Lighten Up Colorado

22 Teams from Penrose Entered in Wellness Program!

By Margaret Sabin
PSF President & CEO

Lighten Up Colorado officially kicked off on Friday and I’m excited to announce Penrose-St. Francis is fielding 22 teams comprised of 196 associates!

The eight-week community wellness program is designed to improve physical fitness, help participants lose weight and create life-long healthy habits.  Our Club HIIP staff has done an outstanding job recruiting associates as we have the largest contingent of people from a single company participating in the event.

The team competition will recognize achievements in three divisions:  Novice, Intermediate and Advanced, based on accumulated physical activity. 

The top team in each category will be recognized during the 2009 State Games of America Opening Ceremony set for July 30 in the Colorado Springs World Arena.  Additionally, all of our participants are invited to run in the State Games of America 5K run on Aug. 2 along with thousands of other runners!  

We’ve enhanced and tailored the program to include a weight-loss challenge component.  Here’s how it works:

Our associates will keep track and report their physical activity time.  They also weigh-in at the beginning, mid-point and end of the program.  We’ll take the average activity time per person on each team (50 percent) and percentage of body weight lost (50 percent) to determine our winners. 

The PSF team that “lightens up” the most wins a personal training session with an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer!

Kick off the challenge by participating in Club HIIP’s annual outdoor fitness walks this week.  Everyone is invited to stop by between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the following locations and get in a 30-minute walk:

• Tuesday, ASC main entrance
• Wednesday, outside SFMC cafeteria
• Thursday, Penrose Hospital E-Tower Courtyard

The first 100 participants receive a special gift, and all participants get Lunch ‘N Learn and fitness activity credit towards the Club HIIP Program. 

Whether you’re participating in the Lighten Up Colorado program or exercising on your own, I applaud you for living our values and setting the example in our community by nurturing your own health. 

For more information about the competition, contact Erin Heberlein or Rachel Cline in Club HIIP, 776-7494.

1st CyberKnife Patient

Westley Fong praises CyberKnife team, process at Penrose Cancer Center
From the Penrose Cancer Center

Westley Fong was the first patient to receive stereo tactic radiotherapy using CyberKnife technology at the Penrose Cancer Center recently.

Mr. Fong received a total of five treatments for nasopharyngeal cancer.  He said he received traditional radiation therapy while living in California several years ago, and was pleased to discover CyberKnife technology was available in the area when his disease recurred recently.

He read about the CyberKnife technology in a newspaper last fall and said he was excited about having an opportunity to be treated with it. 

Mr. Fong had high praises for the staff and process at the Penrose Cancer Center, calling the people “fantastic” and referred to them as a “Dream Team.”  

“I was also impressed with the teamwork of the doctors, they truly know how to work together for the good of the patient,” he said.

Mr. Fong said he has spent many hours in the past trying to set up appointments for treatments at other facilities and put many miles on his car getting to them.  The Penrose Cancer Center is the first medical facility he has encountered that has done everything from working with his insurance to scheduling all of his appointments. 

“All I had to do was show up for treatment,” he said, “which made the whole process much less stressful.”

CyberKnife patient Westley Fong (second from right) poses for a photo with CyberKnife team members (left to right) Jerry White, MS, Medical Physicist; Dr. Alan Monroe, Radiation Oncologist; Susan Anderson, RN, CyberKnife Patient Coordinator; Jennifer DiBartolomeo, RT; Greg Gibbs, MS, Medical Physicist; and Tony Switzer, RT.  (Courtesy Photo) 

Art Meets Science 
Associates and volunteers are invited to attend a special evening of entertainment of celebration from 4-7 p.m., Friday in the Penrose Cancer Center.  Check out the latest renovations and upgrades, as well as receive tours of the facility, including a new medical oncology suite and chemotherapy infusion.

Visit the revolutionary new CyberKnife non-invasive radiosurgery suite, and meet the physicians and staff of the Cancer Center.  A demo of the da Vinci robotic surgery system is planned as well as performances by the Peakharmonic Youth Orchestra and Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale.  Finally, artwork created by patients and area artists will be on display, and a special survivors’ dedication is planned for 5:30 p.m.

Sweet Thank You

The Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation hosted cookie tables last week at Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center and St. Francis Health Center to thank associates for their participation in this year's record-setting Associate Campaign, which raised more than $353,000.

Foundation staff members delivered cookies to the day and night shifts at the hospitals as well as the outlying PSF facilities as a way to say "thank you!"

Diane LeBlanc, president of the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation, hands a cookie and says "thanks!" to Karen Clive, lab support tech at St. Francis Medical Center, for participating in this year's Associate Campaign. (Photo by Johnny Rea)

News Briefs

SAFETY MONITOR MEETINGS-This week!
This quarters Safety Monitor Meetings will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday in the St. Francis Medical Center Conference Room 3, Thursday at St. Francis Health Center Summit Room, and Friday in the Penrose Hospital Gala Room. Topics include the Emergency Operations Plan, department specific Incident Response Guides, new receptacles for pharmaceutical waste stream and chemical inventory project.  Suggestions for additions and corrections for the Safety Monitor Handbook are also needed. For more information, please contact Lorin Schroeder at 776-5238.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

First & Main Concerts

Penrose Associate Plays Drums for U2 Tribute Band

An associate with Penrose Hospital plays drums for a band that will be featured during Friday’s 5th Annual First & Main Free Concert Series.

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is the presenting sponsor for the event, which runs from 3-7 p.m.  The band plays from 5-7 p.m.

Jerry Bousquet is a Supply Chain Specialist at Penrose Hospital, and plays drums for “Under a Blood Red Sky (UABRS for short),” an acclaimed U2 tribute band out of Denver that passionately recreates authentic U2 concerts.  Covering the War tour in 1983 to present day, each show has amazed fans with their ability to recreate famous U2 shows and has solidified their reputation for sold out venues - including the world-famous Red Rocks!

“On a personal note, I'm very excited to be playing in the city that I reside in as we do not get a chance to play in Colorado Springs very often,” Jerry said.  “The fact that Penrose is the presenting sponsor just makes this show that much better.”

June 5 will also be the 26-year anniversary, to the date, that U2 played their unforgettable Red Rocks show here in Colorado and shot the famous live video initialed “U2 - Under A Blood Red Sky”.

So come out and sing along with such songs as One, Pride In The Name Of Love, I Will Follow, With Or Without You and Where The Streets Have No Name and feel the power of one of the greatest bands in rock history.  More information on the band is available at www.uabrs.com.  

Heart Walk Events

Live Better! Love Longer!

Please look for the specially marked heart-healthy food choices in the Penrose Hospital Cafeteria this week! Your purchase of these heart- healthy foods is a gift you can give yourself. Be good to yourself now!

Also on Friday, look for the American Heart Association fundraiser in the Penrose Hospital Cafeteria. Heart-themed items will be available to employees for a suggested donation. These items are really cute! All proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association.

Donate $5 and wear denim on Jeans Day June 19. To make a donation, see Penrose Hospital: Liz Berardi, Wellness Center/ E Tower, St. Francis Medical Center: Jean Turk, Administration, St. Francis Health Center: Liz Benavidz, Nutrition Services, and ASC:  Deb Thurber, Upstairs.

The 2009 Start! Heart Walk is June 20 at The Grand Lawn at Cordera.  The walk starts at 9:45 a.m.

To join the PSF/Club HIIP Heart Walk Team and walk June 20, please contact Michelle Somers in HIIP at 776-5034.

Going Green

Within the past few weeks, people have enjoyed the sun and warmth (well at least for the most part).  There is no doubt summer is here! 

Here are some tips to help reduce the amount of resources used during the summer months:

Going Green Tips of the Week… 
- Use ceiling fans. Set thermostats a little higher at 78 degrees when home. The ceiling fans will circulate the air and cool the room.
- Replace air conditioner filters at least monthly. Dirty filters restrict air flow, which causes the air conditioner to run longer.
- Install window shading.  Not only does window shading help conserve energy it reduces exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
- Rather than buying bottled water for the summer outing, fill a reusable bottle with cold water.

These are just a few tips to enjoy the summer while reducing the amount of resources used during the next few months.

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.

Relay For Life Events

Join the Penrose-St. Francis Imaging Services Department in supporting Relay For Life by stopping by the bake sale today from 6:30 to 9 a.m. in the Penrose Hospital Cafeteria Lobby near the coffee bar. 

Imaging will also be sponsoring a Jean’s Day Friday for Relay For Life!  To make a $5 donation to wear jeans and support our local American Cancer Society, stop by Penrose Hospital Radiology, or Barb or Jean in the administrative office at St. Francis Medical Center.

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. 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.

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.

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. 

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.

Cafeteria Menu

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

Penrose Hospital daily lunch menu.

NOTE:  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.  Nutrition Services will host an outdoor BBQ every Friday during the construction.

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: Outdoor BBQ

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

June is the last month of Fiscal Year 2009 so finish up your HIIP incentive program in order to get a choice of $100 or a paid day off! You can do it!  There are still many education classes and fitness activities in June.  Be good to yourself and to your health!

LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “Fitness Walks”
Lighten up by walking in the annual 2009 Club HIIP Fitness Walks and make an investment in you!  Come by anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, and ASC.  Count this as a Lunch N Learn and a Fitness Activity credit. Participate and receive a free Club HIIP goodie in addition to HIIP credit. (Goodies available while supplies last so walk early!). Come walk with us and “Hydrate” with Club HIIP….hint-hint.
Tuesday, ASC, outside the main entrance, anytime between 11a.m.-1p.m.
Wednesday, SFMC, outside cafeteria (garden level), anytime between 11a.m.-1p.m.
Thursday, PH, outside in the E-tower Courtyard, anytime between 11a.m.-1p.m. 

Heart Healthy Items in the Cafeteria
Live Better. Love Longer. Choose to improve the quality of your life. Eat Heart Healthy! Look for heart healthy food choices in the PSF cafeteria beginning today. These items will be marked with a red heart.

FY09 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
Think Before You Eat: June 10 from 11:30-12:15 p.m. at SFMC/Conference Rooms 2-3
Outdoor Cardio Bootcamp: June 23 from 5-5:45 p.m. at SFMC/2nd Floor Wellness Center
Photography: June 25 from 5-5:45 p.m. at PH/Cancer Center Rooms A-C

SELF CARE CLASS
June 9 from 7:30-8:15 a.m. at PH/Cancer Center Rooms A-C

COMMUNITY WALKS
Relay For Life: June 19, Liberty High School.
Join the PSF Team participating in Relay For Life, in support of the American Cancer Society. For more information or to sign up, please call team captains Gina Biondi and Mary Wolf in the Penrose Cancer Center at 776-5454, or visit the website at www.acsrelay.org.

American Heart Walk: June 20, Grand Lawn at Cordera
Celebrate PSF’s status as a “Platinum Fit Friendly” Company from the American Heart Association.
Registration beings at 7:30a.m. with the walk at 9:45a.m. Contact Michelle Somers, Club HIIP for more information at 776-5034. When registering please join team “Penrose-St. Francis/Club HIIP” www.csheartwalk.org. 

JEANS DAY
June 19, donate $5 to wear denim.
In support and to help fundraise for the American Heart Association Heart Walk.
Where do I donate:
Penrose Hospital: Liz Berardi, Wellness Center/ E Tower
St. Francis Medical Center: Jean Turk, Administration
St. Francis Health Center: Liz Benavidz, Nutrition Services
ASC:  Deb Thurber, Upstairs

BIKE CLUB
June 27 at 9 a.m. start time, sign in at 8:45 a.m., Penrose Hospital/Sante Fe Trail
Kick off the summer with a pleasant ride through the Colorado air! Come join in the fun with Nancetta Williams, Medical Staff Services director, who will lead this biking excursion.  Plan to meet at 8:45 a.m. at Penrose Hospital in the Employee Parking Lot on the northeast corner of the campus, at Nevada and Jackson.  The group will ride to Monument Valley Park and catch the trail and head north on the Sante Fe Trail.  All ability levels are welcome.  The trail consists of some gravel, pavement, and dirt.  Mountain bikes are suggested on this trail. The group will leave PROMPTLY at 9 a.m., so show up at 8:45 a.m. to sign in.  Please ensure tires are pumped up and bikes are ready to ride before showing up. 
Ride any distance. All of the following distances are ONE-WAY APPROXIMATIONS.  From the starting point in Monument Valley Park near Penrose Hospital, it is approximately:
2 miles to the Skateboard arena (Mark Dabling South of Garden of the Gods) (one way)
4 miles to Criterium bike shop (one way)
5.5 miles to South Air Force Academy Entrance (one way)
14.5 miles to North Air Force Academy Entrance (one way)
24 miles to Palmer Lake (one way)
Remember to WEAR A HELMET (required to participate), bring WATER and some food. Bring family, friends, and of course a bike. Receive HIIP fitness activity credit for this event! For question or more information, please call Nancetta Williams at 776-5114.

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital
Body Toning: Session 7a/b: Starts June 8 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
Pilates: Session 10: Starts June 17 from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 5 weeks

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for the orientations below via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
PH Wellness Center- June 11 at 8 a.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- June 17 at 1 p.m.
PH Wellness Center- June 23 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