HealthRegaRding

Health Information from Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers | Spring 2012

Banish Breast Cancer Myths

Is Wintry Weather

GettinG you

down?

Quick TreaTmenT Saves Heart Attack

Patient

www.LCMH.org

�e Technology to Heal, the Mission to Care

Little company of mary earns recognition

See page 8

www.lcmh.org | Physician Match: 708-423-3070

SiSter Kathleen Mcintyre, l.C.M.Chairperson of the Board

DenniS reillyPresident/CeO

2

Those sad feelings you get during fall and winter could be signs of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

SAD is a form of depression that is triggered by the change in seasons. About 4 to 6 percent of people in the U.S. suffer from the condition, and people who live in places with long winter nights are more affected.

“Not having enough sunlight can bring on the sad mood,” says Nimisha Patel, M.D., a psychiatrist at Little Company of Mary. “It has the same symptoms of depression, including tiredness during the day, change in appetite and sleep, wanting isolation and being generally unhappy. In some cases, patients can even have suicidal thoughts.”

Some people get SAD during spring or summer instead, though this is extremely uncommon.

The specific causes of SAD are unknown, but Dr. Patel says women are affected more than men. It can occur at any point in adulthood, and treatment options are similar to those offered for depression. One common treatment option is light therapy.

“With light therapy, the patient uses a light box for 30 minutes in the morning, which mimics the outdoor light,” explains Dr. Patel. “I also recommend that patients exercise daily to help ease the symptoms.”

If you believe you suffer from symptoms of SAD or depression, contact your physician for evaluation and treatment. Other treatment options may include antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Dark Days of Winter Can Trigger SAD FeelingsIs wintry weather getting you down?

Is It DePressIoN?Could your symptoms signal depression? This FREE brochure can help you better understand depression. Email physicianmatch@lcmh.org or call 708-423-3070 to request your copy today. Supplies are limited.

Campus transformation

Update

The Campus Transformation Project at Little Company of Mary is moving forward — and moving indoors. This winter, bricks, windows and other finishing touches were added to the exterior of the new West Pavilion. With that phase of construction complete, the focus shifted to the building’s interior.

installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will continue through this spring. Construction on the 96 private patient rooms — all with private baths — will be well under way. Over the summer, wall coverings and flooring will be laid down. Then, after a fresh coat of paint and move-in of furniture and medical equipment, the West Pavilion will be ready to welcome its first patients in fall 2012.

The eight-story West Pavilion will be home to the Women’s Center for Life and Health, a comprehensive, one-stop shop for women’s outpatient care. The building will also feature a new gift shop, cafeteria, pharmacy, lab services and four floors of private patient rooms.

get a sneak peek of the new space at the Community Open House on Sunday, October 14. Stay tuned for more details in the next issue.

nimisha Patel, M.d.708-424-5100

Dr. Patel received her medical degree from Ross University in the West Indies and completed

her residency in psychiatry at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

The information in this guide has been accumulated from current medical literature and is generally accepted by the medical community at this time. However, this information is not meant as a substitute for personal medical advice. If you have worrisome symptoms or conditions, contact a physician immediately.

71375©2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 The StayWell Company.www.krames.com 800-333-3032 All rights reserved. Made in the USA. 1005

For More InformationThe following organizations can provide more

information on depression and suggest support groups

and providers in your area.

American Psychiatric Association

www.healthyminds.org

American Psychological Association

www.apahelpcenter.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

www.dbsalliance.org

Mental Health America

800-969-6642

www.nmha.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness

800-950-6264

www.nami.org

National Institute of Mental Health

866-615-6464

www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Points to Remember

• Therapy alone (without medication) is

usually not recommended for people

with severe depression or for people

with bipolar disorder.

• Although therapy may begin to work

right away, it often takes 8 to 10 weeks

to show full effect.

• If you do not feel any better after 6 weeks

or if you are not completely well after

12 weeks, talk to your therapist about

other treatments.

• Therapy for depression is usually short-

term (8 to 20 visits). Long-term therapy

won’t prevent a recurrence, but it may

help delay one.

Your Treatment Options

TherapyYour provider may refer you to a mental health

specialist for therapy. This form of treatment can

help you identify and manage the factors that affect

your depression.

Common Types of Therapy

Although there are over 200 kinds of therapy, the

three discussed below have proven especially helpful

in the treatment of depression.

Type of Therapy What It Does

Behavioral therapy Helps change negative

styles of behavior

Cognitive therapy Helps change negative

styles of thinking

Interpersonal therapy Works to improve

unhealthy relationships

MedicationYour provider may prescribe medication (an anti-

depressant) to help correct the chemical imbalance

in your brain and improve your symptoms. This

can include one type of medication or a combination

of medications.

Types of Medications

There are many medications for depression. Each

works a little differently. The type of medication

your doctor prescribes will depend on your symptoms

and your personal and family histories of depression.

Keep in mind that you may have to try more than

one drug to find one that’s right for you.

Questions to Ask Your Provider or Pharmacist

• When and how often should I take the medication?

• What are the side effects?

• Are there any foods I should not eat while taking

the medication?

• Can I have beer, wine, or other alcoholic drinks?

• Can I take the medication along with the other

medications I am taking?

• What do I do

if I forget to

take the

medication?

• How much

does the

medication

cost?

• How long

will I need

to take the

medication?

• How will I know if the medication is working?

A Note About Medication Side Effects

You may experience some medication side effects

during the first weeks of treatment. Side effects

usually improve over time. A small number of people

need to stop taking medication due to side effects.

Call your provider if you think your

medication is causing:

• Pain, chills, rash, fever, or blurred vision.

• Side effects that are especially severe or troublesome.

Combining Medication and TherapyCombined treatment includes both therapy and

medication. It is often used to treat people who have

longer-lasting depression or symptoms between

episodes. But it can be used to help anyone with

depression. So talk to your provider about whether

combination therapy is right for you.

A Note for Family MembersDo think about joining a support group for family

members.

Don’t exclude your loved one from family matters or

discussions.

Do learn as much as you can about the illness.

Don’t pressure the depressed person to recover. Let the

person recover at his or her own pace.

Do help your loved one follow his or her treatment plan.

Don’t expect the depressed person to “snap out of it.”

Do try to find ways to cope with your loved one’s

negative outlook.

Don’t forget that depression can affect how a person

acts. Try not to take it personally.

Do look into the possibility of family therapy or

counseling.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself and other family

members.

Do ask the depressed person to join you in activities

he or she used to enjoy. But don’t expect too much

too soon.

Don’t ignore comments about suicide. Seek

professional advice right away.

What About Children?

Talking to children about a parent’s depression may

help them understand and cope. What and how much

you say will depend on the child’s age and maturity

level. Make sure the child knows that the parent’s

illness is not the child’s fault. Think about allowing

the child to join family therapy sessions.

Points to Remember

• Antidepressants are not habit forming.

• Don’t stop taking the medication without

talking to your provider even if you start

to feel fine.

• Never make changes in your medication

without talking to your provider first.

• If your medication is working, you should

begin to feel better after about six weeks.

• Medication treatment usually continues

for about 4 to 9 months after symptoms

have improved. This helps prevent a

return of the depressive episode.

• To prevent a recurrence, your provider

may suggest long-term medication

treatment.

✆

The Road to •

Feeling Better

Helping Yourself•

Your Treatment •

Options

A Note for •

Family Members

DepressionUnderstanding

SAMPLE

SAMPLE

Regarding Health | Spring 2012 3

Here’s a hard truth about breast cancer: About one in eight women will develop the disease in her

lifetime. But breast cancer myths also abound. Do you believe any of them?

MyTh #1: IF you FInd a luMp, IT’S pRobably CanCER.A lump or a thick spot in your breast or near your armpit is one possible sign of cancer,

Four Myths — Plus the Facts — About Breast Cancer

but most breast lumps are not cancerous.“See your doctor if you have a lump or

another change to your breast — including discharge from your nipples, variations in size or shape or red scaly skin — that doesn’t go away,” recommends Nancy taft, M.D., a fellowship-trained breast surgeon at Little Company of Mary. “Even then, don’t panic. These signs don't necessarily mean you have cancer.”

nancy Taft, M.d.708-229-4050Dr. Taft graduated from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in general surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She also completed a fellowship in breast surgical oncology at Northwestern University.

Are You At rIsk?Find out by taking our free risk test. Visit www.lCMCancerCare.org and click on “breast Cancer” to get started.

MyTh #2: MoST woMEn who gET bREaST CanCER haVE a FaMIly hISToRy oF IT.Yes, having a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer is a risk factor for breast cancer. Only about 20 percent of women with breast cancer have a close relative with the condition.

“You can’t change your genes, so if you’re concerned about cancer, focus on risk factors you can control,” says Dr. Taft. “These include being overweight, using hormone therapy and drinking alcohol.”

MyTh #3: ExERCISE pREVEnTS hEaRT dISEaSE, noT CanCER.Studies show working out reduces breast cancer risk — no matter how late in life you start. The American Cancer Society recommends you sweat for 45 to 60 minutes at least five days per week, but any exercise is beneficial.

MyTh #4: bREaST CanCER RaTES aRE on ThE RISE.After increasing for decades, breast cancer rates have begun declining — about 2 percent per year.

“Women are also increasingly likely to survive breast cancer,” Dr. Taft says. “Earlier and consistent screening, advancement in treatment options and increased awareness all play an integral role in survival for women.”

WALk for suPPort don’t miss your chance to walk in the 13th annual beverly breast Cancer walk on Mother’s day, Sunday, May 13. Join nearly 10,000 other walkers and celebrate the lives of those you love who have survived breast cancer — and those who have not. To learn more, visit www.BeverlyBreastCancerWalk.org.

www.lcmh.org | Physician Match: 708-423-30704

Mention the phrase “door-to-balloon time,” and you’re likely to get a few blank stares. But not from 67-year-old Judith O’Sullivan of Orland Park. O’Sullivan not only understands what the phrase means, she knows that it saved her

life at Little Company of Mary earlier this year.On a typical day working at the local grocery store, O’Sullivan started feeling dizzy

and hot. “It could have been because it was hot that day,” she recalls.Unfortunately, that wasn’t it at all. O’Sullivan was having a heart attack. When she

tried to sit down on a nearby milk crate, she collapsed. A quick-thinking customer started performing CPR immediately.

(From left to right) Cath lab technician Beth Rosales, R.T.; daniel Rowan, d.O.; Judith O’Sullivan;

cath lab technician Pete Wognum, R.T.; Judith’s husband, Joseph O’Sullivan;

cardiologist Chadi nouneh, M.d.; cath lab nurse Carol Kemph, R.n.;

ann Miller, d.n.P., a.P.n./C.C.n.S., critical care clinical nurse specialist.

Quick SaveS

[ Door-to-Balloon time Makes a Difference ]

5Regarding Health | Winter 2012

When she arrived in the Emergency Department at Little Company of Mary, O’Sullivan’s heart rate was just 20 beats per minute and her blood pressure was dangerously low.

“She was in critical condition,” says Daniel rowan, D.o., medical director of the Hospital’s interventional cardiology department and the cardiac catheterization lab.

Once she entered the Hospital’s emergency department, the clock started ticking on door-to-balloon time, a term coined by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to describe the time it takes for a hospital to recognize and treat a heart attack patient with balloon angioplasty, stents or both after he or she arrives at the hospital.

The ACC recommends 90 minutes or less. For patients at Little Company of Mary, door-to-balloon time is well below that: 70 minutes or less, on average.

Within moments, O’Sullivan was receiving lifesaving treatment. An electrocardiogram confirmed she was having a heart attack and needed fast treatment in the cardiac catheterization lab.

“When I first arrived there, they told me her heart was in very poor shape,” O’Sullivan’s husband Joseph recalls. “I was thinking the worst but hoping for the best. Five minutes later, I was talking to Dr. Rowan. The entire team was very responsive.”

Within minutes, the busy mother of three adult children and grandmother of two was rushed to the catheterization lab where Dr. Rowan inserted three stents to keep her blocked artery open and put in an intra-aortic balloon pump to lessen the load on her weakened heart. She also received a temporary pacemaker to maintain a normal heart rhythm and special medication to keep her blood pressure at a healthy level.

“Her right coronary artery was 100 percent blocked,” Dr. Rowan adds. “Initially, her heart appeared to be very damaged from the heart attack, but it has made an almost complete recovery. Her recovery is a testament to our team approach. The catheterization staff, along with the emergency department, did an outstanding job.”

O’Sullivan remained hospitalized at Little Company of Mary for 15 days, but was able to return to work on October 1. Additionally, she has given up her pack-a-day smoking habit since her heart attack.

“The last time I was at Little Company of Mary was when I had my children,” she adds. “I’m so grateful to be alive.”

daniel a. Rowan, d.O.708-425-7272Dr. Rowan is a board certified interventional cardiologist. He received his medical degree from Midwestern University and completed his residency in internal medicine at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center. He is fellowship-trained in cardiovascular disease, critical care medicine and interventional cardiology at Rush University.

Get A WAke-uP CALL toDAYour wake-up Call Screening is a comprehensive screening that includes an ultrasound of carotid and abdominal aortic arteries, peripheral vascular screening, osteoporosis screening, heart rhythm screening and more. Call 708-423-5774 or turn to page 7 for details.

From the beginning, Little

Company of Mary has worked hard

to maintain its impressive door-

to-balloon time. “Time is [heart]

muscle,” dr. Rowan explains. “The

quicker we can open up a blocked

artery, the better the chance we

have of saving the patient.”

in fact, in mid-September, The

Joint Commission — the national

organization that accredits and

certifies more than 19,000 health

care organizations and facilities

in the U.S. — recognized Little

Company of Mary for its superior

work in meeting key quality

measures, one of which is

heart attack treatment. Little

Company of Mary has achieved

100 percent compliance with a

door-to-balloon time under 90

minutes for two straight years.

“Maintaining our outstanding

door-to-balloon times requires

expeditious movement of the

patient from the emergency

department to the catheterization

lab,” says ann Miller, D.n.P., a.P.n./

C.C.n.S., critical care clinical nurse

specialist. “We stay focused on our

care and target turnaround times.”

5

Children’s ProgramsRed Cross babysittingRed Cross-certified class for youths 11 to 14 to learn safe babysitting skills.LC June 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $55 (includes handbook)

Diabetesdiabetes Support groupBrings those who have diabetes together for support and guidance. Call 708-229-5629.LC May 30, July 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; free

diabetes Tool KitThis informal group program is conducted by diabetes educators Debbie Murray, R.N., C.D.E, and Kristen Bulkley, R.D., L.D.N., C.D.E. CR April 4, May 2, June 6, 9 to 10 a.m.; free

nutrition, Fitness and Weight lossbariatric weight-loss SurgeryThis program is for people who have undergone bariatric weight-loss surgery or laparoscopic gastric banding. Call 708-229-5969 for information.first tuesday of the month; free• 6 p.m. for Lap-Band patients• 7 p.m. for gastric bypass and

sleeve gastrectomy patientsMary Potter Pavilion, 2850 West 95th street

Shape your Future for womenA great opportunity for permanent weight loss, conducted by a certified weight loss consultant. Call for dates of this eight-week program. LC 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; $125

outpatient nutrition CounselingCall 708-229-5429 for information or an appointment to meet with a Little Company of Mary registered dietitian.free

adult WellnessC.h.E.E.R. (Choices, humor, Enhancement, Education, Renewal)Focuses on ways people living with chronic illness can live healthier.LC 11 a.m. to noon; free• April 11: Bloom Where

You’re Planted, with Joan Murphy, r.N., Ph.D.

• May 9: sound of Music, with eileen McNichols, r.N., M.s.N.

• June 13: Journey to a Healthy You, with Jamie Witting, r.N., B.s.N.

health academyReservations required. LC 11:15 a.m. to noon; free• April 9: Back to Basics, with

William earman, D.o.• May 14: skin Cancer, with Gabriel

Mooney, M.D.• June 11: Gift of Hope, with Donna

ramusack, r.N.

healthy livingGather for a dose of wellness.CR 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; free• May 21: Nutrition Ignition, with

Lisa Micetich, r.D.

hypnosis with hypnotherapist Rick adema, l.C.p.C.Includes a $15 CD for reinforcement. Call for dates and times.LC• for weight loss: $95, three sessions• for smoking cessation: $65,

one session

lite Cardio aerobicsPlease call for schedule and fees.CR LC tuesdays and thursdays, 8:30 a.m. LC tuesdays and thursdays, 4 p.m.

Massage or ReflexologyCR LC $35 per half hour/$60 per hour; tabletop tune-up $15 per 15 minutes

personal health CoachingTap into your inner strength to meet your health goals. CR LC $35 per session

Tai ChiAn ancient Chinese discipline for health, relaxation and meditation. Please call for schedule and fees for the seven-week program.LC

yogaCall for fees.LC Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

CancerCall 708-229-6015 for information on our free cancer programs.

breast Cancer network of StrengthLC first tuesday of the month, Meeting room I, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; free

guided ImageryLC third tuesday of the month, 7 to 8 p.m.; free

Integrative TherapiesYoga, Tai Chi, massage therapy, acupuncture and healing touch for cancer patients.LC free

Metastatic breast Cancer Support groupLC first tuesday of the month, Meeting room I, 6:30 to 7 p.m.; free

Mini-SpaFree massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and Reiki are offered to cancer patients undergoing treatment.LC free

picnic in the parkDuring this free program for cancer patients, a speaker presents a relevant topic. Lunch is served.LC Meets the first, second and fourth tuesday of the month; free

Self-hypnosisThis is a self-hypnosis program for people living with cancer. Facilitated by Rev. Scot Giles, D.Min., certified hypnotherapist. The program is limited to 25 participants.LC second saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon; free

us Too — prostate Cancer Support groupLC first thursday of the month, room I, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; free

watercolor Class, with Carole wilsonRegistration is required.LC Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m.; free

6

Classes & Programs

Spring 2012

MeN’s WeLLNess eveNtThis special program for men includes comprehensive labs; BMI; blood pressure; oximetry; colon cancer screening; blood testing to detect diabetes, gout, kidney and liver disorders; CBC and blood cholesterol levels; plus screenings for body fat, oximetry and blood pressure. Also included is a take-home colon cancer screening kit. Reservations are required by June 8. Space is limited. Continental breakfast will be served and there will be an “Ask the Doc” Q&A session with Michael McGrail, M.D. C95 June 16, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.; $60

totAL JoINt rePLACeMeNt serIesThe class is designed for patients scheduled for total hip or knee replacement surgery. The patient will receive information on the procedure, what to expect before and after surgery, the role of physical therapy, equipment needs and more. The class is led by a nurse and a physical therapist. Another family member or support person is welcome to attend. Please call 708-423-3070 to register. Free.LC • April 4, May 2, June 6,

5 to 7 p.m.• April 21, May 19,

June 16, 10 a.m. to noon

RegisteR by Phone oR Web☎reservations are required for all programs. Please call 708-423-5774 to register unless otherwise indicated. for fast and easy registration for many of these programs, go to www.LCMH.org. 8

Find Us onLine!

7

Code keyClasses are held at: LC Little Com pany of Mary Hospital CR Little Company of Mary’s Health education Center at Westfield Chicago ridge MallC95 Café 95 at Little Company of Mary

Pregnancy, Childbirth and early yearsTo register for these classes, visit myhealthmyjourney.com and click on “Family Birth Center” under "Services" or call 708-423-3070.

*To be eligible to attend these classes, you must be receiving your prenatal care from one of our staff obstetricians and be preregistered to deliver your baby at LCM.

birthing basics*This three-session program provides the basic education and skills needed to prepare for childbirth.LC $50• April 10, 17, 24, 7 to 9:30 p.m. • May 10, 17, 24, 7 to 9:30 p.m.• June 9, 16, 23, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cesarean Section Class*This class is part of Birthing Basics but is offered as an individual admission.LC $20• April 24, 7 to 9:30 p.m.• May 24, 7 to 9:30 p.m.• June 23, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

breastfeeding*This program provides new and expectant mothers with the practical information necessary to have a successful and rewarding breastfeeding experience. For private breastfeeding lessons, call 708-423-3070.LC $15• April 14, 1 to 3 p.m.• May 16, 7 to 9 p.m.• June 13, noon to 2 p.m.

happiest baby on the blockLearn strategies on how to soothe your crying baby, plus skills necessary for new baby care.LC $30• April 14, noon to 2 p.m.• May 1, 7 to 9 p.m.• June 9, 1 to 3 p.m.

having your baby at little Company of Mary ToursLearn about family-centered maternity services at Little Company of Mary.

www.facebook.com/LittleCompanyofMaryHospital www.twitter.com/littlecomary www.youtube.com/

littlecompanyofmary

LC free• April 21, 10 a.m. to noon• May 15, 7 to 9 p.m.• June 14, 7 to 9 p.m.

hypnobirthing®With HypnoBirthing, mothers learn how to use relaxation and self-hypnosis to eliminate the fear and tension that can cause long labor and pain. This is a five-session program. Call 773-620-3829 for more information and to register.LC saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $350

Infant/Child CpR LC May 30, 7 to 9 p.m.; $20 per person, $30 per couple

Infant MassageLearn massage techniques to soothe and calm your newborn.LC $15• April 7, noon to 2 p.m.• May 16, 10 a.m. to noon• June 18, 6 to 8 p.m.

Sibling preparation ClassThis fun program helps children ages 3 to 10 prepare for the arrival of a new brother or sister. LC April 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; $10 per child, $15 per family

Screeningsasthma ScreeningWith Susan Chua-Apolinario, M.D. CR May 7, 10 a.m. to noon; free

blood pressure watchLecture and screening. CR 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; free• April 18: family Matters, with

Joan Murphy, r.N., Ph.D.• May 16: Medication revelation,

with rita Magnuson, Pharm.D.• June 20: finding Your Balance,

with Joan Murphy, r.N., Ph.D.

body Composition analysisRegistration required.CR LC $27

Foot ScreeningConducted by Steven Gelsomino, M.D. Registration required. Call for dates and times.CR LC free

healthy heart Screening Includes CBC; chemistry levels, including liver enzymes and glucose; coronary risk profile; body fat testing; blood oxygen and more! By appointment.CR LC $55 ($600 value)

osteoporosis ScreeningA heel ultrasound screening can determine your risk. Registration required.LC $5

Skin Cancer ScreeningWith Gabriel Mooney, M.D. Call for dates and times.CR LC free

wake-up Call Screening This one-hour appointment could save your life! Includes CBC; chemistry; coronary risk profile; BMI; blood oxygen level; ultrasound of carotid and abdominal aortic arteries; and peripheral vascular screening and heart rhythm. By appointment.LC April 14, May 19, June 30, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $145 ($2,400 value)

your Cholesterol I.Q.Finger stick cholesterol screening. Registration required.CR LC Call for times; $5

Special ProgramsCongestive heart FailureLearn more about congestive heart failure in this special series featuring Andrew Perez, M.D.; Lisa Micetich, R.D.; and Rita Magnuson, Pharm.D.LC June 25, 10 a.m. to noon; free

Stress and anger ManagementTwo-session workshop designed to teach skills and manage life more effectively. Presented by Joan Murphy, R.N., Ph.D., and Eileen McNichols, R.N., M.S.N.LC April 16 and 17, 6 to 8 p.m.; $35

Total Control for womenPrivate one-to-one sessions with a certified Total Control instructor to strengthen the pelvic pyramid muscles and improve bladder control and urinary incontinence. Call for an appointment. CR LC $125 (includes handbook and materials)

WoMeN IN BALANCe: LIvING WeLL WItH fIBroMYALGIALearn the latest about this condition while maintaining quality of life. This free, community-sponsored event includes a light dinner. It will be held at the Oak Lawn Hilton and will feature Joyce Chen, M.D. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 708-424-9988 to register.April 5, 6 to 8 p.m.

ADuLt HeALtH fAIrComprehensive labs, BMI, blood pressure and colon cancer screening. Learn about services from Little Company of Mary for you and your family. Registration is required by April 13. Appointment times for admission will be given at time of registration.C95 April 21, 8 to 11 a.m.; $60

suPPort GrouPsFor information on regularly scheduled support groups at Little Company of Mary, please call 708-229-5841.

 REGARDING HEALTH Regarding Health is published by Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers. the information is intended to educate people about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. If you would like to be taken off our mailing list, or if you would like to add your name to our mailing list, please contact the Public relations and Marketing Department at 708-229-5043. © 2012 Printed in u.s.A.

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and Health Care Centers

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Postmaster: Please deliver between February 20 and 24.

little Company of Mary earns recognition from the Joint CommissionLittle Company of Mary has been named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in america.

it was recognized by The Joint Commission based on data reported about evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care and children’s asthma.

Just 405 U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals earned the distinction of top performer on key quality measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance this year.

To be recognized as a top performer on key quality measures, an organization must meet two 95 percent performance thresholds. Little Company of Mary was recognized for achieving these thresholds for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical treatment.

“We understand what matters most to our patients — safe, effective care,” says Dennis reilly, President and CeO of little Company of Mary. “That’s why we have made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. LCMH is proud to be named to the list of The Joint Commission’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures.”

The Joint Commission Annual Report Names

Little Company of Mary Hospital & Health Care Centers

as one of the Top Performing Hospitalson Key Quality Measures

Heart Attack Treatment

Heart Failure Treatment

PneumoniaTreatment

SurgicalTreatmentP P P P

Little Company of Mary is one of only 405 U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals earning the distinction of top performer on key quality measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in account-ability measure performance. Our commitment to positive patient outcomes using evidence-based care processes has helped us become a top performer. To learn more, visit www.qualitycheck.org.

Learn more about Little Company of Mary at lcmh.org and on our blog at lcmhealthnews.org

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