Provena Mercy Medical Center News

Provena Health To Host 8th Annual Ethics Day

Provena Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Provena Health will host its eighth annual Ethics Day on Tuesday, March 16 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL. Topics being addressed on this year’s program range from moral distress experienced by care providers to recent shifts in Catholic teaching related to medically-assisted nutrition and/or hydration.

The day brings together presenters from different healthcare backgrounds to share their expertise. Dr. Ronald Hamel, ethicist from the Catholic Health Association based in St. Louis, MO.; Presbyterian Chaplain Margaret Lindsey and Dr. John Rapp, Vice President of Mission Services from Adventist Health Midwest in Hinsdale, IL; and Dr. David McCurdy, ethicist from Advocate Health in Park Ridge, IL will share reflections on the place of spirituality in the faith-based healthcare environment.

“The purpose of Provena Health’s annual Ethics Day is to deepen the understanding of Provena’s mission, vision and values in day-to-day work, especially in the area of ethics,” shared Father William Grogan, System

Provena Mercy Medical Center Will Offer Freedom From Smoking Program

Provena Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Every year in the U.S. over 392,000 people die from tobacco-caused disease, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Another 50,000 people die from exposure to second-hand smoke.

The Provena Mercy Medical Center Health Institute (HI) is pleased to announce their collaboration with Kane County Health Department and the American Lung Association and will begin offering the Freedom From Smoking® program beginning March 23rd.

This eight-week program will be offered in both English and Spanish by Certified Freedom from Smoking Facilitators Teresa Bolek RN and Maria Iniguez RN BS. The simultaneous classes will be held weekly, every Tuesday evening, from March 23rd through May 4 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Both classes will be held at Provena Mercy Medical Center, 1325 North Highland Avenue, Aurora in the Diabetes Education Room by Pastoral Care. Registration is required; call 1-866-PROVENA (1-866-776-8362) to register. Space is limited. For more information, please contact Elaine Springer RN at 630.907.1129. There is a $20 fee refundable upon completion of the program.

Center for Diabetic Wellness Offers Diabetes Support Groups in English and ...

Provena Health — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Provena Mercy Medical Center - Center for Diabetic Wellness will begin hosting monthly diabetes support groups in their new location at the main south entrance of the hospital. Monthly diabetes support groups are available to help individuals living with diabetes cope with the challenges they may be facing. The support groups offer participants a safe environment to voice concerns, the latest diabetes information, diabetes related education classes, cooking demonstrations, and an opportunity to meet new people. Diabetes support groups are available in both English and in Spanish.

The English Diabetes Support Group will be held the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and will begin meeting on March 3, 2010. The support group will be held in the Education Room of the Center for Diabetes Wellness located on the main level of Provena Mercy Medical Center. March's topic will be "Put some Spring into your Step," presented by Mr. Bob Foster, BSJD, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. All are welcome to attend. No registration or fee required. Please cal

February 26 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Be Blue...It's "Berry" Good for ...

Provena Health — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Go Blue! It's good for you.

Blueberries are thought to be one of the most powerful heart-disease-fighting foods. That's because they contain anthocyanins, the antioxidant responsible for their dark blue color.

Researchers say that antioxidant-rich blueberries reduces dangerous belly fat (check your BMI 'body mass index' here) and may affect how the body stores and processes sugar for energy, thereby reducing the risk of both heart disease and diabetes.

These powerful berries are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and are available all year long fresh and frozen. Wild blueberries are considered to be the best -- they are smaller but don't let that fool you -- they are powerfully good.

Improve heart health by adding them into your diet regularly. Here's some suggestions

Sprinkle whole-grain cereal with fresh or frozen blueberries to add delicious flavor, fiber and heart-healthy antioxidants.
Stir them into your pancake or muffin batter. Use fresh, frozen, or dried blueberries for a nutritious

February 25 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Get By - and Get Healthier with ...

Provena Health — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

We get by...and get "heart healthier"...with a little help from our friends!

We all know it's true - nothing feels better than a night out with the girls! But did you know, data suggests that women's risk of dying from heart disease may be linked to the number of family and social relationships she has?

A study was conducted that proved that out of over 500 women with symptoms of coronary artery disease at the study's start, those with few personal contacts were more than twice as likely to die over the next two to four years as women with more social ties.

According to the researchers, the findings should encourage doctors to consider social factors when treating a woman with suspected heart disease, since each may affect her future health as significantly as traditional heart risk factors.

Plan on attending a health-related event with a friend for a double benefit! Studies show that pe

February 24 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Exercise - How Much is Enough?

Provena Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

There's no getting around it - being physically active is good for your heart and being sedentary can be damaging.

But if you've never participated in an exercise program where do you start? With a trip to your doctor! If you don't have a doctor -- get one.

Never start any kind of diet or exercise program without a physical exam. Once good to go how much physical activity should you shoot for?

Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released updated guidelines for physical activity for Americans. The guidelines outline the health benefits of regular exercise, the health detriments of leading a sedentary life and offer recommendations for kids, for adults and for seniors.

The new guidelines recommend: For kids, at least 60 minutes of moderately intense exercise daily. For healthy adults, 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (roughly 20 minutes a day, or 30 minutes 5 days per week).

For older adults, as much exercise as their physical condition allows, aiming, if possible for 150 minutes

February 23 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - LOL! Ha ha ha ha!!!!!

Provena Health — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

A hearty laugh -- the kind makes it hard to catch your breath and sends a stream of tears from your eyes -- does a lot more than make you feel good.

Research has shown the laughter can cause the lining of blood vessel walls called endothelium to relax, increasing blood flow for up to 45 minutes after the laughter attack.

Damage to the endothelium can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and eventually cardiovascular diseases. That's NO laughing matter. So today rent a REALLY funny movie, play a prank on someone who won't mind or read a laugh out loud book. What an awesome way to make your heart healthier.

February 22 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Be Grateful

Provena Health — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Acknowledging the good things in your life not only can make you happier and calmer, it may also improve a woman's heart health.

Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude have lower blood pressure, feel less irritated, and are more likely to embrace healthy habits like quitting smoking and losing weight.

Here's two ways to do it: Write and hand-deliver thank-you letters when you have an occasion to express appreciation. And make a habit of writing down three good things that happened each day and/or three things you are grateful for before you go to bed...a warm home, a loving family, a nice dinner together...our blessings don't have to be fancy for us to appreciate them!

This may make you sleep better which will also help your heart health!

Take a Crash Course in Cholesterol!

Provena Health — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Some are surprised to know that we actually need some cholesterol in our bodies and cholesterol only causes a problem when we have too much of it in your blood because excess cholesterol is deposited in the lining of the arteries, including the arteries that feed your heart muscle.

This narrows the area inside the artery, where blood flows. High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high.

For a healthier heart -- and to lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack-- you should have your cholesterol checked at least every five years, starting at age 20. The most accurate test is a lipoprotein profile, a blood test given after fasting for nine to 12 hours.

Provena Mercy offers "Heart Scan & Score & MORE" which includes cholesterol screening.

Your total cholesterol
Your LDL ("bad") cholesterol; this cholesterol is what's deposited in your arteries
Your HDL ("good") cholesterol; this cholesterol helps keeps deposits

February 20 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Take a seat on a Church Pew

Provena Health — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Take a Seat on a Church Pew...Turns out it's really Good for you!

Going to church is good for your Heart? Most churchgoers would probably say yes. But it actually has been studied and proven that regularly attending church has heart and many other health benefits. Here are some interesting statistics:

Active church members have a 60% less chance of heart attack.
Active church members have a 55% less chance of a car accident.
Active church members live an average of 5.7 years longer.
While only 30% of the non-churchgoers say they are very happy, 70% of the highly committed church attendees say they are very happy.
The National Institute of Health has now developed five protective factors that help fight coronary disease. The leading one is weekly church attendance,
A Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance "Survey of the Values of the Am

Today's Healthy Heart Tip: For a Healthier Heart - Get a Pet!

Provena Health — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Studies show that pet owners have lower rates of heart disease than non-pet owners. And not only do pets help to lower your risk of heart disease, they help patients recover from heart failure. A small study in the US showed that visits from therapeutic dogs lowered anxiety, stress and heart and lung pressure among heart failure patients.

Decades of research show that pets help to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without pets. Male pet owners benefit more than female pet owners and that may be because of the connection that having a pet creates because it's often not as easy for a man to emotionally connect with others as it is for a woman, and owning a pet ca

Today's Healthy Heart Tip: Warm up with Green Tea. It may help your Heart.

Provena Health — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

On a cold, February day, nothing beats snuggling up with a cup of hot tea - and some say if it's green tea it could help your heart. It's still up for debate but some researchers believe that drinking green tea improves the health of the cells lining the blood vessels and helps lower one's risk of heart disease.

Researchers have found that people who drink green tea have better blood vessel function just 30 minutes later. Specifically, green tea improves the function of endothelial cells. Endothelial cell dysfunction plays a significant role in the development of clogged arteries or atherosclerosis.

The study suggests that powerful antioxidants in green tea called flavonoids may protect the heart. The study's authors say their results are the first to show that green tea offers a short-term improvement in artery. Plus green tea is delicious and is available in regular and decaf. Ask your doctor.

February 17 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Eat your Broccoli!

Provena Health — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

We’ve all been told to eat our broccoli – but now there is a proven reason why it's a good idea and good for your heart.

Researchers have found evidence that a chemical in broccoli and other green leafy vegetables may boost our bodies’ natural defense that protects arteries from clogging - the cause of heart attacks.

In a study, the researchers found that sulforaphane - a compound occurring naturally in broccoli - could 'turn on' a protective protein which is inactive in parts of the arteries vulnerable to clogging. This study provides a possible explanation for how green vegetable consumption can promote a healthy heart. Plus all that fiber is a bonus, too.

So eat up! Not your favorite veg? Have you tried roasting your broccoli? Clinicians at the Provena Mercy Medical Center suggest roasting broccoli with olive oil to bring out broccoli’s natural nutty flavor – plu

February 16 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Give a Hug

Provena Health — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

We all know a nice, tight hug feels so good, but what's the connection between hugs and heart health? Turns out hugs are really good for your heart!

Studies show that human contact through hugs decreases blood pressure and reduces stress, which cuts the risk of heart disease.

According to Provena Mercy Medical Center Behavioral Health Services, hugs have also been shown to improve mood, increase nerve activity, and have many other beneficial effects. Positive physical touch has an immediate anti-stress effect, slowing breathing and heart rate.

Here's the science to the benefit of hugging. Each time we hug, we increase the level of oxytocin in the blood. This hormone triggers a "caring" or "bonding" response in both men and women.

It's the same response achieved through breastfeeding. Sources suggest that everyone should try to get or give at least four hugs a day for good overall health, eight hugs a day for emotional strength, and 12 hugs a day to really feel confident and empowered.

Why not giv

February 15 - Today's Heart Month Tip - Eat Some Fat! Really? Yes!

Provena Health — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Easy ladies -- put the cupcake down. We are not talking the cupcake frosting kind of fat.

It's the "good fats" that can benefit your heart and overall health. According to clinicians who provide Cardiac Services at Provena Mercy Medical Center, there are two classes of "good for you" fats: polyunsaturated fats, which include essential fatty acids, which, our bodies need but can't make, and monounsaturated fats.

Remember a fat gram is nine calories whatever its source, so you can't enjoy unlimited quantities of heart-healthy fats. Too much fat will lead to weight gain and put you at risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. Keep your intake of fat limited to 30 percent of calories, with no more than 10 percent of total calories coming from saturated fat ...yup -- the frosting on that cupcake!

Here are some good choices of unsaturated fats:

Avocados (yummy guacamole!)
Some oils: Soybean oil, Corn oil, Flax seed oil Olive oil, Sunflower oil, Safflower oil, Canola oil
Flax seeds (try mixing them in

February 14 - Today's Heart Month Tip - Know Your Carbs

Provena Health — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Carbohydrate intake should be 55-60 percent of calories according to the American Heart Association.

It's better to eat more complex carbohydrates--vegetables, fruits and grains--than simple carbohydrates found in sugars. Complex carbohydrates add more fiber, vitamins and minerals to the diet than foods high in refined sugars. Foods high in complex carbohydrates are usually low in calories, saturated fat and cholesterol.

Unfortunately, many Americans aren't reaping the benefits of complex carbohydrates. The Food Guide Pyramid recommends six to 11 daily servings of grains such as bread, cereal, rice, and pasta--foods that are among the richest sources of complex carbohydrates.

Yet, we average only four to five daily servings, at best a full serving short of even the minimum number recommended.

All carbohydrates are not equal. Their primary function is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system. Complex carbohydrates (starches) are those found in such foods as whole grain breads, pasta, cereal, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates (sugars) are those

February 13 - Today's Heart Month Tip - Fad Diets

Provena Health — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

If you're considering a new weight-loss plan and nutrition plan, evaluate it by the following statements to see how the program holds up. If one or more of these apply, raise a red flag.

Claims that sound too good to be true
Promises of a quick fix
A complex study results in simplified solutions
Recommendations based on a single study
Dramatic statements that are refuted by reputable scientific organizations
Lists of "good" and "bad" foods
Opinions based on studies published without peer review
Studies that ignore differences among individuals or groups

Some Popular Diets

Body-for-Life (Bill Phillips)
Phillips emphasizes portions, not calorie counts. This is a 12-week fitness plan in which you eat a high-protein diet and exercise regularly. You eat six meals a day, consisting of one portion of protein and one portion of carbohydrates with some vegetables thrown in at prescribe

February 12 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Get Screened

Provena Health — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

You may have heart disease and not even know it. Your first symptom could be a heart attack or stroke.

That's why Provena Mercy Medical Center offers Heart Scan & Score, a series of screenings that incluces a fast and easy high-speed heart (CT) scan that can determine the extent of calcified plaque in your coronary arteries in about 30 seconds.

You'll also get a complete heart health assessment and one-on-one discussion with a Provena Mercy Cardiac nurse that includes:

Cholesterol analysis
Blood pressure
Body fat composition
Height and weight measurement

After the screenings, you'll be invited back for a followup visit to discuss your results in detail with one of our cardiac nurses who will answer any questions you might have, help you set goals for better health, and offer ways to achieve those goals. It's non-invasive and painless.

Learn more details.

February 11 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Could Meditation Make Your Heart...

Provena Health — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Look into meditation as a way to make your heart healthier!

Heart disease patients who practice meditation have reduced death rates, US researchers have said.

Researchers randomly assigned 201 Americans to meditate or to make lifestyle changes. After nine years, the meditation group had a 47% reduction in deaths, heart attacks and strokes.

The American men and women had an average age of 59 years and a narrowing of the arteries in their hearts. The meditation group were asked to practice for 20 minutes twice a day. Ask your doctor if meditation may help you! If you get the go-ahead, here are some helpful tips for beginners.

Pick a quiet spot
Once it warms up, choose a spot outdoor under a tree or just in the outdoor shade to get you closer to the rhythm of nature. When it's cold, choose a quiet place at home where you will not be disturbed by anyone or anything at that time.

February 10 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Drink Milk

Provena Health — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

For a healthier heart - chug the milk -- but make it low fat!

A study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that, among people who didn’t eat a lot of saturated fat, those who consumed more than three daily servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese had systolic blood pressure (the top number) almost four points lower than those who ate only half a serving daily.

Researchers say that low-fat dairy is the smart choice, because it contains less saturated fat.

The Provena Provena Mercy Center for Diabetic Wellness can help you make wise choices like these. Call them for more information or to set up an appointment.

February 9 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Rest well

Provena Health — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

It's a proven fact. Sleep is good for your heart and here is why...

We all know that getting enough sleep is good for our mood, cognitive ability and over all health. With enough sleep the body just heals and feels better. But did you know that hours spent sleeping actually protects against calcium deposits in the coronary arteries -- the deposits that cause heart attacks!

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a relationship between sleep quantity (hours spent asleep) and calcium build up -- or calcification -- in the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood.

For each additional hour of sleep, the risk of calcification of the coronary arteries decreased by 33 percent -- an outcome equal to reducing blood pressure by 16 points!

Bottom line: for the health of your heart try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep may require some beha

February 8 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Plan Your Menu

Provena Health — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Each of the basic food groups supplies a different combination of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Remember, variety is the key to good nutrition. Below are the basic food groups and recommended servings.

Lean meat - skinless poultry and fish No more than 6 oz. (cooked) per day; fish twice a week
Vegetables and fruits- 5 or more per day
Fat-free milk and low-fat dairy products - 2-4 per day (depends on age)
Breads, cereals, pasta and starchy vegetables - 6 or more per day
Fats, oils, nuts and sweets - Use sparingly

Good menu planning is based on balancing the foods you eat. When choosing foods, consider how many calories are in each serving. You should also learn about the amount of saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol and sodium these foods may add to your daily menu. Choose foods low in saturated fat, trans-fat, cholesterol and sodium. Read labels and ingredient lists to find out what a product contains. Another good thing to consider is how often and when you eat each day.

A recent study published in The British Medical Journal found th

February 7 - Heart Month Tip of the Day - Alcohol: Moderation is Key

Provena Health — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Dozens of studies show that moderate alcohol consumption lowers the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by roughly 30 percent to 50 percent. This result seems to hold up even when you consider other factors that may play a role, such as age and tobacco use. Apparently alcohol offers its greatest protection to men older than age 50, especially those who smoke or did smoke.

Moderate alcohol consumption would be an average of one to two of the following per day for men and one per day for women:

12 oz. Beer
4 oz. of wine
1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits
1 oz. of 100-proof spirits

In some studies alcohol was shown to:

Lower your risk of Ischemic Stroke. About 80 percent of strokes are Ischemic, caused by a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits or plaques in your arteries. (Aspirin may help reduce blood clotting in a similar way.)
Reduce blockages in your leg arteries. Obstructions in your leg arteries can cause Claudication, a symptom of Peripheral Vascular Disease. You may experience cramping, aching, numbness, fatigue or heav

February 5 - Today's Heart Month Tip - Get More Fiber in Your Diet

Provena Health — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Fiber is a type of complex carbohydrate your body can't digest or absorb, so it passes through your digestive tract without adding calories or nutrients to your diet. Eating enough fiber pays big benefits by keeping your system regular and helping protect against heart disease and some cancers. The National Cancer Institute recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day, but most people average only about 11 grams. Fiber is plentiful in whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.

There are two types of fiber soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fiber: may help lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of heart attack.

Insoluble fiber: although not yet proven, insoluble fiber may reduce your risk of heart disease. In addition, it holds onto water, which helps prevent constipation and subsequently reduces your risk of hemorrhoids and Diverticulosis.

Foods high in soluble fiber: Oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries and apple pulp.

Foods high in insoluble fiber: Whol

February 4 - Today's Heart Month Tip -Healthy Cooking Techniques

Provena Health — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

When cutting back on sodium, fat, and cholesterol, how you cook is just as important as what you cook. Armed with nothing more than a quality non-stick cooking pan, you can learn to prepare foods with little or no oil for a healthier way of cooking.

People with heart failure and their families don't have to give up taste or the foods they love. Often minor changes in how favorite foods and recipes are prepared can make a big difference. The cooking techniques described below demonstrate how you can best capture the flavor and nutrients from your food without adding excessive amounts of fat or salt.

A few tips to keep in mind:

Use nonstick cookware, which eliminates the need for oil or butter.
Use oil sparingly. Choose olive, peanut and canola oils, which are lowest in saturated fat. Use vegetable cooking sprays, wine or vinegar instead of oil or butter.
Trim all visible fat from meat before cooking and drain off all fat drippings after cooking. Remove fat from soups, stews, sauces and gravie