2010 Associate Campaign

WOW!  What a Kickoff!

The 2010 Associate Campaign kicked off on Thursday, April 22 with the largest total of pre-campaign gifts ever – $140,000 toward a goal of $325,000!  Pat Dwyer and Phil Zook, campaign chairs, thanked the volunteers and expressed their enthusiasm for another record-breaking year.  Nate Olson stressed the importance of participation over amount of gift, noting that external donors and funding sources look to see how many of those “closest to the organization” are giving.  By participating in the Associate Campaign, you are making a difference for people served by your generosity and also inspiring other gifts.  Foundation President Diane LeBlanc thanked Margaret Sabin for the gift from Penrose-St. Francis Health Services to the campaign in honor of PSF associates who participated in the health screening.  This gift of almost $4,500 will be put toward the Associate Assistance Fund to help associates who find themselves in an unexpected financial crisis.

For more information regarding the 2010 Associate Campaign, please see one of the Executive Committee members or volunteers with their red ribbons or contact the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation at 776-7760.

NCCCP Grant

Penrose-St. Francis Awarded Stimulus Funding to Expand Research Opportunities that Benefit Cancer Patients

The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, is using $80 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to expand research benefiting patients at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and the other 15 members of the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) and to add 14 new sites to the network.

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services will use its funding – $1,499,299 - for 11 projects, including the development of a comprehensive smoking cessation program for cancer survivors and cancer screenings for underserved populations.

The NCCCP is a network of community-hospital cancer centers that is working to provide research-based cancer care spanning the full cancer continuum – from prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship through end-of-life care. The program is designed as a community-based platform to support basic, clinical and population-based research initiatives.

Bright Idea

Ever fallen asleep while on hold? Well, she didn’t fall asleep but one associate found out first hand how boring our on-hold music was.

Tahira Ahmad, supervisor for imaging services at Penrose, recently called the office on her day off. One of her team put her on hold for a few minutes. As she sat on hold, she began to wonder if she had been forgotten. Then she began to wonder how our patients feel when they get put on hold. As she thought about this later, she realized that we were missing an opportunity, not only to provide something for people to listen to while on hold, but a chance to reinforce our organization’s messages.

When she returned to work, she proposed the idea of on-hold messaging to her director. Lonnie Cramer took the idea to the executive team who asked the marketing department to look into this. Within a few weeks, a new message service was in place.

Tahira thought it was a joke (it was April 1st after all) when her son told her that he had just heard messages while on hold. She didn’t believe it until she heard it herself. Thanks to her bright idea, Penrose Hospital, SFMC, ASC, EAP and HLC all have a professional and consistent on-hold service that plays six PSF messages and a seasonal health tip in between soft music

You can listen to the messages by dialing 1900010 from PH, or 1900043 from SFMC.

Tahira Ahmad, supervisor for Imaging Services at Penrose

HealthGrades Women's Health Excellence Award

Study Finds Women’s Care at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services in the Top Five percent

Hospital Receives HealthGrades Women’s Health Excellence Award

Women’s care at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is among the top five percent in the nation for the second time, according to an independent study of patient outcomes released by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization. The study evaluated 16 women’s medicine, cardiovascular, and bone and joint health treatments and procedures over the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 using data from the federal Medicare program.  This year, Penrose St. Francis is the only provider in Colorado to achieve this distinction.

“We're extremely honored to be recognized for our excellent women’s health care,” said Margaret Sabin, president and Chief Executive Officer for Penrose-St. Francis. “We know that women’s health care is unique and have formed a group of female physicians, nurses, health educators and community leaders to help Penrose-St. Francis frame the vision that will ensure women in southern Colorado receive the absolute best health care available. Excellence in women’s health at Penrose-St. Francis has only just begun.”

Of the 5,000 hospitals that met minimum volume thresholds and other criteria, Penrose and 165 other hospitals were identified as top performers, receiving the 2010/2011 HealthGrades Women’s Health Excellence Award™.

Be a Hero - Learn CPR

Click on the flyer for a printable version.

Administrative Professionals

On Professional Administrative Assistant Day, April 21, the PSF executive assistants hosted a celebration luncheon for all of the administrative and business support associates at PSF.  The executive assistants performed a humorous program about the history and fashion of secretaries and assistants "Then and Now" throughout the years (check out the costumes in the photo below). The event also provided an opportunity for administrative assistants to network peer-to-peer, strengthening our foundation here at PSF and Centura. Pat Burgess and Barb Matzker welcomed and thanked all the administrative assistants for their dedication and commitment to excellence. The luncheon was decorated with beautiful flowers that went home with many of the attendees, and was a fun way to gratefully acknowledge their outstanding work.

Let's Go Bowling...

Click on the flyer for a printable version.

Weight Watchers at Work

Click on the flyer for a printable version.

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.

____

Hospital regulations require a wheelchair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman -- already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet -- who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital.

After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.

"I don't know," he said. "She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown."

___

A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop. The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?"

The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I make $39,675 a year and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?"

The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic...''Try doing it with the engine running."

News Briefs

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 26-May 2, 2010  

Weight Watchers at Work
Weight Watchers at Work wants YOU to join the program NOW! Swimsuit season will be here before we know it!! Feel great & look sizzling HOT this summer!

If 15 people sign up
13 week series: $152.00 per member $11.70 per week
MUCH BETTER DEAL IF…
If 20 people sign up it will be a 17-Week Series
4 extra weeks only $14 more!!!!
HIIP will pay $20.00 for each person if we can get 20 people!  Bottom-line price to you = $166.00 and you get 19 weeks of FREE E-TOOLS!!!!!!  (3 part payment plan available)

Join us for a FREE information session on Wed, April 28, 2010 from 5:30-6:00 pm in the PH/Volunteer Conference Room.

Please contact Michelle Somers at 776-5034 to RSVP or if you would like more information.

                                                                            
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                  

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                                                                                                  
Power Up!: Session 1: Starts, Saturday, May 1, from 9-10:30 a.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 5 weeks                                                                    
Pilates: Session 8: Starts, Wednesday, May 5, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 5 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       
Art of French Sauté, Apr. 8, 5-6:15 p.m., Health Learning Center (Fillmore/Templeton Gap), Kitchen   ****Registration required, please call Michelle at x5034 to see if space is available                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. 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

Click on the flyer for a printable version.

HLC Second Quarter Classes

SCHEDULE OF HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM CLASSES
Wellness Classes 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 each month 
June 1 through 24      
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

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
  

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.

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, Sausage & Biscuits
Lunch            Garlic Crab Cakes, Chicken Teriyaki, Shepherd's Pie, Mac & Cheese,
                      Rueben Sandwich, Baked Potato Bar, Grilled Chicken, Blackberry Cobbler.

TUESDAY
Breakfast      French Toast & Syrup, Sausage, Egg, Cheese McMuffin, Chipped Beef
Lunch            Beef Taco Bowl, Turkey Cheddar Pepper Panini, Beef Chimichanga,
                      Jalapeño Poppers, Beef Fajita's, Santa Fe Egg Rolls, Cinnamon Churros.

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast      Fruit Topped Pancakes, Breakfast Burritos, Green Chili, Red Potato Fries
Lunch            Scallop & Seafood Sauté, Swiss Tuna & Tomato Melt, Chicken Tenders
                      Mushroom Meatball Marinara & Pasta, Chocolate Lava Cakes.

THURSDAY
Breakfast       Denver Omelet, Waffles, Sausage Gravy & Biscuit, Shredded Hash Browns
Lunch             Grilled Turkey Bacon Swiss, Fresh Veggie Stir Fry, Pork Chop Apricot Sauce,
                       White Wine Salmon, Mile High Panini, Baked Potato Bar, Pistachio Cake.

FRIDAY
Breakfast      Bagel Breakfast Sandwich, Green Chili Omelet, Tater Tots
Lunch            Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Beef Bacon Cabernet Stew, Fried Catfish,
                      Chicken Marsala, BBQ Hot Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, Apple Cranberry Crisp.

SATURDAY
Breakfast      Minnesota Baked Casserole, Chipped Beef & Biscuit, Hash Browns
Lunch            Beer Battered Fish, Popcorn Chicken, Meat Lasagna, Rosemary Potatoes,
                      Chili, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Long Green Beans, Apple Dumplings.

SUNDAY
Breakfast      Pancakes & Syrup, Red Potato Fries, Grits, Eggs & Sausage & Ham
Lunch            Fried Chicken, Cabbage Rolls, Patty Melts, Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes,
                      Fresh Cut French Fries, Green Peas, Cherry Apple Cobbler.