SEPTEMBER 2018 VOL XLVII NO 9

Everybody’s Business is published monthly for the employees of Illinois Valley Community Hospital by the IVCH Public Relations Department, Gene Vogelgesang, Director.

ILLINOIS VALLEY HOSPICE CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARYIllinois Valley Hospice celebrated 30 years of providing compassionate home-based end-of-life care to north central Illinois August 4 with a ceremony and butterfly release at the hospice offices in Peru.

A department of IVCH, Illinois Valley Hospice has cared for more than 3,000 patients and their families since its founding in 1988. The agency serves LaSalle, Bureau, Marshall and Putnam counties, as well as parts of Lee and DeKalb counties.

“Hospice is a caring, not a curing process,” said Dr. Mark Fernandez, IV hospice medical director, in remarks to about 80 people, mostly family members of current and former hospice patients.

Fernandez said hospice care lets terminally ill patients die with dignity, pain free, in their homes with family and friends around them.

“The special thing about hospice is that it is a type of care, not a place,” said Trina Hamrick, IV Hospice director. She said most

HEALTHGRADES 5-STAR RATING FOR IVCH HIP & KNEE REPLACEMENT See Page 2 for details.

Illinois Valley Hospice Celebrates 30th Anniversary (continued on page 4)

patients receive hospice care wherever they live – usually in their own home or a family member’s home, but also in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The morning event included introductions of IV Hospice staff by Trina Hamrick, IV Hospice director; a song – On Eagles’ Wings – sung by Dawn Moutray, IVCH social service director; and a butterfly reading by Lisa Casford, IV Hospice’s spiritual care coordinator.

A blessing by Father Gregory Jarzombek from St. Bede Academy preceded the butterfly release that concluded the ceremony on the lawn of the IVCH 6th Street office building.

Butterflies are often used as symbols by hospices worldwide because of their association with change, hope and life.

“I was very pleased with the turnout of people,” said Hamrick. “Many family members were able to connect with staff and volunteers. We received a lot of compliments and thank-you’s regarding our hospice.

Dawn Moutray sang “On Eagles’ Wings.”

Dr. Edward Fesco, Illinois Valley Hospice’s first medical director, is interviewed by

Ali Braboy from the NewsTribune.

The butterfly release was preceded by a program in the 6th Street office building’s meeting room. IVCH board of directors’ president

Jim Loveland (center) and former hospice advisory board member Malcolm Whipple were among those in attendance.

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PATIENT S U R V E Y S

AnaAlicia ArteagaLilly ArteagaMelissa BalmaBrenda BankesCathy Jo BankesPauline BarnardClarissa BartoTina BlairCheryl Braboy (2)Kim CorriganMichaela DenaultJennifer DeRubeisJheri Emmerling (2)Traci FarnetiJoan FernandezLynn GroveAmanda HineJill HuebbeHope IngramMary JauchMichelle JohnsonJennifer KennedyTammy KressJanet LanghamTom Leszczynski

IV Healthcorp employees and volunteers who received WOW! Service Excellence Awards in July include:

Catherine MarendaEd MayBrittney MoutrayJimmy Myre (2)Jeny Orozco (2)Lindsay OrrMary PinterCathy RenkJulie RepselLynn RomagnoliSarah SaepharnTara SalsmanAlyssa Salz (2)Cindy SchlesingerLeeAnn SchmidtKim SharpCarl SiemersAmy StoneTerri TerzickShelbi VanderpoolDawn VerucchiKristy VolpeJennifer WasheleskyRoberta Wendel (3)Stacey Wertz

EXCEPTIONALS E R V I C E A W A R D S

HEALTHGRADES AWARDS IVCH 5 STARS FOR HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENT

Healthgrades, an online resource for information about physicians and hospitals, has awarded Illinois Valley Community Hospital a 5-star rating for hip and knee replacement surgery.

The company says IVCH is the only hospital in the state of Illinois to have earned its highest ranking for the two procedures more than 10 years in a row. Healthgrades annually evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide.

Tommy Hobbs, IVCH chief executiveofficer, credits the skills of orthopedic surgeons Dr. Peter Meier and Dr. Robert Mitchell with earning the award for the hospital.

“Doctors Meier and Mitchell have always had excellent reputations for their work. This award comes as no surprise,” he said.

Hobbs noted the care patients receive in the IVCH Joint Replacement Center is also a major factor in the hospital’s high rating.

Surveys show 89% of IVCH joint replacement patients report mild to no pain while walking following surgery compared to a national average of 80%. Eighty-seven percent of IVCH joint patients go directly home from the hospital compared to a national average of 71%.

The Healthgrades report demonstrates how clinical performance continues to differ dramatically between hospitals regionally and nationally, according to Dr. Brad Bowman, Healthgrades chief medical officer. “In an environment where consumers have more choices about where to receive their care, a hospital’s commitment to achieving high-quality outcomes is fundamental,” he said.

For its analysis, Healthgrades evaluated approximately 45 million Medicare inpatient records for nearly 4,500 short-term acute care hospitals nationwide to assess hospital performance in 32 common conditions and procedures.

Dr. Peter Meier (left) amd Dr. Robert Mitchell.

IV Healthcorp employees and physicians who mentioned by name in a positive manner on patient surveys returned in July include:

Jessica Allen • Amy Armstrong (3) • Virginia Arteaga • Christine Askeland (5) • Deb Baker (3) • Dr. Eugene Becker • Alyssa Bernard (3) • Elizabeth Birkey Dr. Paul Bonucci • Bonnie Bottenberg • Trisha Brown • Helen Bryant • Carrie Burr (4) • Amber Camp • Hope Cantu (4) • Lori Casey • Dr. Mario Cote (2) Jane Curry • Charlene Dean-Jones • Dr. Kelly DeBoer (2) • Chris Debosik • Jennifer DeRubeis • Chris Differding • Dr. Merrick Donnenberg • Kirsten Eddy (3) Carol Elias • Betsy Emmerling • Cassie Essl • Deb Fewell • Tess Freiburg (4) • Becky Gensini • Jon Gestl • Abrianna Giuliani (2) • Jennifer Goforth Dr. Serge Golber (2) • Dr. Kemoria Granberry (3) • Maria Guzman • Alyssa Heider (2) • Dana Hoffman (3) • Ashley Izaguirre (2) • Melissa Jackson-Budach (2) Lexanne Jarosz • Mary Jauch (4) • Dr. Othman Jibril (2) • Patti Kamnikar (3) • Dr. Ioannis Karkatzounis • Melissa Kelly • Dr. David Kelton • Kathy Kleckner Todd Kuzma • Brittany Lange (2) • Melissa Lenhausen (3) • Cathy Lenkaitis • Brittany Lewis • Jacqueline Ma • Jenna Manigold • Kris Martin • Melissa Mata (8) Adam Maubach (3) • Colleen McKenna • Kim McTee (3) • Becky Meier • Dr. Peter Meier (2) • Amy Mertes (8) • Amanda Mois • Nichole Naramore Brooke Nevins (2) • Dr. David O’Donnell (2) • Dr. Anju Patel • Mary Petre (6) • Angela Pikula • Kendra Poole • Alliah Pourchot • Candace Ramirez Brianna Rebholz • Deb Redd • Candi Reppin • Julie Repsel • Tracy Repsel • Tessa Risatti (2) • Ashley Rosales (6) • Michelle Salas • Jennifer Sangston (2) Daniela Santoy • Barb Schmitz • Dr. Chris Schwartz • Lauren Sell • Cheryl Siembab • Stephanie Simpson • Shannon Spencer • Amy Stone (2) Melissa Strom • Jessica Stuart • Becca Suarez • Dr. Hassnain Syed • Kendra Taylor • Barb Tieman (5) • Shelbi Vanderpool • Dr. Michelle Vasquez (2) Dawn Verucchi • Angela Vezetti • Jody Vlaiovic (2) • Sue Wagner (4) • Chris Westphal • Haley Woolford • Jennifer Wrobleski • Dr. Maher Younes Nancy Zborowski

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IVCH AUXILIARY REPORT

VOLUNTEER BIRTHDAYSPlease wish a very Happy Birthday to the following volunteers: Deb Feller, OB (9/1); Lorraine Benjamin, Auxiliary (9/3); Adelaide Piotrowski, Auxiliary (9/5); Willis Fry, Auxiliary (9/12); Norma Hoover, Auxiliary (9/15); Nancy Postula, Auxiliary (9/16); Michelle Walker, Red Coat & Lobby Shoppe (9/16); Sue Wokna, Auxiliary (9/21); Sue Nickel, Red Coat (9/24); Jane Duncan, Auxiliary (9/29); and Wendy Lauer, Pastoral Care (9/29).

AUXILIARY HAPPENINGS!The Auxiliary volunteers will have the first meeting of the new membership year on Tuesday, September 4 at 10 a.m. in Conference Room C. And get excited…

The Amish Rise ‘n Roll Bakery will be back on Thursday, September 6 from 8 a.m. until noon. Tell your friends and family because they will not want to miss out on this deliciousness!

The scrub vendor, MPG tandem, will also be back with your work uniform needs on Thursday, September 20 from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m.

IVCH NOTES

NEW ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON COMING IN 2019Dr. Connor Kasik, an orthopedic surgeon who grew up in Peru, will be coming back home to join the Illinois Valley Orthopedics medical practice in September 2019. Tommy Hobbs, IVCH chief executive officer, said Dr. Kasik started a year-long fellowship in August. “We are extremely excited he will be joining IVCH and IVO,” said Hobbs.

IDPH APPROVES NEW MRI FOR IVCHThe Illinois Department of Public Health has approved IVCH’s application to install a new MRI unit. Manufactured by Canon Medical Systems, the new MRI will have the widest bore available, meaning it will be able to accommodate larger patients than is possible now at IVCH. And patients will have what Canon calls an “immersive virtual experience” during tests with the new device’s advanced video and TV capabilities. If all goes as planned, the new MRI should be in place and in use by the end of the year.

IVCH FACEBOOK LIVE BROADCASTS PROVE POSITIVEIf you’re a Facebook person, be on the lookout for upcoming IVCH Facebook Live broadcasts. There had been four broadcasts as of August 10, two with IVCH dietitians and two from the Peru Primary Care Clinic. Community Outreach Administrative Assistant Jheri Emmerling has been coordinating the broadcasts.

IF IT’S SEPTEMBER, IT MUST BE. . .• Baby Safety Month• Blood Cancer Awareness Month• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month• Cholesterol Education Month (National)• Craniofacial Acceptance Month• Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month• Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month• Newborn Screening Awareness Month• Pain Awareness Month• Prostate Health Month• Reye’s Syndrome Awareness Month• Sepsis Awareness Month• Thyroid Cancer Awareness Monthplus• September 9-15 is Healthcare Environmental

Services Week• September 9-15 is Vascular Nurses Week• September 9-15 is Youth Suicide Prevention Week

(National)• September 16-22 is Balance Awareness Week• September 16-22 is Clean Hands Week (International)• September 16-22 is Nursing Professional

Development Week• September 16-22 is Surgical Technologist Weekand• September 10 is Youth Suicide Prevention Day

(National)• September 15 is Neonatal Nurses Day (National)• September 26 Women’s Health & Fitness Day

(National)

IVCH AT WOMAN’S EXPO

IVCH was a participant in the NewsTribune’s first Woman’s Expo staged August 9 at John F. Kennedy School in Spring Valley.

IVCH dietitians Brittney Moutray (left) and Alyssa Salz gave a talk at the expo about safe ways to manage your weight.

The IVCH table was one of the first seen by the approximately 400 women who attended the event. From left, Doris Halm (Women’s Health Care Center office manager), Sara Burd

(physical therapist) and Brittany Lange (WHCC midwife) were among the IVCH staff members who were there.

Illinois Valley Hospice Celebrates 30th Anniversary (continued from page 1)

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DR. MITCHELL COACHES PERU CENTRAL STATES TOURNAMENT TEAM

IVCH orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Mitchell coached the Peru team that competed in this year’s Central States Tournament played in late July in Peru and Oglesby. He is pictured with his son, Mason. Scott Lenkaitis, husband of IVCH nurse Cathy Lenkaitis, was one of the team’s assistant coaches. The Peru squad placed second in the tournament. IVCH was a corporate sponsor of the event.

TEN WAYS TO ADD MORE JOY TO YOUR LIFE

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote, “Into each life some rain must fall.”

If you sometimes feel like your life is one downpour after another, it’s time to find some joy. And it’s easier than you might think.

Being joyful has the power to help you bounce back from stressful events, solve problems, think flexibly and even fend off diseases.

So without further ado, here are ten simple ways to make your days brighter:

1. Do something you loved as a kid. Sing silly songs, splash in puddles or see how high you can swing.

2. Laugh at life’s hassles. No day is perfect. But there’s often something at least a bit amusing in challenging situations if you look for it.

3. Collect sayings or photos that make you smile. Then stick them where they’re visible – on your refrigerator or at your desk, for instance – to look at when you need a pick-me-up.

4. Play a song you love. Imaging tests of brains show that music can release feel-good hormones.

5. Go for it. Stop putting experiences you want to try on hold. Bake a pie from scratch, learn to crochet or sign up for an indoor climbing class – explore what intrigues you.

6. Take a nature break. Look up at the sky, and see how blue it really is. Go on an early-morning walk, and delight in the dew on the grass. Let nature’s beauty soothe you.

7. Take a mental break. Close your eyes and imagine a place you love. Use all your senses. Are you drawn to the beach? Smell the salt water, feel the sun on your back and hear the crashing waves.

8. Spread happiness. When you get good news, don’t keep it to yourself – tell a friend. You’ll relive the moment and have the extra pleasure of your friend’s reaction.

9. Seek out happy people. Good moods are contagious.

10. Develop your playful side. Joke with strangers in line, arrange nights out with friends or have a regular game night with your family.

Sources: HelpGuide; Mental Health America© Coffey Communications, Inc.

Setting their butterflies free are, from left, Rose and Jim Wall, Andy Kunkel, Ellie Wall, Deb Kunkel and Betsy Emmerling.

Catherine Zimmer (left) and Donna Patterson,

family members of a hospice patient, release

their butterflies at the Illinois Valley Hospice 30th

anniversary celebration.

Nancy Dunagan, a harpist from the Chicago area, provided music.

Paula Spielman (left) of Peru and

Eleanor Corriere of Oglesby

confer before releasing their

butterflies.

Thirty-eighth District State Senator Sue Rezin talked with clients and staff when she visited the Illinois Valley Adult Day Center July 18. The visit came at the invitation of ADC Director Janelle Mrowicki, who asked for legislative support to increase the amount of state reimbursement the day center receives. Mrowicki told Rezin it had been 10 years since the reimbursement rate had been raised.

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IVCH H A P P E N I N G S

September 2018COURTYARD DEDICATION AT VALLEY

REGIONAL CANCER CENTER

New E M P L O Y E E S

New employees welcomed at the August 13 new employee orientation session at IVCH include, standing, from left, Kelley Conley, Illinois Valley Hospice; Todd Kuzma, Peru Medical Clinic; Dr. Maher Younes, ENT & Allergy Center; Victoria Donkle, Sodexo; Rich Hendry, Transport Services; Silvia Piza Figueroa, Nursing Services; Jessica Lipinski, Nursing Services; Angela Filippo, Nursing Services; Candice Jordan, Nursing Serivces; and Sara Legrenzi, Nursing Services. Seated, from left, are Jim Duttlinger, Transport Services; Christine Catalanello, Patient Access; Anna Jefferson, Patient Access; and Natalie Pelszynski, Nursing Services.

An outside space where patients and family can relax at the Valley Regional Cancer Center in Peru was dedicated August 1 with a mid-morning ceremony officiated by Karen Karczewski, a minister who is also a coordinator/medical technologist at the VRCC. The space features a commemorative brick courtyard built with funds (more than $6,000) raised by Ambassador Girl Scout Katrina Rudolph (pictured with IVCH CEO Tommy Hobbs), who earned the Girl Scouts’ prestigious Gold Award for her efforts.

SENATOR REZIN VISITS ADULT DAY CENTER

Senator Rezin with ADC client Joyce Bierbrodt of Spring Valley.

Senator Rezin talks with ADC clients and staff.

UPCOMING E V E N T S SEPTEMBER B I R T H D A Y S

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1 Jennifer Sines, Pharmacy 1 Dana Hoffman, Women’s Health Care Center 2 Ashley Spayer, Hygienic Institute 3 Martha Durham, Adult Day Center 3 Tara Beemblossom, ENT & Allergy Center 3 Haley Woolford, 2-3 South 4 Nicole Washkowiak, Diagnostic Imaging 4 Jennifer Goforth, 2-3 South 5 Becky Kirkman, Pulmonary Rehab 5 Lori Komater, 2-3 South 5 Dr. Kemoria Granberry, Women’s Health Care Center 7 Bridget Potthoff, LaSalle Medical Clinic 7 Tessa Risatti, 2-3 South 8 Ashton Smith, Patient Financial Services 9 Julia Gonzalez, Adult Day Center 9 Tiffany Bardell, ER 9 Dr. Maher Younes, ENT & Allergy Center 9 Rosemary Wall, Pain Management 9 Catherine Bunzell, 2-3 South 10 Richard Pellican, Family Home Medical Equipment 12 Martie Tomsha, Family Home Medical Equipment 12 Emma Knirlberger, 2-3 South 12 Lori Tomlinson, Women’s Health Care Center 14 Kimberly Kmetz, Fiscal 14 James Rietgraf, Pharmacy 14 Nicole Gedraitis, CPRA 14 Trisha Brown, Streator Medical Clinic 14 Doris Halm, Women’s Health Care Center 15 Brittany Lange, Women’s Health Care Service 16 Nancy Postula, ENT and Allergy Center 17 Kaitlyn Siekierka, Care Today 18 Dawn Krolak, Day Surgery 19 Jane Fisher, Administration 19 Rose Mary Carrico, 2-3 South 22 Mary Jauch, ER 23 Beverly Lamps, Hygienic Institute 23 Jennifer Lopez, Oglesby Medical Clinic 24 Caitlin Nauman, Laboratory 25 Maureen Lemmer, Illinois Valley Orthopedics 25 Patricia Kamnikar, OB 26 Patricia Bardell, Adult Day Center 26 Brian O’Leary, Information Systems 28 Jonathan Allen, Materials Management 29 Barbara Bianchi, Occupational Health 29 Jenna Thorp, CPRA 30 Brianna Rebholz, Inpatient Physical Therapy

IN S Y M P A T H Y

The entire IVCH family wishes sincere sympathy to:• Mary Petre, Day Surgery, on the loss of her mother;• Rose Wall, Pain Clinic, on the loss of her father, Aloysius “Al” Kunkel;• Betsy Emmerling, Peru Medical Clinic, on the loss of her father,

Aloysius “Al” Kunkel;• Charles Dean, Security, on the loss of his mother-in-law, Betty Happ;• Dena Foster, Laboratory, on the loss of her brother.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE – AUGUST 28IVCH will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, August 28, in the conference room of the 6th Street Office Building. Call Danielle Bourell at ext. 3387 to make your appointment to donate blood. Walk-ins will also be welcome.

“MOM, MY BODY’S CHANGING” – AUGUST 30IVCH’s annual program for middle school girls and their moms about health, fitness and self-esteem starts at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s room at Peru Mall. The five dollar fee per person includes a light meal. Call ext. 4642 to register or register and pay the fee online at ivch.org.

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING – SEPTEMBER 10If you’re a man age 50 and above, you should be screened for prostate cancer on a regular basis. Illinois Urologic Health Surgeons will have a screening at IVCH Monday, September 10. The $25 dollar fee includes a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam. Call ext. 4642 for more information.

PULMONARY REHAB HEALTH FAIR – SEPTEMBER 12The IVCH Pulmonary Rehab Unit will host a health fair from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, in the IVCH room at Peru Mall. Stop by and enjoy an apple cider doughnut. Call ext. 4642 for more information.

IVCH FOUNDATION GOLF SCRAMBLE – SEPTEMBER 14This year’s Foundation golf fundraiser tees off at 12:30 p.m. Friday, September 14, at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club. The entry fee includes lunch and dinner as well as green fees, golf cart refreshments and a gift. For IVCH employees, the fee is just $100; everyone else, $125. Go to ivch.org for more information or call Jheri Emmerling at ext. 4642. Proceeds will help IVCH obtain a 3D mammography unit.

FALL REAL RESULTS CLASS – SEPTEMBER 26The fall edition of the Real Results weight management class taught by IVCH dietitians gets underway Wednesday, September 26. IVCH employees can pay the $150 fee through payroll deduction. Call ext. 4642 for details.

IVCH FALL FITNESS 5K – OCTOBER 13Sponsored by the Center for Physical Rehabilitation and Aquatics, the race starts at 9 a.m. in Peru's Washington Park and is a fundraiser for the IVCH Foundation. Register to run (or walk) at runsignup.com/ivch5k. The entry fee is $20 before October 9, $25 afterward.