Women's Services

PSF Forms Women’s Services Advisory Council
By Margaret Sabin
PSF President & CEO

I'm excited to announce Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is forming a Women’s Services Advisory Council in the coming weeks.

The council will help PSF develop a system-wide strategy for women’s healthcare in Colorado Springs.  It will be comprised entirely “of women, for women,” and will include physicians, business leaders, administrators, PSF Governing Board members, and local community members.   

It’s no secret women’s healthcare is different.  There are conditions that exist only in women, such as pregnancy and menopause; conditions that occur more frequently in women, such as breast cancer and thyroid disease; and conditions that are biologically different in women, such as cardiac disease and osteoporosis. 

This group of women will guide the development and planning of our women’s services and help frame the vision that will ensure women in Southern Colorado receive the absolute best healthcare available.  The council will ensure our vast array of services are packaged and aligned with the needs of women during their entire life span. 

The council will be chaired by Mary Wall, a former Director of Nursing Services for PSF and a Nightingale Award recipient.  She is deeply involved in our community and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the council.

You’ll hear more about our progress in the near future, but I wanted to let you know about this exciting venture we’re about to embark on. 

My heartfelt thanks for all that you do every day!

Department Spotlight

Namaste´– Paying Honor To The Sacredness of All

No one likes to think that one day their loved one may require an Alzheimers care facility. Because Alzheimers disease robs a person of his or her ability to handle everyday activities, often families will find they cannot care for their loved one at home and will seek out an Alzheimers care facility.  Namaste´ is such a facility and is the “Department in the Spotlight.”

Located at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, Namaste´ is situated in a wonderfully spiritual setting.  Upon entering, a person immediately feels the sweet serenity of Namaste´, which means, “I bow to you and my spirit greets you.”   The facility houses 64 patients and has 94 employees.  Namaste´ will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2010.

What are the advantages of an Alzheimer’s care facility over a more traditional nursing home or assisted living facility?  According to Janice Fisher, NHA, administrator, it allows people to live in a neighborhood or court, with a living area, dining room and bedroom. 

At Namaste´, there are four courts, which is different from a traditional nursing home or long term facility.  It radiates a feeling of living at home.  This four court design allows patient’s in the same stage of Alzheimers to co-exist.    If residents were mixed, it would be frustrating to those who may not be able to participate in activities.  They could become withdrawn. 

For Janice, the residents and staff provide her the most rewarding experiences.

“They are what keep my spirit going from day to day,” she said.  “Each minute is a new day.  My staff provides quality care with dignity.  It takes a happy staff to have happy residents.  All of the employees are just as important as the next.  Residents are the center of our care – each one is a cog in the wheel, and no one cog is more important.”

For example, all employees are encouraged to take a feeding course to assist staff in feeding patients.  This includes the administrator, social worker and the director of nursing.

“Our staff is really special, they are a special group of people who have patience and compassion, are flexible and creative,” said Janice.  “They give wonderful care and have wonderful hearts.  I couldn’t ask for a more loving and caring staff.  A prime example is when someone is dying - everyone gathers around the family.  They offer the end of life care.  No one dies alone here. ” 

Namaste´’s family satisfaction scores were excellent this year.  It’s no wonder with the variety of amenities and services they offer. 

• Excellent dining facilities providing three meals per day
• Accessible transportation
• Beauty/barber shop services
• Laundry services
• Activity programs specially designed for residents in all stages of Alzheimer’s disease, including music therapy, exercise therapy, outdoor activities and outings
• On-site chapel
• Religious services
• Chaplain on staff

They have monthly family support groups, which speak to Alzheimer’s, the process, and any pertinent topics requested by families.  Namaste´ also provides an adult day care program for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia.  This is available Monday through Friday and offers daily planned activities and outings. 

Congratulations to Namaste´ for providing quality, dignity and security to their residents in an environment that is dedicated to the joy of life and for paying honor to the sacredness of all.

Pancake Breakfast

News Briefs

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
In an effort to save time and paper, Education will no longer distribute hard copies of applications and guidelines for tuition reimbursement.  Associates can access these documents via My Virtual Workplace.  For more information, please contact PSF Education at 776-5186.
     How to Access:
• Log into My Virtual Workplace
• Click on the Reference Tab
• Click on Docushare
• Click on PSF General Folders
• Click on Education Resources
• Click on Tuition Assistance Forms
• Click on Tuition Application (and print) AND click on Tuition Guidelines (and print)

SAVE THE DATE: ZOO PICNIC, SEPT. 13
The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Family Picnic is Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last admission at 8 p.m.) at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. A buffet is served from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Moose Lake.  This event is for Penrose-St. Francis Associates and their immediate family members only. Immediate family members are those who currently live in the household.  Please show your badge at the front entrance gate to get your wrist band for admission to the zoo and buffet.  If you are working that day and unable to attend, your immediate family is still welcome. Please have them check in at the front entrance table with your name. The carousel will be free after 6:30 p.m.  Show your PSF spirit and wear your Mission & Motion T-shirt!  For questions, please call the Penrose-St. Francis Associate Activities Committee 776-5517.

BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH FAIRS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 
Mission Outreach/Faith Community Nurses are gearing up for the two big Back to School Health Fairs/Immunization Clinics of the season! Consider offering your services to one of these two events. PSF brings a Childhood Immunization clinic to each of these events, plus a Health Risk Assessment to the Northern Churches Care Fair. There are also opportunities for providers and nurses in the areas of school physicals.  For more information or to volunteer, Contact Cyndy Wacker at 571-1113 or email cynthiawacker@centura.org.

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.

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. 

SFMC NICU Party

NICU Facility is High-Tech, High-Touch
By Stacey Knott

Over 275 people attended the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion Picnic at St. Francis Medical

Dr. Meg Prado (right), medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, hugs the mother of a former patient during the NICU Reunion Picnic at St. Francis Medical Center Aug. 8. (Photos by Stacey Knott)

Center Aug. 8.

The party was a chance to reconnect between the NICU staff and the families of premature babies cared for in the NICU at Penrose Community Hospital and most recently at SFMC.  

“When these babies come to us in the NICU, they are tiny and sometimes very ill,” said Kathleen Woodard, NICU clinical manager.  “The staff spends a lot of time, sometimes months, caring for them. They become attached and want to see them again. The nurses also build relationships with the families of these kids and the picnic is a great way to reconnect.”

That was true for the Kovac family, whose four-year-old daughter Sky was born six-and-half-weeks early at Penrose Community Hospital in July 2005.

“I look at how amazing and glorious my daughter is today, but I still think of the start she had in this world,” said Donna Kovac, Sky’s mother. “Being in the NICU was truly a profound gift and a spiritual experience for us. What they do there matters.”

The gold standard for gestation is 39 to 40 weeks, or full-term, but most doctors try to get the babies to at least 36

The Kovac family, Charles, Donna, Tanner, 6, and Sky, 4, enjoy the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion Picnic at St. Francis Medical Center Aug. 8. Sky was cared for in the NICU after being prematurely born in 2005.

weeks before birth, according to Woodard. Unfortunately, that isn’t always possible; that’s when the NICU is critical to a child’s survival. 

The NICU at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services cares for nearly 400 babies annually.  This year alone, two 23-week-old babies not only survived, but flourished and went home.

 “This is the best NICU I’ve ever worked in,” said Janet Wilson, a NICU nurse practitioner. “We’re high-tech and high-touch, which is unusual for a nursery.” 

SFMC boasts the newest high-tech equipment and technology at the one-year-old facility.  Wilson considers the NICU high-touch, because the staff spends extra time with each baby speaking quietly to their small charges and keeping their movements slow, so the baby is disturbed less during care.

In addition to the medical care, Kovak found the overall environment to be healing and spiritual.  She remembers that during her daughter’s stay, a woman who worked for the faith-based hospital in NICU Housekeeping stopped and spoke with Kovac and then prayed with her next to her daughter’s incubator.

“It was an extraordinary experience,” Kovac said with emotion. “She truly lived by her faith.”

Local children enjoy the bounce house at the Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion Picnic at St. Francis Medical Center Aug. 8.

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse, Sarah Scott, gives a high five to a former NICU patient during the NICU Reunion Picnic at St. Francis Medical Center Aug. 8.

Guests at the Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion Picnic check out the NICU transport vehicle and a fire truck from the Falcon Fire Department at St. Francis Medical Center Aug. 8.

Weight Watchers at Work

Sky Sox Game

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services CEO & President, Margaret Sabin (center), with her fellow "pitchers" who threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the Sky Sox game Aug. 11 in Colorado Springs.  It was PSF Family Day! (Photo by Johnny Rea)

Race for the Cure

Penrose-St. Francis Minority Outreach Groups to Race for the Cure©
African-American, Latina Women Invited to Walk with PSF

Two minority outreach groups from Penrose-St. Francis Health Services will represent a united front in the fight against breast cancer in the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure©, Sept. 13 at Garden of the Gods Park.
 
PSF’s African-American Women Nurturing and Giving Each Other Life (ANGEL) Network and Juntas, “together” in Spanish, a Latino community health advocacy group, are inviting the community to walk with them in the Race for the Cure.

“We are embattled in the fight to eradicate breast cancer, which causes a disproportionate mortality rate among minority populations” said Carolyn Kalaskie, ANGEL Network Liaison. “More African-American women die from breast cancer than any other population. By participating in such an event, organizers are reaching a key audience with a life-saving message.”

Race day registration is from 5:30 a.m. through 8 a.m. The ANGEL Network/Juntas team will assemble in front of the Penrose-St. Francis tent at 8:30 a.m. in preparation for the 1K Family Walk, which begins at 8:45 a.m. Individual team members may also participate in the 5K run and walk and are encouraged to honor breast cancer survivors with their presence at the Survivor’s Parade of Pink, which starts at 7 a.m.

Supported by the Penrose Cancer Center, the ANGEL Network was established in 2001 and the Juntas in 2004, to educate African-American and Latina women about the importance of breast health, early detection and prevention of breast cancer. These minority groups’ women die more frequently largely due to late detection and other healthcare barriers.  

In addition to community cancer education programs, the ANGEL Network and Juntas offer free instructional breast exams, referrals for clinical breast exams and free or low cost mammograms, peer mentors for cancer survivors and referrals to local programs, clinics and healthcare providers. 

For more information or to join the group, please call Carolyn Kalaskie at 776-5826. 

Hiking Club

Success Story

By Deborah Teti
Sport and Spine

I quit smoking after Thanksgiving 2008.  I really don’t want to remember when I did because I didn’t want it to be a focal point in my life, but rather to move on and live one day at a time.

I quit smoking a number of times over the years, but this time I made my mind up. I went to my doctor and asked her to put me on Chantix.  I firmly believed that I was finally ready [to quit] this time.

The medicine does make you have vivid dreams, but considering the bigger picture of giving up smoking, I figured I could live with it until I completed the program, because it was only a temporary situation.

The fact that my workplace within Penrose-St. Francis became Tobacco Free effective August 2008, along with encouragement from my granddaughter, made up my mind to quit for good. I didn’t want to lose my job and I wanted to live to see my beautiful granddaughter grow up.

I needed to change my life around, so I started walking two to three miles a day weather permitting and sometimes even twice a day along with watching what I ate. I feel better inside and I know with each day that goes by, I have succeeded with the challenge of quitting smoking.

Congratulations Deborah for your huge accomplishment remaining tobacco free for over nine months!!  We are SO proud of you! – HIIP Staff

Going Green

Going Green Tips of the Week… RECYCLING SOLUTIONS: Recycle Your CDs

Whether you're grooving at an outdoor concert or listening to tunes on your iPod, express your environmentalism through music.

If you've moved your music collection to a computer or iPod, keep those old CDs and jewel cases out of the landfill. Recycle discs by mailing them to the CD Recycling Center of America or find a new home for your tunes by giving them away. You can find local recycling centers at Earth911.

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. 

Community Outreach

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

MONDAY
Breakfast: Eggs Florentine & Mornay Sauce, Lunch: Sheppard's Pie, Chicken Pineapple Teriyaki, Garlic Butter Crab Cakes, Blackberry Cobbler

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

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Lunch: Chicken Tenders, Scallop Seafood Saute w/ mini shells, Meatball Mushroom Marinara, Chocolate Lava Cakes

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Sausage Biscuits & Gravy, Lunch: Pork Chops in Apricot Brown Sauce, Broiled Salmon in White Wine Sauce, Baked Potato Bar, St. Francis Pistachio Cake

FRIDAY
Breakfast: Green Chili Cheese Omelet, Lunch: OUTDOOR BBQ: BBQ Beef Brisket, Bratwurt & sauerkraut, Burgers & Hotdogs, Corn on cob, Chipotle Baked Beans, Cookies, Chips, Lemonade & iced Tea. Inside: 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
Breakfast: Pancakes, Lunch: Country Fried Chicken, Cabbage Rolls, Cherry Apple Cobbler

Family Market

Health Learning Center

All classes require pre-registration / cancellation a minimum of 24 hours prior. A $20 no show fee will be billed to the participant if registration not cancelled 24 hours in advance. To register or for more information, please call the Penrose Health Learning Center at 776-3600. 

New! 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.  

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. Sept. 1-24. The cost is $40 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! 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

AUGUST LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “Celebrate What Is Right with the World”
So much of our time these days is spent lamenting over life’s problems, or the state of the world, and basically what’s wrong with everything. It’s easy to get lost in the negative and forget all there is to celebrate. This workshop is centered on the nationally acclaimed video, “Celebrate What’s Right with the World” by Dewitt Jones. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Dewitt’s seven concepts as he presents them in the video and develop a personal celebration plan.  Presented by Steve Tucker, EAP.
 Wednesday, SFMC/Conference Rooms 2-3, 12:05 - 12:35 p.m.
 Thursday, PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room, 12:05 - 12:35 p.m.

HYPERTENTION INTERVENTION
Want to try another way to protect your heart?
Fridays Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Aug. 28, Sep. 4, 11, 18 at SFMC/Conference Room 2
Was your blood pressure high at the health screening? 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, and 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 (above 120-125/80-89) and are able to lower it to within normal ranges (below 120-125/80-89) by week four you will receive a $20 gift card! You must attend three out of the four classes to be eligible.

WEIGHT WATCHERS AT WORK
The 17 week session officially begins Wednesday and will meet every Wednesday for 17 weeks at 5:30 p.m. at PH/1st Floor Volunteer Conference Room.
NEW HIIP Incentive! Check out this fantastic deal HIIP is offering!
Those who are currently enrolled in the PSF WW program and renew will receive a 25% DISCOUNT off the series price ($130 for the 17 weeks- savings of $45)!
New participants will receive a 20% DISCOUNT off the series price ($140 for 17 weeks – savings of $35)!
Lose weight this fall and feel your absolute best! For more information contact Michelle Somers 776-5034.

FY10 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
Keeping Your Family Safe in the Wilderness: Tuesday from 4:30-5:15 p.m. at SFMC/Conf Room 2
Circuit Training for Two: Aug. 26 from 4-4:45 p.m. at PH/E-Tower Basement Aerobics Room

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital
Nia: Session 3: Starts Aug. 25 from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks

AUGUST HIKING CLUB
Saturday, Aug. 22 at 8:30 a.m.: Grand Cordera Lawn
Directions: From I-25 take the Briargate Pkwy Exit.  Go EAST on Briargate Pkwy, turn Left on Grand Cordera Pkwy.  The park is immediately on the right. Meet on the corner sidewalk.  For more information contact hike leader: Rox Norris at 358-9479. Family members and pets (on a leash) are welcome. The trail is rated easy to moderate and is about 3-4 miles long! Stroller friendly!

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
SFMC Wellness Center- Wednesday at 1 p.m.
Anyone over 40 years old must have a physician’s form signed giving permission to use Wellness Centers.
*SFMC Wellness Center Orientations: Please note that if you used to have access to the PCH Wellness Center, you must attend an orientation at SFMC in order to gain access to that facility.

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Thursday at 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet. Contact Michelle Somers x5034
SFHC Walking Club:  Every Monday at 11:30 a.m. outside of the Foundation building. Contact Tracy x7085
SFMC Walking Club:  Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. meet outside 1st floor/valet entrance- Winter season- the group will walk the stairs indoors. Contact Rox x11064