Category Archives: Hospital Services

Free Health Screenings

January 5, 2013

Free health screenings including A1C, diabetes finger sticks, blood pressure and foot checks, will be offered from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Damiansville Elementary School by St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.

“Diabetes, also referred to as high blood sugar, is a growing epidemic,” said Barb Voss, Certified Diabetes Educator at the Breese hospital. “To assist with early detection, the hospital will offer A1C testing quarterly in 2013 beginning with this event at Damiansville School.”

A1C screenings will also be available for a fee at the spring and fall hospital health fairs and at no charge this summer at another event. Times, dates and locations will be announced when finalized.

The time of the screening, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on a Sunday, was selected to be more convenient for anyone attending services at St. Damian’s Catholic Church in Damiansville or other churches in the area. (more…)

Babysitter’s Classes

December 29, 2012

Taking advantage of the Martin Luther King Day school holiday, St. Joseph’s in Breese will offer “For Babysitters Only” from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, in the hospital’s Heritage Room.

Cost is $15 per student and class size is limited. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 18, or when class is full.

“For Babysitters Only” is for boys and girls 10 years old and older who are just beginning or experienced babysitters and looking to review their skills and learn new information.

During the three-hour course, hospital staff  will discuss medical emergencies, first aid, safety, infant and child care including diapering and feeding, fire procedures, age-appropriate games, toys and entertainment.

This is the first of four babysitting classes planned for 2013. Additional classes are set for Mondays, April 1, July 15 and Oct. 14, however, those dates may change depending on the school calendar.

For more information or to register (required), contact 526-5464 or helen.essenpreis@hshs.org. Fees may be paid the day of the class.

Basic Life Support Classes

December 27, 2012

The 2013 schedule of Basic Life Support or BLS classes at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese has been announced.

The first three Heartsaver BLS classes are set for 6 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 21, Feb. 18 and March 18, in the Heritage Room; the first Healthcare Provider class will be offered at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, also in the Heritage Room.

Heartsaver is for anyone who needs BLS certification to meet job requirements or for personal interest. Healthcare Provider is for medical professionals including physicians, nurses or nursing students, paramedics and others who care for patients in a variety of venues in or out of the hospital setting.

Cost is $40 per class; fees include the instruction manual.

Seating is limited; please call to confirm dates and class availability. Those registering may be referred to a later session. Groups are welcome.

For details or to register (required), contact 526-5353 or education@sjb.hshs.org.

 

Blood Pressure Check

December 24, 2012

If your New Year’s resolution was to be more health-conscious, St. Joseph’s in Breese can help.

The hospital offers free blood pressure checks from 8 to 9 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the Front Lobby; the next three dates are Jan. 8, Feb. 12 and March 12.

Between one-quarter and one-third of all those having blood pressures checked at the hospital’s fall health fairs had elevated readings. Screenings such as those offered at the health fairs and throughout the year, help identify potential problems or monitor an existing situation.

According to the American Heart Association, the higher the blood pressure, the greater the chance of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease. Early identification can prompt lifestyle changes and focused treatment options resulting in less cardiovascular and kidney disease later in life.

At one time, readings in the 140/90 range were acceptable but now, those with a reading of 120 to 139 over 80 to 89 are considered pre-hypertensive, at higher risk and more likely to required medication.

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