Visit these locations with your I Matter™  card through the week of May 13-19 for your free 30 day membership: 

Crete: 1395 C Main St., Ste. 1NW & 1NE, 708-672-3700
Frankfort: 20833 S. LaGrange Rd., 815-464-3276
Joliet (West) :1007 Essington Road,815-725-5588
Joliet (Central): 1704 W. Jefferson Street, 815-725-2007
Manhattan: 25624 S. Gougar Road, 815-478-7824
New Lenox: 1938 E. Lincoln Highway, Ste. 109,  815-462-1336 

Brian Murray, Paramedic, and Seth Nissen, EMT-B, with the Silver Cross Free-Standing Emergency Care Center in Homer Glen pose with Steven Pieczynski and Tyler Lucas, student interns from Lincoln-Way East High School.

Three mornings a week for 4 weeks, 13 Lincoln-Way East High School students set aside their text books and came to Silver Cross Hospital for real-life lessons.  The free program offers a valuable experience and great opportunity for seniors enrolled in human anatomy and physiology class allowing them real insight into medical careers.

“This internship has been the most interesting thing I’ve ever done and it has taught me so much, like how to be even more responsible,” said Lincoln-Way East senior Maggie Bisaga, who will be attending Elmhurst College in the fall to study nursing. “From my internship at Silver Cross Hospital, I now know that I want to be a nurse that can do infusions.” BiSaga also has volunteered for the past two years at Silver Cross greeting and escorting patients and their families.

In order to be considered for the Anatomy Physiology Medical class, students must undergo a rigorous selection process weighing their qualifications to other candidates. Students must meet criteria including a combination of excellent grades, interest in the healthcare field as a career, complete an application process, acquire teacher recommendations, exhibit a discipline for a dedicated work ethic and participate in an interview process. During the fall semester the students learned from college textbooks in a classroom.  In the spring semester, they took part in a real healthcare setting. Under the supervision of their classroom instructor and hospital managers, the students rotated through 14 areas including the Post Acute Care Unit (PACU), a nursing unit, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, laboratory, Infusion Center, Cardiac Cath Lab, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross, and the Silver Cross Free-Standing Emergency Care Center in Homer Glen.

“This program provides a very unique opportunity for our students to obtain vocational experience and knowledge in the medical field, whereby they are provided the tools to make more educated decisions regarding their future career paths at an early age,” said Scott Fletcher, Dean of Students and teacher for the Human Anatomy & Physiology class at Lincoln-East High School. “It also gives students applying to college a competitive edge.”

One of the highlights of this year’s internship was when the students took a field trip to the Silver Cross Free-Standing Emergency Care Center located at 143^rd St. and Bell Rd in Homer Glen. The Emergency Care Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and staffed by Silver Cross Hospital’s board certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses. Paramedics are onsite 24/7 to immediately transfer patients by ambulance to the Silver Cross Hospital if they need to be admitted to the hospital. During their time at the Free-Standing Emergency Care Center, students watched as paramedics conducted an EKG on each other to demonstrate how this test is performed and then printed out the results for students to analyze. Afterwards, Habib Abbasi, M.D., emergency medicine physician with EM Strategies at Silver Cross Hospital, gave a heart and EKG in-service to the students. Dr. Abbasi also gave advice to the students on how to be a compassionate physician. He said it is important for a physician to sincerely listen to their patients to really understand their problems, so you can treat them properly.  Then Margaret Hir, MRI Technologist, gave a thorough imaging and x-ray in-service where she printed out MRI images of various sections of the body and had students guess which body part was displayed on the film.

For 12 years, the program has provided students with a window to their future.  Many former interns have even come back after graduation to work at Silver Cross in many areas including admitting, respiratory therapy, nutrition services and the emergency department. 

2. Reduce stress – Exercise helps you relax after a stressful day. Take a 30 minute walk, or work out at the gym to unwind.

3. Get stronger – Exercise can improve your strength and endurance. Start gradually, stick with it and eventually you’ll get stronger.

4. Sleep well – A good night’s sleep can set the tone for your day. Fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly with regular exercise that’s not too close to your bedtime.

5. Lose weight – Regular exercise is a must for calorie balance. When you burn more calories than you need, the pounds begin to melt away.

6. Keep weight off – Studies show that sticking with your exercise routine is the key to avoid regaining the weight that you worked so hard to shed.

7. Boost self esteem – When you lose weight and gain muscle tone, you feel better about your appearance, as well as your health.

8. Get happy – Studies show that exercise releases brain chemicals that improve your mood.

9. Get Smarter – Some studies show that after exercise students perform better on tests that require focus and attention.

10. Live longer – By exercising regularly for as little as half an hour a day you can reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases and increase your life expectancy.

Whatever reason works for you, take advantage of the great weather to get out, get active and get healthy. Want to learn more ways you can fight obesity? Join us for an Obesity & Your Health program every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. at BMI Surgery, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite 260, New Lenox. Click here to learn more.

Senator Mark Kirk shares his stroke story from his desk.

On Saturday, Jan. 21, I woke up with a headache. The headache worsened as the morning progressed, but I wanted to keep to my work schedule. At 11 a.m., a member of my staff, Andrew Weissert, picked me up at my house in Highland Park to take me to a noon meeting of my Eastern European Advisory Board in Chicago. In the car, I felt new symptoms — numbness in my hands and problems with my vision. I realized this was not a headache or even a migraine. From the car, I called my physician and good friend, Dr. Jay Alexander. Jay told me to get to the emergency room at Lake Forest Hospital as soon as possible and he would meet me there. Andrew turned the car around and we headed back north. I walked into the hospital and checked in. Jay and the doctors at Lake Forest examined me and conducted a number of tests. My condition worsened. All of my symptoms became more severe. It was determined that my right carotid artery had been “dissected” — that is, blocked — by unknown causes. The reduced blood flow to my brain had caused a moderate ischemic stroke.The medical team decided to transfer me to Northwestern Memorial Hospital late that afternoon in case surgery was necessary. Late Saturday afternoon, I rode downtown in an ambulance with Jay by my side. At Northwestern, I was examined by Dr. Richard Fessler, a renowned neurosurgeon. Dr. Fessler had been involved with me in various health policy initiatives over the years, so I knew I was receiving the best possible care. 

On Sunday, I felt four waves pass through my brain, each lasting approximately 15 minutes. I cannot describe the feeling except to say that something profound was happening inside my skull. Those waves were causing my brain to swell and my symptoms worsened. The strokes affected the portions of my brain that regulate movement on my left side.The medical team at Northwestern, in consultation with my family, decided to operate. Sunday evening, Dr. Fessler and his surgical team removed a 4-by-8-inch section of my skull to relieve the swelling. I am told that I woke up on Monday morning and asked for my BlackBerry, although I have no recollection of that now. 

Senator Kirk works with staff at RIC to help regain his ability to walk.

Over the next two days, the swelling in my brain did not go down, and Dr. Fessler and Dr. H. Hunt Batjer operated again, removing the dead portion of my brain as well as more bone to allow for more swelling. Since that second surgery, I have been on a steady course of recovery. Two weeks later, the removed section of my skull was replaced and my head was back in one piece. A week after that, I transferred out of Northwestern’s intensive care unit and moved into the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, just a few blocks away. For the past two months, I have been working for hours each day to regain my ability to walk and other motor functions.I was very fortunate that the stroke affected the right side of my brain. While I could not at first move the left side of my body, my cognitive and speech functions were not impaired. With a lot of work and a lot of help, I have been slowly regaining movement on the left side of my body. 

I am most indebted to my family — my mother Judy, my stepmother Bev, my sisters Robin, Maya and Kira, my brother Eric — for standing by me during these past 31/2 months, holding my hand during the darkest hours. I have also been blessed by my congressional family, which has stood by me and my staff during this period. Sens. Dick Durbin, Joe Manchin, Scott Brown, Bob Corker, Mitch McConnell and others in the Senate and House have all gone out of their way to help us continue to work on behalf of the people of Illinois. 

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Approximately 700,000 Americans suffer from strokes each year. Nearly one-fourth of these strokes are fatal. Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in our nation, and one of the top causes of long-term disability. Thousands of Illinoisans will die of a stroke this year.Early detection is key to survival. My early symptoms — severe headache, numbness and vision problems — are typical. Other symptoms are dizziness, confusion and trouble speaking. Many strokes are preventable through quitting smoking, improving diet, more exercise and other measures that reduce blood pressure. 

My staff and I are working on a legislative package to help with early detection and prevention programs.Thank you to my family, my health care providers and the people of Illinois for standing by me during this long recovery. I intend to be back at work as soon as possible, working for Illinois and for greater awareness of the challenges we all face from stroke. 

Thank you to Senator Kirk for sharing your story. To learn more about the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital, click here.  

 “The body’s digestion system is very complex, it takes many functions to process the food we eat into the energy we need,” shares Dr. Kamran Ayub, gastroenterologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital.

Find Relief  Join Dr. Kamran Ayub on Tuesday, May 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Silver Cross Hospital, Pavilion A, Conference Center 1, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox for a free program, Commonly Missed Causes and Management of Upper Abdominal Pain. He will discuss the common symptoms, causes and latest treatment options available to help find pain relief. Register to attend this program here or  call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

The odds of developing skin cancer increase with age. Other risk factors include having fair skin that freckles, a family history of skin cancer, and more than 50 moles. However, the most preventable cause of skin cancer is excessive sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure (both natural and artificial) has been proven to be the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. To help minimize your risk of skin cancer, Silver Cross Hospital suggests the following tips:

• Generously apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. “Broad-spectrum” sunscreen provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, whenever possible.
• Seek shade when the sun’s rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen every hour.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
•  Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements.
• Avoid tanning. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, try an alternative method such as spray tans.
• Check yourself. A change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole or an unusual new mole is often the first sign of melanoma, the rarest but deadliest form of skin cancer. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

“To help detect skin cancer at an early stage, become familiar with your moles and birthmarks,” said Dr. Gregory Bezanis, dermatologist with Premier Dermatology on staff at Silver Cross Hospital. “Then, every month, check your entire body in the mirror for skin changes, including your back, scalp, and feet. A handheld mirror can help ensure a thorough self-exam.”

In honor of National Skin Cancer Awareness month, Dr. Aaron Cetner, dermatologist with Premier Dermatology and on staff at Silver Cross Hospital, will offer free skin cancer screenings on Thursday, May 24 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dr. Gregory Bezanis, dermatologist, will provide screenings on Friday, May 25, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Register to attend online or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325). Screenings will be held at the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health, Pavilion B, 1870 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox.

This free event will be held at Orland Mall–Lower Level Carson’s Court.

Stop by the Silver Cross Booth, sign up for the I Matter program and receive a special gift bag and learn how you can get valuable discounts with over 50 local businesses just for taking care of yourself.

Take a bite out of Spring’s fresh flavors with this filling salad recipe. It will not disappoint.

• Quinoa

1 quart + 3 ½ cups water

3 ½ cups quinoa (rinsed & drained)

In stockpot over high heat, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa. Stir. ZReduce heat. Simmer until tender, 8-10 minutes. Chill.

•  Dressing

1 ¼ cup plain non fat yogurt

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons lime juice

¼ teaspoon curry powder

Combine dressing ingredients. Whisk until well blended.

•  Fruits & Veggies

3 cups mangoes (pitted, peeled, and diced ¼ inch)

½ cup dried cranberries

½ cup green scallion (trimmed, sliced diagonally ½ inch)

2 tablespoons fresh jalepeno peeper (seeded, diced ¼ inch)

•  Greens Mix

2 quarts fresh baby spinach

2 quarts spring lettuce mix

Combine & toss to mix.

•  Topping

½ cup toasted almonds

 In bowl, combine dressing, chilled quinoa, mango, cranberries, scallion and jalapenos. Toss to coat. To serve, pleace 2 cups of greens mix on plate. Pleace 1/8 quinoa micture on top of greens mix. Top with toasted almonds. Serve immediately. This recipe makes 8 servings.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)

Calories: 380   Carbohydrate: 67 g

Protein: 13g    Total Fat: 7g

Sat. Fat: 2g    Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 85mg

Join Dr. John Obert-Hong, family practice physician on staff at Silver Cross Hospital, on Tuesday, May 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Silver Cross Hospital, Pavilion A, Conference Center 1BC, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox for a free program, Take This, Not That! He will discuss the best nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and natural ways to help you and your family heal. He will also discuss the hidden risks of combining supplements with prescriptions. Register to attend here.

“It is important to discuss which supplements and what doses might be appropriate for you and your family with a physician since there are many possible side effects and interactions with any medications you take,” says Dr. Obert-Hong.

Benefits In most cases, multiple-vitamin supplements provide all the basic nutrients your body needs. These multiple-vitamins are generally safe because they contain only small amounts of the each nutrient. Individual nutrients can also be sold as dietary supplements, but usually in larger amounts than what’s found in a typical multiple-vitamin. They may be used to treat a simple deficiency or used therapeutically to treat specific health conditions or risk factors.

Common Risks In the United States, dietary supplements are not regulated as strictly as drugs. However, manufacturers are required to oblige to rules in regards to labeling and the claims that can be made about the supplements. The claim can be made that a dietary supplement addresses a nutritional deficiency, supports health, or reduces the risk for a specific health problem when there is enough evidence to support that claim.