Going 'Green'

By Phil Shaw
PSF Interim President & CEO

At Penrose-St. Francis, we’re not only saving lives, we’re saving trees. With today's issue, the Penrose Pulse becomes a web-based publication. Each month, associates and volunteers will receive an e-mail inviting you to view the publication. You’ll simply click on the story you’d like to view and you’ll be directed to a server that will host our publication. The move will save about $50,000 in design and printing costs. In addition to saving money and trees, the electronic newsletter will not be limited by space. While it is still our goal to keep it short and a quick read, the new e-publication can host as many stories and photos as needed to keep you informed of all the happenings at PSF.

Editor's Note:  We'd love your feedback!  Send your comments on the new e-version of the Penrose Pulse and articles to Johnny Rea at johnnyrea@centura.org.  Deadline for the August edition is July 25. 

Fresh, New Look

By Phil Shaw
PSF Interim President & CEO

The community will see a fresh new look in communications later this fall from Penrose St.-Francis Health Services, and we want to make sure you know about it first. 

As you know, Centura Health consists of a family of hospitals and entities united by a common mission and a tradition of providing extraordinary, compassionate care for our communities. Our mission and dedication to excellence form a common thread which unites us across Colorado as the state’s largest health care provider. Now, this common thread is going to be reinforced by a unified look for our marketing and communications materials, helping to position Penrose St.-Francis Health Services in a leadership position in our community.

Why unite under a single graphic look and message?

As the largest health care system in Colorado, we are a powerful force for good.  When we speak in a unified voice, or present ourselves with a unified look, we let peers, employees, patients and neighbors understand the many ways we are leaders in compassionate health care for Colorado. We also position ourselves as a unified team of experts and celebrate the unique benefits of Penrose St.-Francis Health Services.

As these new materials begin to roll out, Penrose St.-Francis Health Services will benefit from an over-arching increase in market awareness for the facility’s unique offerings, as well as the recognition of being part of the health care system that provides the most expert, compassionate care across the state.

Here are some key elements to notice as you look at the sample designs for our new unified look:

• There is a list of five words at the top of each frame: strength, compassion, hope, innovation and expertise. These solidify our position as Colorado’s leading compassionate health care neighbor.
• There is a graphic “frame” around the image area. This helps to contain the main message and image and allows a large area to be used creatively and uniquely for each campaign.
• When needed, an area for support messaging is located at the bottom.
• Our facility logo (or, when appropriate, combined logos) is always prominently placed in the lower right-hand corner as a final “sign-off.” This will become a recognizable trademark and will allow viewers to quickly spot our name and important contact information.

What do the 5 key words symbolize and how do they help Penrose St.-Francis Health Services?

These words are derived from our Centura Health mission and values, pillars, and key brand traits and speak to our external audience. They were chosen for their ability to relate to the needs, wishes and demands of patients and their families by bringing the spirit and vision of Centura Health and our facility to life. The words remind the reader that we are committed to a higher level of compassion and expertise, that we are part of the leading health care system in the state, and that we can offer the strength and hope that comes from being part of such an incredible mission-driven team of expert, caring professionals.

Play Ball!

Associates, volunteers and physicians are invited to come out to Security Service Field July 25 to watch the Colorado Springs Sky Sox take on the New Orleans Zephyrs as part of “Penrose-St. Francis Night at the Ballpark.”

Discounted tickets are available via a link on My Virtual Workplace, and families are invited to attend. Additionally, the Associate Activities Committee has conducted a random drawing for 70 family four-pack tickets to the game.

Nate Olson, incoming CEO of St. Francis Medical Center, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Additionally, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) will be presented to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo during the pre-game ceremony on behalf of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services.

The gates open at 6 p.m. and the game begins at 7:05 p.m.

Penrose-St. Francis attendees will be recognized during the game as well as the Penrose-sponsored fireworks show immediately following the game.

Associate & Volunteer Picnic

Associates, volunteers and their immediate family members are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the latest member of the Penrose-St. Francis Health Services family on Aug. 2.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the new St. Francis Medical Center on the corner of Woodmen Road and Powers Boulevard.

Food will be served throughout the day and tours will be provided of the new facility. Door prizes will also be given away.

Please park in the main parking lot outside the front entrance. Associates and volunteers must have their ID badge to enter.

The menu includes:

- Oak pit BBQ including beef, chicken and hot dogs
- Molasses and brown sugar baked beans
- Fire roasted salsa
- Garlic bread
- Roasted corn in the husk
- Creamy slaw
- Baked potato salad
- Ice cream

Fun for the entire family!

- Games & inflatables
- Climbing wall
- Bungee trampoline
- Bounce houses
- Human foosball
- Carnival games with prizes
- Obstacle course
- Dunk tank
- Slides
- Music

Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there!

Pancake Breakfast

In 1978, Charter Medical Group, which owned the small 88-bed hospital located on the plains in northeast Colorado Springs, was looking for a buyer and was approached by Sister Myra James Bradley, then administrator of Penrose Hospital. Knowing the great potential for this little community hospital, Sister Myra James received permission from the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati to purchase the hospital and make it a part of the new Penrose Health System. Francisco Sabichi was appointed as the first Administrator and opened with about 200 associates.
 
More than 30 years later, Penrose Community Hospital begins its farewell to the Village Seven Community and its home for the past 30 years.  A farewell pancake breakfast and an associate photo are scheduled from 7-9 a.m., on Friday, July 25. 

Associates will continue with the legacy that was begun more than 30 years ago with the journey to their new home located at St. Francis Medical Center beginning the first week of August.  An Associate Picnic for all Penrose-St. Francis associates and volunteers is planned for Aug. 2.  The official ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing is planned for Aug. 6 and the Colorado Springs community will be invited to tour the new facility on August 9 during the Community Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-- Julie Cox, Marketing & PR Dept

HealthGrades Heroes

By Gina Artiolo
Vladimir Jones

Note: HealthGrades, the nation’s leading health care ratings organization, has recognized Penrose-St. Francis Health Services as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals, the only hospital in Colorado to receive this distinction. With this honor, our physicians, nurses, technicians and administrators join an elite top 1% of hospitals. Join us as we spotlight “HealthGrades Heroes” monthly in this new feature.

Earlier this year, HealthGrades acknowledged Penrose-St. Francis Health Services as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals. It also recognized multiple product lines with Five-Star Ratings. In this issue, PSF highlights physician heroes in Orthopedic Services on a Five-Star Rating for Total Hip Replacement: 2007.

Dr. Steve Myers, an orthopedic surgeon and the recently named Chief of Staff at PSF, indirectly credits success in orthopedics to a program he and a group of orthopedic surgeons developed over 15 years ago -- the Pathways Program. The program follows the care of each patient through the stages of total hip replacement, creating a culture of teamwork with the patient.

“Our Pathways philosophy empowers patients to become active participants throughout the process; there are variations in care between patients -- each case is unique. Through Pathways, patients partner in care with the surgeons, physicians, nurses and rehabilitation team to make decisions about their procedure from start to finish.”

Through internal collaboration, the team is able to use the Pathways checklist to coordinate patient care. Since Pathways inception15 years ago, Dr. Myers notes a decrease in post operation infections and complications, as well as fewer blood clots post procedure.

Even with a HealthGrades Five-Star Rating, physicians continue to embrace new developments in the field of total hip replacement. One such development has already arrived at PSF -- hip resurfacing, an emerging surgical technique for hip replacement that allows patients to return more quickly to their normal, active lifestyle.

Dr. Eric Jepson, the newest member of the PSF-affiliated team of physicians, completed specialized training for both hip resurfacing and replacement during a fellowship in Tampa with the Florida Orthopedic Institute in Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement.

“As the population ages and younger individuals have early onset arthritis secondary to active lifestyles, joint replacement will become more and more common,” he said. “My training focused on advanced techniques to speed recovery and improve outcomes after joint replacement.”

Dr. Jepson, who was born at PSF and raised in Colorado Springs, returned to practice in Colorado for the personal connection, but also because of the orthopedic team’s commitment to providing excellent care to the community. “PSF is devoted to patient care. The facilities are being updated and the personnel are well trained. I think it is an honor to be named one of HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals, but an honor well deserved.”

Department Spotlight

Note: The Rewards and Recognition Team is recognizing those departments who do so much for us on a daily basis to make us a great hospital. Many of these employees work diligently day in and day out behind the scenes helping our organization run seamlessly. As part of our Mission in Motion, this month we would like to select a department and say thank you for all you do.

If you think about Behavioral Health Services, you are probably only familiar with “3 East” or the “psych ward.” Actually, Behavioral Health is composed of four units; PETT (Psychiatric Emergency Triage Team), Behavioral Health Outpatient Services, The Riegel Center for Drug and Alcohol Treatment, and “3 East” or the Behavioral Health Inpatient Psychology Services.

So, what is this “mysterious” department that is hidden away at St. Francis Health Center? As Hellen Ballard, Director of Behavioral Medicine and SFHC Site Administrator put it, “I like to compare Behavioral Health to caskets – everyone knows about them, nobody wants to talk about them, but, when you need one ... you want the best. And that’s what this Behavioral Health Group is … the best!” The four units work closely together to provide a continuum of care and provide an ever increasing role in caring for the most acute (mentally ill) patients in Southern Colorado. Each day brings new challenges and the staff can expect to treat anyone from a suicidal patient to a violent person to a homeless person to a soldier returning from Iraq.

The PETT team completes all in-hospital and Emergency Department psychiatric evaluations. If inpatient treatment is determined to be the best choice, the patient is transported to SFHC to one of the two locked units. Once admitted, the Inpatient Services team takes over care of the patient. Gone are the days of lengthy hospitalizations so patients only stay an average of 3.4 days on the ward, but this unit takes pride in the fact that no patient is released without proper medication on board, and a referral for continued care. Despite the challenges, this unit enjoys a very low turnover rate. In fact, six of the staff, including the psych nurses have been with Behavioral Health for more than 20 years.

The Outpatient Services team deals with a variety of patients on a more long term basis. They provide individual and group counseling and education about mental illness to both patients from the community and increasingly to a number of returning soldiers who suffer from PTSD or TBI.

The Riegel Center deals with drug and alcohol treatment – but does not provide detox care for those people who have been arrested for DUI, disorderly conduct, etc. The only type of detox that is provided by Behavioral Health is medical detox in the locked ward. According to Charlene Coffin, Clinical Manager of Outpatient Services, discussion is underway to start a restructured adolescent treatment program which will fill a gaping hole that is currently not being filled by any other facility in this community.

Families and patients alike send letters and fill out share cards expressing how much they appreciate the care they received, and the dedication of the staff, in the scariest time of their life.

These associates have also created an atmosphere of family. They celebrate “everything” and when someone suffers a tragedy, they grieve with them. They take pride in their workplace and last month the staff, along with employees of the other tenants at SFHC, cleaned up the grounds of SFHC and celebrated with a barbeque – over 75 people participated.

On one Gallup Poll many people misunderstood the question about having a “Best Friend at Work” and scored it low. So, Kay McCarthy, Clinical Manager for Inpatient Services implemented the “Best Friend at Work” doll. This charming doll is passed from one associate to another with a note of gratitude or praise pinned to her dress – insuring that everyone will have a “Best Friend at Work.”

When asked what sets Behavioral Health apart, Kay McCarthy quickly replied “We give people hope! What more can you say?

Top Credential

Jamie Smith, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer for Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation's leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

"Because healthcare management ultimately affects the people in our communities, it is critically important to have a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization," said Thomas C. Dolan, PhD, FACHE, CAE, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACHE. "By becoming an ACHE Fellow and simultaneously earning board certification from ACHE, healthcare leaders can show that they are committed to providing high-quality service to their patients and community."

Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development. In fact, only 7,500 healthcare executives hold this distinction. To obtain Fellow status, candidates must fulfill multiple requirements, including passing a comprehensive examination, meeting academic and experiential criteria, earning continuing education credits and demonstrating professional/community involvement. Fellows are also committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years.

Jaime has been the COO of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services since February. He had been working at the Centura Health Service Center as Vice President of Operations since June 2007. Prior to coming to Centura, Jaime spent five years in hospital management as Vice President of Operations at Frye Regional Medical Center, Hickory, North Carolina.

Did You Know?

- The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is a cardiovascular exercise and educational program for patients with a history of recent heart attack, angioplasty/valve and open heart surgery.

- Patients have telemetry monitoring throughout exercise to assess heart rhythm with exertion.

- Cardiac Rehabilitation is located in Penrose Main, West Tower 3rd floor Cardiodiagnostic Department (776-2508).

- The Penrose Cardiac Rehabilitation Program was the first Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Colorado to receive AACVPR National Certification (1999).

- Cardiac Rehabilitation admitted 243 outpatients in 2007. These patients accounted for a total of 3,379 cardiovascular exercise sessions.

- Cardiac Patients attend the Cardiac Rehabilitation program three days per week for an hour or aerobic exercise and coronary risk factor education.

- Education includes low-fat diet instructions, self-monitoring of heart rate & exertion level during exercise and stress management.

- Measures of success include: 1) increased exercise tolerance 2) decrease in waist measurement for overweight/obese patients 3) smoking cessation 4) improved nutrition scores 5) Improvement in Quality-of-Life Scores.

- More males than females enter the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program yearly, 66 percent males and 34 percent female. These numbers mirror national numbers.

- In 2007, the average age of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Patient was 66 years old.

- Cardiac Rehabilitation, for qualified diagnoses, is covered by insurance.

Associate Campaign

Penrose-St. Francis Associates continue to amaze us with their uncompromising support of the annual Associate Campaign. This year’s goal was $300,000.00 but due to the generosity of the 1,123 associates who participated, and the efforts of our wonderful campaign committee and volunteers, we have received $322,214 in cash donations and pledges!

For those of you who signed up as Hour Club and Circle of Caring members, you will receive your gifts during the month of August. The Executive Committee members will once again hand deliver the gifts along with their appreciation for a job well done.

Special thanks go out to Andi McDonough and Pam Herrera-Doll, this year’s Campaign Executive Committee Chair and Co-Chair, as well as the entire Campaign Executive Committee, Division Leaders, Campaign Volunteers, and of course, to all of the Penrose-St. Francis associates who contributed!

If you would like to work on next year’s campaign, please call Cynthia Bullock, Director of Communications and Annual Giving, in the Foundation office (776-7060). It takes an entire team to carry off a campaign of this size, and your interest in helping is greatly appreciated.

Through your ongoing compassion and generosity of spirit, Together We Can create a Culture of Caring.

-- Courtesy, PSF Health Foundation

Principles of Ethics

Last month we shared with you that the Ethics Consultation Service was created to help maintain the highest ethical standards in the delivery of patient care and to help resolve ethical dilemmas in the diagnoses, care and treatment of patients.

There are basic principles of Health Care Ethics that are taken into consideration when working with a patient and his/her family. Below are some of the common principles, their definitions, and ethical questions to consider.

Autonomy: Personal liberty, where the individual is free to choose and to implement personal decisions free from deceit, duress, constraint or coercion. Obligation to respect decisions of autonomous individuals. Some ethical questions to consider might be; what are the patient’s preferences and goals? Is the patient capable of informed, autonomous choice? What constraints are operating on the patient’s exercise of autonomous choice? Are those constraints reasonable or unreasonable?

Beneficence: Acts of mercy and charity; any action that benefits another; primary commitment to the health, welfare and safety of another. Acting in the best interest of the patient- moral principle that actions or practices are right insofar as they produce good consequences. Some ethical questions to consider: Where are the greatest possible benefits to the patient? How are “benefits” defined by patient’s goals and care philosophy?

Distributive Justice: Fair, equitable and appropriate treatment in light of what is due or owed persons- an obligation of fairness to all interested parties; distribution of risks/benefits/resources; consideration of the common good. Ethical questions to consider: What other parties are affected by patient’s choices, care plan and goals? Are uses and allocations of resources fair and balanced?

Double Effect: A principle used to determine whether an action is morally defensible when the action has more than one consequence usually both favorable and ill. Secondary effects may be foreseen, but can never be the intended outcome. Ethical question to consider: Is this being given to hasten death or to alleviate suffering and pain?

Non-Malefience: not to inflict evil or harm and a moral principle that actions or practices are right insofar as they avoid producing bad consequences. Ethical question to consider: Where is the least harm?

Paternalism: the belief that one should on the basis of doing good for the patient limit the patient’s personal autonomy. Ethical question to consider: Is this decision being made to enhance human well-being?

Veracity (Truth Telling): Binds both the health practioner and the patient in an association of truth. The patient must tell the truth in order that appropriate care can be provided. The practioner needs to disclose factual information. Ethical questions to consider: insofar as possible, are involved parties being truthful?

Remember, an ethics consultant is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached by pager (577-1022) or through the Penrose-St. Francis operator (776-5000).

May we continue to carry on the healing ministry of Christ in all aspects of our ministry.

-- Adapted from the End of Life Care Policy and Jennifer Balletine, “Ethical Principles and Ethical Questions.”

Tobacco-Free Q&A

Q: Can I leave campus/clock out for a smoke break?

A: Clocking out for smoke breaks is under consideration by Centura, since a majority of Centura sites will be smoke-free by August. PSF HR will share the information on this subject when decisions are made.

Q: What is my responsibility as a manager related to the tobacco-free policy?

A: Management responsibilities include: 

- Understand and follow the policy yourself.
- Discuss the policy with your associates and encourage their questions.
- Enforce the policy uniformly and fairly with all associates as well as medical staff, visitors, and patients.
- Support your associates’ efforts to inform patients, visitors, and other
associates about the policy, resources and options.
- Review suggested scripts with associates.
- Be respectful of the associates who use tobacco, letting them know about the available resources the hospital is providing (“Quit Kits”, tobacco cessation programs, nicotine replacement therapy).

Q: As a manager, what should I do if an associate leaves his or her work area for an extended period of time to smoke?

A: Associates who exceed the allocated time for breaks and lunch for any reason must be addressed by the manager or supervisor of that area. Managers are expected to enforce break- and lunch-time limits, as well as the off-unit and time clock policies. Excessive absence from the workstation should result in the usual corrective action for the associate.

Success Story

By Helen VanHorn
PCH Birth Center

I have smoked about one pack of cigarettes a day for more than 25 years (excluding the numerous attempts to quit, ranging from hours to months).  Basically, all of my adult life was spent as a smoker except short time periods using cold turkey, nicotine gum, patches, sunflower seeds, straws, and craft in attempts to become a non-smoker.  I always found a reason to return to cigarettes.

As I have grown older and my children have become adults, I have felt a need to reclaim my life for myself.  Smoking has had power over me for so long.  On Sept. 6, 2006, I attended a HIIP Smoking Cessation Information Class offered by El Paso Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (TEPP).  There are so many reasons to quit.  I decided I would try, yet again, to quit. 

I went to my family doctor and inquired about the medication “Chantix”.  I then got the prescription filled which cost about the same as my cigarettes would have cost.  The recommended course of treatment was three months, but continuing to smoke was a lifetime of cost.

I chose Nov. 16, 2006 (30th Annual Great American Smoke Out Day) as my quit date.  I smoked only four cigarettes that day.  The next day only two cigarettes (good I guess, but still not a non-smoker).  I had to be smarter and stronger to quit.  I gave my stash (cigarettes, lighters, and ash trays) to my husband and said “Please take these away from me, but don’t get rid of them.  I am not sure I will be strong enough to do this.”

As minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and now 1 year and 7 months have gone by, many battles have been fought to not give in to urges to smoke.  The battles still occur, but much less often and less intense.  I am strong enough!  This time finally, I won. I AM A NON-SMOKER!

The Message

By Larry Seidl
Vice President, Mission Integration

Words mean a lot. Careers are built upon the use of words. Words, when misinterpreted, can cause great pain. Words can heal. Words used within the context of a family argument can produce lasting tenderness or lasting wounds. Once out of our mouths, words cannot be brought back. They are the cornerstone to our communication.

Recently, in reading a translation of the scriptures entitled the Message, the words took on a new meaning. Message is written by a very-well respected Presbyterian minister, Eugene H. Peterson. In the translation, the author substitutes a more contemporary language for the more traditional words. He does so because he believes that we become somewhat anesthetized by words repeatedly spoken over and over again. In repackaging the translation, the gospel and the scriptures do not change -- only the way we hear it or read it changes.

Let me give you an example: In the King James version of the Bible, the writing of St. Matthew, in Chapter 10 verse 1, reads: "He gave them authority over unclean spirits so as to throw them out, also power to heal every disease and every weakness of body." That same reference found in the Message reads "He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives."

WOW. What power those words hold. Later in that same chapter, the King James version reads: "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, throw out demons." The Message translation reads: "Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons." The difference is subtle but we hear it differently. And for me to hear it differently means that I hear it with a different energy.

Scriptures is but one example. In our line of work, the words body-mind-spirit have become an overused mantra. It is said so often that it doesn't catch my attention. But in a meeting last month, the speaker substituted material-relational-transcendent for body-mind-spirit, and what a difference it made.

I pass someone in the hallway and the "Hi how are you?" is responded to in my usual automatic "Fine", and the other person and I don't miss a step in our passing. But what might happen if I repackage that "Hi how are you?" into a "Hi John, I hope you feel as good as you look today." (translation: "seeing you makes my day.") Or if in response to your "Hi How are you?" I say "Blessed" instead of fine. That difference makes us pause, and our greeting all the more meaningful.

In the long run, our words become a bridge for our relationships; let’s make the most of our syllables.

Stay Fit!

JULY LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: New Club HIIP Program for Fiscal Year 09
Come celebrate the end of Club HIIP Fiscal Year 2008 and find out about the EXCITING programs and classes to come with a Potluck Party!!! If you are willing to bring something, pick up a sign-up form and enjoy lunch!

Tuesday, July 15th SF/5th Floor Summit Rm 12:05 – 12:35 p.m.
Wednesday, July 16th PCH/Rooms 1 & 2 12:05 – 12:35 p.m.
Thursday, July 17th PH/Cancer Room D 12:05 – 12:35 p.m.

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for the orientations below via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.

PH Wellness Center - Thursday, July 10th at 8 a.m.
SF Wellness Center - Friday,July 11th at noon
PH Wellness Center - Tuesday, July 22nd at 4 p.m.

Anyone over 40 years old must have a physician’s form signed giving permission to use Wellness Centers.

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP wall pockets at all sites for registration form:
Nia: Session 1: Starts Tuesday, July 8th from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for a six-week session.
Pilates: Session 2: Starts Wednesday, July 30th from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for a five-week session.

JULY HIKING CLUB
Join in S.E.T’s fun Ride and Community Walk, Saturday, July 12th from a .m. to 1 p.m. at Monument Valley Park.  Participants 12 and under ride or walk for FREE; adult participants pay $100 to walk/$20 to ride. For more information contact S.E.T at 776-8850 or visit www.setofcs.org

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Wednesday from 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet. Contact Michelle, x5034.
SF Walking Club: Every Monday at 12:30 p.m. outside of the Foundation building. Contact Tracy, x7085.
PCH Walking Club: Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. meet outside PCH/ER. Contact Rox, x3456.

RUNNING CLUB
Whether you’re training for any of the upcoming community races, or just need some extra motivation to get moving, Running Club is the perfect opportunity to get in shape, and make some friends! Meets every Thursday through August, 4:30-5 p.m. at Penrose Main outside of the main entrance. Contact Erin at x7394.

PCH Associate of the Month

The Pharmacy Manager at Penrose Community Hospital has been named the organization’s Associate of the Month.

Calvin Eisenach, a 10-year associate of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, said he is honored to receive the award and believes the Pharmacy plays a key role in the PSF mission.

“We support the healing ministry of Christ by providing life-saving medications to our patients in a safe and reliable manner,” said Calvin, who has been married for 16 years and has three boys. “To make it safe, we check all medication orders for correct dosages and for any potential drug interactions. We also continuously look at our medication process and make system changes to make it safer and to minimize potential medication errors.”

Calvin has been involved in the design of the new St. Francis Medical Center Pharmacy from the onset and is excited about the transition to the $207 million full-service hospital.

“We’re getting cutting-edge technology in the Pharmacy, with a carousel drug storage and retrieval system, the latest Pyxis med stations, and a bar coding solution to refill Pyxis machines,” he said. “We have a great location being next to the new ICU and Surgery. It’s a beautiful building and will be a great place for both patients and associates.”

The son of an Air Force veteran, Calvin moved around as a child, spending most of his childhood in Germany, Nebraska and Colorado. It was his move to Colorado that he started climbing mountains as a way to get in shape and see the state.

“I’ve found it to be very challenging and rewarding,” he said. “I’ve made several new friends who have the same passion to hike as I do, and we’ve shared many adventures.”

Calvin has climbed 43 of the 54 Colorado peaks over 14,000 feet and hopes to complete the list in the next couple of years.

-- Johnny Rea, Marketing & PR Dept 

Race For The Cure

This year's Race For The Cure will be held in the Garden of the Gods Park on Sept 7. You can sign up on the web site www.komencs.org to join Team Penrose. Any Penrose-St. Francis associate who supports Team Penrose by registering for the Race For The Cure will be entered into a drawing to win a beautiful bracelet, with a retail value of $200. This year, you can Run for the Cure, Sleep for the Cure and Walk for the Cure.

You can also mail pledges to:
Komen Colorado Springs Affiliate
P.O. Box 9670
Colorado Springs, CO 80932-0670

If you have any questions, please contact Gail Decker, 776-6621. Let’s make this year our best ever!

Refresh Your Diet

By Stephanie Flora
PSF Dietetic Intern

Vitamin C not only helps prevent colds, but it also helps in tissue repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth. It also helps your body absorb iron, and it is one of many antioxidants. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C can help increase immune function, decrease risk of infection and the rise of cancer.

All fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C. Check out how much Vitamin C is in these fruits and vegetables:

Food Amount (mg/100g)

Broccoli 90
Guava 100
Strawberry 60
Cantaloupe 40
Potato 20
Honeydew 20
Mango 28

People consuming diets rich in Vitamin C from natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are healthier and have lower mortality from a number of chronic illnesses.

Vitamin C dissolves in water. The body cannot store this type of vitamin. That means you need a continuous supply of Vitamin C in your diet.

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants, which are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals, by-products that result when our bodies transform food into energy.

For smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke, Vitamin C needs are 1.5 times the amount of non-smokers. The body uses Vitamin C to clear out free radicals smoking causes, which leaves little Vitamin C for other uses. Men who smoke should consume at least 110 mg/day and women who smoke should consume 95 mg/day.

Recommendations of daily intake: 90 mg/day for men 19 years or older, and 75 mg/day for women 19 years or older.

Pancakes Anyone?

By Maureen McKasy-Donlin
Penrose Cancer Center
 
Smiles, laughter, and light-hearted, friendly conversation started the work day for many on June 25. Doctors and staff at the Penrose Cancer Center were serving pancakes, eggs, and sausage in the lobby of the center, as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Dennis Bruens received the award for speed walking in refilling trays of piping hot pancakes from the food warmer.  Well over 100 happy folks feasted on the delicious buffet breakfast cooked and set up by the Penrose Nutritional Services folks.  Almost $600 was raised labeled as part of the Penrose Cancer Center's team fundraising for the Relay for Life.  Penrose-St. Francis once again fielded a team for the event, which took place June 27 at Liberty High School.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity.  It is a unique event offering everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams camped out overnight and took turns walking around a track at all times throughout the night.

Congrats to Gina Biondi and Kira Zimmerman, who each walked 120 laps (30 miles) in 12 hours!  What kept them going?  "It was the cancer patients who came to visit us at different times as we walked the relay," said Gina.  "The patients are who we walked for!"

A Note of Thanks

Thank You Friends,

If you are going to have a near-fatal motorcycle accident, it helps to travel with friends who happen to be in the medical field, along with landing in an EMT’s yard.  A prepared welcome reception by the competent ER staff and physicians is also a must.  Caring hands from the nurses in the ICU and the 9th floor had me back home again for which I am thankful.

The outpouring of prayers, flowers, visits, hugs and gifts were received from friends in multiple departments, like the NICU, BC, Peds, Lab, Pharmacy, Volunteer, Spiritual care -- not to forget managers and administration, often signed by everyone in their department -- all of whom make this a wonderful place we call Penrose Community Hospital.

A simple thank you doesn’t seem enough for the demonstration of our core values that you unconsciously practice everyday, but this all I have.  So thank you.

With affection and renewed respect,

-- Mimi Stilson
PCH Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

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