The Breast Cancer Support Group, “Rebound,” of St. Margaret’s Hospital, is open to all persons affected by breast cancer.  Interested parties may call (815) 339-6480 for details.

St. Margaret’s Offers Free Prenatal Classes

St. Margaret’s Prenatal/Lamaze classes for expectant mothers, called “1-2-3-4 What To Expect From Labor/Delivery and More,” will begin Monday, July 12, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the First Floor Presentation Room at St. Margaret’s Hospital.

The four-week series of classes will consist of lectures on all aspects of pregnancy, including: stages of labor and delivery, techniques for pain relief, caesarian sections, medical interventions, Lamaze breathing techniques, conditioning and relaxation exercises, newborn care, breast and bottle-feeding and infant CPR.  Films on childbirth, car seat safety, infant care and infant safety are shown, and a tour of St. Margaret’s Family Birthing Centre is provided.

Participants are asked to bring a blanket, two pillows, and a labor coach (support person).  Expectant fathers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

There is no charge for the classes.  To register, call St. Margaret’s Family Birthing Centre at (815) 664-1345 or (815) 223-5346, ext. 1345.

St. Margaret’s Health Provides Haven During Extreme Temperatures

St. Margaret’s Health has instituted an emergency shelter program to provide an environment for those people who are unable to tolerate extreme weather conditions such as power outages in extreme heat or no air conditioning.  Those people who qualify must be capable of independent living and be able to care for themselves.    St. Margaret’s Para Transit will provide services for those participants who require transportation.  These services will be provided during the normal business hours of the Para Transit Department. 

There are some common sense guidelines to assist you during extreme temperatures:

• Spend some time in air conditioning, if possible.  Even just two hours a day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
• Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Slow down.  Avoid strenuous activity.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid going out in the blazing heat, if you can.
• If you must be out in the sun, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows open slightly.
• Keep lights down low or turned off.
• Take cool baths or showers periodically, use cool wet towels.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.  Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid using the oven.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine such as coffee, tea and cola.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes.  Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140 to 190 within 30 minutes on a hot day.
• Schools should restrict strenuous outdoor athletic activity when a heat advisory is in effect.  All physical education and athletic activity should be canceled when a heat warning is in effect.
• Stay informed about the heat wave by listening to NOAA Weather Radio, or commercial radio and television for the latest heat warnings and advisories.

More information may be obtained by calling 815-664-5311 or 815-223-5346.

Parkinson’s Support Group Schedules Meeting

St. Margaret’s support group for persons affected by Parkinson’s disease will meet Monday, Aug. 2, at 1:30 p.m. in the Hospital’s First Floor Presentation Room.  Family and friends are invited to attend.  

The support group offers emotional support, socialization and an opportunity to share information with others who are affected by Parkinson’s Disease.  The group meets regularly every first Monday of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room.  Free Valet Parking is provided, and wheelchairs are available in the hospital.  For more information, please contact St. Margaret’s Patient Support Services at (815) 664-1613 or (815) 223-5346, ext. 1613.

St. Margaret's Offers Healthcare Provider CPR Course

St. Margaret's will host a “Health Care Provider CPR” course on Tuesday, Aug. 3, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The class is for any health care provider, including lifeguards, firefighters and health care workers.  

The class cost is $30, which includes the instructional book, and is conducted by American Heart Association instructors.  It will be held in the hospital’s First Floor Presentation Room.  For more information, or to register, call St. Margaret's Occupational Health and Wellness Department at (815) 664-1613 or 223-5346, extension 1613.

Schwan’s Fundraising Sale for St. Margaret’s Auxiliary

St. Margaret’s Auxiliary will be hosting a fundraising event featuring Schwan's food, on Thursday, Aug. 5.  The truckload sale will be in hospital’s south parking lot from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A portion of the sales will benefit the Auxiliary.

The truck will have over 300 of Schwan’s quality products to choose from.  Simply come by, place your order from the Schwan’s Representative and take your products home to enjoy!   

Cash, credit (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), debit (linked by Visa), and the Illinois Link card will be accepted. 

Visions Support Group Schedules Meeting

“Visions,” a support group for the blind and visually impaired, will meet from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5, in St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room.

“Visions” meets regularly on the first and third Thursday of each month from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.  For more information, call (815) 664-1613 or (815) 223- 5346, ext. 1613.

St. Margaret’s To Host The ABC’s Of Prenatal Care

St. Margaret’s Hospital will host the ABC’s of Prenatal Care class on Monday, August 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the First Floor Presentation Room.  The free class is designed for pregnant women in their first and second trimesters.

Participants will receive information on fetal growth and development, prenatal testing, fitness and nutrition, and signs and symptoms of preterm labor.  Additional topics will include how to palpate contractions and perform the fetal kick count as well as examining the minor discomforts of pregnancy and tips on how to relieve them.

“The purpose of this class is to keep expectant mothers informed early in their pregnancy of what is occurring, rather than in their last trimester,” explained Beth Snyder, RNC, Family Birthing Centre nurse manager, who also noted that the class is helpful in assisting mothers-to-be with what kind of questions to ask their doctor if they observe a possible problem during their pregnancy.            

The ABC’s of Prenatal Care class is one component of the family birthing services offered at St. Margaret’s, which include Lamaze training and a take-home instructional video, which is given to all new mothers.  For more information, or to register, contact St. Margaret’s Family Birthing Centre at (815) 664-1345 or 223-5346, ext. 1345.

St. Margaret’s Health Offers Lipid Profile and Glucose Screening

St. Margaret’s Hospital will offer a Lipid Profile and Glucose Screening on Wed., August 11, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the DeAngelo Resource Room (rooms 104/105) located on the hospital’s first floor.  The $20 fee includes a check of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL.  A twelve-hour food and beverage fast is recommended for more accurate results.  Registration is requested by calling St. Margaret’s Occupational Health and Wellness Department at (815) 664-1613 or (815) 223-5346, ext. 1613.

Spirituality and Prayer Group Held at St. Margaret’s

A discussion group for anyone interested in learning about contemplative prayer and spiritual growth will be Saturday, August 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the First Floor Presentation Room at St. Margaret’s Hospital.

The group will meet once a month and is open to all faith traditions. It does not matter if you are attempting to initiate a spiritual life, recover a neglected one, or deepen an already developed spirituality. Selected passages from ancient and contemporary writers will be used to explore various aspects of a growing prayer life. For more information about the program, please contact Jeri at St. Margaret’s Pastoral Care Department at (815) 664-1348.