Download Healthy Connections Newsletter - Spring 2013

Hospital Happenings...
St. Jude Sparkling Brunch
Healthy Connections
May 5, 2013
Golden Life Senior Birthday Celebration
June 28, 2013
Community Health Fair
June 29, 2013
9am - 3pm
(Loretto Hospital parking lot on Harrison Street)
A Publication for Friends of Loretto Hospital • 645 S. Central Ave. • Chicago, IL 60644 • Spring 2013 • (773) 626-4300 • www.lorettohospital.org
We want to hear from you.
Unveiling of the Kiss the Wall Tribute and Breast Cancer Survivor Ceremony
June 29, 2013
Send us your questions
or comments to:
The Loretto Hospital Foundation Annual Golf Outing
[email protected]
July 31, 2013
Cog Hill Golf Course & Country Club
11am - 8pm
Loretto Hospital Nurse Going Red
for a Lifetime
Heart disease more deadly for women than cancer.
What are the chances that two young
women around the same age, from
Back-to-School Fitness Fun Fest
two opposite ends of the United
August 3, 2013
(Loretto Hospital parking lot on Harrison Street)
States, with the exact same medical
condition, would meet at Loretto
Hospital at the exact same moment
in time—one as a nurse and the other
Healthy Connections is a publication of Loretto Hospital. For more information about Loretto Hospital call 773-626-4300.
Photo credits: 123RF and Microsoft.com Free Images. Newsletter design by Business Image Development, Inc.. Copyright © 2013, Loretto Hospital, All Rights Reserved.
as the patient?
LaTania Parks-Hamilton, nurse manager at Loretto
Hospital, is a three-year survivor of cardiomyopathy, a form
of heart disease.
U.S. Postage
Place
Stamp
Here
645 S. Central Avenue
Chicago, IL 60644
LaTania Parks-Hamilton, 29, is a nurse manager at Loretto Hospital. Parks-Hamilton came to
Loretto Hospital as a nursing supervisor in April, 2012 and was promoted the same year to
manage the medical/surgical unit. In December 2009, at the age of 26, she was diagnosed
with having cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease, less than a year after her mother died
of congestive heart failure.
“My mom died in 2008 and I didn’t know enough about the disease to do enough to help her.
All the females in my family have it, and none of them have lived past the age of 50,” ParksHamilton said.
“The doctors here (Loretto) have been diligent about getting
tests done and finding the best route to treat me.”
Mailing Label Here
Danielle Dawson, 39, is a new patient at Loretto who moved to the Austin Community from
the state of Montana only four months ago. However, just weeks before moving to Chicago,
Dawson began having severe headaches, heart palpitations, and trouble breathing. She
sought medical attention in Montana and was immediately diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.
Like Parks-Hamilton, Dawson has a family history of heart disease with a grandmother who
died of this same heart condition in 2008, the same year Parks-Hamilton’s mother succumbed
to heart disease. On January 29, 2013, Dawson was rushed to the Kimberly A. Lightford
Emergency Department at Loretto Hospital because of warning signs of possible heart failure.
“My heart was pumping so hard and I couldn’t breathe. My nurse (referring to Parks-Hamilton)
has been so good with helping me. The doctors here (Loretto) have been diligent about
getting tests done and finding the best route to treat me,” Dawson said.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle when the heart muscle becomes enlarged,
thick or rigid. Some people show no signs or symptoms, but as the disease worsens, the
heart becomes weaker and is less able to pump blood through the body to maintain its
normal electrical rhythm.
(Continued on Page 3)
Ten Good Habits
to Develop in 2013
This year is well underway, and there is still
significant buzz around resolutions made at
the start of the year. Every year, people
make personal promises to become better
in the new year than they were in the
previous one. For many people, a new year
represents the start of something new -new opportunities, a fresh new outlook on
life, or a completely new chapter in their
pressing forward into new opportunities,
new possibilities or completely starting all
over again in hopes of a better life. For
others, it is a chance to initiate new habits
or simply tweak old ones. In a recent CBS
opinion poll, surveyors were asked to
select their top resolutions or personal
goals for 2013. Based on the results, this is
what was revealed:
1. Lose weight to become healthier
Losing weight is always the most
popular resolution
every year. But for
some reason, this
goal is one of the
hardest to achieve.
Many fitness experts
recommend setting
clear,
co n cis e,
attainable goals
w ith reg ard to
weight loss and
don’t bite off too
much at a time. A good start is to change
your eating habits to consume more
quality fresh fruits and vegetables, whole
grains, lean meats and fish. If you have
trouble finding the right foods, seek the
advice of a dietitian or nutritionist. Next,
meet with a fitness expert at your local
gym to establish a workout plan at least 3
days a week. Finally, be consistent and be
patient with your results!
(Continued on Page 4)
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15
Healthy Connections
Letter from the
CEO
At Loretto Hospital, we strive
to provide our patients with
Better Standards, Better Care
and Better Outcomes in a safe
holistic environment. With every
new program that we establish, or
existing service that we improve
Dr. Sonia Mehta, CEO/CMO
upon, our primary goal is to meet
the medical needs of the Austin and surrounding communities.
Since assuming the role of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Medical Officer, we have made significant progress in terms of
upholding our new slogan “Loretto Cares” by enhancing the quality
of care we administer to all of our patients. Because we have taken
our oath seriously, I am so pleased to share that in a recent random
survey by the Illinois Department of Public Health (represented by
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid), Loretto Hospital received its
best scores in 7 years, meeting or exceeding all three categories of
infection control, discharge planning and quality. We are building the
right internal infrastructure – both structurally and human capital – to
ensure that we are moving in the right direction in 2013 and beyond.
Although there is still work to be done, I am excited about the new
things on the horizon for Loretto and the new health programs we
are implementing to address the healthcare needs of this community.
To this end, our Spring 2013 Issue of Healthy Connections highlights
breast cancer, heart disease, and the importance of maintaining a
healthy lifestyle to avoid many illnesses that plague our community.
In honor of all the women who are fighting heart disease, we feature
one of Loretto Hospital’s-own nurses and her patient, who both share
their personal uphill battles with cardiomyopathy, an inherited form of
heart disease. This issue also recaps a number of recent communitybased initiatives we led such as our collaboration with Austin
residents to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s annual
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k Walk, as well as serving as
host for U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis’ (D-Chicago) community
forum to discuss the future prevention and treatment for HIV/AIDS
patients in underserved communities. In addition, we offer a wealth
of information about how you can prevent diseases such as cancer,
diabetes and high blood pressure to live a longer, healthier life just by
losing weight and maintaining a healthful lifestyle.
What’s New at Loretto...
Loretto Hospital Opens
New Behavioral Health Unit
Dr. Sonia Mehta
Chief Executive Officer/Chief Medical Officer
Loretto Hospital
Did you know the human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main culprit of many types of
cancers, including cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is the first cancer in women to be
identified as being caused almost exclusively by a virus – HPV. HPV is one of the most
common sexually transmitted diseases. It is also the leading cause of pre-cancerous
changes of the cervix and cancer of the cervix. There are more than 100 types of HPV,
some of which causes genital warts, while others are considered high-risk that are
linked to irregular cells in the cervix and then cervical cancer if left untreated.
More Upgrades on the Horizon through 2013
This January, Loretto Hospital opened a newly renovated,
state-of-the-art mental health unit. The new unit features a
new nursing station, upgraded security monitoring
systems, new patient rooms equipped with safety
fixtures, a new recreation area for patients, and a new
sprinkler system.
Additional construction will continue around the hospital
through 2013 and will include an updated pharmacy area,
modernization of Loretto’s façade and Central Avenue
entrance, and new flooring in the corridors and waiting
areas throughout the hospital.
While cervical cancer usually takes about 10-to-20 years or more to develop, it is
reported that nearly 6 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV occurs in the
U.S. each year, with at least 20 million people estimated to be currently infected. Most
people with HPV, though, do not know that they are infected. But there is a cure!
Of all the gynecological cancers, cervical cancer is the only gynecological cancer that has a screening test – the Pap test. Pap tests identifies
whether precancerous cells are present in a woman’s cervix. The Centers for Disease control recommends a Pap test for all women between
the ages of 21 and 65 years old. In addition to the Pap test, gynecologists may recommend an HPV test to look for the human papilloma virus
infection, the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV tests are usually given to women ages 30 and older in conjunction with a yearly Pap test.
When there are discrepancies in the Pap test, appropriate HPV testing is a good supplement to detect virtually all precancerous changes and
cervical cancers.
It is important to know that cervical cancer is completely preventable if precancerous cell changes are detected and treated early. That is why
it is important for all women to have yearly Pap and HPV testing. To find out more about cervical cancer and HPV, visit www.cdc.gov.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control, Mayo Clinic
You are at greater risk of
getting HPV if:
• You became sexually
All the new rooms in the mental health unit on 3 West are equipped with
new safety furniture and fixtures for patients.
active at an early age.
• You or your sexual
partner has had many
different sexual partners
at any time.
• You or any of your
sexual partners have
had a history of sexually
transmitted diseases.
• Your sexual partner did
not wear a condom.
We hope you enjoy our newsletter. Please do not hesitate to contact
me if I can be of assistance. Remember, Loretto Cares!
Sincerely,
Have you been screened for Human Papilloma Virus?
• Have never received a
Newly constructed recreation room in the Loretto Hospital’s Mental
Health Unit provides an opportunity for patients to relax in a therapeutic
environment.
vaccination against HPV.
Sources: The Center for Disease Control
and The Center for Young Women’s Health
in Boston
Teens Can Be Infected With HPV
New vaccines help prevent several cancers in teens and
the spread of HPV
HPV is the most common STD in the world. It is so
common that most sexually active individuals may
become infected at some point in their lives and will not
even know it. A March 11, 2008 study conducted by the
Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in 4 teenage
girls between the ages of 13 to 19 is infected with a
sexually transmitted disease. The most common of
these diseases includes HPV, Chlamydia, herpes simplex
virus and trichomoniasis, with HPV in a distant first
place. More recent reports by the CDC indicates that
about 20 million people are currently infected with HPV in the U.S., and over half of
these individuals are adolescents and young adults about 15 – 24 years old.
At least 1 in every 3 sexually active young women has had a genital HPV infection. Any
sexually active person—no matter what color, race, gender or sexual orientation—can
get HPV. Sadly, African-American females are affected more than Caucasian females.
And while most people with HPV will never experience any health issues from the virus,
because it is a rapidly spreading STD, boys are also affected often passing from virus from
girl to girl. Men with HPV are at risk of developing cancer, such as anal and penile cancer.
Like any other STD, the best way to prevent the spread of this virus is by abstinence,
wearing a condom, or by getting vaccinated – yes vaccinated. The HPV vaccine helps
prevent several cancers in kids; and is highly recommended for preteen – teenage girls
and boys and young adults up to age 26.
For more information about HPV, visit www.cdc.gov.
14
Healthy Connections
Going Red for a Lifetime Continued from Page 1
Kidne y D ise a se
More than 20 million affected
Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause
of death in the United States. Our
kidneys are very important for the overall
maintenance of our health. Our kidneys
are responsible for:
• Filtering waste out of 200 liters of
blood each day.
April 22-26 is National Medical Laboratory
Professionals Week (NMLPW), a week set aside
each year to honor medical laboratory professionals
and pathologists across the United States. The
purpose of NMLPW is to bring awareness to the
public about the impact medical lab professionals
has on health care. Although medical laboratory
professionals and pathologists often work behind
the scenes, few people understand the critical role
they perform every day in the medical diagnosis
and treatment of patients. To find out more about
NMLPW, go to www.ascp.org/labweek.
3
• Regulating of the body’s salt,
potassium and acid content.
• Removing of drugs from the body.
• Balancing the body’s fluids.
• Releasing hormones that regulate
blood pressure.
• Producing an active form of vitamin
D that promotes strong, healthy
bones.
• Controlling the production of red
blood cells.
According to the U.S. Renal Data
System, more than 20 million adults
in the United States have chronic
kidney disease, with an additional
400,000 people currently depending
on dialysis. There are more than
80,000 people on the national waiting
list for a kidney transplant, of which
35 percent are African-American and
nearly 19 percent are Hispanic.
For more information about kidney
disease, go to www.kidney.org
According to the Centers
of Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), the most
common form of heart
disease is coronary artery
disease (CAD), which can
lead to a heart attack.
In most cases, a person
can greatly reduce their
chances of developing CAD
with a lifestyle comprised of
a healthy diet and exercise,
and medication. However at
Parks-Hamilton is educating Loretto Hospital patient Danielle
other times, heart disease
Dawson about cardiomyopathy.
like cardiomyopathy is
acquired (caused by another illness or condition) or inherited because of a genetic
deformity—much like the gene that causes Down Syndrome — which could travel
throughout the family or even skip a generation. In the case of both Dawson and
Parks-Hamilton, their form of cardiomyopathy is genetic, and both have daughters
who may be at risk.
continue working as a nurse, to finish my masters, and
to continue educating people about heart disease. I
speak at churches as well. I am the poster child for
heart disease, so I wear my scars well (referring to
her defibrillator and previous heart surgeries). There
are things that we can do to control and avoid heart
disease if it is not genetic. I have completely changed
my lifestyle. Although I am on about 9 different
medications, I watch everything I eat and avoid certain
foods that can trigger issues. I watch my stress. I have
a no response, no emotion approach to life,” ParksHamilton said.
As for Dawson: “I am going to self-educate and to know
the do’s and don’ts; and do all the do’s. I definitely feel
much better since I’ve come here (Loretto) and have
met her (Parks-Hamilton),” Dawson said.
To learn more about how heart disease affects women,
go to www.goredforwomen.org, or contact Loretto
Hospital’s Ambulatory Care clinic at 773-854-5475.
“The doctors in Montana told me that eventually I would need to go on a heart
transplant list. How does someone’s heart just malfunction like that? I had never
heard of this disease. So I started calling around to family members and found out
that my grandmother had it. It skipped a generation and now I have it,” Dawson said.
Parks-Hamilton had a similar report with her initial diagnoses.
“The doctors told me the same thing about possibly having a heart transplant, but
God brought me back. I wish I could get rid of the gene that is causing this issue. But
even after having a heart transplant, the defected gene would just damage the new
heart. My daughter inherited the mutated gene. So I pray that my daughter doesn’t
get this disease,” Parks-Hamilton said.
The American Heart Association reports that more than 600,000 Americans die
each year from heart disease. In the United States, heart disease kills 1 in 3 women,
making it more deadly than any form of cancer. Heart disease can affect individuals
of all ages and race. With cardiomyopathy, there are sometimes no warning signs or
symptoms in the early stages of this disease. For other people, the disease develops
so rapidly that it triggers immediate warning signs and can quickly push a person
into congestive heart failure or arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat. Symptoms of heart
disease may vary from person to person, but may include: fluid build-up in the legs,
ankles, feet, legs or abdomen, shortness of breath and fatigue.
“Men may have definite signs and symptoms of having heart disease like you would
hear them complain about their arm being numb, dizzy or sweating or something
like that. But, a woman’s body is so different. Women have a way of compensating
for illnesses, so we will walk around almost having no symptoms and will continue
business as usual. I was working 12-hour night shifts and didn’t know my heart was
that bad until my body hit a breaking point. We have to listen to your body and know
when something is wrong,” Parks-Hamilton
Since Parks-Hamilton’s diagnoses, she has survived multiple surgeries, takes a
variety of medications, has worn a defibrillator vest for nearly a year, and now wears
a defibrillator surgically implanted in her chest as extra precaution.
Although both women are strictly monitored by cardiologists, they are taking
complete control of their illness. When asked about their future plans for fighting
heart disease, Parks-Hamilton replied: “Education, education, education. I plan to
Nurse Parks-Hamilton with patient Danielle Dawson.
9
4
13
Healthy Connections
Ten Good Habits to Develop in 2013, cont’d from P1
2. Improve physical fitness
For some, improving your physical fitness goes hand-inhand with weight loss. For others, weight may not be an
issue, however achieving more muscle tone and getting
into shape may be your goal. Whichever category you fit
into, seeking the advice of a fitness expert at your local
gym is a good place to start. A fitness consultant can
devise a workout plan that is suitable for your body type
and that will fit your personal goals. As with any other
goal, stay consistent and be patient with your results.
3. Quit smoking
Kicking the smoking habit takes a lot of
willpower, commitment and support. Even
occasional smoking is very harmful to your
health. A good place to start is to consider your
health! According to the CDC, each cigarette
that you smoke damages your lungs, blood
vessels and cells throughout your body. Seek professional help and stick
with it. For more information about how to quit smoking, contact Loretto
Hospital’s Addiction Center at 773-854-5445.
4. Sort out your finances so that the books balance
Balancing the family budget is a timely
resolution, especially after coming out of the
country’s recent economic crisis. During this
time, merchants may experience an overall
increase in consumer spending due to maxing
out credit cards or overdrawing personal bank
accounts. The whole idea behind balancing your budget is to eliminate
unnecessary spending and cutting costs in key areas, including utilities
and grocery. For starters, remove all credit cards from your wallet and
store them in a place where you are less likely to be tempted to use them.
For individuals who lack self-discipline, this may actually mean cutting
up the credit cards completely. Next, attend a free financial workshop to
learn new methods of saving and paying off debts. Another option is to
consult a financial advisor – if you can do that for free. Then develop a
budget that is realistic and that you can stick with over throughout the
New Year.
whatever else we have included on our list of priorities. But
adjusting your schedule to make family and friends a priority
ensures a deep, strong bond that is priceless. If you have a
demanding job and are having difficulty finding time to spend
with your loved ones, then pick up the phone and give them a
call. It is all too easy to let things slip but try not to lose contact
with friends and loved ones, after all you may need them one
day. Also, try carving out a few hours a week, or a month if
that’s too difficult, to watch a movie with your family, or just
sitting around playing board games. Remember, it’s the simple
things we do that can truly make a difference.
7. Try something new without feeling fear
A bucket list! Whew, this is a good
one. Most everyone has a desire to do
something that they have never done
before. Start by reminding yourself
that you only live once! Then create a
list of your most outrageous desires
and begin chopping away at them one at a time. Granted,
you probably won’t through the entire list in one year, but just
accomplishing a few items each year is a great start. You might
add to the list each year, but at the very least, you are well on
your way of experiencing a life of pure personal enjoyment and
pleasure.
8. Find a better job and boost your self-esteem
Start by writing down your heart’s
desires and compare them to your skill
set. Many of the skills that are learned
over the course of our professional
career can be easily transferred into
another profession. Then create a
new resume highlighting these attributes. Be proactive, phone
around local firms and organizations and ask if they are hiring.
Make sure you learn to sell yourself and let the prospective
employer knows what you have to offer! If you don’t, no one
else will.
9. Volunteer and make yourself and others happy
5. Secure your family’s financial future Just like anything else, building wealth takes commitment
and discipline, and goes hand-in-hand with a family’s
overall financial outlook of positive checks and balances.
It begins with the family budget and calculating how much
money is left over. During this process, since there are
so many options available such as mutual funds, stocks,
401k or flipping rental property, it is recommended to
consult with a financial expert about smart investments
and what is feasible for your financial situation.
6. Spend more time with family and friends
Spending time with family and friends should
be one of the most invaluable must do’s on
everyone’s list. Although it sounds like a simple
task, finding extra time may be especially difficult
in a world where most people are managing
crowded schedules between work, school and
10. Travel more
Everyone has a cause that is near and
dear to them. Start there. Then, begin
contacting organizations or charities
that fit your desires. There are loads of
opportunities out there, but it may require
a little digging to find the right one.
Whether your resolution is to save money,
quit smoking or to spend time with
your family, there is a vacation spot to
coincide with the complete top ten lists
of resolutions. According to Reuters, the
top 10 vacation spots to visit in 2013
are: St. Lucia, Caribbean; Quebec City, Canada; Dolomites,
Italy; Maldives Tokyo, Japan; Razines, France or Devon,
UK; Bucharest, Romania; Cape Otway, Australia; Samson
Mountains, Turkey; and Alicante, Spain.
Sources: polldaddy.com, New York Daily News, Reuters.com
Glaucoma
What is it?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the optic
nerve. There are often no symptoms in its early stages.
Left untreated, it can lead to vision loss & blindness.
Most common form: Primary open-angle
NO
SYMPTOMS
What are the numbers?
2.7 million people
in the U.S. have glaucoma
Loretto Hospital Eye Clinic
Bringing your view of the world in focus
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in African Americans. Recent studies
show a rise of glaucoma in the African American community. By the year of 2030, more than
865,000 African Americans will have this eye disease. If you are aged 40 or older, or have a history
of glaucoma in your family, don’t delay getting a comprehensive eye exam. As with any potentially
dangerous illness, early detection is the best treatment.
Glaucoma Facts
• Glaucoma affects 2.7 million Americans aged 40 and older.
• Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that lead to the damage of the optic nerve.
• People with glaucoma can eventually experience vision loss and possibly
blindness.
• Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Hispanics
in the U.S. There are currently 520,000 African Americans with glaucoma in this
country.
• Three times as many African Americans have glaucoma than Caucasians, and four
times as many are blind.
• Between the ages of 45 and 64, glaucoma is fifteen times more likely to cause
50%
50%
KNOW
DON’T KNOW
By 2030,
4.2 million people
in the U.S. will have glaucoma
blindness in African Americans than in Caucasians.
• All people older than 60 are at a greater risk of developing glaucoma than people
who are younger.
• Since glaucoma can often sneak upon you with no apparent symptoms, it is
recommended that adults ages 40 and older seek yearly comprehensive eye
exams.
• If caught early, glaucoma can be treated and vision maintained.
For more information about glaucoma, contact the eye clinic at Loretto at 773-854-5475.
Sources: American Health Assistance Foundation, National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), National
Eye Institute (NEI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Who’s at higher risk?
40+
Everyone 60+
African Americans
especially Mexican Americans
with a
Family history of glaucoma
What to do?
Get a comprehensive
dilated eye exam
every 1-2 years
Early detection and
treatment can help
save your sight
Source: National Eye Institute, 2013
Image credit: 123rf Stock Photo
12
5
Healthy Connections
! Connie L. Lindsey
Cancer Resource Center
Open
w
o
N
Is your home safe?
If you walk through your home, there are more than likely potentially
dangerous poisons everywhere – especially in the bathroom, laundry
room and kitchen. Let’s face it, we all have to use laundry detergent,
mouthwash, batteries and even first aid products like alcohol. And
even medicines around the house are extremely dangerous because
of their often likeness to candy. The point is, most people have a house
full of necessary products that, unfortunately, are very poisonous.
Each year, more than two
million poisoning exposures
are called into regional
poison control centers across
America. This is probably why
more than 90 percent of all
poisonings occur in the home,
especially in children under
the age of six, many times
while an adult is present.
According to Janice Henry, R.N, Community Health Nurse at Loretto
Hospital, approximately 85 percent of emergency rooms in the
Chicago area are flooded with people who have either taken the
wrong medication or ingested a household chemical.
“People have to be very careful with things like medicine that a lot of
times look like candy. Also, they have to take medications exactly as
prescribed and understand why they are taking them, and what the
medication does,” Henry said.
Throughout the month of March, Loretto Hospital offered poison
prevention education. Information provided will offer guidance
on poison safety and full access to all of the Illinois Poison Center
resource information and materials.
“It is important to be proactive and understand the dangers of some
of the products in your home. It is also important to keep medicine
away from children. I can’t stress enough that people have to be
careful, “ Henry said.
Here are a few important tips to ensure that children in your care do
not eat or drink potentially poisonous products:
• Make sure all medicine containers are in child-resistant
packaging if possible.
• Always lock medicines, household cleaners and other
dangerous substances in a safe place where children cannot
see or reach them.
• Always store medicines or dangerous liquids in their original
containers. Never put a potentially poisonous product in
something other than its original container (like a plastic soda
bottle), where it could be mistaken for something harmless.
• Always dispose of unwanted or unused medications or
poisonous products by flushing them in the toilet, or
rinsing them down a drain.
• Never call medicine candy.
• Always take your medication where children cannot
watch, because children often learn by imitation.
• Teach children to ask an adult before putting anything in
their mouth.
For more information about the next poison control events at
Loretto Hospital, contact Loretto Hospital’s Community Health
Department at 773-854-5672. For more information about poison
safety contact the Illinois Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or
visit their website at www.illinoispoisoncontrol.org.
Source: Poisonprevention.org
Loretto Hospital is proud
to announce the official
opening of the all new
Connie L. Lindsey Cancer
Resource Center. The center
is another effort by Loretto
Hospital to continue its
mission of providing access
to high quality, patientcentered healthcare while
promoting wellness and
education to the community.
Loretto Hospital Foundation Provides
Funding for Hospital Enhancements
The
Loretto
Hospital
Foundation
Board of Directors is pleased to report
that as a result of the generosity of
its longtime supporters and donors,
the Foundation has granted funding to Loretto Hospital for
several much-needed enhancements. The hospital will now be
able to upgrade the surgical lighting in all three of its operating
rooms as well as purchase new surgical instruments including a
Connie L. Lindsey
The goal of the center is to provide the community with
access to a place where they can come and learn, and be
empowered to take on the challenge of dealing with
cancer. In addition, the center will serve as a liaison to
other cancer resource organizations and support groups.
The center contains a library of health education materials
in English and Spanish including: books, periodicals,
videos and other valuable information on cancer. Guests
will also be able to utilize the media center to learn about
other resources, treatment options, clinical trials and
support groups.
The center is available Monday through Friday from 9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To learn more about how you or someone
you know can benefit from the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer
Resource Center, call Loretto Hospital at 773-854-5337
or visit the hospital’s website at www.lorettohospital.org.
new Mammotome biopsy device that will greatly improve breast
health diagnoses.
This year, the Foundation is focusing one of its efforts on raising
funds for heart health education programs and services at
Loretto Hospital to help reduce the rate of heart disease and
other cardiovascular-related illnesses impacting the community.
Our goal is to help the hospital purchase a Muse® Cardiology
Information System which integrates, manages, and streamlines
the flow of cardiac information, enabling faster data delivery,
distribution and analysis on the patients between clinical staff.
For more information about charitable contributions and how
you can help us reach this goal, contact the Loretto Hospital
Foundation at 773-854-4200 or visit the foundation’s website at
www.lorettohospitalfoundation.org.
Loretto Hospital Recognizes
National Cancers Survivor’s Day®
June 2, 2013
When cancer strikes, it doesn’t just attack its victim; it affects the entire family and the community. The good news is that you can
beat cancer with early detection, proper treatment and follow-up care. There are nearly 14 million cancer survivors in the United
States. Loretto Hospital is celebrating those who have survived cancer, inspiring the recently diagnosed, supporting families of
cancer patients and reaching out to the community to let them know that Loretto cares.
Coming Soon - June 29, 2013! The unveiling of the Kiss the Wall Tribute and Breast Cancer Survivor Ceremony. To learn more,
contact the External Affairs Department at 773-854-5063.
6
11
Healthy Connections
June is Men’s Health Month
Treat the Community. Cure the Violence!
Traditionally, men tend to go to the doctor a lot
Chicago leading the country in gun violence
less frequently than women. When they do, it’s
usually to discuss an obvious problem or at the
Gun violence is the leading cause of deaths for people under the age of 34. Compared to
request of someone nagging them to do so.
other major cities, Chicago has had the worst incidences of gun violence in years. Last year,
According to recent studies by the American
the Chicago Police Department seized 7,400 guns, yet there were still 513 cases of homicides
Journal of Public Health, the life expectancy of
reported in the City of Chicago. In January, there were 42 homicides – the most the City of
men in the United States is about 6 years less
Chicago has seen since 2002.
than that of women. Further studies indicate
Sadly, many of the victims in Chicago are young minorities growing up in poor, gang-ridden
that prostate cancer is the second leading
neighborhoods on the south and west side. In terms of the number of gangs and individuals
cause of cancer death in men, with more than
associated with gangs, Chicago is also in the lead. According to the Chicago Crime Commission,
186,320 new cases each year.
The month of June is set aside to recognize the
importance of men’s health and wellness. The
purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten
the awareness of preventable health problems
and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Loretto
Hospital is a proud to bring comprehensive men’s health and wellness programs to the
Austin and surrounding community.
For more information about men’s health and wellness, contact the Ambulatory Care
Clinic at 773-854-5475.
Volunteer!
Volunteering can bring out the hidden potential in you. Whether
your motivation is personal, educational or social, Loretto Hospital
is honored to contribute to your life in a positive manner. For more
information about Loretto Hospital’s Volunteer Program, visit our
website at www.lorettohospital.org, or call 773-854-4200.
National HIV/AIDS
Testing Day
June 27, 2013
Take the test.
Take control.
National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is
an annual campaign organized by the
National Association of people with
AIDS to encourage people of all ages
to “Take the Test, Take Control.” Nearly
1.2 million people are living with HIV
in the United States, and almost one
in five are unaware that they have the
disease. According to the CDC, of all
races represented in the United States,
African Americans are infected with HIV
at a proportionally higher rate than any
other race in the United States. In 2009,
African Americans only represented
14 percent of the U.S. population,
but accounted for 44% of all new HIV
infections. Each year, nearly 20,000
Blacks in the United States test positive
with HIV.
The first step in stopping
the spread of HIV is to get tested.
Knowledge is power. Get connected by
learning how to prevent the spread of
HIV/AIDS in your community. To learn
more, go to www.theaidsinstitute.org d
of HIV/AIDS in your community.
Sources: The Aids Institute, Centers for
Disease Control
there are approximately 70 to 100 gangs in the Chicago metropolitan area with memberships of
somewhere between 68,000 and 150,000.
To find a cure and stop the violence, community leaders and doctors across the United States are rallying to make gun violence a public
health matter and not just part of the criminal justice system. Many people believe that a public health approach – similar to wide-spread
campaigns against the spread of illnesses – is necessary to reduce the physical and mental toll of gun violence. In the September 24,
2012 issue of American Medical News, the newspaper reported efforts from doctors across the country that are using their influence to
make preventing gun-related injuries and deaths a public health issue. From speaking at organized youth rallies to sharing the horrible
health-related aftermath associated with gun violence, doctors and community leaders alike are combining efforts to treat the community
with a positive message or education and self-worth.
In Chicago, organizations like Ceasefire have launched similar campaigns that promote murder as not just a crime but more of a disease.
Ceasefire, which has also adopted the public health strategy to street violence, works directly with former gang members to target at-risk
youth in poor, urban neighborhoods by helping them find employment and by patrolling the streets.
To find out more about how you can help save a life and cure the violence, go to www.cureviolence.org.
Sources: The Aids Institute, Centers for Disease Control
Are You Managing Your Blood Pressure? Continued from Page 9
headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds, these symptoms may not occur until blood pressure has reached dangerously
high levels. If you think you may be at risk for having HBP, frequent visits to your doctor to and having your blood
pressure checked regularly is important. A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80 or lower for some people. A
pressure reading reaches 140 (or higher) over 90 (or higher) is a sign that you may be at risk of having hypertension.
If you have been diagnosed with HBP, the good news is that the condition can be treated and controlled so
that you can still live a very healthy life. First, your doctor will determine the most effective treatment for you, which may include daily
medication, in addition to a low-fat and low-sodium diet. Along with paying close attention to your doctor’s orders, there is a great deal
that you can do to reduce and manage your own pressure. Be creative and opened minded to develop new healthy habits and take charge
of your own outcome to maximize your results. Your new lifestyle should include: managing your stress; developing and following a
healthy eating plan to include fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and foods low in sodium and fat; a routine exercise regime consisting
of three-to-five days a week for at least 30 minutes to maintain a healthy weight and to manage stress; and quitting smoking because it
can damage your blood vessels and raise your HBP. You can also purchase a home blood pressure monitor to keep daily watch over your
blood pressure, although this should never replace regular visits to your health care provider.
For more information about high blood pressure contact Loretto Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Clinic at 773-854-5475.
10
Healthy Connections
The Loretto Hospital Foundation Hosted
its First Day of Dedication Ceremony
Loretto Hospital
Foundation Board
Members Craig Gilmore,
Dr. Sandy Goldberg,
Camille Y. Lilly and LHF
Board Chairman Pauline
Montgomery are among
distinguished guests
who attended the first
Day of Dedication
ceremony at Loretto
Hospital.
Grand Opening of the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer Resource Center
The Loretto Hospital Foundation (LHF) and its board of directors hosted its very
first Day of Dedication Ceremony, a special observance celebrating the hospital’s
most recent accomplishments, as well as recognizing the foundation’s long-time
financial supporters and corporate partners.
The Day of Dedication acknowledged LHF’s supporters such as Discover Financial
Services, the Anixter Foundation and Connie L. Lindsey, one of Chicago’s most
respected local leaders and humanitarians.
“It was a very special day for the Foundation, our Board of Directors and Loretto
Hospital, because we recognized an exceptional group of people who have been
in the trenches with us supporting our efforts to bring quality health care to the
Austin community,” Jill Bush said, former associate director of the LHF.
Since its inception in 2000, the LHF has made substantive contributions to the
hospital and the Austin community. Over the years – with an accumulation of
proceeds from various events, sponsorships and donations from partners like
Lindsey, Discover and the Anixter, the foundation has supported the hospital
to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, fund much-needed health screening
programs, and has provided educational resources to help bridge the gap of
inequities in health care.
The dedication ceremony included: the grand opening of the Connie L. Lindsey
Cancer Resource Center, a center fully equipped with computers, videos,
brochures, and other valuable health information about various types of cancer;
the official naming of the hospital’s 6th floor auditorium in honor of Discover
Financial Services for being a yearly sponsor of the hospital’s annual Visit With
Santa Christmas event and the Foundation’s annual golf outing; and the donor
wall dedication to Edward and Lester Anixter of the Anixter Foundation, for
donating money to purchase library materials for the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer
Resource Center in honor of Lou Silva, a family member who died of cancer, and
for fully funding the hospital’s donors wall.
“As a major financial arm for Loretto, the goal of the foundation to continue to
build relationships with individuals and organizations that have a desire and the
capability to help us raise enough money so that we can continue providing the
kind of services this community needs and deserves,” Bush said.
Katie Pecis (left) and
Glenn Schneider (right)
of Discover Financial
Services and Pauline
Montgomery, chairman
of the Loretto Hospital
Foundation in the new
Discover Financial
Services Auditorium.
The 6th floor auditorium
was named in honor of
Discover during the Day
of Dedication because
of their continuous
philanthropic support to
Loretto and the LHF.
Community Grassroots Group Hosts President Obama’s
State of the Union Address Viewing at Loretto Hospital
On February 12, 2013, Organizing For Action, in partnership with the
Austin Weekly News, hosted its first “Watch the President’s State
of the Union Address” in Loretto Hospital’s 6th Floor Auditorium.
Organizing for Action, the newly formed 501(c)(4) grassroots
organization on Chicago’s West Side, planned the event to give
residents the opportunity to learn about President Obama’s top
priorities over the next four years including: Obama’s Affordable Care
Act, climate control, immigration and gun violence.
“We want to make sure that we promote the President’s agenda
that is beneficial to our community and make sure that people take
advantage of Obama Care to understand what it means and how
it benefits them,” Deborah Williams said, West Side Community
organizer for Organizing for Action.
Alderman Deborah L.
Graham (29th Ward),
Camille Y. Lilly, vice
president of external affairs
and development for
Loretto Hospital, are with
long-time Loretto Hospital
patient Mr. Randell El at
the Day of Dedication. Mr.
El was among the keynote
speakers at the event.
Former LHF’s Associate
Director Jill Bush,
Angelina Hopkins,
president of Annie B.
Brown Foundation, and
Cheryl Burton of ABC 7
with Connie L. Lindsey
who accepts a monetary
donation from Hopkins
for the Connie L. Lindsey
Cancer Resource Center.
More than 50 people attended the event, which acted as the official
kick-off for the Organizing For Action’s Chicago West Side chapter.
During the event, Loretto Hospital medical staff was present to
offer free blood pressure screenings. For more information about
hosting an event in Loretto Hospital’s 6th Floor Auditorium, contact
Camille Y. Lilly, vice president of external affairs and development, at
773-854-5063.
Dawn Ferencak, Austin Weekly News; Deborah Williams of Organizing For Action’s
West Side Chapter; and Camille Y. Lilly, vice president of external affairs and development were among the key speakers at the event.
U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis Hosts HIV Forum at Loretto
U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Chicago), the Illinois Department of
Public Health, HIV activists and business professionals recently
joined forces to discuss the future of HIV/AIDS prevention and how
current health care services are provided to residents in disparaged
Chicago communities that suffer from the virus.
Rep. Davis organized the meeting at Loretto Hospital to allow
grassroots organizations and HIV activists the opportunity to
hear the views of Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, the director of the Illinois
Department of Public Health, and for attendees to collaborate on
The buzz-worthy event attracted Chicago’s most popular A-list personalities
including: ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton; State Representative Camille Y. Lilly (78th);
Aldermen Deborah Graham (29th); Dr. Sandy Goldberg, founder of A Silver
Foundation and a health reporter for NBC 5; and nationally-renown Attorney
James D. Montgomery, of Cochran, Cherry, Givens, Smith & Montgomery, LLC.
The event offered community advocates and leaders the opportunity to witness
first-hand Loretto Hospital’s commitment of providing better standards, better
care and better outcomes to the Austin and surrounding communities. In
addition, Chicago Artist Andre Guichard of Gallery Guichard gave a special art
presentation.
7
ideas with regard to HIV and health care.
During the meeting, Davis made reference to a July 2012 report
issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with
regard to HIV and Aids. According to the CDC, of the approximate
1.1 million Americans diagnosed with HIV, only 1 in 4 people had
proper treatment for the virus. Studies also suggest that AfricanJanet Anixter, Steve Anixter and Joann Silver are standing in front
of Loretto Hospital’s new Donor Wall. The donor wall was named in
honor of the Anixter Foundation for years of continued support of
the LHF during the Day of Dedication.
Americans in depressed communities are less likely to receive
appropriate care and treatment due to lack of health insurance and
education regarding treatment that is available to them.
U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Chicago) speaking with regard to the future of HIV/
AIDS treatment and care.
The meeting was well attended. Attendees included: Dr. Sonia
Mehta, CEO of Loretto Hospital; WHARP (West Side HIV AIDS
Regional Planning Council; and SHARP (South Side HIV AIDS
Regional Planning Council; people living with HIV).
8
9
Healthy Connections
Breast Health Education Symposium
Helps More than 100 Women in Austin
Volunteer Shout Out:
Austin Dream Makers
Team Up with Loretto on
Annual Community Survey
Loretto Hospital would like to give a special thanks to the volunteers from
Austin Dream Makers for all of their hard work by helping us execute our
Camille Y. Lilly, vice president of external affairs, and
Mary Rinder, director of radiology presenting the display
of Loretto’s, Kiss the Wall Tribute, a new display to honor
women who have survived breast cancer for 5 plus years.
recent community survey. Youth from the organization lent their time in the
collation of over 5,000 mailings to area households.
Austin Dream Makers is a local mentoring program that provides social
responsibility and violence prevention to high risk youth in the Austin
Community. The program creates one-on-one partnerships between
mentees and mentors that fosters caring and supportive relationships;
Loretto Hospital Youth Council
develop their own vision for the future. For more information about the
For more information contact Thrishka McKinnor at
773-854-5337.
encourages youth to develop to their fullest potential; and, helps them to
Volunteers and several community residents gather for a last minute photo at the conclusion of the 2nd Annual
Pink Café Breast Health Education Event.
More than 100 women from the Austin and surrounding communities took part in Loretto
Hospital’s 2nd Annual Pink Café Breast Health Education Program on Saturday, March 30,
2013. Held in the hospital’s 6th floor auditorium, the event was sponsored by the Loretto
Hospital Foundation, and was largely supported by: the American Cancer Society (ACS);
Susan G. Komen (Chicago); A Second Act; Connie L. Lindsey for the Connie L. Lindsey
Cancer Resource Center; Walmart; Sally Ann’s Corsett Shop; Intimate Imaginations;
Sisters Embracing Life; and, Sisters Working It Out.
The Pink Café offered women a full day of in-depth discussions and educational resources
about the importance of continual breast health education, annual mammograms, as well
as demonstrations on how to administer self-breast exams.
Austin Dream Makers please call 773-921-2243.
Connie L. Lindsey is registering volunteers for the Connie L.
Lindsey Cancer Resource Center at the Pink Café. The new
center was named in honor of Ms. Lindsey for being the
2011 Spirit of Achievement Award recipient.
Although there is new excitement and hope about all the life-saving treatment advances
against breast cancer, the overall message at the Pink Café was the best way to beat and
treat breast cancer is through early detection and education.
Are You
Managing Your
Blood Pressure?
Making Strides Against Breast
Cancer of Chicago
Loretto Hospital along with women from the Austin Community
participated in the American Cancer Society’s Annual Making
Strides Against Breast Cancer of Chicago 5k walk. Walkers from
the Austin Community and Loretto Hospital raised $3,320 towards
breast cancer.
High blood pressure (HBP), also called hypertension, is a serious
condition that has proven to be quite dangerous or even fatal
if left untreated. Blood pressure, under normal conditions, is
the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as
the heart pumps out blood. But, when that pressure rises and
remains high, over time, it can be very damaging to the body
causing a myriad of issues such as coronary heart disease, heart
Loretto Hospital Community Health Nurse is administering
free blood pressure screening to guests during the Pink Café.
failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other pesky health problems.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 3 adults in the United
Activities at the Pink Café included: a breast educational presentation offered by ACS;
a healthy hair presentation by Style Infinity; staff from Loretto Hospital’s Radiology
Department was on-site to schedule women’s annual mammogram; free bra fitting and
a free bra giveaway; wig fittings and a free wig for radiation and chemotherapy patients;
free blood pressure and diabetes screenings; and tips on maintaining your beauty and
confidence during cancer treatment.
States has HBP. Often times, HBP usually has no symptoms.
That is why it is called the “Silent Killer”, because people will
walk around with the disease for years without even knowing
it. However, there are very obvious indicators that can help you
to understand if you are at risk of HBP. Doctors will sometimes
As an added bonus, attendees received a tour of the new Connie L. Lindsey Cancer
Resource Center at Loretto Hospital, and a sneak preview of Loretto’s, Kiss the Wall, a
tribute to honor women who have survived breast cancer for 5, 10, 20 or more years.
To learn more about breast cancer, go to www.breastcancer.org. For more information
about the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer Resource Center, contact Thrish McKinnor at
773-854-5337 or go to www.lorettohospital.org.
Loretto Hospital with Community
Participants Raise Over $3,000 for the
5K Fundraising Walk!
Recent studies by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control
report that breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in the United
States, killing more than 39,000 women each year. Although African-American women
are less likely to develop breast cancer, they are more likely to die from it due to
disparities in health care. According to the Metropolitan Breast Cancer Task Force, in
2009, the mortality rate for African-American women with breast cancer was 42 percent
nationwide. Even more alarming, the mortality rate among African-American women in
Chicago with breast cancer is approximately 64 percent.
COMING SOON:
review your family history, your age, gender and ethnicity as well
as your lifestyle. Usually poor eating habits, being overweight
and stress can cause HBP.
Sisters Working It out, not-for-profit a breast cancer support
group was among the eight organizations that participated
in this year’s Pink Café.
Although some people with early-stage high blood pressure may
experience warning signs of slight
(Continued on Page 11)
8
9
Healthy Connections
Breast Health Education Symposium
Helps More than 100 Women in Austin
Volunteer Shout Out:
Austin Dream Makers
Team Up with Loretto on
Annual Community Survey
Loretto Hospital would like to give a special thanks to the volunteers from
Austin Dream Makers for all of their hard work by helping us execute our
Camille Y. Lilly, vice president of external affairs, and
Mary Rinder, director of radiology presenting the display
of Loretto’s, Kiss the Wall Tribute, a new display to honor
women who have survived breast cancer for 5 plus years.
recent community survey. Youth from the organization lent their time in the
collation of over 5,000 mailings to area households.
Austin Dream Makers is a local mentoring program that provides social
responsibility and violence prevention to high risk youth in the Austin
Community. The program creates one-on-one partnerships between
mentees and mentors that fosters caring and supportive relationships;
Loretto Hospital Youth Council
develop their own vision for the future. For more information about the
For more information contact Thrishka McKinnor at
773-854-5337.
encourages youth to develop to their fullest potential; and, helps them to
Volunteers and several community residents gather for a last minute photo at the conclusion of the 2nd Annual
Pink Café Breast Health Education Event.
More than 100 women from the Austin and surrounding communities took part in Loretto
Hospital’s 2nd Annual Pink Café Breast Health Education Program on Saturday, March 30,
2013. Held in the hospital’s 6th floor auditorium, the event was sponsored by the Loretto
Hospital Foundation, and was largely supported by: the American Cancer Society (ACS);
Susan G. Komen (Chicago); A Second Act; Connie L. Lindsey for the Connie L. Lindsey
Cancer Resource Center; Walmart; Sally Ann’s Corsett Shop; Intimate Imaginations;
Sisters Embracing Life; and, Sisters Working It Out.
The Pink Café offered women a full day of in-depth discussions and educational resources
about the importance of continual breast health education, annual mammograms, as well
as demonstrations on how to administer self-breast exams.
Austin Dream Makers please call 773-921-2243.
Connie L. Lindsey is registering volunteers for the Connie L.
Lindsey Cancer Resource Center at the Pink Café. The new
center was named in honor of Ms. Lindsey for being the
2011 Spirit of Achievement Award recipient.
Although there is new excitement and hope about all the life-saving treatment advances
against breast cancer, the overall message at the Pink Café was the best way to beat and
treat breast cancer is through early detection and education.
Are You
Managing Your
Blood Pressure?
Making Strides Against Breast
Cancer of Chicago
Loretto Hospital along with women from the Austin Community
participated in the American Cancer Society’s Annual Making
Strides Against Breast Cancer of Chicago 5k walk. Walkers from
the Austin Community and Loretto Hospital raised $3,320 towards
breast cancer.
High blood pressure (HBP), also called hypertension, is a serious
condition that has proven to be quite dangerous or even fatal
if left untreated. Blood pressure, under normal conditions, is
the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as
the heart pumps out blood. But, when that pressure rises and
remains high, over time, it can be very damaging to the body
causing a myriad of issues such as coronary heart disease, heart
Loretto Hospital Community Health Nurse is administering
free blood pressure screening to guests during the Pink Café.
failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other pesky health problems.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 3 adults in the United
Activities at the Pink Café included: a breast educational presentation offered by ACS;
a healthy hair presentation by Style Infinity; staff from Loretto Hospital’s Radiology
Department was on-site to schedule women’s annual mammogram; free bra fitting and
a free bra giveaway; wig fittings and a free wig for radiation and chemotherapy patients;
free blood pressure and diabetes screenings; and tips on maintaining your beauty and
confidence during cancer treatment.
States has HBP. Often times, HBP usually has no symptoms.
That is why it is called the “Silent Killer”, because people will
walk around with the disease for years without even knowing
it. However, there are very obvious indicators that can help you
to understand if you are at risk of HBP. Doctors will sometimes
As an added bonus, attendees received a tour of the new Connie L. Lindsey Cancer
Resource Center at Loretto Hospital, and a sneak preview of Loretto’s, Kiss the Wall, a
tribute to honor women who have survived breast cancer for 5, 10, 20 or more years.
To learn more about breast cancer, go to www.breastcancer.org. For more information
about the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer Resource Center, contact Thrish McKinnor at
773-854-5337 or go to www.lorettohospital.org.
Loretto Hospital with Community
Participants Raise Over $3,000 for the
5K Fundraising Walk!
Recent studies by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control
report that breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in the United
States, killing more than 39,000 women each year. Although African-American women
are less likely to develop breast cancer, they are more likely to die from it due to
disparities in health care. According to the Metropolitan Breast Cancer Task Force, in
2009, the mortality rate for African-American women with breast cancer was 42 percent
nationwide. Even more alarming, the mortality rate among African-American women in
Chicago with breast cancer is approximately 64 percent.
COMING SOON:
review your family history, your age, gender and ethnicity as well
as your lifestyle. Usually poor eating habits, being overweight
and stress can cause HBP.
Sisters Working It out, not-for-profit a breast cancer support
group was among the eight organizations that participated
in this year’s Pink Café.
Although some people with early-stage high blood pressure may
experience warning signs of slight
(Continued on Page 11)
10
Healthy Connections
The Loretto Hospital Foundation Hosted
its First Day of Dedication Ceremony
Loretto Hospital
Foundation Board
Members Craig Gilmore,
Dr. Sandy Goldberg,
Camille Y. Lilly and LHF
Board Chairman Pauline
Montgomery are among
distinguished guests
who attended the first
Day of Dedication
ceremony at Loretto
Hospital.
Grand Opening of the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer Resource Center
The Loretto Hospital Foundation (LHF) and its board of directors hosted its very
first Day of Dedication Ceremony, a special observance celebrating the hospital’s
most recent accomplishments, as well as recognizing the foundation’s long-time
financial supporters and corporate partners.
The Day of Dedication acknowledged LHF’s supporters such as Discover Financial
Services, the Anixter Foundation and Connie L. Lindsey, one of Chicago’s most
respected local leaders and humanitarians.
“It was a very special day for the Foundation, our Board of Directors and Loretto
Hospital, because we recognized an exceptional group of people who have been
in the trenches with us supporting our efforts to bring quality health care to the
Austin community,” Jill Bush said, former associate director of the LHF.
Since its inception in 2000, the LHF has made substantive contributions to the
hospital and the Austin community. Over the years – with an accumulation of
proceeds from various events, sponsorships and donations from partners like
Lindsey, Discover and the Anixter, the foundation has supported the hospital
to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, fund much-needed health screening
programs, and has provided educational resources to help bridge the gap of
inequities in health care.
The dedication ceremony included: the grand opening of the Connie L. Lindsey
Cancer Resource Center, a center fully equipped with computers, videos,
brochures, and other valuable health information about various types of cancer;
the official naming of the hospital’s 6th floor auditorium in honor of Discover
Financial Services for being a yearly sponsor of the hospital’s annual Visit With
Santa Christmas event and the Foundation’s annual golf outing; and the donor
wall dedication to Edward and Lester Anixter of the Anixter Foundation, for
donating money to purchase library materials for the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer
Resource Center in honor of Lou Silva, a family member who died of cancer, and
for fully funding the hospital’s donors wall.
“As a major financial arm for Loretto, the goal of the foundation to continue to
build relationships with individuals and organizations that have a desire and the
capability to help us raise enough money so that we can continue providing the
kind of services this community needs and deserves,” Bush said.
Katie Pecis (left) and
Glenn Schneider (right)
of Discover Financial
Services and Pauline
Montgomery, chairman
of the Loretto Hospital
Foundation in the new
Discover Financial
Services Auditorium.
The 6th floor auditorium
was named in honor of
Discover during the Day
of Dedication because
of their continuous
philanthropic support to
Loretto and the LHF.
Community Grassroots Group Hosts President Obama’s
State of the Union Address Viewing at Loretto Hospital
On February 12, 2013, Organizing For Action, in partnership with the
Austin Weekly News, hosted its first “Watch the President’s State
of the Union Address” in Loretto Hospital’s 6th Floor Auditorium.
Organizing for Action, the newly formed 501(c)(4) grassroots
organization on Chicago’s West Side, planned the event to give
residents the opportunity to learn about President Obama’s top
priorities over the next four years including: Obama’s Affordable Care
Act, climate control, immigration and gun violence.
“We want to make sure that we promote the President’s agenda
that is beneficial to our community and make sure that people take
advantage of Obama Care to understand what it means and how
it benefits them,” Deborah Williams said, West Side Community
organizer for Organizing for Action.
Alderman Deborah L.
Graham (29th Ward),
Camille Y. Lilly, vice
president of external affairs
and development for
Loretto Hospital, are with
long-time Loretto Hospital
patient Mr. Randell El at
the Day of Dedication. Mr.
El was among the keynote
speakers at the event.
Former LHF’s Associate
Director Jill Bush,
Angelina Hopkins,
president of Annie B.
Brown Foundation, and
Cheryl Burton of ABC 7
with Connie L. Lindsey
who accepts a monetary
donation from Hopkins
for the Connie L. Lindsey
Cancer Resource Center.
More than 50 people attended the event, which acted as the official
kick-off for the Organizing For Action’s Chicago West Side chapter.
During the event, Loretto Hospital medical staff was present to
offer free blood pressure screenings. For more information about
hosting an event in Loretto Hospital’s 6th Floor Auditorium, contact
Camille Y. Lilly, vice president of external affairs and development, at
773-854-5063.
Dawn Ferencak, Austin Weekly News; Deborah Williams of Organizing For Action’s
West Side Chapter; and Camille Y. Lilly, vice president of external affairs and development were among the key speakers at the event.
U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis Hosts HIV Forum at Loretto
U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Chicago), the Illinois Department of
Public Health, HIV activists and business professionals recently
joined forces to discuss the future of HIV/AIDS prevention and how
current health care services are provided to residents in disparaged
Chicago communities that suffer from the virus.
Rep. Davis organized the meeting at Loretto Hospital to allow
grassroots organizations and HIV activists the opportunity to
hear the views of Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, the director of the Illinois
Department of Public Health, and for attendees to collaborate on
The buzz-worthy event attracted Chicago’s most popular A-list personalities
including: ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton; State Representative Camille Y. Lilly (78th);
Aldermen Deborah Graham (29th); Dr. Sandy Goldberg, founder of A Silver
Foundation and a health reporter for NBC 5; and nationally-renown Attorney
James D. Montgomery, of Cochran, Cherry, Givens, Smith & Montgomery, LLC.
The event offered community advocates and leaders the opportunity to witness
first-hand Loretto Hospital’s commitment of providing better standards, better
care and better outcomes to the Austin and surrounding communities. In
addition, Chicago Artist Andre Guichard of Gallery Guichard gave a special art
presentation.
7
ideas with regard to HIV and health care.
During the meeting, Davis made reference to a July 2012 report
issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with
regard to HIV and Aids. According to the CDC, of the approximate
1.1 million Americans diagnosed with HIV, only 1 in 4 people had
proper treatment for the virus. Studies also suggest that AfricanJanet Anixter, Steve Anixter and Joann Silver are standing in front
of Loretto Hospital’s new Donor Wall. The donor wall was named in
honor of the Anixter Foundation for years of continued support of
the LHF during the Day of Dedication.
Americans in depressed communities are less likely to receive
appropriate care and treatment due to lack of health insurance and
education regarding treatment that is available to them.
U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Chicago) speaking with regard to the future of HIV/
AIDS treatment and care.
The meeting was well attended. Attendees included: Dr. Sonia
Mehta, CEO of Loretto Hospital; WHARP (West Side HIV AIDS
Regional Planning Council; and SHARP (South Side HIV AIDS
Regional Planning Council; people living with HIV).
6
11
Healthy Connections
June is Men’s Health Month
Treat the Community. Cure the Violence!
Traditionally, men tend to go to the doctor a lot
Chicago leading the country in gun violence
less frequently than women. When they do, it’s
usually to discuss an obvious problem or at the
Gun violence is the leading cause of deaths for people under the age of 34. Compared to
request of someone nagging them to do so.
other major cities, Chicago has had the worst incidences of gun violence in years. Last year,
According to recent studies by the American
the Chicago Police Department seized 7,400 guns, yet there were still 513 cases of homicides
Journal of Public Health, the life expectancy of
reported in the City of Chicago. In January, there were 42 homicides – the most the City of
men in the United States is about 6 years less
Chicago has seen since 2002.
than that of women. Further studies indicate
Sadly, many of the victims in Chicago are young minorities growing up in poor, gang-ridden
that prostate cancer is the second leading
neighborhoods on the south and west side. In terms of the number of gangs and individuals
cause of cancer death in men, with more than
associated with gangs, Chicago is also in the lead. According to the Chicago Crime Commission,
186,320 new cases each year.
The month of June is set aside to recognize the
importance of men’s health and wellness. The
purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten
the awareness of preventable health problems
and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Loretto
Hospital is a proud to bring comprehensive men’s health and wellness programs to the
Austin and surrounding community.
For more information about men’s health and wellness, contact the Ambulatory Care
Clinic at 773-854-5475.
Volunteer!
Volunteering can bring out the hidden potential in you. Whether
your motivation is personal, educational or social, Loretto Hospital
is honored to contribute to your life in a positive manner. For more
information about Loretto Hospital’s Volunteer Program, visit our
website at www.lorettohospital.org, or call 773-854-4200.
National HIV/AIDS
Testing Day
June 27, 2013
Take the test.
Take control.
National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is
an annual campaign organized by the
National Association of people with
AIDS to encourage people of all ages
to “Take the Test, Take Control.” Nearly
1.2 million people are living with HIV
in the United States, and almost one
in five are unaware that they have the
disease. According to the CDC, of all
races represented in the United States,
African Americans are infected with HIV
at a proportionally higher rate than any
other race in the United States. In 2009,
African Americans only represented
14 percent of the U.S. population,
but accounted for 44% of all new HIV
infections. Each year, nearly 20,000
Blacks in the United States test positive
with HIV.
The first step in stopping
the spread of HIV is to get tested.
Knowledge is power. Get connected by
learning how to prevent the spread of
HIV/AIDS in your community. To learn
more, go to www.theaidsinstitute.org d
of HIV/AIDS in your community.
Sources: The Aids Institute, Centers for
Disease Control
there are approximately 70 to 100 gangs in the Chicago metropolitan area with memberships of
somewhere between 68,000 and 150,000.
To find a cure and stop the violence, community leaders and doctors across the United States are rallying to make gun violence a public
health matter and not just part of the criminal justice system. Many people believe that a public health approach – similar to wide-spread
campaigns against the spread of illnesses – is necessary to reduce the physical and mental toll of gun violence. In the September 24,
2012 issue of American Medical News, the newspaper reported efforts from doctors across the country that are using their influence to
make preventing gun-related injuries and deaths a public health issue. From speaking at organized youth rallies to sharing the horrible
health-related aftermath associated with gun violence, doctors and community leaders alike are combining efforts to treat the community
with a positive message or education and self-worth.
In Chicago, organizations like Ceasefire have launched similar campaigns that promote murder as not just a crime but more of a disease.
Ceasefire, which has also adopted the public health strategy to street violence, works directly with former gang members to target at-risk
youth in poor, urban neighborhoods by helping them find employment and by patrolling the streets.
To find out more about how you can help save a life and cure the violence, go to www.cureviolence.org.
Sources: The Aids Institute, Centers for Disease Control
Are You Managing Your Blood Pressure? Continued from Page 9
headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds, these symptoms may not occur until blood pressure has reached dangerously
high levels. If you think you may be at risk for having HBP, frequent visits to your doctor to and having your blood
pressure checked regularly is important. A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80 or lower for some people. A
pressure reading reaches 140 (or higher) over 90 (or higher) is a sign that you may be at risk of having hypertension.
If you have been diagnosed with HBP, the good news is that the condition can be treated and controlled so
that you can still live a very healthy life. First, your doctor will determine the most effective treatment for you, which may include daily
medication, in addition to a low-fat and low-sodium diet. Along with paying close attention to your doctor’s orders, there is a great deal
that you can do to reduce and manage your own pressure. Be creative and opened minded to develop new healthy habits and take charge
of your own outcome to maximize your results. Your new lifestyle should include: managing your stress; developing and following a
healthy eating plan to include fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and foods low in sodium and fat; a routine exercise regime consisting
of three-to-five days a week for at least 30 minutes to maintain a healthy weight and to manage stress; and quitting smoking because it
can damage your blood vessels and raise your HBP. You can also purchase a home blood pressure monitor to keep daily watch over your
blood pressure, although this should never replace regular visits to your health care provider.
For more information about high blood pressure contact Loretto Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Clinic at 773-854-5475.
12
5
Healthy Connections
! Connie L. Lindsey
Cancer Resource Center
Open
w
o
N
Is your home safe?
If you walk through your home, there are more than likely potentially
dangerous poisons everywhere – especially in the bathroom, laundry
room and kitchen. Let’s face it, we all have to use laundry detergent,
mouthwash, batteries and even first aid products like alcohol. And
even medicines around the house are extremely dangerous because
of their often likeness to candy. The point is, most people have a house
full of necessary products that, unfortunately, are very poisonous.
Each year, more than two
million poisoning exposures
are called into regional
poison control centers across
America. This is probably why
more than 90 percent of all
poisonings occur in the home,
especially in children under
the age of six, many times
while an adult is present.
According to Janice Henry, R.N, Community Health Nurse at Loretto
Hospital, approximately 85 percent of emergency rooms in the
Chicago area are flooded with people who have either taken the
wrong medication or ingested a household chemical.
“People have to be very careful with things like medicine that a lot of
times look like candy. Also, they have to take medications exactly as
prescribed and understand why they are taking them, and what the
medication does,” Henry said.
Throughout the month of March, Loretto Hospital offered poison
prevention education. Information provided will offer guidance
on poison safety and full access to all of the Illinois Poison Center
resource information and materials.
“It is important to be proactive and understand the dangers of some
of the products in your home. It is also important to keep medicine
away from children. I can’t stress enough that people have to be
careful, “ Henry said.
Here are a few important tips to ensure that children in your care do
not eat or drink potentially poisonous products:
• Make sure all medicine containers are in child-resistant
packaging if possible.
• Always lock medicines, household cleaners and other
dangerous substances in a safe place where children cannot
see or reach them.
• Always store medicines or dangerous liquids in their original
containers. Never put a potentially poisonous product in
something other than its original container (like a plastic soda
bottle), where it could be mistaken for something harmless.
• Always dispose of unwanted or unused medications or
poisonous products by flushing them in the toilet, or
rinsing them down a drain.
• Never call medicine candy.
• Always take your medication where children cannot
watch, because children often learn by imitation.
• Teach children to ask an adult before putting anything in
their mouth.
For more information about the next poison control events at
Loretto Hospital, contact Loretto Hospital’s Community Health
Department at 773-854-5672. For more information about poison
safety contact the Illinois Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or
visit their website at www.illinoispoisoncontrol.org.
Source: Poisonprevention.org
Loretto Hospital is proud
to announce the official
opening of the all new
Connie L. Lindsey Cancer
Resource Center. The center
is another effort by Loretto
Hospital to continue its
mission of providing access
to high quality, patientcentered healthcare while
promoting wellness and
education to the community.
Loretto Hospital Foundation Provides
Funding for Hospital Enhancements
The
Loretto
Hospital
Foundation
Board of Directors is pleased to report
that as a result of the generosity of
its longtime supporters and donors,
the Foundation has granted funding to Loretto Hospital for
several much-needed enhancements. The hospital will now be
able to upgrade the surgical lighting in all three of its operating
rooms as well as purchase new surgical instruments including a
Connie L. Lindsey
The goal of the center is to provide the community with
access to a place where they can come and learn, and be
empowered to take on the challenge of dealing with
cancer. In addition, the center will serve as a liaison to
other cancer resource organizations and support groups.
The center contains a library of health education materials
in English and Spanish including: books, periodicals,
videos and other valuable information on cancer. Guests
will also be able to utilize the media center to learn about
other resources, treatment options, clinical trials and
support groups.
The center is available Monday through Friday from 9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To learn more about how you or someone
you know can benefit from the Connie L. Lindsey Cancer
Resource Center, call Loretto Hospital at 773-854-5337
or visit the hospital’s website at www.lorettohospital.org.
new Mammotome biopsy device that will greatly improve breast
health diagnoses.
This year, the Foundation is focusing one of its efforts on raising
funds for heart health education programs and services at
Loretto Hospital to help reduce the rate of heart disease and
other cardiovascular-related illnesses impacting the community.
Our goal is to help the hospital purchase a Muse® Cardiology
Information System which integrates, manages, and streamlines
the flow of cardiac information, enabling faster data delivery,
distribution and analysis on the patients between clinical staff.
For more information about charitable contributions and how
you can help us reach this goal, contact the Loretto Hospital
Foundation at 773-854-4200 or visit the foundation’s website at
www.lorettohospitalfoundation.org.
Loretto Hospital Recognizes
National Cancers Survivor’s Day®
June 2, 2013
When cancer strikes, it doesn’t just attack its victim; it affects the entire family and the community. The good news is that you can
beat cancer with early detection, proper treatment and follow-up care. There are nearly 14 million cancer survivors in the United
States. Loretto Hospital is celebrating those who have survived cancer, inspiring the recently diagnosed, supporting families of
cancer patients and reaching out to the community to let them know that Loretto cares.
Coming Soon - June 29, 2013! The unveiling of the Kiss the Wall Tribute and Breast Cancer Survivor Ceremony. To learn more,
contact the External Affairs Department at 773-854-5063.
9
4
13
Healthy Connections
Ten Good Habits to Develop in 2013, cont’d from P1
2. Improve physical fitness
For some, improving your physical fitness goes hand-inhand with weight loss. For others, weight may not be an
issue, however achieving more muscle tone and getting
into shape may be your goal. Whichever category you fit
into, seeking the advice of a fitness expert at your local
gym is a good place to start. A fitness consultant can
devise a workout plan that is suitable for your body type
and that will fit your personal goals. As with any other
goal, stay consistent and be patient with your results.
3. Quit smoking
Kicking the smoking habit takes a lot of
willpower, commitment and support. Even
occasional smoking is very harmful to your
health. A good place to start is to consider your
health! According to the CDC, each cigarette
that you smoke damages your lungs, blood
vessels and cells throughout your body. Seek professional help and stick
with it. For more information about how to quit smoking, contact Loretto
Hospital’s Addiction Center at 773-854-5445.
4. Sort out your finances so that the books balance
Balancing the family budget is a timely
resolution, especially after coming out of the
country’s recent economic crisis. During this
time, merchants may experience an overall
increase in consumer spending due to maxing
out credit cards or overdrawing personal bank
accounts. The whole idea behind balancing your budget is to eliminate
unnecessary spending and cutting costs in key areas, including utilities
and grocery. For starters, remove all credit cards from your wallet and
store them in a place where you are less likely to be tempted to use them.
For individuals who lack self-discipline, this may actually mean cutting
up the credit cards completely. Next, attend a free financial workshop to
learn new methods of saving and paying off debts. Another option is to
consult a financial advisor – if you can do that for free. Then develop a
budget that is realistic and that you can stick with over throughout the
New Year.
whatever else we have included on our list of priorities. But
adjusting your schedule to make family and friends a priority
ensures a deep, strong bond that is priceless. If you have a
demanding job and are having difficulty finding time to spend
with your loved ones, then pick up the phone and give them a
call. It is all too easy to let things slip but try not to lose contact
with friends and loved ones, after all you may need them one
day. Also, try carving out a few hours a week, or a month if
that’s too difficult, to watch a movie with your family, or just
sitting around playing board games. Remember, it’s the simple
things we do that can truly make a difference.
7. Try something new without feeling fear
A bucket list! Whew, this is a good
one. Most everyone has a desire to do
something that they have never done
before. Start by reminding yourself
that you only live once! Then create a
list of your most outrageous desires
and begin chopping away at them one at a time. Granted,
you probably won’t through the entire list in one year, but just
accomplishing a few items each year is a great start. You might
add to the list each year, but at the very least, you are well on
your way of experiencing a life of pure personal enjoyment and
pleasure.
8. Find a better job and boost your self-esteem
Start by writing down your heart’s
desires and compare them to your skill
set. Many of the skills that are learned
over the course of our professional
career can be easily transferred into
another profession. Then create a
new resume highlighting these attributes. Be proactive, phone
around local firms and organizations and ask if they are hiring.
Make sure you learn to sell yourself and let the prospective
employer knows what you have to offer! If you don’t, no one
else will.
9. Volunteer and make yourself and others happy
5. Secure your family’s financial future Just like anything else, building wealth takes commitment
and discipline, and goes hand-in-hand with a family’s
overall financial outlook of positive checks and balances.
It begins with the family budget and calculating how much
money is left over. During this process, since there are
so many options available such as mutual funds, stocks,
401k or flipping rental property, it is recommended to
consult with a financial expert about smart investments
and what is feasible for your financial situation.
6. Spend more time with family and friends
Spending time with family and friends should
be one of the most invaluable must do’s on
everyone’s list. Although it sounds like a simple
task, finding extra time may be especially difficult
in a world where most people are managing
crowded schedules between work, school and
10. Travel more
Everyone has a cause that is near and
dear to them. Start there. Then, begin
contacting organizations or charities
that fit your desires. There are loads of
opportunities out there, but it may require
a little digging to find the right one.
Whether your resolution is to save money,
quit smoking or to spend time with
your family, there is a vacation spot to
coincide with the complete top ten lists
of resolutions. According to Reuters, the
top 10 vacation spots to visit in 2013
are: St. Lucia, Caribbean; Quebec City, Canada; Dolomites,
Italy; Maldives Tokyo, Japan; Razines, France or Devon,
UK; Bucharest, Romania; Cape Otway, Australia; Samson
Mountains, Turkey; and Alicante, Spain.
Sources: polldaddy.com, New York Daily News, Reuters.com
Glaucoma
What is it?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the optic
nerve. There are often no symptoms in its early stages.
Left untreated, it can lead to vision loss & blindness.
Most common form: Primary open-angle
NO
SYMPTOMS
What are the numbers?
2.7 million people
in the U.S. have glaucoma
Loretto Hospital Eye Clinic
Bringing your view of the world in focus
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in African Americans. Recent studies
show a rise of glaucoma in the African American community. By the year of 2030, more than
865,000 African Americans will have this eye disease. If you are aged 40 or older, or have a history
of glaucoma in your family, don’t delay getting a comprehensive eye exam. As with any potentially
dangerous illness, early detection is the best treatment.
Glaucoma Facts
• Glaucoma affects 2.7 million Americans aged 40 and older.
• Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that lead to the damage of the optic nerve.
• People with glaucoma can eventually experience vision loss and possibly
blindness.
• Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Hispanics
in the U.S. There are currently 520,000 African Americans with glaucoma in this
country.
• Three times as many African Americans have glaucoma than Caucasians, and four
times as many are blind.
• Between the ages of 45 and 64, glaucoma is fifteen times more likely to cause
50%
50%
KNOW
DON’T KNOW
By 2030,
4.2 million people
in the U.S. will have glaucoma
blindness in African Americans than in Caucasians.
• All people older than 60 are at a greater risk of developing glaucoma than people
who are younger.
• Since glaucoma can often sneak upon you with no apparent symptoms, it is
recommended that adults ages 40 and older seek yearly comprehensive eye
exams.
• If caught early, glaucoma can be treated and vision maintained.
For more information about glaucoma, contact the eye clinic at Loretto at 773-854-5475.
Sources: American Health Assistance Foundation, National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), National
Eye Institute (NEI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Who’s at higher risk?
40+
Everyone 60+
African Americans
especially Mexican Americans
with a
Family history of glaucoma
What to do?
Get a comprehensive
dilated eye exam
every 1-2 years
Early detection and
treatment can help
save your sight
Source: National Eye Institute, 2013
Image credit: 123rf Stock Photo
14
Healthy Connections
Going Red for a Lifetime Continued from Page 1
Kidne y D ise a se
More than 20 million affected
Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause
of death in the United States. Our
kidneys are very important for the overall
maintenance of our health. Our kidneys
are responsible for:
• Filtering waste out of 200 liters of
blood each day.
April 22-26 is National Medical Laboratory
Professionals Week (NMLPW), a week set aside
each year to honor medical laboratory professionals
and pathologists across the United States. The
purpose of NMLPW is to bring awareness to the
public about the impact medical lab professionals
has on health care. Although medical laboratory
professionals and pathologists often work behind
the scenes, few people understand the critical role
they perform every day in the medical diagnosis
and treatment of patients. To find out more about
NMLPW, go to www.ascp.org/labweek.
3
• Regulating of the body’s salt,
potassium and acid content.
• Removing of drugs from the body.
• Balancing the body’s fluids.
• Releasing hormones that regulate
blood pressure.
• Producing an active form of vitamin
D that promotes strong, healthy
bones.
• Controlling the production of red
blood cells.
According to the U.S. Renal Data
System, more than 20 million adults
in the United States have chronic
kidney disease, with an additional
400,000 people currently depending
on dialysis. There are more than
80,000 people on the national waiting
list for a kidney transplant, of which
35 percent are African-American and
nearly 19 percent are Hispanic.
For more information about kidney
disease, go to www.kidney.org
According to the Centers
of Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), the most
common form of heart
disease is coronary artery
disease (CAD), which can
lead to a heart attack.
In most cases, a person
can greatly reduce their
chances of developing CAD
with a lifestyle comprised of
a healthy diet and exercise,
and medication. However at
Parks-Hamilton is educating Loretto Hospital patient Danielle
other times, heart disease
Dawson about cardiomyopathy.
like cardiomyopathy is
acquired (caused by another illness or condition) or inherited because of a genetic
deformity—much like the gene that causes Down Syndrome — which could travel
throughout the family or even skip a generation. In the case of both Dawson and
Parks-Hamilton, their form of cardiomyopathy is genetic, and both have daughters
who may be at risk.
continue working as a nurse, to finish my masters, and
to continue educating people about heart disease. I
speak at churches as well. I am the poster child for
heart disease, so I wear my scars well (referring to
her defibrillator and previous heart surgeries). There
are things that we can do to control and avoid heart
disease if it is not genetic. I have completely changed
my lifestyle. Although I am on about 9 different
medications, I watch everything I eat and avoid certain
foods that can trigger issues. I watch my stress. I have
a no response, no emotion approach to life,” ParksHamilton said.
As for Dawson: “I am going to self-educate and to know
the do’s and don’ts; and do all the do’s. I definitely feel
much better since I’ve come here (Loretto) and have
met her (Parks-Hamilton),” Dawson said.
To learn more about how heart disease affects women,
go to www.goredforwomen.org, or contact Loretto
Hospital’s Ambulatory Care clinic at 773-854-5475.
“The doctors in Montana told me that eventually I would need to go on a heart
transplant list. How does someone’s heart just malfunction like that? I had never
heard of this disease. So I started calling around to family members and found out
that my grandmother had it. It skipped a generation and now I have it,” Dawson said.
Parks-Hamilton had a similar report with her initial diagnoses.
“The doctors told me the same thing about possibly having a heart transplant, but
God brought me back. I wish I could get rid of the gene that is causing this issue. But
even after having a heart transplant, the defected gene would just damage the new
heart. My daughter inherited the mutated gene. So I pray that my daughter doesn’t
get this disease,” Parks-Hamilton said.
The American Heart Association reports that more than 600,000 Americans die
each year from heart disease. In the United States, heart disease kills 1 in 3 women,
making it more deadly than any form of cancer. Heart disease can affect individuals
of all ages and race. With cardiomyopathy, there are sometimes no warning signs or
symptoms in the early stages of this disease. For other people, the disease develops
so rapidly that it triggers immediate warning signs and can quickly push a person
into congestive heart failure or arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat. Symptoms of heart
disease may vary from person to person, but may include: fluid build-up in the legs,
ankles, feet, legs or abdomen, shortness of breath and fatigue.
“Men may have definite signs and symptoms of having heart disease like you would
hear them complain about their arm being numb, dizzy or sweating or something
like that. But, a woman’s body is so different. Women have a way of compensating
for illnesses, so we will walk around almost having no symptoms and will continue
business as usual. I was working 12-hour night shifts and didn’t know my heart was
that bad until my body hit a breaking point. We have to listen to your body and know
when something is wrong,” Parks-Hamilton
Since Parks-Hamilton’s diagnoses, she has survived multiple surgeries, takes a
variety of medications, has worn a defibrillator vest for nearly a year, and now wears
a defibrillator surgically implanted in her chest as extra precaution.
Although both women are strictly monitored by cardiologists, they are taking
complete control of their illness. When asked about their future plans for fighting
heart disease, Parks-Hamilton replied: “Education, education, education. I plan to
Nurse Parks-Hamilton with patient Danielle Dawson.
2
15
Healthy Connections
Letter from the
CEO
At Loretto Hospital, we strive
to provide our patients with
Better Standards, Better Care
and Better Outcomes in a safe
holistic environment. With every
new program that we establish, or
existing service that we improve
Dr. Sonia Mehta, CEO/CMO
upon, our primary goal is to meet
the medical needs of the Austin and surrounding communities.
Since assuming the role of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Medical Officer, we have made significant progress in terms of
upholding our new slogan “Loretto Cares” by enhancing the quality
of care we administer to all of our patients. Because we have taken
our oath seriously, I am so pleased to share that in a recent random
survey by the Illinois Department of Public Health (represented by
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid), Loretto Hospital received its
best scores in 7 years, meeting or exceeding all three categories of
infection control, discharge planning and quality. We are building the
right internal infrastructure – both structurally and human capital – to
ensure that we are moving in the right direction in 2013 and beyond.
Although there is still work to be done, I am excited about the new
things on the horizon for Loretto and the new health programs we
are implementing to address the healthcare needs of this community.
To this end, our Spring 2013 Issue of Healthy Connections highlights
breast cancer, heart disease, and the importance of maintaining a
healthy lifestyle to avoid many illnesses that plague our community.
In honor of all the women who are fighting heart disease, we feature
one of Loretto Hospital’s-own nurses and her patient, who both share
their personal uphill battles with cardiomyopathy, an inherited form of
heart disease. This issue also recaps a number of recent communitybased initiatives we led such as our collaboration with Austin
residents to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s annual
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k Walk, as well as serving as
host for U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis’ (D-Chicago) community
forum to discuss the future prevention and treatment for HIV/AIDS
patients in underserved communities. In addition, we offer a wealth
of information about how you can prevent diseases such as cancer,
diabetes and high blood pressure to live a longer, healthier life just by
losing weight and maintaining a healthful lifestyle.
What’s New at Loretto...
Loretto Hospital Opens
New Behavioral Health Unit
Dr. Sonia Mehta
Chief Executive Officer/Chief Medical Officer
Loretto Hospital
Did you know the human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main culprit of many types of
cancers, including cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is the first cancer in women to be
identified as being caused almost exclusively by a virus – HPV. HPV is one of the most
common sexually transmitted diseases. It is also the leading cause of pre-cancerous
changes of the cervix and cancer of the cervix. There are more than 100 types of HPV,
some of which causes genital warts, while others are considered high-risk that are
linked to irregular cells in the cervix and then cervical cancer if left untreated.
More Upgrades on the Horizon through 2013
This January, Loretto Hospital opened a newly renovated,
state-of-the-art mental health unit. The new unit features a
new nursing station, upgraded security monitoring
systems, new patient rooms equipped with safety
fixtures, a new recreation area for patients, and a new
sprinkler system.
Additional construction will continue around the hospital
through 2013 and will include an updated pharmacy area,
modernization of Loretto’s façade and Central Avenue
entrance, and new flooring in the corridors and waiting
areas throughout the hospital.
While cervical cancer usually takes about 10-to-20 years or more to develop, it is
reported that nearly 6 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV occurs in the
U.S. each year, with at least 20 million people estimated to be currently infected. Most
people with HPV, though, do not know that they are infected. But there is a cure!
Of all the gynecological cancers, cervical cancer is the only gynecological cancer that has a screening test – the Pap test. Pap tests identifies
whether precancerous cells are present in a woman’s cervix. The Centers for Disease control recommends a Pap test for all women between
the ages of 21 and 65 years old. In addition to the Pap test, gynecologists may recommend an HPV test to look for the human papilloma virus
infection, the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV tests are usually given to women ages 30 and older in conjunction with a yearly Pap test.
When there are discrepancies in the Pap test, appropriate HPV testing is a good supplement to detect virtually all precancerous changes and
cervical cancers.
It is important to know that cervical cancer is completely preventable if precancerous cell changes are detected and treated early. That is why
it is important for all women to have yearly Pap and HPV testing. To find out more about cervical cancer and HPV, visit www.cdc.gov.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control, Mayo Clinic
You are at greater risk of
getting HPV if:
• You became sexually
All the new rooms in the mental health unit on 3 West are equipped with
new safety furniture and fixtures for patients.
active at an early age.
• You or your sexual
partner has had many
different sexual partners
at any time.
• You or any of your
sexual partners have
had a history of sexually
transmitted diseases.
• Your sexual partner did
not wear a condom.
We hope you enjoy our newsletter. Please do not hesitate to contact
me if I can be of assistance. Remember, Loretto Cares!
Sincerely,
Have you been screened for Human Papilloma Virus?
• Have never received a
Newly constructed recreation room in the Loretto Hospital’s Mental
Health Unit provides an opportunity for patients to relax in a therapeutic
environment.
vaccination against HPV.
Sources: The Center for Disease Control
and The Center for Young Women’s Health
in Boston
Teens Can Be Infected With HPV
New vaccines help prevent several cancers in teens and
the spread of HPV
HPV is the most common STD in the world. It is so
common that most sexually active individuals may
become infected at some point in their lives and will not
even know it. A March 11, 2008 study conducted by the
Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in 4 teenage
girls between the ages of 13 to 19 is infected with a
sexually transmitted disease. The most common of
these diseases includes HPV, Chlamydia, herpes simplex
virus and trichomoniasis, with HPV in a distant first
place. More recent reports by the CDC indicates that
about 20 million people are currently infected with HPV in the U.S., and over half of
these individuals are adolescents and young adults about 15 – 24 years old.
At least 1 in every 3 sexually active young women has had a genital HPV infection. Any
sexually active person—no matter what color, race, gender or sexual orientation—can
get HPV. Sadly, African-American females are affected more than Caucasian females.
And while most people with HPV will never experience any health issues from the virus,
because it is a rapidly spreading STD, boys are also affected often passing from virus from
girl to girl. Men with HPV are at risk of developing cancer, such as anal and penile cancer.
Like any other STD, the best way to prevent the spread of this virus is by abstinence,
wearing a condom, or by getting vaccinated – yes vaccinated. The HPV vaccine helps
prevent several cancers in kids; and is highly recommended for preteen – teenage girls
and boys and young adults up to age 26.
For more information about HPV, visit www.cdc.gov.
Hospital Happenings...
St. Jude Sparkling Brunch
Healthy Connections
May 5, 2013
Golden Life Senior Birthday Celebration
June 28, 2013
Community Health Fair
June 29, 2013
9am - 3pm
(Loretto Hospital parking lot on Harrison Street)
A Publication for Friends of Loretto Hospital • 645 S. Central Ave. • Chicago, IL 60644 • Spring 2013 • (773) 626-4300 • www.lorettohospital.org
We want to hear from you.
Unveiling of the Kiss the Wall Tribute and Breast Cancer Survivor Ceremony
June 29, 2013
Send us your questions
or comments to:
The Loretto Hospital Foundation Annual Golf Outing
[email protected]
July 31, 2013
Cog Hill Golf Course & Country Club
11am - 8pm
Loretto Hospital Nurse Going Red
for a Lifetime
Heart disease more deadly for women than cancer.
What are the chances that two young
women around the same age, from
Back-to-School Fitness Fun Fest
two opposite ends of the United
August 3, 2013
(Loretto Hospital parking lot on Harrison Street)
States, with the exact same medical
condition, would meet at Loretto
Hospital at the exact same moment
in time—one as a nurse and the other
Healthy Connections is a publication of Loretto Hospital. For more information about Loretto Hospital call 773-626-4300.
Photo credits: 123RF and Microsoft.com Free Images. Newsletter design by Business Image Development, Inc.. Copyright © 2013, Loretto Hospital, All Rights Reserved.
as the patient?
LaTania Parks-Hamilton, nurse manager at Loretto
Hospital, is a three-year survivor of cardiomyopathy, a form
of heart disease.
U.S. Postage
Place
Stamp
Here
645 S. Central Avenue
Chicago, IL 60644
LaTania Parks-Hamilton, 29, is a nurse manager at Loretto Hospital. Parks-Hamilton came to
Loretto Hospital as a nursing supervisor in April, 2012 and was promoted the same year to
manage the medical/surgical unit. In December 2009, at the age of 26, she was diagnosed
with having cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease, less than a year after her mother died
of congestive heart failure.
“My mom died in 2008 and I didn’t know enough about the disease to do enough to help her.
All the females in my family have it, and none of them have lived past the age of 50,” ParksHamilton said.
“The doctors here (Loretto) have been diligent about getting
tests done and finding the best route to treat me.”
Mailing Label Here
Danielle Dawson, 39, is a new patient at Loretto who moved to the Austin Community from
the state of Montana only four months ago. However, just weeks before moving to Chicago,
Dawson began having severe headaches, heart palpitations, and trouble breathing. She
sought medical attention in Montana and was immediately diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.
Like Parks-Hamilton, Dawson has a family history of heart disease with a grandmother who
died of this same heart condition in 2008, the same year Parks-Hamilton’s mother succumbed
to heart disease. On January 29, 2013, Dawson was rushed to the Kimberly A. Lightford
Emergency Department at Loretto Hospital because of warning signs of possible heart failure.
“My heart was pumping so hard and I couldn’t breathe. My nurse (referring to Parks-Hamilton)
has been so good with helping me. The doctors here (Loretto) have been diligent about
getting tests done and finding the best route to treat me,” Dawson said.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle when the heart muscle becomes enlarged,
thick or rigid. Some people show no signs or symptoms, but as the disease worsens, the
heart becomes weaker and is less able to pump blood through the body to maintain its
normal electrical rhythm.
(Continued on Page 3)
Ten Good Habits
to Develop in 2013
This year is well underway, and there is still
significant buzz around resolutions made at
the start of the year. Every year, people
make personal promises to become better
in the new year than they were in the
previous one. For many people, a new year
represents the start of something new -new opportunities, a fresh new outlook on
life, or a completely new chapter in their
pressing forward into new opportunities,
new possibilities or completely starting all
over again in hopes of a better life. For
others, it is a chance to initiate new habits
or simply tweak old ones. In a recent CBS
opinion poll, surveyors were asked to
select their top resolutions or personal
goals for 2013. Based on the results, this is
what was revealed:
1. Lose weight to become healthier
Losing weight is always the most
popular resolution
every year. But for
some reason, this
goal is one of the
hardest to achieve.
Many fitness experts
recommend setting
clear,
co n cis e,
attainable goals
w ith reg ard to
weight loss and
don’t bite off too
much at a time. A good start is to change
your eating habits to consume more
quality fresh fruits and vegetables, whole
grains, lean meats and fish. If you have
trouble finding the right foods, seek the
advice of a dietitian or nutritionist. Next,
meet with a fitness expert at your local
gym to establish a workout plan at least 3
days a week. Finally, be consistent and be
patient with your results!
(Continued on Page 4)