Support Program Helps Children, Teens Handle Grief in Loss of Loved Ones

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana  – Consider the caterpillar: It builds a cocoon and remains safely ensconced until it transforms and emerges into a new life, one that takes flight.

Death is a part of the life cycle, and it’s especially difficult for children to grasp and make sense out of it, particularly when they lose a loved one. And that’s why Franciscan VNS St. Francis Hospice offers Caterpillar Kids, a support program that offers learning experiences for children ages 5 to 12.

Additionally, Teen Grief Support Group is offered to those from 13 to 18 years of age.

The dates for both programs from Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. The workshops, which are free, are from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Meetings are at Christ United Methodist Church, 8540 U.S. 31 South, one mile north of Greenwood Park Mall.

“Children do grieve and they may express it differently than adults, but their feelings are as genuine and essential in healing,” said Karla Riggs Norton, spiritual bereavement coordinator. “Caterpillar Kids brings children together in a safe, nurturing environment where they receive information about grief and learn healthy ways to cope with the death of a loved one.”

Led by staff trained in bereavement support for children, youngsters participate in storytelling, art projects, games and other sharing opportunities. Parents also are invited to participate in a concurrent session to assist them in supporting their children.

Registration is required. To register or for more information about Caterpillar Kids, call Karla Riggs Norton at 317-528-2636, or Jeff Hauersperger at 317 528-2099.

Seat ‘Em Safely: Free car seat safety inspections offered Sept. 20

Franciscan St. Francis Health garners state grant to support safety clinic

INDIANAPOLIS – Franciscan St. Francis Health is encouraging parents and caregivers to have children’s safety seats inspected based on recommendations issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The hospital’s Child Passenger Safety Clinic is offering free inspections with certified technicians available to advise on the proper use of seats for youngsters. The event is 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Franciscan St. Francis Weight Loss Center (5230-A E. Stop 11 Road).

The hospital is partnering on the project with the Automotive Safety Program (ASP) at the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for this event.

If unable to visit the inspection sites, adults can arrange for free inspections any time of the year by calling the hospital at 317-528-5774 or ASP toll-free at 800-KID-N-CAR.

Language interpreters will be on hand to assist Hispanic and Burmese/Chin parents and adult caregivers. Children’s car seats will be provided for families who can prove they are receiving public assistance and the child must be present.

Earlier this year, Franciscan St. Francis Health was chosen as a recipient to receive $10,000 in state and federal grant funding for Child Passenger Safety Programs. Grant funding is awarded through the Traffic Safety division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

“Increasing child passenger safety is a primary goal of ours,” said Sharilyn Wagner, a postpartum nurse and Child Passenger Safety Technician. “Statistics show the leading cause of death for children ages one to 13 is automobile accidents. This is why it is so important we ensure children are properly buckled and within the right car seat. We are grateful for this grant as it enables us to continue to protect children.

Indiana Traffic Safety Facts: Children 2014

From 2010 to 2014, the number of children killed in Indiana traffic collisions declined 9 percent annually and the number experiencing incapacitating injuries increased 12 percent, according to this State of Indiana report. Between 2013 and 2014, the total number of child fatalities in Indiana traffic collisions fell by 43 percent, from 35 to 20.

The number of children in the less-than-1-year-old age group who experienced incapacitating injuries rose between 2013 and 2014 from 3 to 17.1 percent.

NHTSA Car Seat Recommendations for Children

Birth-12 months   A child under age one should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. There are different types of rear-facing car seats: Rear-only facing seats can only be used rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1 car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear facing for a longer period of time. Never put a rear facing seat in front of an active airbag.

1-3 years   Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat (at least until the age of two) and should continue to ride rear-facing until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

4-7 years   Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat. A Child should at least a minimum of 4 years old and 40 pounds before moving up to a booster seat.

8-12 years   Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. Indiana State Law states that all children under the age of 8 must be in a booster seat or car seat. Best Practice is 4’9’”. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember: A child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer there.

“They might be as tall as you and weigh as much as you, but their bones will not hold up to the air bags like older bones will,” said Wagner. “Their bones and muscles are not mature yet.”

Franciscan St. Francis Health first in Central Indiana to use groundbreaking FDA-approved device

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – The interventional cardiology team at Franciscan St. Francis Health Heart Center is among the first in the nation and Indiana to offer patients with coronary artery disease a new FDA-approved treatment option that literally dissolves naturally into the body over time. 

Rocco Carlile, a 61-year-old man who resides on the south side of Indianapolis, was the first patient in Central Indiana to receive the FDA-approved Absorb stent. William Berg, MD, FACC, FSCAI, medical director and interventional cardiologist at Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center and Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians, implanted the world’s first FDA-approved dissolving heart stent on August 4, 2016.  

Dr. Berg explains how the Absorb stent works.

The Absorb stent is a major advancement in the treatment of coronary artery disease, which affects 15 million people in the United States and remains a leading cause of death worldwide despite decades of therapeutic advances.

“The Absorb stent is a breakthrough in the treatment of coronary artery disease allowing our patients to receive lifesaving care they need without an unnecessary, permanent metal stent in their heart arteries,” said Dr. Berg. “The stent is the only medical device of its kind that naturally dissolves completely– after it has done its job of keeping a clogged artery open and promoting healing to restore blood flow of the treated artery. Patients with heart disease will benefit long-term from this kind of intervention.”

Coronary artery disease is commonly treated with metal stent, which can limit artery flexibility and potential risk for later development of scar tissue or blood clots. In contrast, the new stent is made of a material similar to dissolving medical stitches that slowly starts to dissolve three-to-six months after implantation. Patients benefit because the stent treats the vessel and dissolves, allowing the artery to resume more natural function and movement.

“Our cardiac catheterization laboratory team treats 4,000 patients every year and received extensive training on the new device,” said Dr. Berg. “We are proud to be among the first in the nation and the first in Central Indiana to offer this novel technology to our heart patients.”

After the Absorb stent dissolves, it allows the artery to pulse and flex naturally. It may also reduce the risk of future blockages that occur with metallic stents, and makes it easier for cardiologists to offer additional interventions in the future if necessary. During the dissolving period, Absorb metabolizes into water and carbon dioxide, two elements that occur naturally in the body.

All that remains in the artery are two pairs of tiny metallic markers that enable a cardiologist to see where the device was placed. After three years, the device is completely dissolved and the vessel can remain open and function on its own.

The procedure is done in an outpatient setting, and barring any complications the patient is released the following day.

Carlile, a project manager for a major commercial and residential building restoration company, said Absorb has enabled him to return to those things that matter most: spending more time with his wife, children and nine grandchildren, church activities and riding his motorcycle.

“I was back at work three days after the procedure and I’m feeling better every day,” said Carlile. “Most of all, this experience has made me appreciate all that I have and the value of life.”

Physician joins CityWay Family & Sports Medicine

NDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – William A. “Chance” Davis II, DO has joined CityWay Family & Sports Medicine, a Franciscan Physician Network practice.

He joins Donald McMahon, MD; whose office is located at 426 S. Alabama Street, Suite 100. Franciscan CityWay combines the strength of its primary care, sports medicine and physical therapy services to the depth of health and wellness services provided by the full-service YMCA. 

Dr. Davis received his undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Mississippi and earned his medical degree from the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed residency training in family medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC).

Dr. Davis is a member of the Christian Medical Association. He was inducted into the Arnold P. Gold Humanitarianism Honor Society in Residency after receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award from the students at UMMC. Dr. Davis is also a member of the Student American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Davis, call 317-528-2489.

Franciscan Physician Network is a division of the Mishawaka, Indiana-based Franciscan Alliance. To learn more about network primary and specialty care services in central Indiana, visit FranciscanDocs.org.         

Mooresville Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program receives reaccreditation

MOORESVILLE, Indiana – The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville has achieved reaccreditation from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

The certification reflects the standards of care for programs throughout the nation. Applications can be made every three years and involve a review by the AACVPR of the program’s policies and practices. Participation is voluntary.

Under the guidance of medical director Charles E. Kinsella, MD, the Mooresville program is evaluated for safety measures, emergency procedures, patient monitoring, care plans, education and physical assessment, and exercise prescriptions are reviewed and evaluated.

“This accreditation is prestigious and represents excellent teamwork by our staff, Dr. Kinsella and the patients we are proud to serve,” said Connie Little, MS, manager of respiratory care services.

Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis’ pulmonary rehabilitation program has passed every accreditation since 1998 when it established by the AACVPR.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive, evidence based, multidisciplinary intervention for patients with chronic respiratory disease who are symptomatic and often have decreased daily life activities.