Forecast calls for severe weather safety workshop at St. Francis Health

INDIANAPOLIS – Ever wondered what a funnel cloud looks like, or what cloud patterns might predict for upcoming weather? What about understanding better what you see on radar?

Dave Tucek, warning coordination meteorologist and public information officer for the Indianapolis National Weather Service, will present a Severe Weather Safety Workshop 8 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, in the Indianapolis campus Auditorium.

Tucek will share his experiences as well as information on how to keep yourself and others safe during severe weather. Light refreshments will be available. No registration is required and the event is free and open to the public.

Franciscan St. Francis Health — Indianapolis is located at 8111 S. Emerson Ave. To access the Auditorium, park in Zone 2 and enter Door 6, then follow signs for the auditorium (basement level).

For more information, contact Sarah Richardson at 317-528-7980 or sarah.richardson@franciscanalliance.org.  

Glick Eye Institute at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville to offer free glaucoma screenings

MOORESVILLE, IND.  -- Often called the “sneak thief of sight” because it slowly causes vision loss, glaucoma can rob a person of sight before a diagnosis is made. To raise awareness of the disease, which can occur without symptoms in up to 50 percent of affected patients, free glaucoma screenings will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute in the Medical Pavilion at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville

Ophthalmology residents and medical students from the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute at the IU School of Medicine will provide the free glaucoma screenings in the clinic, Suite 103 of the Medical Pavilion, 1001 Hadley Road. The screenings are free and take about five minutes. They are being offered in conjunction with World Glaucoma Week, observed March 10-16 to raise awareness about the second most common form of blindness worldwide.

“Everyone over age 60 is at risk for glaucoma, but the risk is greater for African-Americans over age 40 and for Hispanics,” explained Louis B. Cantor, M.D., chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Glick Eye Institute at the IU School of Medicine. Dr. Cantor, a glaucoma specialist, says everyone should have a baseline eye exam around age 40, the age at which diseases of the aging eye can begin to manifest.

Additional risk factors for glaucoma include:

·         Age

·         Having a family history of glaucoma

·         Having elevated eye pressure

·         Being farsighted or nearsighted

·         Having previous eye injuries

·         Having other health problems such as diabetes

Dr. Cantor says glaucoma can lead to blindness if left untreated; that is why screenings are so important. Patients who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease often are treated with surgery, eye drops or both. Those treatments might slow or halt progression of the disease and stave off blindness.

“We hope Mooresville area residents will come by for a free screening and visit our new clinic in the Franciscan St. Francis Medical Pavilion,” Dr. Cantor said. “We offer a full range of eye care services at this location, including an optical shop.”

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide, according to the World Glaucoma Association. It is estimated that 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma - this number is expected to rise to 11.2 million by 2020.

The Glick Eye Institute is conducting several research studies to learn more about glaucoma and how the disease and be treated.

Information about the screening and the Glick Eye Institute is available at www.glick.iu.edu; more information about World Glaucoma Week is available at http://www.facebook.com/WGWeek

Franciscan St. Francis Health, Beech Grove Fire Department forge EMS training program

READY TO ROLL: EMT Matt Bennett and Paramedic Linda Rund check in
for Medic 101's first day of service.   Photo courtesy of Beech Grove Fire Dept.

BEECH GROVE, Ind. – Time is of the essence when emergency medical care is needed – and this community’s needs will be better served thanks to a partnership between Franciscan St. Francis Health and the Beech Grove Fire Department (BGFD).

A new preceptor program, “Medic 101,” broadens the clinical experience of Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic students undergoing training through the hospital’s Emergency Medical Services Education Department.

“The preceptor program will provide the city of Beech Grove with an additional ambulance during peak demand times, and because the ambulance is staffed by St. Francis employees, the students experience continuity of hospital mission, vision, and high quality education in the field,” said Vicki Rush, EMS education coordinator for Franciscan St. Francis. “Adding this new service in Beech Grove demonstrates our continuing commitment to serve this community’s health care needs.”

The ambulance is a fully operational at the advanced life support level and provides emergency care just like any other ambulance; Medic 101 has its own primary response area within Beech Grove and the surrounding community, working alongside the Indianapolis Fire Department and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services.

Franciscan St. Francis long has partnered with area EMS and fire departments to provide clinical experiences for the hospital’s EMT and Paramedic students.

“It affords our education program an opportunity to exceed the accreditation requirements regarding preceptors and field education. In the end this results in excellent patient care and provides a focus on customer service,” Rush said.

Employees were hired in one of two capacities: Preceptors are Paramedics who function as clinical educators for students and provide primary patient care. Vehicle operators are EMTs who are responsible for the safe and competent operation of the ambulance and its equipment. They also provide patient care as needed. 

Free hearty healthy classes offered by Franciscan St. Francis Health experts

INDIANAPOLIS – Prevention is the key to lowering your chances of developing a cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is offering free “Ask-the-Doc” and “Change of Heart” classes this spring with the goal of improving the community’s health through education and prevention.

To register for these classes call 317-782-4422 or toll-free at 877-888-1777, or by visiting www.MyHeartCare.net.

Treatment optionsfor atrial fibrillation (A-fib)

Thursday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m.

Decatur County Memorial Hospital

720 N. Lincoln St.  Greensburg

Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats irregularly at a high rate. If severe, this condition can lead to heart attack, stroke or death. Cardiologist Vijay Rao, MD will discuss the current medical and surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation and who should be treated.

CoronaryCalcium Scoring – identifying cardiac risk

Thursday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center, 8111 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis

Coronary arteries can become blocked with calcium-containing plaque that can cause heart attacks.  Coronary calcium scoring is a high-tech way of detecting calcium build-up in the arteries and identifies your risk for heart disease. Ryan Daly, MD, will describe this test and answer your questions about other heart attack risk factors.  A special screening offer will be made to those who attend the class.

Is my blood pressure too high?

Wednesday, March 27, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Health–Mooresville, 1201 Hadley Road

Do you know what your blood pressure is? Do you know what it should be? New guidelines recommend aiming for below 120/80, ideally 115/70. Learn how high blood pressure affects not only the heart but also other vital organs. Irwin Labin, MD, will share steps you can take to lower your blood pressure, including diet, weight loss, exercise and medication. No more excuses: learn how you can lower pressure starting today, with the advantages lasting a lifetime.

Do you have a heart murmur?

Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.

UnaVie Cardiology Center, 2451 Intelliplex Dr.  Shelbyville

Heart murmurs are caused by valves inside the heart that don’t close properly. Sometimes, people can live with heart murmurs a long time without any symptoms. But if the problem becomes more serious, the blood flow to the heart may be affected. Cardiovascular surgeon Marc Gerdisch, MD, an independent physician who chooses to practice at Franciscan St. Francis, will talk about new treatments and surgeries for heart valves, including ongoing research studies at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

Change of Heart classes: Spring 2013

Cooking for 2

Thursday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

As we get older, our health becomes more of a priority.  After the kids leave home, it can be challenging to scale back our cooking, so dining out seems like an easy option.  In this class, learn how it really is cheaper and healthier to cook at home for two. 

Fitness Tips

Thursday, March 28, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Being fit is more than being thin.  Research shows that no matter what you weigh, increasing your fitness helps your heart!  Discover that exercise can be healthy and fun.  Learn how to set up a schedule for yourself.

Healthy Dining Out Tips

Tuesday, March 12, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Americans eat nearly half their meals away from home.  How can you control what you eat when you don’t cook for yourself?  Learn how to make wise menu selections and eat smart while dining out.

Healthy Eating Starts Here

Wednesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis–Mooresville

Learn about healthy lifestyles in this class.  Find out how much a “serving” is and how to manage a healthy weight.  Discover how fats, carbohydrates and protein affect our body.  Do you know how much salt, fiber and sugar are in the foods you buy?  This class offers the foundation for a healthy future!

Healthy Meals on a Budget

Wednesday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Tuesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis–Mooresville

As food prices climb and budgets get tight, smart purchases at the supermarket are important.  In this class, you will learn ways to stretch your food budget while still getting the nutrients you need.

Savvy Shopping

Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 p.m. at Southport Meijer

With all the new and changing products on the shelves, grocery shopping can be overwhelming.  Learn where to find the healthy foods and how to avoid packaging tricks commonly used to market foods.  Discover how food labels make you a smarter shopper. 

Franciscan Physician Network cardiac nurse saluted as ‘Health Care Hero’ by IBJ

Jean Hafley (front, wearing red) is congratulated on her award by IHP's (from left: Carolyn
 Smith and Drs. Harry Genovely, Mark Jones, Michael Barron and Polly Moore.

INDIANAPOLIS – Jean Hafley, LPN, is among the recipients honored as Health Care Heroes by the Indianapolis Business Journal for her commitment to patient care and long-time nursing career at Franciscan PhysicianNetwork Indiana Heart Physicians (IHP).

Hafley was the winner in the “non-physician” category and was recognized for her crusading work as an advocate for heart failure patients and their families.

The IBJ’s 2013 Health Care Heroes Awards breakfast was held earlier today (March 1) at the Conrad. This annual program recognizes individuals and organizations in the health care industry that make significant strides in health care improving the health and well-being of the community. 

She came to IHP in 2001 and began growing the services of the Heart Failure Care Clinic under the directorship of cardiologists specializing in heart failure. 

“Her commitment to the clinic is endless. Jean devotes large amounts of time to teaching patients and families about their new and chronic diagnosis of heart failure,” said Mary Benjamin, practice operations executive at Franciscan Physician Network. “Throughout the day she teaches about nutrition, salt restrictions and learning to manage the diagnosis. She can also be found lending an ear or a consoling shoulder to emotional family members coping with end-of-life issues.”

Hafley began her career as a volunteer “Candy Striper” and later earned her license practical nurse certification. She worked in the area of geriatrics and later joined Franciscan St. Francis Health as a bedside nurse. She then shifted to the outpatient setting working at the first heart failure clinic in Indiana within the cardiology practice of John C. Bailey, MD. 

“Hours after the office has closed for the day, Jean is often at her desk making phone calls,” Benjamin noted in her nomination letter for Hafley. “She checks to see how patients are feeling and making sure they are compliant with their medications. She has a genuine interest in their care, and patients feel as if Jean is a part of their extended family.”

Hafley’s recognition is not the first time a Franciscan staff member has been Health Care Heroes limelight. Click here to see who those recipients were.