Video Recap: Day of Dance 2012

Feb. 12, 2012: Franciscan Alliance's first Day of Dance event, as part of our new Spirit of Women campaign. More than 700 attendees of all ages took part in a myriad events, including dance instruction and performances, health screenings, cooking demonstrations and a vendors bazaar - all meant to stress health during February, which is American Heart Month.

Enjoy!

Open House - Chesterton Health & Emergency Center

Join us as we celebrate an innovation in emergency care!

Open House for the new Chesterton Health & Emergency Center
Sunday, March 11, 2012
1 - 5 p.m.

Come and tour the facility - designed for an exceptional patient experience and dedicated to meeting the round-the-clock health needs of your vibrant community:

• Open 24/7
• Shorter wait times
• Expedited services
• Convenient access
• Outpatient diagnostics
• Physician offices

Also, meet Chicago Hall of Famer Dan Hampton from 1 - 4 p.m.! Health screenings, refreshments, raffles and giveaways available.

The new Chesterton Health & Emergency Center is located just east of State Route 49 on Indian Boundary Road in Chesterton.

Next Mallwalkers Event - Body Vive - Feb. 22

Join us Wednesday, February 22, for the FranciscanFit monthly Mallwalkers program at the Westfield Southlake Mall (JC Penney Court), 2109 Southlake Mall, Merrillville.

Topic: Body Vive

Blood Pressure Screenings will be available from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

From 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., instructors from Omni Health & Fitness present "Body Vive" - a low-impact, whole body cardio workout. All ages are welcome.

For more information, contact the Franciscan Alliance Health Resource Center at (800) 931-3322.

Franciscan Focus for iPhone, iPad and Android Users - Download Today!

Last week we announced the launch of our Franciscan Focus magazine app for the iPhone and iPad.

Now we are pleased to offer a free app for Android users!

Click on the links below to get Franciscan Focus "on the go" - mobile access to news and features about the best and latest services offered at the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana hospitals.

Heart Month Blood Drive on February 24

In celebration of Heart Month, what better gift to give than one that saves lives!

Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Michigan City and the American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive on Friday, February 24, in the hospital's St. Francis Hall, 301 W. Homer Street, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Most everyone at some point in their lives will meet someone who has received blood products. In the United States, nearly 30 million blood products are transfused to 5 million patients a year. Patients need blood for treatment of cancer and other serious diseases, for organ transplants, and for emergency care related to accidents and trauma. So come out and help save lives by donating blood.

Eligibility Information

• Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
• Donors may give whole blood up to six times per year or every 56 days, double red cells every 112 days or up to three times per year, and platelets every seven days or up to 24 times a year.
• Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Please call (219) 877-1421 or (800) RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your blood donation appointment.

"Spirit of Women" Shines at Day of Dance Program

Franciscan Alliance's first Day of Dance program, as part of its new Spirit of Women campaign, kicked off with a bang at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza on Feb. 12, with more than 700 attendees of all ages taking part in myriad events, including dance, health screenings, including for blood pressure, blood glucose, body fat analysis, bone density, breast exam self-education, heart attack prevention, and foot, stroke and peripheral arterial disease testing.

Also offered were a chef's corner, vendors bazaar and other offerings meant to stress health during February, which is American Heart Month.

Among special guests were Maurice Basile, 90, and wife Helen Funk, 101, of Munster, who shared a special fox trot dance to a song done by Jimmy Durante. The couple have been married 14 years and "just love to dance." They also participate in programs offered in Hammond and in Highland. Both are cancer survivors who believe in living life to the fullest by staying active. They also have taken seven vacation cruises.

For more photos of the event, visit facebook.com/FranciscanNWI.

To become a Spirit of Women member and to register for monthly programs, call (800) 931-3322, or visit FranciscanAlliance.org/SpiritofWomen.

Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Northwest Indiana include, Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City, Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point, Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

Supporting Daffodil Days of LaPorte County

Daffodil Days is one of the American Cancer Society's oldest and most unique campaigns. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness through the “HOPE” delivered by flowers. Daffodil Days is a great way to support the American Cancer Society and bring a "touch of spring" to your workplace.

Daffodil Days of La Porte County

• Order Deadline is March 8, 2012
• Flowers Arrive Wednesday, March 21

Daffodil Bunch (10 flowers): $10
Bunch and vase: $15

For more information, contact:

Debbie Swanson MSN,RN,OCN
Oncology Liaison/Navigator
Call (219) 861-8892 or e-mail: Debra.Swanson@franciscanalliance.org