Premier Quality Award

Penrose-St. Francis recognized by the Premier healthcare alliance for high-quality patient care, operational efficiency

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services has been recognized by the Premier healthcare alliance as a winner of the Premier Award for Quality. Penrose-St. Francis is one of 23 winners out of more than 3,796 eligible hospitals nationwide.

The AFQ recognizes leading healthcare organizations that efficiently provide outstanding patient care and consistently set the standard in clinical excellence nationwide. Distinguished by its consideration of performance-based criteria, including clinical quality outcomes, resource utilization, and clinical process indicators, the AFQ measures top performers at the overall hospital level.

Penrose-St. Francis prides itself on the quality of care we provide our patients as a result of our ongoing efforts to improve our care delivery systems, as well as our focus on patient-centered care,” said Dr. Jeffrey Oram-Smith, Chief Medical Officer of PSF.  “This award recognizes the exemplary care that our staff delivers to each and every patient we treat.”

The award was announced at the 2009 Premier Annual Breakthroughs Conference & Exhibition, which is being held June 16-19 in Anaheim, Calif.

“The Award for Quality honors the efforts of our nation’s leading hospitals to provide superior quality and operational efficiency,” said Susan DeVore, Premier incoming president and CEO. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the efforts of these facilities as they improve the health of the communities they serve.”

All acute care inpatient facilities in the United States that submitted data to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the CMS Hospital Compare project were considered for the AFQ. Using MedPar 2007 data, Quality and Efficiency Indexes were calculated for 60 disease groups and at the overall hospital level. Quality was measured by the incidence of three adverse outcomes: mortality, morbidity and complications, which are combined into a single Quality Index using the preference weightings from the Corporate Hospital Rating Project (CHRP). The efficiency index was generated using length of stay to proxy for resource utilization.

Acute care facilities attaining the top 1 percent designation are identified as having scores in the top two quintiles for process of care, and in 10 out of 60 disease groups and at the overall hospital level for quality and efficiency. Additionally, hospitals had measures for quality and efficiency that were equal to or exceeded expected outcomes.

Additional information about the AFQ and related methodology can be found at: http://www.premierinc.com/about/news/awards/index.jsp

About Premier Inc., 2006 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient
The Premier healthcare alliance is more than 2,100 U.S. hospitals and 58,000-plus other healthcare sites working together to improve healthcare quality and affordability. Premier maintains the nation's most comprehensive repository of clinical, financial and outcomes information and operates a leading healthcare purchasing network. A world leader in helping deliver measurable improvements in care, Premier works with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the United Kingdom's National Health Service North West to improve hospital performance. Premier has offices in San Diego, Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia and Washington.

Clean Because We Care

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is launching the hand hygiene campaign, “Clean Because We Care,” this week.

The campaign is intended to promote awareness and a new level of adherence to this most fundamental infection control practice.  PSF is also registered in support of the World Health Organization, whose campaign “Save Lives: Clean Your Hands” kicked off May 5. 

As of Sunday, 4,904 healthcare facilities joined the campaign from 116 countries, which represent 3.7 million staff and over 1.5 million beds.

Highlights of “Clean Because We Care” include signage and posters from Health Inspirations, as well as other signage created by the PSF Clinical Effectiveness Department. Funding will be granted from Colorado Trust: 5 Million Lives Campaign.

Hand hygiene is a simple, but essential part of PSF’s drive to tackle infections in our hospitals. Inadequate hand hygiene is considered the leading cause of health care-associated infections.  

With this in mind, PSF is asking everyone to pledge to perform hand hygiene, and to spread the key message that hand hygiene protects against infections!

When staff sign their names to our “Clean Because I Care Pledge Poster,” they are pledging to wash or sanitize their hands before and after each patient. 

Pledge Posters, displaying the Penrose logo, will be posted on each unit and pens will be given to associates upon signing the Pledge Poster.

Together our pledge to make hand hygiene an essential component of patient care demonstrates PSF’s commitment to patient safety.

Halos for Heroes

The following person was recognized through the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation’s Halos for Heroes program in April.  Halos for Heroes recognizes associates, nurses and physicians who have touched the lives of patients in a special way.

May Heroes
Merilee Forsyth
Melissa Liimatainen, RN
Janeen Mueller
Dr. Dirk Pikaart
Critical Care

From left to right is Merilee Forsyth, Melissa Liimatainen, Janeen Mueller, and Dr. Pikaart. (Photo by Sharon Meyers)

Haloes for Heroes is a program that has evolved out of Centura Health’s desire to highlight the relationship between patients and providers. It allows patients, family, and friends to recognize and honor a specific Centura staff member who provided them with outstanding service.Halos for Heroes endorses Centura’s ideals in the areas of quality, service, cost, people, growth, and community in its quest to build an outstanding organization that better serves the needs of patients. Donations from Halos for Heroes benefit patients through better programs, services, and technology. Visit the website at WWW.HALOSFORHEROES.ORG for more information.

"You Rock"

"The Wise Woman's Stone" 
Author Unknown

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone." 

Many people believe that leadership roles need to recognize people, but that is not their responsibility alone.  We should all take the time everyday to say thank you to the people who assist us and notice the awesome things people do for others. 

Starting July 1, it's our turn.  The Rewards and Recognition Committee will be giving stones to associates with the words “You Rock” on them.  

Each stone will be as unique as the person receiving it.  The size of the stone does not matter.  What is important is the acknowledgement and the message that explains why they are receiving this gift.  After the recipient has held onto the stone for two weeks, it is their turn to start looking for someone that they would like to recognize.

This is our opportunity to notice the gifts that other people bring to our facilities everyday.  What a blessing it is to have so many associates that go the extra mile because they believe so much in what we do.  It is said that in giving, we receive.  Our wish is that everyone discovers something about themselves they never knew.  We hope when you receive a rock, you will cherish what you have learned through another person’s eyes.  When it is your turn to give, please take the time to reflect on why this person needs to be appreciated.

We would like to thank everyone who participates in this program.  You really do rock!

News Briefs

Food Needed
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 PSF locations.

Star Associate Nominations
The Rewards and Recognition Committee is looking for people who exhibit great integrity by speaking positively about other people, departments, and the entire organization. Nominate these people to be a Star Associate. Complete a nomination form and e-mail it to Stars@centura.org by June 26.  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

TEMPORARY 7TH FLOOR RELOCATION
The unit and patients on the 7th floor at Penrose Hospital are temporarily moved 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.

Success Story

By Sherrie Rozwick, PSF Trauma Services

My husband and I moved to Colorado Springs from Kansas in July 2008. I am 41 years old and I have lived in Kansas all my life.  I figured moving here was some kind of sign that my life was going to change.  A change of lifestyle, habits, etc. 

I also realized that the hospital system had gone Tobacco Free in August, so I knew that it would be very hard to smoke at work. 

By Nov. 5, 2008, when I went for my yearly physical, I decided to try to quit smoking again for about the fourth time since I started smoking 21 years ago.  I got a Chantix prescription from my doctor.  I could always quit when I tried before, but knowing it was easier to start back up than deal with stress, withdraw, etc… was always my out.  This time I felt things were different.  I wasn’t around smokers anymore and I wanted to be able to breathe in this altitude, so I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to do it this time. 

By Nov. 17 (2 ½ weeks later), with the help of the prescription Chantix, I quit.  I also decided to enroll myself in the Club HIIP incentive program for quitting smoking.  I met with EAP coaches along with a registered dietitian and exercise physiologist at Club HIIP.  They provided the support I needed as well as the information to be successful quitting this time.  They helped me with my diet as well as exercise program.

I have now been successfully quit for six months and I never want to smoke again.  I still stress out, but rarely have a thought of smoking again, and know I don’t NEED one now.  Through Club HIIP, EAP, and the support of my co-workers, family, friends, and Chantix I’m now and forever a NON-SMOKER. 

My only advice to others thinking about quitting is – Don’t quit unless you’re really ready, but when you feel you’re ready… QUIT, don’t wait. 

Sometimes it is okay to be a quitter.

Congratulations to Sherrie Rozwick for quitting smoking and completing the Quit Incentive program through PSF.  We are so proud of you and know you will feel healthier and breathe better.  Sherrie was rewarded with a $50 visa gift card to celebrate her success!  Please join EAP and Club HIIP in congratulating Sherrie!

Going Green

Going Green Tips of the Week… Hot Water shouldn't be a drain on your wallet.

Over 10 percent of a home’s energy bill goes to heating water for the dishwasher, shower, and faucets. Cut this energy use, and the energy bill, by implementing this easy step.

Add insulation to the hot-water heater.
The standard hot water heater is on all the time, adding extra insulation will save more energy than you think. Most hardware stores sell pre-made insulator "jackets" that can be easily wrapped around a water heater. Adding insulation to the water heater and any exposed pipes can knock up to 15 percent off the costs of heating water.

These are just a few tips that will let you 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.

Fruit Smart

By Courtney O'Connor
PSF Dietetic Intern

With summertime upon us, grocery stores fill with a wide variety of fresh fruits. Fruits and berries provide many nutrients and can satisfy a sweet tooth. They are also low in calories and an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and folic acid. Consuming whole fruit rather than fruit juice also provides healthful dietary fiber.

Aim for two cups of fruit each day from a variety of different types. Fruits may be fresh, frozen, dried or canned. Add fruits to salads, breakfast cereals, or use them in salsas, shakes, smoothies and cold soups.

Antioxidants are disease fighting compounds that are found abundantly in fruit. Antioxidants prevent damage to the body’s cells and DNA, which protects against various cancers and heart disease.

Antioxidants found in fruit include vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene and other phytochemicals. Specifically, phytochemicals are substances that help the plant defend against environmental stresses and pests. They are found in all plants including fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs and spices. Phytochemicals are not vitamins or minerals so they can not be found in a multivitamin supplement. 

Phytochemicals contribute to the rainbow of colors found in different fruits such as apricots, blackberries, blueberries, nectarines and strawberries. The orange-yellow pigment found in cantaloupe, mango and papaya signifies their beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene is used in the human body both as an antioxidant and to make vitamin A. While tomato products are the greatest source of lycopene, a red pigment, it is also found in some fruits such as papaya, pink grapefruit and watermelon. 

Don’t forget the avocado, which is officially a fruit. Avocados are rich source of healthy fats and may help improve cholesterol numbers. Remember, since they are higher in fats, they also have more calories compared to other fruits.

To find the freshest produce of the season including a few locally grown fruits, check out a local famer’s market. Find locations and hours of operation from the Colorado Department of Agriculture web site at www.ag.state.co.us/mkt/farmfresh/welcome.html. Summer is the best time to experiment with some new fresh fruits and recipes. The recipe below makes a refreshing snack on a hot summer day!

Blueberry Blackberry Banana Smoothie
Serves 2

1/2 cup fresh (or frozen) blueberries
1/2 cup fresh (or frozen) blackberries
1 ripe fresh banana, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
6 ounces blueberry yogurt
1/2 cup plain milk, soymilk, or juice
1/2 cup ice cubes (optional)
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend at a medium-high speed until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Webb Memorial Library

Ever needed a quiet place to sit and think, read or write a memo, or just take a break from a hectic day? Or, do you need access to a computer to complete your educational requirements?

If your answer is yes, you might want to consider a visit to Webb Library.  In addition to all of our resources and computers, we have study carrels, easy chairs, and a quiet atmosphere. 

The library is always available, if not actually open.  During off hours, call Security at 776-2111 and be admitted to the library with your badge. This may especially be applicable July 3 – 10, as Casey Welch, the medical librarian, will be on vacation, so the library will be closed during this time.

Call 776-5288 or e-mail Casey at caseywelch@centura.org if you want help with research or have questions.

Obituary: Sister Rita Glynn

DELHI TOWNSHIP, OHIO –Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Rita Glynn (formerly S. Marie) died June 13, at the age of 80 in Mother Margaret Hall at the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Motherhouse, Mount St. Joseph, Ohio. She was born on Aug. 6, 1928, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Henry and Gertrude (Moylan) Glynn.

S. Rita earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Mary College, Leavenworth, Kansas in 1950. She taught high school in Topeka, before taking a civil service position at an Air Force base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. S. Rita earned a master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri in 1968.

A Sister of Charity for 52 years, S. Rita entered the Congregation in 1956. She served in the dioceses of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Denver, Colo., in the field of social work.

Sister began her ministry working in medical records at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton, Ohio for one year in 1958. In 1959, S. Rita moved to Colorado Springs to serve as registrar at Penrose Hospital until 1966 when she took two years to earn her MSW at St. Louis University.

In 1968, Sister returned to Ohio to serve as a medical social worker at Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, until August 1991 when she joined the Jordan Center in Cincinnati as assistant to the director. She assumed home care medical social work duties at Carewise in Cincinnati from January 1992 through November 1997, when she joined Spectra Care in Cincinnati for a brief time. S. Rita was a past coordinator of the Price Hill Social Worker and Counselor Program, working with area counselors and social workers. Sister also served on the SC Corporation Board for Sponsored Ministries as a liaison to Seton Family Center (Price Hill) Cincinnati.

On May 8, 2009, Sister was honored as a Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation 2009 Woman of Compassion. Her friend and nominator, S. Anita Marie Howe, described S. Rita, “as a woman of faith and prayer, who was kind to the many individuals she encountered through her patience and compassion.”  S. Anita Marie added, “Rita and I lived together for 30 years. The highest compliment I can pay to Rita, in praise of the Lord, is that she loved life, every minute of life. Her sense of joy spread to others in so many ways.”

One sister, Patty Painter of Bethesda, Maryland, and several nieces and nephews, survive S. Rita. Her brothers, Joe, Ted and Don Glynn, preceded her in death.

Visitation for S. Rita Glynn will be Wednesday, June 17 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the Heritage Room at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, 5900 Delhi Road, Mount St. Joseph, Ohio, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 3 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Motherhouse. Burial will be in the Sisters of Charity cemetery.
 
Memorials may be made in S. Rita Glynn’s name to the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Retirement Fund, 5900 Delhi Rd., Mount St. Joseph, Ohio 45051.
 
The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, whose Motherhouse is located in Delhi Township, a western suburb of Cincinnati, is an apostolic Catholic women’s religious community that exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world. Sisters, using their professional talents as ministers of education, health care, pastoral and social services, currently live and minister in 17 U.S. states and in Guatemala and Mexico. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor. Four hundred and forty six Sisters are joined in mission by 186 Associates. Visit the Sisters of Charity Web site at www.srcharitycinti.org.

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, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Lemon Caper Mahi Mahi, Roast Turkey

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

HYPERTENTION INTERVENTION PART 2
Want to try another way to Protect Your Heart?
Session 2: Friday 12 – 12:30p.m.: June 26 at the PH/E-tower basement aerobics room
Did you miss the 1st session? We are bringing it back for a 2nd 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. 

FY09 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
Outdoor Cardio Bootcamp: Tuesday from 5-5:45 p.m. at SFMC/2nd Floor Wellness Center
Photography: Thursday from 5-5:45 p.m. at PH/Cancer Center Rooms A-C

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for the orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
PH Wellness Center- Tuesday 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.

BIKE CLUB
Saturday 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 8:45a.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.

You can 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!  See you then?  You will receive HIIP fitness activity credit for this event!
If you have any 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- Winter season- the group will walk the stairs indoors. Contact Rox x11064