CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center’s quarterly presentation of “Prevention and Management of Lymphedema” will take place at 6 p.m., Feb. 4 in the Breast Care Center, located on the third floor of the Burrell Professional Building adjacent to the Medical Center.
Lorraine Skolak, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, will discuss how lymphedema can occur any time after lymph node dissection and how simple lifestyle changes can help prevent its onset. She also will explain self-management techniques.
Seating is limited. Please register by calling (219) 757-6368.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Saint Anthony Medical Center volunteers’ time is money
Fund-raising efforts, work hours provide boost for hospital programs
CROWN POINT Although their services are regarded as invaluable, the worth of the work done by Saint Anthony Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers is regarded as one in a million. In fact, it’s well in excess of $2 million – all things considered.
In the hospital’s 35 years of existence, volunteer fund-raising efforts have brought in $1,995,022 to benefit programs and initiatives. That was added to recently, when the auxiliary presented the hospital with a $100,000 check, proceeds from which will benefit the Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign. That doesn’t count the value of the man-hours they spend working at the hospital, which helps free thousands of dollars more that is used to provide additional full-time staff members.
The capital campaign, which is receiving matching funds from an anonymous donor, has a goal of raising $4.5 for the relocation-renovation of St. Anthony’s St. Clare Health Clinic and its Prenatal Assistance Program, both of which provide services to the underprivileged.
Money also will be used to enhance services at the recently opened Franciscan Point outpatient health complex. About $1.8 million, which includes the matching funds, has been raised since the campaign kicked off a year ago.
During a recent auxiliary luncheon program, David Ruskowski, Saint Anthony Medical Center president, thanked the volunteers for more than doing their part.
“Besides the money you bring in from fund-raising, your work hours are indispensable to us. It may sound cliché, but in these difficult economic times, that’s more important than ever. I appreciate your smiling faces and the good work you do out of the goodness of your hearts.”
Auxiliary President Doris Paluszak said the 170 volunteers contributed nearly 54,000 hours to the hospital last year.
The auxiliary-run gift shop alone raised $83,000 for the capital campaign last year. Myriad other fund-raising events staged by the auxiliary accounted for the remainder of the $100,000 donated.
Warren Johnson, director of development for the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services’ Northern Indiana Region, also lauded the volunteers’ efforts.
“An Indiana volunteer association calculated that volunteers would receive about $17 an hour if they were getting paid. Multiply that by the 54,000 hours our volunteers worked and you get an idea of how much they mean to us. They give marvelous support to the hospital.”
Persons interested in joining the auxiliary should call (219) 757-6347.
CROWN POINT Although their services are regarded as invaluable, the worth of the work done by Saint Anthony Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers is regarded as one in a million. In fact, it’s well in excess of $2 million – all things considered.
In the hospital’s 35 years of existence, volunteer fund-raising efforts have brought in $1,995,022 to benefit programs and initiatives. That was added to recently, when the auxiliary presented the hospital with a $100,000 check, proceeds from which will benefit the Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign. That doesn’t count the value of the man-hours they spend working at the hospital, which helps free thousands of dollars more that is used to provide additional full-time staff members.
The capital campaign, which is receiving matching funds from an anonymous donor, has a goal of raising $4.5 for the relocation-renovation of St. Anthony’s St. Clare Health Clinic and its Prenatal Assistance Program, both of which provide services to the underprivileged.
Money also will be used to enhance services at the recently opened Franciscan Point outpatient health complex. About $1.8 million, which includes the matching funds, has been raised since the campaign kicked off a year ago.
During a recent auxiliary luncheon program, David Ruskowski, Saint Anthony Medical Center president, thanked the volunteers for more than doing their part.
“Besides the money you bring in from fund-raising, your work hours are indispensable to us. It may sound cliché, but in these difficult economic times, that’s more important than ever. I appreciate your smiling faces and the good work you do out of the goodness of your hearts.”
Auxiliary President Doris Paluszak said the 170 volunteers contributed nearly 54,000 hours to the hospital last year.
The auxiliary-run gift shop alone raised $83,000 for the capital campaign last year. Myriad other fund-raising events staged by the auxiliary accounted for the remainder of the $100,000 donated.
Warren Johnson, director of development for the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services’ Northern Indiana Region, also lauded the volunteers’ efforts.
“An Indiana volunteer association calculated that volunteers would receive about $17 an hour if they were getting paid. Multiply that by the 54,000 hours our volunteers worked and you get an idea of how much they mean to us. They give marvelous support to the hospital.”
Persons interested in joining the auxiliary should call (219) 757-6347.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
When it comes to quality health care in the region, don’t wish upon a star
Wish for five stars
The four hospitals that make up Northern Indiana Region of the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. are five-star rated in several service areas, according to HealthGrades, the leading independent health care ratings company in the country. The breakdown includes:
Saint Anthony Medical Center – Crown Point (www.stanthonymedicalcenter.com)
- Five-star rated for treatment of stroke – seven consecutive years.
- Ranked among the top 15 percent nationwide for stroke treatment – seven consecutive years.
- Five-star rated for hip fracture repair – two consecutive years.
- Ranked among the top 15 percent nationwide for hip fracture repair – two consecutive years.
Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers – Dyer and Hammond (www.smmhc.com)
- Five-star rated for heart failure treatment – three consecutive years.
- Ranked among the top 15 percent nationwide for heart failure treatment – three consecutive years.
- Ranked in the top 10 in Indiana for overall cardiac, heart surgery and cardiology services.
- Ranked in the top 10 in Indiana for spine surgery.
- Five-star rated for hip fracture repair – four consecutive years.
- Ranked among the top 15 percent nationwide for hip fracture repair – four straight years.
Saint Anthony Memorial – Michigan City (www.saintanthonymemorial.org)
- Five-star rated for heart failure treatment and total hip replacement.
- Ranked among in the top 15 percent nationwide for treatment of heart failure and total hip replacement.
- One of two five-star-rated heart failure treatment programs in the South Bend area.
Franciscan Physicians Hospital – Munster (www.franciscanphysicianshospital.com)
- Five-star rated for heart failure treatment.
- Ranked in the top 15 percent nationally for heart failure treatment.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Living our values; serving our communities
Sisters of St. Francis Health System Northern Region answers the call
Sisters of St. Francis Health Systems Northern Region walks the walk when it comes to providing services for area communities and benefits for the less fortunate in Northwest Indiana.
The hospitals in the Northern Region, including Saint Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point, Saint Anthony Memorial in Michigan City, St. Margaret Mercy in Hammond and in Dyer and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster, combined provided approximately $150,000 million in Social Accountability Benefits to the Northwest Indiana community in 2007.
A breakdown of the benefits includes:
* Saint Anthony Medical Center: More than $29 million in programs and services, which included St. Clare Clinic (which offers free primary health care for uninsured residents in a six-county area), along with Saint Anthony’s Prenatal Assistance program, the American Heart Association, health screenings and numerous other mission/community-related offerings, were provided. Benefits for the Poor included $4.7 million for charity care; $6.2 million in unpaid Medicaid costs; nearly $400,000 for other public programs; more than $20,000 for community services. Benefits for the Community included $16.6 million for unpaid Medicare costs, $14.4 million for community services.
* Saint Margaret Mercy: More than $79 million in combined Social Accountability Benefits was provided by the Hammond and Dyer campuses. Among services were free health screenings, caring for working uninsured residents at Catherine McAuley Clinic, helping mothers and babies who live in St. Monica Home, or helping troubled adolescents at the St. Francis Center. Saint Margaret also provides sexual abstinence programs for teens and a Volunteer Advocates for Seniors program. Benefits for the Poor included more than $13 million for charity care, nearly $31 million in unpaid costs of public aid, $127,500 in cash and in-kind donations. Benefits for the Community included more than $32 million in unpaid costs of Medicare; $3 million for community support and services.
* Saint Anthony Memorial: More than $39 million in Social and Accountability Benefits was provided by the hospital, which offers an integrated health care network that includes The Women’ Comprehensive Health Center, Duneland Health and Wellness Institute, The Indiana Sleep Disorders Center, The Vascular Center of the Great Lakes and Woodland Healthcare SurgiCenter. Benefits for the Poor included $6.5 million in charity care, nearly $11 million in unpaid Medicaid costs. Benefits for the Community included more than $20 million in unpaid Medicare costs; nearly $250,000 in other community services.
* Franciscan Physicians Hospital LLC was acquired by Sisters of St. Francis Health Services in 2006. In a unique partnership with area physicians, it is building centers of excellence in the foundational areas of cardiovascular and orthopedic services. The hospital provided more than $900,000 in Social Accountability Benefits during a partial period of 2007, including $26,606 in charity care, $215,000 in unpaid Medicaid costs. Benefits for the community included $716,000 in unpaid Medicare costs, $3,000 for other services.
Sisters of St. Francis Health Systems Northern Region walks the walk when it comes to providing services for area communities and benefits for the less fortunate in Northwest Indiana.
The hospitals in the Northern Region, including Saint Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point, Saint Anthony Memorial in Michigan City, St. Margaret Mercy in Hammond and in Dyer and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster, combined provided approximately $150,000 million in Social Accountability Benefits to the Northwest Indiana community in 2007.
A breakdown of the benefits includes:
* Saint Anthony Medical Center: More than $29 million in programs and services, which included St. Clare Clinic (which offers free primary health care for uninsured residents in a six-county area), along with Saint Anthony’s Prenatal Assistance program, the American Heart Association, health screenings and numerous other mission/community-related offerings, were provided. Benefits for the Poor included $4.7 million for charity care; $6.2 million in unpaid Medicaid costs; nearly $400,000 for other public programs; more than $20,000 for community services. Benefits for the Community included $16.6 million for unpaid Medicare costs, $14.4 million for community services.
* Saint Margaret Mercy: More than $79 million in combined Social Accountability Benefits was provided by the Hammond and Dyer campuses. Among services were free health screenings, caring for working uninsured residents at Catherine McAuley Clinic, helping mothers and babies who live in St. Monica Home, or helping troubled adolescents at the St. Francis Center. Saint Margaret also provides sexual abstinence programs for teens and a Volunteer Advocates for Seniors program. Benefits for the Poor included more than $13 million for charity care, nearly $31 million in unpaid costs of public aid, $127,500 in cash and in-kind donations. Benefits for the Community included more than $32 million in unpaid costs of Medicare; $3 million for community support and services.
* Saint Anthony Memorial: More than $39 million in Social and Accountability Benefits was provided by the hospital, which offers an integrated health care network that includes The Women’ Comprehensive Health Center, Duneland Health and Wellness Institute, The Indiana Sleep Disorders Center, The Vascular Center of the Great Lakes and Woodland Healthcare SurgiCenter. Benefits for the Poor included $6.5 million in charity care, nearly $11 million in unpaid Medicaid costs. Benefits for the Community included more than $20 million in unpaid Medicare costs; nearly $250,000 in other community services.
* Franciscan Physicians Hospital LLC was acquired by Sisters of St. Francis Health Services in 2006. In a unique partnership with area physicians, it is building centers of excellence in the foundational areas of cardiovascular and orthopedic services. The hospital provided more than $900,000 in Social Accountability Benefits during a partial period of 2007, including $26,606 in charity care, $215,000 in unpaid Medicaid costs. Benefits for the community included $716,000 in unpaid Medicare costs, $3,000 for other services.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Nursing seen as a vocation, not a job
Saint Anthony nurses tell how profession is dealing with nationwide shortage
CROWN POINT Elena Dejesus has been a nurse 35 years. Amy Worley has been in the profession less than half of that time.
Despite differences in age and experience, they agree nursing is a calling; more than a job. However, it is a profession fewer people are entering these days, making a nationwide nursing shortage greater than ever.
Both say a combination of increased career opportunities, a lack of nursing school instructors and the demands of an emotionally and physically taxing job have contributed to a nationwide nursing shortage that experts say could reach 500,000 by the year 2025. The average age of a nurse in the U.S. is 47, the highest ever.
That’s why to Dejesus, Saint Anthony Medical Center unit manager of short/stay and pediatrics, “it’s so exciting to see new nurses embrace the profession.”
She also reports that Saint Anthony has experienced minimal impact from the nursing shortage and has a low turnover rate, despite the challenges many hospitals face today.
“You give up a lot to be a nurse. It’s demanding, physically, emotionally and spiritually. You work shift work and holidays, but to me, it’s not bad at all. The job security is there and it is a prestigious job.”
Dejesus says she considers her work a vocation.
“It’s about the ability and opportunity to help transform a life. My nursing ‘cap’ is on all the time. You don’t stop being a nurse at the end of eight hours,” Dejesus says, adding she is not bothered by neighbors, family or friends who might come to her with a health issue while she is off duty.
Neither is Worley, who serves with Dejesus as clinical resource nurse-pediatrics.
“Everybody has health concerns,” Worley relates. “I have made friends because of those concerns. People know I’m a nurse and it helps form connections. We can help turn a bad experience into one that is not so bad. What we’re doing is above and beyond a profession.”
Carol Schuster and Carolyn Bender each have more than 30 years in the nursing field. Schuster is vice president of Patient Services at Saint Anthony; Bender is director of nursing operations.
They, too, are concerned about the challenge the health care field faces in the future, in the face of the projected shortage, but point out some ways the concern is being addressed.
“One of the key issues is a shortage of nursing school instructors,” Schuster says.
She adds Saint Anthony is working with area universities to help provide support for instructors and that some of Saint Anthony’s nurses are becoming part-time instructors.
“Nursing has the challenge of being seen as the profession that it is. I stress to our nurse orientees how important it is to develop and promote themselves as professionals -- to continue their education, practice according to professional standards and join professional organizations.”
Schuster fears the shortage could hurt health care in the future, but is encouraged by the new nurses she sees joining the work force.
“We’re doing everything we can to support nursing schools. The goal is to present nursing as a profession of choice – to show how fulfilling nursing really is. I am encouraged every time I see the passion present in our new nurses.”
She agrees with Dejesus about the profession being rewarding, despite the demands, which are becoming ever greater, given increased technology, infection risks and the growing obesity rate of the American public, among other factors.
“You have to have passion for what you do. You realize what a privilege your job is. You are an advocate for the patients, who often are in a very vulnerable state.”
Bender agrees “the trust the patients put in you” makes the job challenging, but the feeling that comes from helping is invaluable.
“You teach them; you hold their hand. You give them emotional support in uncomfortable situations – yet, you also need technical skills. Patients go home so much earlier these days. You have to make sure the patients have the services and knowledge they need.”
Plus, Bender says nursing allows members to grow within the field, adding new challenges are available in different sectors.
“Nurses don’t have to change careers to go down a new and exciting career path. They can readily change from working in an emergency department to being employed as a school nurse at a high school, or as a traveling nurse for three months in Hawaii,” she says.
CROWN POINT Elena Dejesus has been a nurse 35 years. Amy Worley has been in the profession less than half of that time.
Despite differences in age and experience, they agree nursing is a calling; more than a job. However, it is a profession fewer people are entering these days, making a nationwide nursing shortage greater than ever.
Both say a combination of increased career opportunities, a lack of nursing school instructors and the demands of an emotionally and physically taxing job have contributed to a nationwide nursing shortage that experts say could reach 500,000 by the year 2025. The average age of a nurse in the U.S. is 47, the highest ever.
That’s why to Dejesus, Saint Anthony Medical Center unit manager of short/stay and pediatrics, “it’s so exciting to see new nurses embrace the profession.”
She also reports that Saint Anthony has experienced minimal impact from the nursing shortage and has a low turnover rate, despite the challenges many hospitals face today.
“You give up a lot to be a nurse. It’s demanding, physically, emotionally and spiritually. You work shift work and holidays, but to me, it’s not bad at all. The job security is there and it is a prestigious job.”
Dejesus says she considers her work a vocation.
“It’s about the ability and opportunity to help transform a life. My nursing ‘cap’ is on all the time. You don’t stop being a nurse at the end of eight hours,” Dejesus says, adding she is not bothered by neighbors, family or friends who might come to her with a health issue while she is off duty.
Neither is Worley, who serves with Dejesus as clinical resource nurse-pediatrics.
“Everybody has health concerns,” Worley relates. “I have made friends because of those concerns. People know I’m a nurse and it helps form connections. We can help turn a bad experience into one that is not so bad. What we’re doing is above and beyond a profession.”
Carol Schuster and Carolyn Bender each have more than 30 years in the nursing field. Schuster is vice president of Patient Services at Saint Anthony; Bender is director of nursing operations.
They, too, are concerned about the challenge the health care field faces in the future, in the face of the projected shortage, but point out some ways the concern is being addressed.
“One of the key issues is a shortage of nursing school instructors,” Schuster says.
She adds Saint Anthony is working with area universities to help provide support for instructors and that some of Saint Anthony’s nurses are becoming part-time instructors.
“Nursing has the challenge of being seen as the profession that it is. I stress to our nurse orientees how important it is to develop and promote themselves as professionals -- to continue their education, practice according to professional standards and join professional organizations.”
Schuster fears the shortage could hurt health care in the future, but is encouraged by the new nurses she sees joining the work force.
“We’re doing everything we can to support nursing schools. The goal is to present nursing as a profession of choice – to show how fulfilling nursing really is. I am encouraged every time I see the passion present in our new nurses.”
She agrees with Dejesus about the profession being rewarding, despite the demands, which are becoming ever greater, given increased technology, infection risks and the growing obesity rate of the American public, among other factors.
“You have to have passion for what you do. You realize what a privilege your job is. You are an advocate for the patients, who often are in a very vulnerable state.”
Bender agrees “the trust the patients put in you” makes the job challenging, but the feeling that comes from helping is invaluable.
“You teach them; you hold their hand. You give them emotional support in uncomfortable situations – yet, you also need technical skills. Patients go home so much earlier these days. You have to make sure the patients have the services and knowledge they need.”
Plus, Bender says nursing allows members to grow within the field, adding new challenges are available in different sectors.
“Nurses don’t have to change careers to go down a new and exciting career path. They can readily change from working in an emergency department to being employed as a school nurse at a high school, or as a traveling nurse for three months in Hawaii,” she says.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Saint Anthony Medical Center Pediatrics Unit gets artistic touch
Local school teacher lends time and talent to colorful mural project
CROWN POINT A stroll through the Pediatrics Unit at Saint Anthony Medical Center is like a walk in the park these days.
Park- and faith-themed cartoon-like murals, many featuring colorful characters, now adorn the walls of the unit’s seven rooms and hallways.
The project, which was completed in recent months, resulted from efforts of a Patient Satisfaction Committee, along with Dr. Clark Kramer, pediatrician, and input from the young patients and their families.
The artist, Margaret Raduske, is a Hammond resident and teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Gary, who was asked to create the works and did so in about three weeks.
Raduske previously had painted designs on windows in the Medical Center cafeteria and had done face-painting at holiday parties.
“Tom (Cook), the hospital painter, suggested the person who does the windows in the cafeteria for the murals,” Raduske says. “That trail led to my mom, Mary Raduske, who works in the cafeteria. She said I probably would be glad to do the unit. It came at a perfect time for me, since I’m off 10 weeks in the summer.”
Raduske says the project team told her the theme of each room “and I went from there.”
“The Jesus mural in the playroom (was designed from) the actual picture they gave me.”
Raduske also credits the project team, along with Elena Dejesus, unit manager, and Cook, for providing guidance.
“Lena gave me suggestions as I drew on the walls. It was she who decided on the scene in the main hallway. Tom asked people what they wanted on the walls. That way, they could walk down the hall and say, ‘I thought of that!’ “
He also gave the walls a fresh, base coat of paint before the murals were done.
“As for designing, I just sort of collected a bunch of pictures that focused on the room’s theme, looked at the wall and visualized, then drew,” Raduske says, adding each room took about two days and the hallway a week, to complete.
Dejesus says Dr. Kramer “took us around to look at other hospitals to get a good vision of what to do (to decorate the unit)” and the project blossomed from there.
“We have gotten a lot of positive feedback from patients and their parents. It looks more like a pediatrics unit now,” she adds.
Raduske, who has been at Jefferson for six years and in her profession for 14, says, “I have taught everything from gym to eighth grade. Funny thing is, I have never been an art teacher.
When I was going to college, my instructors told me art would soon be eliminated from the curriculum, so majoring in art would be a waste of time. However, I was able to squeeze in a few art classes here and there.”
Raduske says interest in art can be traced to her childhood.
“My mom saw that ad on TV that said to draw a pirate or duck and she sent away for the kit from that art school. Those were my first art books; in fact, I still have them.”
CROWN POINT A stroll through the Pediatrics Unit at Saint Anthony Medical Center is like a walk in the park these days.
Park- and faith-themed cartoon-like murals, many featuring colorful characters, now adorn the walls of the unit’s seven rooms and hallways.
The project, which was completed in recent months, resulted from efforts of a Patient Satisfaction Committee, along with Dr. Clark Kramer, pediatrician, and input from the young patients and their families.
The artist, Margaret Raduske, is a Hammond resident and teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Gary, who was asked to create the works and did so in about three weeks.
Raduske previously had painted designs on windows in the Medical Center cafeteria and had done face-painting at holiday parties.
“Tom (Cook), the hospital painter, suggested the person who does the windows in the cafeteria for the murals,” Raduske says. “That trail led to my mom, Mary Raduske, who works in the cafeteria. She said I probably would be glad to do the unit. It came at a perfect time for me, since I’m off 10 weeks in the summer.”
Raduske says the project team told her the theme of each room “and I went from there.”
“The Jesus mural in the playroom (was designed from) the actual picture they gave me.”
Raduske also credits the project team, along with Elena Dejesus, unit manager, and Cook, for providing guidance.
“Lena gave me suggestions as I drew on the walls. It was she who decided on the scene in the main hallway. Tom asked people what they wanted on the walls. That way, they could walk down the hall and say, ‘I thought of that!’ “
He also gave the walls a fresh, base coat of paint before the murals were done.
“As for designing, I just sort of collected a bunch of pictures that focused on the room’s theme, looked at the wall and visualized, then drew,” Raduske says, adding each room took about two days and the hallway a week, to complete.
Dejesus says Dr. Kramer “took us around to look at other hospitals to get a good vision of what to do (to decorate the unit)” and the project blossomed from there.
“We have gotten a lot of positive feedback from patients and their parents. It looks more like a pediatrics unit now,” she adds.
Raduske, who has been at Jefferson for six years and in her profession for 14, says, “I have taught everything from gym to eighth grade. Funny thing is, I have never been an art teacher.
When I was going to college, my instructors told me art would soon be eliminated from the curriculum, so majoring in art would be a waste of time. However, I was able to squeeze in a few art classes here and there.”
Raduske says interest in art can be traced to her childhood.
“My mom saw that ad on TV that said to draw a pirate or duck and she sent away for the kit from that art school. Those were my first art books; in fact, I still have them.”
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Upcoming Programs at Saint Anthony Medical Center
Baby care classes scheduled
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will offer baby care classes for parents, grandparents and other care-givers from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and March 12.
Topics will include bathing, diaper changing, home safety and advice on when to seek medical attention. Cost is $10.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Get acquainted with The Birth Place
CROWN POINT Tours of The Birth Place at Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will be offered at noon and at 1 p.m. Feb. 21 and March 14.
Tour purpose is to help parents-to-be become familiar with The Birth Place operations to make their stay more comfortable. Tour groups are limited to 10 couples. The program is offered free of charge.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Breastfeeding classes offered
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will offer breastfeeding training from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 and April 7.
The classes are for women and their support people. Topics include the role of the partner in breastfeeding, methods for feeding the baby while the mother is away and suggestions for when the mother returns to work. The class is included in the medical center’s childbirth series, but may be taken separately. Cost is $10 per family.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
CPR training could save a child’s life
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will provide training for infant CPR and choking at 5 and at 7 p.m. Feb. 5 and March 5.
Course will include instruction and practice in infant (newborn to 1 year of age) CPR and obstructed airway training. Class size is limited. Cost is $10 per person. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Childbirth preparation training offered
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will host six-session childbirth preparation training from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through March and into April. Classes also will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 4 and 11, as part of a two-weekend series offering.
Classes will include discussions of labor, birth and postpartum recovery. Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as other coping techniques, also are part of the training. Cost is $60; $20 for a refresher course.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Prepare youngsters to meet new sibling
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will provide sibling classes from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 21 and March 14 at the Marian Education Center.
Children will be taught what it means to become a big brother or sister. A tour of The Birth Place will be included. Class is recommended for youngsters aged 3 years and older. Cost is $10 per family.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Support Groups
Breastfeeding mothers
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., offers a Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group meeting from 10 a.m. to noon the third Tuesday of each month at the Marian Education Center.
Mothers meet to discuss various topics in an open forum.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Crohn’s and Colitis
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., hosts a Crohn’s and Colitis Support group at 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of each month at the Wound Clinic on the sixth floor.
The group’s goal is to provide understanding, support and education for patients who are coping with the inflammatory bowel disease and their families.
To register, call (219) 757-6001.
Pulmonary
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., offers a Pulmonary Support Group at 1 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Marian Education Center.
The meeting provides support for adults who have chronic lung disease.
For more information, call (219) 757-6141.
Shared Experience
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., offers a monthly program on Wednesday evenings to give women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer the chance to share experiences with others who are facing similar circumstances and to share methods of coping with the life-altering disease. The group provides a nonjudgmental environment to share concerns, as well as joys and triumphs.
For more information, call (219) 757-6008.
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will offer baby care classes for parents, grandparents and other care-givers from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and March 12.
Topics will include bathing, diaper changing, home safety and advice on when to seek medical attention. Cost is $10.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Get acquainted with The Birth Place
CROWN POINT Tours of The Birth Place at Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will be offered at noon and at 1 p.m. Feb. 21 and March 14.
Tour purpose is to help parents-to-be become familiar with The Birth Place operations to make their stay more comfortable. Tour groups are limited to 10 couples. The program is offered free of charge.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Breastfeeding classes offered
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will offer breastfeeding training from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 and April 7.
The classes are for women and their support people. Topics include the role of the partner in breastfeeding, methods for feeding the baby while the mother is away and suggestions for when the mother returns to work. The class is included in the medical center’s childbirth series, but may be taken separately. Cost is $10 per family.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
CPR training could save a child’s life
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will provide training for infant CPR and choking at 5 and at 7 p.m. Feb. 5 and March 5.
Course will include instruction and practice in infant (newborn to 1 year of age) CPR and obstructed airway training. Class size is limited. Cost is $10 per person. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Childbirth preparation training offered
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will host six-session childbirth preparation training from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through March and into April. Classes also will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 4 and 11, as part of a two-weekend series offering.
Classes will include discussions of labor, birth and postpartum recovery. Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as other coping techniques, also are part of the training. Cost is $60; $20 for a refresher course.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Prepare youngsters to meet new sibling
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., will provide sibling classes from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 21 and March 14 at the Marian Education Center.
Children will be taught what it means to become a big brother or sister. A tour of The Birth Place will be included. Class is recommended for youngsters aged 3 years and older. Cost is $10 per family.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Support Groups
Breastfeeding mothers
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., offers a Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group meeting from 10 a.m. to noon the third Tuesday of each month at the Marian Education Center.
Mothers meet to discuss various topics in an open forum.
For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Crohn’s and Colitis
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., hosts a Crohn’s and Colitis Support group at 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of each month at the Wound Clinic on the sixth floor.
The group’s goal is to provide understanding, support and education for patients who are coping with the inflammatory bowel disease and their families.
To register, call (219) 757-6001.
Pulmonary
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., offers a Pulmonary Support Group at 1 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Marian Education Center.
The meeting provides support for adults who have chronic lung disease.
For more information, call (219) 757-6141.
Shared Experience
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St., offers a monthly program on Wednesday evenings to give women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer the chance to share experiences with others who are facing similar circumstances and to share methods of coping with the life-altering disease. The group provides a nonjudgmental environment to share concerns, as well as joys and triumphs.
For more information, call (219) 757-6008.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Diagnostic testing comes closer to home
Saint Anthony Medical Center clinic locations offer patients convenience
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center patients need not become impatient when it comes to receiving quick and convenient diagnostic imaging services.
Many times a visit to the Medical Center’s main location at 1201 S. Main St. is unnecessary, since services are offered at clinic locations that will be closer to home for many patients and tests that will take less time to complete.
“They may not have to come to the hospital for the tests,” says Jackie Katz, Saint Anthony Medical Center imaging director. “The diagnostic clinics have the same technicians and the same equipment as the hospital. Most of the time, patients can get right in without waiting.”
Diagnostic imaging locations and services include:
For more information about Saint Anthony Medical Center’s full line of services, visit www.stanthonymedicalcenter.com.
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center patients need not become impatient when it comes to receiving quick and convenient diagnostic imaging services.
Many times a visit to the Medical Center’s main location at 1201 S. Main St. is unnecessary, since services are offered at clinic locations that will be closer to home for many patients and tests that will take less time to complete.
“They may not have to come to the hospital for the tests,” says Jackie Katz, Saint Anthony Medical Center imaging director. “The diagnostic clinics have the same technicians and the same equipment as the hospital. Most of the time, patients can get right in without waiting.”
Diagnostic imaging locations and services include:
- Saint Anthony-St. John
10860 Maple Lane (near U.S. 231) -- CT scans, x-ray and laboratory tests.
Call (219) 558-8750. - Saint Anthony-Winfield
11161 Randolph St. -- CT scans, ultrasound testing, x-ray, EKG and medical laboratory services.
Call (219) 662-6165 - Saint Anthony-Valparaiso, Center for Diagnostic Imaging
2411 LaPorte Ave., CT, open MRI, x-ray and ultrasound testing.
Call (219) 476-7226. - Saint Anthony-Franciscan Point in Crown Point
12800 Mississippi Parkway (about one-half mile east of Interstate 65 and U.S. 231) – CT, MRI, x-ray, laboratory tests and EKG.
Call (219) 662-5900.
For more information about Saint Anthony Medical Center’s full line of services, visit www.stanthonymedicalcenter.com.
Monday, January 5, 2009
St. Clare Clinic growth spurt will lead to new home
Health facility for the uninsured moving to another location this year
CROWN POINT Program director Raquel Gianfermi calls St. Clare Clinic “the best-kept secret in Northwest Indiana.”
However, partially due to the recent economic downturn but mostly because of a longtime reputation for helping the less fortunate, the secret is out about the services of the Saint Anthony Medical Center-associated clinic, so much so that St. Clare has outgrown its current location.
The clinic, which opened in 1996 following a community needs assessment by Dr. Ray Drasga, medical director, provides free, non-emergency primary health care for qualified, uninsured residents in a six-county area.
Annual patient visits have jumped to about 4,000, from 1,000 when St. Clare began operations, prompting the need for a larger location. The clinic’s new home is scheduled to open later this year at the former Crown Point Clinic, 1121 S. Indiana St. Current location is 1000 S. Court St.
Gianfermi, a veteran registered nurse who has been in charge of St. Clare for more than a year, acknowledges a patient increase due to the economy, but says expansion plans were in the works before the nation’s current financial woes took hold.
“We’ve outgrown our present location – we’re maxed out. I am looking forward to the move, which will help us provide even better care.”
Services come from a more than 50-person, largely volunteer staff that includes Saint Anthony physicians and nurses, as well as nurse practitioners, offsite professionals and reception and support staff.
The clinic is funded through Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, along with donations, gifts and the generosity of area service organizations. Patient donations of $5 per visit are appreciated, but not required.
“We have good people, good patients. You go into nursing to help people and this is a notch more. It’s so rewarding to hear good things about what we do here,” Gianfermi says.
Those include coming to the aid of people, who, just weeks or months ago, would not have sought or even have been eligible for the clinic’s services.
St. Clare case manager Teresa Sealscott notes the economy “is hitting everybody, from engineers to people who collect cans (to get money).”
“Many people are in transition these days. Some are embarrassed to ask for help and some don’t come in even after they have asked. We also refer people to Work One (state employment network) and to Crown Point Adult Education. We’re here for the clients. If they need it, we’ll get it.”
Clinic referrals also come from physicians, but mostly through word of mouth, Gianfermi says.
Normal client age range is 18 to 64 years, with most participants in their 40s and 50s, Gianfermi says, but adds, “lately, we’re seeing a lot of younger people.”
The clinic’s services go beyond providing health care. They also extend to uplifting clients’ spirits.
Saint Anthony employees, who routinely organize clinic fund drives, recently donated time and money to purchase, wrap and distribute Christmas gifts that were distributed to St. Clare-served families.
“It’s great to do something for a cause – a purpose. We all believe in what we’re doing,” Gianfermi says.
St. Clare Clinic currently is located near Saint Anthony Medical Center, at the corner of Court Street and Franciscan Drive. Clinic hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Visits with health care providers are by appointment only.
For more information, call (219) 757-6272.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Sports Medicine Institute offers world of experience
Athletic development director’s worked with Olympians, college and pros
CROWN POINT Frank Eksten has been around the block, and the globe, more than once in the widening world of athletic development and sports performance.
These days, he’s back home as director of athletic development at the new Sports Medicine Institute (SMI) at Saint Anthony Medical Center’s new Franciscan Point health complex. Eksten served in the same position for three years at the SMI at a previous, smaller location in Crown Point.
Eksten and Dr. Keith Pritchford, SMI medical director, who is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine fellow, tag team the program, along with Dr. Timothy Mullally, medical program director of the nonsurgical portion of the institute. The SMI is overseen by Kevin DeBraal, Saint Anthony assistant vice president of administrative services.
Eksten, 48, of Crown Point, got the Franciscan Point SMI program up and running in September after returning from his role as team leader of the U.S. Olympic Weightlifting team in Beijing last summer. That job entailed planning down to the last detail to make sure the team had everything it needed in terms of logistics to ensure a smooth stay.
Eksten had served in a similar position with the U.S. team in the Pan American games and as a strength and conditioning coach for 12 years at Indiana University in Bloomington, where his duties included working for former championship basketball coach Bob Knight. Eksten also has worked with Al Vermeil, strength coach of the Chicago Bulls.
Among his influences, Eksten credits his experiences with Knight, along with legendary former IU soccer coach Jerry Yeagley and late swim coach James “Doc’’ Councilman -- who also were regarded as tops in their fields -- as invaluable to his career.
Eksten, who has a master’s degree in kinesiology and applied sports science from IU, left the university’s athletic program and brought his expertise to Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers in 1998. His work there also has included overseeing athletic development operations at Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection in Schererville.
Eksten’s program offers sports-specific strength and conditioning training, with an emphasis on injury prevention, for children through professional and Olympic athletes.
“The program is sort of unique in that it is modeled after college and professional programs but at a level that fits individual needs. It is a circle of care,” Eksten says.
That is evidenced in a 400 percent increase in participation since the Franciscan Point SMI location opened.
Clients include school teams sent by coaches to work on speed, agility and strength training, college-bound athletes, such as the sister of Olympic track champion David Neville, of Merrillville, injured players and youngsters and adults who just want to get into shape.
Eksten puts a lot of emphasis on well-being of youngsters, regardless of whether they show athletic promise.
“It can’t be all about being an athlete. It also is about the mission of kids working hard to improve in other aspects of their lives. There are educational and lifestyle components. Sports is a fun way to be active and it should be fun,” Eksten believes.
He encourages parents to be realistic in expectations of children becoming big-time star athletes.
“The percentages of that are miniscule. It’s not about the end, it’s about the journey and what they get out of it along the way – work ethic, being on time, following a plan, being accountable,” Eksten says.
After working with some of the nation’s best athletes and coaches, Eksten likewise is realistic in expectations for his clients.
“Not everyone can perform at the highest levels. You adjust for them, encourage them and make it fun.”
Eksten’s involvement with weightlifting began when he was 13 and wanted to get fit and improve his performance as an athlete. He played football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey while growing up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
“Sports and training had a positive effect on my life,” he says.
After his second year at IU as strength and conditioning coach, he began employing Olympic weight-training for basketball players – a relatively new concept. He worked with athletes in all of the university’s programs, except for football.
That led to his running a community service weight-training program at IU’s Assembly Hall where he taught local youngsters, among them future Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman, who grew up in Bloomington.
From there, Eksten went on to coaching at weightlifting competitions, including world-class events, to team leadership roles at the Pan Am games and on to the Olympics, which brought a new set of experiences, on and off the fields of competition.
“It was a tremendous opportunity – a lot of work – sometimes 20 hours a day,” he recalls of the five weeks in China. “But, everybody is so positive and you feed off of it. The USOC (United States Olympic Committee) personnel were outstanding.”
So were the opening and closing ceremonies.
“I’ve walked into a lot of stadiums and seen a few Final Fours (college basketball championship tournaments), but nothing compares to that. It was unbelievable.”
On the downside, there were cases of international politics that sometimes reflected anti-American sentiment.
But that wasn’t the case with Chinese university student-volunteers, who assisted the Olympic team. Eksten describes them as hard-working, intelligent and inquisitive about the United States, but proud of their homeland.
“They want to know what we think of China and want to know about America, but they are very proud of their country. They see volunteering as a national duty. Nationalism serves and permeates every aspect of their culture.”
Saint Anthony’s DeBraal says Eksten has proved invaluable in his role.
“Frank’s background and training, with a master’s in kinesiology and applied sports science and 12 years working at Indiana University with healthy athletes, as well as helping athletes return from injury, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the sports medicine and athletic development programs.”
Besides athletic development, the Sports Medicine Institute offers medical management and rehabilitation of sports injuries.
The institute, located at Franciscan Point Saint Anthony Health Complex, is about one-half mile east of Interstate 65 along U.S. 231.
Franciscan Point, which opened in August, also offers immediate care for non-life-threatening cases, diagnostic testing, physical, occupational or speech therapies and other specialty services.
For more information on the Sports Medicine Institute, call (219) 681-6757.
CROWN POINT Frank Eksten has been around the block, and the globe, more than once in the widening world of athletic development and sports performance.
These days, he’s back home as director of athletic development at the new Sports Medicine Institute (SMI) at Saint Anthony Medical Center’s new Franciscan Point health complex. Eksten served in the same position for three years at the SMI at a previous, smaller location in Crown Point.
Eksten and Dr. Keith Pritchford, SMI medical director, who is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine fellow, tag team the program, along with Dr. Timothy Mullally, medical program director of the nonsurgical portion of the institute. The SMI is overseen by Kevin DeBraal, Saint Anthony assistant vice president of administrative services.
Eksten, 48, of Crown Point, got the Franciscan Point SMI program up and running in September after returning from his role as team leader of the U.S. Olympic Weightlifting team in Beijing last summer. That job entailed planning down to the last detail to make sure the team had everything it needed in terms of logistics to ensure a smooth stay.
Eksten had served in a similar position with the U.S. team in the Pan American games and as a strength and conditioning coach for 12 years at Indiana University in Bloomington, where his duties included working for former championship basketball coach Bob Knight. Eksten also has worked with Al Vermeil, strength coach of the Chicago Bulls.
Among his influences, Eksten credits his experiences with Knight, along with legendary former IU soccer coach Jerry Yeagley and late swim coach James “Doc’’ Councilman -- who also were regarded as tops in their fields -- as invaluable to his career.
Eksten, who has a master’s degree in kinesiology and applied sports science from IU, left the university’s athletic program and brought his expertise to Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers in 1998. His work there also has included overseeing athletic development operations at Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection in Schererville.
Eksten’s program offers sports-specific strength and conditioning training, with an emphasis on injury prevention, for children through professional and Olympic athletes.
“The program is sort of unique in that it is modeled after college and professional programs but at a level that fits individual needs. It is a circle of care,” Eksten says.
That is evidenced in a 400 percent increase in participation since the Franciscan Point SMI location opened.
Clients include school teams sent by coaches to work on speed, agility and strength training, college-bound athletes, such as the sister of Olympic track champion David Neville, of Merrillville, injured players and youngsters and adults who just want to get into shape.
Eksten puts a lot of emphasis on well-being of youngsters, regardless of whether they show athletic promise.
“It can’t be all about being an athlete. It also is about the mission of kids working hard to improve in other aspects of their lives. There are educational and lifestyle components. Sports is a fun way to be active and it should be fun,” Eksten believes.
He encourages parents to be realistic in expectations of children becoming big-time star athletes.
“The percentages of that are miniscule. It’s not about the end, it’s about the journey and what they get out of it along the way – work ethic, being on time, following a plan, being accountable,” Eksten says.
After working with some of the nation’s best athletes and coaches, Eksten likewise is realistic in expectations for his clients.
“Not everyone can perform at the highest levels. You adjust for them, encourage them and make it fun.”
Eksten’s involvement with weightlifting began when he was 13 and wanted to get fit and improve his performance as an athlete. He played football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey while growing up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
“Sports and training had a positive effect on my life,” he says.
After his second year at IU as strength and conditioning coach, he began employing Olympic weight-training for basketball players – a relatively new concept. He worked with athletes in all of the university’s programs, except for football.
That led to his running a community service weight-training program at IU’s Assembly Hall where he taught local youngsters, among them future Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman, who grew up in Bloomington.
From there, Eksten went on to coaching at weightlifting competitions, including world-class events, to team leadership roles at the Pan Am games and on to the Olympics, which brought a new set of experiences, on and off the fields of competition.
“It was a tremendous opportunity – a lot of work – sometimes 20 hours a day,” he recalls of the five weeks in China. “But, everybody is so positive and you feed off of it. The USOC (United States Olympic Committee) personnel were outstanding.”
So were the opening and closing ceremonies.
“I’ve walked into a lot of stadiums and seen a few Final Fours (college basketball championship tournaments), but nothing compares to that. It was unbelievable.”
On the downside, there were cases of international politics that sometimes reflected anti-American sentiment.
But that wasn’t the case with Chinese university student-volunteers, who assisted the Olympic team. Eksten describes them as hard-working, intelligent and inquisitive about the United States, but proud of their homeland.
“They want to know what we think of China and want to know about America, but they are very proud of their country. They see volunteering as a national duty. Nationalism serves and permeates every aspect of their culture.”
Saint Anthony’s DeBraal says Eksten has proved invaluable in his role.
“Frank’s background and training, with a master’s in kinesiology and applied sports science and 12 years working at Indiana University with healthy athletes, as well as helping athletes return from injury, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the sports medicine and athletic development programs.”
Besides athletic development, the Sports Medicine Institute offers medical management and rehabilitation of sports injuries.
The institute, located at Franciscan Point Saint Anthony Health Complex, is about one-half mile east of Interstate 65 along U.S. 231.
Franciscan Point, which opened in August, also offers immediate care for non-life-threatening cases, diagnostic testing, physical, occupational or speech therapies and other specialty services.
For more information on the Sports Medicine Institute, call (219) 681-6757.
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