Town Hall Meetings

Come one, come all,
To the PSF Town Hall!

Town Hall Meetings are this week! Make plans to attend one that that fiits in your schedule.

What is this all about and why should I come?
This is your chance to learn more about all of the things that are going on at PSF, straight from the executive team.

Special movie premiere - Did you help out with one of the 2020 videos at Penrose or SFMC? If so, they will be premiered at the town hall meetings. You don't want to miss these.

Monday, April 12

9:30 a.m., Penrose Hospital, Cancer Center Conference Rooms

2 p.m., SFMC, Conference Room 1

4 p.m., Penrose Hospital, Cancer Center Conference Rooms

Tuesday, April 13

7:30 a.m., Penrose Hospital, Cancer Center Conference Rooms

12 p.m., Penrose Hospital, Cancer Center Conference Rooms

2 p.m., HLC, Pikes Peak, Longs Peak & Mount Evans Rooms

4:30 p.m., SFMC, Conference Room 1

Wednesday, April 14

7:30 a.m., SFMC, Conference Room 1

10 a.m., SFHC, 5th Floor – Summit Room

2 p.m., Penrose Hospital, Cancer Center Conference Rooms

4:30 p.m., Penrose Hospital, Cancer Center Conference Rooms

Thursday, April 15

9:30 a.m., SFMC, Conference Room 1 & 2

12 p.m., SFMC, Conference Room 1 & 2

2010 Associate Campaign

Coming Soon...

As we prepare for this year’s Associate Campaign, we are privileged to share some of the meaningful ways you’ve made a difference for each other. The economy and health issues have affected one of our associates in an overwhelming way. A short time after his spouse was diagnosed with cancer, her job was eliminated. Their savings wasn’t nearly enough to pay medical bills and cover other expenses while she was looking for work. Through your unselfish giving to the Associate Financial Assistance program, this associate received financial assistance to help pay utility and phone bills.  hank you for helping this family during their financial crisis.     

The 2010 Associate Campaign officially kicks off on April 22.  That is just next week!   

We hope you will consider being an Hour Club member. Every donation is important to the Campaign, but Hour Club members get to pick from one of two Hour Club gift choices – a fleece blanket or mug.  o qualify as an Hour Club member, full-time associates donate an hour of pay per pay period and part-time associates donate a half hour of pay per pay period, via payroll deduction. 

For more information regarding the 2010 Associate Campaign, please contact the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation at 776-7760.

Meet Your Executives

As I began to write this profile about Diane LeBlanc, President and Chief Development Officer of Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation, I asked myself, what is the most interesting thing about Diane that people would be interested in knowing? Is it her four adult children and nine grandchildren? What about 22 years experience in fundraising? Or is it Allie, the cat that thinks of her as staff? Then I found that nugget of information I was looking for.

“Charlie and I like to shoot,” said Diane. “We shoot wildlife with our cameras, and targets with our guns! We are involved in the Single Action Shooting Society.” For those of you who may not know, the Single Action Shooting Society is a group that supports the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™. (Think six-shooters and late 1800 period clothing.) “We have fun attending matches and going back to the time of the Old West,” said Diane.

As President and Chief Development Officer, she leads a talented team in helping people achieve their financial and charitable objectives while advancing our healing ministries. Their job is to help people express their passions in a way that affirms their values.  This is done by building relationships, engendering trust, inspiring passion and bestowing honor.

“It may seem strange, but fundraising isn’t about the money!” Diane said. “It’s about what the money provides – not only to our patients and community, but also to our donors. As one donor said, ‘Giving isn’t about what you get from it—but what you become by it.”

In addition to her role at the Foundation, Diane serves as a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve. She recently served on active duty as a policy and strategic planner in Afghanistan with joint US and coalition forces. In her Reserve duty, she currently supports NORAD/USNORTHCOM in Colorado Springs. “Between PSF and the Navy, I sometimes feel like I have two full-time jobs,” said Diane. 

Her husband, Charlie, is a former Marine and retired from Civil Service with the Department of the Navy, Military Sealift Command. He is now in charge of wildlife welfare on their property in Black Forest. “We enjoy our four adult children and grandchildren who live in Albuquerque and Santa Fe,” said Diane.

“People sometimes say to me, “How can you ask for money?” said Diane. “But when you see the many miracles that happen at our facilities each and every day, I ask, “How can you not?” When we send a healthy baby home from our NICU, or Flight for Life saves a family at a remote accident, or someone who was once wheelchair-bound can learn to walk again – all in part because we asked for the gift – the answer is clear. It is our service to others. It is our mission. It is our ministry.”

Donate Life Month 2010

In honor of National Donate Life Month, we have provided an educational opportunity (cake included) to learn more about organ and tissue donation.

Monday, April 12
Penrose Hospital - 1st floor near the Chapel - 10 a.m. - noon
SFMC - 1st floor lobby - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Enjoy a piece of cake, meet people who who have actually received organs,  learn how it has changed their lives and learn more how you can help; either by becoming a registered donor or helping our hospitals to recognize when organ and tissue donation is appropriate.

In 2009, Colorado became the nation’s highest performing state donor registry with 64 percent of people saying yes to donation and registering as organ and tissue donors when obtaining or renewing their driver’s license.

Colorado’s donor designation rate- the percentage of people who enroll as registered donors when obtaining or renewing their driver’s license- ranked second nationally in 2008.  In April of 2009, Colorado re-launched the Colorado Donor Registry to Donate Life Colorado and initiated a campaign to increase the donor designation rate. While Colorado has moved to number one in nation, there is still work to be done. Colorado’s goal is to increase the percentage of people who say yes to organ and tissue donation to 71 percent by April 2011.

Organ donors save the lives of more than 28,000 Americans on average each year. 1,500,000 tissue transplants occur in the U.S. each year and close to half a million Americans benefit from the lifesaving and healing gifts organ and tissue donors provide, according to Sue Dunn, president and CEO of Donor Alliance, the non-profit organ procurement organization serving Colorado and most of Wyoming.

Yet, despite these statistics, one of the nation’s most pressing public health issues is the widening gap between the supply and demand for organ and tissue transplants. According to Dunn, more than 100,000 Americans currently await a lifesaving organ transplant with 18 people dying each day due to the shortage of donated organs. In Colorado and Wyoming, more than 1,900 people are waiting.

We all have the power to save a life.  Just one organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and more than 100 lives through tissue donation. Organs that can be donated include the heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas and small bowel. Tissues that can be donated include bone, tendons, corneas, veins, valves and skin.

Coloradans can register their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor in the following ways:
• Online at DonateLifeColorado.org.
• At the Division of Motor Vehicles the next time you obtain or renew your driver’s license.
• By calling 1-888-256-4386.

Colorado Is Nation’s Highest Performing State Donor Registry in 2009

Learn more about organ and tissue donation

Let's Go Bowling...

Click on the flyer for a printable version.

You're a Good Egg...

Look at all those eggs...

Last week, the Rewards & Recognition Team sponsored “You’re A Good Egg.”  This was an Egg-cellent opportunity to Rec-Egg-Nize a co-worker for the great job they do each day. As you can tell, hundreds of associates were recognized for their great work.

The Value of Survivorship and Palliative Care

This article was submitted to the NCCCP to be included in an upcoming brochure.

The Value of Survivorship and Palliative Care Programs at Penrose Cancer Center

People going through cancer treatment have appointments almost every day. They may meet with their doctors, go to radiation or chemotherapy treatments, meet with a nutritionist or physical therapist.

“During my seven months of cancer treatment, I couldn’t focus on anything else,” said June, a breast cancer survivor. “I put everything else on hold, even my volunteer work. It seemed like I had something every day, even on holidays.”

Because of this frequent interaction, patients often develop a bond with their caregivers. But what happens when that treatment program is over? What do you do when your doctor says that he doesn’t need to see you for six months? Research shows that patients often feel abandoned.

Survivorship

A survivorship program is designed to help patients who have completed treatment but still need the support of the cancer center. At Penrose Cancer Center in Colorado Springs, the nurse navigators are there to guide people through their cancer treatment process by scheduling appointments, answering questions and even attending appointments with the patient.

“When you are going through chemotherapy, your mind isn’t as clear as it normally is,” said June. “My nurse navigator attended appointments with me to help me remember what the doctor had said. Also, when you call the doctor, he was so busy that it sometimes would take hours before he had a chance to call back. My nurse would always call back within minutes.”

When treatment is complete, people still have a nurse navigator to help them through that transition and, hopefully, erasing that feeling of abandonment. The survivorship nurse navigator provides each patient a complete summary of their cancer treatment along with a survivorship care plan. This care plan is coordinated with the care team and includes follow-up tests, health considerations and even resources of who to call with questions. One of the most important aspects of the survivorship program is to ensure that the patient’s primary care provider is informed and can continue to provide appropriate care.

“I never felt abandoned or lost,” said June. “It was reassuring to know that someone was always there for me.”

“I always want people to know that even though they are done with treatment, we are still here for them,” said Stacy Rossow, survivorship nurse navigator at the Penrose Cancer Center. “I always tell them that even if you are just having a bad day, you can call me.”

Palliative Care

When people hear the term palliative care, hospice is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Hospice is only one part of palliative care. Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of a serious illness with a goal to prevent and relieve suffering and provide the best quality of life for patients and their families.

At the Penrose Cancer Center, the goal is to fight the cancer with a curative treatment. Palliative care is provided right along with medical treatments. This type of care can include the management of difficult symptoms or side effects associated with the illness or treatment. It can also include spiritual and emotional support during hospitalization or treatment. In some cases, it can include hospice care or grief counseling.

“We may have a patient who tells us that they haven’t been out of their house in the past three months, except for cancer treatments, because they are so tired,” said Ginny Vravick, palliative care nurse at Penrose Hospital. “Our job is to find out what is making them tired and help address that because even though you may have cancer, your quality of life is still important.”

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, others asked why I wasn’t going to one of the famous cancer centers,” said June. “I told them that I know we have good people here at Penrose. I felt comfortable here. This is coming from someone who was a nurse her whole career and is married to a physician.”

A cancer patient rings the bell three times to signify the completion of her cancer treatment as staff and her family gather around to celebrate the moment.

Laughter is the best medicine

This is a weekly series of fun stories and jokes to help brighten your day and put a smile on your face.

At the Wedding

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?"

"Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life."

The child thought about this for a moment, then said "So why is the groom wearing black?"

Instruction About Church

A Sunday school teacher asked the children just before she dismissed them to go to church, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"

Annie replied, "Because people are sleeping."

Money for the Pastor

A little boy was given a five dollar bill to put in the collection plate. When the offering came around, he wouldn't put it in. But after the end of the service, when he went to shake the pastor's hand, he pulled out the five dollar bill and gave it to the pastor. The pastor asked him, "Why are you giving me this money? Why didn't you put it in the offering plate?"

And the boy answered, "Because my mommy told me you're the poorest pastor we've ever had!"

Living Well with Cancer...

Click on the flyer for a printable version.

News Briefs

Lunch with Margaret and Nate
Make plans to join us for the next "Lunch with Margaret." Join Margaret and Nate Olson at SFMC on Monday, April 26 at 11:30 a.m. in Conf. Rm. 1. Lunch is open to everyone – associates, volunteers and physicians – working at any PSF facility. Space is limited to 20 people per month, so an R.S.V.P is required by e-mailing Julie Cox at juliecox@centura.org. Include your contact information, the department and facility you work for, and a number where you can be reached.

The Department of Volunteer Services is in need of items that have a direct impact on patients served in our facilities. 
-  The Cancer Resource Center located at Penrose Hospital would appreciate any new or gently used caps, hats, and scarves.  These items may be brought to the Volunteer Services Office at either Penrose Hospital or St-Francis Medical Center.
-  The Volunteer Services Office is in need of magazines that can be distributed through out the facilities to our patients and visitors.  The magazines should be current within 3 months of print.  Magazines may be taken to any location Information Desk or to the Volunteer Services Office at either Penrose Hospital or St-Francis Medical Center.

If you have any questions regarding any items needed, please feel free to contact Heather Graves, Director Of Volunteer Services at 719.776.5268 or heathergraves@centura.org.
Thank you

HIIP News

HIIP News April 12-18
                                                                                 
APRIL LUNCH 'N LEARN
"Spirituality and Balance”
Do you ever feel life throws you off center? Are you so busy with too many tasks and responsibilities? You feel rushed and frazzled as you go from one thing to the next. Wouldn’t it feel great to just stop and take a “breather,” to re-center? Join Ruth McIntyre and Tom Umbel (Chaplain Residents) to learn simple exercises to practice during your hectic schedule. These exercises will contribute to good health, peace of mind, and more effective service.                                                                         
Wed, April 28, 12:05-12:35 p.m., SFMC/Conference Room 1                                       
Thurs, April 29, 12:05-12:35 p.m., PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room                                        

HYPERTENSION INTERVENTION                      
Want to try another way to Protect Your Heart?
Fridays 12 – 12:45p.m.: April 16, 23 at the PH/E-tower basement aerobics room
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.
***Only Two weeks left!!!!!!

COMMUNITY WALK
March for Babies Walk: Saturday, April 24, 2010 at America the Beautiful Park, 8:30 a.m.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. With the walk starting at 8:30 a.m. To join, simply visit www.marchforbabies.org and click on “Join A Team.” In the search box type in “Centura Health,” click on the “Centura Health” link and the team name “Centura Health- Penrose St. Francis” should appear. Click on this team and enter your information to create a personal profile. For further questions or information please call Erin Heberlein at 776-7394.

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form       
St. Francis Medical Center                                    
Yoga: Session 4: Starts, Monday, April 26 from 5-6:15 p.m. in the North Care Bldg, 2nd Floor Julie Penrose Center for a  6 week session                                        
Penrose Main                                                                                                  
Bootcamp: Session 3: Starts, Monday, April 12 from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks      
Body Toning: Session 6a/b: Starts, Monday, April 19 from 11:45-12:50 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks                                
Body Toning: Session 7a/b: Starts, Thursday, April 22 from 11:45-12:50 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks ******NEW Thursday Class!!!!            
Yoga for a healthy back: Sess 3: Starts, Tuesday, April 20 from 5:15-6:45 p.m. PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks              
****HIIP Coupon available at all HIIP Flyer boards, Mocha Madness Promotion: Bring a that has never taken a Class before to Club HIIP’s Group Fitness Classes, and you both will receive a $5 gift certificate to Java Mountain!!! 

FY10 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES                      
Active Aging, Apr. 14, 7:30-8:15 a.m., SFMC/Conference Rooms 2-3            
Hiking Fourteeners, Apr. 20, 11:30-12:15 p.m., SFMC/Conference Rooms 1-2                                   

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839,                                                
SFMC Wellness Center- Apr. 15th at 5 p.m.                  
PH Wellness Center- Apr. 20th at 4 p.m.                                                                                          SFMC Wellness Center- Apr. 28th at 1 p.m.                                        
Anyone over 40 years old must have a physician’s form signed giving permission to use Wellness Centers. 

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Thursday at 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet.
Contact Michelle Somers x5034
SFMC Walking Club:  Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. meet outside 1st floor/valet entrance. If temperature is below 30 degrees- cancelled.  Contact Rox x11064

HLC Second Quarter Classes

SCHEDULE OF HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM CLASSES
Wellness Classes: April 1 through June 30, 2010

Please call the following number for additional information or to register for any of the classes listed below. All classes require pre-registration / cancellation a minimum of 24 hours prior.

Penrose Health Learning Center
(719) 776-3600
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All Wellness classes held at Penrose Health Learning Center, 1644 Medical Center Point (Union and Templeton Gap) unless otherwise noted.

T’ai Chi – A form of ancient Chinese martial arts that works to improve body awareness, strength and coordination.
Date/Time: NEW TIME!!!! 
- Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the first Tuesday of the month
April 6 through 29, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
- Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the first Tuesday of each month
April 6 through 29 and June 1 through 24      
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Cost:       $40.00 / 4-week session
         
Exercising with the Physioball Level I – This four-week class will focus on core stability and strength, toning abdominals, lower back strengthening and stretching, upper and lower body musculature. A physioball will be given to each participant to encourage completion of weekly homework assignments.  Class meets for 45-minutes once per week for four-weeks.
Date/Time: Mondays, April 19 through May 10, 5:15 – 6:00 pm
 
Cost:       $40.00 / 4-week session 
            
Exercising with the Physioball Level II – For those individuals who have completed Level I, this class offers a more advanced and challenging full body workout. Continue building on your inventory of therapeutic exercised to advance your overall  fitness level. Bring your physioball from Level I . Class meets for 45-minutes once per week for four-weeks.
Date/Time: Mondays, June 7 through 28,5:15 – 6:00 pm
 
Cost:       $30.00 / 4-week session
            
NEW!! Increasing Movement through Circuit Training – Have you seen the infomercials on TV about P90X or “Intensity Workouts”?  Circuits are simply a combination of exercises (core, upper body, lower body and cardio) completed in a continuous format. They may be done for any fitness level and at any individual speed or intensity.  What a fun way to get a great workout for the entire body in a shorter amount of time.  Come join the fun and be ready to sweat!
Date/Time: Tuesdays, May 4 through 25, 4:45 – 5:30 pm
 
Cost:  $30.00 / 4-week session
           
NEW! Metabolic Syndrome - Dr. Michael Koren, endocrinologist, along with dietitians, exercise physiologists and lifestyle counselors, will help you understand what metabolic syndrome is (a combination of risk factors obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL, high LDL and elevated blood pressure), what causes it and how you can reverse its deadly path.
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 8, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Cost:  FREE
        
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.
Date/Time: By appointment only
Contact 776-3600 to schedule your intake to initiate your membership
   
Cost:  $46.00 / month
            
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.  Date/Time: By appointment only
Contact 776-3600 to schedule your appointment
   
  Cost:  $50.00
 
New!  Feel the Burn in Training Camp  (A bit like Boot Camp)– A 45-minute comprehensive session that will let you know you have done something good for your body and your heart!  A blend of calisthenics, core and cardio to upbeat music.  No dance or coordination required for this one!
Date/Time: Thursdays, May 6 through 27,12:15  – 1:00 pm
 
Cost:  $30.00 / 4 week session
 
New!  Probiotics and Health Promotion - Did you know there are friendly organisms living in some of the foods you eat?  This class will introduce you to these organisms, known as Probiotics, and show you how to incorporate these into your daily routine.  
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 13,  5:15 – 6:15 pm
   
Cost:  $20.00
 
Aquatics Classes – The Penrose Health Learning Center in cooperation with Colorado Sports and Spine. A structured class 2-3 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).
Date/Time: M/W/F   M/F  M/W  T/Th
    10:30 – 11:30 a.m.  12:30-1:30 p.m. 5:00-6:00 p.m. 8:30-9:30 a.m.
    11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.     11:30-12:30 p.m.
           12:30-1:30
  Cost:       $46.00 / month for 2x / week
    $66.00 / month for 3x / week
 
The following class is held at Penrose Hospital, New E Tower, Basement Aerobics Room, 2222 N. Nevada Ave.

NEW!!! BOSU Ball Noon Class – Those funny looking ½ physioballs make for a great stability and cardio workout.  Have fun learning to use a new tool while getting a great calorie burn.  Workout for balance, stability, core, and cardio.  This class is an efficient and effective exercise option for your lunch time.  Register early as there is only space for the first lucky 13 people!Date/Time: Wednesdays, April 7 through 28,    12:15 – 12:45 pm

Cost:       $30.00 / 4 week session

Cafeteria Menu

Penrose Hospital Breakfast & Lunch Menu
(for more choices including Dinner, call # 776-5408)

For SFMC menu, please call menu line at # 571-1001

MONDAY
Breakfast: Western Breakfast Skillet, Eggs Florentine
Lunch: Chicken Dumplings, Penne Pasta & Choice Sauce, Sloppy Joe’s, Beer Battered Cod, Chili Dog, RaspApple Cobbler

TUESDAY
Breakfast :French Toast, Sausage Egg Muffin Sandwich
Lunch: Turkey, Cheddar & Pepper Sub Sandwich, Chili Rellanos, Beef Taco Bowl, Green Chili, Battered Shrimp, Chocolate Brownie

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Fruit Topped Pancakes, Breakfast Burritos
Lunch: Grill Chicken Spinach Jack Sandwich, Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, Beef Stir Fry, Calamari & Marinara,   Bread Pudding

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Denver Omelet, Waffles, Sausage Gravy & Biscuit
Lunch: Turkey Bacon Swiss Sandwich, Fresh Veggie Stir Fry, Burgundy Beef Stew, BBQ Pork Wings, Tri-ColorCheese Tortellini

FRIDAY
Breakfast: Bagel Breakfast Sandwich, Green Chili Omelet
Lunch: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Gorgonzola Mahi Mahi, Ratatouille, Chik Filet Burger

SATURDAY
Breakfast: Minnesota Egg Casserole, Chipped Beef & Biscuit
Lunch: Montana Slow Cooked Pork, Meat Lasagna ,Garlic Bread Popcorn Chicken, Peas & Pearl Onion, Blackberry Cobbler

SUNDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles, Red Potato Home Fries, Mac & Cheese
Lunch: Fried Chicken, Baked Honey Ham, Sweet Potato & Marshmallow, Collard Greens, Baked Biscuits, Apple Dumplings