chicken Breast Marsala, Apple Cranberry Crisp

SATURDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza; Lunch: Beer Battered Cod, Meat Lasagna, Chili Dogs, Warm Apple Dumplings

SUNDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles; Lunch: Country Fried Chicken, Cabbage Rolls, Patti Melts, Cherry Apple Cobbler

HIIP News

JUNE LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “Fitness Walks”
Lighten up by walking in our annual 2009 Club HIIP Fitness Walks and make an Investment in You!  We will be at PH, SFMC, & ASC this year; come by anytime between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Event counts as a Lunch N Learn and a Fitness Activity credit. Participate & receive a free Club HIIP goodie in addition to your HIIP credit. (Goodies available while supplies last so walk early!). Come walk with us and “Hydrate” with Club HIIP….hint hint.
June 2, ASC, outside the main entrance, any time between 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 3, SFMC, outside cafeteria Garden Level, any time between 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 4, PH, outside in the E-tower Courtyard, any time between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

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.

SELF CARE CLASS
Thursday 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
Nia: Session 7: Starts Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Thursday at 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 of the 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- Bad weather- the group will walk the stairs indoors. Contact Rox 571-1064

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.  Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 2-25, from 9 to 10 a.m.  The cost is $40 for the four-week session.

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.