Age appropriate, fun program designed to teach girls about puberty

Mothers and their daughters are invited to a special event, sponsored by The Women’s Center at CoxHealth, designed to help girls ages 10-13 make the transition to adolescence with confidence.

“What’s Happening to Me? A Mother/Daughter Dialogue” will be held 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, in Foster Auditorium at Cox South, 3801 S. National Ave.

Nancy Bolduc, director of The Women’s Center, says, “The Women’s Center is committed to educating preteen and teenage girls about the issues affecting them. This discussion about sexuality and puberty is presented in an age-appropriate and sometimes humorous way.”

Presented by Robin Housley, RN, women’s health educator and experienced mother, the program includes chair massages and hand scrubs, followed by a healthy lunch and a relaxed, candid discussion on the changes puberty brings.

There is a $12 per person fee and advanced paid registration is requested. Please call 269-LADY for more information or to reserve your spot.

CoxHealth named Top 100 Integrated Health Network

CoxHealth has been named to SDI’s Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Networks listing for the fifth year in a row.

The SDI IHN Rating System is the nation’s premiere integrated healthcare network rating system. The Top 100 listing is based on critical success factors determined by SDI, such as a network’s ability to operate as a unified organization in each of eight categories: integration, integrated technology, contractual capabilities, outpatient utilization, financial stability, services and access, hospital utilization, and physicians.

This is the 13th edition of the Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Networks listing, and CoxHealth was rated 60th. The complete list and other information can be viewed at www.sdihealth.com.

CoxHealth donates supplies for Convoy of Hope’s Haiti effort

CoxHealth has donated three pallets full of medical supplies (above, with staff from Sterile Processing) destined for Haiti earthquake relief.

Ellen Gray, CoxHealth director of Sterile Processing, coordinated the donation and says the supplies include crutches, sterile surgical gowns, children’s nutritional supplements, soap, catheters, surgical skin markers and much more.

“This donation to Convoy is a great way for CoxHealth to reach out and help those in need,” says Gray.

If you would like to contribute to the relief effort, Convoy of Hope and the American Red Cross ask that you donate online at Convoyofhope.org or at Redcross.org. The U.S. relief effort is now allowing only a specific list of supplies into Haiti due to the overwhelming response internationally.

Both agencies say the greatest need is for cash to allow them to quickly purchase the most essential items needed by the people of Haiti.

Cardinals players visit pediatric patients

The Cardinals Caravan rolled into Springfield and made its traditional stop at Cox South to visit patients and baseball fans on the Pediatrics unit.

Two St. Louis Cardinals players, relief pitcher Kyle McClellan and third baseman David Freese, came to the hospital. Former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Kerrie Robinson also visited the children.

“It definitely lightens up their day at the hospital when they get to see some of the big sports players,” says CMN Director of Special Projects Crystal Conway. “I know the parents appreciate it as well.”

St. Louis Cardinals mascot Fredbird was also part of the group touring the unit. With help from the Child Life department, the players visited with patients and parents in the rooms and posed for several photographs, including some with staff. The team autographed hats and handed out other Cardinals merchandise to the children.

Conway presented the players with a gift, a framed collection of photographs of the remodeled pediatric patient room that was sponsored by the Cardinals Care Program.

Celebrate National Yoga Day with 'Yoga Flow' event

In celebration of National Yoga Day, CoxHealth Fitness Centers brings you “Yoga Flow,” a two-hour event designed to stretch your mind and body.

Join us Saturday, Jan. 23, from 9-11 a.m., at The Meyer Center, 3545 S. National Ave. Bring your favorite yoga mat, wear comfortable, loose clothing and enjoy two hours of yoga poses that will start out light and lead to a more vigorous and energetic workout. Sun salutes and balancing poses will be included.

This event is appropriate for people with all levels of yoga experience. Registration is $10 pre-registration, $15 the day of the event. To register or for more information, call 269-3282.

Pedal your way to the peak of three mountains – but never leave Springfield

Join CoxHealth Fitness Centers for the bike ride of a lifetime beginning Friday, Feb. 5.

Participants will get the chance to ride to the top of Alpe d’Huez in France, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mt. Everest in the Himalayas – on Spinning bikes.

Treks are as follows:
• Alpe d’Huez, Friday, Feb. 5, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., $15 fee
• Mt. Kilimanjaro, Saturday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m. – noon, $30 fee
• Mt. Everest, Saturday, Feb. 6, 1 – 4 p.m., $30 fee.

According to Sheryl DeBoer, Spinning instructor and ride organizer, each ride will include a computerized audio/visual presentation with images from the mountains. All rides will be held at The Meyer Center, 3545 S. National Ave., and a discount is available for people who choose to participate in all three rides.

Space is limited, so call 269-3282 today.

Choose to be healthy in 2010 – by becoming a CoxHealth volunteer

Those who volunteer will tell you that helping others brings meaning and purpose to their lives. As it turns out, volunteering may actually be making them healthier, too.

One study indicates those who volunteer experience less depression, pain and disability. Another recent study found that volunteering can actually help the elderly stave off frailty. So, what are you waiting for?

CoxHealth needs volunteers in a variety of areas, from sewing eye pillows and heart pillows for hospitalized patients, to working in the new gift shop at Cox Walnut Lawn. Other opportunities are available, too. For more information about volunteering at CoxHealth, call Veronica at 269-4169.

Whether it's bringing some cheer to a lonely patient, delivering flowers from loved ones or making a sick child less anxious, our volunteers have a great and lasting impact on our patients. And they may be healthier for it, too.

Screenings determine your risk for 'silent disease'

Studies estimate more than 52 million U.S. men and women aged 50 or older suffer from osteoporosis and low bone mass. The majority may never know until they suffer a fracture from a minor fall, or in advanced cases from a sneeze or even spontaneously.

CoxHealth can help you determine your risk for osteoporosis at an osteoporosis screening, sponsored by The Women’s Center at CoxHealth Friday, Jan. 15. People found to be at an increased risk of osteoporosis can also get a bone density screening for the low fee of $25.

“Screenings for osteoporosis are important to prevention and early detection,” says Patti Roper, RN, CDT osteoporosis nurse educator. “For most people, osteoporosis is a preventable disease if they do the right things, such as getting the recommended daily amount of calcium, doing weight-bearing exercises and not smoking. For those who don’t get screened and take other preventative measures, osteoporosis can be a painful and life-changing disease.”

Screenings are for those ages 21 and older. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 269-LADY. Screenings will be held in Suite 110 of the Turner Center, 1000 E. Primrose.