Department Spotlight

Medalion Retirement Community

Medalion Retirement Community, this month’s Department in the Spotlight, has a secret. It is not a secret that Medalion is a ten floor building and has 71 independent living apartments, 31 assisted living units and 60 skilled nursing beds. It is also not a secret that more than 100 associates work there. What most people don’t know is that Medalion has a secret garden. As you step past the sturdy wood fence, visitors are surprised and amazed to find a beautiful garden filled with ponds, gardens, walking paths and a swimming pool. Many of the residents start their day with a walk through the garden. Some residents have their own piece of the garden where they can grow and cultivate their own flowers, just like they used to do in their own homes. The pool is used for exercise classes. All of this is available, thanks to the generous donation of Elsa Bailey, one of Medalion’s long-time residents.


Ever wonder how Medalion is affiliated with Centura Health? It's history spans almost 50 years. Medalion was built in 1961. The building was purchased by Sunny Acres Villa, Inc. in 1969. In 1986, Sunny Acres Villa became affiliated with the Sisters of Charity Health Care System, Inc. The Sisters of Charity and several other orders of sisters joined together to form Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) in 1995. The Colorado facilities operated by CHI and the Seventh Day Adventists joined together and formed Centura Health in 1996. And the rest is history. . .



Ray Weisgarber, Executive Director (on the left in the photo above, along with his leadership team), came to Medalion just over a year ago from North Dakota where he served at a long term facility for more than sixteen years. From his first day on the job at Medalion, Ray noted the commitment and dedication of associates, department managers and other leaders to provide excellent resident care and service. He knew he had made the right decision.

When asked about the challenges facing Medalion, Ray noted government bureaucracy and regulations and the decreased demand for the independent living level of care. He went on to say that with the downturn in the economy and change in housing values, many seniors are staying in their homes until a life changing event occurs which forces them into a different living environment. Thus, Medalion’s focus has shifted to consider the possibility of converting some of their independent living apartments to assisted living units. Also, prospective residents are doing more research than ever, comparison shopping and choosing based on price and value.

The Medalion Health Center also offers skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. Medalion leaders will continue to work closely with area hospitals to be sure Medalion remains the facility of choice, knowing that the future of skilled care lies in the ability to provide quality rehabilitation services and expert clinical care. The Medalion has developed a reputation for providing excellent care and the staff is very dedicated and works extremely hard to meet the individual needs of the residents in their care. 

Congratulations to Medalion Retirement Community as this month’s Department in the Spotlight. 

A HIIP Success Story

My Success Story: By Marlene Leiting - PH/Nutrition Services Dept

Living a healthy lifestyle is not easy. It changes from one day to the next, takes strong personal commitment, and making lasting changes in your life. My choice to change my lifestyle and try to lose some weight at the same time came approximately two years ago. As I was aging, I noticed that I was having more health problems which included high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint pain and a sedentary lifestyle.

In August 2009, I was diagnosed with sciatica in my right hip and rheumatoid arthritis in both knees. I had difficulty walking from the parking garage to my office without being in pain and some days I walked with a cane. All the visits to the doctor, cortisone injections, and physical therapy sessions were keeping me from enjoying life to the fullest.

I have worked in Nutrition Services for 10 years and have been around food each and every day and had to make a commitment to my health by being conscious of what I eat. I have been a Weight Watchers member most of my adult life. In 1980, I joined Weight Watchers for the first time and became a lifetime member in 1984 by reaching my goal weight and maintaining it for one year. Due to personal circumstances, I quit going to meetings and stopped taking care of myself. I took care of everyone else but me. The weight came back on and I struggled for years trying to shed most of these unwanted pounds. Over the years I was on many diets, mostly to look good and because, “all my friends were doing it!” As the years passed and the concept of aging became a reality, I knew I had to change something. I knew that in order for me to lead a healthy lifestyle, I needed to include good food choices and daily exercise. I wanted to get  rid of the prescribed meds, lose weight and overall, live a healthy lifestyle.

Joining Weight Watchers, or any other weight loss program, is one of the best things you can do for yourself. The programs work if you follow them, meaning you must make changes in your daily life. You actually learn so much about the good foods and bad foods, and you make the choice in what you want to eat, what exercise program works best for you and how you fit both into your daily life. 

Finding the right exercise is one of the most important factors contributing to your success when trying to lose weight and get into shape. Our HIIP department is an exercise and wellness resource worth looking into. They have the knowledge and education to guide you in the right direction to accomplish a healthy lifestyle. They are the best at what they do and have coordinated our Weight Watchers at Work Program, of which I am still a member now in 2010. As of today, I have lost 38 pounds. My blood pressure and cholesterol have improved to the point that I no longer take as much medication. My hip and knees still give me some problems but I have learned to live with it. I walk approximately 3 miles outside every day and on the treadmill 20 minutes every morning, get yearly exams and mammograms, and eat my fruits and vegetables every day, which I love dearly.

My success story is not that I have lost all the weight I need to, but that I am healthy and happy. My life journey continues while I lead a healthy lifestyle. Sure, I have aches and pains, there are days I don’t always want to exercise or eat the right foods, but at the end of the day, I know I have made the right choices that enable me to do about anything I want. I did it through my commitment to taking care of myself and to age gracefully. I feel good about what I have accomplished and look forward to improving my health every day.

Remember that daily words of encouragement to others might just help someone who is struggling to attain their personal goals. Good luck on your journey to a healthy lifestyle.

Congratulations Marlene on your hard work and continual dedication to physical activity and leading not only a healthy, but a happy lifestyle too.  You have demonstrated strength and determination on your journey and are an inspiration to the associates of PSF.  Keep up the great work and know that we are all here to support you!  -HIIP staff

Take advantage of the Weight Watchers at Work programs that are currently in session at both Penrose and SFMC.
Please contact Michelle Somers at 776-5034 to sign up!

Weight Watchers at Work

Open House

If you have been reading your Pulse regularly, you’ve heard that we now have a new da Vinci S HD Surgical System and our new digital mammography equipment has been installed. You probably also know that both of these new pieces of technology were funded by donors through the Foundation. But have you ever actually seen the systems?

Now’s your chance! The Penrose-St. Francis Foundation is hosting an open house to celebrate these two new tools on Tuesday, Aug. 3 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Cancer Center lobby.

Come see how robotic-assisted surgery works with the new da Vinci System. Benefits include smaller incisions, less pain and a much faster recovery period.

You’ll also get the opportunity to learn more about the new digital mammography equipment. Research shows that digital mammography may provide additional benefits, including improved patient comfort and convenience and more accurate results.

If you’re curious or have questions, take a few minutes and come to the Cancer Center lobby on Aug. 3 to learn more about the latest technology Penrose-St. Francis has to offer.

Supply Chain Links

Click on the flyer for a printable version.

PSF Associate Art Show

The Penrose-St. Francis community is full of talented, creative, and artistic people. In order to showcase this group, the Rewards & Recognition Team has decided to revive the Associate Art Show!

If you’re a photographer, painter or sculptor, we want to see your artwork. If you make jewelry, woodcarvings or other cool things, share your creations with us. The only things we won’t display are items with inappropriate context. Hospital visitors will be allowed to view the show so please choose carefully the art you wish to display.

The Art Show will run from September 30th through October 2nd. We will have artwork on display at both Penrose Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center. You get to choose where you want to show your art. Each person can submit two items at each location. And even though the title says “Associate Art Show”, we welcome all PSF Physicians and Volunteers to participate.

Registration forms are available on-site near the Rewards & Recognition posters. Downloadable forms can be obtained through My Virtual Workplace under Rewards & Recognition. Submission deadline is September 24th.

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Miles at 719-548-7085 or by email at tracymiles@catholichealth.net.

Komen Race for the Cure

Come out and Race for the Cure – Sunday, September, 12, 2010!

Garden of the Gods Park

 
Join your fellow associates, volunteers and family members at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Join one of two race teams and show your support and pride for PSF breast health/cancer care programs and breast cancer patients and survivors. Penrose-St. Francis breast health programs -- from screening and education to treatment and survivorship -- will be represented in the exhibitor’s area. Come together with your fellow associates and show your support.    

How to sign up for a team:
1.  Visit  WWW.KOMENSECOLORADO.ORG

2.  Click on the gray Register box on the right hand side of the screen

3.  Then, click on the gray Join a Team box on the right hand of the screen

4.  Scroll down and enter the information for the team you want to join

Team name:  Team Penrose-St. Francis        

Team Company:  Penrose-St. Francis Health services

Team Captain:  Gail Decker – 776-6621

 
OR

Team name: ANGEL Network/Juntas  

(The ANGEL Network promotes wellness and empowers men and women through cancer awareness education and referrals to free or low-cost clinical breast exams/mammograms and cancer support groups. The Juntas program promotes cancer awareness in our Latino Community.)

Team Company:  Penrose Cancer Center
Team Captain:  Carolyn Kalaskie - 776-5826

5.  Then, click on Search for a team.

6.  Double click on the team name and then click on Join Team. Additional instructions on how to officially join your team will appear on the screen.

Also, join us for a Fundraiser BBQ on August 27 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at PH and SFMC. More details and additional activities to come so look to the Pulse for updates.   

First & Main Concert Series

All of us at the Penrose-St. Francis Blood Bank were thrilled to participate in the First & Main Concert Series on Friday, July 16. Summer is always a difficult time to meet the blood needs of our community. The need for blood is constant, and doesn’t recognize vacations, seasonal changes or other priorities. Our drive at First & Main was a great success. Not only did we see 30 donors, but we had the opportunity to educate the public about the importance of donating blood. Matt Meister, meteorologist from KRDO TV, helped to promote our drive by donating on camera during the 6 p.m. newscast.  Maintaining a constant and reliable blood supply for our community helps to ensure quality care to all in need.  All of us at the Blood Bank truly appreciate this opportunity for community outreach, and we look forward to a blood drive at next year’s First & Main Concert Series.

NICU Reunion

So often in healthcare, we take care of a patient and then, when they are better, they go back to

their lives and we never see them again. The annual NICU reunion picnic is one of the rare opportunities for us to not only remember the challenges our patients faced, but to see the healthy children they have become. I just wanted to share a few more photos of these children, as a reflection of the great work that all of us do every day.

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.

As I started to research the portrait of Margery Reed, located near Human Resources at Penrose, I quickly learned that there was more to this than just a pretty piece of artwork. This has turned into quite a web of Penrose history, urban ledend (at least Penrose urban legend) and some really interesting pieces of trivia.

I need to do a little more work on the story so I would like to hold it until next week. Check out next week's edition for the full story. If you enjoy history with a little bit of mystery, you won't be dissapointed.

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.

The Preacher's Donkey
A man bought a donkey from a preacher. The preacher told the man that this donkey had been trained in a very unique way, (being the donkey of a preacher). The only way to make the donkey go, was to say, "Hallelujah!" The only way to make the donkey stop, was to say, "Amen!"

The man was pleased with his purchase and immediately got on the animal to try out the preacher's instructions. "Hallelujah!" shouted the man. The donkey began to trot. "Amen!" shouted the man. The donkey stopped immediately. "This is great!" said the man. With a "Hallelujah," he rode off very proud of his new purchase.

The man traveled for a long time through some mountains. Soon he was heading toward a cliff. He could not remember the word to make the donkey stop. "Stop," said the man. "Halt!" he cried. The donkey just kept going. "Oh, no... Bible!....Church!...Please Stop!!" shouted the man. The donkey just began to trot faster. He was getting closer and closer to the cliff edge. Finally, in desperation, the man said a prayer. "Please, dear Lord. Please make this donkey stop before I go off the end of this mountain, In Jesus name, AMEN."

The donkey came to an abrupt stop just one step from the edge of the cliff.

"HALLELUJAH!", shouted the man.

God Will Take Care Of Me
There was a very religious man named Jim, who lived near a river. One day, the river rose over the banks and flooded the town, and Jim was forced to climb onto his porch roof. While sitting there, a man in a boat came along and told Jim to get in the boat with him.

Jim said, "No, that's okay. God will take care of me."

So, the man in the boat drove off.

The water rose higher, so Jim climbed onto his roof. At that time, another boat came along, and the person in that one told Jim to get in.

Jim replied, "No, that's okay. God will take care of me."

The person in the boat then left.

The water rose even more, and Jim climbed onto his chimney. A helicopter came along and lowered a ladder for him. The woman in the helicopter told Jim to climb up the ladder and get in.

Jim said, "That's okay."

The woman said, "Are you sure?"

Jim replied, "Yeah, I'm sure God will take care of me."

Finally, the water rose too high and Jim drowned. Jim got to heaven and was face-to-face with God.

Jim said to God, "You told me that you would take care of me! What happened?"

God replied, "Well, I sent you two boats and a helicopter. What else did you want?"

News Briefs

Star Associate Winners...

The awards presentation is held in the cafeteria at each site.  We hope you will come join the celebration and cheer for our newest Star Associates!

Brook Poe, L&D
Keila Dremstedt, ICU/CCU
SFMC Star Associates
Tuesday, July 27th at Noon

Theresa Gregoire, Spiritual Care
Mike Campos, HLC
Molly Smith, Colorado Sport & Spine
PH/Off-Site Star Associates
Wednesday, July 28th at Noon
 
Trojan Tarver, EVS
SFHC Star Associate
Thursday, July 29th at Noon

PSF Associate Picnic
Don't forget, the Picnic is this Saturday! Be sure to pick up your meal tickets from your supervisor or manager this week.

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 a.m. in the Penrose Cancer Center Lobby

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

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.

HIIP News

HIIP News, July 26-August 1, 2010
 
AUGUST 2010 LUNCH 'N LEARN
"New HIIP Program and Special Events”
The July 2010 LNL celebrated the FY10 achievements. Join us in learning about the NEW and EXCITING changes for FY11! Come learn how you can still earn your $20 REI gift card before Dec 2009.  Also, learn about the special wellness events at PSF including the Old North End Healthy Neighborhood project, Chamber Wellness Initiative Good Health is Good Business,  Healthy Kids-Healthy Parents and the PH/Nutrition Services Strive for Strides Pilot program! Be the FIRST to find out about the NEW HIIP program to start Calendar year 2011. You will have the opportunity to share your good suggestions on how we can improve the HIIP program to meet your needs. You won’t want to miss this Lunch N Learn!
Tues, August 17, 12:05 p.m.-12:35 p.m., PH/Cancer Center Rooms A-C
Tues August 24, 12:05-12:35 p.m., SFMC/Northcare Building, 2nd Floor Julie Penrose Center, Auditorium                                                                                 

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form      
Penrose Main                                   
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
Power Up: Session 3: Starts, Saturday, July 31, from 9-10:30 a.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
Body Toning: Session 10a/b: Starts, Monday, August 2, from 11:45-12:50 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
Body Toning: Session 11a/b: Starts, Thursday, August 5, from 11:45-12:50 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks             
St. Francis Medical Center
Yoga: Session 6: Starts, Monday, August 2, from 5-6:15 p.m. in the SFMC/North Care/Julie Penrose Center for 6 weeks
*NEW CLASS: Stress Busters Workout: Session 1: Starts, Wednesday, August 4, from 11:30-12:00 p.m. in the SFMC/Conference Room 1 for a 4 weeks

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext.                                 
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 2 p.m. meet outside 1st floor/valet entrance.   Contact Rox x11064

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! 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!  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
Chicken & Dumplings, Sloppy Joe's, Penne Pasta & Choice Sauce,
New Mexico Panini, Beer Battered Cod, Apple Raspberry Cobbler.

TUESDAY
Breakfast
French Toast & Syrup, Sausage, Egg, Cheese McMuffin, Chipped Beef
Lunch
Beef Taco Bowl, Turkey Cheddar Pepper Panini, Chili Rellanos,
Portobello Mushroom Panini, Roast Turkey, Chocolate Brownies.

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast
Fruit Topped Pancakes, Breakfast Burritos, Green Chili, Red Potato Fries
Lunch
Tempura Orange Chicken, Beef Stir Fry over Jasmine or Refried Rice
Grilled Reuben, Calamari & Marinara, Apricot Bread Pudding.

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
Gorgonzola Mahi Mahi, Ratatouille, European Cold Cut Panini
Corned Beef & Cabbage, Chik Filet Burger, Red Chili, Cherry Cobbler

SATURDAY
Breakfast
Minnesota Baked Casserole, Chipped Beef & Biscuit, Hash Browns
Lunch
Pulled BBQ Pork, Grilled Chicken Breast, Meat Lasagna & Garlic Bread
Green Peas & Pearl Onions, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Blackberry Cobbler.

SUNDAY
Breakfast
Pancakes & Syrup, Red Potato Fries, Grits, Eggs & Sausage & Ham
Lunch
Fried Chicken, Baked Honey Glazed Ham, Sweet Potato & Marshmallow,
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Biscuits, Collard Greens, Apple Dumplings