communityv11no3

Volume 11 | Number 3 | July 2009 | www.northoaks.org

Since 1960, you are the reaSon we’re here.

Back2School

CHECKLIST

Willie: Back on His Feet 8 | Prescription for Patient Safety 10Community Scrapbook 11 | Hospice Offers Free Consultations 12Operation Preparation: Personal Medical Information Form 13Community Education Calendar 15 | Pilates Classes 16

n o r t h o a k s o f f e r s

> > > See page 5 for more information.

Breast MRISPF:How Much Is Enough? 6

2 North Oaks Community Newsletter | Vol. 11 | No. 3 | July 2009

By Robert Peltier, MDSenior Vice President/Chief Medical Officer

Backpack Safety �Backpacks are designed to distribute their weight acrosssome of the body’s strongest muscles, according to theAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. But ifover-packed, North Oaks Physical Therapist NancyJackson warns that injury to muscles and joints canoccur and lead to severe back, neck and shoulder pain.According to the American Academy of Pediatrics,children should carry no more than 10 to 20 percent oftheir body weight in their backpacks.

To prevent injury:• Choose a lightweight backpack with two wide, paddedshoulder straps, a padded back and a waist strap.

• Use both shoulder straps, and tighten them.• Organize and pack light.• Remove items no longer needed.• Lift properly. Bend at your knees and lift with your legmuscles, not your back and waist. Avoid twisting orrotating your spine.

• Build up your muscle strength.

Encourage your child to tell you about any pain ordiscomfort when wearing their backpack so that youcan address it with a health care provider and theschool, if necessary.

BackSchoolCHECKLIST

www.northoaks.org 3

Drug abuse Prevention �The Tangipahoa Parish Prescription DrugAbuse and Fraud Task Force recommendsconfronting questions your children may haveabout drug abuse with straight talk. As a childmatures, parents should be mindful ofoutward signs of drug abuse, including asudden change in behavior or personality,falling grades or a new crowd of friends.

According to the National Institute on DrugAbuse (NIDA), the use of “traditional” illegalnarcotics, such as marijuana, has declinedamong adolescents and teens, replacedinstead by prescription drugs. NIDA notes thatsome of the most dramatic increases in first-time prescription drug abuse are among 12 to17 year olds. Prescription drugs have appealbecause they are easily accessible (right in themedicine cabinet), perceived as safe whencompared to street drugs, and normallyprescribed by a doctor and FDA-approved.Ritalin, weight loss medication and otheramphetamines are among the most abused,the majority of those who use them seeking tolose weight or an energy boost to “cram” for anexam rather than “get high.”

If your child takes prescription medicationunder the direction of a health care provider,make sure that he or she is aware that misusecan result in severe illness and even death.Also, be sure that your child knows to nevergive pills to friends.

Back SchoolCHECKLIST (continued on page 4)

Sleep Schedule �If you’ve relaxed your children’s bedtime for the summer, graduallyget them back on track by moving bedtime up 15 minutes a night.

A recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that60 percent of children under the age of 18 complained of beingtired during the day, and 15 percent of children reported fallingasleep at school.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following nightlysleep guidelines:• 11-13 hours of sleep for 3 to 5 year olds• 10-11 hours of sleep for 5 to 12 year olds• 9-plus hours for teens.

hygiene �Proper personal hygienetechniques can go a longway toward protectingyou and your childrenfrom not only thecommon cold, but alsoviruses like the flu andeven bacterial infectionslike staph. The increasing presence of anantibiotic-resistant strain of staph, as well as the recent H1N1 (swine flu)virus outbreak have renewed focus on cleanliness and stopping germsfrom spreading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)encourages consistent practice of the following good health habits:• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you coughor sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact withothers to keep from infecting them.

• Practice other, good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, exercise,manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.


Sources: American Dietetic Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, National Sleep Foundation,National Institute on Drug Abuse

Back SchoolCHECKLIST (continued from page 3)

healthy Meals�Children who are nutritionally fit are more likely to have theenergy and self-esteem to learn.

Never skip breakfast. North Oaks Medical Nutrition TherapistVirginia Pelegrin cites a new American Dietetic Associationstudy, which found that children who include ready-to-eatcereals in their daily routine are more likely to have a healthierbody mass index. Other options include yogurt mixed withcereal and fruit, a cereal bar with a glass of milk, or a piece offruit or peanut butter sandwich with a glass of milk.

Review your child’s school lunch menu with him or her.Also, be sure to alert the school of any food allergies yourchild may have.

If you pack your child’s lunch, plan nutritious and easilyprepared meals, like sandwiches, raw vegetables, stringcheese, fruit, pudding and juice boxes.

Provide your child with the energy needed for anextracurricular activity or homework with an after-schoolsnack. Ready-to-eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains andlow-fat dairy foods should do the job.

In short, a child’s daily diet should include items from everygroup on the Food Guide Pyramid—grains, vegetables, fruit,milk, meat and bean, and healthy oils. You can get moreinformation on the Food Guide Pyramid and recommendeddaily requirements at www.mypyramid.gov.

immunizations �New Immunization RequirementsThe Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH)has issued new vaccination requirements for the 2009-10school year.

In addition to scheduled immunizations already required,children, age 4 and older, who will be entering kindergarten,pre-kindergarten, HeadStart or day care programs in the fallwill need 2 doses of chicken pox vaccine. In addition, childrenwho are 11 years old or entering the sixth grade must haveproof of all age-appropriate immunizations, including a newbacterial meningitis vaccine requirement.

For more information on the new vaccine requirements,speak with your child’s health care provider or visit the DHHwebsite at www.dhh.louisiana.gov. You also may call theNorth Oaks Family Medicine Clinic in Hammond at(985) 230-5800, in Independence at (985) 878-4178 or inWalker at (225) 664-4398.

Flu Shot RecommendationsDuring the 2008-09 regular flu season, the CDC reportsthat nearly 100 children died from related complications.Because children are so vulnerable to severe complicationsof the flu virus, the CDC recommends annual vaccination forthose between the ages of 6 months and 19 years of age—especially if they have chronic health problems like asthmaor diabetes.

It also should be noted that if H1N1 flu continues to have apresence in the fall, a second influenza vaccine may be maderecommended in addition to the regular flu shot. For moreinformation on flu vaccines, speak with your child’s healthcare provider or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Youalso may call the North Oaks Family Medicine Clinics inHammond at (985) 230-5800, in Independence at(985) 878-4178 or in Walker at (225) 664-4398.

www.northoaks.org 5

Whether you are a breast cancer survivor or beginning routine screenings, your physician canbest determine if you are an appropriate candidate for Breast MRI. For more information aboutBreast MRI, please contact North Oaks Diagnostic Services at (985) 230-1114.

According to the American Cancer Society, women

considered at high risk for breast cancer should have

an annual mammogram and MRI of the breast. Those

at high risk include women who:

• Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation

• Have an immediate family member (parent, brother,

sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene

mutation and have not had genetic testing

themselves

• Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 20 to 25

percent or greater, according to risk assessment tools

that are based mainly on personal and family history

• Had radiation therapy to the chest, between the ages

of 10 and 30 years

• Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or

Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have an

immediate family member with one of these

syndromes.

By Kay KearneyContributing

Writer

Mri unites a powerful magnetic field, advanced computer

system and radio waves to produce pictures of the inside of

the body. Breast Mris can show increased or abnormal

blood flow in the breast, sometimes not visible with digital

mammography. Typically, women with dense breast tissue

benefit more from the images produced by an MRI. When

combined, MRI exams and mammograms may give women

with a high risk of breast cancer a better chance at early

detection.

“A mammogram remains an important tool in diagnosing

breast cancer, but some women may require further

evaluation using other diagnostic tools,” says Cullen

Meyers, RT, North Oaks Assistant Vice President/Diagnostic

Services. “Although it is not a replacement for traditional

mammography, breast MRI is helpful in evaluating

mammogram abnormalities and identifying early breast

cancer, especially in women at high risk.”

All women are encouraged to have annual

mammograms beginning at age 40 as a

valuable early detection method in the

fight against breast cancer. In addition,

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is

recognized as an additional resource for

those at high risk for the disease.

a new aid in early detection

Breast MRI


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the sun’s Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays have the capability topenetrate deep into the skin and cause premature aging andwrinkles, while Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays cause sunburn, whichincreases your risk of developing skin cancer.

SPF numbers range from a low of 2 to a new high of 100. On thesurface, it would appear that the higher the SPF, the better theprotection.

It also would seem likely that an SPF of 30 would have twice asmuch sun protection as an SPF of 15. This is not so, according tothe American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

An SPF of 2 screens out only 50 percent of UVB rays, while anSPF of 15 screens out 93 percent. An SPF of 30 screens out only4 percent more in additional protection at 97 percent.Sunscreens with SPFs higher than 30 only increase protection byan additional 3 or 4 percent.

While no SPF offers 100 percent protection,the AAD recommends using a sunscreen witha minimum SPF of 15.

“I always recommend a higher SPF of at

least 30 if prices are comparable. You’ll

know the product is doing its job if you

don’t get red or sunburned.”

“SPF is only half of the story. A sunscreen

also needs UVA protection to prevent

melanoma and premature aging.

Physical blocks like zinc oxide and

titanium dioxide work best.”

–DERMATOLOGIST ROBERT BENSON, MD

–DERMATOLOGIST FRANK HENCHY, MD

SPFHow Much is Enough?

You know you should protect your skin with sunscreenduring outdoor activities, but what you may not knowis what Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is enough.

By Nanette Russell WhiteContributing Writer

www.northoaks.org 7

Because UVA/UVB rays can damage skin in as little as15 minutes, the CDC recommends applying sunscreenbefore going outside—even on cloudy or cool days.

Sources: Food and Drug Administration,American Academy of Dermatology,American Cancer Society, Centers forDisease Control and Prevention

For more skin protection tips, speak with yourhealth care provider or visit www.aad.org,www.cancer.org, www.cdc.gov or www.fda.gov.

–LESLIE ELKINS, MD, NORTH OAKS FAMILY MEDICINE IN WALKER

To realize the full benefits of your sunscreen’sSPF, you should apply it 30 minutes prior to sunexposure and then reapply it every 2 hours evenif it’s a “waterproof” or “water-resistant” formula.

“Men are more likely to spend large amounts of time in the sun because of

their jobs or recreational activities. And they are twice as likely as women to

develop skin cancer, but they are less likely to use sunscreen, so I especially

encourage them to liberally use at least an SPF of 30. But anyone who plans

on spending time outside should wear sunscreen and reapply it often.”

Experts also recommend checking the expiration date on yoursunscreen. Most sunscreens lessen in effectiveness after a shelf life2 to 3 years.

With all these factors to consider, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA), which regulates sunscreens in the U.S., is taking steps thatmay make it easier to choose the appropriate sunscreen. It isproposing a new set of rules for sunscreen labels that would cap SPFat 50. It also is recommending a rating system for UVA protection(sunrays that cause aging), but it is not yet clear when the new rulesmight go into effect.

It’s important to remember that just using sunscreen isn’t enough toprotect your skin. The CDC recommends using more than one way toprotect your skin when you’re in the sun, such as:• Seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays

are at their peak and most damaging.• Wear tightly-woven clothing to cover exposed skin.• Wear a wide-brimmed hat (not a baseball cap) that shades the face,

head, ears and neck. This is especially important for balding men.• Wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection.


GrowIngA month after surgery to repair and reconstruct his

heel, Willie started outpatient physical therapy at North

Oaks Rehabilitation Services to help him walk again

and get back to his activities of daily living.

Willie’s Physical Therapist Scott Pitarro recalls their first

meeting well. “Willie came in with his wife Joyce. He

had severely limited range of motion in his left ankle,

fresh incisions, and he was unable to walk or put any

weight on his left foot. He was very anxious and

apprehensive.”

“I was nervous that physical therapymight be painful, but Scott put me atease by explaining each phase of mytreatment plan,” shares Willie. “Hemotivated me to reach my goals.”

Willie’s early physical therapy sessions began with the

application of paraffin heat to the ankle before it was

stretched in all directions and then iced.

Scott also prescribed a home exercise regime for Willie

to help him maintain range of motion and strength he

attained in his ankle.

Back on His Feet and

In November 2008, 54-year-old Hammond resident and lawn care

business owner Willie Jackson fell off a ladder while decorating a client’s

2-story house. The injuries he suffered were extensive, including a broken

tailbone, two compressed vertebrae and a shattered heel.

www.northoaks.org 9

By Carmen MailletContributing Writer

Over the next 4 months of physical

therapy, Willie gained confidence

and began to see results. Scott

gradually introduced weight-bearing

activities to his therapy routine,

including step-ups, walking without

crutches, single leg squats on a leg

press machine, and ramp stretches

in parallel bars.

Now, nearly 9 months since his

debilitating injury, Willie has

regained strength in his ankle and

can walk unassisted. Also, he has

been able to return to the outdoor

activities associated with his lawn

care business.

For more information about North Oaks Rehabilitation Servicesprograms, please call (985) 230-6160 or visit www.northoaks.org.

Stronger

“This injury has definitely taught me to be more safetyconscious and aware of my surroundings, both onand off the job.” –Willie, Physical Therapy Patient

North Oaks staff members collaborate with in-housepharmacists and physicians to put patients first.

By Nanette Russell WhiteContributing Writer


Prescription forPatient Safety

north oaks introdUces a

“Our medication reconciliationprocess effectively promotespatient safety, eliminatesduplication of effort inanalysis and enhances staffcommunication. Ultimately, itputs the patient first.”–north oaks telemetry Unit director nancy tUrnage, rn

When the patient enters the hospital, he or she is

interviewed separately by the admitting nurse and

pharmacist to gather information on the patient’s

current medications, including the names, dosage,

frequency and method of delivery. Then the pharmacist

and nurse compare or “reconcile” their findings to

identify potential medication discrepancies or drug

interactions so they can alert and receive further

direction from the patient’s physician.

“Our new process maximizes the expertise of each

health care provider involved in patient care,” North Oaks

Medical Services Director Nancy Turnage, RN, comments.

“We often see patients who have 20 to 30 different

prescriptions, and it is our role to know how these drugs

interact and how the patient should be using them,”

comments North Oaks Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator

Jamie Covington, PharmD. “Collaboration among the

patients, nurses, pharmacists and physicians is critical.”

North Oaks Care Manager Alicia Sharp, RN, agrees,

“Many of our patients are on multiple medications and

can’t remember the proper dosages. Some may be

taking medications that they should no longer be

taking,” she explains. “Having both a pharmacist and a

nurse interview the patient provides an added safety

net and helps to ensure that our patients are receiving

the correct medications at the right dosing schedule.”

www.northoaks.org 11

Construction is underway on the future North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex, located at the I-12Colyell/Satsuma exit. Scheduled for completion in the fall 2010, the 49,000-square-foot outpatient complex willoffer cardiology, laboratory, radiology and rehabilitation services; an Urgent Care Center; a Family Medicine Clinic;a Specialty Clinic; and a Conference Room for health education.

The Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation(UDSMR) recently presented the staff of theComprehensive Medical Rehabilitation (CMR) Unit atNorth Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital with a 2009 TopPerformer Award for patient outcomes. This ranks theCMR Unit among the top 10 percent of more than800 rehabilitation facilities in the nation. The CMR Unitprovides short-term inpatient nursing and rehabilitativecare for patients with diagnoses of amputation, arthritis,brain injury, cardiac or congenital conditions, jointreplacements, neurological disorders, orthopedic orspinal cord injuries, and stroke.

Rehabilitation Hospital Ranks asNational Top Performer for Patient Outcomes

comm

Unity scra

pbook

Louisiana Health Care Review Inc. (LHCR), which is the MedicareQuality Improvement Organization for Louisiana, recently presentedNorth Oaks with a bronze Hospital Quality Award for the standard ofpatient care provided for heart attacks. The awards recognizehospitals for improving patient care in the areas of heart attack, heartfailure, pneumonia and surgical care, which are designated as nationalhealth care priorities by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS). Accepting the award, from left, are North Oaks QualityAssessment/Performance Improvement Advanced Auditor JessicaTheriot, Heart Health Center Director Tammy Murphy and QualityAssessment/Performance Improvement Director Jan Takewell.

North Oaks Recognized for Heart Care Quality

Breaking New Groundin Livingston Parish


Explore job opportunities with North Oaks Health System, recently honoredby New Orleans CityBusiness as the “Best Place to Work” on the Northshorein terms of benefits offered, average salary, health care, paid time off andemployee morale programs.

To apply online, go to www.northoaks.org or visit the North OaksEmployment Center, located at 42161 Veterans Ave., Suite 100 inHammond.

For your convenience, hours of operation for the Employment Centerare 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

For more information, call North Oaks Employment Center at (985) 230-5715.EqUAl OPPORTUNITy EMPlOyER

Hospice is a special kind of care given in the home which

provides support in a sensitive manner for patients in the final

phase of a terminal illness. Hospice strives to treat the whole

person. The Hospice team addresses the emotional, physical

and spiritual needs of each patient.

Call North Oaks Hospice at (985)230-7620 for more

information or to request a free consultation at no obligation.

North Oaks Health System facilities include:• North Oaks Medical Center• North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital• North Oaks Heart Health Center• North Oaks Diagnostic Center• North Oaks Hospice Agency• North Oaks Outpatient Rehabilitation Services• Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology• North Oaks Cardiology• North Oaks ENT & Allergy• North Oaks Family Medicine Clinics• North Oaks Occupational Health Services Clinic• North Oaks Orthopedic Clinic• North Oaks Pulmonology• North Oaks Specialty Clinic• North Oaks Walk-In Clinics• Northshore Internal Medicine Associates.

BeSt!fortheWork

North Oaks HospiceOffers a Free Consultation

Sumathi Smith, MDOncology

Physicians have a choiceof where to practice.We are delighted that Dr. Smith has chosen ourhealth system. Join us in welcoming her to ourcommunity.

Name: _______________________________________________________________ Maiden Name: ______________________Home Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________City: ______________________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________Home Phone Number: ( _____ ) _________________________ Cell Phone Number: ( _____ ) _____________________________Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian/Support Person:Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________Home Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________City: ______________________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________Home Phone Number: ( _____ ) _________________________ Cell Phone Number: ( _____ ) _____________________________Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Secondary Support Person:Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________Home Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________City: ______________________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________Home Phone Number: ( _____ ) _________________________ Cell Phone Number: ( _____ ) _____________________________Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Active Diagnoses: Please list any current known conditions.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Allergies: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Physicians or Clinics you Visit on a Regular BasisName: ________________________________________________ Specialty: _________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________City: ______________________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________Phone Number: ( _____ ) _________________________________ Fax Number: ( _____ ) ________________________________Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________________ Specialty: _________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________City: ______________________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________Phone Number: ( _____ ) _________________________________ Fax Number: ( _____ ) ________________________________Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

�Male � Female Date of Birth: _____ / _____ / _____

Hurricane season began June 1. As part of your medicalpreparations for hurricane season, complete this formand store it in your waterproof, portable disaster supplieskit to help you keep track of your health information.Please call North Oaks Marketing/Business Developmentat (985) 230-6647 for additional copies or downloadthem at www.northoaks.org.


�

Are You Medically Prepared for Hurricane Season?

PERSONAL MEDICALINFORMATION FORM


Prescription and Non-prescription Medications Taken RegularlyDosage Amount Examples: 10 mg pill, 1 tsp. liquidSpecial Instructions Examples: Take with food. Do not drive after taking medication.

Pharmacy and Medical Equipment ProvidersPharmacy Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________City: ______________________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________Phone Number: ( _____ ) _________________________________ Fax Number: ( _____ ) ________________________________Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pharmacy Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________City: ______________________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________Phone Number: ( _____ ) _________________________________ Fax Number: ( _____ ) ________________________________Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Medical Equipment Provider: ________________________________________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________City: ______________________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________Phone Number: ( _____ ) _________________________________ Fax Number: ( _____ ) ________________________________Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Medication: ________________________________Dosage Amount: ____________________________________Frequency: _________________ times a ________________What time(s) do you take this medication? ________________Special Instructions: ___________________________________________________________________________________






If a hurricane approaches our community, call the North Oaks Information Line at (985) 230-4636 (INFO) for helpful information onmedical preparations to make before the storm, locations of special needs/medical shelters, as well as the availability of services atNorth Oaks facilities and other medical resources. Updates also will be posted to www.northoaks.org and given to local radio stationpartners–KSLU 90.9 FM, WFPR 1400 AM, WHMD 107.1 FM, WTGG Tangi 96.5 FM and WWL AM 870/FM 105.3.

Visit the“Operation Preparation“ link at www.northoaks.org for helpfultips on medical preparations to consider making for hurricane season.

PERSONAL MEDICALINFORMATION FORM

�


Classes for Families & ChildrenBody Basics—FreeAug. 6, 6 p.m.

Body Beautiful I Class: Puberty—FreeOct. 20, 6 p.m.

Body Beautiful II: Self-esteem/Peer Pressure—FreeOct. 29, 6 p.m.

Breastfeeding Class—FreeSept. 3, 6 p.m.

Car Seat Fitting Station—Free*Aug. 6, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.At North Oaks Diagnostic Center in Hammond*By appointment only. Call [985] 230-7777 to schedule.

Prenatal I Class: Families Under Construction—FreeSept. 8, 6 p.m.

Prenatal II Class: Labor & Delivery—FreeSept. 15, 6 p.m.

Prenatal III Class: Relaxation Techniques—FreeSept. 22, 6 p.m.

Prenatal IV Class: Baby Care (& Tour)—FreeSept. 29, 6 p.m.

Prenatal V Class: American Heart Association CPR for Family& Friends— $5Aug. 4 or Oct. 13, 6 p.m.

Prepared Childbirth—$40Aug. 8 or Oct. 10, 9 a.m.

Something for Siblings Class—FreeAug. 11 or Oct. 13, 5 p.m.

CPR and First Aid Classes*minimum 4 hoursAmerican Red Cross Standard First Aid Class—$25Sept. 17, 5 p.m.

American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR—$20(for medical professionals)Aug. 13, Sept. 10, and Oct. 1: 5 p.m.

American Heart Association Heartsaver AED CPR Class—$15(for the layperson) Aug. 20, Sept. 24 and Oct. 15: 5 p.m.

Support Group MeetingsAWAKE (Alert, Well And Keep Energetic) Support GroupOct. 20, 5:30 p.m.

Diabetes Support GroupAug. 5, 6 p.m.; Sept. 8, 3 p.m.; and Oct. 13, 6 p.m.

Families Touching Families—Filling the Gap: 10 a.m.Aug. 15, 29; Sept. 12, 26; and Oct. 17, 31

Group Living with Affective Disorders Support Group: 6 p.m.Aug. 3, 17; Sept. 14, 29; and Oct. 12, 26

La Leche League (Breastfeeding) Support Group: 6 p.m.Aug. 18, Sept. 22 and Oct. 20

Northlake Area Transplant Support Group: 7 p.m. Aug. 6, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1

Tangipahoa Bipolar Support Group: 7 p.m.Aug. 6, 13, 20, 26; Sept. 3, 9, 17, 24; and Oct. 1, 15, 21, 29

Tangipahoa Parish Cancer Support Group Meeting: 2 p.m.Aug. 20, Sept. 17 and Oct. 15

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Support Group: 6:30 p.m.Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27; Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24; and Oct. 1, 15, 21, 29

Note: If you have bereavement support needs or questions,please call North Oaks Hospice at (985) 230-7620 forinformation on available community resources.

Special Events“Look Good…Feel Better” Presentation—FreeOct. 19, 6-8 p.m.

Call (985) 230-7777 to register for Community Education classes. For a full description of classes and supportgroup meetings, go to www.northoaks.org. All classes are held in the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, locatedin North Oaks Diagnostic Center, unless otherwise noted.

look Good…Feel Better is a dinnerprogram, sponsored by theTangipahoa Parish Cancer SupportGroup and American Cancer Society,to enhance the self-image of womenliving with cancer. The program offersfree makeovers and a take-homecosmetic kit, as well as practical,personalized advice about make-upand skin care, wig selection andupkeep, and creative ways to usescarves, hats and turbans. Registrationis required. Please call North OaksOutpatient Infusion Therapy Unit at(985) 230-1660 to register.

Presort Std

US Postage

PAID

Baton Rouge LA

Permit No 2035

Volume 11 | Number 3 | July 2009

North Oaks Health System15790 Paul Vega, MD, Drive | Hammond, LA 70403P.O. Box 2668 | Hammond, LA 70404Phone: (985) 230-6647 | Fax: (985) 230-6138 | [email protected]

CommUnity is printed and published by North Oaks Health System under theleadership of the North Oaks Board of Commissioners.

The information in this newsletter is meant to complement the advice of yourhealth care providers, not to replace it. Before making any major changes inyour medications, diet or exercise, talk to your health care provider.

The mission of North Oaks Health System is to provide quality, personalized

health care in a caring, efficient and financially responsible manner. Furthermore,

it is our intention to work in harmony with physicians, area hospitals, businesses

and community organizations to meet the health care and health educational

needs of citizens of Tangipahoa and the Florida Parishes.

©2009 North Oaks Health System

Call North Oaks Wellness at(985) 230-5250 for more information.

2101 Robin Avenue, Suite 4 | Hammond, LA | (985) 230-5248 | www.northoaks.org

Before beginning any exercise program, it is recommended that you consult your health care provider.

$35PER MONTH

Pilates!North Oaks Wellness is offering Pilates classes at 6 p.m. onTuesday and Thursday. Classes are held in the North OaksWellness Gym located on the second floor of the Hammond ParkProfessional Building. If interested, a membership applicationmust be completed prior to attending classes.

Strengthen and ToneMuscles without the Bulk

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