Women's Health Award

Study: Best-Performing Hospitals Consistently Outperform Poor-Performing Hospitals for Women’s Health

Penrose St. Francis Health Services today announced it has received the 2009/2010 Women’s Health Excellence Award™ from HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization, based on a newly released study of patient outcomes.

Hospitals that receive this award rank among the top 5 percent of all hospitals nationwide when it comes to providing care to women in three areas: Women’s Medicine (heart attack, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and stroke); Women’s Cardiovascular Procedures (coronary bypass surgery, peripheral vascular bypass, coronary interventional procedures, resection/replacement of abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid surgery, and valve replacement); and Women’s Bone & Joint Health (total knee and total hip replacement surgeries, spinal surgeries, and hip fracture repair).

"We’re very excited to be recognized for our superior women’s healthcare," said Margaret Sabin, president and Chief Executive Officer for Penrose-St. Francis.  “The award is indicative of the outstanding physicians, associates and volunteers who are committed to providing world-class healthcare to women in the Pikes Peak region.”

In March, Penrose-St. Francis received the 2009 HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award for the second consecutive year.

According the Sixth Annual HealthGrades Women’s Health in American Hospitals study released today by HealthGrades, wide gaps in quality outcomes for women persist among hospitals.  The study, which analyzes patient outcomes for the in-hospital treatment of 16 procedures/diagnoses concerning women’s health and maternity care, finds that top-performing hospitals improved their mortality and morbidity 33 percent more than poorly performing hospitals in the period studied, 2005 through 2007. Among eligible hospitals, the study found that a total of 18,089 lives could have been saved and 6,849 complications avoided if all eligible hospitals performed at the level of the best-performing hospitals in women’s health.

“As our population ages, more women are affected and hospitalized by chronic diseases like congestive heart failure and variations in quality do exist between men and women,” said Dr. Rick May, senior physician consultant and a study co-author. “The hospitals that have been identified as Women’s Health Excellence Award recipients are clearly performing at a superior level of quality. Women have a choice in healthcare and should do their homework prior to choosing a hospital.”

HealthGrades analyzed more than 2.6 million hospitalizations using Medicare data from all 50 states from 2005 through 2007. To be included in the analysis, hospitals had to have an open heart program and treat significant numbers of women for stroke. Hospitals also had to have a significant patient population in at least six additional cohorts from all areas (pulmonary, cardiac, vascular, orthopedics and spine).

The full HealthGrades study can be found at www.healthgrades.com.

News Briefs

LIVER LIFE WALK-Aug. 15, Memorial Park 
On Aug. 15, members of the community will come together to participate in the Liver Life Walk, a fun, 5K walk event benefiting the American Liver Foundation. During this 5K walk around Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, participants will walk for the more than 30 million Americans, including children, who are affected by one of more than 100 diseases of the liver. As a proud sponsor of this event, we invite you to walk with us as part of the Penrose-St. Francis Liver Life Walk Team. It’s easy to join or make a donation – just visit the Penrose Team website http://go.liverfoundation.org/goto/penrose. Or form a team of your own and engage your friends, family, or company in this cause too. Contact the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Liver Foundation for more information or for assistance with registration and setting up a personal team Webpage – lkarpiel@liverfoundation.org or 303.988.4388. Visit http://www.liverfoundation.org for more information.

DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
SET Family Medical Clinics, a local 501(c)(3)non-profit organization, is hosting a Family Market Fundraiser Aug. 29, at Penrose-St. Francis Health Center located at 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Garage sale items and volunteers are needed for the event. Donations are tax deductible. Bring donations to the SET office at 825 East Pikes Peak Ave, Bldg. 29 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opportunities are available for anyone willing to help too. To volunteer or for more information, please call 776-8850.  Or visit the website at www.setofcs.org.

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.

Scholarships

Centura Health understands that professional growth is not only a success for the associate, but is also a success for the organization. Again this year, we are offering up to 30 Healing Ministry Scholarships to associates who wish to pursue “high need” jobs within Centura. Applications will be accepted now through July 31, 2009.

The “high need” jobs include nursing, clinical technicians, therapists, pharmacists, and many more. To see the full list, see the instructions below for accessing the information on My Virtual Workplace.

Scholarships will be allocated to Centura Health entities based on the number of associates. Each scholarship will be worth up to $5,000 for the school year and expenses will be reimbursed to the associate after payments have been made. The scholarship can be used to pay for tuition, fees, and books for an eligible program. Scholarship recipients are eligible for tuition reimbursement (if applicable) during the same year the scholarship benefits are paid although there is a tax liability for combined amounts above $5,250.

Scholarship eligibility includes:

Full-time and part-time associates or PRN associates ...
who are in good standing and have worked at least 500 hours within the last 12 months ...
and who are pursuing a degree or certification for a clinical high-need job  

In return for receiving the scholarship, the program will require a 12 month full-time work commitment at a Centura facility on behalf of the associate for each year a scholarship is awarded. Recipients may apply for the scholarship again in future years as they complete their studies.

For details about “high need” jobs, eligible educational programs, instructions on how to apply, and FAQs, login to My Virtual Workplace and select the Reference tab. Then select DocuShare, select Centura: General Folders, select Human Resources, and finally, select Healing Ministry Scholarships.

If you wish to apply, download and print the application, then submit it via e-mail to centurascholarships@centura.org or fax 303-804-8234. Once an application has been submitted, a confirmation will be sent to the associate. If the confirmation is not received, the associate should e-mail centurascholarships@centura.org.

A scholarship committee at each facility or group will review applications, conduct interviews and select this year’s candidates by August 31, 2009.

For more information, please contact Andrea Carter at 303-804-8256 or andreacarter@centura.org.

Relay For Life

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services participated in two Relay For Life events this year!

PSF Imaging Services walked in the Relay For Life June 5 in Fountain.  This is the first year PSF participated in that city.

“The organizers in Fountain have never had a hospital participate before, so they were thrilled to see Penrose-St. Francis there,” said Lonnie Cramer, director of Imaging Services at Penrose Hospital. “It was a great night!”

The Penrose Cancer Center team joined the Colorado Springs Relay For Life June 19 at Liberty High School. 

Their team raised $2,800 through t-shirt sales, a pancake breakfast, and donations from patients.  They walked 140 laps, 35 miles, and 12 hours.  Gina Biondi, a Medical Oncology nurse, walked the entire night!

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.

Teams of people from all walks of life have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

Congratulations to the PSF teams who helped raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer in the Pikes Peak region. 

For more information, visit the Relay For Life website at www.relayforlife.org/relay/.

The Penrose-St. Francis Imaging Services Team at the Fountain Relay For Life June 5. (Courtesy Photo)

The Penrose Cancer Center Team at the Colorado Springs Relay For Life June 19 included medical oncology nurses Pam Williams, Gina Biondi, and Pat Bennett, as well as Lauren Williams, Lauren Bennett, and Laila Hudgins. (Courtesy Photo)

Going Green

Going Green Tips of the Week… INEXPENSIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS 

Tighten Windows and Loosen Your Budget

If all windows were as efficient as the best products now widely available in the marketplace, the average household would save $150 a year, and reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by about 4,300 pounds per year. 

A cheaper and easier method than replacing windows is to insulate windows during the colder months with transparent film that keeps the heat in and the cold out.

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.

Join the crew!

Look around and count the next eight women you see, or think about eight women you know. Chances are, one of them will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.

Nearly everyone knows someone who’s been affected by breast cancer. Go ahead – ask around. You’ll hear stories about mothers and sisters, grandmas and in-laws, daughters and friends, neighbors and co-workers, and men too.

Without a cure, an estimated 5 million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer – and more than 1 million could die – over the next 25 years.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund are doing something about it.  People can join either the Colorado Springs Race for the Cure, Sept. 13, or the Denver Breast Cancer 3-Day Aug. 28-30.

Colorado Springs Race for the Cure
Join team penrose at www.komencs.org and walk, run or sleep for the cure. This year, Team Penrose would like to honor the memory of Penrose-St. Francis employee Jo Hyland, who passed away in January. 

The Colorado Springs race is Sept. 13 at the Garden of the Gods Park. Please pledge your support and honor Jo or someone dear to your heart who has been challenged by this disease.

A fundraiser BBQ is scheduled for July 10, Jean's Day scheduled for Aug. 14, and Root Beer Floats on sale on Sept. 11.  These fund raisers will be held at all three campuses.

If you are a breast cancer survivor, and want to share your story, please contact Gail Decker at 776-6621. 

DENVER 3-Day Walk
Centura Health is the official Medical Partner of the Denver Breast Cancer 3-Day, a 60-mile walk in Denver over three days that raises millions to fight breast cancer. The 3-Day walk takes place Aug. 28-30.  They need a total of 40 medical professionals to volunteer in these categories:

Doctors (MD and DO)
Nurses (RN, LPN)
EMT (Basic and Paramedic)
Nurse Practitioners
Podiatrists
Physical Therapists

The medical crew members will provide care and support to the walkers in a mobile medical unit, on the 60-mile route, and during two nights of overnight camp. Crew members will be provided with meals, snacks, event T-shirts and accommodations at camp (a two-person tent to share). Medical crew members must pay a $55 registration fee, but please contact the Shelli Lind (info below) if the fee is an issue.

Also, whether or not you are a clinical medical professional, contact Shelli if you are interested in joining Centura’s walking team (the Cure Aiders), which requires a minimum fundraising commitment and advance training to be prepared for this physically challenging event.

Call or e-mail today:
Shelli Lind, director of Centura’s learning and leadership development
Medical crew recruiter and walker team captain
303-885-1105 or shellilind2@centura.org

Ami Brownlee, RN, Parker Adventist Hospital
Medical crew captain
719-232-2856 or amibrownlee@centura.org

Dianne McCallister, chief medical officer, Porter Adventist Hospital
Medical crew director
303-778-5880 or diannemccallister@centura.org

Don't Fall

From the Fall Prevention Network

Each year, 19,000 Americans die from slips and falls, and 8 million are hurt or hospitalized. In Colorado, there is over 300 deaths from falls yearly, and almost 9,000 hospitalizations from falls for people over age 65.

Despite being labeled "accidents" many unintentional injuries and deaths are actually predictable and preventable.

There are four key items that can help prevent injuries and deaths from falls:
• Physical activity that improves balance and confidence
• Evaluate drug interactions that might cause dizziness
• Get a yearly eye exam, and
• Eliminate the hazards at home that could lead to slips and falls

New! Statewide educational campaign
Tri-County Health Department has created a fall prevention educational campaign, which will appear across Colorado in partnership with the State Unit on Aging.

Slips and falls can be prevented
If you feel a little wobbly from time to time, you’re not alone.  Everyone’s balance tends to erode over time. But, it’s good to know that falling is not an inevitable result of aging.
A fall can significantly limit a person’s ability to remain healthy and self-sufficient, and older adults value their independence.

Fortunately, despite being labeled “accidents,” many fall-related injuries and deaths are actually predictable and preventable.

Many slips and falls are due to hazards that are easy to overlook but also easy to fix. By making some simple changes, everyone can lower their chances of injury and help protect their independence.

Four Steps to Prevent Falls:

Step 1. Participate in regular physical activity
Physical activity is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Activities that improve balance and coordination are the most helpful.

Step 2. Have your health care provider review your medicines
Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and might cause you to fall.

Step 3. Have your vision checked
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

Step 4. Make your home safer
About half of all falls happen at home, and many could have been easily prevented. Remove things you can trip over, like papers, books, cords, clothes and shoes.

Floors:
- Move furniture so that your walking path is clear.
- Keep things off the floor and stairs – such as papers, books, towels, shoes, magazines, boxes and blankets.
- Coil or tape telephone and electrical cords next to the wall so you can’t trip over them.
- Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so rugs won’t slip.

Inside Stairs and Outdoor Steps:
- Always keep objects off stairs and fix loose or uneven steps.
- Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step, or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs.
-Tighten loose handrails or put in new ones. Install handrails on both sides of the stairs, which are as long as the stairs.
- Be sure you have an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs. Have an electrician put in a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs.
- Have a friend or family member change burned out light bulbs.

Kitchen and Laundry:
- Keep things you use often on the lower shelves so that you don’t need a step stool.
- If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.

Bathrooms:
- Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
- Install sturdy grab bars for the tub or shower and next to the toilet.

Bedrooms:
- Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.
- Install a night-light so that you can see where you’re walking. Many night-lights go on by themselves after dark. You can also install light switches or switch plates that glow.
- Add lighting to dark areas and hang lightweight curtains or shades on windows to reduce glare.

Other Safety Tips:
- Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
- Put a phone near the floor in case you fall and can’t get up. Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone.
- Consider wearing an alarm device or whistle that will summon help in case you fall and can’t get up.

For more information, visit the Fall Prevention Network at www.FallPreventionNetwork.com.

Beth Cotter, Trauma Coordinator for Penrose- St. Francis Heath Services, attended the event in Denver at the State Capitol June 22, where Governor Bill Ritter approved a grant and launched Tri County Health Department's statewide fall prevention campaign. (Courtesy photo)

Good Samaritan Award

SET Family Medical Clinics' Call for Nominations

SET Family Medical Clinics is pleased to announce that we will be presenting a “Good Samaritan Community Service Award” in honor of Dr. Larry Smith, during the 2nd Annual Larry R. Smith, MD Health and Wellness Symposium, July 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  

Dr. Smith gave his life to serve the people of God.  He was devoted to his Catholic faith and served in a variety of programs at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  His past dedication to our organization included serving on the SET Board of Directors, volunteering his time at our Family Clinic in the evenings, at our Homeless Clinic during the day and also serving as a “Spiritual Companion Volunteer.”  In addition to his dedication to SET Family Medical Clinics, Dr. Smith volunteered at the Marian House Soup Kitchen.  

We are asking for nominations in the below category:

Good Samaritan Community Service Award
This award recognizes an individual for outstanding community service. This individual is always willing:
• To serve when called upon
• To give of their time and talents to help the community
• To go above and beyond the call of duty to give of themselves and their personal resources
• To act as a moral compass for others to follow

Nominations must be received by July 10.  Nominations should be limited to three pages (the form and two additional pages of narrative). Additional letters of support from others are welcome.  Nominations can be submitted via mail, fax or email.  You may also submit nominations on our website at www.setofcs.org.  Should you need additional information about submitting a nomination, contact S.E.T. Family Medical Clinics at (719)776-8850 or via email at setofcsinfo@centura.org.
 
Final selections will be made by the Selection Committee. The award winner will be notified and the presentation of the award will be presented at the Larry R. Smith, MD Health and Wellness Symposium on July 22.

Please think carefully about individuals who are actively involved in and committed to our community.  They deserve recognition and appreciation.

Community Award Form.pdf

July Blood Drives

While blood donors are needed throughout the year, they are most needed during holidays and in the summer.  It’s during these times that the number of donations decline while the demand continues or even increases.

Blood Bank hours are Monday, 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday, 7 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.  Walk-ins are welcome or call 776-5822 for an appointment.

Or visit these public donation sites throughout the community:

July 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., El Paso Co. Dept. of Transportation (The Blood Vessel), 3475 Akers Dr.

July 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Remington College (The Blood Vessel), 6050 Erin Park Dr.

July 12, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monument Community Presbyterian (The Blood Vessel), 238 3rd. Street, Monument

July 14, Noon to 4 p.m., St. Francis Medical Center (The Blood Vessel), 6001 E. Woodmen Rd.

July 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wells Fargo (The Blood Vessel), 90 S. Cascade Ave

July 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., USAFA Fire Station #1 (The Blood Vessel), 6202 Pine Dr., US Air Force Academy

July 21, 3-6 p.m., Tri-Lakes Community (Inside Tri-Lakes Cares), 235 Jefferson St. Monument
 
July 23, 2-7 p.m., Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church (Inside the Church), 116 West Street, Woodland Park
 
July 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., El Paso Co. Fair (The Blood Vessel), 366 10th Street, Calhan

July 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunset Creek Apts. (The Blood Vessel), 5400 N. Nevada Ave

July 30, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., USAFA Community Center (Inside the Community Center Ball Room) 5136 Community Center Dr., US Air Force Academy

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, Garlic Butter Red Snapper, BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, Cherry Pineapple White Cake

TUESDAY
Breakfast: Sausage, Egg & Cheese McMuffin; Lunch: Beef Taco Bowl, Tri-Pepper Chicken Fajitas, Roast Turkey, Warm Blueberry Crunch

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos; Lunch: Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Curry Chicken Breast, BBQ Beef Brisket, Homemade Apple Strudel

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Sausage Biscuits & Gravy; 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, English Breaded Orange Roughy, Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli

SATURDAY
Breakfast: Minnesota Egg Casserole; Lunch: Red Hook Fried Shrimp, Turkey Pot Pie, Meat Lasagna & Garlic Bread, Blueberry Cherry Cobbler

SUNDAY
Breakfast: Pancakes; Lunch: Country Fried Chicken, Meatball Hoagie, Macaroni & Cheese, Apple Dumplings

HIIP News

LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “New Club HIIP Program for Fiscal Year 2010”
Come celebrate the end of Club HIIP Fiscal Year 2009 and find out about the exciting programs and classes to come with a Potluck Party. We will have a surprise guest and an exciting new incentive!
*If you are willing to bring something, pick up a sign-up form & ENJOY LUNCH!
 July 28, SFHC/5th Floor Summit Room, 12:05 - 12:45 p.m.
 July 28, ASC/2nd Floor Breakroom, 2:05 - 2:45 p.m.
 July 29, SFMC/Northcare Bldg 2nd Floor Julie Penrose Center, 12:05 - 12:45 p.m.
 July 30, PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room, 12:05 - 12:45 p.m.

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital
BOSU-Ball-Bootcamp (B3): Starts July 14 from 6:15-7 a.m. in the PH/ E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
NIA: Session 1: Starts July 14 from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
Yoga For a Healthy Back 1: Starts July 14 from 5:15-6:30 p.m. PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 wks
Yoga: Session 1: Starts July 16 from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks

LIGHTEN UP COLORADO: FUN RUN/WALK
Did you know that as a Lighten Up Colorado participant, you receive FREE entry into the 5K Run/Walk at the State Games of America on August 2?
Go Team PSF!  This is for fun and a good way to show your team spirit to get us all ready for the games. We will meet at the Penrose Hospital Valet, and then proceed on a 5K run/walk around the local neighborhood. ALL FITNESS LEVELS WELCOME!!!
July 15 from 7-7:45 a.m.
July 23 from 4:30-5:15 p.m.

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for the orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
PH Wellness Center- Thursday at 8 a.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- July 16 at 5 p.m.
SFHC Wellness Center- July 17 at noon
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

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.

Webb Memorial Library

The Library will be closed July 6-10, due to the medical librarian,Casey Welch, will be on vacation.  

For research requests, please e-mail Casey at caseywelch@centura.org, and she will get back to you as soon as she can upon her return.

Anyone who needs to use Webb Library when it is closed, please call Security, 776-2111.  You must show your badge.  As a reminder, access the Webb Memorial Library online catalog and the EBSCOhost databases on My Virtual Workplace under the Reference Tab.