Penrose Shuttle Update

Increase in hours for the Penrose Shuttle

As you remember, the Penrose Shuttle started earlier this year with great success. Hundreds of people ride the bus every day, making parking at Penrose that much easier for our patients and guests. But, as we continue to grow (adding physicians, opening a new building, etc.) the parking lot has become more and more crowded and our patients continue to struggle finding parking. The solution?  Ask that more associates park at the ASC and ride the shuttle.  Right now, we are just asking that more people voluntarily ride the shuttle, even if it is only a few time a week.

Think about this – an employee takes up one space in the hospital lot for eight, nine or even 12 hours. Patients who are here for an outpatient service are in the building for an average of two to three hours. One associate parking at the ASC frees up a parking space for as many as four patients each day.

To make parking at the ASC easier, we are extending the hours of the shuttle. Instead of stopping at 6:00 p.m., starting Oct. 3, the Shuttle will run until 8:30 p.m.  The goal is that those who work until 7 p.m., or those who may have late meetings or classes will now be able to park at the ASC.
Here is the new schedule:

6 – 9 a.m. - 2 shuttles (same as it is now)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 1 shuttle (same as it is now)
3 to 7:30 p.m. – 2 shuttles
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – 1 shuttle

In addition to the later shuttle hours, the parking lot attendant at the ASC will be there from 2 – 8:30 p.m. each day that the shuttle runs. This person is there to help ensure that everyone makes it safely from the shuttle to their vehicle.

So, I encourage you – think about parking at the ASC. Maybe give it a try one day, just to see how easy it is. Join the hundreds of us who already park at the ASC and help us make parking at Penrose as easy as possible for our patients and guests.

Congratulations - Video

Earlier this year we announced that Penrose-St. Francis Health Services now holds recognition by four of Colorado’s major health insurance providers for both joint replacement and spine surgery. We are currently the only hospital in Colorado to hold all of these honors.

Here is a complete list of the recognitions:

Aetna
Colorado Institutes of Quality® Orthopedic Surgery Facility - Total Joint Replacement
Colorado Institutes of Quality® Orthopedic Surgery Facility – Spine
 
Anthem Blue Cross
Blue Distinction Centers for Spine Surgery®
Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement®

Cigna
Center of Excellence for Disc Surgery (3 stars for outcomes, 2 stars for efficiency)
Center of Excellence for Spinal Fusion (3 stars for both outcomes and efficiency)
Center of Excellence for Total Hip Replacement (3 stars for both outcomes and efficiency)
Center of Excellence for Total Knee Replacement (3 stars for both outcomes and efficiency)
 
United
The UnitedHealth Premium® Specialty Center for Surgical Spine
The UnitedHealth Premium® Specialty Center for Total Joint Replacement

In recognition of this achievement, we created a short video. In the video, you will hear directly from our physicians and patients about these important programs. Click on the link below to watch this 4-minute video.

Penrose Hospital ED Remodeling Project

The remodeling project in the Emergency Dept. at Penrose Hospital is underway. If you walk outside the department, you can’t miss it. Phase one of the project is to construct a new covered entrance. As patients pull up to the entrance, they may stop and wonder if the department is open, due to all of the fencing and construction equipment. The staff and construction crews have spent countless hours designing this project so it would not impact services provided.

We ask that you please help us to educate our community that our emergency department is being remodeled but the area is still open, 24-hours- a-day, 7-days-a-week, providing the same exceptional care.

STRIVE Success Story

“I feel like a New Man”
Weight Watchers Success Story
John Scott, RN

My weight had steadily increased for many years and by October 2010 I weighed 209 pounds, the heaviest I have ever been.  My back hurt all the time, my knees were bad and in general, I felt terrible.  The activities I had enjoyed in the past such as fishing and hiking in the mountains had become increasingly more difficult.  My energy levels were zero.  My health was declining and I finally realized I had to make some drastic changes. 

After looking at several diet plans, I chose Weight Watchers Online.  The website is easy to use and has so much helpful information.  It was a perfect fit for me. Initially, I had to get used to keeping track of what foods I ate but it helped me realize just how much junk food I was actually eating, and what poor eating habits I had.  With the Weight Watchers plan, I eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.  I eat more chicken and less beef.  I gave up regular soda for sugar free drinks.  I gave up butter for zero calorie butter spray.  I gave up sweets for Weight Watcher snacks and I gave up eating fast food.  Using Weight Watchers recipes, my wife cooked delicious, healthy meals.  After several months, I found that I didn’t even miss most of the foods I use to eat, plus with each passing month I felt happier, healthier and had more energy.       

My first weight loss goal was 20 pounds which took less than three months to achieve.  With that success and new found confidence, I continued setting new weight loss goals and once obtained, set new goals, each time with increased confidence and enthusiasm.  

So far I have lost 49 pounds.  I have learned how to eat healthy again.  I now have more energy for fishing, hiking and everyday activities.  I climb 12 flights of stairs nearly every day at work, I sleep better at night, I don’t have problems with indigestion, and my joints don’t ache all the time.  I have so much more energy now it's ridiculous.  I feel like a new man. 
I don’t ever want to be heavy again and thanks to Weight Watchers, I have the knowledge, skills, and will power to continue eating healthy and to keep the weight off. 

John, the STRIVE team is so proud of you for achieving your weight loss goals through Weight Watchers. You too can experience Weight Watchers with the added convenience and support of meetings right in your workplace. This program has been tremendously successful and the current group at Penrose has lost 160 pounds in 12 weeks!

Join us for Weight Watchers Open House on Wednesday, September 28th at 5 PM in the Cactus Room at Penrose Hospital. STRIVE pays $20 of the cost up front so the net cost for associates for a 13 week session is $136 (regular price $156) or for a 17 week session is $166 (regular price $186) and this includes FREE E-Tools. This amount can vary because the length of the session and the overall price vary depending on the total number of participants. Payment can be collected at the Open House and credit cards and checks are accepted. Participants can make 3 separate payments, if needed. The next session begins October 12, 2011. Don’t delay, sign up today! Contact Laura Ryan at 776-7393 or LauraRyan@Centura.Org if you have any questions.

Better Bites

Results from a Penrose-St. Francis associate survey conducted this past spring showed that 73 percent of respondents were “supportive” or “very supportive” of the cafeteria implementing the Better Bites pricing pilot project.  Beginning in October, the Better Bites program will make it easier and less expensive for you to eat delicious, healthy foods at both Penrose Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center.  At Penrose Hospital, one of the healthy items that will be less expensive is the Better Bites hot entree.  At St. Francis Medical Center, one of the healthy items that will be less expensive is the Margherita  Pizza.  Come visit the kick-off event at SFMC on Oct. 5th from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and at Penrose Hospital on Oct. 6th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Flu ends with You!

What is the “Prescription for a Healthier You?”

The prescription is simple: Eat right, Exercise and get your Flu Vaccination.
The first two are up to you but we can help with the third one.

Associate, Volunteer, Physician Seasonal Flu Clinics

September 28, SFMC Conference Room 1 - 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
October 5, Penrose Wellness Center – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
October 7, SFMC Conference Room 1 - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note, flu vaccine will not be available in Employee Health until after these four flu shot clinics.

It's that time again...

It’s time for our annual fire extinguisher training.  Yes, just like in year’s past, there is a free BBQ lunch to go along with the training. All you have to do to get your free lunch is demonstrate that you know how to PASS – Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. Last year, more than 800 associates demonstrated that they know how to put out a small fire with an extinguisher.

Penrose Hospital – October 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the vendor parking lot near the Cafeteria.
St. Francis Medical Center – Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Patio.

Laughter is the best medicine

A Herd of cows A Flock of chickens...

The English language has some wonderfully anthropomorphic collective nouns for the various groups of animals.

We are all familiar with a Herd of cows, a Flock of chickens, a School of fish and a Gaggle of geese.

However, less widely known is a Pride of lions, a Murder of crows (as well as their cousins the rooks and ravens), an Exaltation of doves and, presumably because they look so wise, a Parliament of owls.

Now consider a group of Baboons. They are the loudest, most dangerous, most obnoxious, most viciously aggressive and least intelligent of all primates. And what is the proper collective noun for a group of baboons? Believe it or not ........ A Congress!

I guess that pretty much explains the things that come out of Washington!

News Briefs

Neighborhood Nurses’ Clinic Opening Soon
The Penrose-St. Francis Mission Outreach team has partnered with Westside Community Center to open a new medical initiative, the Neighborhood Nurses’ Clinic, on October 3, 2011. The clinic will be located in the Westside Community Center, 1628 West Bijou Street, and provide health advocacy work for the uninsured/underinsured by offering two initial services: taking blood pressures and screening sugar levels for diabetics. Ultimately, the clinic’s next steps will be to expand from there by providing medical assistance to those in need, health counseling, and educational classes. The clinic will be open Monday – Thursday from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  

The team from Penrose Mountain Urgent Care hosted a booth at the recent 
Octoberfest in Woodland Park.

Penrose Cafe and Bistro News

Lonnie Cramer will be guest barista on Tuesday, September 27 from 2-3 p.m.

Strive News

Strive News September 25-October 2

WOW! (Wellness on Wheels)
Congratulations to the CVU who was chosen by STRIVE to participate in the W.O.W. (Wellness on Wheels) program.  This great program is intended to increase participation in health, fitness, and wellness amongst hospital employees.  CVU employees will be engaging in 5-10 minute “revitalize and energize with STRIVE” breaks once a week for 8 weeks. These energizing fitness and wellness breaks will consist of flexibility/stretching, strength training, energizing sequences, meditation/relaxation, and Zumba.

Our goal is to help our associates gain more energy for their shifts and their lives by incorporating the above techniques into their day. Research shows that exercise boosts energy levels and productivity among the plethora of many other benefits.  The program will kick off on September 27th. 

Congratulations CVU!  We look forward to working with you!

SEPTEMBER HIKING CLUB
There will not be a hike in September due to the number community walks this month.

SMALL GROUP TRAINING
What is the #1 new trend in fitness? The answer is Small Group Training! Small Group Training offers you a chance to interface with a Personal Trainer, but differs from a group fitness class because the sessions are limited to 3-6 participants and are 30 min in duration. Also, the training is specific to each participant’s goals, and not just for general fitness purposes.  Get the benefits of personal training with the energetic mood of working in a group!  Call now to schedule your session!

The cost of each 30 minute class is $10 per participant
Please call Jenna at 776-7494 or email her at JennaFlorea@centura.org to sign up!  You must pre-register to attend and you must have gym access to participate.

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES—NEW CLASSES ADDED!
Penrose Hospital

Weekend Warrior
Session 3: Saturdays, 9:00-10:30 am: October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Pilates
Session 2: Tuesdays, 6:10 – 7:00 am: October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8

Yoga
Session 3:  Tuesdays, 5:15-6:30 pm: October 4, 11, 18, November 1, 8, 15 (Skip 10/25)

Bootcamp
Session 3:  Thursdays, 5:15-6:30 pm: October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10

Zumba
Session 3:  Thursdays, 4:15-5:05 pm: October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17

Cycle Strength Circuit       *NEW CLASS!
Are you ready for this heart pumping, calorie torching, strength building, and FUN workout?  This class will give you the chance to mix up your routine and keep your body moving by integrating indoor cycling and strength training. Join Erin Heberlein and Jenna Florea, certified cycling instructors, and watch fat melt away and your body transform!
Session 5: Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm: October 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16

Snow Conditioning  *NEW CLASS!
Get ready to carve and shred up the slopes with group certified instructors, Margaret Sabin (PSF CEO/President) and Erin Heberlein! Cardiovascular conditioning, plyometrics, stability, full body and core strength will be the foundation of the functional and athletic workout. By first blizzard, you will be ready to take your training to the slopes, as your fitness reaches new levels!
Session 3: Mondays, 5:15-6:15 pm: October 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21

St. Francis Medical Center

De-Stress Fitness Express
 Session 6: Wednesdays 12:00-12:30 pm: October 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 30 (Skip 11/ 23)

Zumba          
Session 2: Tuesdays 4:15-5:05 pm, October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

GYM ORIENTATIONS
There is no need to sign up for the gym orientation, you just need to simply show up.  To view the full 2011 schedule, please sign in to www.healthcalc.net/penrose and click on Gym Orientation Schedule.  Please call 776-7393 for questions.
September 2011 Gym Orientations
 Thursday, September 29th : 4:15 p.m. at St. Francis Medical Center.
 Thursday, September 29th: 11:30 a.m. at Penrose Main

MASSAGES
Beginning September 24, 2011, massage appointments will be scheduled using our HealthCalc website. The link for this website is www.healthcalc.net/penrose. All massage clients have been given a username and password for this website. If you do not know your username or password, please contact Sarah Christiansen at 776-5595 or SarahChristiansen@Centura.Org and she will give your username and password.

Once logged in Healthcalc, there is a link on the homepage for you to click to schedule a massage. You will then be brought to a webpage, with available times for both SFMC and PH. You should receive a confirmation email after you schedule your massage. Please note, the same policies and procedures apply for the massage program. Required payment is $10, check or money order only, no cash, payable to “Touching the World.” The $10 payment needs to be paid prior to the massage. If you need to cancel your massage, please contact Laura Ryan at 776-7393 or LauraRyan@Centura.Org. Appointments may be cancelled prior to 24 hours without penalties. If a massage is cancelled less than 24 hours or is a no show, that person will be charged $20. If another eligible associate or volunteer is able to take that massage there will be no $20.00 charge. In addition, another massage may not be scheduled until that $20.00 has been paid. If a massage is scheduled for a Monday, you may call 776-7393 and leave a message advising you must cancel your appointment. The messages are dated and time stamped so as long as it is within the 24 hours no penalties will occur.

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Thursday at 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet.
Contact Erin Heberlein x7394

HEALTH SCREENING 2011
Did you complete your follow-up intervention from STRIVE’s annual Health Screening? If not, contact Laura Ryan at 776-7393 to register for 1 of the 14 various programs being offered to STRIVE’s Health Screening 2011 participants!

HLC Classes

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

New Phone Number (719) 776-7983
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

All Wellness classes held at Penrose Health Learning Center, 1644 Medical Center Point (Union and Templeton Gap) unless otherwise noted. All Birthing/Parenting classes held at the new St. Francis Medical Center, unless otherwise noted.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Pilates – A body conditioning routine that helps build strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination.  Pilates improves mental and physical well-being through controlled movements, increased circulation and strengthening the core.  This is a mat class.

Date/Time:           Tuesdays   
October 4th – October 25th      
November 1st  – November 22nd     
November 29th – December 20th      
8:45 – 9:45am

Date/Time:           Thursdays   
October 6th – October 27th       
November 3rd – November 17th        (3 classes only)  
December 1st – December 22nd
5:30 – 6:30pm

Cost:                      
$40.00 / 4-week session
$30.00 / 3-week session
_______________________________________________________________________
 
T’ai Chi – A form of ancient Chinese martial arts that works to improve body awareness, strength and coordination.

Date/Time:           Tuesdays and Thursdays 
October 4th – October 27th      (8 classes)  
November 15th, 17th, 22nd, and 29th     (4 classes only)
December 1st – December 29th      (9 classes)
9:00 – 10:00 am

Cost:                      
$40.00 / 4-week session value (8 classes)
$20.00 / 4 classes
$45.00– 4-week session value (9 classes)
_______________________________________________________________________

NEW!     Exercise Sampler – Always wondered what these exercise classes are about?  Here’s your chance to try four different types of exercise class before you commit to any one in particular.

Date/Time:            Yoga Stretch – October 17th
                                Kick Boxing – October 24th
                                Pilates – November 7th
                                Zumba – November 14th
Mondays   5:00 – 6:00 pm

Cost:          
$40.00/ 4 classes
_______________________________________________________________________

Yoga Stretch – Yoga Stretch will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses.  Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement.  Restorative breathing exercises and a final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity.

Date/Time:            Mondays
October 3rd through 31st
November 7th through 28th
December 5th through December 19th (no class on December 26th)

9:00 – 10:00 am                 

Cost:                      
$30.00 / 4 week session value

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 & Mornay Sc., Sausage & Biscuits
Lunch
Tiki Island Garlic Shrimp, Chicken Fried Steak, Baked Potato Bar,
BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Southwest Turkey Panini, Cherry Pineapple Cake.

TUESDAY
Breakfast
French Toast & Syrup, Sausage, Egg, Cheese McMuffin, Chipped Beef
Lunch
Chicken Fajitas, Beef Taco Bowl, Turkey Cheddar Pepper Panini,
Jalapeño Poppers, Chicken Wings, Tex Mex Chips, Blueberry Cobbler

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast
Fruit Topped Pancakes, Sausage Gravy & Biscuit, Red Potato Fries
Lunch
Coconut Curry Chicken & Vegetable, Panini Italiano, Battered Fried Shrimp
BBQ Beef Brisket, Cranberry Glazed Salmon, Homemade Apple Strudel

THURSDAY
Breakfast
Denver Omelet, Waffles, Breakfast Burritos ,Green Chili, Shredded Hash Brown
Lunch
Grilled Turkey Bacon Swiss, Vietnamese "Pho"Noodle Bowl, Beef Pepper Steak,
Country Fried Chicken, Baked Potato Bar, Corn Bread, Scotcharoo's.

FRIDAY
Breakfast
Bagel Breakfast Sandwich, Green Chili Omelet, Tater Tots
Lunch
Baked Orange Roughy, Grilled Rueben, Jamaican Jerk Chicken ,Spaghetti
& Meat Sauce, Scalloped Potatoes, Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

SATURDAY
Breakfast
Minnesota Baked Casserole, Chipped Beef & Biscuit, Hash Browns
Lunch
Turkey Pot Pie, Ricotta Stuffed Shells & Garlic Bread, Red Hook Shrimp,
Herbed Jasmine Rice, Long Green Beans, Blueberry Cherry Cobbler.

SUNDAY
Breakfast
Pancakes & Syrup, Red Potato Fries, Grits, Eggs & Sausage & Ham
Lunch
Crispy Fried Chicken, Chive Mashed Potatoes, Meatball Sandwich,
Beer Battered Fish,  Mac & Cheese, Fresh Baked Biscuits, Apple Dumplings.