Healthy Connections Newsletter - Fall 2103

Hospital Happenings...
Healthy Connections
Austin Satellite Senior Center Health Education Classes
Held every Wednesday throughout the year.
Call 773-854-5306 for more information.
Golden Life Senior Birthday Celebrations
A Publication for Friends of Loretto Hospital • 645 S. Central Ave. • Chicago, IL 60644 • Fall 2013 • 773-626-4300 • www.lorettohospital.org
Held quarterly.
We want to hear from you.
Call 773-854-5306 for more information.
Open House
Send us your questions
October 24, 2013, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
or comments to:
[email protected]
Visit with Santa
December 7, 2013, 10 a.m.- noon
Behavioral Health Disorders Treated as Criminal
Mentally ill and drug addicts linked to inner city violence may be a form of discrimination.
Inaccurate beliefs about the link between mental illness and violence have led to widespread stigma and discrimination against
people with behavioral health disorders. The discrimination and stigma associated with mental illnesses may stem from the way
the entertainment industry and the news media portray people with behavioral health disorders as being the most dangerous of all
demographic group.
Kiss the Wall Celebration (Honoring survivors of cancer)
According to Mental Health America, an organization that addresses the full
spectrum of issues associated with mental illnesses and substance use, many
TBD
news stories about people with mental illnesses are portrayed negatively. However,
the vast majority of people with mental illness do not exhibit criminal behavior.
Healthy Connections is a publication of Loretto Hospital. For more information about Loretto Hospital call 773-626-4300.
Photo credits: 123RF and Microsoft.com Free Images. Newsletter design by Business Image Development, Inc.. Copyright © 2013, Loretto Hospital, All Rights Reserved.
“Most mentally ill people in the streets are not violent. Take for instance people with
schizophrenia or people with bi-polar disorders, they are usually very harmless,”
said Addie Anderson, director of outpatient mental health at Loretto Hospital,
during a recent intergovernmental taskforce public hearing organized by Cook
U.S. Postage
Place
Stamp
Here
Country Commissioner Earlean Collins (1st District).
645 S. Central Avenue
Chicago, IL 60644
and
governmental
sectors
offered their input on how to reduce crime as
proposed by the Criminal Justice Committee
of Cook County.
The proposal examined
the role the mentally ill, substance abusers
and the homeless may play in violence
throughout the City.
“There is a condition known as oppositional
defiance disorder, but even individuals with
Mailing Label Here
No
woman
this condition are not necessarily violent,”
Anderson said.
Opposition Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a
childhood condition with common features
of excessive, often persistent anger, frequent
temper tantrums or angry outbursts, as well
as disregard for authority. Children and
adolescents with ODD often purposely annoy
wants
to hear that she has
breast cancer. But the
sooner the cancer is
found, the better her
prognosis.
During that hearing, leaders from various
professional
Is it time for
your mammogram?
Women
with smaller tumors
and cancer that hasn’t
spread beyond their
breasts more often
survive the disease.
Screening catches cancer early, when
treatment can be more successful. Talk with
your doctor about the screening schedule
that’s right for you. For women at average risk,
getting a mammogram every other year after
age 50 may work best.
Medical advances have made breast cancer
treatment more effective than ever before.
Every year, almost 300,000 American women
will receive a breast cancer diagnosis. With
proper treatment, many of them will soon
join the ranks of the 2.6 million breast cancer
survivors. These women have heard these
four joyful words: “You’re now cancer-free.”
use this trait to simply show the adults in their life that they are in control.
For more information about how you can
obtain your annual mammogram, contact
Loretto Hospital’s Mammography Department
at 773-854-5233.
(Continued on Page 3)
Source: American Cancer Society
others, blame others for their own mistakes,
and are easily disrupted. Most children with ODD are very strong willed and tend to
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Healthy Connections
Letter from the CEO
I have exciting news to share with
the Austin Community about Loretto
Hospital’s continued progress. In my
last letter, I addressed the importance
of Loretto maintaining its integrity to
645 South Central Avenue  Chicago, IL 60644  (773) 626-4300
our mantra “Loretto Cares” because
it is the heartbeat of our organization
and truly displays how much we value
our patients and our commitment to
Dr. Sonia Mehta, CEO/CMO
providing quality healthcare.

Medical Detox Program and Services

Residential Rehabilitation Treatment

24-Hour Admissions, Seven Days a Week

Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Traditional Outpatient, and Continuing After
Care

Onsite Services Include: DUI Evaluation Services, Compulsive Gambling
Assessment and Education, Family HIV Support Program, Comprehensive
Family Education Program, Active Alumni Group and Open Self-Help
Groups (A.A., N.A, C.A., ALANON)

Experienced and Compassionate Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers and
Counselors

Transportation Available

Medicaid, Medicare and Most Private Insurance Accepted
With this said, I am so proud to announce that earlier this year, Loretto Hospital
was among several Illinois hospitals that had dramatically improved its scores
in the areas of hospital safety and quality according to a recent report issued
COMING SOON:
by the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.,
Loretto Hospital Youth Council
quality health care. Loretto Hospital was one of the few safety-net hospitals
For more information contact Thrishka McKinnor at
773-854-5337.
that rates hospitals nationwide to help steer organizations towards higher
on Chicago’s west side to receive a grade of ‘B’ or better. Receiving a grade
To Find Out How We Can Help!
of ‘B’ is proof that Loretto is striving to be the hospital of choice for this
Call Central Intake at (773) 854-5445
community, as well as makes us stakeholders in promoting service excellence
or the Clinical Outreach Coordinator at (773) 339-6421
and outstanding care to all of our patients and the communities we serve.
We have added a new staff at the hospital to continue promoting our internal
slogan, Raising the Bar in Service Excellence. We have recently hired a new
chief nursing officer who has a wealth of experience in all areas from behavior
health to pediatric care. We have also added the role of chief experience
officer (CXO) to our roster. The CXO will play a crucial role in improving the
hospital culture and interactions between our patients, their families and
visitors within all levels of the organization. Our promise is to continue to build
the right internal infrastructure to ensure that “Loretto Cares” remains the very
essence of what we truly believe and stand for as healthcare professionals.
Additionally, we have added new highly experience physicians to our staff of
doctors which include a new orthopedic surgeon, general surgeon, OBGYN,
as well as a geriatric specialist.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as National
Dr. Mark Benjamin
to our hearts, we have provided a wealth of information regarding breast
40 Years of Experience
Mental Illness Awareness observance. Since both subjects are near and dear
cancer and mental illnesses. We also highlight facts about depression, flu
season, inner city crime, and review many of our community initiatives we
have had over the past several months.
Sincerely,
Specialty services include:
Ophthalmology
Cataract Surgery
Glaucoma filtering surgery
LASIK corrective eye surgery
Dr. Sonia Mehta
Chief Executive Officer/Chief Medical Officer
Loretto Hospital
To schedule an appointment, call
the Ambulatory Care Clinic at
773-854-5475.
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Healthy Connections
A Depressed America! More than 25 million affected
Mental and emotional health disorders are common issues that affect people from all walks
of life. In fact, most people do not associate depression as a mental health or emotional
disorder. While it’s natural to feel down sometimes, if that feeling lingers day after day
for more than two weeks, that may be a sign depression. Depression is not just feeling
sad; it is a medical illness that is treatable. Each year, depression affects 5-8 percent of
adults in the United States, which means that about 25 million Americans will struggle with
depression this year. But getting an accurate diagnosis is very important.
For more than 40 years, Loretto Hospital has provided comprehensive treatment and care
to individuals with behavioral health problems throughout the Chicago area. Each patient
receives individualized treatment and care in a safe and therapeutic environment. Our
treatment includes the use of Loretto Hospital’s supportive and ancillary services which
are tailored to meet our patient’s needs. For more information about depression and mental
health, go to www.mentalhealthscreening.org or contact Loretto Hospital’s Department of
Behavioral Health Services at (773) 854-5320.
Facts about Depression
• In the United States, depression affects nearly 3
million men.
• Four times as many men as women die by suicide
in the U.S.
• Men often deal with depression by withdrawing
from others and throwing themselves into their
work, engaging in risky or dangerous behavior,
and/or becoming angry, frustrated and abusive.
• Women 18 to 45 years of age account for the
largest proportion of people suffering from
depression.
• Twenty to 40 percent of menstruating women
experience premenstrual mood and behavioral
changes.
• In one major study, 100 percent of women who
had experienced severe childhood sexual abuse
developed depression later in life.
• According to a 1997 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the number of
Latinos diagnosed with a depressive illness increased 72.9 % since 1992.
• A recent study found that Latinos are disproportionately diagnosed as having
major depression compared with the other ethnic groups.
• Latinos are more likely to present “somatic” symptoms of depression, like body
aches and nervousness.
• According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, up
to one-third of the 3.4 million children and adolescents with depression in the
United States may actually be experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder.
• About 4% of teenagers have major depressive disorder (MDD) at any one time.
Among teens, girls are more often affected than boys.
• According to the APA’s HealthyMinds, 1 in 4 young
adults will experience a depressive episode by
age 24.
• If left untreated depression can lead to suicide.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for
those aged 15-24 and the second leading cause
of death of college students.
• Depression in its many forms affects more than
6.5 million of the 35 million Americans who are 65
years or older.
• Symptoms in older persons may differ somewhat
from symptoms in other populations. Depression
in older people is often characterized by memory
problems, confusion, social withdrawal, loss of
appetite, inability to sleep, irritability, and, in some
cases, delusions and hallucinations.
• African Americans with depression were less
likely to receive treatment than whites (16 percent
compared to 24 percent).
• Only 26 percent of African-Americans with
diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder received
treatment for their disorder compared to 39 percent
of whites with a similar diagnosis, according to the
2001 Surgeon General’s report on mental health.
New Orthopedic Surgeon
Joins Loretto Hospital staff
Dr. Chandrasekhar Sompalli joined
the Loretto Hospital family beginning
this summer. Dr. Sompalli brings more
than 20 years of experience and is
among the leading orthopedic surgeons
specializing in sports medicine, knees
and shoulder injuries. An expert in
bone and joint trauma, Dr. Sompalli has
authored a number of research papers,
Dr. C. Sompalli, Orthopedics
which were selected as the best of the
best from trauma associations. He attended Loyola University
School of Medicine where he completed both his medical degree
and residency, and is board certified through the American Board
of Orthopaedic Surgery. His memberships include: the American
Medical Association, Midwestern Orthopedic Association and the
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Currently, Dr. Sompalli
practices at the Perry Memorial Orthopedic Clinic, in Princeton,
Illinois. He will be available to see patients at Loretto Hospital on
Mondays from 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Ambulatory Care Clinic.
Behavioral Health
Loretto Appoints New CNO
Loretto
Hospital
recently
welcomed James Renneker as
the new CNO. Renneker brings
more than 25 years of nursing
leadership experience to Loretto
Hospital. Most recently, Renneker
served as CNO of Aurora Health
Care Sinai Medical Center in
Milwaukee. Additional experience
includes: serving as the CNO/
James Renneker, Loretto’s new
Chief Nursing Officer
COO at Weiss Memorial Hospital;
vice president of nursing at
Northshore University Health System; vice president of patient care
services at Riveredge Hospital; and vice president of clinical
services at West Suburban Hospital.
Continued from Page 1
“But even young people with ODD shouldn’t be criminalized. I believe that most of the crimes we hear about in the inner City of Chicago
are due to social issues,” Anderson said.
But according to the proposed resolution issued by the Cook County Commissioner’s office, recent closings of Illinois State Mental
Institutions, along with the decrease in resources at local facilities to treat people with mental illnesses, has influenced the growth in the
City’s homeless population, an upwelling in crime, and the overcrowding at Cook County Jail. Additionally, the latest law enforcement
data reports that approximately 65% of homicides are committed by individuals with a mental illness or substance addiction.
“You have young people who have turned to a life of crime because they are products of broken homes, or they may come from a
background of abuse, so they join gangs or exhibit behavior that is more for survival like stealing to eat and selling drugs to live. These
issues are totally unrelated to mental illnesses,” Anderson said.
The plan set forth by Commissioner Earlean Collins and the Criminal Justice Committee recommends special services for homeless
veterans, expansion of crisis intervention teams throughout the city, a re-visitation of mandatory sentencing laws, crime prevention and
intervention, and funding for education programs for students who live in high crime areas.
“Majority of these issues are so overwhelming that it has to be a collaborative effort from hospitals, social services, churches, the
government and police. Everyone has a role to play. Most importantly, police officers should be properly trained to understand the
difference between a person with bad behavior versus someone who is mentally ill and need to be admitted into a healthcare facility for
medical treatment opposed to being thrown into prison,” Anderson said.
For more information about behavioral health disorders, or to receive treatment, contact Loretto Hospital’s Behavioral Health Center at
773-854-5320.
Sources: Institute of Medicine, 2006, American Psychiatric Association, 1994
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Healthy Connections
Affordable Care Act
promotes NO COST Health Insurance
to Cook County Residents
Cook County residents who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible
to receive no cost health insurance through a program called CountyCare
under the new Affordable Care Act. CountyCare program members will
receive primary care service, hospitalization, prescription drugs, labs,
X-rays, mammograms, mental health and substance abuse programs plus
many more healthcare services. Quality services will be available at all
Cook County Health and Hospital sites plus local participating hospitals
and Federally Qualified Health Care Centers.
Individuals who want to apply must live in Cook County, be 19 years old up to age 64, have a Social Security number and be a legal immigrant
for five years of more. In addition, an applicant’s yearly income must be below $15,282 for an individual or $20,628 per couple, and may not
be receiving or eligible for Medicaid, Medicare or CHIP.
To enroll or learn more information go to www.countycare.com or call 312-864-8200.
Loretto Hospital partners with the Austin Weekly News and the Austin
Chamber of Commerce hosts Business Development Seminar
Loretto In a collaborative effort to strengthen local businesses in the Austin
community, Loretto Hospital partnered with the Austin Weekly News and
The Loretto Hospital Foundation presents
Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-4th District) with
the Distinguished Citizen Award
Promoting heart health to the Austin Community
Illinois State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-4th District) was presented with the Distinguished Citizen
Award at the Loretto Hospital Foundation’s (LHF) 13th Annual Golf Outing on Wednesday, July 31,
2013 at the Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, 12294 Archer Avenue in Lemont, Illinois. Senator Lightford
was honored for her tremendous contributions to Loretto Hospital and the Austin Community and for
supporting Loretto Hospital’s Healthy Heart Initiative.
Since the beginning of her political career, Sen. Lightford has been a
vocal champion of her strongest passion: promoting quality education
and development programs for Illinois’ youth. After becoming Senate
assistant majority leader in 2009, Lightford enhanced her role as
an advocate for education reform. That same year, Sen. Lightford
helped to erect a state-of-the-art emergency department at Loretto
Hospital, funded by $8.2 million in capital improvement funds
received from Lightford. Through her leadership, Sen. Lightford has
also supported a number of healthcare initiatives on Chicago’s west
side such as prostate and breast cancer screenings to help educate
both men and women about the importance of early detection.
“What is most intriguing about Sen. Lightford is that she fits the
profile of an individual who is serving humanity above self; and
she has a strong commitment of making Austin a better, safer and
healthier community,” said Dr. Sonia Mehta, Loretto Hospital’s CEO.
IL State Senator Kimberly Lightford
D-4th District
As the 2013 Distinguished Citizen Award recipient, Sen. Lightford
supported the purchase of a MUSE® Cardiology Information System
as part of Loretto Hospital’s Healthy Heart initiative. Overall, a portion
of the proceeds from the golf outing will help Loretto Hospital grant
access to quality healthcare and community outreach programs
and services to men and women in the Austin and surrounding
communities. As the only hospital in Austin, this new initiative is another
strategy by the LHF and hospital staff to continue its mission to provide
quality patient centered care and promote wellness and education.
According to Dr. Mehta, in addition to generating much needed
money for hospital programs, the annual golf outing has helped raise
awareness of Loretto Hospital and affirm its long-standing promise to
provide accessible health care to the underserved.
“Because of this event and our other programs, we are changing lives
and impacting the community in a positive way,” Dr. Mehta said.
Loretto Hosts 3rd Annual Back-to-School Fitness Fun Fest
the Austin Chamber of Commerce to host the “Business Development
for Today’s Markets”, Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Loretto Hospital,
Featuring the Loretto Hospital Birth-Day Baby Celebration
645 S. Central Avenue. The seminar featured successful business owners
who spoke about ways that entrepreneurs could enhance business
Loretto Hospital hosted its 3rd Annual Back-to-School Fitness
Fun Fest on August 3, 2013. The goal of the Fitness Fun Fest is
to introduce inner city children to an alternative healthful lifestyle
of fun and fitness to decrease obesity. As an added attraction, this
year, the hospital featured the Birth-day Baby Celebration for adults
performance by using the proper marketing, technology and by making
smart financial decisions.
The event attracted local business owners with decision-making authority,
as well as individuals who have been in business for at least two years.
who were born at Loretto Hospital. Attendees enjoyed entertainment
and activities, including: fitness stations; jumping and rock climbing
inflatables; nutritional stations; the Jessie White Tumblers; celebrity
guests and much more.
Speakers included: Bral M. Spight, executive director of Goldman Sachs
10,000 Business Initiative at Chicago Harold Washington College; Joanna
Sobran, president of MXOtech, Amara Enyia, CEO of ACE Municipal
Partners LLC; Elizabeth Gardner, director of community relations and
corporate initiatives at the Women’s Business Development Center; and,
Joanna Sobran, president of MXOtech, and Bral M. Spight, executive
director of Goldman Sach 10,000 Small Business Initiatives at Chicago
Harold Washington College, speaks at the Business Development for
Today’s Markets seminar at Loretto Hospital.
Dawn Ferencak, advertising consultant for Wednesday Journal, Inc.
Sponsors of the event included: MXOtech, Austin Chamber of Commerce,
Women’s Business Development Center, Austin Weekly News and the
West Side Business Network. To learn more about Business Development
for Today’s Markets, contact the Austin Weekly News West Side Business
Network at 708-613-3329.
Dr. Sonia Mehta, CEO, is with participants of the 3rd
Annual Back-to-School Fitness Fun Fest, Saturday,
August 3, 2013.
A family of Loretto Babies! John Judge and Arlene
Garcia (front row) with brothers Chuckie and Gary
Whitfield attended the Fun Fest and participated in
the Loretto Hospital Birth-day Baby Celebration.
L-R: Camille Y. Lilly, VP of external affairs; Dr. Sonia
Mehta, CEO/CMO; Ald. Deborah Graham (29th
Ward); Comm. Barbara McGowan, Metropolitan
Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
8
Healthy Connections
Get a $50 Mammogram
Loretto Hospital proudly
supports Breast Cancer
Awareness Month.
Throughout the month
of October, qualified
individuals can receive
a mammogram for
only $50* (restrictions apply).
*Rate only applies to screening
mammograms for women over 40.
Patients must have no known
symptoms present.
Each year nearly 300,000
women are diagnosed with
the disease. And, each year
close to 40,000 of them die
from it. Don’t take any chances.
Get tested because early
detection can save your life.
Live Life. Beat Breast Cancer.
Schedule your mammogram today.
Call (773) 854-5233
Extended hours of operation and same day service are available throughout October.
Have you had your fruits and veggies today?
Eating fruits and vegetables provides a variety of healthful benefits. People who eat a healthy,
balanced diet – including plenty of vegetables and fruits – can lower their risk of chronic
diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, most people do not consume
enough fruits and vegetables as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA).
The USDA reports that only one in three adults eat the recommended amount of fruits every day; and
about one in four adults eat the recommended amount of vegetables every day. According to the
USDA, as a rule, you should make half your plate fruits and vegetables. For example, an 8 year old
child would consume about 1 ½ cups of veggies each day while the recommended daily allowance
for an adult between the age of 19-30 would be about 2 ½ cups of veggies.
September was National Fruits and Veggie Month. Make a difference in your community by spreading the word about the importance of eating
fruits and vegetables every day. For more tips on eating healthy, go to www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org.
October Marks Crime Prevention Month
October is the month when the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) honors those who work tirelessly all
year to prevent crime and highlights new tips and resources for effective crime prevention in their neighborhood.
It is also a time to honor individuals who have accepted personal responsibility for their neighborhoods and
groups who work for the community’s common good. During Crime Prevention Month, individuals can commit
to working in their communities to drive violence and drugs off the streets. The vitality of your community
depends on your partnership with your family, schools, workplace and community. Get involved today to make
Austin a safe place to live. For more information about what you can do to make your community safe, visit
www.celebratesafecommunities.org.
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Healthy Connections
Prevent Infection - Recognizing International Infection Prevention Week – October 20-26
Most people associate getting infections with being in a healthcare facility. While it’s
true that each year nearly 1.7 million people in the U.S. get infections in hospitals, in
most cases, the spread of diseases and infections also takes place at school, in your
home, in public facilities, and at work. Everyone plays a role in infection prevention
— in and out of healthcare facilities.
Aging Americans Leading Healthy,
Productive Lives
America is aging. The number
of Americans over age 65 is
increasing dramatically.
Wherever you are, there is something you can do to stay safe from infections. Do
your part! Here are several important things you can do at home, school, or at work
to prevent the spread of infections:
1. Wash or sanitize your hands throughout the day, especially before eating, after
using the rest room, or touching objects in public places. Most germs are spread
from hand to hand.
Respiratory Care Week, an annual
they are staying increasingly
respiratory care profession and
in our nation’s history have
issues and practices.
Americans are living longer,
event
active and productive. Never
promotes awareness of lung health
so many people lived into the
Respiratory
This is
The proportion of Americans
age 65 and over comprises
nearly 13 percent of the U.S.
population. In fewer than 25
years, individuals over age
the U.S. population. However, society’s view of “old age” is not
6. Clean, dust, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis,
especially bathroom, kitchens and places where dust and dirt can collect.
older Americans actually live independent, active, happy lives and
maintain close relationships with family and friends.
7. Clean more often when there are sick family members in your home.
September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual observance which
65 will make up 20 percent of
around
recognizes
care
the
the
professionals
country
and
their workplaces and communities
to celebrate respiratory therapists
for the hard work and contributions they make every day to medical
community, as well as educating patients and their families in their
battles against lung disease.
For more information about how to maintain healthy lungs and
breathing, contact Loretto Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Clinic at
773-854-5475.
always one with a positive outlook. As with many stereotypes, the
stereotypes about aging are often inaccurate. For the most part,
8. Stay home when you are sick! Germs from
focuses on the positive aspects of growing older. To learn more
9. For school-aged children, be sure to teach the importance of hand washing and
good hygiene.
years, contact Loretto Hospital’s Department of Geriatric Medicine
Volunteer at Loretto Hospital !
about how you can maintain a healthy happy life in your senior
at 773-854-5306 or 773-854-5417. To learn about Loretto
Hospital’s Senior Wellness Program call 773-854-5063.
Loretto adds Geriatric Specialist
to Roster
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests an annual flu vaccine for all people ages 6
months and older. While the vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, certain groups are at higher risk for
complications from the flu, including:
• People age 65 and older
• Children younger than 6 months old
• Pregnant women
For more information about receiving the flu shot, go to www.cdc.gov, or contact Loretto Hospital’s Ambulatory
Care Clinic at 773-854-5476.
that
around the world come together in
reaching their senior years.
5. Keep pet environments clean and remember to prevent pets from drinking out of
the toilet. Keep pets vaccinated and bathed, and clean up accidents promptly.
Provide clean bedding, water, and food dishes. Protect your pet and your family
and keep disease out of your home by preventing fleas, ticks, and other pests
from getting in.
• People with certain ongoing medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease.
from
good news for those who are
4. Do not place purses or diaper bags on the kitchen table, on the kitchen counter,
or anywhere else food is consumed in your home.
Flu Season is Here!
October 20-26 is designated as
But
the good news is that while
remained so healthy.
3. Don’t share personal items, especially toothbrushes, towels, razors,
handkerchiefs, and nail clippers can all be sources of infectious agents (think
bacteria, viruses, and fungi).
Source: Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. www.apic.org
– Bringing Breath to Life
later stages of their lives and
2. Use safe cooking practices. Foodborne illnesses frequently arise from poor food
preparation and dining habits.
10. If possible, ensure you and your children receive proper vaccinations against
communicable diseases such as measles, whooping coughs and the flu virus.
Honoring Respiratory Care
Professionals Across America
Dr. Hubert Fernandes
Geriatric Specialist
Dr. Hubert Fernandes joined
Loretto Hospital’s staff on
August 1, 2013. Dr. Fernandes
specializes in geriatric and
internal medicine. His clinic hours
are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. in the space formally
known as the Women’s Health
Center located on the first floor.
To schedule an appointment, call
773-854-5306 or 773-854-5417.
Volunteering can bring out the hidden potential in you.
Whether your motivation is personal, educational or social,
Loretto Hospital is honored to contribute to your life in
a positive manner. For more information about Loretto
Hospital’s Volunteer Program, visit our website at www.
lorettohospital.org, or call 773-854-4200.
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Healthy Connections
Prevent Infection - Recognizing International Infection Prevention Week – October 20-26
Most people associate getting infections with being in a healthcare facility. While it’s
true that each year nearly 1.7 million people in the U.S. get infections in hospitals, in
most cases, the spread of diseases and infections also takes place at school, in your
home, in public facilities, and at work. Everyone plays a role in infection prevention
— in and out of healthcare facilities.
Aging Americans Leading Healthy,
Productive Lives
America is aging. The number
of Americans over age 65 is
increasing dramatically.
Wherever you are, there is something you can do to stay safe from infections. Do
your part! Here are several important things you can do at home, school, or at work
to prevent the spread of infections:
1. Wash or sanitize your hands throughout the day, especially before eating, after
using the rest room, or touching objects in public places. Most germs are spread
from hand to hand.
Respiratory Care Week, an annual
they are staying increasingly
respiratory care profession and
in our nation’s history have
issues and practices.
Americans are living longer,
event
active and productive. Never
promotes awareness of lung health
so many people lived into the
Respiratory
This is
The proportion of Americans
age 65 and over comprises
nearly 13 percent of the U.S.
population. In fewer than 25
years, individuals over age
the U.S. population. However, society’s view of “old age” is not
6. Clean, dust, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis,
especially bathroom, kitchens and places where dust and dirt can collect.
older Americans actually live independent, active, happy lives and
maintain close relationships with family and friends.
7. Clean more often when there are sick family members in your home.
September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual observance which
65 will make up 20 percent of
around
recognizes
care
the
the
professionals
country
and
their workplaces and communities
to celebrate respiratory therapists
for the hard work and contributions they make every day to medical
community, as well as educating patients and their families in their
battles against lung disease.
For more information about how to maintain healthy lungs and
breathing, contact Loretto Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Clinic at
773-854-5475.
always one with a positive outlook. As with many stereotypes, the
stereotypes about aging are often inaccurate. For the most part,
8. Stay home when you are sick! Germs from
focuses on the positive aspects of growing older. To learn more
9. For school-aged children, be sure to teach the importance of hand washing and
good hygiene.
years, contact Loretto Hospital’s Department of Geriatric Medicine
Volunteer at Loretto Hospital !
about how you can maintain a healthy happy life in your senior
at 773-854-5306 or 773-854-5417. To learn about Loretto
Hospital’s Senior Wellness Program call 773-854-5063.
Loretto adds Geriatric Specialist
to Roster
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests an annual flu vaccine for all people ages 6
months and older. While the vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, certain groups are at higher risk for
complications from the flu, including:
• People age 65 and older
• Children younger than 6 months old
• Pregnant women
For more information about receiving the flu shot, go to www.cdc.gov, or contact Loretto Hospital’s Ambulatory
Care Clinic at 773-854-5476.
that
around the world come together in
reaching their senior years.
5. Keep pet environments clean and remember to prevent pets from drinking out of
the toilet. Keep pets vaccinated and bathed, and clean up accidents promptly.
Provide clean bedding, water, and food dishes. Protect your pet and your family
and keep disease out of your home by preventing fleas, ticks, and other pests
from getting in.
• People with certain ongoing medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease.
from
good news for those who are
4. Do not place purses or diaper bags on the kitchen table, on the kitchen counter,
or anywhere else food is consumed in your home.
Flu Season is Here!
October 20-26 is designated as
But
the good news is that while
remained so healthy.
3. Don’t share personal items, especially toothbrushes, towels, razors,
handkerchiefs, and nail clippers can all be sources of infectious agents (think
bacteria, viruses, and fungi).
Source: Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. www.apic.org
– Bringing Breath to Life
later stages of their lives and
2. Use safe cooking practices. Foodborne illnesses frequently arise from poor food
preparation and dining habits.
10. If possible, ensure you and your children receive proper vaccinations against
communicable diseases such as measles, whooping coughs and the flu virus.
Honoring Respiratory Care
Professionals Across America
Dr. Hubert Fernandes
Geriatric Specialist
Dr. Hubert Fernandes joined
Loretto Hospital’s staff on
August 1, 2013. Dr. Fernandes
specializes in geriatric and
internal medicine. His clinic hours
are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. in the space formally
known as the Women’s Health
Center located on the first floor.
To schedule an appointment, call
773-854-5306 or 773-854-5417.
Volunteering can bring out the hidden potential in you.
Whether your motivation is personal, educational or social,
Loretto Hospital is honored to contribute to your life in
a positive manner. For more information about Loretto
Hospital’s Volunteer Program, visit our website at www.
lorettohospital.org, or call 773-854-4200.
8
Healthy Connections
Get a $50 Mammogram
Loretto Hospital proudly
supports Breast Cancer
Awareness Month.
Throughout the month
of October, qualified
individuals can receive
a mammogram for
only $50* (restrictions apply).
*Rate only applies to screening
mammograms for women over 40.
Patients must have no known
symptoms present.
Each year nearly 300,000
women are diagnosed with
the disease. And, each year
close to 40,000 of them die
from it. Don’t take any chances.
Get tested because early
detection can save your life.
Live Life. Beat Breast Cancer.
Schedule your mammogram today.
Call (773) 854-5233
Extended hours of operation and same day service are available throughout October.
Have you had your fruits and veggies today?
Eating fruits and vegetables provides a variety of healthful benefits. People who eat a healthy,
balanced diet – including plenty of vegetables and fruits – can lower their risk of chronic
diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, most people do not consume
enough fruits and vegetables as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA).
The USDA reports that only one in three adults eat the recommended amount of fruits every day; and
about one in four adults eat the recommended amount of vegetables every day. According to the
USDA, as a rule, you should make half your plate fruits and vegetables. For example, an 8 year old
child would consume about 1 ½ cups of veggies each day while the recommended daily allowance
for an adult between the age of 19-30 would be about 2 ½ cups of veggies.
September was National Fruits and Veggie Month. Make a difference in your community by spreading the word about the importance of eating
fruits and vegetables every day. For more tips on eating healthy, go to www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org.
October Marks Crime Prevention Month
October is the month when the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) honors those who work tirelessly all
year to prevent crime and highlights new tips and resources for effective crime prevention in their neighborhood.
It is also a time to honor individuals who have accepted personal responsibility for their neighborhoods and
groups who work for the community’s common good. During Crime Prevention Month, individuals can commit
to working in their communities to drive violence and drugs off the streets. The vitality of your community
depends on your partnership with your family, schools, workplace and community. Get involved today to make
Austin a safe place to live. For more information about what you can do to make your community safe, visit
www.celebratesafecommunities.org.
5
9
4
9
Healthy Connections
Affordable Care Act
promotes NO COST Health Insurance
to Cook County Residents
Cook County residents who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible
to receive no cost health insurance through a program called CountyCare
under the new Affordable Care Act. CountyCare program members will
receive primary care service, hospitalization, prescription drugs, labs,
X-rays, mammograms, mental health and substance abuse programs plus
many more healthcare services. Quality services will be available at all
Cook County Health and Hospital sites plus local participating hospitals
and Federally Qualified Health Care Centers.
Individuals who want to apply must live in Cook County, be 19 years old up to age 64, have a Social Security number and be a legal immigrant
for five years of more. In addition, an applicant’s yearly income must be below $15,282 for an individual or $20,628 per couple, and may not
be receiving or eligible for Medicaid, Medicare or CHIP.
To enroll or learn more information go to www.countycare.com or call 312-864-8200.
Loretto Hospital partners with the Austin Weekly News and the Austin
Chamber of Commerce hosts Business Development Seminar
Loretto In a collaborative effort to strengthen local businesses in the Austin
community, Loretto Hospital partnered with the Austin Weekly News and
The Loretto Hospital Foundation presents
Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-4th District) with
the Distinguished Citizen Award
Promoting heart health to the Austin Community
Illinois State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-4th District) was presented with the Distinguished Citizen
Award at the Loretto Hospital Foundation’s (LHF) 13th Annual Golf Outing on Wednesday, July 31,
2013 at the Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, 12294 Archer Avenue in Lemont, Illinois. Senator Lightford
was honored for her tremendous contributions to Loretto Hospital and the Austin Community and for
supporting Loretto Hospital’s Healthy Heart Initiative.
Since the beginning of her political career, Sen. Lightford has been a
vocal champion of her strongest passion: promoting quality education
and development programs for Illinois’ youth. After becoming Senate
assistant majority leader in 2009, Lightford enhanced her role as
an advocate for education reform. That same year, Sen. Lightford
helped to erect a state-of-the-art emergency department at Loretto
Hospital, funded by $8.2 million in capital improvement funds
received from Lightford. Through her leadership, Sen. Lightford has
also supported a number of healthcare initiatives on Chicago’s west
side such as prostate and breast cancer screenings to help educate
both men and women about the importance of early detection.
“What is most intriguing about Sen. Lightford is that she fits the
profile of an individual who is serving humanity above self; and
she has a strong commitment of making Austin a better, safer and
healthier community,” said Dr. Sonia Mehta, Loretto Hospital’s CEO.
IL State Senator Kimberly Lightford
D-4th District
As the 2013 Distinguished Citizen Award recipient, Sen. Lightford
supported the purchase of a MUSE® Cardiology Information System
as part of Loretto Hospital’s Healthy Heart initiative. Overall, a portion
of the proceeds from the golf outing will help Loretto Hospital grant
access to quality healthcare and community outreach programs
and services to men and women in the Austin and surrounding
communities. As the only hospital in Austin, this new initiative is another
strategy by the LHF and hospital staff to continue its mission to provide
quality patient centered care and promote wellness and education.
According to Dr. Mehta, in addition to generating much needed
money for hospital programs, the annual golf outing has helped raise
awareness of Loretto Hospital and affirm its long-standing promise to
provide accessible health care to the underserved.
“Because of this event and our other programs, we are changing lives
and impacting the community in a positive way,” Dr. Mehta said.
Loretto Hosts 3rd Annual Back-to-School Fitness Fun Fest
the Austin Chamber of Commerce to host the “Business Development
for Today’s Markets”, Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Loretto Hospital,
Featuring the Loretto Hospital Birth-Day Baby Celebration
645 S. Central Avenue. The seminar featured successful business owners
who spoke about ways that entrepreneurs could enhance business
Loretto Hospital hosted its 3rd Annual Back-to-School Fitness
Fun Fest on August 3, 2013. The goal of the Fitness Fun Fest is
to introduce inner city children to an alternative healthful lifestyle
of fun and fitness to decrease obesity. As an added attraction, this
year, the hospital featured the Birth-day Baby Celebration for adults
performance by using the proper marketing, technology and by making
smart financial decisions.
The event attracted local business owners with decision-making authority,
as well as individuals who have been in business for at least two years.
who were born at Loretto Hospital. Attendees enjoyed entertainment
and activities, including: fitness stations; jumping and rock climbing
inflatables; nutritional stations; the Jessie White Tumblers; celebrity
guests and much more.
Speakers included: Bral M. Spight, executive director of Goldman Sachs
10,000 Business Initiative at Chicago Harold Washington College; Joanna
Sobran, president of MXOtech, Amara Enyia, CEO of ACE Municipal
Partners LLC; Elizabeth Gardner, director of community relations and
corporate initiatives at the Women’s Business Development Center; and,
Joanna Sobran, president of MXOtech, and Bral M. Spight, executive
director of Goldman Sach 10,000 Small Business Initiatives at Chicago
Harold Washington College, speaks at the Business Development for
Today’s Markets seminar at Loretto Hospital.
Dawn Ferencak, advertising consultant for Wednesday Journal, Inc.
Sponsors of the event included: MXOtech, Austin Chamber of Commerce,
Women’s Business Development Center, Austin Weekly News and the
West Side Business Network. To learn more about Business Development
for Today’s Markets, contact the Austin Weekly News West Side Business
Network at 708-613-3329.
Dr. Sonia Mehta, CEO, is with participants of the 3rd
Annual Back-to-School Fitness Fun Fest, Saturday,
August 3, 2013.
A family of Loretto Babies! John Judge and Arlene
Garcia (front row) with brothers Chuckie and Gary
Whitfield attended the Fun Fest and participated in
the Loretto Hospital Birth-day Baby Celebration.
L-R: Camille Y. Lilly, VP of external affairs; Dr. Sonia
Mehta, CEO/CMO; Ald. Deborah Graham (29th
Ward); Comm. Barbara McGowan, Metropolitan
Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
10
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Healthy Connections
A Depressed America! More than 25 million affected
Mental and emotional health disorders are common issues that affect people from all walks
of life. In fact, most people do not associate depression as a mental health or emotional
disorder. While it’s natural to feel down sometimes, if that feeling lingers day after day
for more than two weeks, that may be a sign depression. Depression is not just feeling
sad; it is a medical illness that is treatable. Each year, depression affects 5-8 percent of
adults in the United States, which means that about 25 million Americans will struggle with
depression this year. But getting an accurate diagnosis is very important.
For more than 40 years, Loretto Hospital has provided comprehensive treatment and care
to individuals with behavioral health problems throughout the Chicago area. Each patient
receives individualized treatment and care in a safe and therapeutic environment. Our
treatment includes the use of Loretto Hospital’s supportive and ancillary services which
are tailored to meet our patient’s needs. For more information about depression and mental
health, go to www.mentalhealthscreening.org or contact Loretto Hospital’s Department of
Behavioral Health Services at (773) 854-5320.
Facts about Depression
• In the United States, depression affects nearly 3
million men.
• Four times as many men as women die by suicide
in the U.S.
• Men often deal with depression by withdrawing
from others and throwing themselves into their
work, engaging in risky or dangerous behavior,
and/or becoming angry, frustrated and abusive.
• Women 18 to 45 years of age account for the
largest proportion of people suffering from
depression.
• Twenty to 40 percent of menstruating women
experience premenstrual mood and behavioral
changes.
• In one major study, 100 percent of women who
had experienced severe childhood sexual abuse
developed depression later in life.
• According to a 1997 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the number of
Latinos diagnosed with a depressive illness increased 72.9 % since 1992.
• A recent study found that Latinos are disproportionately diagnosed as having
major depression compared with the other ethnic groups.
• Latinos are more likely to present “somatic” symptoms of depression, like body
aches and nervousness.
• According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, up
to one-third of the 3.4 million children and adolescents with depression in the
United States may actually be experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder.
• About 4% of teenagers have major depressive disorder (MDD) at any one time.
Among teens, girls are more often affected than boys.
• According to the APA’s HealthyMinds, 1 in 4 young
adults will experience a depressive episode by
age 24.
• If left untreated depression can lead to suicide.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for
those aged 15-24 and the second leading cause
of death of college students.
• Depression in its many forms affects more than
6.5 million of the 35 million Americans who are 65
years or older.
• Symptoms in older persons may differ somewhat
from symptoms in other populations. Depression
in older people is often characterized by memory
problems, confusion, social withdrawal, loss of
appetite, inability to sleep, irritability, and, in some
cases, delusions and hallucinations.
• African Americans with depression were less
likely to receive treatment than whites (16 percent
compared to 24 percent).
• Only 26 percent of African-Americans with
diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder received
treatment for their disorder compared to 39 percent
of whites with a similar diagnosis, according to the
2001 Surgeon General’s report on mental health.
New Orthopedic Surgeon
Joins Loretto Hospital staff
Dr. Chandrasekhar Sompalli joined
the Loretto Hospital family beginning
this summer. Dr. Sompalli brings more
than 20 years of experience and is
among the leading orthopedic surgeons
specializing in sports medicine, knees
and shoulder injuries. An expert in
bone and joint trauma, Dr. Sompalli has
authored a number of research papers,
Dr. C. Sompalli, Orthopedics
which were selected as the best of the
best from trauma associations. He attended Loyola University
School of Medicine where he completed both his medical degree
and residency, and is board certified through the American Board
of Orthopaedic Surgery. His memberships include: the American
Medical Association, Midwestern Orthopedic Association and the
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Currently, Dr. Sompalli
practices at the Perry Memorial Orthopedic Clinic, in Princeton,
Illinois. He will be available to see patients at Loretto Hospital on
Mondays from 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Ambulatory Care Clinic.
Behavioral Health
Loretto Appoints New CNO
Loretto
Hospital
recently
welcomed James Renneker as
the new CNO. Renneker brings
more than 25 years of nursing
leadership experience to Loretto
Hospital. Most recently, Renneker
served as CNO of Aurora Health
Care Sinai Medical Center in
Milwaukee. Additional experience
includes: serving as the CNO/
James Renneker, Loretto’s new
Chief Nursing Officer
COO at Weiss Memorial Hospital;
vice president of nursing at
Northshore University Health System; vice president of patient care
services at Riveredge Hospital; and vice president of clinical
services at West Suburban Hospital.
Continued from Page 1
“But even young people with ODD shouldn’t be criminalized. I believe that most of the crimes we hear about in the inner City of Chicago
are due to social issues,” Anderson said.
But according to the proposed resolution issued by the Cook County Commissioner’s office, recent closings of Illinois State Mental
Institutions, along with the decrease in resources at local facilities to treat people with mental illnesses, has influenced the growth in the
City’s homeless population, an upwelling in crime, and the overcrowding at Cook County Jail. Additionally, the latest law enforcement
data reports that approximately 65% of homicides are committed by individuals with a mental illness or substance addiction.
“You have young people who have turned to a life of crime because they are products of broken homes, or they may come from a
background of abuse, so they join gangs or exhibit behavior that is more for survival like stealing to eat and selling drugs to live. These
issues are totally unrelated to mental illnesses,” Anderson said.
The plan set forth by Commissioner Earlean Collins and the Criminal Justice Committee recommends special services for homeless
veterans, expansion of crisis intervention teams throughout the city, a re-visitation of mandatory sentencing laws, crime prevention and
intervention, and funding for education programs for students who live in high crime areas.
“Majority of these issues are so overwhelming that it has to be a collaborative effort from hospitals, social services, churches, the
government and police. Everyone has a role to play. Most importantly, police officers should be properly trained to understand the
difference between a person with bad behavior versus someone who is mentally ill and need to be admitted into a healthcare facility for
medical treatment opposed to being thrown into prison,” Anderson said.
For more information about behavioral health disorders, or to receive treatment, contact Loretto Hospital’s Behavioral Health Center at
773-854-5320.
Sources: Institute of Medicine, 2006, American Psychiatric Association, 1994
9
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Healthy Connections
Letter from the CEO
I have exciting news to share with
the Austin Community about Loretto
Hospital’s continued progress. In my
last letter, I addressed the importance
of Loretto maintaining its integrity to
645 South Central Avenue  Chicago, IL 60644  (773) 626-4300
our mantra “Loretto Cares” because
it is the heartbeat of our organization
and truly displays how much we value
our patients and our commitment to
Dr. Sonia Mehta, CEO/CMO
providing quality healthcare.

Medical Detox Program and Services

Residential Rehabilitation Treatment

24-Hour Admissions, Seven Days a Week

Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Traditional Outpatient, and Continuing After
Care

Onsite Services Include: DUI Evaluation Services, Compulsive Gambling
Assessment and Education, Family HIV Support Program, Comprehensive
Family Education Program, Active Alumni Group and Open Self-Help
Groups (A.A., N.A, C.A., ALANON)

Experienced and Compassionate Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers and
Counselors

Transportation Available

Medicaid, Medicare and Most Private Insurance Accepted
With this said, I am so proud to announce that earlier this year, Loretto Hospital
was among several Illinois hospitals that had dramatically improved its scores
in the areas of hospital safety and quality according to a recent report issued
COMING SOON:
by the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.,
Loretto Hospital Youth Council
quality health care. Loretto Hospital was one of the few safety-net hospitals
For more information contact Thrishka McKinnor at
773-854-5337.
that rates hospitals nationwide to help steer organizations towards higher
on Chicago’s west side to receive a grade of ‘B’ or better. Receiving a grade
To Find Out How We Can Help!
of ‘B’ is proof that Loretto is striving to be the hospital of choice for this
Call Central Intake at (773) 854-5445
community, as well as makes us stakeholders in promoting service excellence
or the Clinical Outreach Coordinator at (773) 339-6421
and outstanding care to all of our patients and the communities we serve.
We have added a new staff at the hospital to continue promoting our internal
slogan, Raising the Bar in Service Excellence. We have recently hired a new
chief nursing officer who has a wealth of experience in all areas from behavior
health to pediatric care. We have also added the role of chief experience
officer (CXO) to our roster. The CXO will play a crucial role in improving the
hospital culture and interactions between our patients, their families and
visitors within all levels of the organization. Our promise is to continue to build
the right internal infrastructure to ensure that “Loretto Cares” remains the very
essence of what we truly believe and stand for as healthcare professionals.
Additionally, we have added new highly experience physicians to our staff of
doctors which include a new orthopedic surgeon, general surgeon, OBGYN,
as well as a geriatric specialist.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as National
Dr. Mark Benjamin
to our hearts, we have provided a wealth of information regarding breast
40 Years of Experience
Mental Illness Awareness observance. Since both subjects are near and dear
cancer and mental illnesses. We also highlight facts about depression, flu
season, inner city crime, and review many of our community initiatives we
have had over the past several months.
Sincerely,
Specialty services include:
Ophthalmology
Cataract Surgery
Glaucoma filtering surgery
LASIK corrective eye surgery
Dr. Sonia Mehta
Chief Executive Officer/Chief Medical Officer
Loretto Hospital
To schedule an appointment, call
the Ambulatory Care Clinic at
773-854-5475.
Hospital Happenings...
Healthy Connections
Austin Satellite Senior Center Health Education Classes
Held every Wednesday throughout the year.
Call 773-854-5306 for more information.
Golden Life Senior Birthday Celebrations
A Publication for Friends of Loretto Hospital • 645 S. Central Ave. • Chicago, IL 60644 • Fall 2013 • 773-626-4300 • www.lorettohospital.org
Held quarterly.
We want to hear from you.
Call 773-854-5306 for more information.
Open House
Send us your questions
October 24, 2013, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
or comments to:
[email protected]
Visit with Santa
December 7, 2013, 10 a.m.- noon
Behavioral Health Disorders Treated as Criminal
Mentally ill and drug addicts linked to inner city violence may be a form of discrimination.
Inaccurate beliefs about the link between mental illness and violence have led to widespread stigma and discrimination against
people with behavioral health disorders. The discrimination and stigma associated with mental illnesses may stem from the way
the entertainment industry and the news media portray people with behavioral health disorders as being the most dangerous of all
demographic group.
Kiss the Wall Celebration (Honoring survivors of cancer)
According to Mental Health America, an organization that addresses the full
spectrum of issues associated with mental illnesses and substance use, many
TBD
news stories about people with mental illnesses are portrayed negatively. However,
the vast majority of people with mental illness do not exhibit criminal behavior.
Healthy Connections is a publication of Loretto Hospital. For more information about Loretto Hospital call 773-626-4300.
Photo credits: 123RF and Microsoft.com Free Images. Newsletter design by Business Image Development, Inc.. Copyright © 2013, Loretto Hospital, All Rights Reserved.
“Most mentally ill people in the streets are not violent. Take for instance people with
schizophrenia or people with bi-polar disorders, they are usually very harmless,”
said Addie Anderson, director of outpatient mental health at Loretto Hospital,
during a recent intergovernmental taskforce public hearing organized by Cook
U.S. Postage
Place
Stamp
Here
Country Commissioner Earlean Collins (1st District).
645 S. Central Avenue
Chicago, IL 60644
and
governmental
sectors
offered their input on how to reduce crime as
proposed by the Criminal Justice Committee
of Cook County.
The proposal examined
the role the mentally ill, substance abusers
and the homeless may play in violence
throughout the City.
“There is a condition known as oppositional
defiance disorder, but even individuals with
Mailing Label Here
No
woman
this condition are not necessarily violent,”
Anderson said.
Opposition Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a
childhood condition with common features
of excessive, often persistent anger, frequent
temper tantrums or angry outbursts, as well
as disregard for authority. Children and
adolescents with ODD often purposely annoy
wants
to hear that she has
breast cancer. But the
sooner the cancer is
found, the better her
prognosis.
During that hearing, leaders from various
professional
Is it time for
your mammogram?
Women
with smaller tumors
and cancer that hasn’t
spread beyond their
breasts more often
survive the disease.
Screening catches cancer early, when
treatment can be more successful. Talk with
your doctor about the screening schedule
that’s right for you. For women at average risk,
getting a mammogram every other year after
age 50 may work best.
Medical advances have made breast cancer
treatment more effective than ever before.
Every year, almost 300,000 American women
will receive a breast cancer diagnosis. With
proper treatment, many of them will soon
join the ranks of the 2.6 million breast cancer
survivors. These women have heard these
four joyful words: “You’re now cancer-free.”
use this trait to simply show the adults in their life that they are in control.
For more information about how you can
obtain your annual mammogram, contact
Loretto Hospital’s Mammography Department
at 773-854-5233.
(Continued on Page 3)
Source: American Cancer Society
others, blame others for their own mistakes,
and are easily disrupted. Most children with ODD are very strong willed and tend to