Provena St. Mary's Hospital News

Provena St. Mary's Introduces Advanced MR Technology

Provena Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST

As another example of its dedication to excellence in powerful healing, Provena St. Mary’s Hospital has added one of the most comprehensive MR (magnetic resonance) systems to its array of body imaging solutions – the GE Optima™ MR450w. This stellar technology provides high-quality and high-definition images, particularly for abdominal, vascular, musculoskeletal, and neuro exams.

“The world of magnetic resonance is always changing. Provena St. Mary’s Hospital is at the forefront of this progress with the advanced comprehensive body imaging capabilities of the Optima MR450w,” stated Tony Hardesty, director of imaging services at Provena St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankak

February Is American Heart Month. Provena St. Mary's Asks: Are You at Risk...

Provena Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

The heart is the human body’s hardest working organ. Throughout life, it continuously pumps blood enriched with oxygen and vital nutrients through a network of arteries to all tissues of the body. To perform this strenuous task, the heart muscle itself needs a plentiful supply of oxygen-rich blood.

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called heart disease, results from a complex process known as hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It occurs when fatty deposits (plaques) of cholesterol and other cellular waste products build up in the inner linings of the heart’s arteries.

Plaque narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, which can cause chest pain. Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture or break open and cause a blood clot to form. If the clot becomes large enough, it can block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the portion of heart muscle fed by the artery. Blocked blood flow to heart muscle causes a heart attack.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. That’s

Provena St. Mary's Now Offering Aquatic Therapy

Provena Health — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

After an illness, injury, or surgery, a person’s sensitivity to pain may be increased or the ability to bear weight on the injured area limited. Aquatic therapy is often prescribed to enhance, restore, maintain, and improve a patient’s functional abilities. Now, patients have access to this healing process with the new Aquatic Therapy program offered by the Rehabilitation Department of Provena St. Mary’s Hospital.

Aquatic or pool therapy refers to low-impact movement and weight-bearing activities that take place in a warm-water pool and are led by a licensed physical therapist (with a lifeguard present). This modality of treatment can be especially helpful to patients who are recovering from orthopedic surgeries or have chronic pain or other neurological conditions.

“Aquatic therapy is physical therapy in a swimming pool to help regain function from an injury or illness,” explains Kimberly A. Hall, PT,

Day of Dance for Health! Provena St. Mary's Community Program on Feb. 12

Provena Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

For the past six years, Provena St. Mary’s Hospital has been turning on the music and turning up the volume at its unique and movement-inspired “Day of Dance®”. This year is no exception.

The community is invited to dance, walk and move at “Day of Dance” on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, from Noon to 4 p.m. The festive and fun event includes screenings, educational presentations, health information, and entertainment. It will be held at the Northfield Square Mall. Women, men, families, and friends are encouraged to attend. There is no charge.

“At this enthusiastic event, you’ll see that even the smallest steps count and make a difference when it comes to improving and maintaining your health. You’ll learn simple ways to stay healthy, you’ll enjoy great music, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of free screenings,” Melissa Tanner, marketing and public re

Do You Hear What I Hear? Yes! Area's First Cochlear Implant Surgeries a Suc...

Provena Health — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

Reverend Robert Harwell

Connie Giguere

Lucille Siefert celebrated her 100^th Birthday on January 5, 2012. To help her celebrate, Dr. Meisenbach and his staff hosted a surprise celebration. During her career, Mrs. Siefert was a seamstress for Bon Marché, Lecours, Aldens, Samuel’s, and Cromwell Clothiers. Mrs. Siefert has three children Joanne, Kenneth & Mark.

Pictured left to right: Chris Mikkelson (staff member), Joanne Riberdy (Lucille’s daughter), Lucille Siefert, Dr. Joseph Meisenbach and Mandy McDivitt (staff member).

Provena St. Mary's Welcomes First Baby of 2012

Provena Health — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

Provena St. Mary’s Hospital welcomed the first baby of 2012 on Sunday, January 1st. Justin Matthew Bessette was born at 8:55 p.m. He weighed 6 lbs and was 19” long. Randy & Kelly Bessette are the proud parents and Jolee is the big sister.

Provena St. Mary’s Hospital provided a basket to the parents filled with the Total Parent Book developed and signed by Dr. Ron Kurzejka, stuffed animal, first aid kit and numerous other items. Congratulations!

They Get by with a Little Help from Their Friends � and Babies! Lamaze Clas...

Provena Health — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Timing! That’s the reason four couples – each expecting their first child – gave for choosing the Weekend Warrior Lamaze Class at Provena St. Mary’s Hospital last April rather than the traditional four-week class. All agreed that the intense two-day class was the best fit for their schedules.

When the class ended, however, they walked away with a lot more than knowledge about breathing techniques, labor and delivery, and car seats. The four couples formed a special friendship that they continue to nurture today with regular play dates for their babies, e-mail messages, Facebook photos, and texting.

“It was very touching how this Lamaze class brought these couples together and resulted in such a special friendship,” says Barb Wright, R.N., BSN, L.C.C.E., childbirth education coordinator at Provena St. Mary’s Hospital. “They told me that they don’t think they would have ever met if

Twas the Season for Giving!

Provena Health — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

In December, Provena St. Mary’s Wellness Center received a “Merry Fitness!” gift from an anonymous donor/member: a NordicTrack E6900 Competition Series™ Weight Bench with 45-, 35-, 10-, 5-, and 2.5-pound plates, a curl bar, and two dumbbell bars.

The idea occurred to the donor when he noticed that more of the center’s younger members were using the free weights. “My weight set was in my garage,” he explained, “and I could only use it part of the year (i.e., when it was warm outside). So, I figured everyone could benefit from having this newer equipment in the weight room at the fitness center.”

The multi-position weight bench is the caliber of Olympic training equipment. It features a walk-in squat station and a 6-roll leg developer to build stronger quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves; a roller preacher pad to target the biceps and

Cold & Flu Season is Upon Us!

Provena Health — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

If you experience flu-like symptoms, consult your doctor early on determine the best course of treatment. Provena Medical Group offers convenient locations with same or next day appointments. Some even offer online appointment requests.

Flu symptoms can include:

Fever (usually high)
Sore throat
Headache
Runny or stuffy nose

Provena St. Mary's Schedule of Birthing Center Classes and Tours

Provena Health — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

The Family Birthing Center of Provena St. Mary’s Hospital will host a variety of educational classes for parents-to-be and families. For registration and class locations, call (815) 935-BABY (2229) or go to www.provena.org/stmarys.

4-Week Lamaze Class
Sundays, January 15-February 5, 6:00—9:00 p.m., $50

Sibling Class
Helps children understand and prepare for the arrival of their new brother or sister.
Wednesday, January 11, 6:30—8:00 p.m., Conference Room C, $10 per family

With the recent completion of her training, Erin R. Dean, R.N., BSN, is now one of two Breast Nurse Navigators at Provena St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Ill. Her nursing experience encompasses specialties of care in obstetrics, rehabilitation, geriatrics, and medical/surgical.

Dean has a Masters of Science degree in nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. both from Olivet Nazarene University. In January 2012, she plans to begin courses to become a family nurse practitioner.

A breast nurse navigator provides support and education for women who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a teacher, a liaison with the patient’s physicians, and an advocate, among many other roles.

Provena Health — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

Michael Galbreath has become a “high-energy kind of guy” – again. Six years ago, he retired from a fast-paced career as the director of special education for Livingston County. His days were a non-stop 10 to 12 hours of spirit and energy that kept him on the move from the second he opened his office door until the second he closed it at the end of the day.

“I was a very mobile and enthusiastic educator,” the 61-year-old resident of Peotone says. “I was active in the schools … always moving.”

So, it was little wonder that when Dr. Galbreath retired, he was happy to have the time “to catch up” on the movies and books that he had always wanted to see and read. Those activities, however, translated to sitting in his favorite chair for hours on end, day after day.

“Without realizing it, I went from a high-ene

November Is American Diabetes Month®. Provena St. Mary's Urges "Raise Your ...

Provena Health — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

During American Diabetes Month®, Provena St. Mary’s Hospital has joined with the American Diabetes Association to encourage everyone to take action and raise their hands to “Stop Diabetes.”

“Diabetes is a serious disease. If it isn’t managed, it can damage many parts of the body and lead to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage,” says Alexis C. Harper, APN, BC-ADM, CDE, a board-certified advanced practice nurse and certified diabetes educator at the Provena St. Mary’s Hospital Endocrine and Diabetes Clinic in Bourbonnais.

“Everyone needs to know about diabetes and how they can prevent developing Type 2 diabetes or diabetes complications.”

In 1950, Mother St. Claire decided to form a “women’s board” at St. Mary’s Hospital. The organization would be responsible for bringing the story of St. Mary’s Hospital into the community.

That spring, she gathered 20 women for an informational meeting. The group readily embraced her vision of an organization of volunteers dedicated to community education and public relations. So much so that they almost immediately began planning its first “fund drive” to purchase equipment for the hospital’s OB unit.

Thus began St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary. Three months later, the group was already receiving a steady influx of inquiries from women wishing to join the organization. At the time of the group’s first “official” meeting, it had not only raised enough money – $1,503 – to purchase the new OB equipment, it had already arrived and was being used.

Provena St. Mary's Hospital Receives American College of Cardiology Foundat...

Provena Health — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena St. Mary’s Hospital has received the American College of Cardiology Foundation’s NCDR ACTION Registry–GWTG Silver Performance Achievement Award for 2011 – one of only 94 hospitals nationwide to do so. The award recognizes Provena St. Mary’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients, and signifies that Provena St. Mary’s Hospital has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

To receive the ACTION Registry–GWTG Silver Performance Achievement Award, Provena St. Mary’s Hospital consistently followed the treatment guidelines in ACTION Registry–GWTG for 4 consecutive quarters and met a performance standard of 85% for specific performance measures. Following these treatment guidelines improves adherence to ACC/AHA Clinical Guideline recommendations, monitors drug safety and the overall quality of care provided to ST-elevation myocardial infarc

OB/GYN Physician Joins Provena Medical Group

Provena Health — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST

Degaulle G. Haile, M.D., a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, will be joining Provena Medical Group beginning October 10, 2011. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Haile completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and medical school at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Haile is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of the Illinois State Medical Society. He is proficient in several languages, including Spanish.

Dr. Haile’s office is located in Suite 214 at 555 W. Court Street in Kankakee (MedCentre West).

To make an appointment, call (815) 937-8741. To learn more about the physicians of Provena Medical Group, go to www.provena.org/stmarys. Become a friend of Provena St. Mary’s Hospital at www.facebook.com/provenastmarys.

New Personal Trainer at Provena St. Mary's Wellness Center

Provena Health — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST

Ryan Senesac has joined Provena St. Mary’s Wellness Center as a personal trainer and fitness instructor. He has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in kinesiology and sport studies with a concentration in exercise science from Eastern Illinois University. Senesac is a 2005 graduate of Bishop McNamara High School. He resides in Bourbonnais.

The Provena St. Mary’s Wellness Center is located at 21 Heritage Drive in Bourbonnais and is open Monday through Saturday. To learn more about personal training or to schedule a session, call Provena St. Mary’s Wellness Center at (815) 936-3232.

Provena Health Again Recognized as a Top Technology Innovator

Provena Health — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST

The Provena Health Information Services team was recognized as a Top Innovator by InformationWeek 500 at a ceremony held on September 13, 2011. Pictured left to right are John Romeo, System Manager, Enterprise Network and John Lynch, Chief Information Officer.

For the second year in a row, Provena Health has been named to the InformationWeek 500, a prestigious annual listing of the nation’s most innovative users of business technology. The health system is recognized for its innovative work to design, build and efficiently migrate data system

Leadership Announced for New System to be Formed by Merger of Provena Healt...

Provena Health — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST

Resurrection Health Care President and CEO Sandra Bruce, FACHE, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the new organization which will be formed by the merger of Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care. Bruce’s appointment is effective immediately. Guy Wiebking, President and CEO of Provena Health, will become Chair of the new Catholic health system’s Board of Directors upon closing of the merger agreement, which is currently pending State approval.

The President/CEO and the Board of Directors were selected by Provena’s Member Body and Resurrection Health Care’s Sponsorship Board who represent the five sponsoring congregations.

In a joint statement, Sister Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF, Chair of Provena’s Member Body and Sister Patricia Ann Koschalke, CSFN, Chair of Resurrection’s Sponsorship Board commented: “With decades of accomplishment to her credit, Sandra has earned the respect and confidence of physicians, clinicians, staff and community. As we enthusiastically begin thi

Provena St. Mary's offers tips on ways to prevent A Pain in the Back(pack)

Provena Health — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:00:00 CST

Backpacks, like kids, come in all sizes and shapes. And, with their many different colors, patterns, and fabrics, they can help kids express their personal sense of style.

When used properly, backpacks are incredibly handy for toting books and papers from home to school and back again. However, when they are used incorrectly or are too heavy, backpacks can lead to strained muscles and joints, neck injuries, back pain, and bruises. In fact, by the time one out of every two teens reaches age 18, they will have already received medical care for neck and back injuries related to carrying overweight backpacks.*

Physical therapists recommend that kids carry no more than 10 to 15 percent of their total body weight in their backpacks. "For a child who weighs 80 pounds, the backpack shouldn't be more than eight to 12 pounds," advises Kimberly A. Hall, PT, DPT, director of rehabilitation services

Provena St. Mary's Hospital Facebook Contest Winner

Provena Health — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:00:00 CST

Marlene Heagle was the winner of Provena St. Mary's Hospital Facebook friend contest. Marlene was the lucky winner of a Garmin GPS. The Provena St. Mary's Facebook page informs friends about upcoming events, new services and healthy tips. For more information or to become a friend, visit www.facebook.com/provenastmarys.

Pictured left to right: Marlene Heagle; Melissa Tanner, Provena St. Mary's Marketing/PR Manager

"Spirit of Teens" Mentoring Program a Success at Provena

Provena Health — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena Volunteer Services launched "Spirit of Teens" - a mentoring program for high school and college students - in 2010. It provides internships and opportunities for young adults to assist in various departments throughout the hospital and Provena Life Connections, which includes Provena Adult Day Center, Provena Fortin Villa Learning Center, Provena Heritage Village, Provena Heritage Lodge, and Provena Our Lady of Victory. Story continues after video.

"Spirit of Teens is a wonderful way to develop leadership skills and to earn community service hours," explains Ronda Bond, director of Volunteer Services at Provena St. Mary's Hospital. "The c

Bringing Back the Sounds of Life - Provena St. Mary's Brings Middle Ear and...

Provena Health — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:00:00 CST

See a movie, participate in meetings, socialize with friends, play sports, listen to music. If hearing loss prevents you from missing even one of these everyday activities, a procedure that was recently introduced to the Kankakee area may help you tune in again: A hearing solution known as an osseointegrated titanium implant.

This implantable hearing solution lets you do the things you enjoyed with one major difference: You'll hear the sounds you once took for granted, didn't know you were missing, or thought you'd never hear again.

"Sound is our all-important connection to the world around us, helping us to participate in an active and social life. Implantable hearing solutions allow people who have severe to profound hearing loss experience the sounds they're missing and return to a stimulating quality of life," explains Francis L. Hobson, M.D., Provena Medical Group. Dr. Hobson is board certified in otolaryngology an