A fall can be very traumatic and lead to serious injury. While there are many factors that contribute to falls, aging does not have to be one of them. Join the staff at Unlimited Performance Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine as we explore the common causes of falling and how to reduce your risk. This program is open to seniors, caregivers, family members and friends. The free class is offered on Feb. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. at Unlimited Performance Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine, Sycamore. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. For information and to register call 815.748.8900 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Diabetes Get Togethers

Diabetes Get Togethers offers the opportunity to learn from other’s experiences and share your own.  All persons with diabetes, their family and friends are welcome.  Free Diabetes Get Togethers at Kishwaukee Community Hospital meet on Feb. 14, from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Diabetes Education Classroom, Suite 202. No registration is required; just walk in. For more information, call 815.748.8378 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Women with Cancer Networking Group

Women with cancer are invited to engage in a time of healing discussions and connection with other women living with cancer.  This sacred time will allow opportunity to find support and share cancer related stories with new friends over late morning coffee and snacks. The group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, from January to April, meeting next on Feb. 14 and 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. No registration is required; just walk in. For more information, call 815.748.2958 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Heartsaver AED/CPR

The American Heart Association Heartsaver AED course teaches all lay rescuers when to phone 911, how to give CPR, how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator), and how to provide relief of choking. This course covers adult and child CPR & AED and Infant CPR. This course also includes information on the signs and symptoms of heart attack, stroke, and child and infant safety. A course completion card will be given following successful completion of the course. The fee for the class is $45 per person. Price includes book. The class is Feb. 15 at 5:30 in the Kishwaukee Healthcare Building. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.756.1521, x153618 or x153626 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Look Good… Feel Better

Look Good… Feel Better is presented in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Personal Care Products Council Foundation, Professional Beauty Association, and National Cosmetology Association. This free program teaches beauty techniques to women or girls who are actively undergoing cancer treatment to help combat the appearance-related side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Come learn tips for skin care, makeup, hair care and wigs. All participants receive a free kit of cosmetics. (Valued up to $200.) The free program is on Feb. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.2958 to register or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Infant Safety & CPR

For new parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Learn about infant safety including childproofing, poison prevention, SIDS, CPR, and choking rescue for infants less than one year of age. Not a certification class. The cost is $15 per couple. The class is on Feb. 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Kish Hospital’s Roberts Conference Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Breastfeeding Class

Learn the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby, getting started, preventing common problems and how to pump and store breast milk. The cost is $15 per couple. The class is on Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon in Kish Hospital’s Roberts Conference Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Shoulder Pain Relief with Dr. Glasgow and Dr. Choi

Is shoulder pain keeping you from activities you enjoy? Join Orthopedic Surgeons Michele Glasgow, MD, and Tony Choi, MD, as they explain the evaluation and treatment options for shoulder pain, arthritis and injuries ranging from a simple sprain to total joint replacement. Meal provided. The free class is on Feb. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (dinner at 6 p.m.) in Kish Hospital’s Roberts Conference Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Boys Only… Your Changing Body

A program designed for 9-12 year old boys and their dads. The natural physical and emotional changes a young boy experiences can be overwhelming and puzzling. Knowing what to expect can lessen anxiety and make the transition smoother. The cost is $10 per family. The class is on Feb. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Kish Hospital’s Roberts Conference Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Claire Bourg is a scholarship recipient and member of the Music Institute of Chicago’s Senior Academy program for gifted pre-college musicians, where she studies privately with MIC artist faculty member Cyrus Forough. She is a junior at Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois.

Bourg began studying the violin at age five with the Aurora Suzuki Violins where she studied with Stan Smith for several years. She is currently a principal violinist for the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, first violinist in the MIC Senior Academy Chamber Orchestra, and concertmistress of the Metea Valley Chamber Strings Orchestra.

She has received many awards and accolades for her playing and was recently awarded first prize in the 2011 Confucius Competition, second prize and “Best Interpretation of a Korean Piece” in the 2011 Sejong Music Competition, and Honorable Mention in the 2012 Walgreens National Concerto Competition. In 2011, she was selected to perform with the Chicago Youth in Music Festival orchestra under the direction of Riccardo Muti and her string quartet was selected to perform onstage with Yo-Yo Ma at Chicago’s Symphony Center.

Bourg has performed as a featured soloist and chamber musician in many camps and festivals including the Bowdoin International Music Festival, the Indiana University Summer String Academy and the American Suzuki Institute. She has participated in master classes led by Yo-Yo Ma, Phillip Ying of the Ying Quartet and the Beethoven Project Trio.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf, traveling, teaching violin, and performing in community outreach concerts.

For more information about Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, past winners of the competition, and for tickets to the ADM Young Artists Concerto Competition Concert on Feb. 25, visit www.kishorchestra.org.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters annual fundraiser, supports about 65% to 75% of its’ annual budget. This event is an excellent way to give back to the community, and it is a lot fun! Community members are asked to put together a team of four to six people and each team member raises individual pledges. The minimum to receive a Big Brothers Big Sisters T-shirt and one game of bowling, including shoe rental, is $75 per team member. The team is able to choose the time and bowling alley that best suits their schedule. 

The dates for Bowl For Kids’ Sake are March 2, 3 and 4 at Mardi Gras Lanes in DeKalb and March 18 at Idle Hour Lanes in Sandwich. For more information, or to register a team, visit www.fsadekalbcounty.org or call Family Service Agency at 815.758.8616.

Family Service Agency is one of the oldest social service agencies in DeKalb County and devotes its focus to protecting and developing children and older adults through four distinct departments: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Center For Counseling, Children’s Advocacy Center and Senior Services. For information on any department, please call 815.758.8616.

A community wellness health professional from Kishwaukee Community Hospital monitors your blood pressure weekly free at three area locations. You receive blood pressure information and a tracking card.On Mondays at Kish Hospital from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Wednesdays at KishHealth Family and Specialty Care in Genoa from 9 to 11 a.m., and on Thursdays at KishHealth Family & Specialty Care in Waterman from 9 to 11 a.m. No registration is required; just walk in.

Healthy Kids CATCH Club

Kids! Would you like to have some fun while developing healthy habits that last a lifetime? The CATCH program, (Coordinated Approach To Children’s Health), for children ages 6 to 11, is designed to get kids moving with fun fitness activities and teach them how to make better food choices! The free class is on Mondays Feb. 6 and 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Kish Hospital’s Roberts Conference Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

WE CAN: Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids

Parents, do you have children ages 8 to 13? If so, you are invited to join us for this fun interactive program to learn ways to integrate healthy food choices, physical activity and reduced screen time into your family. Get your kids involved by signing them up for the Healthy Kids CATCH Club offered at the same time. The free class is on Mondays Feb. 6 and 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Kish Hospital’s Roberts Conference Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

CLIMB (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery)

For children ages 6 to 12 who have been touched by cancer either by a parent, grandparent or close friend with cancer.  First class is for parents only to learn about the program and how to support your children as they participate in it. This free group meets on Mondays, from Feb. 6 to Mar. 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. Dinner is provided each week. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.2958 to register or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Understanding and Identifying Specific Learning Disabilities

Is your child struggling in school? Is your child meeting school benchmarks but not performing to their ability?  Are you concerned your child may have a learning disability? Join the KishHealth System Child Development team as they discuss these specific learning disabilities and how they affect the way children receive, process, and express information. The free class is on Feb. 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Kish Hospital’s Roberts Conference Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Cancer Support Group

This weekly group provides an opportunity to learn more about cancer from fellow patients, caregivers and trained staff in a safe and encouraging environment. The group is open to patients, caregivers and community members. The group meets each Wednesday of the month, until April 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. No registration is required; just walk in. For more information, call 815.748.2958 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

CPR Healthcare Provider Renewal

This course is intended to renew CPR skills for participants who provide healthcare to patients in a wide variety of situations, including in and out-of-hospital settings. These healthcare providers may include (but are not limited to) nurses, paramedics, EMTs, respiratory therapists, CNAs, and other allied health personnel. The course is also designed for anyone who is required to take a healthcare provider course for employment and may be attended by laypersons. Must submit a copy of your current CPR card. The fee for the class is $40 per person.  The class is Feb. 8 at 5:30 in the Kishwaukee Healthcare Building. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.756.1521, x153618 or x153626 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Diabetes: Self-Management

Learn the latest in diabetes care with an emphasis on the positives. Take the initiative now to control your diabetes and not allow it to control you. The class meets Feb. 11 and 18, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Kish Hospital’s Diabetes Education Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. For more information about price and to register, call 815.748.8378 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Preventing Falls

A fall can be very traumatic and lead to serious injury. While there are many factors that contribute to falls, aging does not have to be one of them. Join the staff at Unlimited Performance Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine as we explore the common causes of falling and how to reduce your risk. This program is open to seniors, caregivers, family members and friends. The free class is offered on Feb. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. at Unlimited Performance Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine, Sycamore. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. For information and to register call 815.748.8900 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

It has now been over a decade since Gaelic Storm’s career lifted off with their appearance in the Blockbuster film Titanic.  Since their big-screen debut 10 years ago, the band’s fan base continues to multiply with each new album, turning the one-time-pub-band into one of the premier touring acts in the Celtic/World music genre.  Musically, Gaelic Storm’s compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Celtic traditional melody combined with their unique blend of world rhythms continue to broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genre creating new standards for generations to come.  Highlights from their decade-spanning career include six Billboard Chart topping albums, a DVD, a full-length concert film featured on HD.net in 2007-2008, song placement on two EA Sports Games, a 2008 Hallmark greeting card featuring their song “Kiss Me I’m Irish”, countless television and radio appearances, and of course, an appearance in James Cameron’s Titanic. Gaelic Storm has sold out hundreds of theatres and performing arts centers and has now played to audiences totaling in the millions.

Gaelic Storm is a “whirlwind ruckus” (Village Voice) who tour worldwide for at least two hundred days out of every year. Gaelic Storm routinely breaks attendance and merchandise sales records, pushing their popularity beyond World music into the mainstream music consciousness.  They continue to headline some of the largest Celtic and Folk festivals in the world.  The band interlaces high energy, foot-stomping performances of original interpretations of Celtic classics and well-crafted originals with endearing stage banter and story-telling that has earned them life-long fans.  Gaelic Storm has released 7 albums, all of which have charted on the Billboard World Music Charts including their most recent album, Cabbage’ (Lost Again Records) which earned the band a #1 hit on both the Billboard and iTunes World Album charts.

Gaelic Storm includes: Patrick Murphy of Cork City, Ireland (vocals, piano, accordion, spoons, harmonica), Steve Twigger of Coventry, England (vocals, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki), Ryan Lacey of Padadena, California (drums and world percussion), Pete Purvis of Merrickville, Ontario (uilleann pipes, tin whistle, deger pipes and highland pipes -a Grade 1 piper who toured with award winning pipe bands including the Braemar Pipe Band and played at 2000 Sydney Olympics) and the newest member of the band Jessie Burns of Suffolk, England now living in Colorado (fiddle).

Gaelic Storm has played before nearly sold out crowds every time they perform at the Egyptian Theatre.  Gaelic Storm will be live in concert at the historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 7:30pm.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  Reserved tickets are available online through the Egyptian Theatre website (www.egyptiantheatre.org) or by calling the theatre box office at (815) 758-1225; any remaining tickets will be available at the door the night of the show.  The Egyptian Theatre is operated by the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc. and is located at 135 North 2^nd Street, Downtown DeKalb, IL.

As I write this email my “Sunshine in a Glass” is making me smile!

Sunshine in a Glass

1 ruby grapefruit, peeled, remove seeds

3 large carrots scrub clean cut in large chunks

1 inch of fresh gingeroot peeled and diced

water to thin if needed.

Puree in your vita-mix; food processor or blender. Water will depend on how juicy the grapefruit is.

Variations: add 1 tablespoon Chia seeds or flax or hemp seeds; add a handful of greens (the color will change)

Spiced Chia Muffins

(each day they get a bit more dense but still really good – good for 5 days ..if they last)

1 tablespoon chia seeds (chia is the Mayan word for strength)

1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (other options ¾ cup whole wheat ¾ cup Kamut flour  or ¾ cup spelt and ¾  cup whole wheat flour)  experiment with your favorite flours

2 teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon sea salt

1 cup pumpkin puree or sweet potato puree or any type of squash puree

1 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1 egg plus 1 tablespoon water

   If you do not use eggs leave them out and add ¼ cup liquid or an additional ¼ cup applesauce

½ cup maple syrup B or ¼ cup agave nectar and ¼ cup maple syrup  or ¼ cup honey and ¼ cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

½ cup dried fruit chopped

1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.  Line a 12 cup muffin pan with papers

Mix dry ingredients together mix well.

Whisk together wet ingredients until blended.  Combine the two separate mixes.

Fold in the dried fruit and nuts.

Fill each cup full you may have extra for 1 or 2 more muffins.

Bake 18 to 23 minutes,  check the muffins with a toothpick when inserted in the center comes out clean.

Few Chia facts:

 The Chia expands 12 times its weight so while in your digestive tract they soak up fluid and you feel very full thus you can lose weight as you feel full.

Another benefit is the omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 these fatty acids provide heart health and other benefits to skin, hair and nails.

Calcium is also a perk especially for vegetarians who avoid dairy.  The Chias give 18% RDA per ounce of calcium – wow can you imagine if you paired them with dark leafy greens – a calcium packed punch!

Have fun with the chia – an overnight “pudding” soak 1 tablespoon chia seeds in 1 cup milk (almond, rice, hemp or other favorite) in  the refrigerator.  The next day you will have a pudding consistency eat as is or sweeten with honey, maple syrup or your favorite natural sweetener.  Dress it up with nuts and dried fruit.

–
Jo

www.jocessna.com
815-761-6393

The baby’s parents, Rosa Fonseca and Gerardo Hernandez Perez of Rochelle, said they were excited that their baby was the first born at the hospital this year. His brother Jonathon, one and a half, also welcomes Baby Joshua.

Joshua’s family received a special New Year’s baby basket with gift items and certificates donated by the Kish Hospital Auxiliary and several area businesses, including, Dolce Vita Salon & Spa, Glidden Florist, National Bank & Trust, Noodles & Company, Studio One Salon & Spa, and Wal-Mart.

Are you or is someone you care about a smoker? Is quitting an option? Attend this class to discuss the possibility of quitting and get answers to your questions about the options available to make your next quit smoking attempt successful. Bring a friend. The free class is Jan. 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the DeKalb High School Forum Room. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Bridge of Hope

Bridge of Hope is a grief group for adults who have recently experienced the death of someone special. This free group meets for six sessions and offers grief education and support on Mondays from Jan. 23 to Feb. 27 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. For more information or to register call 815.756.3000.

Creative Connections

Women currently experiencing cancer or post cancer treatment are invited to come together in a relaxed, comfortable environment to share creative outlets, unique talents and discover new friendships. Bring your craft supplies and other sources of creative expression to enjoy with others in an evening of sharing, laughing and bonding. Light snacks and beverages available. This free group meets on the 4^th Tuesday of every month, beginning Jan. 24 through April 24, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.2958 to register or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Cancer Support Group

This weekly group provides an opportunity to learn more about cancer from fellow patients, caregivers and trained staff in a safe and encouraging environment. The group is open to patients, caregivers and community members. The group meets each Wednesday of the month, until April 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. No registration is required; just walk in. For more information, call 815.748.2958 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Time to Quit Tobacco

Are you ready to overcome your addiction to tobacco? This class is for smokers or spit tobacco users who are ready to improve their health and take control of their lives. Free if you have taken a Kish Hospital quit smoking class in the last year. Bring a friend. The fee for the class is $25 per person; which is refundable if all classes are attended, The class is on Wednesdays, from  Jan. 25 to Feb. 22, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the DeKalb High School Forum Room. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Family Yoga

Looking for some quality family time? Yoga is a healthy fun option for parents and kids 5 years and up. Join a certified yoga instructor in a non-competitive, safe environment for fitness and games. No yoga experience required. Wear layered comfortable clothes and bring either a yoga mat or large towel. The free class is Jan. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Kish Hospital’s Roberts Conference Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

What’s on Your Plate?

Making healthy food choices isn’t always easy.  The USDA has unveiled “MyPlate,” a simple guide to help us make better food choices.  A registered dietitian will show you how to balance calories and control portion sizes while still enjoying your food.  Helpful tips on food safety will also be discussed. The class is held at the Sycamore Senior Center on Jan. 27, from noon to 12:30 p.m. No registration is required; just walk in. For more information, call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

Control Your Cholesterol

Are you concerned about your cholesterol? Do you understand what affects cholesterol levels? Whether your levels are high or normal, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce or maintain healthy cholesterol. Join us to receive a variety of resources and tools to develop healthy life-long habits. If you have your cholesterol results, please bring them. The free class is Jan. 30 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Kish Hospital’s Roberts Conference Center. Registration is required for this program and closes three days before the program date. A minimum number of participants is also required. Call 815.748.8962 or visit www.kishhospital.org/programs.

The City of Sycamore sure does know how to spoil Mrs. Claus and myself!  We couldn’t believe how wonderful our new house looked when we got there.  We even saw a large increase in our visitors.   We saw over 800 children this year!  Thank you to everyone who came to visit me and my elf on the Courthouse lawn. 

I was delighted to see more than a hundred letters in my mailbox ! I had to take them all with me to the North Pole so my elves create your gifts, but before I did I made copies of some of my favorite letters and gave them to my friends at Discover Sycamore. 

Mrs. Claus and I would like to say a big thank you to all of the Discover Sycamore member businesses. They work hard all year long to bring lots of fun events to the community, especially during the holiday season.  We would also like to thank everyone who helped to build the new handicap accessible Santa House.

Kishwaukee Education Consortium

Mr. Bob Rood

DeKalb County Builders & Developers

Crime Stoppers of DeKalb County

NB&T

Sycamore Lions Club

The Suter Company, Inc.

City of Sycamore

Menards

Line-X of Greater Illinois

Finney Electric

R. Zimmerman Inc.

Sycamore Kiwanis Club

Sycamore Chamber/Discover Sycamore

Happy Holidays to all and enjoy the New Year of 2012! We hope to see everyone again at next year’s Walk with Santa.

Sincerely,

 Santa Claus

Nominations for the Outstanding Service to Patients and Humanitarian/Community Service categories are open to submissions from community members, patients, and families. The nomination form and applicable information are available at www.kishhospital.org and www.valleywest.org. Nominations must be submitted to the KishHealth System Medical Staff Office at Kish Hospital no later than Jan. 20.

The awards will be presented at the upcoming annual physician recognition event March 16, 2012 at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, Northern Illinois University.

The 2010 recipients were Dr. Michael Thornton, family medicine physician, received the Outstanding Service to Patients Award, and Dr. Asim Nisar, interventional cardiologist, received the Promotion of Quality Award, both from Kishwaukee Community Hospital; and Dr. Richard Mason, Humanitarian/Community Service Award, from Valley West Community Hospital.