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Community Newsletter. Distribution of 65000 resdients of Tangipahoa and Livingston Parish.
16
If you have a friend or loved one in the hospital, chances are you’re going to want to visit. (continued on page 2) Volume 12 | Number 2 | Second Quarter 2010 | www.northoaks.org B e a Good Hospital Visitor “How to” 4 How to Protect Your Bones | 6 How to Talk to a Pharmacist | 8 50 Years of Caring for You 10 How to Remain Up-to-Date with Adult Vaccinations | 12 How to Prepare People with Special Needs for Hurricane Season
Transcript

If you have a

friend or loved one in the hospital, chances are you’re

going to want to visit.(continued on page 2)

Volume 12 | Number 2 | Second Quarter 2010 | www.northoaks.org

Be a Good Hospita l Visitor

“How to”

4 How to Protect Your Bones | 6 How to Talk to a Pharmacist | 8 50 Years of Caring for You 10 How to Remain Up-to-Date with Adult Vaccinations | 12 How to Prepare People with Special Needs for Hurricane Season

2 NorthOaksCommunityNewsletter|Vol.12|No.2|SecondQuarter2010

Sources: American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology,

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Before your visit, consider the following:Ask the patient’s permission to visit. Many patients love visits, but others may not have the energy to entertain guests. When you do visit, don’t overstay your welcome. Your loved one is there to heal. Your presence may distract him or her from this focus. Check in with the nursing station when you arrive. The patient’s condition may have changed in a short time, banning visitors. Ensure nothing has changed that requires special precautions for visitors. To keep up with the patient and inform out-of-town relatives, consider using free, personalized websites that connect family and friends during a serious health event (e.g., www.caringbridge.org, www.carepages.com).

The power to prevent the spread of germs is in your hands. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before entering and leaving the patient’s room. If you are visiting multiple patients, sanitize your hands before and after seeing each patient. At North Oaks, hand sanitizers are located near the patient’s door. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve, and do not sit on patient beds or handle their equipment.

Be a Good Hospita lVisitor

“How to”

Don’t come to the hospital to visit if you are sick. Patients already have weakened immune systems. Do not visit if you have had any symptoms within the last 3 days, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, uncontrolled cough or rash. If you’re not well, send your thoughts by phone, cards or friends.

Do not contribute to the clutter. Limit the patient’s personal items. Less clutter makes it easier to accomplish the critical job of cleaning hospital rooms. Keep patient items off the floor and away from waste containers.

ByNorthOaksPatientSafetyDirector

Sherry Collura, RN

Sanitize the bottom of your purse or bag, as well as your shoes. To keep your purse clean, use a hook to keep it off the floor. If you can, put it in a washing machine or turn it inside out and wipe off any excess debris. For both purses and shoes, use a sanitizer to wipe the exterior surfaces daily. Germs and bacteria can cling to your purse or shoes every time they make contact with the ground. You could bring these unwanted guests into your loved one’s hospital room or into your home.

Check first before you bring food, balloons or flowers. Ask what the patient is allowed to have before bringing gifts to the hospital. Many hospitals, including North Oaks, prohibit flowers in Intensive Care Units. Bringing food is risky because the patient may be on a special diet. Most solid color balloons are latex, and some people may be allergic to them. Consider bringing alternatives like a child’s artwork, family photos, a book, crossword puzzle, new pajamas or slippers. You also may consider sending a personalized E-card. These are delivered by a North Oaks volunteer or other staff member within 24 hours of receipt. Information on how to send an E-card is available at www.northoaks.org.

www.northoaks.org3

Leave children at home unless absolutely necessary. If you must bring children, do not let them play on the floor or bed. Have them wash their hands as they enter and leave the room.

Honor the hospital’s visitation hours and policies, especially on the Intensive Care Unit and in the Emergency Department. Remember that the hospital reserves the right to restrict visitation at a patient’s request or if visitor restriction is in the best interests of the patient.

Understand that hospital personnel will communicate directly with the patient when possible in accordance with privacy laws. You should leave the room if the patient’s health care provider arrives to examine or talk to the patient. The conversation is private, and unless you are a close relative or official advocate for the patient, you should not be part of it. Upon admission, the patient should designate a representative to receive information about his or her health. If the patient is unable to make decisions, hospital personnel will speak with the patient’s next-of-kin or the person who holds the patient’s health care power of attorney.

Avoid using your cell phone. Visitors should refrain from using cell phones except in lobby areas. If you are carrying your cell phone, please put it on silent so it doesn’t disturb resting patients.

Sil entMode

Patient bathrooms are just for patients. Visitors should use common bathrooms in the lobby or hallways.

ProtectYour Bones

4 NorthOaksCommunityNewsletter|Vol.12|No.2|SecondQuarter2010

Getting Your Daily Dose of D

“How To”

Many people are taking precautions to prevent skin cancer by staying out of the sun, covering up and using either sunscreen or sunblock to protect their

skin. But the sun’s rays also are used by the skin to produce Vitamin D, which is essential to developing and maintaining strong bones. An SPF (Sun Protection

Factor) of 8 can reduce the production of vitamin D by 95 percent.

But, here’s some good news: you can get Vitamin D from other sourcesand also make changes in your lifestyle to help protect your bones.

ByNorthOaksContributingWriter

Britni Serou

www.northoaks.org5

Here are five stepsto help you get yourDaily Dose of D:

People most likely at risk for notgetting enough vitamin D include:• those who spend little time in the sun • those with very dark skin • the elderly • those living in nursing homes or other institutions • those with certain medical conditions, such as

serious diseases of the nervous or digestive systems • those who are obese or very overweight.

1. Eat right: Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Some foods that have vitamin D include fatty fish (mackerel, salmon and tuna), egg yolks and liver. Vitamin D also is added to milk and to some brands of orange juice, soymilk and cereals.

2. Exercise: Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, such as walking, jogging, dancing, jumping rope, lifting weights or using elastic exercise bands. 3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

4. Talk to your health care provider: Learn all you can about bone health.

5. Get tested: Risk factors that may indicate the need for a bone density test include: a small and thin body frame, advanced age and female gender.

$80* Bone Density ScreeningIn honor of Mother’s Day and Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in May, Northshore Imaging Associates, LLC and North Oaks Diagnostic Center are offering osteoporosis screenings at a special$80* cash rate. See back cover for details.

Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation

Youat risk?

Are

6 NorthOaksCommunityNewsletter|Vol.12|No.2|SecondQuarter2010

Because they are required to stay up-to-date on medications and to take continuing education classes, today’s pharmacists can provide valuable information about the prescriptions they fill. Although they cannot diagnose medical conditions, pharmacists can answer many questions about medicines, recommend nonprescription drugs and discuss side effects.

ByNorthOaksPharmacyDepartmentClinicalCoordinatorJamie Covington(picturedaboveonleft)

W hen you are sick, you may see a physician or health care provider to get

back on your feet. But, consider including another medical

professional on your health care team.

PharmacistTalkto a“H

ow to

Sources: www.consumermedsafety.org, National Institute on Aging, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

www.northoaks.org7

Your pharmacist’s expertise goes far beyond dispensing prescriptions. Remember, he or she is an important resource when it comes to making sure you’re on the right track to

feeling better. For more information on medication, contact your health care provider and pharmacist or visit the Food and Drug Administration website at www.fda.gov.

Inform your pharmacist about all medications you are taking.It is essential to provide a complete picture so the pharmacist can determine potential

drug interactions. Be sure to include any over-the-counter drugs you take ona regular basis, like pain killers, allergy medications, herbal supplements and vitamins.

Ask about special storage conditions.Should your medication be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature? If it needs to be refrigerated, make sure you keep it cool when traveling. Freezer packs in coolers work fine.

Should you take your medication with food?Or should you avoid certain foods, like dairy products, when using a drug?

Ask about taking medication with juice instead of water.Some prescriptions lose effectiveness when taken with juice.

Ask about warnings.You should understand drug warnings and know why they are important.

A pharmacist can explain them in terms you can easily understand.Do not hesitate to ask about them in detail.

Better Educate & Protect YourselfWhen Taking Medication, Consider the Following:

To

Use the same pharmacy.It is important to establish a relationship with one pharmacy so that your

pharmacist has a complete history of your prescribed medications. While the same pharmacist may not always be on duty, a good drugstore keeps a computer record

of your medications. Ask your pharmacist to pull your medication recordfor reference when discussing your new prescription.

Save money with generic drugs. Generic drugs are copies that are the same as a brand-name in dosage, safety and strength. They are less expensive because generic manufacturers don’t

have the investment costs of the developer of a new drug.

8 NorthOaksCommunityNewsletter|Vol.12|No.2|SecondQuarter2010

APRIl, 1960 HAmmoND DAIlY ITemEdwardBrentDufreche,chairmanofthe7thWardHospital,isshownaddressingthelargegroupwhichattendedthededicationceremonies.(DailyItemPhotobyJenkins)

The St. Mary’s Congregation of the Dominican Order assumed administrative and some nursing duties for the hospital, and began volunteering their services in 1960. They even loaned the hospital $75,000 to meet expenses, which was paid back within the next several years.

Seeing the need to enlarge the hospital, voters approved a $750,000 bond issue in 1964. With another Hill-Burton grant, a total $1.5 million in building capital was raised for the purpose of a new wing that was dedicated 5 years later.

Always innovative and ahead of the national trends, the hospital opened an on-site childcare center for employees in 1968.

On April 20, 2010, North Oaks will celebrate 50 years of care. It is not only a milestone for our organization, but also one for our patients, physicians, employees and volunteers.

In 1953, the foundation was laid for North Oaks Health System. It all began when 500 citizens attended a town meeting, and the Tangipahoa Parish Police Jury decided to appoint a Board of Commissioners to oversee the construction, maintenance and operation of a hospital.

In 1955, more than $1.1 million was raised for building capital with a 1-mill, 5-year property tax (no longer received), a bond issue of $460,000, a Hill-Burton grant for $599,855 and $47,000 in investments and gifts.

Just a year later, 18 acres of farmland between Hammond and Ponchatoula was purchased for construction of the hospital for $17,000. Construction began in October of that year and was complete by 1960, with the official dedication of what is now known as North Oaks Health System taking place on Easter Sunday, April 20. Total cost of construction was $850,000, while furnishings cost $150,000.

The 2-story hospital was equipped with 60 beds and 12 bassinets.With just 77 employees, 60 volunteers and an active medical staff of only 14 physicians, the hospital was built on hard work, customer focus and a vision for local health care needs.

Givenplaquesforservice–MembersofHospitalServiceDistrictBoardNo.1HaroldA.Forbes,vicechairman,Mrs.WalterAntin,FrankA.Goblowsky,JosephR.Sellers,secretary-treasurer,andEdwardBrentDufreche,chairman,inspectplaquesgiventhembytheHammondandPonchatoulacivicclubsatthededicationSunday.(BatonRougeMorningAdvocatePhoto)

In the next issue of CommUnity, we’ll take a lookat North Oaks’ growth in the 1970s and 1980s.

50 Years of Caring for YOUA L O O K A T T H E 1 9 5 0 S A N D 1 9 6 0 S

Louisiana’s community hospitals are in crisis. Community hospital reimbursement for many of the health care services provided to the state’s Medicaid recipients has been cut 15 percent or $140 million in a year’s time. As Tangipahoa Parish has one of the highest percentages of Medicaid recipients in the state, North Oaks’ share this fiscal year was $5 million with more cuts anticipated.

Now, North Oaks and other community hospitals face another devastating financial blow. Lawmakers are being asked to slash even more from health care funding by approving Governor Jindal’s executive budget for fiscal year 2011. North Oaks’ share would be $2 to $3 million for a total reduction of $8 million.

North Oaks’ 50-year history has been marked by sustained growth. We are now the largest and most comprehensive community hospital organization on the Northshore offering almost every conceivable health care service. North Oaks also is the second largest employer in Tangipahoa Parish.

Although we have proactively implemented cost-saving measures, our financial reality is being further complicated by people temporarily putting off their health care needs until the economy improves. This affects us in the short-term by decreasing utilization of our services and, as a result, giving us sicker patients to care for at the same flat or reduced reimbursement rates. In addition, the amount of uncompensated care we provide has

steadily increased from fiscal year 2008 to 2009 by $4 million for a total of $53 million. Other uncontrollable factors are the uncertainty of federal health care reform and large employers switching health plans. All told, the impact to our bottom line is a reduction of reimbursement of $18.4 million for a total shortfall next fiscal year of more than $26 million.

If this shortfall is realized, North Oaks will not be able to provide the same scope of services, jobs and community involvement to meet the needs of the more than 200,000 individuals we serve.

Never before has there been a more critical need for your voice in the current legislative session. As a community hospital, North Oaks needs your support to protect the vital health care services we provide.

Tell Governor Jindal and the lawmakers who represent you to stop cutting community hospitals and restore their funding. Your health and quality of life may depend on it.

Sincerely,

James E. Cathey Jr.President/Chief Executive OfficerNorth Oaks Health System

Golden Year Marked by Challenge

www.northoaks.org9

North oaks health system is a community-based hospital organization with nearly 3,000 employees, physicians and volunteers, serving the Florida Parishes since 1960. Facilities include North Oaks Medical Center, North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital, North Oaks Heart Health Center (located within North Oaks Medical Center), North Oaks Diagnostic Center, North Oaks Hospice Agency, North Oaks Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology, North Oaks Cardiology, North Oaks ENT & Allergy Clinic, North Oaks Family Medicine Clinics, North Oaks Neurology Clinic, North Oaks Occupational Health Services Clinic, North Oaks Orthopedic Clinic, North Oaks Pulmonology, North Oaks Specialty Clinic, North Oaks Walk-In Clinics and Northshore Internal Medicine Associates.

Restore funding to Louisiana’s community hospitals. Protect ourpatients and communities. Visit www.protectmyhospital.org to find out more.

10 NorthOaksCommunityNewsletter|Vol.12|No.2|SecondQuarter2010

Remain Up-to-date withadUlt Vaccinations

“How to”ByNorthshoreInternalMedicinePhysician

Jay Kumar, mD

You are never too old to get immunized!

Varicella

Shingles Pneumococcal Td,TdapInfluenza

MMR HepatitisAHepatitisB HPVMeningococcal

In an effort to help prevent illness, it is very important that adults remember to get vaccinated as needed. Getting immunized is a life-long job that should not be ignored.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. This may be true, except that:• Some adults were never vaccinated as children.• Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children.• As people age, they become more susceptible to serious disease caused by

common infections, such as flu or pneumonia.

As the summer vacation season approaches and some people prepare to travel outside of the United States, it also is important to consider that additional vaccines may be needed. The CDC provides information to assist travelers and their health care providers in deciding which vaccines, medications and other measures may be necessary to prevent illness and injury during international travel.

Formoreinformationonvaccinations,speakwithyourhealthcareproviderorvisitwww.cdc.gov.YoualsomaycallNorthshoreInternalMedicineAssociatesinHammondat(985)230-7675orNorthOaksFamilyMedicineClinicsinHammondat(985)230-5800,inIndependenceat(985)878-4178orinWalkerat(225)664-4398.

North oaks Walk-In Clinics continue to offer the H1N1 flu shot for $25. No appointments are needed, but call first to check vaccine availability at (985) 230-5726 in Hammond or (225) 664-2111 in Walker. Hammond hours of operation are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends. In Walker, hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday.

www.northoaks.org 11

Age Groups u 19-49 Years 50-64 Years 65 Years and older

Vaccines q

*Consult your health care provider to determine your level of risk for infection and your need for this vaccine.

Source: www.immunize.org

Recommended Vaccinations for adults

SeasonalInfluenza

Pneumococcal

Tetanus,Diphtheria,Pertussis(Td,Tdap)

Hepatitis B(HepB)

Hepatitis A(HepA)

HumanPapillomavirus(HPV)

measles,mumps, Rubella(MMR)

Varicella(Chickenpox)

meningococcal

Zoster(Shingles)

You may need a yearly dose if you have a chronic health problem,* work in health care, have close contact with certain individuals,* or you simply want to avoid getting influenza or spreading it to others.

You may need a dose every fall (or winter).

You may need 1-2 doses if you smoke cigarettes or if you have certain chronic medical conditions.*

You may need 1 dose at age 65 (or older) if you’ve never been vaccinated. You also may need a 2nd dose.*

If you haven’t had at least 3 tetanus-and-diphtheria-containing shots sometime in your life, you need to get them now. Start with dose #1, followed by dose #2 in 1 month and dose #3 in 6 months. All adults need Td booster doses every 10 years. If you’re younger than 65 and haven’t had pertussis-containing vaccine as an adult, one of the doses that you receive should have pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine in it—known as Tdap. Be sure to consult your health care provider if you have a deep or dirty wound.

You need this vaccine if you have a specific risk factor for hepatitis B virus infection* or you simply wish to be protected from this disease. The vaccine is given as a 3-dose series (dose #1 now, followed by dose #2 in 1 month, and dose #3 usually given 5 months after dose #2).

You need this vaccine if you have a specific risk factor for hepatitis A virus infection* or you simply wish to be protected from this disease. The vaccine is usually given as 2 doses, 6–18 months apart.

You need this vaccine if you are a man or woman, 26 or younger. The vaccine is given in 3 doses over 6 months.

You need at least 1 dose of MMR if you were born in 1957 or later. You also may need a 2nd dose.*

If you’ve never had chicken pox or you were vaccinated but only received 1 dose, talk to your health care provider about whether you need this vaccine.

If you are a young adult going to college and plan to live in a dormitory, you need to get vaccinated againstmeningococcal disease. People with certain medical conditions also should receive this vaccine.*

If you are age 60 years or older,you should get this vaccine now.

Does not apply.

Does not apply.

Does not apply.

H1N1 Influenza

H1N1 shots are recommended for everyone over 6 months of age; however, those at most risk for complications or spreading the virus to others are strongly encouraged to get it. Those at highest risk are: age 6 months to 24 years; pregnant women; front line health care workers; parents/caregivers of children younger than 6 months; parents/caregivers of the disabled; and senior adults under age 65 with pre-existing medical conditions. (See page 10 for vaccine availability.)

Wear medical alert tags or bracelets at all times to identify your disability.

maintain a list of the following important items and store it with your emergency supplies. Give a copy to a family member and a friend or neighbor:• Special equipment and supplies used, like hearing aid batteries• Prescription names and dosages• Names, addresses and telephone numbers of physicians and pharmacists• Detailed information about the specifications of your medication regime.

12 NorthOaksCommunityNewsletter|Vol.12|No.2|SecondQuarter2010

As hurricane season approaches, the Governor’s office of Homeland Security and emergency Preparedness for louisiana suggests “Get a Game Plan” before June 1.

Sources: GetAGamePlan.org, Governor’s Off ice of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

Remember,ifahurricaneapproachesthearea,theNorthOaksPublicInformationHotlineat(985)230-INFO[4636]willbeactivatedtoshareupdates,includingthelocationofMedicalSpecialNeedsSheltersoperatedbythestate’sOfficeofPublicHealth.Updatesalsowillbepostedtowww.northoaks.organdsharedwithradiopartners:KSLU90.9FM,NorthshoreBroadcasting(WFPR1400AM,WHMD107.1FM,Tangi96.5FM)andWWLAM870/FM105.3.

For those with medical disabilities,

consider additional

precautions.

Be ready to evacuate, if possible. If you can’t evacuate, know the requirements for Medical Special Needs Shelters and where they are located.

Prepare People with Special Needs for Hurricane Season

medical Special Needs Shelters are specifically for individuals who need medical attention and cannot evacuate. For those who have health problems requiring medical expertise, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals recommends evacuating to areas that are out of harm’s way. Medical Special Needs Shelters are intended for those who need assistance that cannot be guaranteed in a regular shelter and who have no other resources. These shelters provide medical support services only, such as generators to power equipment like oxygen converters.

“How to”ByNorthOaks

ContributingWriterNanette Russell White

NorthOaksPresident/CEOJames e. Cathey Jr.(left)andBoardofCommissionersChairmanGuy Recotta Jr.(right)presentPonchatoulaMayor Bob Zabbia with an engraved platter to commemorate hisretirement from the Board on Jan. 31, 2010. Chairman Recottashares,“TheNorthOaksfamilyexpressesoureternalappreciationtoMayorZabbiafordedicatinghistime,leadership,visionandexpertisetotheprogressofourhealthsystemforthepast12years.”TheTangipahoaParish Council appointed Ponchatoula resident andstock broker Blake Daniels (pictured at right) toreplaceMayorZabbiaeffectiveFeb.1,2010.

From left, North Oaks Dietetic Interns Donna Schneider and Julina Robert, Dietetic Internship Director Virginia Pelegrin, and DieteticInterns Katie Steffan and lauren Bancroft host a free cookingdemonstrationonMarch4atAlackCulinaryEquipmentandSuppliesinHammond.Nearly60participantslearnedaboutmakinginformedfoodchoices in celebration of National Nutrition Month.Turkey meatballswith spaghetti squash, green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette,oven-bakedparmesanzucchiniandlayeredvanillayogurtparfaitswerepreparedandsampled.Togettherecipes,visitwww.northoaks.org.

North Oaks observedAmerican Heart Month in February with freescreeningevents inTangipahoaandLivingstonParishes.Fromright,CardiologistBruce Iteld, mD,consultswithAudrey Nuccioaboutherheartriskassessmentperformedduringthe4thAnnual“Heart101”eventonFeb.20atNorthOaksSpecialtyClinic inWalker.The7thAnnual“ChangeofHeartExpo”washostedFeb.27atNorthOaksDiagnosticCenterinHammond.

www.northoaks.org13

Clockwisefromleft,NorthOaksDepartmentofLaboratoriesRegisteredMedicalTechnologistelizabeth VallotmeetswithCassie mcCullough, Chelsea SimmonsandSydnee SmithattheMedicalExplorersCareerFaironFeb.1.NorthOaksVolunteerServicessponsorsMedicalExplorersPost940foryoungadults,age14-20,tostudycareerpossibilitiesthroughthe career fair, meetings and observation during school holidays fromOctobertoMay.Morethan60studentsbelongtothepost,which isaBoyScoutsofAmericaprogram.Torequestanapplicationorformoreinformation,contactVolunteerServicesat(985) 230-6811.

Summer Activities for Kids

14 NorthOaksCommunityNewsletter|Vol.12|No.2|SecondQuarter2010

Super Sitter Babysitting Class (ages 10-14) FReeIn this class, participants will learn how to be a successful babysitter through hands-on opportunities, including basic infant care, first aid techniques, CPR and choking intervention for infants and children. Classes are scheduled at North Oaks Diagnostic Center in Hammond June 10, 17 and 24, and July 7, 15, 22 and 29 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. To register, call (985) 230-7777. Classes will be available at Livingston Parish Literacy & Technology Center in Walker on June 4 and July 30 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To register, call (225) 665-3303.

Junior Volunteer ProgramNorth Oaks offers local teens, age 14-17, an opportunity to take part in community service and to explore medical careers this summer as part of its Junior Volunteer Program. Those interested must commit to a minimum of 50 service hours.

To request an application or for more information, call North Oaks Volunteer Services at (985) 230-6811. Positions are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

North Oaks Health System’s Volunteers would like you to consider joining their team, working with patients or behind the scenes. Bring your interests and skills, and North Oaks will match them with an opportunity for service that’s right for you.

Benefits to you include flexible, limited hours, unlimited vacation and on-the-job training. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a caring and respectful environment.

Please call North Oaks Volunteer Director Melissa Dufour at (985) 230-6674 or Volunteer Coordinator Malissa Gonzalez at (985) 230-6811 for an application or more information.

Look Good…Feel BetterPresentation for Women in Cancer Treatment—Free July 19 or oct. 18; 6-8 p.m.Look Good…Feel Better is a dinner program sponsored by North Oaks Health System and the American Cancer Society to enhance the self-image of women living with cancer. The program offers free makeovers and a take-home cosmetic kit, as well as practical, personalized advice about makeup and skin care, wig selection and upkeep, and creative ways to use scarves, hats and turbans. Registration is required. Please call North Oaks Outpatient Infusion Therapy Unit at (985) 230-1660 to register.

Donate YourTime & Services

to Others

Group exercise Class $25/month“Kids for Life” (ages 6-12) and “Teens Rule” (ages 13-17) are group exercise classes designed to get children and teens moving and feeling good! In addition to the opportunity for social interaction in a positive environment, benefits to participants may include greater strength and endurance, reduced anxiety and stress, improved self-esteem, a decrease in heart disease risk factors and weight management. Call North Oaks Wellness at (985) 230-5250 for class schedules and registration.

Call (985) 230-7777 to register for Community education classes and Car Seat Fittings. For a full description of classes and support group meetings, go to www.northoaks.org. All classes are held in thee. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, located in North oaks Diagnostic Center, unless otherwise noted.

SUPPoRT GRoUP meeTINGS Connection-Peer Support/National Alliance on mental Illness Support Group: 6:30 p.m.May 10, June 14 and July 12

Diabetes Support GroupMay 4, 3 p.m.: “To Picnic or Not to Picnic”June 2, 6 p.m.: “To Picnic or Not to Picnic”July 7, 3 p.m.: “Stress Management”

Families Touching Families—Filling the Gap: 10 a.m.May 8, 22; June 5, 19; and July 10, 24

Group living with Affective Disorders Support Group: 6 p.m.May 3, 10, 17, 24; June 7, 14, 21, 28; and July 12, 19, 26

la leche league (Breastfeeding) Support Group: 6 p.m.May 4, June 1 and July 6

Northlake Area Transplant Support Group: 7 p.m. May 6, June 3 and July 1

Tangipahoa Bipolar Support Group: 7 p.m.May 13, 27; June 10, 24; and July 15, 29

ToPS (Taking off Pounds Sensibly) Support Group: 6:30 p.m.May 6, 13, 20, 27; June 3, 10, 17, 24; and July 1, 7, 14, 22, 29

Note: If you have bereavement support needs or questions, please call North Oaks Hospice at (985) 230-7620 for information on available community resources.

ClASSeS FoR FAmIlIeS & CHIlDReN Body Beautiful I Class: Puberty for Girls—FreeJune 15, 6 p.m.

Body Beautiful II: Self-esteem/Peer Pressure—FreeJune 22, 6 p.m.

Breastfeeding Class—FreeMay 13 and July 15, 6 p.m.

Car Seat Fitting Station—FreeMay 6, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; June 3 and July 8, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.(30-minute appointments)

Prenatal I Class: Families Under Construction—FreeMay 4 and July 6, 6 p.m.

Prenatal II Class: labor & Delivery—FreeMay 11 and July 13, 6 p.m.

Prenatal III Class: Relaxation Techniques—FreeMay 18 and July 20, 6 p.m.

Prenatal IV Class: Infant Care (& Tour)—FreeMay 25 and July 27, 6 p.m.

Prenatal V Class: American Heart Association CPR for Family & Friends—$5June 1, 6 p.m.

Prepared Childbirth—$40May 15, 9 a.m.

Something for Siblings Class—FreeMay 5 and July 13, 5 p.m.

CPR AND FIRST AID ClASSeS minimum 4 hoursAmerican Red Cross Standard First Aid Class: $25 July 15, 5 p.m.American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR: $20 (for medical professionals) May 6, June 10 and July 1; 5 p.m.American Heart Association Heartsaver AeD CPR Class: $15 (for the layperson) May 27, June 24 and July 22; 5 p.m.

www.northoaks.org 15

Volume 12 | Number 2 | Second Quarter 2010

North oaks Health System15790 Paul Vega, mD, Drive | Hammond, lA 70403P.o. Box 2668 | Hammond, lA 70404Phone: (985) 230-6647 | Fax: (985) 230-6138 | [email protected]

CommUnityisprintedandpublishedbyNorthOaksHealthSystemundertheleadershipoftheNorthOaksBoardofCommissioners.

Theinformationinthisnewsletterismeanttocomplementtheadviceofyourhealthcareproviders,nottoreplaceit.Beforemakinganymajorchangesinyourmedications,dietorexercise,talktoyourhealthcareprovider.

The mission of North Oaks Health System is to provide quality, personalized health care in a caring, efficient and financially responsible manner. Furthermore, it is our intention to work in harmony with physicians, area hospitals, businesses and community organizations to meet the health care and health educational needs of citizens of Tangipahoa and the Florida Parishes.

©2010NorthOaksHealthSystem

Presort Std

US Postage

PAID

Baton Rouge LA

Permit No 2035

*Yourphysiciancanhelpyoudeterminewhenamammogramisrightforyou.Ourmammogramsareperformedbyanall-femalestaffandtakehalfthetimeoftraditionalmammography.Studiesarereadbyaboard-certifiedradiologistwiththeassistanceofComputer-AidedDetectiontohelp identifysuspiciousareas.Insurancecompanieswillnotbecharged.Eachcashpricecoversexamcostsandradiologistreadingfees.Anyadditionalmedicalproceduredeemednecessarywillfollownormalbillingprocesses.Thesescreeningsrequireaphysician’sorder.

Be inspired.Get an annual mammogram.

“As a survivor of breast cancer, I feel the need to live my life differently. My priorities have changed, and now I spend more time doing the things that bring me joy. Living my life to the fullest with the people I love is what matters most to me.” –Norma, Wilmer resident

In honor of Mother’s Day, North Oaks Diagnostic Center and Northshore Imaging Associates, LLC are offering digital screening mammograms at a special $80* “cash only” rate the entire month of May.

We also are offering the special $80 “cash only” rate for an osteoporosis screening in observance of National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month.

Or, schedule both screenings at the same time for a special $110 “cash only” rate.

Call North oaks Patient Scheduling at (985) 230-7777, monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., to schedule your screenings.