St. Margaret’s has two new H1N1 resources available to the public. The first is an H1N1 information line where individuals can call and receive pre-recorded H1N1 facts. Information is provided regarding symptoms, treatment, testing and prevention of the H1N1 virus. The number is (815) 664-H1N1 (4161).
Another resource for up-to-date information regarding H1N1 is St. Margaret’s website. Visit www.aboutsmh.org for links to H1N1 information, such as St. Margaret’s Visitation Policy, and links to current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and Illinois Department of Public Health websites for guidance. There is also a short video regarding H1N1 symptoms, treatment and prevention, by Ramey Lovelady, St. Margaret’s Infection Control Coordinator.
A Free Diabetes Education Class Series will be held at St. Margaret’s Hospital beginning on Monday, Mar. 1 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the First Floor Presentation Room. The class will continue on the following three consecutive Mondays.
The class will cover an overview of diabetes, complications and monitoring, nutrition and diet, medications, stress management and social assistance, exercise and activity, and foot, skin and oral care. Participants will also receive a free glucometer.
The class is coordinated by Pat Schummer, RN, Patient Education Nurse and Certified Diabetic Educator at St. Margaret’s Hospital.
To register, call St. Margaret’s Patient Education at (815) 664-1616 or 223-5346, ext. 1616.
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, Mar. 1 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.
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, Mar. 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the 1st 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.
Rebound Meeting
The Breast Cancer Support Group, “Rebound,” of St. Margaret’s Hospital, will meet Monday, Mar. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Hospital’s First Floor Presentation Room. The meeting is open to all persons affected by breast cancer. Interested parties may call (815) 339-6480 for details. The group meets regularly at St. Margaret’s the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
“Turning Point” Support Group Meets
“Turning Point,” a support group for persons HIV positive or with AIDS, will meet on Wednesday, Mar. 17, at 6 p.m. The location is not disclosed for confidentiality purposes. For more information, call St. Margaret’s Patient Support Services at (815) 664-1613 or (815) 223-5346, ext. 613. “Turning Point” meets regularly on the third Wednesday of each month.
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, Mar. 18, 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.
