Tag Archives: Events

Look Good, Feel Better

January 1, 2013

Women undergoing cancer treatments are encouraged to attend “Look Good-Feel Better” when St. Joseph’s in Breese hosts the program from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the hospital HealthPlex.

Following the session, the hospital’s new Wig Closet will be open.

Participants are invited to bring a female support person to share this evening of fun and education. This is the first LGFB program offered by St. Joseph’s in Breese in the New Year; future sessions are April 17, July 17 and Oct. 16.

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, those attending receive a make-over from cosmetology professionals with specialized ACS training to 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 the LGFB program 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.”

For more information or to register (required), contact 526-5672 or kathy.timmermann@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.

Winter Share Meeting

December 23, 2012

Coping with the so-called “winter blues” will be up for discussion when the St. Joseph-Breese Share group next meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, in the hospital Board Room.

“January and winter in general can be tough,” said Karen Gebke, host of the group with husband Scott.    “The twinkling lights and decorations have been put away, those special holiday activities and events are past and we’ve gone from the excitement of the season back to a day-to-day routine,” she said. “All that, plus lack of sunshine and your previous loss, can lead to a pretty good case of the winter blues.”

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

“There are a number of things you can do to cope,” she said. “It may be time to consider making a new beginning and starting some new traditions.”

Alternatives will be presented at the session and participants are encouraged to bring their own suggestions to share if they feel comfortable doing so.

Share generally meets the second Tuesday of each month and is for parents and families who have lost a child. The group is sponsored by the hospital’s Women and Infants Center.

Everyone is welcome, not just parents who delivered at St. Joseph’s in Breese, and there are no restrictions 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 women and Infants Center information, contact 526-5464 or helen.essenpreis@hshs.org.

Annual Christmas Party

December 18, 2012

A selection of carols followed by attendance prizes closed the annual St. Joseph-Breese Volunteer Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Breese Knights of Columbus. To lead the singing, Director of Volunteers Judy Schrage and musician Duane Grapperhaus, called for any volunteer who sings in a choir to lend his or her voice and several responded including (from left)  Etta Kampwerth of Carlyle, Roberta Beer of Bartelso and Bernita Mensing, Katie Schrage, Arlette Szczepan, Toots Tebbe, Mary Ellen Detmer, Ann Olliges, Sister Dorothy Niemann and Joe Hagen, all of Breese. The party opened with prayer by Sister Dorothy and included a buffet lunch. Special guest, Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Klosterman, thanked the volunteers for their service and support.

Subscribe