Franciscan St. Francis Health collaborates with others to offer new counseling options to Indy's first responders

Christine Frederick offers insight to WISH-TV's Julian
Grace following a news conference at the Old City Hall.

INDIANAPOLIS – First-response employees of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) now have an additional counseling option to turn to in times of need, courtesy of a collaboration between six local hospital systems and the Indy Public Safety Foundation.

Franciscan St. Francis Health counseling services, Community Health Network – Behavioral Health Services, Eskenazi Health Midtown Community Mental Health, Fairbanks Treatment Center,  Indiana University Health and St.Vincent Stress Center are each donating resources and expertise to make Comprehensive Counseling Services a reality, all in support of the city’s first responders and the Indy Public Safety Foundation.

“We are grateful to all our hospital partners for their generosity and the care they are showing for the men and women of Public Safety,” said Director of Public Safety, Troy Riggs. “I continue to be humbled by the support our first responders receive from the Indianapolis community -- citizens and businesses, alike.”

Christian Ellis-Frederick, Employee Assistance Program manager for Franciscan St. Francis, was among the invited panelists on hand for the news conference Oct. 3.

The new, confidential service, accessible through a 24-hour hotline, is live as of today and is designed to supplement existing counseling options already available to DPS first responders through the City of Indianapolis or through their respective DPS division.

Counseling is available to public safety personnel and their spouses, partners, significant others, children, and other household members. Comprehensive Counseling Services offers assistance for a number of issues including, but not limited to, coping with stress and change; family, marital, and significant other relationships; child, adolescent and parenting issues; depression and/or anxiety; and alcohol and drug abuse issues.

“DPS employees already have access to excellent counseling and support options,” said Nick Ball, Executive Director of the Indy Public Safety Foundation. “First responders expressed a desire to have access to an additional option that was community-based and existed outside of the framework of their employment. These six organizations came together in a selfless partnership with our foundation and made this a reality for the benefit of those who protect our city.”

The service will be available to DPS employees for a period of six months, at which point the program will be evaluated by all stakeholders.

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center offers variety of free classes throughout October

INDIANAPOLIS – Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is offering a full range of free classes focused on cardiovascular health and wellness in October.

Call 317-782-4422 or go on-line at MyHeartCare.net to register for any of the classes, which include:

What’s the fuss about salt? Why does my doctor care about my salt intake?

Harry Genovely, MD.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center (8111 S. Emerson Ave.)

Most Americans consume more salt than is recommended.  The FDA is even asking food companies to cut back on the salt they use when preparing foods.  Why does it matter? What is the problem with having too much salt?  Dr. Genovely will talk about the impact sodium has on the body and overall health, how it may increase your risk for disease.  Bring your questions for the cardiologist.

Do you have a heart murmur?

Tues, Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m.

Franklin Public Library, 401 State St, Franklin

Presented by Marc Gerdisch, MD

Refreshments served at 6:00 p.m.

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. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Gerdisch will talk about new treatments and surgeries for heart valves, including ongoing research studies Franciscan St. Francis Health.  Participants will have the opportunity to sign up for a free echocardiogram screening following the program.

Change of Heart classes offered in Fall 2014

Cooking for 2

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Wednesday, Oct 15, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville (1201 Hadley Road)

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

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville

Thursday, Oct 30 at 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 Meals on a Budget

Tuesday, Oct 28, 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville

Wednesday, Oct 29, 6:30 p.m. at the Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

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.

Meatless Cooking Tips

Thursday, Oct 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Meatless meals may help you live longer.  Adding more meatless meals to your diet is easy with new products now on the market.  This class will help you with menu planning and recipes so you can incorporate more meatless meals into your daily life.

Reduce Stress

Wed, Oct 22, 6:30 p.m. at the Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Negative stress causes changes in lifestyle and behavior, which may lead to unhealthy choices.  Learn to identify the causes of stress in your life and techniques to decrease your stress which can improve your health

Savvy Shopping

Wednesday, Oct 1, 6:30 p.m. at Southport Meijer

Tuesday, Oct 7, 6:30 p.m. at Camby 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.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Sept. 27 Gala salutes Franciscan St. Francis Health’s centennial of service

INDIANAPOLIS – Several local luminaries will join more than 800 guests attending the Centennial Gala celebration of Franciscan St. Francis Health, 6:30 PM to 11 PM, Saturday, Sept. 27 at the JW Marriott.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Franciscan Hospice House, which will be located at hospital’s south-side campus. The facility will serve more than 600 families annually when it opens in Fall 2015.

WTHR-13 reporter and anchor Kris Kirschner will emcee this black-tie event. And among the featured speakers and other high-profile guests are Gala honorary co-chairs, John Lechleiter, Eli Lilly and Company president and CEO; Archbishop Joseph Tobin of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis; and Robert J. Brody, president and CEO of Franciscan St. Francis Health.

Among the most special guests will be the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. The Sisters established their health ministry and constructed a hospital in the fledgling community of Beech Grove in 1914. That mission has since flourished throughout Central Indiana.

To learn more about the history of Franciscan St. Francis Health click on this VIDEO. 

The Gala includes historic videos and other visuals (one of which will soon be on display at the Indiana Historical Society), silent and live auctions and musical entertainment.

Cancer survivorship celebrated at Franciscan St. Francis Health Fall Festival

INDIANAPOLIS – Autumn is a time of harvest, family-focused activities and thanksgiving – and those qualities fuel Fall Festival 2014, sponsored by Franciscan St. Francis Health Cancer Center.

The event is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Center, located at 8111 S. Emerson Ave. Staff will offer tours of the facility and explain the many programs and services provided by south-central Indiana’s most comprehensive cancer center.

Among the other Fall Festival activities:

• Live music performed by Tastes Like Chicken

• Free food and drinks

• Free magic show (Noon – 12:30 pm)

• Free face painting

• Kids costume contest with prizes in three categories: most creative, spookiest and cutest

• Farmers’ market

• Information on cancer awareness, prevention and survivorship services

• Balloon ceremony to recognize cancer survivors and their families (2:30 p.m.)

For more information, call 317-528-7794.

Take a stroll through the human brain at Senior Promise’s annual health fair

Revamped health fair offers more and diverse exhibits, screenings and hands-on experience

INDIANAPOLIS – An expanded and fully interactive health fair is in store for the anticipated hundreds who will attend an annual health sponsored by Senior Promise.

“Journey Through Wellness” is slated for 8 a.m. to noon, Friday, Oct. 3, at The Atrium, 3143 E. Thompson Road. Senior Promise is a program based at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

Ever given any thought about what’s going on inside your head? Participants can walk through AmeriBrain, a large, inflatable exhibit. The display offers a realistic view about the parts and mechanics of the brain and disorders – such as strokes and headaches – and Franciscan St. Francis Health clinicians will be on hand to explain these functions.

There also will be numerous lifestyle screenings and other activities available, including health and wellness screenings, physician presentations, exercise (Pilates and yoga chair), cooking demonstrations, genetic counseling and testing for hereditary cancer conditions, chair massages, pharmacy consultations, first aid to name but a few.

Emergency Medical Technicians will be on hand to talk about personal safety and to assist guests in filling our emergency medical information forms.

Flu and pneumonia vaccines also will be offered and the cost covered for those enrolled in Medicare Care Part B or who are members of the Advantage Health plan.

“Journey Through Wellness – formerly called the Fall Health Festival – is an opportunity for us to more actively engage our guests and members and to provide more comprehensive health care education and the tools necessary to stay healthy,” said Senior Promise Director Jeanelle Regal.

Launched in 1987, Senior Promise provides its 30,000-plus members a variety of meaningful services and benefits for people age 50 and older throughout the year.