Monthly Archives: May 2012

Father’s Day Discussion

May 31, 2012

Although much of the focus is on mom, dads grieve as well when an infant or child is lost and Father’s Day can prove especially difficult.

However, the St. Joseph-Breese Share group may be able to provide some assistance when they meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, in the hospital Board Room.

Sponsored by the hospital’s Women and Infants Center (WIC), the group is for parents and families who have lost a child. Karen and Scott Gebke of Aviston serve as hosts.

“Stores are filled with Father’s Day merchandise celebrating dads and daughters, dads and sons, granddads, step-dads and everything in-between,” said Karen Gebke.

“It can all be a bit much for anyone who has lost a child but talking and meeting with others who have gone through a similar situation may be beneficial,” she said. “Being reminded of that loss—and talking about it—may be the hardest thing in the world but it really does help.”

Share generally meets the second Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome—not just parents who delivered at St. Joseph’s in Breese—and there is no restriction on how long ago the loss occurred or how long someone can attend. There is no charge.

For more information, contact Karen Gebke at 228-7665, 709-2878 or sharestjosephs@yahoo.com. For WIC information, contact 526-5464 or hessenpreis@sjb.hshs.org.

St. Joseph’s in Breese reminds those attending that the hospital grounds are now tobacco free.

Blood Pressure Screenings

May 30, 2012

A free blood pressure check will be offered from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, in the Front Lobby of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.

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 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.

The hospital hosts a free blood pressure check the second Tuesday of each month. Screenings are free and there are no dietary restrictions.

St. Joseph’s in Breese reminds those attending that the hospital grounds are now tobacco free.

Basic Life Support Classes

May 29, 2012

Heartsaver and Healthcare Provider Basic Life support classes will be offered this summer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.

Heartsaver BLS classes—previously Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR—are scheduled for 6 p.m. Mondays, June 18 and Aug. 20, with future sessions set for 6 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 19.

A Healthcare Provider BLS session will be offered at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 18. This is the final Healthcare Provider class to be offered during 2012.

All classes will be held in the hospital 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 which includes 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.

St. Joseph’s in Breese reminds those attending that the hospital grounds are now tobacco free.

Grief Support Group

May 25, 2012

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

This familiar passage from Psalm 23 can be comforting to those who have lost a loved one.

Help may also be available from the St. Joseph-Breese grief support group which will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, in the hospital’s Managers Conference Room. To ensure sufficient materials and seating, registration is requested by 3 p.m. Monday, June 18.

Pastoral Care’s Sister Dorothy Niemann serves as group coordinator.

“Giving yourself and others permission to talk about a loved one and the loss is an important first step,” said Sister Dorothy. “That first step is often the hardest but it is important that you make the attempt.”

The group session is only one of several avenues of assistance available from Pastoral Care for those who are grieving. Also available is individual support—by appointment in person or by telephone—and resource material.

Those attending are not required to participate in the discussion and all sessions are confidential and open to anyone seeking help. Support is for anyone, no matter how recent or long ago the loss.

For individual grief counseling, to register for the group or more information, contact 526-5327 or sniemann@sjb.hshs.org.

St. Joseph’s in Breese reminds those attending that the hospital grounds are now tobacco free.

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