Only a dollar…

One dollar, it seems that it doesn’t go that far anymore. But when it comes from the heart of a 6-year-old boy, that dollar can make a world of difference.

The Penrose-St. Francis Foundation recently sent out a direct mail appeal asking for support for our Flight For Life program. Here is an excerpt from a letter from Rylan’s mom, Selena.

“When we received your letter, he was just excited to see a picture of the helicopter. After explaining what the letter was for, he ran into his room and grabbed his own money to send to you.
I know this isn’t much but I am so proud of him for wanting to do his little part to help out.”

Along with that note was a dollar bill.

According to this note from his mother, this mailer wasn’t little Rylan’s first contact with Flight For Life. Last year, he and his dad came across a motorcycle accident near Falcon. Flight For Life came and transported one of the riders, providing him the opportunity to see, first hand, their life-saving work.

As a special way of saying thanks, the Foundation team arranged for Rylan and his family to meet the flight team and tour the aircraft. As you can see by the photo, this was truly a special experience for him. Alethea Tafoya, RN, and Brooks Dillahunty, Paramedic, were very gracious program ambassadors.

It sometimes takes a child to remind us that it isn’t the amount of money you give that makes a difference, it is the fact that the gift comes from your heart.

Thanks Rylan!

2020 Corner

Stengthen Our Foundation

Some are calling it “Superman’s Bike.” The new exercise equipment makes it possible for people who can’t move their legs to ride a bike and perhaps one day, walk again. 

This state of the art piece of equipment is the first in southern Colorado and was funded through the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation with funds established by Keith Capron in memory and honor of his wife, Eleanor.

The Ergys 2 RE Rehabilitation System is a bicycle that is powered by the legs through electrical stimulation induced muscle contractions and can be found in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at Penrose Hospital.

Its nickname “superman’s bike” comes from actor Christopher Reeves, who played “Superman.” He became a quadriplegic after a riding accident and helped finance the development of rehab equipment to improve his own health. Unfortunately, Reeves died of heart failure at 52 years old.

However, his efforts gave spinal injury patients new rehabilitation equipment that can help improve quality of life and a longer life for many people.

So how does it work? By placing electrodes on the large gluteus, quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups, patients with diagnoses like a spinal cord injury, stroke or multiple sclerosis can independently ride the bike with the assistance of the electrical stimulation.

The Ergys bike provides neurologically impaired patients the ability to stay as healthy as possible through cardiovascular exercise for the heart, strengthening for weakened muscles, increasing circulation and decreasing muscle spasms.

In some cases, this type of therapeutic intervention is the precursor for a return to walking. In the United States alone, there are close to 500,000 spinal injury patients.

NICU Reunion

Babies born as early as 23 weeks who have overcome the challenges of being a “preemie” were reunited with the nurses, physicians and other caregivers who spent countless hours caring for them inside the NICU at either Penrose Community Hospital or St. Francis Medical Center over the past 20 years.

The NICU staff hosted their annual reunion picnic on Saturday. It was estimated that more than 250 people joined the fun and activities on the patio of SFMC. As you can see in the photos, everyone had a ton of fun.

KKTV, KRDO TV and Fox 21 all came and covered the event. You can find video and interviews on theri Web sites.

2010 Associate Picnic

Click on the flyer for a printable version.

A Role Model for Good Health

“I am not a role model.” That is what NBA superstar Charles Barkley said in a Nike commercial a few years ago. What does it mean to be a role model?  The definition says a role model is “a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, esp. by younger people.”

Dr. John Mehall sent me a note a few weeks ago and told me about someone who works at Penrose-St. Francis that he considers to be a role model for good health. Her name is Charlotte Branch and she works as a certified surgical technician on the heart team at Penrose. I tracked Charlotte down last week because I wanted to learn more about who she was and what motivated her.

Charlotte knew the specific point in her life when she made a significant change, May 2008. “As the primary care giver for my mom, I was really feeling burned out and I could feel my own health declining,” said Charlotte. She knew she had to make a change and she turned to exercise. “I committed to working with a personal trainer at the gym three days a week. It wasn’t long before my energy level increased, my attitude changed and I lost 22 lbs. Losing weight wasn’t even a goal!”

People noticed. In January 2009, Charlotte “adopted” seven of her colleagues. She took them under her wing, so to speak, and escorted them to the HIIP gym. “I’m not a personal trainer,” said Charlotte. “I just like to see other people succeed.” She is always enthusiastic, encourages others and gives them that little push.

So why don’t you ever see her in the gym? “The only time I have in my day to exercise is 5 a.m.,” said Charlotte. “It is sometimes difficult to get up before 5 to get to the gym, but when I am done, I am so glad I made the effort.”

Charlotte recently took up cycling, thanks to the encouragement of one of her coworkers, and rides in a variety of charity cycling events, such as the MS 150 (yes, that means 150 miles).

What is the one piece of advice she offers to all of us? “Make your health a priority,” said Charlotte.

I think you would agree, she is a role model.

PSF Art Show

At a recent lunch with Margaret, associates expressed interest in learning more about the wonderful artwork that decorates our hospitals. This is a weekly series featuring the artwork and historical pieces seen in our hospitals.

Bob Simpich is another artist featured in our hospital. You may recognize the name. In addtion to his painting, Simpich is known for his dolls. Here is an excerpt from the the City's Web site:

The Simpich story began in 1952 when newlywed artists Jan and Bob Simpich, lacking the funds for storebought presents, made sets of figurines for their parents for Christmas out of “found” materials.” The first two sets they made were the singing Christmas carolers and a woodsman with a set of coordinating peasant characters. Soon family and friends were asking for similar sets. Before long, those same family and friends were asked to help create the dolls in what became a busy home workshop. A thriving cottage industry developed with piece work sent out to many
employees. In 1978, after the family home could no longer contain the bustling studio, the business moved to a picturesque retail store in Old Colorado City where it thrived until Jan and Bob’s retirement in 2006.


In the Surgery Waiting Area on the 2nd floor of SFMC, you will find Simpich's five panel "Blessing of the Water." This alcove was designed specifically for this piece of art. Bob is known for hiding his dog in many of his paintings. It is difficult to see in this photo, but his dog is clearly standing on the bank of the stream in the far left panel of this piece.

 Just around the corner from the five-panel display, near the elevators, is another Simpich piece caled "Rock of Ages."

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.

Children Are Quick 

TEACHER:    Maria, go to the map and find North America .
MARIA:         Here it is.
TEACHER:   Correct.  Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS:         Maria.
____________________________________ 

TEACHER:   John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN:          You told me to do it without using tables.
__________________________________________

TEACHER:  Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN:      K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER:  No, that's wrong
GLENN:       Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.  

____________________________________________

TEACHER:   Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD:     H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER:   What are you talking about?
DONALD:    Yesterday you said it's H to O.  
__________________________________

TEACHER:   Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE:       Me!
__________________________________________  

TEACHER:   Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN:          Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.  
_______________________________________

TEACHER:     Millie, give me a sentence starting with '  I.  '
MILLIE:           I  is..
TEACHER:     No, Millie..... Always say, 'I  am.'
MILLIE:          All right...  'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'    
________________________________

TEACHER:    George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS:           Because George still had the axe in his hand....    
______________________________________  

TEACHER:    Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON:         No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook. 
______________________________

TEACHER:      Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE  :         No, sir. It's the same dog.  
___________________________________

TEACHER:    Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD:     A teacher

News Briefs

Pancake Breakfast
Join us for Penrose Cancer Center’s 6th Annual Pancake Breakfast Fund Raiser to benefit the 
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S “RELAY FOR LIFE” 

Friday, July 31, 7 to 9 AM in the Penrose Cancer Center Lobby

(Pancake fixin’s donated by Penrose Hospital Nutritional Services)
Minimum Donation $3.00


Compliments are Blooming at the Penrose-St. Francis Sleep Center

It’s always nice to receive a compliment. At the Penrose-St. Francis Sleep Center, patient compliments are blooming. A flower board was created at the beginning of spring to note these compliments. Each time a patient writes down or phones in a compliment about our staff or regarding their experience in our sleep center, that compliment is placed on a petal of a flower. We are thrilled to say that our board is full! Treating patients with respect and compassion is something the Sleep Center staff excels at. Keep blooming Sleep Center Staff!

Reminder from the Foundation
Effective July 1, Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation will again be the initial contact for any associate requesting funds through Associate Financial Assistance. The Sisters of St. Francis Associate Assistance Program helps qualifying associates in unforeseen financial crises with financial assistance. All questions and requests for application forms should be directed to the Foundation office at 776-7760.  

ATTENTION!  ATTENTION!
The Outreach Committee is accepting donations of school supplies to help our CNC sites in Colorado Springs to get ready for the new school year.

Collection dates are July 12 through July 23. Please help the children with their needs.

Items needed are: pens, pencils, Crayons, markers. lined paper, spiral notebooks, calculators (small),  protractors, pencil holders (zippered), Kleenex boxes (regular size), glue and erasers.

Thank you for your help in this event. Please contact Kathy Miller at 381-4971 if you have any questions.

YARN DRIVE 
*Help the Creative Crocheter’s Team by donating yarn! Any color or texture is needed!

*We make hats and scarf’s for our patients at the Penrose Cancer Center, Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, and those in need at the Marian House."

The Yarn Drive is August 9th–20th. There will be boxes located in the main lobby and in the Registration Department. Do you want to learn how you can help? If so, call Erin Tatum or Katie Stone.

PSF Associate Art Show
It’s back! The Rewards & Recognition Committee is excited to announce the return of the PSF Associate Art Show. We have lots of creative people in our PSF community and this is an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate your talents! The event will be held September 29th through October 2nd at Penrose Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center. All associates are encouraged to submit their original works of art*: photography, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, etc. More details and submission forms will be available soon.

*Art pieces must be in accordance with PSF policies

HIIP News

HIIP News, July 19-25, 2010
 
JULY 2010 LUNCH 'N LEARN
"Celebrate FY10 and Learn About changes for the Calendar Year 2011”
Come Celebrate the end of Club HIIP Fiscal Year 2010 and be the first to find out about the NEW revision to Club HIIP! It’s a Potluck party! If you are willing to bring something, please pick up a sign-up form and ENJOY LUNCH with us!
Tues, July 20, 12:05 p.m.-12:45 p.m., SFMC/Conference Rooms 1-2
Wed, July 21, 12:05-12:45 p.m., PH/Cancer Center Rooms A-C                                                                                 

HIKING CLUB                                
Saturday, July 24 at 8:00am: Palmer Trail/Red Rock Loop/Section 16                           
Directions: From Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 west and turn left (south) onto 21st street. Turn right on Gold Camp Road and continue straight through the four-way stop sign. The trailhead and main parking lot are on the right just a few minutes up the road, with overflow and large vehicle parking just past it on the left.
Trail Information: Beautiful mountain scenery, spectacular views, old pine forest and mountain streams. This is a 6 mile route, with 800 ft of elevation gain. Dogs welcome on a leash. Trail is not stroller friendly.
Rating: Moderate, well maintained trail.
Hike Leader: Melanie Wanless (Finance), 719-659-9519

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form       
Penrose Main                                    
Pilates: Session 10: Starts, Wednesday, July 21, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 5 weeks                 
Bootcamp: Session 5: Starts, Monday, July 26, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks                              
Bootcamp: Session 5R: Starts, Thursday, July 29, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks                                                                     

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839,                             
SFMC Wellness Center- July 20th at 1:30 p.m.                                          
SFHC Wellness Center- July 23rd at 12 p.m.                                       
PH Wellness Center- July 27th at 4 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 Third Quarter Classes

SCHEDULE OF HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM CLASSES
Wellness Classes through September 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.

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, September 6 through 27, 5:15 – 6 pm
Cost:       $40.00 per month

T’ai Chi – A form of ancient Chinese martial arts that works to improve body awareness, strength and coordination.

Date/Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the first Tuesday of the month
August 3 through 26
September 7 through 30

9 – 10 am
Cost:       $40.00 per month

NEW! Cardio Kickboxing – This class will teach the basic techniques of kickboxing including punching, kicking, and other moves.  Class is held in a cardio-exercise format with focus on developing and maintaining cardiovascular endurance, balance and coordination.

Date/Time: Tuesdays
July 20 through August 10

5 – 6 pm
Cost:       $30.00 per month
            
NEW! Emotional Eating Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Attempts? – Come to this two-part series to gain some understanding and insight with your eating issues and get on a healthy path to a thinner, happier you!

Date/Time: Tuesdays
September 21 and 28

5:30 – 7 pm
Cost:       $40.00 / series
            

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 776-4761 to schedule your intake to initiate your membership
Cost:  $46.00 per 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 776-4761 to schedule your appointment
Cost:  $50.00
  _______________________________________________________________________________

NEW! Grilling, Marinades and Summer Sauces – Get some great recipes, sample various marinades and sauces and get hints for meat specific grilling.  We’ll be in our teaching kitchen at the HLC with are expert dietitians.  Join us for a fun and flavorful event. 
 
Date/Time: Thursday, July 22
 
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Cost:  $25.00 value
            
New!  Functional Fitness – Join us for an age-appropriate fitness program designed to keep you happy and healthy well into your golden years.  This class will focus on balance, agility, core stability, and full body strengthening to enhance your abilities to do your activities of daily living.

Date/Time: Fridays
August 6 through 27

7 – 7:45 am 
Cost:  $30.00 per month
  _______________________________________________________________________________

Aquatics Classes – The Penrose Health Learning Center in cooperation with Colorado Sports and Spine. A structured lass 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 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.  or 11:30 – 12:30
M/F 12:30-1:30 pm
M/W 5 -6 p.m.
T/Th 8:30-9:30 a.m. 11:30-12:30  12:30-1:30 p.m.             
            
Cost: $46.00 / month for 2x / week
    $66.00 / month for 3x / week

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
Beef Bacon Cabernet Stew, Fried Catfish, Turkey Bacon Club Panini
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.