September 12, 2024

Next Week's Calendar
of Events:


September 12

Blood Pressure Screening
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Salvation Army, 106 W. Exchange Street, Freeport
Open to the public; no cost or registration required.

Breastfeeding Support Group
2 p.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas Street, Freeport
Bring your baby and join other moms to share knowledge and talk about the most up-to-date breastfeeding information. Discussions will be led by lactation experts from the FHN/SCHD Breastfeeding Task Force. This group is open to all moms and free to attend; visit fhn.org/breastfeedingtaskforce for more information.

September 14

Walk with a Doc
8 a.m.
Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Boulevard, Freeport
Free family- and pet-friendly walk and chat led by FHN providers and health professionals. Meet the group by the concession stand for this safe, fun, and FREE way to spend 30-45 minutes as you get some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends. Visit fhn.org/WWAD for more information and a schedule.

Safe Sitter Essentials with CPR - Class is FULL
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Globe and Deaconess Rooms, Lower Level FHN Memorial Hospital, 1045 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport
Class designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they're home alone or babysitting. Registration is required - visit fhn.org/safesitter. The full-day course is $50, which includes the Safe Sitter Essentials Student Handbook, completion card, and basic CPR skill practice. (Class does not qualify for CPR certification.) Financial assistance is available for eligible students; call 815-599-6707 for more information about eligibility.

September 17

The First Steps Grief Support Group
10 - 11:30 a.m.
FHN Memorial Hospital Conference Dining Room - Lower Level
First Steps Grief Support Group is a bereavement group designed especially for anyone who has experienced a loss within the last 6 months. This 6-session group, meeting over the course of 3 months, offers you support as the first steps are taken in dealing with a loss. To register or more information, contact FHN Spiritual Care Coordinator, Sean Huguenin, at 815-599-6160 or visit fhn.org/firststeps. There is a maximum capacity of 12 attendees.

Blood Pressure Screening
3 - 5 p.m.
Joseph’s Pantry, 406 S. Adams, Freeport
Open to the public; no cost or registration required.

Prenatal Class (Session 2)
5 - 8 p.m.
The FHN/Stephenson County Health Department series of 3 prenatal classes is offered to all regardless of their number of weeks gestation, however, they do correlate a bit with how a pregnancy progresses. Mothers-to-be and spouses/support persons are encouraged to attend these free sessions together. Session 2 focuses on labor and delivery, breastfeeding and a tour of the FHN Family Birthing Center at FHN Memorial Hospital. Register for all three classes online at fhn.org/ob or call 815-599-6221 for more information.

September 18

Caregiver Support Group
2 - 3:30 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Free group for those who provide care to a family member, friend, or member of the community. Open-forum discussion and a chance to ask questions and share resources. Visit fhn.org/caregivers for the secure Zoom link or contact Sean Huguenin at 815-599-6160 for more information.

Speaker Series: Sepsis
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive, Freeport
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection, and it can be deadly. September is Sepsis Awareness Month; join 2 FHN experts for an informative talk about how to recognize sepsis and treatments available. For more information on this FREE program and to register, visit fhn.org/sepsis or call 1-877-600-0346, ext. 901.

September 19

Blood Pressure Screening
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
New Jerusalem Soup Kitchen, 4 E. Iroquois, Freeport
Open to the public; no cost or registration required.

View all events

View past issues of the Focus

Welcome

Coming up in this week's issue of The Focus you'll find:


FHN Sports Physicals Return $16,525 to Area Schools
Winter Nurse Internship
Text Message Phishing (Smishing)
Rx Renewal Available on MyFHN
Help Spread the News: We’re Here, For You!
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion and Worldwide Health
Classified Ads

FHN Sports Physicals Return $16,525 to Area Schools

FHN's series of sports physical clinics, held throughout the spring and summer, helped save time and hassle for many area parents, and raised more than $16,000 for area schools. All proceeds from the $25 physicals are donated back to the schools by FHN.


A total of 14 sports physical clinics were held at FHN offices across northwest Illinois this summer, providing 661 physicals and raising $16,525 to donate back to 11 area schools.

Winter Nurse Internship

The Winter Nurse Internship for nursing students in their final year of an associate or baccalaureate program will be returning later this year. This program is designed to provide students the opportunity to develop and expand clinical knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and task performance through exposure to various patient-care experiences. Interns will work with an experienced nurse mentor and assume shared responsibility for a patient assignment.


If you know someone who may be interested in this program or would like additional information, please contact Carol Boeke, Talent Acquisition Specialist at  ext. 6706.

Text Message Phishing (Smishing)

Smishing is a social engineering attack that uses fake mobile text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to cybercriminals.


To protect yourself and the company from potential scams, please follow these security recommendations:
1. Do Not Respond: If you receive a suspicious text message, do not reply to it or click on any links provided.
2. Verify the Sender: If you receive a message that seems unusual or asks for sensitive information, verify the sender by contacting them through an official company channel or reaching out to IT.
3. Do Not Share Personal Information: Never share passwords, personal identification details, or financial information via text message.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious message, report it immediately to the IT department at [IT support email/phone number] so we can take appropriate action.
5. Be Cautious with Links: Avoid clicking on any links in unsolicited or unexpected text messages. These can lead to phishing websites designed to steal your information.


Your vigilance is essential in protecting our company from potential security threats. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued commitment to our security practices.


More information about Smishing
Avoid the Temptation of Smishing Scams | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)
What is smishing + attack protection tips for 2024 (norton.com)

Rx Renewal Available on MyFHN

The MyFHN Patient Portal has become even more convenient!

Patients can now – in addition to calling their pharmacy – request to have their prescription renewed using the MyFHN Patient Portal. It’s easy, just click on the Medications tab, then click on the medication you need refilled, and request renewal. This will notify your provider and they will message you back once the refill has been sent in.

If you don’t already have the MyFHN Patient Portal, enroll online using one of two processes (depending on whether or not you have an email address on file with us and know your medical record number). If you need assistance, please ask the staff, call the MyFHN Coordinator at 1-815-599-6907, or email [email protected].

Register today and let your fingertips keep you on top of everything related to your healthcare! Already signed up for MyFHN? Download the app! Instructions available online.

Help Spread the News: We’re Here, For You!

We have a lot to be proud of at FHN, from our talented, dedicated staff to the many advanced capabilities we offer our patients. We’re working hard every day to be sure we provide excellent care to our patients.


Each week, look to the Focus for good news to share about FHN in the form of downloadable flyers you can print and post or hand out to patients who may be interested. Also look for links to our most recent radio interviews and past interviews to listen to and recommend to others. Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook! Please encourage patients, friends, and family to also take advantage of these FHN information resources. Thanks for your help in promoting FHN!

Have you heard the latest radio interviews? Catch up on our Radio Broadcasts page!

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion and Worldwide Health

September is:
Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Food Safety Education Month
Healthy Aging® Month
National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
National Cholesterol Education Month
National ITP (Platelet Disorder) Awareness Month
National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month
National Recovery Month
National Sickle Cell Month
Newborn Screening Awareness Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Pain Awareness Month
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Sepsis Awareness Month
Sexual Health Awareness Month
Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month
World Alzheimer’s Month

 

Weeks to Note:
September 8 – 14 is National Suicide Prevention Week
September 8 – 14 is National Folic Acid Awareness Week

September 16 – 20 is Malnutrition Awareness Week
September 16 – 20 is Fungal Disease Awareness Week
September 18 – 24 is National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

 

Days to Note:   
September 13 is World Sepsis Day           
September 13 is National Celiac Disease Awareness Day
September 17 is Get Ready for Flu Day  
September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

 

The United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month in September. Initiated in 1968 as “National Hispanic Heritage Week” but established in 1988 by the U.S. Congress, Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 because this day marks the anniversary of independence for five Hispanic countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico achieved independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. Latinos from all across the nation take a moment to reflect on their history, customs, and culture, as well as the contributions their people have made to the United States.


Several Indigenous tribes celebrate the September Sunrise Dance in September. This is an ancient rite of passage for 14-year-old girls and lasts four days. After a girl’s first menstruation, the girl is massaged and prayed for by an elder female relative. Then, the girl’s family decides which ceremony will be sponsored, which medicine man to choose, and whom to ask to be her godparents and co-sponsors of the ceremony.


The Digambara sect of the Jain faith celebrates Dashalakshani-Parva beginning September 8. The celebration lasts 10 days, with each day dedicated to a virtue: Humility, honesty, purity, forgiveness, truthfulness, self-restraint, asceticism, study, celibacy, and detachment.


September 14 is Onam in India. Lasting for four to 10 days, it is a harvest festival commemorating the homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali from Patala (the underworld), who visits every Malayali home during this time.


People of the Islamic faith observe Eid-Maulad-un-Nabi on September 15. It is the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims mark the occasion with special prayers or by dedicating more time to reading the Koran.


Mexico’s Dia de la Independencia is September 16. The holiday celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain on this date in 1820. Celebrations begin at 11 p.m. the previous day to honor the time in 1810 when Father Miquel Hidalgo made the call to freedom (Grito de Dolores) that began the rebellion.


The people of Japan celebrate Keiro No Hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, on September 16. It was established as a national holiday in 1966 to express respect for the elders in the community, and to recognize and thank them for their contributions to society and – last but not least – celebrate their long lives.


The 10-day Ananta-Chaturdasi, or Festival of Ten Virtues, begins September 17 for people of the Jain faith. It is observed with fasting and meditation. September 18 is Ksamavani, or the Day of Universal Forgiveness for wrongs committed by them and to them.


September 18 is the Harvest Moon Festival for the people of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The festival is celebrated with family reunions, moon gazing and eating of moon cakes. In Vietnam, the festival is called Trung Thu. On that night, children form a procession and travel through the streets with bright lanterns, singing and dancing to the beat of drums. In Korea, the event is called Chusok, and is observed by paying homage to ancestors and expressing gratitude for rich crops.

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