Town Howls

Town ‘Howl’ Meetings Set for Oct. 26-29

We’re having a meeting, but no need to fear,
Just info and updates that you need to hear.

Like H1N1 and what's going on,
Progress and projects until the food is all gone.

Interactive participation will make it really fun,
But, PSF leaders in costume could make you run!

We'll have tasty treats and witches brew,
We'll take your questions and have answers for you.

You just might win a prize at the door,
There's so much to learn you'll be screaming, “More! More!”

So don't be weary, just choose a date,
You'll be glad you came, so don't be late!

Monday, Oct. 26
• 9:30 a.m., Penrose Hospital, Cancer Center Conference Rooms A-C
• 4 p.m., Penrose Hospital, Cancer Center Conference Rooms A-C

Tuesday, Oct. 27
• 7:30 a.m., Penrose Hospital, Gala Room
• Noon, Penrose Hospital, Gala Room
• Noon, St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Room #1
• 2 p.m., 1644 Medical Center Point, Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and Mount Evans Rooms (EAP/CCOM/CSSC/HLC)
• 4:30 p.m., St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Room #3

Wednesday, Oct. 28
• 7:30 a.m., St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Room #3
• 10 a.m., St. Francis Health Center, 5th Floor Summit Room
• 2 p.m., Penrose Hospital, Gala Room
• 4:30 p.m., Penrose Hospital Gala Room

Thursday, Oct. 29
• 9:30 a.m., St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Room #3
• Noon, St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Room #3

Town hall presentations will be conducted at Langstaff-Brown Urgent Care and Penrose Community Urgent Care Center during their regularly scheduled staff meetings. 

Don’t “mask” your emotions as there are no “tricks” to attending!  See you there!

Department Spotlight

The Department in the Spotlight this month is the Penrose Hospital Laboratory Send-Out Department!

In hospitals, laboratories strive to offer a test menu that provides appropriate testing to support the unique patient populations they serve in a cost effective manner.  For Centura Laboratory Services, this means some services are consolidated and are performed at other Centura Hospitals or testing is outsourced to a reference laboratory.  This is where the job of the Send-Out department begins.

They are responsible for ensuring that all testing not performed on site at Penrose Hospital is processed and prepared for transport to the appropriate performing laboratory. 

The Send-Out department is tucked away next to the receiving area of the laboratory. It’s a small department with just one person staffing the bench Monday through Friday.  Most days, that person is Barb Deardorff. She has worked for Penrose-St. Francis for 18 years and for the last 12 years has been the primary person responsible for the day to day operations in the Send-Out department.

Barb receives assistance from Linda Tolan, who serves as her relief person and the staff in the laboratory receiving department.  Even with the help of other staff members, this is no small task. 

They process specimens collected not only on inpatients, but those collected in the Outpatient Laboratory, Patient Service Centers and physician offices. The tests can be very expensive and many have very specific processing and transportation requirements, so processing must be expedited to insure specimen viability. 

The most import part of this process is making sure the test was ordered in Meditech correctly.  Because Barb has worked so long in the Send-Out Department, she can usually tell immediately if the test was ordered incorrectly.  If there is any question, she is on the phone to the nursing staff or physician to verify what testing is needed.  Barb believes she must do everything possible to make sure it gets done right the first time.

Every day, general duties have to be performed like verifying the correct specimen type has been collected and processed according to the requirements of the performing laboratory.  There is also packaging specimens, preparing manual charges, entering results into Meditech, and calling and faxing results to physicians. 

Additionally, she is often asked by physicians to research new tests being offered.  This is a part of the job she really enjoys; working one on one with physicians in pursuit of information that could lead to a diagnosis and treatment for a patient. 

One of the difficulties with this job is keeping current with the advances in laboratory science.  New tests are developed and others become obsolete, so Barb often spends her free time reading industry magazines and updates published by various research and reference laboratories. To assist herself and other laboratory staff, she has created a reference guide that she refers to as her “bible.”  In it she has consolidated information from approximately 12 different reference laboratories where specimens are routinely sent for testing.  The reference guide contains the necessary information to order and process the specimen correctly. 

The Send-Out Department at Penrose is unique within Centura Laboratory Services.  It’s one of only two departments with a designated associate whose sole job is to manage all the duties associated with the management of the send-out testing.  

Prior to July 2009, Barb processed specimens from both Penrose and SFMC. Each site now processes their own send out tests, although Barb continues to assist with the more unusual tests. Even with this change, Barb finds that her workload continues to increase.   She is a great resource with an amazing ability to recall almost instantly details regarding testing and processing.  Barb loves her job and it shows because she is always willing to go the extra mile to help her coworkers and clients. 

Ultimately it is all for our patients, because for Barb and Linda, patient care is what it’s all about!

Congratulations!

News Briefs

RETIREMENT SCAVENGER HUNT
How well do you know your Centura Retirement Plan web site? www.GWRS.com.  Go to www.GWRS.HUNT.SGIZMO.com to access a scavenger hunt.  Complete the hunt between Oct. 19 and NOV. 2, to be entered into a drawing to win an IPOD, $100 King Soopers gift card or $50 Wal-Mart gift card. For questions or more information, please contact Wendy Knott, Senior Account Executive at Great-West Retirement servicessm-Denver, at (303)737-7710 or (800)947-4409.

PEDIATRICS MOVED
The Pediatric Department at St. Francis Medical Center moved from the 5th floor to the 3rd floor Oct. 16.  The new phone number to the Pediatric Department on 3rd floor is 571-3176.  For questions, call Kathleen Woodard, Pediatrics and NICU Manager, at 571-3123.

ONCOLOGY ART SHOW
Lilly Oncology On Canvas, an art exhibition honoring the physical and emotional journeys people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis, will be on display in the Penrose Cancer Center during the month of October.  This free public exhibit, which is touring communities nationwide, will showcase several select pieces of art from the 2008 Oncology On Canvas competition. For information on the Lilly Oncology On Canvas, or, beginning in the fall of 2009, information on how to enter the 2010 competition, please call (800) 734-4131 or visit www.LillyOncologyOnCanvas.com.  To learn more about NCCS, please visit www.canceradvocacy.org.

PUMPKIN CARVING/DECORATING CONTEST
Penrose Hospital Nutrition Services will be hosting a hospital wide pumpkin carving/decorating contest. Everyone will have the choice of entering as a department or as an individual, but must supply their pumpkins.To submit your pumpkin, please bring it to the PH Diet Office located across from the cafeteria. There they will properly number and set it up for you in the cafeteria.Deadline for entering the pumpkins is Oct. 27. For questions, please contact lorenamangold@centura.org or marlakaufman@centura.org.

RONALD McDONALD FAMILY ROOM
The Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. Francis Medical Center will be opening Nov. 9, but still needs volunteers to staff the room.  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.

SANDWICH ORDERS
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.

Best in Colorado

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is ‘Best in Colorado’ for Overall Critical Care Services
Receives Specialty Excellence Award

A study issued Oct. 13 by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization, has found that Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is ranked number one in Colorado for overall critical care services.

In addition, Penrose-St. Francis is among the top 5 percent in the nation for pulmonary, GI medical treatment and critical care. The nation’s nearly 5,000 nonfederal hospitals were all included in the sweeping study, which examined mortality rates and complication rates from government data from 2006, 2007 and 2008.

As a result, Penrose-St. Francis Health received the HealthGrades 2010 Pulmonary Care and Critical Care Excellence Awards.

“We’re extremely proud to be named the state’s leader in overall critical care services,” said Margaret Sabin, President and CEO of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services.  “We are all just one unexpected moment away from needing trauma care, and we’re fortunate at Penrose-St. Francis to draw upon Centura Health’s statewide network of 14 trauma centers and clinics to provide world-class patient care to those who need it.”
 
In addition to these national accomplishments, Penrose-St. Francis Health has also been recognized by HealthGrades for these additional accomplishments:
• Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure - 8 years in a row (2003 - 2010)
• Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Stroke - 5 years in a row (2006 - 2010)
• Ranked Among the Top 10 Hospitals in CO for Treatment of Stroke for 2010
• Five-Star Rated for Overall Pulmonary Services - 6 years in a row (2005 - 2010)
• Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - 2 years in a row (2009 & 2010)
• Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Pneumonia - 8 years in a row (2003 - 2010)
• Ranked Among the Top 3 Hospitals in CO for Overall Pulmonary Services
• Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Bowel Obstruction - 6 years in a row (2005-2010)
• Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Pancreatitis - 4 years in a row (2007 - 2010)
• Ranked Among the top ten hospitals in Colorado for GI Treatment – 6 years in a row (2005-2010)
• Five-Star Rated for Overall Critical Care - 5 years in a row (2006 - 2010)
• Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Sepsis - 5 years in a row (2006 - 2010)
• Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism - 5 years in a row (2006 - 2010)
• Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Respiratory Failure - 5 years in a row (2006 - 2010)

The HealthGrades twelfth annual Hospital Quality in America study, the largest annual report of its kind, analyzed patient outcomes from nearly 40 million Medicare hospitalization records.

Top-performing hospitals had dramatically lower mortality rates than other hospitals, according to the study. For the 17 procedures and diagnoses for which HealthGrades analyzed mortality rates, patients at top hospitals had a 72 percent lower chance of dying when compared with the lowest-performing hospitals, and a 52 percent lower chance of dying when compared to the U.S. national average.

HealthGrades Ratings
HealthGrades rates hospitals independently based on data that hospitals submit to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. No hospital can opt in or out of being rated, and no hospital pays to be rated.

For 28 procedures and treatments, HealthGrades issues star ratings that reflect the mortality and complication rates for each category of care. Hospitals receiving a 5-star rating have mortality or complication rates that are below the national average, to a statistically significant degree. A 3-star rating means the hospital performs as expected. One-star ratings indicate the hospital’s mortality or complication rates in that procedure or treatment are statistically higher than average. Because the risk profiles of patient populations at hospitals are not alike, HealthGrades risk-adjusts the data to allow for apples-to-apples comparisons.

More information on today’s HealthGrades study, including the complete methodology, can be found at www.healthgrades.com. 

Dr. Jeff Oram-Smith, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Chief Medical Officer, presents a 2010 HealthGrades Certificate of Excellence in Quality to Jennifer Robertson (left), Clinical Manager of the Penrose Hospital CCU, and Faith Young, Clinical Manager of the St. Francis Medical Center CCU.  PSF is ranked #1 in Colorado for Overall Critical Care Services for the third consecutive year.  Congrats! (Photo by Johnny Rea)

Cafe Makeover

The newly renovated Penrose Hospital Cafeteria reopened Oct. 12, and offers several new highlights. 

In addition to the new salad bar, hot line, and grill, new menu items include fresh Angus beef burgers, hand cut french fries, and a much expanded selection of items on the salad bar.

The Cafe is also 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

On Feb. 14, the grill in the cafeteria caught on fire and was destroyed.  Nutrition Services was able to make what could have been a tragedy into an opportunity and instead renovated much of the cafeteria. 

Along with the makeover, the cafeteria will also be getting a new name.  Watch the Penrose Pulse in the next couple of weeks for the new name and who suggested it.

Biking Trip

Click on the poster for a larger, printable version.

Harvest Celebration

A Time to Give Thanks

Come join together to celebrate our gratitude for the good things God has given as we share our bounty with others. The Harvest Celebrations will be held Nov 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the chapels at Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center and St. Francis Health Center. 

This celebration features a brief, special liturgy to give thanks for our many blessings. The Harvest Celebration is also the service for collection of all associate names submitted for participation in the annual Associates Holiday Assistance Program.

This program is designed to assist associates and their families who may be experiencing some unexpected demands and need some help during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Associates interested in receiving a little extra help this holiday season complete a form obtained from their manager.  Completed forms must be submitted to managers by Nov. 10.  The manager then puts completed forms in a Confidential envelope, which they bring to the Harvest Celebration.   

Come help us celebrate our associates helping associates.

Kick Butts

Click on the poster for a larger, printable version.

Women's Expo

Women's Living Expo Entertains and Educates Women of All Ages

The weather may have been cold and icy Oct. 10-11, but that didn't keep women from venturing out to the Women's Living Expo. For two days, women visited booths and attended seminars on health, finances, fashion and exercise. 

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services provided expert advice, giveaways, prize drawings and information to more than 500 women on heart health, cancer prevention and women and children's services. 

The expo was a fun time for everyone and we thank all of the Penrose-St. Francis employees and physicians who volunteered their time to help. 

Kathleen Woodard, Dr. Laura Boschert, Mimi Stilson, Christine Simosky and Pat Tetterton pose with a preemie doll at the Women's Living Expo.  The doll is used to teach parents how to buckle a preemie in a car seat.  

Dr. Dirk Pikaart, gynecologist oncologist, explains the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.  Dr. Pikaart was one of five physicians that volunteered their time at the Women's Living Expo.

Smokeout!

Click on the poster for a larger, printable version.

More than Lung, throat, and oral cancer.  Smoking causes an increased risk for cancer of the:
Lung
Bladder
Colon
Kidney
Oral cavity
Nasal cavity and sinus
Throat
Voice box
Pancreas
Stomach
Liver
Cervix
Bone
Ovary

Immunization Grant

Grant Received for Adult Immunizations and H1N1 Community Immunization Clinics.
Medical and non-medical volunteers needed.

By Cynthia Wacker
PSF Mission Outreach

The Penrose-St. Francis Mission Outreach recently received a grant to increase adult immunizations at their fall flu clinics for the under/uninsured in El Paso County.

PSF Mission Outreach is also partners with El Paso County Department of Health and Environment and the Interfaith Health Program at Emory Rollins School of Public Health in two further grants addressing the same populations. 

How does Faith Community Nursing and Immunizations connect with Penrose St. Francis and Centura initiatives?

Advocacy for the uninsured/underinsured is a critical health care access issue.  It is well known and documented that timely immunizations for vaccine preventable diseases reduce hospitalizations and death. Immunizations are also a 2020 National Health Initiative.

When vaccinations become a choice between a $35 pneumonia shot or paying the utilities the decision is really not a choice at all. This is what many families and individuals need to face on a regular basis.

The upstream approach of Centura’s strategic plan challenges us to be the health system that is willing and able to provide disease prevention to keep our community well. We believe all persons should have this option for health in fulfilling our mission. All of our immunizations are offered free to eligible patients.

To reach the widest areas of need we will be requesting medical and non-medical volunteers from Penrose- St. Francis and the community starting with eight clinics in November and December.

There will be specific need for nurses willing to be vaccinators for adult clinics only and for those able and willing to provide H1N1 to those under 18. We also encourage volunteering for the H1N1 health department clinics that will be providing H1N1 vaccinations to our community.

A short synopsis of the grants are listed below:
ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) $24, 992 award for Increasing Vaccination Innovative Project. Offer Pneumonia, Tetanu/Diptheria/Pertusis and  Hepatitis along with Influenza vaccinations for Adults (over 18) through Community Partnering sites to eligible/at risk patients.

El Paso County Department of Health and Environment (EPCDHE) Zoster Vaccine Pilot. PSF Mission Outreach is a partnering agency for providing Zostervax (Shingles) vaccinations for eligible clients ( over 60 population) at adult immunization clinics.

Interfaith Health Program with the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Colorado Springs Interfaith Health Partnership was chosen as one of 10 national sites to receive funding to offer H1N1 clinics to effectively reach vulnerable and hidden populations. This grant and the clinics are for all populations at risk for H1N1 identified by the CDC. The CS partnership includes PSF Mission Outreach, Memorial Health System, UCCS:Bethel School of Nursing, El PCDHE, Westside CARES.

This is an exciting time to be part of a national as well as state initiative.

A list will follow with clinic dates, sites, times and how to volunteer. In the meantime, for questions, please email cynthiawacker@centura.org or call 57-1113 and leave a message.

Wine Tasting

National Medical Librarian's Month

The month of October has been designated as National Medical Librarians month by the Medical Library Association. This year’s theme is “Fishing for Quality Health Information? @sk Your Medical Librarian.”

MLA created the NMLM observance to raise awareness of the important role of the health information professional. Physicians, nurses, patients, and those in the health community need the specialized services that medical librarians provide now more than ever before.

Don’t forget, someone can still win a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble. Simply visit the library this week, Oct. 19–22 and enter the drawing.  We will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to Noon.     

The library will be closed Oct. 23–30.  The Medical Librarian will be on vacation.  If you need access, contact Security at 776-2111 and show them your badge. 

For more information or directions to Webb Library, call Casey Welch, the medical librarian, 776-5288 or e-mail webblibrary@centura.org.   Webb Library will soon have its own Intranet site on MVW.  Look for more information in the Penrose Pulse to learn when this will be “live.”

Success!

The Outreach Committee supply drive for the Marian House was a huge success!

Thank you to everyone who brought in personal care items for the Marian House in August. PSF collected $3,160.53 worth of supplies.  

The Outreach Committee would also like to thank everyone who helped manage the supplies: Deb Osborn, Pat Tetterton, Liz Benavidz and everyone else who helped with the boxes of supplies and getting the stuff to Penrose Hospital.  Thank you also to Marga Callender and Pearl Etchieson for doing inventory of all the supplies.

All your gifts to the Marian House are greatly appreciated. 

Supply Chain Links

Supply Chain “Links,” keeping you connected to the latest supply and clinical initiatives from Supply Chain Management Operations:

Conversion Update October 2009

60-Day Contracts (Products already approved for conversion)
Sharps Containers - Kendall
Esmark Bandages - Cardinal to Trinity
Fetal Monitoring Belts - Advanced Medical, Adams, and Covidien to sole source Covidien

30-Day Contracts (Products still under evaluation)
OR Positioners Table Kits - Remains Covidien
Solidifiers -  Medline to Vital Care
Lap Sponges - Medical Action to Medline
Anti-fog/ Specialty Tubing/Needles Endoscope (only need to change needle off contract) - Mectra or Kendall (current antifog) Needles- Mectra or Ethicon.  Tubing- Multi

New Contracts (Evaluations will begin shortly)  
Oral/Rectal Thermometers - Cardinal/Medline to Kerma
Elastic Bandages - Multiple vendors to Medline
Dialysis Catheters - Angiodynamics, Frenenius, & Medcomp to Bard or Kendall (dual source)
ABG Kits - Westmed to Dual Source with Vital Signs or Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
Resuscitations Bags - Ventasure and Enge  to Dual Source  Ventlab and Ambu

Disposable Digital Thermometers
Patient Single Use Disposable Thermometers are changing to the contracted product by Kerma.
                    
These are primarily used for isolation patients and the new thermometers are Universal.  They may be used for Oral, Rectal, or Ancillary temperatures.  We recommend you mark the thermometer with the route you are using.  To change from Fahrenheit to Celsiusigital or vice versa continue to hold the button switch down over 2 seconds, the C/F icon will display alternately.  There are also instructions included with each thermometer.

HIIP News

NOVEMBER LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “BODY IMAGE AND U”
Appreciate the unique body you were given!  Join Sharon Jacob, RD to help understand how your perceptions and feelings about your body affect the choices you make in life.  Learn tools to love your body again and look your best for the holiday season.  Your power to change your body image is far greater than your power to change your body.  Allow your inner beauty to shine!
Nov. 12, PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room, 12:05-12:35 p.m.
Nov. 18, SFMC/2nd Floor North Care Bldg, Julie Penrose Auditorium, 12:05-12:35 p.m.

FY10 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
Hypertension Intervention: Oct. 21 from 12:15-1 p.m. at ASC/1st Floor Skyline Room
*FISH: Fatty Acids in Seafood Are Healthy: Oct. 29 from 4-4:45 p.m. at SFMC/Meet inside cafeteria
 *Registration is required please contact Michelle at 776-5034.

BIKING OUTING
SFMC Duathlon Bike Ride
Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m., sign in at 9:15 a.m.
Is everyone ready to go outside and enjoy the great outdoors and also earn miles for the Duathlon Challenge! Come join in the fun with Nancetta Williams, Director of Medical Staff Services, who will lead this biking extravaganza. We will plan to meet at 9:15a.m. at St. Francis Medical Center. We will ride out to Black Forest and back to SFMC. All ability levels are welcome.
We will leave PROMPTLY at 9:30a.m., so show up at 9:15a.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 and as long as you want. All of the following distances are ONE-WAY APPROXIMATIONS.  The estimated travel distance is about 21 miles so come prepared.
• From SFMC, turn right on Woodmen, take left on Black Forest Rd.  – with a couple of turns – to Burgess Road (6.14 miles)
• From Burgess Road, turn right at Pine Cone Road, then take right at Herring Road. Continue and take right back onto Burgess Road (9 miles)
• From Burgess, take left at Black Forest, follow back to Woodmen and take Woodmen back to SFMC (5 miles)
Remember to WEAR A HELMET (required to participate), BRING WATER and some FOOD, as you will get thirsty and hungry along the way.  Bring your family, friends, and of course YOUR BIKE!  
*You will receive HIIP fitness activity credit for this event! If you have any questions, please call Nancetta Williams at 776-5114.

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital
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. 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

Check out these 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.

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.

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! 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.

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. 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).

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.

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! 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.

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.

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