Orthopaedic surgeon establishes new practice at St. Francis

INDIANAPOLIS – Michael E. Ralston, M.D., a member of St. Francis Medical Group, has joined Orthopaedic Restoration at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers.

Ralston is an honors undergraduate of The Ohio State University, where he also earned his medical degree. He completed a surgical internship and residency training at the University of Florida, and later completed a fellowship in total joint replacement at The Ohio State University.

Ralston is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Orthopaedic Restoration at St. Francis is located at 701 E. County Line Rd., Suite 204, Greenwood. For appointment information, call 317-887-2034, or toll-free 317-945-0217.

Weight Loss Center adds ‘Eat for Life’ program to wellness menu

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., Aug. 27 with each session held Thursdays at the St. Francis Weight Loss Center, 5230-A E. Stop 11 Road, across Stop 11 Road from the St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis campus.

Each session offers participants the opportunity to track their weight, sample a healthy food, and participate in discussions on a variety of topics. Topics include creating a plan for balanced eating, determining portion sizes, understanding food labels, choosing healthy snacks, dining out, menu planning, recipe modification, exercise, and a grocery store tour.

To learn more about the program, contact Leann Matlik, R.D. at 317-851-3697, or via email Leann.Matlik@ssfhs.org

There is a fee of $125 to register for the program.

To register, call 317-782-7525 or visit StFrancisHospitals.org/weightloss for additional information.

St. Francis program helps women with cancer ‘Look Good, Feel Better’

INDIANAPOLIS – St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis will host a free workshop for women with cancer from noon to 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 17, at the hospital, 8111 S. Emerson Ave, in Classroom 2.

The Look Good, Feel Better workshop teaches women with cancer beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Licensed cosmetologists lead small groups, usually consisting of six to 10 women, through practical, hands-on experience. Women learn about makeup techniques, skin care, nail care, and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each patient receives a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop.

The workshop is supported by the American Cancer Society[b1] , Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. Family members and caregivers are also welcome to attend.

Registration is required since seating is limited. To register, call (317) 782-4422.

For more information on cancer services at St. Francis Hospital, visit www.StFrancisHospitals.org/cancer.

[b1], Personal Care Products Council Foundation

Group offers support, shared experiences for blood cancer patients

INDIANAPOLIS – A diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin disease or myeloma can leave a person feeling isolated with unanswered questions.

That ‘s why the Indiana Blood and Marrow Transplantation unit at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers is co-sponsoring a support group. Support for persons with a blood cancer will hold an informational meeting from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The next class meets Tuesday, Sept. 15.

The meeting is at the Beech Grove Meadows, 130 Albany Way. Participants can share their experience with former and current transplant patients. This group is open to all people touched by a blood cancer seeking support from others. Ample time will be provided for participants’ questions and discussion.

This monthly support group meets the third Tuesday of each month and encourages participation of patients, families, caregivers and friends to attend. Meetings are co-sponsored by Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

To learn more, call 317-726-2275, extension 200.

More information about the Indiana Blood and Marrow Transplantion unit at St. Francis can be found at http://www.ibmtindy.com.

St. Francis family medicine veterans move practice location

INDIANAPOLIS – Two St. Francis Medical Group physicians are relocating their family medicine practices to a new location in early August.

Matt Wolf, M.D., and Joe Johnston, M.D., will see patients at the newly opened South 31 Family Care center, located at U.S. 31 and Southport Road. They previously practiced at St. Francis Center Grove Family Medicine.

They will be joined by Lisa Altuglu, M.D., and John Baldea, M.D., at the new location.

Wolf and Johnston are board-certified in family medicine and also provide obstetrical care and delivering babies at St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis.

Both physicians completed their residencies at St. Francis and were graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine.

To schedule an appointment at South 31 Family Care, call 317-781-7370.