Women’s health care, outreach programs garner national praise

INDIANAPOLIS – St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has been selected as a Spirit of Women Premier Hospital after surpassing national standards measuring clinical excellence in women’s health care and community outreach.

This recognition comes from the Spirit of Women Health Network in cooperation with the Office of Women’s Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. St. Francis’ selection comes on the heels of a 2007 evaluation gauging performance in medical care, community outreach programs, diverse educational efforts and care provided to sexual assault victims.

"It’s rewarding to be recognized nationally for programs we believe are important to our community," said Lori Warner, director of St. Francis’ Women & Children’s Services. "Because Spirit of Women offers an ideal position to assess the range and scope of health issues facing women in our country today, this honor is particularly meaningful."

St. Francis offers a full spectrum of clinical services and community and educational programs targeting women of all ages and cultural diversity. Such programs include parish nursing, concierge models and health "navigators" who deliver personalized services.

One such program is Center of Hope, a partnership designed to reach and treat sexual assault victims in a compassionate and confidential way.

"Few hospitals in our nation – even the world – recognize how to provide appropriate medical care, preventive care and educational services to women," said Tanya Abreu, president and national program director of the Spirit of Women Health Network. "St. Francis is one of the few facilities in our country that accomplishes these goals."

Michele Wood, R.N, manages the St. Francis Spirit of Women program, which is one of six such hospitals in Indiana and among nearly 60 nationwide. To learn more about its programs, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/Women.

Spirit of Women is a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women’s lives through a variety of health, community and educational programs. For more information about the network, visit www.spiritofwomen.com.

St. Francis diabetes education program earns national recognition

INDIANAPOLIS – The Diabetes Education Program at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has been awarded continued accreditation for its work by the American Diabetes Association.

The ADA Education Recognition cites the Diabetes Self-Management Program at St. Francis’ three hospitals at Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville as offering high-quality education services to their patients.

“Self management education is an essential component for diabetes treatment,” said Carol Reed, M.P.H., a certified diabetes educator at the St. Francis Diabetes Center. “The accreditation process gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of the services they provide – and certainly it helps patients to identify these quality programs.

The center offers a number of diabetes classes to help you take control of your health, including:
Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring
Comprehensive Diabetes Comprehensive Classes
Insulin Administration
Insulin Pump Program
Nutrition Counseling
Preconception Care for Women with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

More information about the St. Francis Diabetes Program is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=79. To subscribe to the program’s free electronic newsletter go to www.myssfhs.org/newsletter/profile/createprofile.aspx?facility=1

St. Francis program offers healthier resolution for New Year

INDIANAPOLIS – We all know the importance of eating right and exercising for good health. But sometimes we stumble on the roadblocks in our path to success, and we just need a little support to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

That’s what makes the St. Francis Eat for Life Wellness Program unique. The 10-week, comprehensive weight management program teaches skills needed to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

The latest program gets under way 6 p.m., Jan. 9, 2008, with each session held Wednesdays at the St. Francis Weight Loss Center, 700 E. Southport Rd.

“Our program is designed by a team of physicians and registered dietitians, the program focuses on making long-tem changes in your lifestyle,” said Kim Peters, R.N., of the St. Francis Weight Loss Center.

Each sessions offer group discussions on a variety of topics, including: creating a plan for balanced eating, understanding food labels, changing your behaviors, maintaining motivation, dining out, determining portion sizes, menu planning, grocery shopping, exercise and nutrition facts and fiction.

“The key to success is having the right knowledge and tools – and knowing how to use them,” said Peters. “Beyond the weekly class meetings, participants will have access to continued support and unlimited weigh-ins to help keep you on the road to lifelong success.”

There is a fee for those registering for the program. Call 317-782-7525 or e-mail weightloss@ssfhs.org.

Information about the St. Francis Weight Loss Center is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/weightloss.