Joliet Slammers baseball team mascot Spike, proud parents Jim and Corey Anderson with their newborn son James Xavier and other family members; Carol Splant, RN, Silver Cross Birthing Center; Sue Uribe, R.N., Silver Cross Birthing Center; and Marilyn Paolella, Director of Maternal Child Care; celebrate the birth of baby James as he was the first infant born at Silver Cross Hospital’s New Lenox campus. Baby James is the first child of Jim and Corey Anderson. He was delivered by Dr. Nicole Gress at 7:17 p.m. on February 26 and weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long.

When Lockport resident Corey Anderson heard the cries of her newborn son, she was so excited to become a mother and thrilled to have her baby be the first infant born at the new Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Baby James Xavier was born at 7:17 p.m. on February 26 and weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long.  Baby James is the first child of Jim and Corey Anderson. He was delivered by Nicole Gress, M.D., obstetrics & gynecology physician with Partners in Obstetrics & Women’s Health.  

“We are excited that our son, James’, birth will always be a special story, since he has such a unique birthday as he was the first baby born at the new Silver Cross Hospital,” said mom, Corey Anderson.

 To honor the first baby born at the new campus, baby James received five gift baskets from the Birthing Center staff, Childerguild, Johnson&Johnson, The New Lenox Patch  and the Joliet Slammers baseball team. The team also gave the first newborn Slammers baseball tickets for the 2012 season and a night in a private suite.

 Click here to watch a video of Slammers mascot, Spikes, surprising the family with presents.

Corey Anderson was also excited to have her baby in the new Labor and Deliver Suites in the new Silver Cross Women and Infant Services Birthing Center. “The environment is so comfortable – the color of the rooms and furnishings are so soothing, and the nursing care is so great,” said Anderson. “I couldn’t be happier with the experience my baby and I have had here at the new hospital.”

Silver Cross has brought together cutting-edge medical technology with spa-like amenities to make the birthing experience all the more memorable.   The new Birthing Center at the New Lenox Hospital has 12 luxurious birthing suites designed for labor, delivery and recovery so parents can have the convenience of staying in the same room through recovery followed by a stay in one of 30 private mother-baby suites.  Each private suite is fully-equipped with a bathroom with a shower and immersion tub to help with labor pains, blanket warmer, refrigerator, wireless internet access, 30” flat screen TV system, and a comfortable sofa-sleeper so family members can stay around the clock.  Furthermore, a variety of pain relief methods will be available 24 hours a day provided by an anesthesiologist.  And for deliveries requiring surgery, there are two complete cesarean suites.Children’s Memorial neonatologists and pediatric hospitalist will continue to be onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And if needed, Children’s pediatric cardiologists are also available to analyze a baby’s echocardiogram in real time through a video linkage with Silver Cross.The new Birthing Center has a typical nursery as well as a Level 2 skilled infant care nursery with specialized staff.  State-of-the-art medical equipment is also set up and ready inside each Birthing Suite’s cabinetry, if needed.

“As a one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with a safe environment,” says Marilyn Paollela, Director of Maternal/Child Services at Silver Cross.   “In our new hospital, we will have a state-of-the art infant security system, secured entrances to the Birthing Center and a reception desk on the unit to assist families and give parents peace of mind.” 

To honor the first baby born at the Joliet campus, baby James Xavier received a t-shirt that says “I started it off right!” that was made by Elise Wilson, midnight nurse that works in the Silver Cross Hospital Birthing Center.

 The experienced medical team at Silver Cross is on alert to help at any time. Upon admission, patients will be partnered with a specially trained obstetrical nurse certified in electronic fetal monitoring who’ll assist throughout delivery.   The new unit also features mother/baby couplet care, which means that the same experienced nurse will care for both mother and baby until it is time to go home.  “This ensures continuity in care and improved communication between the patient, family, nursing staff and physicians,” says Marilyn. Silver Cross’ dedicated nursing team will continue to offer personal counseling and education before, during and after patients give birth.  Silver Cross also has five internationally-certified lactation consultants available for support to new moms who choose to breastfeed their babies. For a referral to an obstetrician/gynecologist or pediatrician on staff at Silver Cross, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL.

When Manhattan resident Melanie Haag held her newborn son, Alan Robert, in her arms she didn’t realize that his birth would be so historic, as he was the last infant born at Silver Cross Hospital’s Joliet campus. Baby Alan was delivered by Dr. John Bush at 10:05 p.m. on February 24 and weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. This is the second child for Melanie and Robert Haag for their four-year old daughter, Caelen, was also born at Silver Cross’ Joliet campus. Baby Alan joins the family of thousands of babies including his own mother, Melanie, who have been born at Silver Cross’ Joliet campus during its historic 117 years.

 To honor the last baby born at the Joliet campus, baby Alan received two gift baskets from the Birthing Center staff and Childerguild, and a t-shirt that says “We Saved the Best for Last” that was made by Elise Wilson, midnight nurse that works in the Silver Cross Hospital Birthing Center.

 Looking to Deliver a baby in the future?  Silver Cross is bringing together cutting-edge medical technology with spa-like amenities to make the birthing experience all the more memorable.   The new Birthing Center at the New Lenox Hospital has 12 luxurious birthing suites designed for labor, delivery and recovery so parents can have the convenience of staying in the same room through recovery followed by a stay in one of 30 private mother-baby suites.  Each private suite is fully-equipped with a bathroom with a shower and immersion tub to help with labor pains, blanket warmer, refrigerator, wireless internet access, 30” flat screen TV system, and a comfortable sofa-sleeper so family members can stay around the clock.  Furthermore, a variety of pain relief methods will be available 24 hours a day provided by an anesthesiologist.  And for deliveries requiring surgery, there are two complete cesarean suites.

Children’s Memorial neonatologists and pediatric hospitalist will continue to be onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And if needed, Children’s pediatric cardiologists are also available to analyze a baby’s echocardiogram in real time through a video linkage with Silver Cross.

 The new Birthing Center has a typical nursery as well as a Level 2 skilled infant care nursery with specialized staff.  State-of-the-art medical equipment is also set up and ready inside each Birthing Suite’s cabinetry, if needed.

 “As a one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with a safe environment,” says Marilyn Paollela, Director of Maternal/Child Services at Silver Cross.   “In our new hospital, we will have a state-of-the art infant security system, secured entrances to the Birthing Center and a reception desk on the unit to assist families and give parents peace of mind.” 

The experienced medical team at Silver Cross is on alert to help at any time. Upon admission, patients will be partnered with a specially trained obstetrical nurse certified in electronic fetal monitoring who’ll assist throughout delivery.   The new unit also features mother/baby couplet care, which means that the same experienced nurse will care for both mother and baby until it is time to go home.  “This ensures continuity in care and improved communication between the patient, family, nursing staff and physicians,” says Marilyn.

Silver Cross’ dedicated nursing team will continue to offer personal counseling and education before, during and after patients give birth.  Silver Cross also has five internationally-certified lactation consultants available for support to new moms who choose to breastfeed their babies. 

 For a referral to an obstetrician/gynecologist or pediatrician on staff at Silver Cross, click here or call 1-888-660-HEAL.

Schedule a personal tour of the new Birthing Center.

As Lincoln-Way Central graduate Danielle McBride entered through the glass double doors in the Emergency Department at the new Silver Cross Hospital at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox on Feb. 26, she couldn’t help but be excited to be one of the first patients to be cared for in the new hospital.

“I am excited to participate in the move to see what the new hospital is like because I hear it is bigger and better,” said Manhattan resident Danielle McBride. “I also heard that because of all the advanced technology at the new hospital, there will be more ways to care for people.”

McBride was impressed with how well the patient move was conducted. “The night before the move, my nurses and doctors explained the plans for the move, so I knew what was going to happen,” said McBride. “And once I arrived in my room at the new hospital, I was greeted by nurses and hospital staff that helped me get organized into my new beautiful room.”

McBride was hospitalized from complications with a degenerative disc disease that she inherited from her Dad. As a result of her disease, 17-year old Danielle unfortunately has a back that is in the condition of a 60 year-old person. On Thursday, McBride received an epidural to try to alleviate her pain.

As she gets settled into her room at the new hospital, her medical doctors Corinne Nawrocki, D.O., board certified family medicine physician with C & R Medical Group; and Chintan Sampat, M.D., board certified orthopaedic and spine surgeon with Parkview Musculoskeletal Institute; together will determine the next steps in her treatment plan.

Despite McBride’s serious back illness, she still is focused on accomplishing many life goals. Currently, she is enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina where she aspires to become a nurse like her mom, Roseanne, who is a registered nurse on the 5^th floor at Silver Cross Hospital. “I am really interested in being a trauma nurse, so I can make a difference by helping people when they really need it the most,” said McBride. Further, McBride is a former competitive cheerleader with the Ultimate Athletics in Orland Park, and unfortunately due to her illness, she is unable to participate any more, however, she is considering coaching in the future.

McBride  was the one of 129 of patients to be transported via ambulances. The move took about eight hours, and the final patient arrived at about 3:30 p.m. Every step of the move route was carefully planned—from which elevators to use to which road to take.  Ambulances were lined up outside the Joliet Emergency Department until signaled to pull into the bay.  Once a patient was ready to be transported, the move team brought the patient down with a “Boarding Pass” that included the patient’s medication information, special care instructions and new room number.  The group boarded the ambulance for the short 3 ½ mile trip down Route 6 to the New Lenox Emergency Department. Joliet, New Lenox and Will County Sherriff’s Police were stationed along the route to help ensure a safe transport. Upon arriving at the new hospital, patients were then taken up to their assigned rooms where once settled in their family members joined them.

“Our top priority was to make sure that the quality of patient care and safety was maintained at the highest level throughout the move process, said Mary Bakken, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

 New Hospital Enhancements

Construction began on the $370 million replacement hospital in 2009.  The 6-story facility was built using evidence-based design, which has been proven to help in the healing process and contribute to a speedier recovery for patients.   Some of the many ways that evidence-based design has been integrated into the 289-bed replacement hospital is with large, private patient rooms, natural and enhanced lighting, sound and noise control, cheerful yet calming colors, ties to nature, bedside care and dedicated family areas.  At the new hospital, patients and families will also benefit from new technology and expanded services through partnerships with renowned academic centers including Children’s Memorial Hospital, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and most recently, the University of  Chicago Medical Center (UCMC).  UCMC and Silver Cross are currently building an outpatient cancer center that will open in May 2012 on the New Lenox campus.

“We are building on our century old commitment to the Will County community by relocating our seven-time 100 Top Hospital care to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve future generations,” said Paul Pawlak, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital.

In preparation for the opening of the new Silver Cross Hospital, Dr. Joe Hindo, internal medicine physician, performed an outpatient test on LaVerne (Bitz) Brown during the “Day in the Life” drill on February 8 at the hospital’s New Lenox campus. Both LaVerne and his wife, Dorothy (Dottie) Brown, are long time Silver Cross supporters and were excited to volunteer to assist caregivers in this drill by serving as the replacement hospital’s first “official patients”.

LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Serve as the 1st Official Patients

The purpose of the “Day in the Life” drill was for the Silver Cross staff to practice various inpatient, outpatient and emergency procedures to ensure that all processes are in place when the new hospital opens on Feb. 26. Some of the processes that will be tested during the drill include: 

• laboratory and X-ray orders
• outpatient stroke therapy check-in
• wound care outpatient testing
• valet parking
• and guest services procedures.

“This drill is a wonderful opportunity for our physicians, nurses, employees and volunteers to see how our care process works in the new hospital, while allowing us to correct anything before we welcome our patients and their families to our new home,” said Peggy Gricus, Vice President, Patient Care Services for Silver Cross Hospital.

To practice one of the drill scenarios, long time Silver Cross supporters, LaVerne (Bitz) and Dorothy (Dottie) Brown, volunteered to assist caregivers by serving as the Hospital’s first “official patients”. During their scenario, nurse Lori Pastore-Seeley, performed an outpatient blood pressure test on LaVerne Brown. “We were excited to be a part of this special time at Silver Cross to help test the hospital’s readiness to open in a few weeks,” said Bitz Brown.

Brown Family Donation
In 2010, the Browns pledged $1 million to support the construction of the new Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s (RIC) inpatient rehabilitation unit opening on the new hospital’s fifth floor. This was the Joliet couple’s second one million gift to Silver Cross. In 2002, they helped finance the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Cardiovascular Institute at Silver Cross.

“We have always believed in Silver Cross Hospital’s mission to provide quality health care services to our community,” said Dottie Brown. “We have first-hand experience of the wonderful care given in the hospital’s rehabilitation unit. And we want to make sure that the nurses and doctors will have the latest equipment to care for other patients recovering from serious illnesses and injuries in the new hospital.”

State-of-the-art Rehabilitative Care
RIC’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Silver Cross Hospital is a place where patients suffering from disabling conditions such as stroke, brain injuries, heart attack, joint replacement surgery or amputation can rediscover their independence to lead a productive life. Rehabilitation can also help people dealing with chronic conditions such as lung disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and muscular dystrophy.

The inpatient rehabilitation unit is designed to help patients get back to their lives as quickly as possible. A simulated home-like environment with a kitchen, recreational room and laundry facilities help prepare patients to return to their homes. The inpatient rooms are spacious and private. Each patient will participate in an intensive, individualized treatment plan to meet the goals set by the patient and therapy team. Family and friends are also encouraged to participate in the treatment process, which includes goal setting, therapy and education.

“Bitz and Dottie understand the importance of having state-of-the-art rehabilitative care available close to home,” said Paul Pawlak, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital. “We are grateful for their continued investment in Silver Cross making sure quality care is available for future generations in Will County.”

For more information about investing in the Silver Cross Replacement Hospital, contact the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 740-7105.

The Sphincter of Oddi is a muscle valve that controls the flow of digestive juices (which includes bile and pancreatic juice) through ducts from the liver and pancreas into the small intestine. When it’s working properly, the Sphincter of Oddi opens to allow bile and pancreatic juice to flow through and then closes again. However, in a condition called Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, the sphincter muscle does not open when it should and goes into spasm. This prevents the bile and pancreatic juice from flowing through and causes a backup of digestive juices which can cause bouts of severe pain in the abdomen.

“The body’s digestion system is very complex, it takes many functions to process the food we eat into the energy we need. The Sphincter of Oddi muscle controls vital digestive enzymes and fluids needed from the liver and pancreas into the small intestine,” shares Dr. Kamran Ayub, Gastroenterologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital.

There are two basic types of Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. The first is when the digestive juices are backing up in the bile ducts and the liver; this is called the biliary type dysfunction. The second type is the backup occurring in the pancreas; it is called pancreatic type dysfunction. “The pain symptoms are very similar to those caused by bile duct or gallbladder stones for the biliary type, and pancreatitis type pain for the pancreatic type,” shares Dr. Ayub. “Abdominal pain is often the most common symptom; however other featuress include nausea, vomiting, abnormal liver or pancreatic enzymes, fever and weakness. These symptoms can come and go, and can be mild one time and severe the next.”

When symptoms are severe, laboratory and scanning tests are taken. To make a diagnosis it is recommended that patients undergo an endoscopic procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) with sphincter of Oddi manometry. This is an endoscopic procedure that uses x-ray pictures of the ducts (drainage routes) of the gallbladder, liver and pancreas and obtains pressure readings of the Sphincter of Oddi muscle. An instrument is passed down through the throat and into the duodenum, where the bile and pancreatic ducts drain fluid. A dye is injected into these ducts and a special catheter is passed into the ducts to measure the pressure of the sphincter. If the pressure is elevated, a small electrical incision is made through the sphincter muscle and this relieves the sphincter pressure and clears any blockage occurring in the Sphincter of Oddi muscle. This procedure is done under sedation, so patients do not feel any pain.

“This allows the physician to remove any blockage or to relieve any scarring or spasm of the sphincter and help patients find relief,” says Dr. Ayub.

Over 1,100 friends of Silver Cross Hospital attended the Silver Cross Illumination Gala on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012.  As guests arrived for this event of a lifetime they were treated to an amazing new type of  light show with video mapping on the hospital that was seen from the interstate highway. The Illumination Gala was an unforgettable evening of dining, dancing, music and entertainment, all in celebration of the historic opening of the new Silver Cross Hospital at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox.

PHOTO SCRAPBOOK

“Guests were able to get a behind the scenes look at this valuable community resource as we celebrated the broad spectrum of opportunities that makes Silver Cross a beacon of pride in Will County,” said Jim Roolf, Chairman of the Silver Cross Hospital Board of Directors. 

The Illumination Gala opened with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. The Gala Program began with a warm welcome from Michele Vana, Member, Silver Cross Foundation Board of Directors and Childerguild Gala Co-Chair.

Then Paul Pawlak, President and CEO, Silver Cross Hospital, thanked many groups of people that supported building this wonderful place of healing and he closed by saying “The people I am proudest of and want to thank the most are my Silver Cross family, our employees, volunteers and benefactors. They have worked throughout this journey on not one but two major efforts, first the continuation of 100 Top award winning care on our Joliet campus and secondly the planning, organizing and implementing the countless details to ready this campus.”

Others who spoke were James M. Roolf, Chairman, Silver Cross Hospital Board of Directors and Gala Co-Chairman; Alexander Sosenko, M.D., Chief of Staff, Silver Cross Hospital; who said “Special thanks goes to my fellow physicians for the countless hours of service they provided as members of planning groups involved in the execution of this complex project. Your efforts in helping design the hospital and enable patient-family centered care will ensure quality outcomes, in a safe environment for generations to come.”

Next to speak was Robert Rogina, Chairman, Silver Cross Foundation Board of Directors and Gala Co-Chairman; and the Honorable Tim Baldermann, Mayor, Village of New Lenox. Recognized for their efforts in assisting with the celebration were Honorary Gala Co-Chairmen  Daniel Gutierrez, M.D.; Russ Slinkard; and James Stephenson; and Honorary Spokesperson Tom Thayer. After, Reverend Kay Collins, Chaplain, Silver Cross Hospital, led the Blessing. Finally, the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was performed as hundreds of onlookers from the community watched as a new era in healthcare commenced. Then guests were treated to an extensive tour of the state-of-the-art hospital. The spectacular event was filled with an amazing array of food, beverages and desserts as well dancing to jazz, classical, and contemporary music throughout the Hospital.

“From dramatic lighting setting the stage for memorable magical moments to the unique opportunity to view our new hospital up close, guests experienced illumination in all its many forms,” said Michele Vana, Illumination Gala Co- Chair. 

The momentous occasion was hosted by Silver Cross Hospital and Childerguild and was chaired by three of its members—Michele Vana, Susan Frangella, and Kim Brooks. For decades the Childerguild organization has donated over $2.3 million that has funded various maternal/child care projects at Silver Cross Hospital. Further, others chairing the Gala were Silver Cross Hospital’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jim Roolf, and Foundation Board Chairman, Bob Rogina.  Honorary Gala Co-Chairs included Daniel Gutierrez, M.D., Russ Slinkard, and James Stephenson.

Those who attended were among the first to see the state-of-the-art 289-bed hospital before it becomes home to patients, doctors, nurses, staff and families on Feb. 26, 2012.  Opening at  7 a.m., the remarkable facility will improve quality, safety and service within an environment designed for faster healing. Enhanced partnerships with Children’s Memorial Hospital, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and University of Chicago Medical Center will also bring exciting new services to improve the health of Will County patients.

“We were honored to welcome so many community members to our Gala and we were excited to have them be a part of the unveiling of the magnificent new Silver Cross Hospital as we light the way to a brighter future in healthcare,” adds Bob Rogina.

For more information on how you can support this new state-of-the-art facility, call the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 300-7105.

Ann Carpenter, Director of Patient Safety, prepares an infant “patient” to move to the Replacement Hospital during the Mock Move on January 15.

Before the walls of the new hospital were even enclosed, Silver Cross leadership was busy planning for a safe and efficient patient move to the new campus.   Over the  past several months staff  has been moving in equipment and becoming orientated to the new facility so that everyone is ready to provide 100 Top Care when the new Silver Cross Hospital  officially opens on Sunday, Feb. 26.  Beginning at 7 a.m., all patients will be moved in one day by ambulance along Route 6 from the Joliet to the New Lenox campus at I-355 and Route 6.
 
“Our top priority is to make sure that the quality of patient care and safety is maintained at the highest level throughout the move process,” says Mary Bakken, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Silver Cross.    

To help ensure a smooth transition, Silver Cross has been working closely over the past 18 months with FDI, the leading healthcare occupancy/ transition planning firm in the United States.  FDI has planned the successful moves of more than 100 hospitals and thousands of patients over the past 25 years.  Members of the Silver Cross relocation team have been studying other hospital moves including Sherman and Elmhurst Hospitals.  The Silver Cross team even observed first-hand the relocation of patients from one facility to another at St. Elizabeth Health System in LaFayette, IN.   

“We’ve covered all aspects of the move,” said Peggy Gricus, Vice President of Patient Care at Silver Cross.  “We’ve held drills with mock patients replicating just about every possible scenario that could happen during transport such as cardiac arrest, birth of a baby, and an accident along the route.  We are very fortunate to be working with Kurtz Ambulance Service that moves more than 100 patients every day.  Not only are they lending us their expertise but the service of 15 fully-staffed ambulances for move day.”   

So who goes first?
Patients on the 4th Floor, Intensive Care and Behavioral Health Units will be the first to experience the new Silver Cross Hospital.  Both a packing team and a moving team will be assigned to each patient.  Every patient will have a nurse, paramedic, and emergency medical technician (EMT) with them every step of the way.  Patients who require a higher level of care may also have a respiratory therapist, critical care nurse or doctor in the ambulance as well.  Mothers and babies will be transported together, and parents can ride with pediatric patients.  Everyone involved in the move has received special training.   

“Each and every patient will be moved safely,” says Gricus.  “We will take particular care to protect patient’s privacy and ensure that the transition is handled with dignity and respect.  And patients’ families will be included in the move plan.”   

Once patients have settled into their room at the New Lenox hospital, friends and family members will be encouraged to visit.  During move day, a Family Lounge will be available at the new facility and staff will be available to communicate with families waiting for their loved ones.   

Patients seeking emergency care after 7 a.m. on Feb. 26 should go to the New Lenox campus. In the event that a patient arrives in the Joliet Emergency Department before 7 a.m., the patient will receive a medical screening and be treated, discharged or transferred to the New Lenox Emergency Department or treated and admitted to the new hospital.  Silver Cross’s Free-Standing Emergency Care Center at 143rd and Bell Rd. in Homer Glen will also be open all day to care for all patients regardless of illness or injury.    

“A host of support services for inpatients and emergency patients will be available on move day, including MRI, CT and other imaging capabilities,” said Dr. Alexander Sosenko, Silver Cross Hospital Chief of Staff.  “If emergency treatment is needed, there will be operating rooms ready at the new hospital.”   

All outpatient services will begin on Feb. 27 on the New Lenox campus. To schedule an appointment, call Silver Cross Guest Services at (815) 300-7076.  Or request an appointment online.   

Short Trip Down Route 6
Every step of the move route is carefully planned—from which elevators to use to which road to take.  Ambulances will be lined up outside the Joliet Emergency Department until signaled to pull into the bay.  Once a patient is ready to be transported, the move team will bring the patient down with a “Boarding Pass” that includes the patient’s medication information, special care instructions and new room number.  The group will get on the ambulance for the short 3 ½ mile trip down Route 6 to the New Lenox Emergency Department. Joliet, New Lenox and Will County Sherriff’s Police will be stationed along the route to help ensure a safe transport.   

“We have alternate routes and contingency plans in place in case something happens to get in the way such as an accident, fire or weather-related obstructions—like snow,” said Ed Matteson, Director of Operations for Kurtz Ambulance Service.  “We are ready to handle any situation.”   

“I am very confident that our team is well-prepared for this move.  The transfer for each individual will be less than 40 minutes. We anticipate all patients will be in their new rooms by dinnertime in our beautiful new state-of-the-art hospital,” says Bakken.

Can you have a cheesy, saucy lasagna that’s a heart-healthy meal, too? Yep, you heard it. There’s nothing more romantic then Italian, so serve up this dish to your favorite valentine.  Boost its heart-health quotient by using whole-grain pasta; studies show that whole grains have nutrients that may reduce blood pressure and lower risk of stroke and heart disease.  

Hearty Lasagna

2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese (can substitute low-fat creamed cottage cheese)
1 egg
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh basil
1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
2 cups fresh (chopped) or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
4 cups marinara sauce, low-sodium
1 lb box lasagna noodles, (whole wheat or whole grain), cooked and drained
2 large zucchini, thinly sliced
1½ cups low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, and spinach. 
3. Spray bottom of 13 x 9-inch rectangular baking dish with cooking spray; spread bottom of dish with marinara sauce.
4. Top with a single layer of noodles (about 3 strips per layer).
5. Spread half of ricotta cheese mix and arrange half of zucchini on top.
6. Add another layer of sauce.
7. Top with noodles, second layer of ricotta cheese mix, then remaining zucchini. 
8. Add another layer of noodles, spread with marinara sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
9. Cover with nonstick foil and bake 30 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes or until browned.
10. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Makes: 10 servings

Nutrition Information:

Per serving: Calories: 322, 118 calories from fat; 13 g fat; 7 g saturated fat; 61 mg cholesterol; 343 mg sodium; 31 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 20 g protein. Calories from fat: 36%.