Franciscan St. James Classic Golf Outing Raises $111,000

Frankfort resident, Sylvia Kemp honored with hospital's Courage Award

 

OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL – July 10, 2012 – The Franciscan Alliance St. James Health Foundation raised $111,000 at its annual Franciscan St. James Classic on Wednesday, June 20.

"This year's Classic was the most successful in its 12-year history," said foundation executive director, Terrence Sykes. "The funds raised at this year's Classic will support the installation of a third digital mammography unit, which will enable Franciscan St. James to serve up to 22,000 area women each year."

The Classic will also provide funding to support the hospital's Multiple Sclerosis support group, MS Mission Possible.

The golf outing was held at Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park. It was followed by dinner, silent auctions and an awards ceremony at Odyssey Country Club.

The Franciscan St. James Courage Award, sponsored by VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, was presented to Frankfort resident, Sylvia Kemp.

 "Since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Sylvia has risen to the challenges posed by the disease with great resolve and courage," said Sykes. "Most recently, she partnered with Franciscan St. James board chairman, Terry Brown to create a new MS support group."

MS Mission Possible, which meets at the hospital's Olympia Fields campus on the second Wednesday of each month, has grown into one of the Chicago area's largest, most active support groups for MS patients and their families.

"We are grateful to all those within the community who supported this event, as well as to the Franciscan St. James doctors, nurses and staff who helped make the 2012 Classic a success," Sykes said.

Franciscan St. James Classic sponsors include Dr. Krishnan Srinivasan; Chicago Office Technology Group; Cassiday Schade, LLP; Hepler Room LLC; METT Therapy Services; and the Franciscan St. James Health Medical Staff Office.

For more information about the Franciscan Alliance St. James Health Foundation, call 708-747-4000, ext. 5470, or visit www.stjameshospital.org.           

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Media contact:      Michael Shepherd

                              708-756-1000, ext. 3455
Michael.Shepherd@FranciscanAlliance.org

Franciscan St. James Achieves New Status as Accredited Chest Pain Center

Rigorous evaluation reveals that hospital meets strict care standards for treating patients who may be experiencing heart attack 

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL, May 22, 2012 | The Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC) announced that both Franciscan St. James Health campuses have received its Chest Pain Center Accreditation, which recognizes that the hospital has achieved a higher level of expertise in treating patients who arrive with symptoms of heart attack.

To become an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Franciscan St. James engaged in rigorous evaluation by SCPC for its ability to assess, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

This accreditation means that Franciscan St. James has established processes that meet strict criteria aimed at reducing the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment, treating patients more quickly during the critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can be preserved, and monitoring patients when it is not certain that they are having a heart attack to ensure that they are not sent home too quickly or needlessly admitted to the hospital.

The Franciscan St. James Chicago Heights campus is an Accredited Chest Pain Center. The hospital's Olympia Fields campus is an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), or angioplasty.

"People tend to wait when they think they might be having a heart attack, and that's a mistake," said Franciscan St. James president, Seth Warren. "The average patient arrives in the emergency department more than two hours after the onset of symptoms, but what they don't realize is that the sooner a heart attack is treated, the less damage to the heart and the better the outcome for the patient."

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000 people dying annually of heart disease. More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain. SCPC's goal is to significantly reduce the mortality rate of these patients by teaching the public to recognize and react to the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, reduce the time that it takes to receive treatment, and increase the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment.

Franciscan St. James' state-of-the-art healthcare encompasses the entire continuum of care for the heart patient and includes such focal points as dispatch, Emergency Medical System, emergency department, catheterization lab, the hospital's quality assurance plan, and its community outreach program. By becoming an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Franciscan St. James has enhanced the quality of care for the cardiac patient and has demonstrated its commitment to higher standards.

"These accreditations should assure the communities we serve that patients who come to Franciscan St. James with chest pain consistently receive quality care from an experienced team of experts," Warren said.

About the Society of Chest Pain Centers

The Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC) is an international not-for-profit organization that focuses on transforming cardiovascular care by assisting facilities in their effort to create communities of excellence that bring together quality, cost and patient satisfaction. As the only cross-specialty organization, SCPC provides the support needed for individual hospitals and hospital systems to effectively bridge existing gaps in treatment by providing the tools, education and support necessary to successfully navigate the changing face of healthcare.   For more information on SCPC, accreditation and certification opportunities, visit http://www.scpcp.org/, or call toll free 1-877-271-4176.

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Media contact:      Michael Shepherd

                              708-756-1000, ext. 3455
Michael.Shepherd@franciscanalliance.org

Philanthropy Provides Vital Support for Local Hospitals

For many hospitals, a significant amount of funding comes through the work of their foundations. Fundraising performed by foundations not only has a direct impact on the institution, but the community as a whole by enabling hospitals to do more and be more for their patients.

For example, the Franciscan St. James Community Foundation annual golf outing has made the purchase of additional mammogram machines possible. These machines enable us to provide potentially life-saving mammography services to thousands of area women each year.

In healthcare, were faced with declining reimbursements, changing technologies, and the rising costs of caring for the community. The more funds area hospitals can raise philanthropically through our Foundations, the better able we are to continue our missions.

Going forward, I think foundations will play an even larger role than they already do. Many unknowns in the healthcare industry are putting hospital administrators across the country in a very difficult position when it comes to planning – how to balance what services they deliver with the resources required to offer those services. Effective philanthropy efforts can give administrators the ability to provide the kind of care the public deems important and necessary.

People everywhere want to know that there is local healthcare expertise and technology in their communities, so that they can feel comfortable and confident receiving care. In the Southland, many people think they must venture into Chicago for quality healthcare. Philanthropic donations allow communities to make that local expertise and technology accessible for all residents.

Supporting your local hospital is critically important and necessary for individuals and the community as a whole. When considering whether or not to give, remember that we never know when an emergency situation is going to happen. And when one does happen, we often don't get to choose where we're going.

Financial donations have a big impact because they allow the institution to put dollars where they are most needed. Sometimes donors may indicate specific intentions, which allows them to help finance something that has particular meaning to them.

Planned giving and estate planning includes vehicles such as charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and LEED trusts. Like many hospitals, Franciscan St. James is fortunate to have corporate partners who will donate "in kind" gifts.

Not all donating is monetary. People can make an invaluable contribution by giving their time. Auxiliary volunteers bring an untold cost benefit to their institutions that is deeply needed and highly valued. 

I think it's important for people to realize that people working in philanthropic endeavors such as the Foundation uphold standards as directed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP). We take our work very seriously, doing what is right for the institution and our donors; letting them see the impact of their donations and making sure what happens, happens in the right way. 

The single largest fundraising event of the year for Franciscan St. James is the Gala, which will be held on September 22 at the Hilton Towers on Michigan and Balbo.

This celebration of our mission features fantastic entertainment and will honor some community members and physicians. For more information on attending or sponsorship opportunities, you are invited to call 708-747-4000, extension 5470.

Terrence Sykes is the Executive Director of the Franciscan Alliance St. James Health Foundation. Franciscan St. James is a member of the Southland Health Alliance.

Franciscan St. James Physician Pioneers New Procedure for Cases Where Cancer Spread to the Spine

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL, June 6, 2012 | Dr. Amar Shah, a Franciscan St. James Health interventional radiologist, completed a new spinal tumor treatment to provide bone stability and reduce pain for a patient whose cancer spread to the spine.

This is the first time this treatment, Radio Frequency Spinal Ablation (RFA), has been performed for painful spinal metastatic disease in the south and southwest suburbs. In fact, it has been performed just 42 times previously in the entire U.S.

When cancer cells spread to other organs or body structures, it is said to have metastasized. Spinal metastasis is common in patients with cancer. The spine is the third most common site for cancer cells to metastasize, following the lung and the liver. It can cause symptoms ranging from back pain to bowel/bladder problems and paralysis.

According to the American Cancer Society, when a cancer travels to the spine from other parts of the body, it can weaken the bones often resulting in fractures. Spinal metastatic disease can hamper a patients ability to maintain your regular activities and lifestyle, and as those tumors grow the may press on or dislodge the adjacent spinal cord.

“RFA therapy delivers more rapid pain relief and improves the quality of life for late stage cancer patients,” Dr. Shah said. “While other treatments, such as External Beam Radiation, require up to six weeks of treatment, RFA can provide pain relief in a single treatment.”

While RFA therapy can treat end-stage cancer patients who seek pain control and quality of life, it can also be used for patients seeking a cure of their primary cancers. It can potentially achieve more rapid pain relief, enabling the patient to stay on chemotherapy and focus on battling their primary cancer.

“RFA therapy can benefit patients who must stay on chemotherapy to fight their primary cancers,” Dr. Shah said. “It will preclude the need interrupt chemotherapy when undergoing radiation due to systemic toxicity.”

Radiation oncologists often have trouble getting patients in pain to lay still for radiation therapy. When that severe pain is successfully addressed, patients are more comfortable and more able to be successfully treated.

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Media contact:      Michael Shepherd

                              708-756-1000, ext. 3455
Michael.Shepherd@franciscanalliance.org

Type 2 Diabetes Occurring at Younger Ages

For years, Type 2 diabetes most commonly developed in patients around age 40 and up. We are now seeing a steady increase in prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes in adolescents aged 10 to 19. The major culprit? Childhood obesity.

The incidence of childhood obesity has tripled over the last 30 years, bringing with it an increase in associated diseases including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. For the first time in two centuries, this generation of children may have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. We can no longer ignore the effect poor diet and lack of exercise is having on our children.

It is now protocol for doctors to order blood glucose screenings for obese children. At the Franciscan St. James Center for Diabetes, we are seeing many more young prediabetic patients, whose glucose levels are higher than normal range, but not high enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes.

Eating excessive portion sizes and consuming large amount of calories contribute to weight gain that forces the pancreas to work much harder to keep the glucose levels normal.

Even things perceived as healthy, such as fruit juices, contribute to the problem, with kids drinking over-sized portions of these sugar-filled beverages. Additionally, today’s children are much more sedentary. So, they’re not burning the calories off.

When I counsel young patients at the Center for Diabetes, their parents are present. I explain that the entire family must become involved in the shift to leading a healthier lifestyle. Family participation keeps the child from feeling singled out or punished, and builds in positive reinforcement.

Here are some basics I share with my young patients and their parents:

Physical Activity is Key

Kids require 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Unfortunately, some schools offer gym only twice each week. Especially at this time of year, I encourage kids to go outside, run and play with friends, shoot baskets – anything that involves movement. In addition to traditional team sports, swimming, tennis, and track are great ways to get exercise.

Today, we drive our kids everywhere. Whenever possible, they should walk or ride their bicycles instead.

Planning family activities and getting into an active routine together is an important, positive step. Long walks along the many south suburban walking paths and parks provide a perfect opportunity to catch up with each other’s lives.

Practice What You Preach

The entire family needs to be on board with dietary changes, with parents taking the lead. It’s easy to pick up a quick meal and eat in front of the television. But if we pay closer attention and make the effort to change, the rewards are many.

Begin by eliminating the availability of sugar-filled drinks and high calorie snacks at home. We can’t expect kids to resist these ready temptations, especially when other family members are indulging in front of them.

Local schools have done an excellent job of replacing high calorie, high sugar snacks and beverages in vending machines with water, calorie free drinks and healthier lower calorie snack options. As a community, we must recognize the epidemic that’s occurring and be more diligent about paying attention to what our kids eat and drink.

Changing the way we think about food and physical activity begins in the family. It really is a lifelong journey. If we can make changes early, it will to pay off now and in the long run.

Cheryl Boss, CNP, is a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner at the Franciscan St. James Center for Diabetes. Franciscan St. James Health is a member of the Southland Health Alliance.

Mammograms and Self-Exams are Women's Best Friends

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. Fortunately, breast cancer mortality is on a continued decline, which has been attributed to early detection and improvements in treatment.

The earlier we detect cancer, the more treatable it is and the greater the probability of a better outcome. Catching it in the early stages makes breast conservation therapy more likely, meaning the patient can be treated with a lumpectomy versus a mastectomy.

 

The most important things a woman can do to improve her odds against breast cancer are to perform regular self-exams, go for regular check-ups with her internist or gynecologist and, past the age of 40, have yearly mammograms. From the age of 20, women are advised to have a clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare practitioner at least every three years. After reaching 40, this should be done annually.

The combination of performing self-exams and having annual mammograms is important because self-exams may detect something before it’s time for an annual visit. Sometimes women ignore an abnormality found during a self-exam and put off seeing their doctor. It can’t be over-stressed that anything even slightly suspicious should be brought to a doctor’s attention.

Another potentially dangerous practice is to put off having an annual mammogram. Screening mammography has been proven to save lives. In fact, most doctors agree that mammograms save many thousands of lives every year. Women who have higher risk factors should talk to their doctors about having mammograms before turning 40.

The Digital Difference

Many places now offer the additional technology of digital mammography, including the Breast Center at Franciscan St. James Hospital. Because digital mammograms are electronically stored, they can be analyzed by both computers and radiologists.

Unlike film mammograms, digital images can be manipulated to improve clarity and visibility. And because they are stored electronically, they are easy to access and retrieve as well as easier to share with other health care professionals.

A 2005 study found that digital mammography detected up to 28 percent more cancers than film mammography in women younger than 50 years of age, premenopausal women, perimenopausal women and women with dense breasts.

Understanding Risk Factors

Some factors that predispose women to breast cancer cannot be changed. For one, the risk increases as women get older. Most advanced cases of the disease are found in women past the age of 50. Having a close relative who has had breast, uterine, ovarian or colon cancer is another factor. Some women are genetically predisposed to breast cancer.

Women whose menstrual cycle started before the age of 12 or lasted past the age of 55 are also at increased risk. Never having children or who having a first child after the age of 30 can also increase the risk for breast cancer. Receiving hormone replacement therapy with estrogen for several years or longer is another factor that places women at a higher risk.

Be Proactive

In addition to performing self-exams, having clinical exams and going for mammograms, there are other steps that women can take to decrease the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are two positive steps to take. Breastfeed if possible and limit alcohol intake. Drinking more than one or two glasses of alcohol a day may increase the risk for breast cancer.

Having a mammogram takes very little time and provides potentially life-saving benefits. At the Breast Center at Franciscan St. James, most women are in and out very quickly. That’s a small sacrifice for the safety and peace of mind a mammogram can offer.

Paul Mullarkey, MD, is the Director of Breast Imaging at the Franciscan St. James Health Comprehensive Cancer Institute. Franciscan St. James is a member of the Southland Health Alliance.

The Second Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths is Also Preventable

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined. Yet, with regular screenings, this form of cancer is highly preventable.

Many people hesitate seeing a colorectal specialist out of fear or embarrassment. But symptoms such as bleeding, pain or change in bowel habits should never be ignored.

Approximately 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year, and 50,000 people will die from the disease. Incorrectly thought of as being a “man’s disease,” almost half of these deaths will be women. The particular tragedy of this is that no one should have to suffer from colorectal cancer.

Screening Methods

There are several acceptable screening methods to detect the disease. A Fecal Occult Blood Test can detect hidden blood in the stool. Using a flexible sigmoidoscope, a visual examination of the rectum and lower portion of the colon can be performed in the doctor’s office. But the preferred method by far is still the colonoscopy, because it allows for removal of polyps as part of the procedure.

A polyp is a growth of abnormal cells that begin in the lining of the colon. Removing them is important because almost all colorectal cancers begin as benign, non-cancerous polyps. Polyp removal during a colonoscopy is a way that patients and physicians may take a proactive approach to defeating colorectal cancer.

The colonoscopy procedure itself is very short, taking just 20 minutes. Patients are given intravenous medication that minimizes discomfort and, in fact, most remember little or nothing of the procedure.

Some people inquire about virtual colonoscopies. Generally reserved for patients who have had unsuccessful colonoscopies, a virtual colonoscopy employs CT technology to perform a radiographic examination of the colon. As with a colonoscopy, a prior colon cleansing is required.

The virtual colonoscopy entails the insertion of a rectal catheter and air insufflation without sedation. Should polyps be identified, the patient must still undergo a colonoscopy for their removal. Currently, virtual colonoscopies are not covered by insurance companies as a routine screening exam. 

Surgical Advances

When colorectal cancer is detected, surgery is almost always required, sometimes in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy. Most patients will not require a colostomy. Minimally invasive laparoscopy has had a great impact in the field of colorectal surgery. Patients benefit from less pain, smaller incisions, and generally a faster recovery than those who have traditional operations.

Newer techniques employed by colorectal surgeons to treat lower rectal cancers can often save the sphincters of patients who would have needed permanent colostomies in the past. While robotic surgery has begun to have some impact in the treatment of rectal cancer, recovery times and incision sizes are not yet improved using this method over the standard laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Heed Your Risk Factors

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. By age 50, all men and women are at risk. Certain other factors may lower the at-risk age.

People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease should be screened before age 50.

When detected and treated early, between 80 and 90 percent of colon cancer patients recovery fully. But diagnosed in the later stages, the cure rate drops to 50 percent or less.

In the fight against colorectal cancer, knowledge truly is power. Regular screenings give every one of us the ability to help eliminate this very preventable disease.

Scott A. Brill, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is an independent board-certified colon and rectal surgeon who chooses to practice at the Franciscan St. James Center for Colon and Rectal Surgery in Olympia Fields. Franciscan St. James Health is a member of the Southland Health Alliance.

Franciscan St. James sponsoring Frankfort Wellness Fair

OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL, JANUARY 23, 2012 Franciscan St. James Health is pleased to announce that it is again the exclusive participating sponsor of the 9th annual ”Frankfort Wellness Fair” to be held on Saturday, February 4 from 9:00 AM to Noon at Founders Center, 140 Oak Street in downtown Frankfort.

Sponsored by the Village of Frankfort and the Frankfort Park District, the Frankfort Wellness Fair is free to the public.

In addition to free refreshments, giveaways and raffles, the Frankfort Wellness Fair will include informational exhibits that focus on prevention and awareness. Franciscan St. James and WellGroup HealthPartners staff will offer free screenings for blood glucose/cholesterol, blood pressure, pulmonary (spirometry), osteoporosis and body mass index. Attended may also receive free flu shots, while supplies last.

Franciscan St. James physicians will be available throughout the day to address healthcare questions in their area of specialty.

The Frankfort Wellness Fair will also feature healthy cooking demonstrations and four free Educational Medical Presentations:

9:15 a.m. Starting an Exercise Program for a Healthier Heart
Presented by Michael Ward, MD
Family and Sports Medicine
Dr. Ward will discuss the importance of a balanced exercise program to meet your cardiovascular and lifestyle needs.

10:00 a.m. Simple Treatments Options for Heavy Menstrual Cycles
Presented by Mari Ann Herbert, DO
Learn quick, safe and simple procedures that have proven to help control heavy menstrual bleeding without hormones or hysterectomy.

10:15 a.m. Diabetes: Your are in the Driver’s Seat
Presented by Kelly Devine Rickert, Registered Dietician
WellGroup Health Partners
Learn about the diet and lifestyle changes you can make to prevent or control Type-2 diabetes.

10:45 a.m. COPD Awareness
Presented by Robert Kemp, MD
Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease
Dr. Kemp will explain how your lungs work, and how to reduce your risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and improve your respiratory health.

“The Wellness Fair is a great opportunity for all ages to start 2012 with a healthy approach that hopefully continues throughout the year,” said Frankfort Mayor, Jim Holland. “In addition to the preventative screenings, demonstrations and educational information, there are many exhibits to enjoy. I invite everyone to get a jump start on a healthy new year by visiting our Wellness Fair on February 4th.”

“Franciscan St. James Health is proud to, once again, be the Frankfort Wellness Fair’s exclusive participating sponsor,” said Franciscan St. James President, Seth Warren. “It is entirely consistent with our mission to deliver quality healthcare to the communities we serve.”

For further information and details, visit the Village of Frankfort website at http://www.villageoffrankfort.com/ under calendar of events

Media contact: Michael Shepherd
708-756-1000, ext. 3455
Michael.Shepherd@franciscanalliance.org

Franciscan St. James Health to Benefit from Chicago Auto Show First Look for Charity

OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL – January 4, 2011 The Franciscan Alliance Foundation, St. James Health announced today it will, once again, participate in the annual Chicago Auto Show First Look For Charity, on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at McCormick Place.

First Look for Charity is the benevolent black-tie event held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. The event annually raises approximately $2 million for 18 Chicago area charities. Franciscan St. James Health is among those 18 charities.

This is the third of a nine-year commitment that the Chicago Auto Show has made to Franciscan St. James.

“We are grateful to Dennis Bauer, of Arnie Bauer Cadillac Buick GMC, for bringing this opportunity to St. James,” said Michael Bruni, St. James vice president of external affairs. “It has raised significant resources for technology advancements to better serve our patients in the south and southwest suburbs.”

Rock band, Blues Traveler will enliven the show floor brimming with 1,000 new vehicles, some on display for the first time ever. Singer/harmonicist John Popper leads the quintet known for his extended jamming style in live performances. The band’s best-known single, “Run-Around,” is Billboard magazine’s all-time longest-charting radio single.

To top it all off, two attendees will win the keys to a 2012 Cadillac Escalade and a 2012 Cadillac SRX. Guests will enjoy abundant hors d’oeuvres, champagne, wine, soft drinks and desserts at the nation’s largest auto show.

For tickets and more information call (708) 747-4000, ext. 5470, or visit www.chicagoautoshow.com/firstlook.
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Media contact: Michelle Jimenez 708-747-4000, ext. 5470
michelle.jimenez@franciscanalliance.org