Fire Extinguisher Training

Associates at Penrose Hospital participated in annual fire extinguisher training and free barbeque in the vendor parking lot Sept. 25. 

Penrose-St. Francis had training and a barbeque at St. Francis Medical Center Sept. 22 and at St. Francis Health Center Sept. 24. 

News Briefs

Serving Line Closure
The main serving area in the Penrose Hospital cafeteria will be CLOSED Oct 5-11 for the final construction phase and equipment installation in preparation for the reopening of the full service cafeteria.  Meals will be provided in the Cactus Room for this period and barbeque outside, weather permitting.  Nutrition Services apologizes for the inconvenience during this necessary final phase.
 
Name the New Cafe    
Beginning today, Nutrition Services is accepting suggestions to name the "new" Penrose Hospital cafeteria. The finalist will be chosen by senior management. A suggestion box is located beside the cashiers.

Sandwich Orders
Also starting today, the Penrose Hospital Cafe is taking sandwiches orders via Fax.  The cut off time to submit orders is 9:45 a.m.  Use the attached form or pick up fax order sandwich slips by the deli counter to take back to the office. Sandwich fax order sheet

ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation’s Associate Financial Assistance Fund program guidelines are online at WWW.PSFFOUND.ORG.  Click on the link on the home page and you’ll be directed to the same information sheet that appears on the back of the assistance application. Please note that the application form itself is not available to complete online.  You must still complete the request process in person through the Foundation office located on the third floor of the Margery Reed Memorial Building, Penrose Hospital campus. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 776-7760, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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)

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.

New Bike

Who needs coffee when you can have expresso?

Checkout the newly featured interactive expresso bike in the Penrose Hospital Wellness Center.

To kick off the eight-week fall Duathlon challenge from Sept. 21 to Nov. 15, HIIP is featuring a new interactive piece of exercise equipment, the Expresso Bike!

This bike introduces a revolutionary new way to ride and brings the outdoor experience to the rider in the comfort of the PH Wellness Center.

Get motivated by taking a ride on one of 30 interactive tours ranging from Easy to Extreme on terrain that travels through the Peruvian Mountains, and even outer space! The different tours offer different paces as well as other racers to promote a little extra competition.

Beginners and athletes alike can enjoy the variety and ability to personalize their workouts, while the monitor really gets exercisers visually engaged in the workout.

Dr. Richard Lindsey, PSF cardiologist, see photo left, is a frequent rider, and as you can see by the beads of sweat on his forehead, this is no ordinary ride.  Great job Dr. Lindsey!

It may only be here for a limited time, so please check it out today and jump aboard to enjoy a fantastic fitness experience!

Good luck to the 110 participants gearing up for their journey through the Rocky Mountains in the HIIP “Duathlon through the Rockies!” DO THE DU!

Casey Welch, librarian for the Web Library, enjoys the Expresso Bike in the Penrose Hospital Wellness Center. 

Women in Medicine

The month of September is dedicated to honoring women in medicine.  More women than ever before are now engaged in the health care industry in a wide range of jobs, such as environmental services, medical technicians, certified nursing assistants, registered nurses, physicians and health care administrators.  In recent years there have been an ever increasing number of women enrolled in medical schools.

Dr. Michelle Kem Hor is the founder and president of Women in Medicine in Colorado Springs. This group hosts quarterly meetings usually with a speaker to discuss topics related to general health care and special female health issues.

“A few years ago, I realized that there are many female physicians here in Colorado Springs, and many are in solo practice,” Dr. Hor said.  “I figure that starting a group with regular meetings will allow us to meet socially as well as improve our professional skills and knowledge.”

Health providers attending the meeting exchange ideas and information, and acquire new or updated medical information that may help them improve medical care for the community. Members become more aware of the latest trend in health issues and treatment, including medication alternatives in treatment.  
 
For questions or to join the Colorado Springs chapter of Women in Medicine, call Dr. Hor’s office at 636-1299.  Just tell the staff you’re interested in attending a future meeting.  There are no membership fees, and attendance is for physicians and mid-level health providers.

Ronald McDonald Family Room

Volunteers Needed!

St. Francis Medical Center has been working with Ronald McDonald House Charities over the past year to coordinate opening a Ronald McDonald Family Room on the third floor of St Francis Medical Center.

Construction is well underway with a projected opening date in early November. The room will serve as a day-respite for families and loved ones visiting patients on our NICU and pediatric units.

It will be nicely appointed with features including: a full kitchen, laundry facilities, shower facilities, computer work stations, children's play room, television and comfortable seating.

The room must be staffed by volunteers whenever it is open (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily).  Volunteers for the Ronald McDonald Family Room are distinct from Penrose-St. Francis volunteers and are managed through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The intake process is simple and we encourage associates to consider supporting this unique collaboration by volunteering a few hours of their time. Family members 18 and older are also welcome to participate.

If you're interested or would like more information, please contact Tina Dewar, Ronald McDonald Family Room manager, at: tina.ronhouse@yahoo.com or 243-3574.

Centura Mission Stories book

Do you have an uplifting story from any Penrose-St. Francis Health Services facility? We’re looking for stories that exemplify our mission and values, and show spirituality at work in our ordinary, daily ministry, as well as in extraordinary circumstances. 

Centura is planning to publish our own Mission Stories Book (similar to the Sacred Stories book that CHI has produced), and we need story submissions. Provided we receive a sufficient number of contributions before Oct. 1, we will publish our first edition in early 2010.

We expect the 2010 Centura Mission Stories book to provide inspiration and recognition for the people who make our healing ministry come to life day after day. We believe that this book will be a source of pride and excitement for associates throughout the Centura family and serve to regularly remind us of our mission and values. The books will be placed in office areas and waiting rooms, and will likely be used for reflections at meetings and prayers services.

Please submit your stories (following the submission guidelines below) to Johnny Rea in the Penrose-St. Francis Marketing & Communications Department, 776-5065, by Thursday, Oct. 1.

Centura Mission Stories submission guidelines:

- The purpose of Centura Mission Stories is to share uplifting stories at Centura Health facilities that exemplify our mission and values. Preference is given to stories that address spirituality at work in the routines of our ordinary, daily ministry, as well as in extraordinary circumstances.
- The author of the story must be associated with Centura Health, i.e. associate, physician, board member, volunteer, vendor, etc.
- The story must be submitted on or before Oct. 1, 2009, for inclusion in the 2010 Centura Mission Stories book.
- A signed Mission Story Consent Form must be submitted along with each story to your facility contact. Click this link to open and print the Mission Story Consent Form. (link to form) 
- The story must be an original work and not found elsewhere in print or on the Internet. The only exception is prior publication in a local Centura Health facility or the service center newsletter, brochure or other publication.
- No payments or royalties will be distributed to story authors.
- If stories include the name of a patient or resident, use only first names. Centura Health reserves the right to change names to protect the identity of the patient or resident.
- As a personal courtesy, verbal permission should be obtained from any colleague or co-worker who is mentioned by name in the story.
- Stories will be edited for space and style.
- The story must be submitted by e-mail to your appropriate facility contact as an attached Microsoft Word document, and limited to no more than 450 words. The author, or person submitting the story on the author’s behalf, must include in the body of the e-mail, their: name, position/title, street address, telephone, and e-mail address. The e-mail subject line should say: Centura Mission Stories Submission 

For more information, contact Susan Hebert or Steve King at 303-804-8110.

Feast of St. Francis

Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis and honor the legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis and their enduring contribution to the community Oct.5 in each of the facility cafeterias. 

Buy a bread bowl of soup and 100 percent of the cost will be given to purchase food to benefit the poor in Colorado Springs.  Any donation beyond the price of the bread bowl would be an added blessing. 

Watch closely, you may even see St. Francis himself in your cafeteria.

Good Bacteria!

By Erin McGinley, PSF Dietary Intern

A glass of fermented milk a day might keep the doctor away?

That is what the Nobel Prize-winner Elie Metchnikoff suggested in 1900 when he noticed that Bulgarian peasants, whose diet included fermented milk, were living long healthy lives. Although this may sound repulsive, most of us regularly consume fermented milk products. They contain probiotics, or bacteria that support our intestinal tract. 

Ever heard of prebiotics? Many foods contain these, too. They are not actually bacteria, but instead feed the probiotics or good bacteria in the intestine so they can flourish.

Why would we want bacteria in our bodies?
The billions of different bacteria in our intestine actually maintain a balance and prevent harmful build up of microorganisms. Even E. Coli claims residence in our intestine and we need it, but all the various forms of bacteria keep it balanced so it doesn’t take over and make us sick. This is only one of the many functions of probiotics and prebiotics, but there are more reasons to consider adding these microbes to your diet.

The potential benefits are numerous:
• Enhanced immunity
• Increased absorption of nutrients
• Less prone to diarrhea and quicker recovery from it
• Maintain regularity
• Less severe allergies
• Those with lactose intolerance can enjoy dairy due to less lactase in the products
• Lower high cholesterol
• Helps decrease the side effects of antibiotics
• Decrease severity of irritable bowel syndrome and colitis
• Possibly reduce risk of colon cancer

So where else can I find them?
Probiotics are available not only in yogurt, but in a yogurt-like drink called kefir, cheeses, acidophilus milk, and frozen yogurt. They are becoming so popular that manufacturers are adding them to other foods such as cereals, crackers, granola bars, and even chocolate.  Be aware, though, If you want to cook up some pizza tonight, heat will kill the healthy microorganisms present in the cheese and any other foods containing live bacteria.

Believe it or not, prebiotics are even more prevalent in foods in the form of fermentable fiber. Note, not all fiber are prebiotics but all prebiotics are fiber sources. The most common form you would see on a food label is inulin, which can be found naturally in onions, artichokes, garlic, chicory root, and many other foods. These foods or their fibrous extracts can be added to processed food to increase prebiotic activity. Just look for it on the labels of high fiber bread and cereals.

To enhance the benefits of both probiotics and prebiotics, eat them together. Some new products, including yogurts, contain both. Not only do they help the gut stay healthy, but they may further enhance the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the body.

How much is enough?
The National Yogurt Association has guaranteed a product has at least 1 million live active cultures per gram when the Live Active Culture seal is stamped on the container. Seem like a lot? Research has concluded that to be beneficial, a product must have at least 1 million colonies of probiotic bacteria per gram. Your intestine is already home to more than 400 million different species of bacteria. That is close to 1,000 trillion bacteria!

With so many bacteria maintaining your system, help it out a little. Consume products every day that contain probiotics and prebiotics. Together, they sustain a strong gut, ultimately benefiting your overall health now and into the future.

Good Bacteria Event

Click on the poster above for a larger, printable version.

HIIP News

OCTOBER LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “EAT THIS NOT THAT”
As the saying goes, “We are what we eat.” Every day we are faced with numerous food choices! Should I eat fresh or frozen veggies? Should I spend more for organic fruit? Should I eat natural granola or ice cream? Should I choose taco salad or a hamburger? Michelle Somers, RD will share how to understand the food label and compare food choices, which will give you skills to make food swaps. Come learn how it is possible to make smart food choices that will help you become Healthy, Happy and Fit! Get prepared for the upcoming holiday season!
Oct. 14, SFMC/North Care Building, Julie Penrose Center 2nd Floor, 12:05 - 12:35 p.m.
Oct. 15, PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room, 12:05 - 12:35 p.m.

HEALING TOUCH SEMINAR
Coming to a location near you, don’t miss out on this great opportunity!
Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy. Gentle touch assists in balancing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, while working with your energy field to support your natural ability to heal. It is safe for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care. Health benefits include reducing stress/anxiety/depression/pain, strengthening the immune system, enhanced recovery from surgery, care for neck and back problems and much more. Join Myra Tovey, RNBS, CHPI, as she teaches you the art of the healing touch practice.
When: Oct. 10-11, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days
Where: Penrose Hospital, Cancer Center Rooms A-C
Cost: PSF Associates: $75 (Class), $86.25 (Class + 16 CE’s)
      Community Members: $150 (Class), $172.50 (Class + 16 CE’s)
Earn: 16 CE’s from Healing Touch International for this 2 day seminar
*Payments are due to the HIIP office no later than Oct. 7 to reserve a spot. 
*Class is limited to 24 people. Must have 10 participants or class will be cancelled.
For more information contact Liz Berardi at 776-7393.

FY10 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
Active Aging: Oct. 1 from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at SFHC/5th Floor Front Range Room
Laughter Makes You Younger: Oct. 7 from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room
Hypertension Intervention: Oct. 21 from 12:15-1 p.m. at ASC/1st Floor Skyline Room

SELF CARE CLASS
Oct. 6 from noon-12:45 p.m. at ASC/1st Floor Skyline Room

HIKING CLUB
Oct. 17 at 8:30 a.m., Red Rocks Canyon
Directions:  From I-25 take the Cimarron Street exit west. Cimarron Street will turn into Highway 24. After the 31st Street light, turn left onto Ridge Road. Red Rock Canyon will be on the south side of the street. The parking lot is located at the end of Ridge Road. 
For more info contact hike leader: Luke Smith at 964-5337. Family members and pets (on a leash) are welcome! The trail is rated easy and is about 2-3 miles long!

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital
Pilates: Session 3: Starts Oct. 7 from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 5 weeks
Belly Dancing: Session 2: Starts Oct. 12 from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
NIA: Session 3: Starts Oct. 20 from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
Yoga: Session 3: Starts Oct. 22 from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
Yoga for a Healthy Back: Session 2: Starts Oct. 27 from 5:15-6:45 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
PH Wellness Center- Oct. 8 at 8 a.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.
PH Wellness Center- Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- Oct. 22 at 5 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

Health Learning Center

Here are the next three months community health and wellness classes at the 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. Offered monthly, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the first Tuesday of each month, 9 to 10 a.m.  Oct. 6-29, Nov. 3-24 (seven sessions), Dec. 1-17 (three weeks only). The cost is $40 for the 4-week session (or discounted session rate as applicable).

Basic Weight Training For All Ages - A wonderful strength and conditioning class for the entire family.  This class will challenge all fitness levels with its varied class format of circuits, resistance training, and core stability training. One hour twice per week for 4-weeks.  Mondays and Wednesdays,  5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19-Nov. 11.  The cost is $40 for the 4-week session.

New!  Creating Healthy Food Gifts – Healthy food is always a great gift idea. Join us in creating items such as soups, teas, basket ideas, cookies or other treats to personalize your holiday giving.  An economic way to please even the most difficult person on your list.  5:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,  Tuesday, Dec. 1. The cost is $30.       

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. Mondays, Nov. 16 – Dec. 7, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.  The cost is $30.

New! YoChi - This unique class will incorporate exercise components of both seated Yoga and Tai Chi to promote relaxation and stress reduction. Thursdays, Oct. 29-Nov. 19, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30 for the 4-week session.
  
Join The Health Learning Center Gym – Did you know that a one month membership at the HLC gym is equal to one class option through Colorado Springs Utilities?  Join us for one or more months and get your workouts kick started under the guidance of our fitness experts.  Call the registration number for an exercise intake appointment.  By appointment only. Contact 776-4761 to schedule your intake to initiate your membership. The cost is $46 per month / no contracts – month to month membership.

NEW! Portion Distortion – Learn about correct portion sizes verses restaurant portion sizes. Bigger is not always better.  How do you deal with our “upsized” world without becoming “upsized” yourself.  A great visual aid to your nutrition plan. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5:45 – 7 p.m. The cost is $20.

NEW! Stress Management and Emotional Eating – Learn to identify and combat emotional eating. Discussion will include emotional and physical hunger and explore alternative methods of handling stress and other emotions.  Discover possible emotional connections to commonly craved foods. Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:45 – 7 p.m. The cost is $20.

NEW! Balancing Your Fat and Fiber for the Health of Your Heart / Incorporating Exercise – Discuss types of fats and their impact on your cholesterol levels. Understand how to comfortably add fiber to help lower your cholesterol. We will also discuss how to effectively incorporate exercise and movement into your lifestyle. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. The cost is $20.

NEW! Cooking Demo and Tasting – Cooking with healthy grains, beans, vegetables and spicy sauces to improve heart health. Lower your risk of heart disease by incorporating some of these great recipes and easy suggestions into your own home cooked meals.  Thursday, Nov. 5, 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.  The cost is $25.

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.  Thursday, Oct. 15, 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.  The cost is $20.

New!  Individual Fitness Assessment – Measure your fitness levels against the national averages and note areas in which you excel and potential areas of need. A sub-max VO2 treadmill test as well as evaluations for flexibility, strength and strength endurance will be performed.  Results will be reviewed and discussed with a fitness expert to help direct you in your future fitness goals.  By appointment only; contact 776-3600 to schedule your appointment .  The cost is $50. 

Aquatics Classes – The Penrose Health Learning Center in cooperation with Colorado Sports and Spine. A structured class two to three times per week, concentrating on range of motion, overall strengthening and general cardiovascular conditioning.  All Aquatics classes are located at 1625 Medical Center Point (Union and Templeton Gap).  The cost is $46 per month for 2x / week or $66 per month for 3x / week.
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Monday/Wednesday: 5-6 p.m.
- Monday/Friday: 12:30-1:30 p.m
- Tuesday/Thursday: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Cafeteria Menu

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

Penrose Hospital daily lunch menu.

NOTE:  The Penrose Hospital cafeteria hot line will be closed for construction.  A temporary hot line will be in place by the cashier stand, however hot choices will be limited. The salad bar, sandwich bar, and grab and go cooler will remain open and accessible. 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: 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