O Christmas Tree!

On November 20, PSF participated in the Festival of Trees by donating and decorating a Christmas tree to be auctioned at the Jingle Bell Gala which benefits the many programs of Ecumenical Social Ministries.  The Festival of Trees included over 40 trees decorated by local businesses, churches and individuals. The theme of the PSF tree was the Canticle of the Sun, also known as the Laudes Creaturarum ("Praise of the Creatures").
 
The Canticle of the Sun in its praise of God thanks Him for such creations as "Brother Fire" and "Sister Water". It is an affirmation of Francis' personal theology as he often referred to animals as brothers and sisters to Mankind, rejected material accumulation and sensual comforts in favor of "Lady Poverty".

Thee tree was decorated with snow frosted pine cones and glass balls, ribbon garlands hand-calligraphied with a different canticle, tiny birds, twigs and white lights. A statue of St. Francis stood in front of the tree along with a book explaining the theme. Collectively, the committee spent 200 plus hours creating ornaments and decorating the tree. 

The PSF tree was chosen to be one of ten trees to be a part of the live auction. Thelma Morici, who bid on the tree and won, graciously donated it to the John Zay House. The tree, St. Francis statue, and book are currently on display in the foyer of the John Zay House.

PSF thanks the following tree decorating committee members for their hard work and creativity: Julie Cox, Pat Burgess, Sharon Jacob, Kathleen Woodard, Lisa Dykes, Sandra Duve, Ken Glaeser

The committee thanks Sr. Lou Krippel for providing materials on St. Francis of Assisi and artwork prints that were used for the tree topper.

 
Operation Christmas Tree:  Julie Cox, Pat Burgess, Ken Glaeser, Sandra Duve and Sharon Jacob decorate the PSF tree.

Breakfast with Santa

Click on flyer for a printable version.

New Endocrinologist

Penrose-St. Francis welcomes endocrinologist, Dr. Michael S. Koren, to the Centura Health family. He brings a wealth of experience to southern Colorado and understands the importance of working collaboratively with the patient and his/her primary care physician. His practice, Advanced Care in Endocrinology & Diabetes, is the only endocrinology practice in southern Colorado with a dedicated team of dietitians, diabetes educators and foot care providers working all in one place to develop a treatment plan that’s right for patients.

His expertise includes a wide variety of hormonal and metabolic conditions, including:

     • Metabolic syndrome
     • Diabetes
     • Hyperlipidemia
     • Nutritional deficiencies
     • Abnormal thyroid and parathyroid function
     • Thyroid cancer
     • Osteoporosis
     • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
     • Hypogonadism
     • Adrenal, pituitary problems and others

Dr. Koren completed his residency at Basset Healthcare, a major teaching hospital of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in Cooperstown, New York and specialized in metabolism, endocrinology and nutrition at the University of Washington in Seattle. Throughout his training he received many honors including the Aventis Metabolism Scholarship Award, Medical School Honor Diploma and Medial School Diploma for research activity. He is a member of the American Diabetes Association, The Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

Dr. Koren is board-certified in Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 719-776-ENDO (3636).

Advanced Care in Endocrinology & Diabetes
3207 N. Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO  80907

Lunch n' Learn

Click on flyer for a printable version.

For Your Spirit

Advent began Sunday, November 29 and during this season of waiting, the Spiritual Care Department will offer Tuesdays in Advent.  At noon each Tuesday during Advent, there will be a service in the Chapel at Penrose Main for a journey of spiritual renewal.  Each service will offer reflection, prayer and sacred music. We hope you can join us each week as we make the journey.

December Blood Drives

You're Invited!

Click on flyer for a printable version.

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.

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. 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.       

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!  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

HIIP News

DECEMBER LUNCH 'N LEARN
"Give the Most Important Gift This Christmas: Health, How to Tell Loved Ones You are Concerned About Their Health”
The wonderful Christmas season is just around the corner.  Why not give what could be the most important gift of all to someone special in your life.  This LNL presented by Paul Anderson from Spiritual Care will help you more effectively communicate your concern for their health without jeopardizing the relationship.  Paul will help you discover ways, both verbally and non-verbally, to encourage your loved ones to take better care of themselves physically, spiritually and emotionally.  Come celebrate this magical season and make a difference in your loved ones’ life!

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 12:05-12:35 p.m., SFMC/NorthCare Building, 2nd floor Julie Penrose Center, Breakout room
Thursday, Dec. 10, 12:05-12:35 p.m., PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room
 
FY10 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
4070 Talk, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 7:30-8:15a.m., PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room
Family Fun Fitness: Friday, Dec. 11, 11:30-12:15 p.m. at ASC/1st Floor Skyline Room
Get Tech to Keep Your Weight:  Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 11:30-12:15 p.m. at SFMC/Northcare bldg, 2nd fl, Julie Penrose Center

SELF CARE
Thursday, Dec. 3, 7:30-8:15 a.m.,  PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room

Give the Best Gift this Christmas- The Gift of Blood!
Donate Blood! December 1-8
*Raffle for prizes!
For all PH blood donations Dec 1-8 please call x5822 to schedule an appointment.
The Blood Drive Blood Vessel with be visiting the following locations:
Dec. 8 from 2-6 p.m., SFMC/ Main entrance
Dec. 15 from 9-12 p.m., ASC/Main entrance
Blood donation counts as one Club HIIP Education Credit!

HIKING CLUB - December Night Walk - It’s Christmas Time in Colorado!!!!
Saturday, Dec. 5, 4:15 p.m.
We will walk through the Broadmoor neighborhood to enjoy holiday decorations with an added tour into The Broadmoor Hotel and around the lake! Fun for all ages! Stroller accessible!
Where: The Bank of Broadmoor parking lot on the left side of Lake Ave at Spring Meadow Dr.
Distance: 3 miles will include the neighborhood streets and the Broadmoor Hotel 
*Dress for winter weather!  **Walk will be cancelled if sidewalk and road surfaces are dangerous because of snow and/or ice.  If in doubt, call Erin Heberlein at 720-985-6579.

Directions: Take I-25 South to Exit #138 (S. Circle Dr). Go West on Circle Drive.  Circle Drive becomes Lake Ave.  Continue straight on Lake Ave 1.8 miles to Spring Meadow Dr. The Bank of Broadmoor will be on the left. 
For more information please contact ErinHeberlein@centura.org
**Participation counts as a Club HIIP COMMUNITY FITNESS CREDIT**

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
SFMC Wellness Center- Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.
PH Wellness Center- Dec. 10 at 8 a.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- Dec 17 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

HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES
Please note: The HIIP Office will be closed on Thursday, December 24 at 12:00 p.m.- Friday, December 25 in observance of Christmas. The HIIP office will close on Thursday, December 31 at 12:00p.m.- Friday, January 1 in observance of New Years Day.

News Briefs

RONALD McDONALD FAMILY ROOM
The Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. Francis Medical Center is open but is always looking for volunteers. For more information or to volunteer, 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.

ATTENTION NURSES
South State RN Residency Program for New Graduate Registered Nurses and Back to Practice Nurses will be held March 3rd-April 7th 2010.  Whether you are a new graduate RN or an experienced nurse returning to the profession, Centura Health provides an ideal way to develop your professional practice in a caring, safe and nurturing patient-focused culture.  Internal Centura associates, please apply online to requisition # 36159 which can be accessed through the following path: MVW, Associates, Human Resources, Careers, Careers Centura, Internal Career Site. Questions? Call Human Resources at 776-4796.    

Cafeteria Menu

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

MONDAY
Breakfast: Western Breakfast Skillet, Eggs Florentine
Lunch: Chicken Teriyaki, Shepherd’s Pie, Garlic Salmon Cakes,
Mac & Cheese, Baked Potato Bar, Blackberry Cobbler

TUESDAY
Breakfast :French Toast, Sausage Egg Muffin Sandwich
Lunch: Beef Fajitas, Beef Taco Bowl, Santa Fe Chicken Rolls, Beef Chimichanga, Roast Turkey, Jalopeno Poppers, Churros

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Fruit Topped Pancakes, Breakfast Burritos
Lunch: Grill Chicken Spinach Jack Sandwich, Meatball Marinara, Scallop Seafood Saute over mini Shells ,Chocolate Lava Cake

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Denver Omelet, Waffles, Sausage Gravy & Biscuit
Lunch: Turkey Bacon Swiss Sandwich, Fresh Veggie Stir Fry, White Wine Butter Salmon, Apricot Pork Chops, Pistachio Cake

FRIDAY
Breakfast: Bagel Breakfast Sandwich, Green Chili Omelet
Lunch: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Catfish, Beef Bacon Cabernet Stew, Chicken Marsala, Spicy Chicken Wings, Cran-Apple Crisp.

SATURDAY
Breakfast: Minnesota Egg Casserole, Chipped Beef & Biscuit
Lunch: Meat Lasagna, Beer Battered Fish, Popcorn Chicken, Rosemary Roasted Potato ,Beef Chili,  Apple Dumpling.

SUNDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles, Red Potato Home Fries, Mac & Cheese
Lunch: Fried Chicken, Cabbage Rolls, Patty Melts,
Garlic Mashed Potato, Green Peas, Cherry Apple Cobbler