Winter 2013
Franciscan Companies is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center
Supporting our Troops
Message from the President
Kelly Quinn Director of Marketing & Public Relations Franciscan Companies
Many soldiers from Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division are sleeping better, thanks to Franciscan Companies and Philips Respironics. “We’ve had a lot of young people come through the Carthage Area Hospital Sleep Center and Mountain Lakes Health Support,” said Lisa Parlato, RRT, RPSGT. “Even mild sleep apnea can affect their ability to function especially in the conditions they encounter in the Middle East.” The military has made it a top priority to screen soldiers for sleep apnea. Once they undergo a sleep study in Carthage, the respiratory therapists at Mountain Lakes Health Support set them up with the CPAP equipment, including tubing. However, Parlato says the soldiers are concerned about the difficulty they have cleaning their CPAP tubing while deployed. “I receive emails from the troops,” Parlato said. “They don’t have a good source for cleaning the equipment overseas and there is an increased risk of infection because of the conditions.” Insurance only covers a certain amount of equipment so Franciscan Companies, the parent company of Mountain Lakes Health Support, secured back-up tubing from Philips Respironics to provide to the soldiers – free of charge. (continued on page 5)
Dear Valued Partner, I hope this letter finds you in good health, and I hope you had a very Merry and Happy Holiday! Recently, three providers of healthcare in our community collaborated to provide a new and unique service for patient care. Pulmonary Health Physicians, P.C., Kinney Drugs, and Franciscan Companies, an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital, opened Healthy You Wellness Center. This Center, an extension of the Pulmonary Health Physicians, P.C., is designed to provide a new point of access that is more flexible and convenient for patients seeking pulmonary care. In addition, the Center will provide health screenings, disease prevention and management
The Healthy You Wellness Center opened at Kinney Drugs on Lafayette Road, Syracuse, on December 9, 2013.
education programs. Patients with a sudden onset of a problem or who need follow up after being discharged from the hospital will not have to wait for a doctor’s appointment. No appointment is necessary at the Healthy You Wellness Center. The Center is located at 104 Lafayette Road, Syracuse, (off of the Brighton Ave exit). The hours of
operation may vary during the initial start up but can be identified by calling Kinney at 315-492-0248. The program offers access to a multiFrank L. Smith, Jr. disciplinary team of health care providers including nurse practitioners, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and physician pulmonologists. This team of providers will communicate with the patient’s primary care physician in the same manner as a normal scheduled visit with the pulmonologist. Reasons for you to access the Center include the following: • COPD • E mphysema • B ronchitis • Questions about your inhalers • Not feeling better after being seen in the emergency room or discharge from the hospital • Cough • Cold symptoms • Sinus Infection • Flu symptoms • Asthma problems • Difficulty sleeping • Smoking Cessation counseling • Seasonal allergy problems • Questions about sleep apnea • Questions about your oxygen therapy (continued on page 4)
PROGRAM TIME WINTER SAFETY 5 TALK 2 DAY 3 TRANSFERS FOR SOLDIERS
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Leader in Home Ventilation Kelly Quinn, Director of Marketing & Public Relations Franciscan Companies
Franciscan Companies is currently treating more than 30 home ventilator patients. That may not sound like many people, but it’s more than another home care agency or hospital in the region. From infants to adults, Franciscan sees to their every need to ensure they’re living the best lives possible. These patients need specialized attention because their lungs are not functioning properly. Many are in respiratory failure or ventilator failure which occurs when the patient has a low level of oxgyen in the blood, even while getting oxygen therapy and/or when the level of carbon dioxide rises too much in the blood. Their respiratory failure may be due to specific disease states or possible external physical trauma. Mechanical ventilators help the patients breathe. Most of them are connected to the ventilator through a tracheostomy tube that is placed in their windpipe. They require the attention of registered respiratory therapists to ensure the equipment is functioning at optimum levels and providing the most favorable results. Franciscan specializes in this. “We have it down to a science; we really do,” says Joseph Nicoletti, RRT, RN, executive director of clinical programs. “This type of service is very much needed in Syracuse and Central New York. There is no long-term ventilation rehabilitation center in our area, so we work our hardest to improve their lives. We keep them living at home, where they want to be.” For more information on home ventilation assistance, contact Franciscan Health Support at (315) 458-3200.
Rewarding our Readers Be sure to read each issue carefully, as the names of three readers are now included in the text of each issue. If you find your name, call 315.458.3600 ext. 123 and you’ll win a $25 gift card!
Adult Day Program Transfers to VNA Kelly Quinn Director of Marketing & Public Relations Franciscan Companies
For nearly 25 years, the caring staff of St. Francis Social Adult Day Program on Court Street in Syracuse served the frail and elderly in a safe, homelike environment. As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis, the program put the needs of its participants and family members ahead of all else, providing a joyful second home to hundreds of people over the years. The high quality compassionate and competent staff members, past and present, have provided caregivers with respite time and participants with socialization in an environment of trust. Franciscan Companies has been honored to help support the center. Front row (l to r) Sister Barbara Jean Donovan, On December 2, 2013, the Monique Battiste and Deborah Williams. program transferred to the VNA Top row (l to r) Susan Jobson, Sheila Sposato, (Visiting Nurse Association) and Vicky Tyler, Pat Calpeter and Laura Dodge. is called VNA Homecare Adult Day Program. It will stay at the same location on Court Street until the spring when renovations on a new building are complete.
With the transfer to VNA Homecare, the mission and service of St. Francis Social Adult Day Care will continue. The staff has remained loyal to the program through the planning process and transfer, and are now the staff of the new program. Kathryn Glynn “As the program closes, we have learned many things from the wisdom of our participants,” said Sister Barbara Jean Donovan, St. Francis Social Adult Day Program administrator. “We have laughed and cried and said many goodbyes as these wonderful people and their caregivers have come and gone. And now, with a new future we know that this wonderful service will continue.” VNA Homecare Adult Day Program has the same phone number as the St. Francis program. It can be reached at 315-424-1003 for information about the program, to schedule a tour or a free guest day. Kenneth P. Dodge is the program administrator and can be reached at 315-477-9239 or 315-424-1003. Since its beginning in 1989, the program has received many kinds of support from various members of the Franciscan network of services. “This support has allowed the program to continue to maintain an excellent reputation for service,” said Donovan. “We are grateful to all who have been a part of it.”
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Be Prepared & Safe This Winter Kelly Quinn Director of Marketing & Public Relations Franciscan Companies
It’s best to avoid driving during inclement weather. But if you must drive:
Winter is upon us, and there is no time like the present to prepare for the inclement weather that’s sure to plague Syracuse again. Everyone can benefit from a winter preparedness plan, especially older people.
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I nform a friend, family member or neighbor where you are going and what time you will arrive.
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Bring your cell phone.
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Keep a full tank of gas.
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P ut blankets, a snow shovel, water, flashlight and first aid kit in your trunk.
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S tay with your car if it gets stuck. Turn the heat on for about 10 minutes. Move your arms and legs to maintain blood circulation.
Falls are a big concern for seniors. In fact, they are the leading cause of injury death, with one out of three adults age 65 and older falling each year. “As we age, we are less agile,” said Beverly Lawton, Executive Director of Franciscan Lifeline. “It’s harder to stop yourself from falling on a slippery surface. And falls are more likely to cause an injury in an older adult than in a child.” Winter poses a special risk, so follow these guidelines to limit possible injury: Keep salt or sand near the front door (with a scooper) to spread on icy walkways, driveways and steps. •
L eave the snow shoveling to a family member, neighbor or friend, especially if you suffer from a health condition. You may experience muscle strain, a heart attack or fall.
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I f you must go outside, dress warmly and in layers. Wear a hat and gloves to retain body heat.
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Wear slippers or shoes with grips to prevent falling.
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eep flashlights at several spots at home (i.e. next to the K bed, on the kitchen counter) in case of a power outage.
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ix sand into paint to improve traction on your M porch steps.
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I nstall overhangs above doorways to prevent ice from building up on steps.
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heck the railings on your walkways to make sure they C are sturdy.
If you’re going to be outside, it is essential to protect against hypothermia. Because older people produce less body heat, they are more likely to suffer from hypothermia. Avoid hypothermia by following these guidelines: •
ear warm, layered clothing and a hat, gloves, thick W socks and boots.
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Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
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Go inside as soon as possible.
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S leep with enough blankets to stay warm through the night.
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E at hot meals and drink warm beverages to maintain your body temperature.
One more tip to stay safe this winter: always have extra medication on hand in case you’re not able to get out to the pharmacy. Elizabeth Mosher “Central New York weather is unpredictable,” said Lawton.“Everyone can benefit from a preparedness plan. In the senior population, it’s essential.”
DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE NEED EXTRA HELP AT HOME?
FROM THE COMPANY YOU KNOW AND TRUST, WE INTRODUCE
EMBRACING AGE
Embracing Age offers personal support for better living:
• • • •
Companions Housekeeping/Laundry Transportation Home Health Aides
• • • •
Errands/Shopping Meal Preparation Home Maintenance Clutter Control
CALL OUR DEWITT OFFICE TODAY!
315-877-3779
www.EmbracingAge.org In partnership with
Home Healthcare Solutions A member of the Franciscan Companies’ Network
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Message from the President… continued from page 1
OUT AND ABOUT Joseph Nicoletti, RN, RRT, Executive Director of Corporate Development, speaks with Jeff Kulikowsky from NewsChannel 9 about seasonal allergies.
As part of this Healthy You Program, for your convenience, Kinney’s and Franciscan will be stocking respiratory/ pulmonary related equipment and supplies in the Kinney stores. These supplies will include nebulizers and sleep replacement supplies. They will complement the full stock of medical equipment and supplies currently offered in the Kinney stores. We are excited about this new service and hope to expand it to other Kinney stores in the future. If you get a chance, check out our new Healthy You Wellness Center and participate in the fine screening and education programs. God Bless,
Embracing Age and several other Franciscan Companies were represented at the DeWitt Community Library Senior Health Fair at Shoppingtown Mall in October. Beverly Lawton, Executive Director of Franciscan Lifeline, speaks to NewsChannel 9 about new legislation aimed at keeping senior citizens living home for as long as possible.
Frank L. Smith, Jr. President and CEO Franciscan Companies
Welcome Home With Home health care has proven to be an effective alternative to hospitalization by transferring skilled services and products into the safe, comfortable environment of home.
Therapies provided: • Total Parenteral Nutrition
• Steroid Therapy
• IV Antibiotics
• Hydration Therapy
• Remicade
• Pain Management
• Immune Globulin Therapy
• Chelation Therapy
• Epogen, Neupogen, Leukine Therapies
• Growth Hormone Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Synagis
www.cnyinfusion.com • 315.424.7027
Franciscan Companies was once again the Guardian Angel sponsor of the Sisters of St. Francis Fairway to Heaven Golf Tournament in September. The 2013 event raised nearly $130,000 for the Sisters. Pictured here is tournament chairperson Frank L. Smith, Jr., President and CEO of Franciscan Companies.
Nearly 100 respiratory therapists from throughout the region attended Franciscan Health Support's Fall Pulmonary Forum in November. Pictured here is Tim Scanlon, RRT, Executive Vice President of Franciscan Companies.
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New Year’s Resolution: Quitting Smoking? Patricia Briest, RN, MS, FNP-BC., C.A.S., Education
It generally takes someone seven to ten times to quit smoking. If you’re in this boat – don’t beat yourself up! With every unsuccessful attempt to quit smoking, you learn something about what did and did not work for you. Did you talk to your doctor about your efforts? People often neglect to do so, although your doctor’s advice and assistance plays a key role in ‘staying quit’. Many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, are proven to help people quit. When individuals purchase over-the-counter medications (nicotine patches, gum or lozenges) they often either fail to purchase the correct dose or they do not use the medication correctly, which leads to withdrawal symptoms and frustration. If you are unable to talk with your physician, the N.Y.S. Smokers’ Quitline has quit counselors available to help you with both issues. The toll free number is 1-866-697-8487. This resource has successfully helped many people quit tobacco use. Robert Foraker
TALK TIME FOR SOLDIERS Kelly Quinn, Director of Marketing & Public Relations Franciscan Companies
Franciscan Companies and St. Joseph’s CHHA donated more than 500 cell phones and accessories to State Senator John DeFrancisco’s sixth annual collection drive for Cell Phones for Soldiers. The United States Air Force veteran kicked off the campaign on November 25th. Cell Phones for Soldiers provides pre-paid calling cards to deployed soldiers, by selling used donated cell phones to a recycling company. The donation by St. Joseph’s Hospital and Franciscan Companies could result in nearly 1,000 hours of free talk time for soldiers.
The Tobacco Cessation Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital helps many smokers connect to the resources they need to be successful. Some of the tips that smokers have shared with us include: •
Tell your family and friends you want to quit and ask for their support.
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P lan ahead; if you know you will be with friends or family who smoke, rehearse saying “No, thank you, I am a non-smoker”, and do not accompany them outside if they are heading out to smoke.
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eep busy; find things to do with your hands which may include K knitting, doing puzzles, writing in journals, etc.
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eep your mouth busy; suck on lozenges or cinnamon sticks or K chew gum.
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I ncrease your daily exercise; take an extra long walk. If you go to a gym, get involved with group activities and classes.
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T ake one day at a time and celebrate each day you do not smoke. See a movie, go to lunch, etc.
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Call the Quitline and talk to a quit coach if you are having a bad day.
Thousands of people quit successfully every day. Your turn is on the horizon! Your family and pets will thank you for taking this step to improve your health and finances.
Pictured left to right are: Dan Carelli, Executive Director of Operations, Frank L. Smith, Jr., President and CEO of Franciscan Companies and Vice President of Corporate Development at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, State Senator John A. DeFrancisco, Jeff Wentworth, Executive Director of Purchasing and Inventory Management at Franciscan, and Pat Johnson, Administrative Assistant for St. Joseph’s CHHA.
Supporting Our Troops… continued from page 1 “Respironics donated enough tubing for 100 people to use,” said Tim Scanlon, RRT, Executive Vice President of Franciscan. “That means 100 soldiers will be able to keep their CPAP equipment in the best shape possible. Most importantly, they will sleep better at night.” Mountain Lakes Health Support staff members are giving the soldiers the back-up equipment before they deploy, and are working out the shipping details to send the tubing to the Middle East.
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special programs Franciscan Companies 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.458.3600
Franciscan Licensed Home Care Agency 7246 Janus Park Drive Liverpool, NY 13088 315.458.5600
Medication Dispensing Service 300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213 315.492.8175
Auburn Health Support Services 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.294.5464
Franciscan Health Support Services, LLC 300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213 315.458.3200
Mountain Lakes Health Support 1001 West Street Carthage, NY 13619 315.519.6712
Carthage Area Hospital Sleep Center 1001 West Street Carthage, NY 13619 315.493.2512
Franciscan Lifeline 300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213 315.492.8175
Oneida Health Support 601 Seneca Street Oneida, NY 13421 315.280.6699
CNY Infusion Services 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 102 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.424.7027
Franciscan Management Services, Inc. 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.458.3600
Embracing Age 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.877.3779
Kinney Drugs at Franciscan 101 Union Avenue Syracuse, NY 13203 315.474.8851
St. Elizabeth Health Support Services, Inc. 3899 Oneida Street New Hartford, NY 13413 315.734.4407
Franciscan Licensed Home Care Agency-Cortland 165 Main Street Cortland, NY 13045 315.458.5600
Lourdes Health Support, LLC 1155 Upper Front Street Binghamton, NY 13905 607.724.0115
St. Joseph’s Sleep Lab 945 Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210 315.475.3379 and
7246 Janus Park Drive Liverpool, NY 13088 315.218.9804 and
4400 Medical Center Drive Fayetteville, NY 13066 315.329.7378 The Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare 601 Seneca Street Oneida, NY 13421 315.363.4419
Beyond the Walls is published by Franciscan Companies
Comments, suggestions or inquiries should be directed to Kelly Quinn, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at 315.458.3600 ext.123 or kelly.quinn@sjhsyr.org. Franciscan Companies 333 Butternut Drive, Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 www.FranciscanCompanies.com
9-15 12 25 30
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week AWAKE meeting American Diabetes Association Alert Day Doctor's Day
Kidney Month Nutrition Month Save Your Vision Month
MARCH Low Vision Awareness Month Heart Month 7 Wear Red Day 9-15 Cardiovascular Professionals Week 9-15 Cardiac Rehabilitation Week
FEBRUARY Glaucoma Awareness Month Blood Donor Month 19-25 Healthy Weight Week
JANUARY
DeWitt, New York 13214 333 Butternut Drive, Suite 100
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