The Burrell Cancer Center on the hospital campus, 1201 S. Main St., will host the free event from 2 to 4 p.m. and offer games, prizes, a range of activities, snacks, free chair massages and yoga demonstrations.

Registration is required by May 30 by calling (800) 931-3322.

Franciscan St. Anthony will join hundreds of communities worldwide in noting the 26th annual observance.

Local event sponsors include the Breast Care Center at Franciscan St. Anthony Health, Cancer Health Treatment Centers LLC, Michiana Hematology Oncology and Premier Oncology Hematology Associates.

National Cancer Survivors Day is a time for pause to honor America’s nearly 14 million cancer survivors. “A ‘survivor’ is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life,” according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation.

The event provides an opportunity for survivors to connect with other survivors, celebrate milestones, and recognize the health care providers, family and friends who have supported them.

“When most people hear the word ‘cancer,’ they automatically think the worst,” says Foundation spokeswoman, Laura Shipp. “But the truth is that more people are living longer and better quality lives after cancer than ever before. National Cancer Survivors Day is an opportunity for these cancer survivors to come together and celebrate this new reality in cancer survivorship. There is life after cancer. And that’s something to celebrate.”

The nonprofit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation provides free guidance, education, and networking support to hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities. For more information on the program, visit: http://www.ncsd.org/about-us.

Keith McCray (second from the right) is pictured with hospital and department leadership after being named Ambassador of the Month for May.

Keith McCray, a transporter in the Diagnostic Imaging department, has been selected the May Ambassador of the Month at Franciscan St. Anthony Health – Michigan City.

The award, which has been ongoing since 1988, is presented by the hospital’s Social and Recognition Committee and recognizes employees who exhibit the mission and values of Franciscan Alliance – compassion for those in need, respect for life and the dignity of mankind, wellness and prevention of illness, restoration to health and acceptance of death as the final step toward wholeness. Recipients also have demonstrated courtesy, the proper attitude and enthusiasm for the work.

McCray, of Michigan City, was nominated by fellow employees, who said he “really loves his job and working with the different people each day.”

McCray said he was shocked and honored to be recognized for his efforts.

When he’s not working, McCray enjoys cooking as a hobby.

In recognition of his honor, McCray, as are all Ambassador recipients, was honored with a special billboard display for the month, a privileged parking spot, an Ambassador badge holder, a photo on the Ambassador of the Month wall that displays the previous 12 months’ winners, $150 cash and an invitation to the annual Service Awards and Recognition Banquet that takes place in May.

I grew up with parents that smoked and I hated it. Did you know that when my parents decided to smoke that they were also making the decision for me to smoke? This is called “second hand smoking” and it is just as bad as actually being the smoker. It does not seem like a fair comprise to me, so I am going to give you five real good reasons why you should make every effort to “kick the habit.”

The first one is heart disease, and it is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and the leading cause of death caused by smoking. Toxins in the cigarette smoke cause plaque to form in your arteries, which will lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can cause a heart attack.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. The risk of a stroke for a smoker is almost 2 ½ times that of non-smoker.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 213,380 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed 2013. Tobacco use is also the number one cause of COPD (which includes chronic bronchitis & emphysema). When you quit smoking it will halt further damage. It is believed that 14 million are undiagnosed with COPD, and it is the fourth leading cause of death.

Finally, tobacco use can cause oral cancer (mouth cancer). It is estimated that 70% to 80% of all oral, head, neck cancers are due from the use of tobacco and heavy alcohol use.

It is not too late and if you quit smoking there are benefits to reap. For example, 20 minutes after you quit smoking your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature of hands and feet will have returned to normal. There are many benefits that continue for days, weeks, months and years.

Don’t we deserve to take a breath of clean, fresh air? Here are some additional tips on how to quit: http://bit.ly/15Tbtap.

Submitted by Renne Pfister, RN, Chest Pain Center Coordinator at Franciscan St. Margaret Health

The Chest Pain Centers at both Franciscan St. Margaret Health’s Hammond and Dyer campuses were the first accredited centers in Northwest Indiana and only two of 27 in the state. Accreditation by the Society of Chest Pain Centers means that you can be confident that our Emergency and Cardiac departments have the right specialists, processes and equipment in place to provide the highest level of care for patients experiencing chest pain.

Submitted by Lori Granich, RD, Clinical Dietitian at the Midwest Bariatric Institute

There is no doubt that you have seen various brands of Greek yogurt popping up at your local supermarket. You may have also noticed the significant price hike compared to regular yogurt. Dietitians and fitness enthusiasts are recommending it and there are many recipes now calling for it. So what is the big deal about Greek yogurt?

Both types of yogurt can be part of a healthy diet because they are low calorie and contain calcium and beneficial bacteria. Greek yogurt, however, goes through extra straining which removes whey, lactose and sugar resulting in a thicker consistency. One of the reasons Greek yogurt is put on a pedestal is because the protein content is typically twice that of regular yogurt. Including protein at meals can help control hunger. Greek yogurt also has fewer carbohydrates than regular yogurt which makes it appealing to diabetics. Greek yogurt contains a good amount of probiotics which aid in digestion and help us absorb nutrients.

The best thing about Greek yogurt is that it is a very versatile ingredient – especially when it is used a healthier alternative for things like mayonnaise and sour cream.

Here are some great uses for Greek yogurt:

• Make a high protein smoothie with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
• Add a sugar-substitute and top with fresh fruit for a high-protein snack. Adding sugar-free jelly or a Crystal light packet in yogurt can also give it the sweeter flavor you may be craving.
• Add garlic, herbs, and olive oil to Greek yogurt to make salad dressing.
• Dress up your chicken with a combination of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and tarragon.
• Add lemon and capers to Greek yogurt to make a delicious sauce for fish. Cucumber and dill weed also make also make great toppings!
• Add peanut butter, honey and cinnamon to Greek yogurt for a snack or use as a dip for fruit.

Four nurses, two each at Franciscan St. Margaret Health – Hammond and its sister campus in Dyer, echoed that sentiment on May 13 when they received St. Margaret of Cortona Physicians Choice, and Nurses’ Choice, awards.

The annual awards are presented during the American Nursing Association’s National Nurses Week.

Juliet Howerton accepts her St. Margaret of Cortona Physicians’ Choice Award from Marla Hoyer-Lareau, Franciscan St. Margaret Health vice president of patient services and chief nursing officer, at the Hammond campus.

Juliet Howerton, who has spent the last eight of her 23 years at Franciscan St. Margaret Health – Hammond as an interventional radiology nurse, received the Physicians Choice Award there, while Joan O’Drobinak, an Emergency Department nurse who has spent the last nine of her 29 years at the hospital as a case manager, received the Nurses’ Choice Award.

Howerton received her honor from Jay Patel, MD, an interventional radiologist, who called her “an exceptional nurse who holds the department together and exhibits outstanding leadership skills in her relationship with the two Franciscan St. Margaret Health facilities and with Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.”

Joan O’Drobinak displays her St. Margaret of Cortona Nurses’ Choice Award at the Hammond campus.

Howerton said she was “surprised, somewhat embarrassed and honored by the recognition.”

Emergency Department nurse Connie Gula, who said she was speaking for her coworkers, said O’Drobinak “represents the very best in the nursing profession. She goes out of her way to not only help the physicians and staff, but also engages the team approach to patient care in which she is an invaluable advocate who goes above and beyond to help those we serve …”

O’Drobinak said she was shocked to hear she had won, adding, “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

Susan Rae Parker, a 31-year nurse in the Franciscan St. Margaret – Dyer Intensive Medical Care Unit, was presented the Physicians’ Choice Award there from Ed Fara, MD, a pulmonary specialist, who said, “All of the physicians and staff appreciate her work. She is a great nurse and patient advocate.”

Susan Rae Parker is shown with her St. Margaret of Cortona Physicians’ Choice Award at the Dyer campus.

Parker said she was caught by surprise, adding, “I work with a great bunch of people – doctors and nurses alike.”

Arlene VanderZee, who has spent the last 17 of her 34 years at the Dyer campus as supervisor of recovery in the Same Day Surgery unit, was called an outstanding leader by Teresa Loden, director of surgery services.

“Her leadership has gotten us through many changes and expansions in the department, including the Epic (electronic medical records system) implementation. She has a calm demeanor and is empathetic with patients’ — an excellent nurse who lives our Franciscan values on a daily basis.”

VanderZee, who said she was “very shocked and surprised” by the honor, added, “It makes me feel good, but there are a lot of people who deserve this. I don’t feel that special.”

Arlene VanderZee displays her St. Margaret of Cortona Nurses’ Choice Award at the Dyer campus

About the award
St. Margaret of Cortona joined the Third Order of St. Francis in the 1200s and chose to live in poverty, following the saint’s example. She founded a hospital for the homeless and impoverished in the city of Cortona, Italy and pledged her life to serving God through the hospital. She was canonized on May 16, 1728.

The designation followed a rigorous site evaluation process, done at the hospital’s request, and conducted by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, through the Surgical Review Corporation. The certification has been offered since 2010, when the association, which has 5,500 members worldwide, asked the corporation to administer the program in an effort to improve quality of care.

Franciscan St. Anthony Health met the 10 center of excellence site requirements, while obstetrics and gynecology specialists, including Lisa Hendricks, MD, center program director; Michael Messina, DO, and Al R. Pamintuan, MD, met the six physician stipulations.

Trish Weber, hospital vice president of operations and chief nursing officer, said the designation demonstrates Franciscan St. Anthony Health’s commitment to providing the finest care.

“Earning the designation signifies that our facility and surgeons are among the best in their specialty,” Weber said, adding, “COEMIG designation is an ongoing process that promotes continued improvement of our hospital’s minimally invasive gynecology program, by ensuring everyone involved is dedicated to excellence. By complying with COEMIG requirements, we demonstrate our commitment and ability to consistently deliver the highest level of minimally invasive gynecologic surgical care possible.”

Hendricks, who also is Franciscan St. Anthony Health’s robotics medical director, said the evaluation essentially confirmed that the hospital was following the best quality standards; adding the certification henceforth will be a tool in providing evidence-based care and affirming the value and safety of minimally invasive surgery, which reduces patients’ hospital stays, is less painful and offers fewer side effects. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery often is used to treat pelvic pain and bleeding.

“Patients can have the peace of mind that they need not travel to cities outside the area – that they can feel comfortable in knowing they are getting state-of-the-art, excellent care, right here in Michigan City.”

She shares a light moment with Carol Schuster, Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region chief nursing officer, shortly after receiving an honorary pin.

The hospital’s Professional Development Council of Shared Decision Making chooses the winner from among nominees, of which there were four this year.

Puplava was commended, for, among other attributes, putting patients’ and physicians’ needs above her own, often responding to requests during odd hours for emergency situations and for working holidays; and for her compassion, commitment and accountability. She also was lauded for treating patients’ family members respectfully, for being a consummate-professional team player, and for being dependable and trustworthy.

Puplava told a packed room during the award program of her love for the profession and expressed gratitude to her coworkers.

The award is named in honor of legendary nurse Florence Nightingale.

When it comes to the topic of lung cancer, the statistics are sobering.

Michael Meska, regional director of respiratory therapy for Franciscan Alliance’s Northern Indiana Region, says, “We do a very good job across the country with early identification of prostate, colon and breast cancers. But those three cancers combined don’t kill as many people as lung cancer in any given year.”

However, there’s great news for Northwest Indiana residents: Franciscan St. Margaret Health recently began using an innovative, minimally invasive new technology called Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB) to diagnose lung cancers earlier.

“Five-year survival rates for lung cancer are pretty abysmal—about 16 percent,” Meska says. “But if you catch a lung cancer early in its development at a stage one or two, your five-year survival rate catapults to the low 90s.The ENB technology helps better identify these cancers when they’re miniscule.”

This groundbreaking outcome is due to the remarkable ability of ENB technology to access lung lesions that are located beyond the reach of traditional bronchoscopes. According to pulmonary medicine specialist Don H. Dumont, M.D., “ENB increases our diagnostic reach beyond what we can do with a bronchoscope. With conventional methods, we can only see three or four divisions of airways to get a biopsy directly. Once you get beyond that, it’s very difficult. But ENB allows us to navigate farther away.

“Without it, we would have to use a needle to go into the lung, which has its risks, or even surgery, which has even more risks,” Dumont says. “But ENB is an outpatient procedure and the only recovery time needed is due to the anesthesia.”

The superDimension iLogic System allows physicians to gain access to distal lung lesions once a tumor is identified with a CT scan. Meska says, “A low-dose CT scan is the portal of entry for patients to be identified. It gives the initial glimpse of a lesion, then the ENB software identifies where it is. ENB is like GPS for the lungs.”

Using the patient’s CT scan, the computer software creates a virtual 3-D “road map” through the deep passages of the lungs. Guided by this map, the doctor simply inserts a catheter-like tool through the patient’s airway, which is visualized on a computer monitor as the tool travels through the complex divisions of the lungs. Once it reaches the target tumor, the physician can harvest tissue for a biopsy, track changes in the tumor, or place a marker that will pinpoint the tumor’s exact location for subsequent radiation treatments—all without the need for higher-risk procedures.

The impact on lung cancer patients in Northwest Indiana is of tremendous significance, according to Dr. Dumont, who says, “By giving us the opportunity to make a diagnosis at an earlier stage, ENB has been a real game-changer in terms of how we approach lung cancer and lung cancer risks.”

May 6-12, 2013 is National Nurses Week. No other profession touches people the same way a nurse does. Our nurses touch the heart, soul, mind and body of each patient.

A patient commented, “I am 82 years old and the nurse saw that I was frightened and she asked if I wanted her to stay with me…. She stayed and comforted me…. I loved the concern and I felt safe!!!” Another patient commented, “Nurses may not be angels, but they are the next best things….”

Although each day is a challenge, and the work is often physically and emotionally demanding, what a privilege the nursing profession must be. Florence Nightingale – the Founder of Nursing – put it well: nursing is a “higher calling” for the special few who can combined art and science into a thing of beauty, compassion and caring at the bedside. It is not just a job, it is a mission.

Following Nurses Week, we celebrate National Hospital Week, May 12-18, 2013. For years, Franciscan Alliance hospitals have touched the hearts, souls, minds and bodies of thousands in Nortwest Indiana and South Chicago land. It is a continuing mission that begun 150 years ago by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel – the Founder of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration. Little did Florence Nightingale and Mother Theresia realize that over a century later their visions would converge across the Atlantic as Franciscan Alliance.

Let us honor and celebrate our nurses and staff for continuing to answer the call to bring Christ’s compassion and caring to others. WE ARE PROUD OF OUR NURSES! WE ARE PROUD OF OUR STAFF!

Franciscan St. Margaret Health – Dyer president Tom Gryzbek addresses the crowd during the blessing ceremony of the newly renovated cardiac cath lab on May 2, 2013.

Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer celebrated the opening of its newly renovated Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory during a blessing and dedication program May 2.

The $1.7 million project brings new, state-of-the-art Philips imaging equipment that is capable of 3D imaging and provides high-definition imaging and easy integration with CT, MRI and ultrasound images. These allow the medical team to view images with unprecedented clarity.

Cardiologist Michael Nicholas, DO, a longtime hospital medical staff member, said, “We look forward to the future with enthusiasm. It is fantastic that we are able to offer the best technology available to provide the best care for our patients.”

Tom Gryzbek, hospital president, called the renovation an expression of Franciscan St. Margaret Health’s ongoing commitment to providing the best care for the patients, “who we are privileged to serve, who come to us 24/7, with sometimes life-threatening cardiac issues and who rely on us for our expertise, our technology, our care and our compassion.”