Monthly Archives: January 2012

Spirituality in Health Care Seminar

January 31, 2012

Registration is due Thursday, March 1, for the day-long “Spirituality of Being a Health Care Professional” scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at the Chiara Center on the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis Motherhouse campus in Springfield.

Open to all, the seminar will be of special interest to healthcare professionals, physicians, nurses, Pastoral Care staff, ancillary care providers, social workers and students.

The program is sponsored by the Chiara Center and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS); St. Joseph’s in Breese is sponsored by HSHS and the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis.

Presenters include David P. Sulmasy, MD, PhD, FACP, a Kilbride-Clinton Professor of Medicine and Ethics in the Department of Medicine and Divinity School and associate director with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago; Kathy J. Booker, PhD, RN, a School of Nursing professor at Millikin University in Decatur; and Rhea Emmer, CSA, DMin., RN, director of RISEN (Re-Investing Spirituality and Ethics in Our Networks), a program in applied spirituality for health care professionals in Fond du Lac, Wis.

The goal of the program is to increase understanding about the importance of health care providers maintaining spiritual centeredness so they can deliver compassionate care. Contact hours will be available.

Cost is $75 and pre-registration is required as space is limited. An e-mail confirmation will be sent when registration and payment are received.

To register, mail form (available under Featured Events at www.chiaracenter.org), with payment by March 1 to Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, c/o Accounting, PO Box 19431, Springfield, IL 62794-9431.

 

Blood Pressure Event

January 30, 2012

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese will host a free blood pressure check from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the Heritage Room.

Those attending will receive a free heart-shaped tin filled with mints.

The hospital hosts a free blood pressure check the second Tuesday of each month; in March, that date will be Tuesday, March 13.

Screenings 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 diseases 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 require medication.

The screening is free and there are no dietary restrictions.

‘Heart2Heart’ Girls Night Out

January 24, 2012

In conjunction with American Heart Month, designated since 1963 to raise awareness and provide education on cardiovascular disease, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese will offer a full slate of “Heart2Heart” events during February.

Activities will include a reservations only Girls Night Out with a fashion show, free health screening, educational sessions and a student art show. The hospital will also be lit in red throughout the month of February as a reminder of the importance of a heart healthy lifestyle.

Highlighting the schedule will be the “Heart2Heart Girls Night Out” on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Hidden Lake Winery between Aviston and Albers. The event begins at 6 p.m.; doors will not open until 5:30 p.m.

Featured will be a fashion show, wine, appetizers, attendance prizes and a round of “Are You Smarter Than A Physician,” among other activities.

Tickets are $10 each and this year’s event will be by reservation only; tickets will not be sold at the door. Those interested in attending must pre-register by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8.

A limited number of reserved tables of eight will be available for those paying in advance; pre-registered individuals and smaller pre-registered groups pay at the door with first come-first served seating.

To pre-register (required), contact 526-5396 or challuin@sjb.hshs.org.

Events are also planned as follows at the hospital: Dietitian Angie Kruse will discuss heart-healthy nutrition at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the Cafeteria; free blood pressure screenings will be offered from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the Heritage Room; a Heartsaver Basic Life Support (CPR) class is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, in the Heritage Room; and Certified Athletic Trainer Jamie Wagner will present information on heart-healthy exercise at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Cafeteria.

The CPR class is $40; for details or to register (required), contact 526-5353 or education@sjb.hshs.org. Registration is not required for the Cafeteria sessions or blood pressure screening.

In addition, St. Joseph’s in Breese will host the opening of “The Art of Heart Care” student art show from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the hospital HealthPlex. Those attending can vote for “Favorite of Show” at 5 cents a vote with proceeds to the American Heart Association.

Students from all five county high schools have been invited to submit work for the show; last year over 65 entries were on display.

St. Joseph’s in Breese will be joined in the “Heart2Heart” observance by St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, St. Anthony’s Memorial in Effingham and St. Joseph’s in Highland. These three facilities plus St. Joseph’s in Breese comprise the Hospital Sisters Health System Southern Illinois Division.

Women and Infants Center February and March Childbirth Classes

January 23, 2012

It’s a new year and a new slate of classes for the St. Joseph-Breese Women and Infants Center which recently hosted an open house to showcase the newly renovated department.

The project, including new services and amenities, upgraded mechanical details and a more contemporary, spa-like environment, was completed in January. Of particular interest has been the water feature at the WIC entrance—part of the new décor and color palette—and the addition of a labor tub.

Among the classes scheduled for the upcoming two months are several childbirth classes including Prepared Childbirth Refresher at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7; a three-week Prepared Childbirth course at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 21, Feb. 28 and March 6; and a one-day Prepared Childbirth class at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 3, all in the Heritage Room.

Sessions provide information to decrease anxiety and fears. Topics include relaxation, comfort measures, variations of normal labor and delivery, Caesarean births, risks and benefits of medication.

Also offered will be Breastfeeding at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8; Sibling from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10; and Know Your Newborn at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15.

Breastfeeding is for parents who are considering or have decided to breastfeed; sibling is for children three to 10 years old expecting a new brother or sister within the next two months; and Know Your Newborn is for moms- and dads-to-be.

In conjunction with WIC, Community Link’s First Step Program in Breese will offer “Happiest Toddler” from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, and “Happiest Baby” from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, March 12, in the hospital HealthPlex. Classes are provided with funding from the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

“Happiest Toddler” is for moms and dads with children one to four years old and “Happiest Baby” is for new or expectant parents. In addition, sessions are open to anyone caring for infants or toddlers including day care providers.

For class details, to register (requested) or a tour of the department, contact 526-5464 or hessenpreis@sjb.hshs.org.

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