Monthly Archives: June 2012

Look Good-Feel Better

June 29, 2012

Women undergoing cancer treatments are invited to learn how to “Look Good-Feel Better” when St. Joseph’s in Breese hosts a program by the same name from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, in the hospital Board Room. Those attending are encouraged to bring a female support person to share the evening.

The program is hosted by the hospital with the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association.

During the two-hour session, cosmetology professionals with specialized ACS training will help with skin care, makeup application (even if cosmetics are rarely worn), nail strategies and the choice and care of wigs, scarves, turbans and hats. Free hair coverings and wigs will be available.

Participants receive makeup kits valued at $250, the opportunity to meet others going through similar experiences, refreshments, gifts and encouragement.

An ACS representative said “Look Good-Feel Better” can help a woman face the challenges of cancer.

“When cancer strikes, a woman has to deal with the physical and emotional trauma plus the effects of treatment on her skin, hair, nails and general appearance,” the representative said.

“Winning the battle to retain her physical appearance and self-esteem can make the war against cancer seem a little easier,” she said “This program has been called an emotional lifesaver because it returns to them a sense of normalcy and allows them to smile at the person in the mirror again.”

The program is held throughout the year at St. Joseph’s in Breese. The last session for 2012 is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17.

For more information or to register (required), contact 526-5672 or ktimmermann@sjb.hshs.org.

Holy Cross Sisters to Mark 100th Anniversary

June 28, 2012

“Many of our Sisters were stationed at Breese and are looking forward to seeing friends and co-workers from years past,” said Sister Dorothy Niemann, Pastoral Care director at the hospital. Sister Dorothy, with Sister Loretta Schreiber in Health Information Services, are the two remaining Holy Cross Sisters stationed at Breese.

Planned for the open house are a photo display, an opportunity to visit with the Sisters, many of whom are living at the Congregation’s USA Province headquarters in Merrill, Wis., and refreshments. Not all the Sisters will be able to attend due to distance and health.

The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross—also known as the Holy Cross Sisters—were founded by Theodosius Florentina, a Capuchin priest, in 1856 in Switzerland as a Congregation of vowed religious women; the Motherhouse remains in Ingenbohl, Switzerland.

In 1912, the first group of six Sisters came to the United States, thus making 2012 their Centennial Year. In addition to their missions in Breese and Merrill, Wis., the Sisters also had ministries, predominately health care, education and catechesis, in North Dakota (Dickinson), Missouri, Ohio and Louisiana.

The July 15 event at St. Joseph’s in Breese is one of several throughout the Sisters’ Centennial Year that began in March.

In commemoration of the anniversary, the Sisters are asking friends and co-workers for stories and photos for their newsletter and website, www.holycrosssisters.org. Information and pictures, at least 300 dpi, can be submitted to info@holycrosssisters.org or to Communications Director Russ Mancl, Holy Cross Sisters, 1400 O’Day Street, Merrill, Wis., 54452.

Partner Recognition Award presented by Practice Greenhealth

June 27, 2012

Practice Greenhealth, a national membership organization for health care facilities committed to environmental responsibility, has honored St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese with a Partner Recognition Award.

“This award reflects the hospital’s commitment to protect public health and preserve the environment,” said Practice Greenhealth Executive Director Laura Wenger, RN.

“St. Joseph’s in Breese is truly demonstrating leadership for the future of health care,” she said.

The award is presented to health care facilities that are recycling 10 percent or more of their total waste stream, have completed a number of successful pollution prevention or sustainability projects and assessed current environmental activities.

“We’re honored to receive the Partner Recognition Award,” said hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Klosterman. “Credit should go to our colleagues and volunteers who are instrumental in planning and implementing these projects.”

In recognition of the honor, each hospital colleague received a packet of wildflower seeds.

Also this year, Hospital Sisters Health System, of which St. Joseph’s in Breese is an affiliate, received the System for Change Award given to health care systems that are working cohesively to gather data, set goals, benchmark and share successes in environmental performance.

“Being honored for environmental stewardship is extremely gratifying as our system is sponsored by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis,” said HSHS President and CEO Mary Starmann-Harrison. “As we care for our patients and our communities, we emulate the teachings of St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology.”

Steps taken by St. Joseph’s include eliminating 46.5 tons of solid waste by reducing, recycling or reusing; having a hazardous materials committee to oversee environmental programs; training colleagues on environmental and sustainability initiatives; working to eliminate mercury from the hospital setting; ramping up various recycling programs; initiating medical and single-use device reprocessing; reducing the use of pesticides; increasing the use of “green” cleaning chemicals and processes; and switching to reusable food service items.

This is St. Joseph’s third environmental award. The facility has twice received the Governor’s Pollution Prevention Award for “significant achievements in protecting the environment.”

For more information, contact 526-5440 or ckuhl@sjb.hshs.org.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Classes

June 26, 2012

A final summer Advanced Cardiac Life Support pre-course review is set for 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 12, while the last summer ACLS class will meet at 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.

The fall ALCS class schedule includes pre-course reviews from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, and Wednesday, Oct. 17, and ACLS classes at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, and Thursday, Oct. 25.

Cost is $200, or $175 for recertification, which will include handouts, textbook, lunch and refreshments.

Materials and instructions will be mailed after fees are received. Early registration is requested as class size is limited and early sign-up will allow time for review and to complete the required on-line exam.

Cost for the review is $20.

Designed for healthcare professionals, ACLS focuses on the emergency management of acute cardiac conditions. During the course, information is presented and participants practice at various teaching stations then complete written and hands-on testing.

Those successfully completing the course receive a two-year ACLS certification from the American Heart Association.  At St. Joseph’s in Breese, all nursing staff in patient care areas, cardiopulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation colleagues are required to maintain ACLS certification.

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

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