Sacred Heart Health System - Press Box

Sacred Heart to Host an Evening of Chocolate & Wine for Women's Heart Health

2010-02-01T09:36:00.001-06:00

Caring for your heart doesn't have to be boring! It's time to celebrate Women's Heart Health Month with red wine, dark chocolate, and some heart-healthy information.

Sacred Heart Women's Hospital will host a free Women & Heart Health Symposium on Thursday, Feb. 25, at the Sacred Heart Greenhut Auditorium from 6p.m. - 8 p.m.

This fun-filled event will feature a variety of small talks to help women keep their hearts healthy, including:

"Choosing Healthy Fast Foods - presented by Sid Scarborough, Sacred Heart Health System

"Diagnosing & and Preventing Heart Disease" - presented by Dr. Steven Eilen, a cardiologist with Cardiology Consultants.

"Women and Sudden Cardiac Death" - presented by Dr. Afolabi Sangosanya, a cardiologist with Cardiology Consultants.

In addition, attendees will be treated to a free red wine sampling, a dark chocolate buffet, and great door prizes.

As space is limited to the first 125 women, registration is requested. Reservations can be made by calling Sacred Heart at (850) 416-1600.

For more information, please contact Cat Outzen at (850) 969-1372.

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Sacred Heart Provides Free Health Screenings in February 2010 to Poor, Elderly and Uninsured Persons

2010-01-29T12:18:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Health System will provide free health screenings in February 2010 at sites in Pensacola, Cantonment, Beulah, Bagdad and Orange Beach, Ala. These screenings are designed for the poor, elderly and uninsured. Additional sites in February will be devoted to oral-health screenings.

Heart-health screenings are designed to measure blood pressure, blood sugar and total cholesterol and to screen for anemia. These screenings are helpful in diagnosing conditions that put people at high risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other health problems.

Sacred Heart's Mission in Motion staff will provide screenings for adults at the following locations:
. Feb. 2 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Cantonment Counsel on Aging, 132 Mintz Lane, Cantonment. Heart-health screening.
. Feb. 3 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Bagdad Counsel on Aging, 6860 Pooley St., Bagdad. Heart-health screening.
. Feb. 4 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Clinic, 131 W. Intendencia St. Heart-health screening.
. Feb. 8 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10650 Gulf Beach Hwy., W. Heart-health screening.
. Feb. 9 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Westley Scott Place, 3300 W. Scott St. Heart-health screening.
. Feb. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church, 303 N. Navy Blvd., Pensacola. Oral-health screening only.
. Feb. 16 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Beulah Senior Center, 7425 Woodside Dr., Beulah. Oral-health screening.
. Feb. 17 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Charity Chapel, 5820 Montgomery Ave., Pensacola. Osteoporosis screening only.
. Feb. 23 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Orange Beach Senior Center, 26251 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, Ala. Heart-health screening.
. Feb. 24 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, 65th Ave. & Lillian Hwy. Oral-health screening only.
. Feb. 25 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at El Bethel Word of Truth Praise & Worship Center, 2310 N. "S" St. Heart-health screening.

Mission in Motion is a community service provided by Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola. The mobile unit's free services also are made possible by support from the law firm of Kerrigan, Estess, Rankin and McLeod, as well as the Gannett Foundation and other community donors. For more information, call (850) 416-7826.

Sacred Heart Hospital to Host Heart Health Seminar Feb. 9 in Port St. Joe

2010-01-28T15:50:00.001-06:00

PORT ST. JOE, Fla. - Dr. James Ward, Jr., board certified cardiologist with Sacred Heart Medical Group, will present a free seminar on Heart Health on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. The event will take place at Gulf Coast Community College's Gulf/Franklin Center, which is located at 3800 Garrison Avenue in Port St. Joe.

Dr. Ward will provide an overview of cardiovascular disease, including the prevalence of heart disease nationwide, common risk factors, several steps you can take to lower your risk of heart disease, common diagnostic and treatment options, and more.

Dr. Ward received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He completed his residency training at Clay Memorial Hospital prior to completing his fellowship training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Ward joined Sacred Heart Medical Group in 2002 and currently serves as the Medical Director for Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.

This seminar represents the first Sacred Heart "Senior Spirit" event to take place in Port St. Joe. "Senior Spirit" is a free educational program for persons 55 and older. Benefits include free screenings, seminars, special in-patient benefits such as a free daily guest meal ticket, a monthly calendar of events detailing all "Senior Spirit" events, and a quarterly newsletter containing health and event information.

"Senior Spirit" represents one of the many educational programs Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf will bring to Port St. Joe and surrounding communities. Opening in March 2010, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf will provide access to high quality, compassionate healthcare to residents and visitors of Port St. Joe and surrounding communities. The new hospital will provide 19 private inpatient rooms, a 24-hour emergency department, surgical services, a full complement of diagnostic and laboratory services, and a helipad to be used by Sacred Heart's regional air ambulance service to provide rapid transport for trauma or critically ill patients.

Seating is limited and registration is required. For more information about Dr. Ward or to register for this free event, please call toll-free 1-877-416-1600. For more information about Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf, visit www.sacredheartonthegulf.org.

New Cancer Center Sets A Higher Level of Cancer Care

2010-01-28T15:26:00.001-06:00

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Jan. 27, 2010) - Sacred Heart Health System dedicated a new Cancer Center Wednesday, one that combines the area's leading cancer specialists as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy in a facility designed for the comfort of patients. The new $31 million center is part of Sacred Heart's ongoing efforts to provide the most advanced cancer treatment to patients in Northwest Florida.

The new center, located adjacent to Sacred Heart Medical Park at Airport Boulevard and College Parkway in Pensacola, will open its doors to patients Feb. 1. Sacred Heart will hold an open house to allow the community to tour the new facility on Feb. 20.

"Our vision is to be the region's premier cancer center. The facility will combine excellent diagnostic and treatment technology, great doctors and staff, a healing environment, and individualized patient care supported by the latest knowledge and research," said Laura Kaiser, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Health System. "The Cancer Center is evidence of our commitment to raise the standard of cancer care and help our patients and their loved ones overcome this disease."

The new facility will consolidate and expand Sacred Heart's cancer services. It will include:
. Offices of the specialists with Sacred Heart Medical Oncology Group.
. A spacious unit dedicated to outpatient chemotherapy that provides private rooms and comfortable semi-private areas for treatment of up to 35 patients.
. A radiation oncology unit that offers advanced, highly precise technology for radiation therapy called the Trilogy Stereotactic System.

. Other services such as lab and pharmacy services, patient education and support services, and cancer research staff that enrolls patients in research studies of the latest cancer treatments.
One of the most beneficial aspects of centralizing outpatient cancer services is the expedited coordination of services. Dr. Thomas Sunnenberg of Sacred Heart Medical Oncology Group said cancer care tends to be fragmented, which in turn causes delays in diagnosis and treatment, but the new center will bring physicians and staff together for multi-disciplinary planning of patient care.

By March, additional cancer specialists will be located in the center, including Drs. Gerald Lowrey and Rod Krentel, both board-certified radiation oncologists.

Dr. Sunnenberg said that putting a team of physicians in the same room, looking at the same images and test results, and planning together has been proven to make a difference in patient outcomes. "Everybody who is in this group - the radiation oncologists and the medical oncologists - participate in multi-disciplinary planning at least two times a week. It makes us better at what we do."

The new center also will house social workers, Tumor Registry staff, a prayer/meditation area, conference space, a patient resource library and education classrooms.

"Our new Cancer Center will really bring a significant level of care to our community's cancer patients," says Terri Smith, VP of Cancer Services at Sacred Heart Health System. "When patients experience a center that houses all of the services they need and is dedicated solely to helping them fight cancer, it provides them with a greater sense of hope. Support is really an important key to battling cancer."

Sacred Heart is affiliated with M. D. Anderson Physicians Network®. As a result of this affiliation, Sacred Heart cancer patients gain access to the latest clinical care guidelines and quality initiatives developed by teams of specialists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, the nation's leader in cancer care. The guidelines are founded upon research to determine the best known outcomes for patients receiving cancer treatment.
Experts at M. D. Anderson regularly communicate with Sacred Heart physicians via teleconferences where they discuss the cases of individual patients and share knowledge based on research. Physicians Network also provides Sacred Heart with ongoing rigorous review of its standards and practices.

For more information, call 850-416-2770 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.
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Lap Band and Other Weight-Loss Surgery Techniques are Topics of Seminar on Feb. 18

2010-01-25T16:43:00.001-06:00

Dr. Jeffrey Lord, a specialist in weight-loss surgery techniques, will present "Weight Loss Surgery: Is It Right for You?" on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Hospital Conference Center in Pensacola.

The seminar is sponsored by Sacred Heart's Surgical Weight Loss Center. Sacred Heart offers two types of weight loss surgery that use small incisions. The first is laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, which involves a permanent rerouting of the digestive system that leaves patients with a small stomach pouch. The surgery creates a bypass that reroutes food around a portion of the small intestine.

The second, newer approach performed at Sacred Heart is adjustable gastric banding. Using a laparoscope, the surgeon places an inflatable band around the stomach, creating a small upper pouch at the top, with restricted passage to the rest of the stomach. This pouch fills quickly and creates a feeling of fullness.

Sacred Heart's Surgical Weight Loss Center has been ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation for the past two years. Dr. Lord, who has advanced fellowship training in weight-loss surgery, serves as the Center's director. He works closely with Dr. Anthony Huynh, a Sacred Heart Medical Group physician who specializes in medical weight loss, weight management and nutrition.

Dr. Lord and his staff provide comprehensive evaluation of clinically obese patients to determine their candidacy for these life-changing procedures as well as extensive patient/family education to create a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

Reservations are required for this free seminar. To make a reservation or to obtain more information, please call (850) 416-1628 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.

Father-Daughter Ball on Feb. 27 to Benefit Children's Hospital

2010-01-21T15:41:00.001-06:00

Attention all daddies and daughters! Sacred Heart Foundation and Creative Learning Academy will be holding a Father-Daughter Ball for area girls and their fathers on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at New World Landing, 600 S. Palafox Street.

Join us for a memorable evening for fathers and daughters to celebrate that special daddy-daughter bond. Girls of all ages are welcome to attend with their fathers. All proceeds from the ball will benefit Sacred Heart Children's Hospital.

Guests will be treated to a deejay playing all of your favorite tunes, a special dessert buffet, party favors and more! Pictures of this memorable night will be available for purchase. Suggested dress is formal for both fathers and daughters.

Tickets are available for purchase now at the Sacred Heart Foundation office for $75 per father-daughter couple, and additional daughter tickets are $10 a piece. A limited number of tickets are available for this event, so call today at (850) 416-4660.

The Father-Daughter Ball is sponsored by Creative Learning Academy, Nemours Children's Clinic, Clark Partington Hart Larry Bond and Stackhouse, Attorneys at Law, Escambia County Medical Society, Izzo Cutter and Company, Celebrations the Florist, New World Landing, Stone's Studio, Inc., Randall's Men's Formal Wear, 102.7 WXBM, Soft Rock 94.1 and WEAR ABC 3.

For more information, please contact the Sacred Heart Foundation at (850) 416-4660 or Creative Learning Academy at (850) 432-1768.

Sacred Heart February Diabetes Self Management Class Schedule

2010-01-18T09:49:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Hospital will host a diabetes self management seminar in February with a choice of two different 2-day sessions and one 4-day evening session.

The evening class will be held on February 2nd at 5 p.m. and on February 4th, 9th, and 11th at 5:30 p.m. at the Carmel Heights Building, 5225 Carmel Heights Road, on Sacred Heart's main campus in Pensacola.

The first daytime class will be held on February 16th and 18th, and the second will be held on February 23rd and 25th. Both sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Carmel Heights Building, 5225 Carmel Heights Road, on Sacred Heart's main campus in Pensacola.

The seminar is open to adults who have been diagnosed with Type II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes who are looking for ways to manage their disease. The 2-day class will cover topics on exercise, medication, and nutrition for patients to reduce the symptoms of diabetes.

Pre-registration is required and a physician referral is needed to attend the class. All attendees must attend both days to receive full credit. Each patient may bring one adult guest with them to the class.

Most major insurances are accepted for this 10-hour diabetes self management training, and lunch will be provided.

For more information, please call Sacred Heart's Diabetes Education Department at (850) 416-7261.

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Sacred Heart Pediatric Dental Clinic Welcomes New Dentist

2010-01-18T09:04:00.001-06:00

The Lynn F. Johnston Pediatric Dental Clinic at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital recently welcomed its new medical director, C. Kent Riley, DMD.

Dr. Riley received is his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville and his degree in dental medicine from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry.

In his new role, Dr. Riley will oversee the day-to-day practices at the Sacred Heart Pediatric Dental Clinic, supervise all staff, and perform examinations and oral surgeries.

Before joining Sacred Heart, Dr. Riley worked as a dental associate at Great Expressions Dental Centers in Jensen Beach, Fla. He is certified by the USA National Dental Board and is member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association.

The Sacred Heart Pediatric Dental Clinic is a partnership between Sacred Heart Health System and the Florida Department of Health, Escambia County Health Department.

Located on 8390 N. Palafox St. in Cantonment, the clinic provides dental care to children throughout our region who are either eligible for Medicaid or do not have the ability to pay for necessary dental care. In Escambia County alone, there are 28,000 children eligible for this service, with over 50,000 children from South Alabama to DeFuniak Springs, Fla.

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5K Run on Feb. 13 to benefit Sacred Heart Children's Hospital

2010-01-14T17:46:00.001-06:00

Washington High School's (WHS) Student Government Association will hold its Fourth Annual Charity 5K on Saturday, Feb. 13, with a local-time start of 8 a.m. at Washington High School (WHS), 6000 College Parkway in Pensacola. The event also includes a free 1-Mile Fun Run for children , which will begin at 9 a.m.

This year, the students' goal is $8,000, which will help equip a room in the Dr. Thomas Jenkins pediatric oncology unit at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital.
Early registration is $10 per person by Jan. 29 and packet pick-up will be held on Feb. 12 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. in the front office of Washington High School. Late registration will be $15 beginning Jan. 30 through race day. Packets also can be picked up on race day from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m.

Registration forms are available online at www.active.com by typing "Washington High School Charity 5K" in the site search engine. They also may be obtained from the WHS Student Government Association.

"Maverick," the Pensacola Ice Flyers mascot, and Ronald McDonald will be special guests at the race. Each runner will receive a free T-shirt, and awards will be given to the overall male and female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female runners in each age group. Bikes, rollerblades, strollers and pets are not allowed on the race course.

For more information, please call the Washington High School Student Government Association, at (850) 475-5257, ext. 286.

Sacred Heart to Conduct Free Health Screenings at SeniorSpirit! Health Fair

2010-01-11T10:02:00.000-06:00

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Sacred Heart Health System's SENIORSpirit! program will provide free health screenings and great door prizes during the 11th Annual SENIORSpirit! Health Fair on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Greenhut Auditorium on Sacred Heart Hospital's main campus in Pensacola.

Persons 55 and older are invited to stop by from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for free health screenings to measure total cholesterol, blood pressure, body fat, blood sugar, osteoporosis, hearing and more. Pre-registration is not required.

The Sacred Heart Pharmacy Residency Program will also be conducting "brown bag" medication checks. Seniors are invited to bring all of their medications with them in a brown bag, and Sacred Heart Pharmacy residents will check them to make sure there are no possible adverse drug interactions and to answer questions about the prescriptions.

In addition, health information will be available at booths provided by over 30 different vendors including the Council on Aging, Mainstay Financial, Sacred Heart's Smoking Cessation Program, the Ann Baroco Center for Breast Health, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Services, Sacred Heart Senior Services, Response Link and more!

SENIORSpirit! is a free membership program of Sacred Heart Senior Services. Benefits to members include free health screenings and newsletters, free seminars on health issues, a pre-paid lab screening program, and other services. Non-members may enroll the day of the event. For more information, call Sacred Heart at 850-416-1620, or visit us online at www.sacred-heart.org/seniorspirit

Lap Band and Other Weight-Loss Surgery Techniques are Topics of Seminar on Jan. 21

2010-01-07T16:57:00.001-06:00

Dr. Jeffrey Lord, a specialist in weight-loss surgery techniques, will present "Weight Loss Surgery: Is It Right for You?" on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Hospital Conference Center in Pensacola.

Reservations are required for this free seminar. To make a reservation or to obtain more information, please call (850) 416-1628 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.

Fellowship-Trained Neurologist Joins Medical Group in Crestview, Pensacola

2010-01-07T10:45:00.001-06:00

Dr. Angela W. Thomas, a board-certified neurologist, has joined Sacred Heart Medical Group Institute for Neurology & Neurosurgery.

She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. and completed residency training at Georgetown University Medical Center. Dr. Thomas received advanced fellowship training in clinical neurophysiology at Georgetown University Medical Center and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics and Classical Languages from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. She has practiced neurology for almost 10 years.

Dr. Thomas has special medical interests in clinical neurophysiology, headaches, epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. She will see patients in Pensacola and Crestview beginning Jan. 4. In Pensacola, she is joining the Sacred Heart Medical Group practice of Drs. George Dmytrenko, Lawrence King and Terry Neill located at 5153 N. 9th Ave. where she will see patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In Crestview, she is joining the Medical Group practice located at 550 Redstone Ave. where she will see patients on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Appointments may be made with Dr. Thomas by calling 850-416-2554 (Pensacola) or 866-943-2554 (toll free).

Ensuring convenient access close to home, Sacred Heart Medical Group is the region's largest network of primary care and specialty physicians with offices in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties, as well as Baldwin County, Ala. Patients who choose Sacred Heart Medical Group physicians experience coordinated care with easy access to Sacred Heart specialists, preferred scheduling of diagnostic and imaging exams, and timely follow-up care. For more information, call 850-416-1600 or visit online at www.sacred-heart.org/medicalgroup.

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Free Smoking-Cessation Classes Begin Jan. 12 & 13

2010-01-05T13:14:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola will offer a free, six-week smoking-cessation program beginning Jan. 12 and 13 for persons who want to stop smoking. Quit Smoking Now (QSN) provides structured classes in a supportive, stress- free environment. Step by step, smokers will learn how to replace their nicotine habit with healthy alternatives.

The two-hour classes will be offered on Tuesday nights beginning Jan. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday mornings beginning Jan. 13 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Classes will be held in the Carmel Heights Building on the Sacred Heart Hospital campus. The Carmel Heights Building is located on Carmel Heights Drive next to the Pediatric Care Center. A new series of classes will begin every seven weeks.

To register, or for more information, please call 416-7764.

Mall Ball Tickets on Sale Now

2009-12-30T13:43:00.001-06:00

Tickets for the 15th Annual Cordova Mall Ball are now available for purchase! This year's event will be held Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 from 8 p.m. to midnight at Cordova Mall to benefit sick and injured children at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. The event is coordinated by the Krewe of Les Petits Enfants (Order of the Small Children) and presented by Wendy's.

Tickets can be purchased in advance of the event for $50 per person at the Sacred Heart Foundation office. Tables of 8 are available for $425 and must be reserved in advance. There are a limited number of tickets available, and last year's event sold out several weeks before the event.

You must be 21 or older to attend, and IDs will be checked at the door. Dress is costume or black tie optional. Tickets may be purchased by phone by calling (850) 416-4660.

Cordova Mall will close early that evening to allow the festivities to begin at 8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music and sample foods from approximately 25 Pensacola restaurants. Entertainment will be provided by "2nd Coming," "Lafayette's Bayou Boys," and "Reunion Band." A silent auction also will be part of the fun, including vacation packages, jewelry, art, golf packages and much more. The committee is seeking donations of items for the silent auction. If you wish to donate a weekend at a beach house or cabin, golf outing, art or jewelry, please call the number listed above.

Last year, more than 2,500 people attended this sold-out event that raised more than $335,000 for Children's Hospital, a hospital dedicated to the care of children for more than 40 years. It is the only pediatric facility in the region and provides a number of pediatric sub-specialists in partnership with Nemours Children's Clinic.

Over the past 14 years, the event has generated more than $2 million in proceeds on behalf of sick and injured children at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. For more information, call Sacred Heart Foundation, (850) 416-4660 or visit www.sacred-heart.org/mallball.

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Sacred Heart to Hold Diabetes Self Management Classes

2009-12-30T09:49:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Hospital will host a diabetes self management seminar in January with a choice of two different 2-day sessions.

The first class will be held on January 5 and 7 and the second will be held on January 12 and 14. Both sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Carmel Heights Building, 5225 Carmel Heights Road, on Sacred Heart's main campus in Pensacola.

Most major insurances are accepted for this 10-hour diabetes self management training, and lunch will be provided.

For more information, please call Sacred Heart's Diabetes Education Department at (850) 416-7261.

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Balance Disorders are Topic of Sacred Heart Seniors Seminar in Gulf Breeze

2009-12-29T12:56:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Hospital's SENIORSpirit! program will present a free seminar on dizziness and balance disorders on Thursday, January 28, from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. in the Rehabilitation Center at The Club in Gulf Breeze.

The seminar will be presented by Belinda Anderson, a physical therapist at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation who specializes in balance disorders. The talk will teach attendees how to recognize the signs of a balance disorder and ways to successfully treat the problem through physical therapy.

As seating is limited, pre-registration is encouraged. To register, please call (850) 416-1620 or 1-877-416-1620.

Located at The Club at 1230 Crane Cove Blvd. in Gulf Breeze, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation focuses on patient education and provides treatments which help individuals to strive towards improving and maintaining their own health. The clinic is staffed with two full-time physical therapists and a physical therapy assistant to help get patients back on their feet quickly after injury or illness and help reduce or eliminate pain. Services include aquatic therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, post-arthroscopic rehabilitation, injury rehabilitation, sports medicine, and joint replacement rehabilitation.

Sacred Heart SENIORSpirit! is a free program for persons 55 and older. Benefits include free screenings, seminars, special in-patient benefits such as three free guest meal tickets (up to $5) per hospital stay, a monthly calendar of events detailing all SENIORSpirit! events, a discounted pre-paid lab coupon program, and a quarterly newsletter containing health and event information.

For more information, please call (850) 416-7000 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.

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Fall Prevention is Topic of Sacred Heart Seniors Seminar in Pensacola

2009-12-29T12:52:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Hospital's SENIORSpirit! program will present a free seminar entitled, "Fall Prevention: Reducing One Fall at a Time," on Wednesday, January 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Dudley Greenhut Auditorium on Sacred Heart's main campus.

The seminar will be presented by Dr. Donna Jacobi and Rolando Cruz, a certified physical therapist. The talk will help attendees learn techniques on how to prevent falls and the consequences of falls in the senior population.

As seating is limited, pre-registration is encouraged. To register, please call (850) 416-1620 or 1-877-416-1620.

For more information on senior services at Sacred Heart, please call (850) 416-1620 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.

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Seniors Financial Matters Seminar Focuses on Reverse Mortgages

2009-12-29T12:47:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Hospital's Senior Services' program will present a free seminar on reverse mortgages on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, with the choice of two different sessions on the same topic. The day session will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Hospital in the Medical Office Building (MOB) Conference Room, located next to the main entrance of Sacred Heart Hospital.

The evening session will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mainstay Education Center, 2810 E. Cervantes Street, at the corner of Cervantes and Perry in Pensacola.
The seminar, presented by Mainstay Financial Group in Pensacola, will teach attendees how reverse mortgages work, as well as their pros and cons.

Registration is required and seating is limited. To register, call (850) 416-1620 or 1-877-416-1620, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sacred Heart SENIORSpirit is a free program for persons 55 and older. Benefits include free screenings, seminars, special in-patient benefits such as three free guest meal tickets per hospital admission, a monthly calendar of events detailing all SENIORSpirit events, and a quarterly newsletter containing health and event information

For more information, please call Sacred Heart at (850) 416-7000 or visit us online at www.sacred-heart.org.

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Housing Choices Topic of Sacred Heart Seniors Seminar in Perdido

2009-12-29T12:40:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Hospital's SENIORSpirit! program will present a free seminar entitled, "Senior Housing: Issues and Choices," on Thursday, January 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Perdido Bay Community Center, 13660 Innerarity Point Road, in Perdido.

The seminar, presented by Mainstay Financial Group, will teach attendees how to access housing needs, examine various housing factors and determine important personal preferences when choosing the right senior housing options for yourself or a loved one.

As seating is limited, pre-registration is encouraged. To register, please call (850) 416-1620 or 1-877-416-1620.

Sacred Heart SENIORSpirit! is a free program for persons 55 and older. Benefits include free screenings, seminars, special in-patient benefits such as a free daily guest meal ticket and newspaper delivery, a monthly calendar of events detailing all SENIORSpirit! events, and a quarterly newsletter containing health and event information.

For more information, please call (850) 416-7000 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.

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Leg Pain and Varicose Veins is Topic of Seniors Seminar in Gulf Shores

2009-12-29T12:39:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart's SENIORSpirit! program will present a free health seminar on leg pain and varicose veins on Tuesday, January 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the community room of the Gulf Shores Medical Building, located at 3620 Gulf Shores Pkwy., behind the Microtel Inn, in Gulf Shores, Ala.

The seminar will be presented by Dr. Christopher Bosarge, a board-certified interventional radiologist with Coastal Vascular and Interventional. The talk will discuss prevention and treatment options for varicose veins, as well as the risks of leaving them untreated, including deep vein thrombosis. After the presentation, attendees will be able to ask questions and meet Dr. Bosarge.

Sacred Heart SENIORSpirit is a free program for persons 55 and older. Benefits include free screenings, seminars, special in-patient benefits such as a free daily guest meal ticket and newspaper delivery, a monthly calendar of events detailing all SENIORSpirit events, and a quarterly newsletter containing health and event information.

For more information, please call (850) 416-1620 or 1-877-416-1620 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.

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Pace Your Strides to Life is Topic of Sacred Heart Seniors Seminar in Pace

2009-12-29T12:35:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Hospital's Senior Service's program will present a free seminar entitled, "Pace Your Strides to Life," on Thursday, January 14, from 12 - 1 p.m. in the Rehabilitation Center at Sacred Heart Medical Park in Pace.

The seminar, presented by Sacred Heart occupational therapist Lisa Noyes, will teach attendees how to protect themselves from injury and overexertion by using proper body mechanics to simplify daily activities and to conserve energy.

Registration is required and seating is limited. To register, call (850) 416-1620 or 1-877-416-1620.

Sacred Heart Medical Park at Pace provides diagnostic, rehabilitation, and outpatient surgery services to the Pace community, as well as family practice, OB/GYN and other specialty physician's offices. The facility is located on the north side of U.S. 90 in Pace, between Woodbine Road and Chumuckla Highway.

Sacred Heart SENIORSpirit is a free program for persons 55 and older. Benefits include free screenings, seminars, special in-patient benefits such as a three free guest meal tickets (up to $5) per hospital admission, a monthly calendar of events detailing all SENIORSpirit events, and a quarterly newsletter containing health and event information.

For more information on senior services at Sacred Heart, please call (850) 416-1620 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.

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Sacred Heart Provides Free Health Screenings in January 2010 to Poor, Elderly and Uninsured Persons

2009-12-29T10:29:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Health System will provide free health screenings in January at sites in Pensacola, Cantonment, Molino, Milton and Gulf Shores, Ala. These screenings are designed for the poor, elderly and uninsured.

Sacred Heart staff will provide heart-health screenings to measure blood pressure, blood sugar and total cholesterol and to screen for anemia. These screenings are helpful in diagnosing conditions that put people at high risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other health problems. Sacred Heart's Mission in Motion staff will provide screenings for adults at the following locations:

January 6, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Westwood Homes, 4400 Westover St., Pensacola. Osteoporosis screening only.

January 7, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Scott's Pharmacy, 6505 Hwy. 29, Molino. Heart-health screening.

January 8, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Cobb Center, 601 E. Mallory St., Pensacola. Heart-health screening.

January 11, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 at Pensacola United Methodist Ministries, 2600 W. Strong St., Pensacola. Heart-health and adult hearing screenings.

January 13, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Milestone Aquatics Club, 35 New Market St., Cantonment. Heart-health screening.

January 14, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Alternative Health Food Store, 5533 Hwy. 90, Milton. Heart-health screening.

January 20, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Bayview Senior Center, 2000 E. Lloyd St., Pensacola. Heart-health screening.

January 23, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Hospital's Conference Center on Ninth Avenue, Senior Services Health Fair. Total cholesterol, blood sugar and osteoporosis screenings.

January 26, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 309 E. 21st Ave., Gulf Shores, Ala. Osteoporosis screening only.

January 27, 2010 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Downtown YMCA, 410 N. Palafox St., Pensacola. Osteoporosis screening only.

January 28, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at WESC (Felix Miga Senior Center), 904 N. 57th Ave., Pensacola. Heart-health screening.

Sacred Heart Renovates Unit to Enhance Patient Comfort

2009-12-24T11:08:00.001-06:00

Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola has renovated a unit on its fourth floor, enhancing patient comfort and improving the work environment for physicians and staff. The 4 West unit consists of 25 rooms and is dedicated to patients needing respiratory and renal care.

The unit received a top-to-bottom facelift to create more open, comforting patient-care rooms, more space for physicians' needs, and a brighter, more user-friendly nurses' station. In patient rooms, flat-screen TVs and slimmer custom-made cabinets contribute to a more spacious atmosphere. The new cabinets were designed to be higher than the old cabinets so that patients easily can reach their belongings without interference from bed siderails.

"Safety was a priority in making our furniture selections," says Marjorie Fiorilli-Minski, Patient Care Manager. "Locking rolling swivel casters on the furniture allow staff to easily move furniture and lock it safely into place for patient use. The edges on the bedside cabinets are rounded for safety, and beds are the skin-friendly Hill-Rom air mattresses."

In addition, furniture includes new patient recliners, over-bed tables, sleeper chairs, chairs for visitors and comfortable task chairs in work areas. New privacy curtains and new flooring complement the décor which features maple-wood cabinets and carmel-colored countertops. Maple-wood planks are used at each patient-room entry for a more sophisticated look.

Hues of pale blues, golds and tans throughout the unit not only brighten patient-care rooms, halls and work areas, but also help give a more open feel in each patient room and promote a soothing work environment.

10 Kids Health Issues to Watch in 2010

2009-12-22T09:35:00.001-06:00

As 2009 comes to a close, Sacred Heart Children's Hospital has once again published its annual list of "10 Kids' Health Issues to Watch." The issues chosen represent a wide range of concerns - some may hit close to home while others may be more far reaching. Of course, these are not the only important issues affecting children's health - far from it - but Sacred Heart feels that in the midst of many, these are notable:

10 Kids' Health Issues to Watch in 2010:

. Earliest Signs of Autism Identified in Babies: With about 1 in every 150 children being diagnosed with a condition in the "autism spectrum," there's been an upsurge in autism awareness and research. New research, which finds that the earliest signs of autism can be detected in babies, will help improve screening efforts for autism. Babies who get an earlier diagnosis get the interventions they need sooner.

. Obesity and Kids: What Parents Should Understand: Why are so many kids today overweight or obese? Many factors are involved, from out-of-control portion sizes and eating on the go to sedentary lifestyles and parental uncertainty about what kids should weigh. It's important for parents to be good role models for their kids by eating well and exercising often. But beyond that, moms and dads also need to educate themselves regarding where kids should fall on a growth chart and how their child compares with peers on these charts.

. Many Kids Missing Out on CHIP Benefits: A recent study concluded what seems obvious - kids who lack regular pediatric care often don't get the medical services they need. Although it's uncertain how well current health care reform initiatives will help meet kids' needs, there is help available for millions of uninsured children via the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. So what's the problem? Most of the 11 million eligible kids still haven't been enrolled.

. H1N1 Flu Pandemic Affecting Kids the Hardest: Worry over H1N1 virus has let up a bit in recent weeks and the peak of the outbreak appears to have passed, but experts caution that cases could surge again. So it's important for parents to remain vigilant and do their best to protect their families, especially since kids and teens were especially hard hit by the recent H1N1 pandemic.

. Texting & Driving: Just Say No: As irritating as cell phone and texting proficiencies can be for "old-school" parents, they can be more than just annoying. On the road, these distractions can be deadly. One report estimates that teens are four times more likely than adult drivers to get into an accident related to cell-phone use. Another found that texting was, by far, the most potentially dangerous and lethal activity related to cell phone use on the road.
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. The Importance of Vitamin D: Most of us know that vitamin D is crucial to bone health, but now it's been shown that insufficient levels can cause or increase the risk of developing a number of health problems. Recent studies report that about 70% kids in the United States have low vitamin D levels. Traditionally, milk has been the main source of vitamin D for kids, but fewer kids now drink much milk every day. Another likely risk factor is the 3-4 hours of TV and computer time many kids get each day. Ultraviolet rays absorbed by the skin help the body make a usable form of vitamin D - so kids who are parked inside day after day aren't getting these natural "doses" of vitamin D the way kids did in the past.

. The Toll of Constant Social Networking: Does it seem like your kids are always online? Are their status updates on Facebook seemingly a matter of life and death? If so, you're far from alone. And what was once the domain of older kids and teens is skewing younger and younger. Most experts think that kids are smart enough by their early teens to know what, and who, to avoid. Younger kids, though, need more parental supervision.

. The Impact on Concussions: In the wake of head injuries among some of the NFL's most high-profile players, concussions and their treatment have become big news. Because the treatment of concussions relies heavily on symptom reporting by those who incur them rather than more obvious signs, many athletes have been encouraged to "play through" head injuries. This is especially troubling for younger athletes, in whom repeat concussions can be serious. So it's important to prevent concussions from happening in the first place and, if they do, to know the signs and how to make sure a child recovers completely.

. Pregnancy, STDs Increasing Among U.S. Teens: The CDC reports that, following declines from 1991 to 2005, birth rates among U.S. teens are increasing, and more than 25% of 14- to 19-year-old girls had one of four sexually transmitted diseases in 2008. And in a new study, the AAP reports that many parents aren't talking to their kids about sexual development until it's "too late" - more than 40% of kids already had sexual intercourse before any discussion with their parents about STDs, condom use, birth control, or what to do if a partner refuses to use a condom.

. Smoking: Good News and Bad News: The U.S. smoking rate has dropped sharply, from around 40% in the mid-1960s to a little over 20% now. That's the good news. The bad news is that according to the American Lung Association, each day 6,300 American kids try their first cigarette and nearly 2,000 of them will become daily smokers. But it's not just conventional cigarettes and other tobacco products that parents need to watch out for. Gaining traction are electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes), marketed as the "healthier alternative" to regular smoking, with many brands offering free trial kits through online promotions that kids can easily access.

To read more about each issue or to share your feedback about other notable issues in 2010, visit www.sacred-heart.org.

About Sacred Heart Children's Hospital
Since 1969, Sacred Heart Children's Hospital has provided quality, compassionate care to children across the Gulf Coast, regardless of their ability to pay. Located in Pensacola, Fla., our state-of-the-art, 119-bed hospital is the only dedicated children's hospital in Northwest Florida.

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Sacred Heart Is Now Accepting Applications for New Hospital in Port St. Joe

2009-12-07T16:17:00.001-06:00

PORT ST. JOE, Fla. - Sacred Heart Health System is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for more than 110 jobs for the new Sacred Heart Hospital in Port St. Joe. To review available positions or apply online, visit www.sacredheartonthegulf.org.

Clinical and non-clinical positions are currently available in the following departments:

Inpatient Services

Emergency Services

Surgical Services

Laboratory and Respiratory Therapy Services

Radiology Services

Pharmacy

Support Services

Food Services

Mission and Pastoral Care

Quality and Risk Management

Admitting

Medical Records

Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy

Administration

Education

Human Resources

Volunteer Services

Benefits of Joining the Sacred Heart Team

Sacred Heart Health System, based in Pensacola, employs more than 4,500 associates throughout Northwest Florida and South Alabama. The Health System offers highly competitive salaries, flexible benefits packages, and a variety of opportunities for professional growth and development. In general, healthcare workers are driven by the desire to make a difference in someone's life, and Sacred Heart Health System has been very fortunate through the years to attract high quality, compassionate and mission-minded team members.

Volunteer Opportunities

The healthcare team would not be complete without the addition of countless community volunteers who will add a special touch to everyone who enters the hospital. Morning, evening and early afternoon shifts will be available seven days a week. Special skills are not required to become a volunteer; we simply require a willing heart and a warm smile. If you are interested in learning more about joining the volunteer team, contact Sharon Abele at (850) 278-3081.

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf

Opening in March 2010, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf will provide access to high quality, compassionate healthcare to residents and visitors of Port St. Joe and surrounding communities. The new hospital will provide 19 private inpatient rooms, a 24-hour emergency department, surgical services, a full complement of diagnostic and laboratory services, and a helipad to be used by Sacred Heart's regional air ambulance service to provide rapid transport for trauma or critically ill patients.

A Medical Office Building is scheduled to open in the summer of 2010 adjacent to the hospital and will provide convenient access to primary care and specialty physicians, dialysis services, women's diagnostic and imaging services, and Sacred Heart Rehabilitation.

For more information about available positions or the career fair, contact the Human Resources Department at 850-278-3062. For more information about the new hospital, visit www.sacredheartonthegulf.org.