Department Spotlight

Congratulations to the 11th Floor Oncology Unit at Penrose Hospital!  This month’s Department in the Spotlight!

They are in green and purple on their patient satisfaction scores in HCAHPS, their turnover rate is extremely low, and people are really cheerful.  How is this possible you might ask on a floor that may have very ill patients?  The Rewards & Recognition Team believes that it is due to the extreme amount of thought and attention put into every detail of this unit. 

The lobby is the first room that welcomes patients and families. There is a meditation area complete with a beautiful Indian weaving that connects with the Native American culture of healing, and computer access.  Photographer Rob Parham, husband to Patient Representative Kathy Parham, provided the 11th Floor with gorgeous photos to adorn each room. 

The nursing staff has expertise in palliative and comfort care.  Every nurse on this unit is required to have Oncology Nursing Certification.  They also participate in continuing education to become chemo certified through classes offered in Denver or Colorado Springs.  There are continual changes in chemotherapy medications and this training keeps the nursing staff up to date.

Collaborating with several local hospice programs, the 11th Floor Oncology is able to offer acute hospice care to those families in need.  The staff even created a comfort cart that brings patients music to listen to or special comforters for their bed.  Ginny Vravick and Theresa Gregoire are developing the “No One Dies Alone” program, which will use volunteers to spend time with patients who do not have family in the area.  Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Ginny Vravick, Pallative Care Nurse.

Advances in technology and new faces are changing the way Oncology cares for patients.  The DaVinci Robot is able to perform complicated surgery with minimal incisions.  Dr. Dirk Pickaart is the first doctor in the community to specialize in gynecological oncology cancer treatment and uses this technology on most of his patients.  The 11th Floor also participates in Clinical Research Trials. The new Cyberknife in the Radiation Oncology department will bring state of the art radiation therapy to the patients.

The associates of this floor are extremely active in volunteering for causes that keep the community aware of health issues and stress preventative care.  The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure is a cause close to their hearts.  This year’s race will be held Sept. 13 in Colorado Springs.  Nurses from the unit also help the community on National Cancer Survivor’s Day celebrations honoring those who have survived their diagnosis.  They also participate in the local Oncology Nursing Society and hold various offices. 

Kathy Guy heads this team of professionals.  When asked to describe the staff of the 11th Floor, there was a very brief pause, her eyes lit up and her chin lifted with pride as she said, “This is the best staff I have ever worked with, they are dedicated, knowledgeable, caring, and committed to providing exceptional care for our patients and their family.” 

“There is great satisfaction when a patient visits us after they have recovered and their treatment has been a success,” Kathy said.  The bond between the staff and their patients on this unit is extraordinary. “We’re a family,” she said, “it’s a wonderful group that we have.”

Due to all the advances in cancer treatment, the expertise of the staff, and the genuine caring nature of this team the 11th Floor Oncology is where you would want someone you loved to be cared for.  They truly exemplify the mission we all try to achieve everyday.

Part of the 11th Floor Oncology Team!  Congratulations on being the Department in the Spotlight!

Thank You!

With donations still trickling in, the Penrose-St. Francis Associate Campaign continues to break records!  As of June 13, $361,230 has been raised, surpassing this year’s goal by over $46,000 and breaking the old record by more than $31,000.

Thank you to all associates, volunteers, and physicians who gave in support of this annual fundraising effort and kudos to our outstanding Executive Committee members and campaign volunteers for a job well done.

The majority of the funds raised went to support the four campaign choices, with additional funds donated for several write-ins.  The breakdown for this year’s campaign:

Associate Financial Assistance Fund  $208,271
Patient Financial Assistance Fund  $61,752
Digital Mammography  $56,324
United Way  $18,593

Unfortunately, neither camp reached the 50 percent participation goal required to win the Camp Rivalry and to receive the ice cream social.  However, the Foundation felt it was important to acknowledge and thank all associates for making this a banner year, and hopes everyone enjoyed the cookies distributed at the end of May. 

If you’ve hesitated to participate or ever questioned whether or not your gift really makes a difference, take a look at what last year’s campaign contributions accomplished:

  201 Penrose-St. Francis employees helped through the Associate
  Financial Assistance Fund for a total of $155,746.

  72 Penrose-St. Francis patients helped through the Patient Financial
  Assistance Fund for a total of $25,391 with 19 requests currently
  pending.

In addition, seven other programs received vital funding to help carry out the Penrose-St. Francis mission thanks to your generosity!

Just in case you didn’t get a chance to participate in this year’s campaign and would like to do so, the Foundation will continue to accept donations at any time.  If you need a pledge form, please contact the Foundation at 776-7060 or email Cynthia Bullock at cynthiabullock@centura.org.

The 2009 Associate Campaign Executive Committee. From left to right: Phil Zook, Pam Herrera, Pat Dwyer, David Fish, Kris Oliver, Chrissy Swanson, Heather Daniels, Heidi Baird, Mackenzie Mudd, Camille Pacheco-Gach, Leslie Schwender, Josie Archuleta, Suzanne Kowalchuk, Andi McDonough, Sheri Lasater, Jamie Smith, Tracy Miles, and Anna Mackin. Not Pictured: Isabel Abeyta, Anne Buckles, Kathy Guy, Sheryl Hostak, Debra Kaye, Kim Kraus, Lorena Mangold, Barb Matzker, Brenda Molencamp, Louise Palermo, Mariann Searcy, Susie Smith, Rick Waite, Kathy Wilson, and Yvette Wise.

Cancer Center Bell

By Stacey Knott
PSF Marketing & PR

“Ring this bell three times well, the toll to clearly say…my treatments done, this course is run, and I am on my way.”

A gold bell and plaque were dedicated during a special ceremony in the Penrose Cancer Center June 11, and so began a new tradition to herald the end of each patients’ treatment. 

Tony Switzer, Penrose Cancer Center radiation therapist, saw the tradition used at other facilities and brought the idea to management.

“Patient recognition is important,” Tony said.  “We wanted to recognize the patients.  We appreciate them being here, but we appreciate even more that they have completed treatment; they are part of our family.  It’s something special for them, like a graduation ceremony.”

The first bell in a radiation oncology department began at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas in 1996.  A Navy admiral was treated at the center and brought the long-standing naval tradition to the center to mark the end of treatment and instill anticipation in the patients who were waiting for their turn.

“Now, all Penrose patients will be brought to the bell on their final day of treatment by their therapist, nurses and other staff for a ceremonious ring,” said Gina Nygaard, Radiation Therapy manager. “The ringing of the bell represents the strength, hope, courage and faith our patients have in fighting the battle against cancer and the determination and perseverance of coming here every day, sometimes up to six weeks and more.” 

Father Don Dilg, from PSF Spiritual Care, said a special blessing for the bell and all who rang it.

A generous donation by the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation made the bell possible.

“The ringing of a bell can express great joy, and the Foundation is so happy to provide this symbol and privileged to share in the joy and hope it will sound,” said Diane LeBlanc, PSF Health Foundation president.

As part of the ceremony, Steve Martens, a patient who had just completed eight weeks of treatment, was the first patient to ring the bell. 

Steve noted the strong philosophy of caring for patients at PSF.  He said it was the small things that make a big difference, like associates who call hello to patients by name, live harp music in the lobby and valet parking.  But it was the people who made the difference because they are “sensitive, thoughtful, and insightful.”

Steve started his own tradition with the bell too.  He said staff needed to say each time, “job well done,” because they made it possible through the great job they do every day.

Patient Steve Martens rings the new Penrose Cancer Center bell signaling the end of his treatment.

News Briefs

FRUIT SMART
Learn new ways to incorporate more fruit into your diet and the health benefits of consuming a variety of fruits. Receive recipes ideas and taste-test fruit salsas, smoothies, and cold soups. June 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Nutrition Lab inside the Health Learning Center Gym Building, 1644 Medical Center Point.  Presented by Courtney O’Connor, Dietetic Intern at Penrose-St. Francis.  Please register by calling the HLC at 776-3600.

TEMPORARY 7TH FLOOR RELOCATION
Today the unit and patients on the 7th floor at Penrose Hospital will temporarily move to the 10th floor. The move allows a thorough cleaning and revamp of the 7th floor, including new carpet. The plan is to relocate back by the end of June. Incoming calls to the 7th floor will be automatically forwarded to the 10th floor. Please help get the word out to customers about the temporary relocation. For questions, please contact Rose Ann Moore at 776-5802.

HR AT PENROSE HOSPITAL
The PSF Human Resources Department is delayed in moving back to Penrose Hospital. In the meantime, HR is offering onsite support hours Mondays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesdays, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. HR representatives will be located in the PH Wellness Center in the E-Tower basement. For questions or more information, please contact Gary Morse at 776-4782 or Cecilia Peat at 776-4785.

ASSOCIATE REMINDERS
• HR forms and policies can be found on DocuShare through “My Virtual Workplace” web site.
• All job postings and applications are online at http://www.penrosestfrancis.org
• Associates who need a computer for compliance training purposes, may contact Education Resources at 776-5186. They have a computer located in a private area. 

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

The Penrose-St. Francis Trauma Services enjoyed the 5th Annual First & Main Free Concert Series Friday night, which runs throughout the summer. 

Each Friday night is a different band and festivities starting at 3 p.m., with the band playing from 5-7 p.m. Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is the presenting sponsor for the event. A different PSF service line is highlighted each week. Friday night is the PSF Sleep Disorders Center.

Festivities included live music, food tasting, special entertainment for children, an ice cream eating contest by Cold Stone Creamery, beer garden hosted by Rock Bottom Brewery and giveaways!

The event is located in front of Cinemark Theater on Powers Boulevard between Constitution and N. Carefree.

2009 Concert Line-up

June 19: Rockin Horse (Country)
 
June 26: Otis Bump & The Riptides (High Energy Jazz)
 
July 3: John Wise & Tribe (Zydeco/ Blues)
 
July 10: The Parable Sons (Rock)
Harmony in Motion during intermission
 
July 17: George Whitlell & Hits Allstars Featuring Jill Watkins (Swing, Blues, Big Beat))
 
July 31: The Wendy Woo Band (Alternative Rock)
 
August 7: The Jake Loggins Band (Blues/Rock)

Star Associate Nominations

Isn’t it great that we live in a country where you have the right to vote?  The Rewards and Recognition Committee believes your right to express your opinions are key to our Star Associate Program.

This quarter we are looking for individuals who exhibit great integrity by speaking positively about other people, departments, and the entire organization.

We are asking all of you to get out and vote for those associates who demonstrate great integrity everyday.

It’s quick! It’s easy! Simply complete a nomination form and e-mail it to Stars@centura.org to cast your ballot for our Star Associates. 

Nomination forms can be found on My Virtual Workplace. Simply click on:
1) Reference Tab; 2) Docushare; 3) Penrose-St.Francis General Folder; 4) Rewards and Recognition Folder; 5) The Star Associate; and 6) Open

Nominations are due by June 26.

Autism Walk

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services helped sponsor the first Autism Speaks' Walk Now for Autism in Colorado Springs June 13 at Cottonwood Creek Park.

Several associates from PSF participated in the walk including Club HIIP's Michelle Somers (right) and her husband Dave.

Some families had a personal stake in the walk.  Ann Martin, Administration administrative assistant, and her family (below) participated.  One of Ann's grandchildren was diagnosed with Autism.

Nearly 400 people participated and raised over $27,700 dollars.

Autism Speaks' Walk Now for Autism is North America's largest grassroots autism walk program and the organization's signature fundraising and awareness event. Walks are scheduled across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines.

To learn more about the Autism Speaks' Walk Now for Autism event or about Autism, visit the website at www.walknowforautism.org.

Spiritual Journey

Come and discover your spiritual journey along the yellow brick road.

See how “The Wizard of OZ” serves as a map for the modern spiritual journey. Who walks your journey with you; Glenda, Scarecrow, Tin Man or Cowardly Lion?

Join Chaplain Cathi Ruiz as she guides you down the yellow brick road at Penrose Hospital Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. in the Volunteer Conference Room.  Or at at St. Francis Medical Center Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. in Conference Room #3.
 
For more information, please contact Chaplain Cathi Ruiz at 776-5660.

Pancakes For Life

The Penrose Cancer Center’s 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast was Friday in the Penrose Cancer Center Lobby. All proceeds benefit the local American Cancer Society and Relay For Life.

Pancake fixin’s were donated by Penrose Hospital Nutritional Services. T-shirts and a variety of jewelry were also for sale.  

Don’t forget to join the PSF Team participating in "Relay For Life" Friday 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.

Going Green

Going Green Tips of the Week… INEXPENSIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Make a quick trip to the local hardware store to purchase inexpensive energy-saving tools and equipment as suggested by www.pioneerthinking.com.

Replace outdoor lighting with a motion-detector equipped bulb or fixture.

Outdoor lights left on all night can add unnecessary waste energy and disturb wildlife. Safely and efficiently light the outside of a home by installing light fixtures that are activated by motion sensor or a timer. These devices will keep areas well lit when needed while reducing energy.

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.

Dreamnight at the Zoo

Dreamnight is happening at Zoo’s all over the world the first Friday of June each year.

Volunteers and sponsors opened the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and their hearts June 5 to local children with special health care needs or disabilities. These children and their families enjoyed a free evening including games, toys and pony rides from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and local sponsors.

St. Francis Medical Center’s Pediatric Staff joined the fun for the third year in a row, sharing snow-cones, toys, colors and coloring books to many happy faces. This event was a success sharing the night with many children and their families.

Stephanie Sitter and Kelly Embry, Pediatrics staff nurses from St. Francis Medical Center, helped at Dreamnight at the Zoon June 5. 

Denise Grice, SFMC Pediatrics staff nurse and her helpers served 350 snow cones at Dreamnight at the Zoo. (Courtesy photos)

Food Needed

Starting today and running through June 26, the Outreach Committee will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable food items to restock the empty shelves at the PSF outreach sites.  Look for the donation boxes at your sites.

Steve Brown, Director at Westside Cares, writes; the gospel of Matthew tells us that when we give food to a hungry person, we have fed Christ.   

Ecumenical Social Ministries, Northern Churches Care, Catholic Charities, Westside CARES and Tri-Lakes Cares all operate food pantries that work hard to provide a supply of emergency food to their neighbors.  Preliminary reports are that requests for food assistance are up 20 to 25 percent this year over the previous year. 

In past years, Penrose-St. Francis associates generously donated hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food to be distributed.  The need continues to be great; your sharing will be greatly, and gratefully, appreciated.

Volunteer Retires

Vera Shephard, 95, retired from the Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Volunteers June 12.  She has been a fixture at PSF since 1965.

Vera started as a PSF associate in Radiology and retired after 25 years, but after only a short time off, she came back to PSF.

“I was off a month and then couldn’t stand it and started volunteering,” Vera said with a grin.  It was the people she missed most.

Vera volunteered and greeted patients and guests at the Cancer Center Information Desk for 19 years. 

What’s the secret to Vera’s longevity?  She recommends people stay interested in everything.  

“Don’t have your mind set on one certain thing,” Vera recommends.

Vera is also leaving the Colorado Springs community and moving to Pueblo to be closer to her family.  But don’t count on her taking time off.  She is already looking at volunteer opportunities in her new community.

Good luck Vera, PSF will miss you!

Webb Memorial Library

Need a paperback book to read on your summer trip? 

If so, check-out the books on the exchange shelf at Webb Library.  Take what you want, read it, and bring it back when you are finished, and take another one.  If you have paperbacks sitting on your shelves that you have finished reading, drop them off for someone else to enjoy. 

For questions about this or the library in general, please call Casey Welch at 776-5288.

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 is 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: Sausage Biscuts & Gravy; Lunch: Pork Chops in Apple Brown Sauce, Broiled Salmon in White Wine Sauce, Baked Potatoe Bar, St. Francis Pistachio Cake

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

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

SUNDAY-Father's Day!
Breakfast: Pancakes; Lunch: Smoked Chicken Quarter, BBQ Pork Wing, Grilled Salmon, Beer Brats ‘n’ Kraut, Scalloped Potatoes, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli, Chicken Noodle Soup, Chocolate Layer Cake

Special Event!
Fruit Smart -Learn new ways to incorporate more fruit into your diet and the health benefits of consuming a variety of fruits. Receive recipes ideas and taste-test fruit salsas, smoothies, and cold soups. June 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Nutrition Lab inside the Health Learning Center Gym Building, 1644 Medical Center Point.  Presented by Courtney O’Connor, Dietetic Intern at Penrose-St. Francis.  Please register by calling the HLC at 776-3600.

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 so you can complete your award.  Be good to yourself and to your health!

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. These items will be marked with a red heart.

HYPERTENTION INTERVENTION PART 2
Want to try another way to Protect Your Heart?
Session 2: Fridays Noon to 12:30 p.m.: June 19, 26 at the PH/E-tower basement aerobics room
Did you miss the first session? We are bringing it back for a second session due to AMAZING RESULTS! Don’t let this class pass you by a second time! Did you ever want to try relaxation, guided imagery or meditation? Each of these can help protect your heart by lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, bringing a sense of peace and calm.  Join us for the Club HIIP Education class series on lowering your blood pressure.
Incentive: *If you start class with high blood pressure and are able to lower it to within normal ranges (120-125/80-89) by week 4 you will receive a $20 gift card to a place of your choosing! You must attend 3 out of the 4 classes to be eligible. 
**If you attended session 1 and begin session 2 with a BP equal to or less than your last BP reading for session 1: receive a $10 gift card to a place of your choosing!

FY09 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
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

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pilates: Session 10: Starts Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. in the PH E-Tower Aerobics Room for five weeks

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 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.

COMMUNITY WALKS
American Heart Walk: Saturday, Grand Lawn at Cordera
Celebrate PSF’s status as a “Platinum Fit Friendly” Company from the American Heart Association.
Registration beings at 7:30 a.m. with the walk at 9:45 a.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
Friday donate $5 to wear denim.
In support and to help fundraise for the American Heart Association Heart Walk. To donate, 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

BIKE CLUB
June 27 at 9 a.m. start time, sign in at 8:45 a.m., Penrose Main/Sante Fe Trail
Kick off the summer with a pleasant ride through the Colorado air! Come join in the fun with Nancetta Williams, Director of Medical Staff Services, who will lead this biking excursion.  We will 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.  We will ride to Monument Valley Park and catch the trail and head North on the Sante Fe Trail.  We’re meeting early to avoid the heat. All ability levels are welcome.  The trail consists of some gravel, pavement, and dirt.  I suggest that you ride a mountain bike on the trail.  We will leave PROMPTLY at 9 a.m., so show up at 8:45 a.m. to sign in.  Please make sure your tires are pumped up and your bike is ready to ride before showing up.Ride as far or as long as you want.  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)
  4 miles to Criterium bike shop
  5.5 miles to South Air Force Academy Entrance 
  14.5 miles to North Air Force Academy Entrance 
  24 miles to Palmer Lake
Remember to WEAR A HELMET (required to participate), BRING WATER and some food, as you will get thirsty and hungry along the way.  Bring your family, friends, and of course your bike!  You will receive HIIP fitness activity credit for this event! For questions, please call Nancetta Williams at 776-5114.

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. Contact Rox x11064

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. 

Fruit Smart -Learn new ways to incorporate more fruit into your diet and the health benefits of consuming a variety of fruits. Receive recipes ideas and taste-test fruit salsas, smoothies, and cold soups. June 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Nutrition Lab inside the Health Learning Center Gym Building, 1644 Medical Center Point.  Presented by Courtney O’Connor, Dietetic Intern at Penrose-St. Francis.  Please register by calling the HLC at 776-3600.

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 9 to 10 a.m. July 2-23; Aug. 4-27; Sept. 1-24. The cost is $40 for the 4-week session.

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. The class is Mondays and Wednesdays, Aug. 3-26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  The cost is $40 for the 4-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, Aug 6-27, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.  The cost is $30.

Exercising with the Physioball Level I – This four-week class will focus on core stability and strength, toning abdominals, lower back strengthening and stretching, upper and lower body musculature. A physioball will be given to each participant to encourage completion of weekly homework assignments.  Class meets for 45-minutes once per week for four-weeks, Mondays, July 6-27, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.  The cost is $40.

Self Defense – Beginning self defense course for the general public.  Learn safety techniques and ways to increase vigilance, Thursdays, July 2-23, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30 for the 4-week session.

Meditation – A body friendly meditation style using holistic movements and music to promote relaxation. The class will help you to quiet your inner dialog, reach a relaxed body and peaceful state of mind. Class is Wednesdays, Sept. 2-23, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30.

New! Cover Your Knees – “Cover Your Knees” is a special program being offered this fall to teach girls, their parents and coaches about preventing knee injuries. The program includes an overview of anatomy and risk factors, physical assessments for attending athletes as well as a participatory warm-up and conditioning program. Teams are welcome; parent or coach must accompany the athlete. Appropriate for ages 10-18. An orthopedic doctor, physical therapist, recreational therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist will present. Tuesday, Aug. 25, 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $5.  

New! Resistance Training with Bands – Resistance band training is a unique resistance training method that may easily be accomplished at home or work with very little space and just a few varied tensions of bands.  Join us for this creative class that will provide exercises and direction for your mobile training system.  Monday, Sept. 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m.  The cost is $20.

New!  Stretching – If you are like most of us, you were taught the importance of stretching back in grade school.  Science, however, has moved on.  Come learn the latest techniques on effective stretching and how it can improve your overall fitness.   Mondays, Sept. 14-28, 6:30 to 7:15 a.m. The cost is  $23 for 3-weeks. 

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.