FHN Focus

January 16, 2025

Next Week's Calendar
of Events:

January 16

Blood Pressure Screening
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Stockton Township Library, 140 W Benton Ave, Stockton
Open to the public; no cost or registration required.

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.

January 21

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 2a)
5 - 7 p.m.
Stephenson County Health Department, 10 W Linden Street, Freeport
The FHN/Stephenson County Health Department series of 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. In session 2, the Stephenson County Health Department staff will discuss newborn and postpartum care, STDs, birth control, and community resources. Register for all of these classes online at fhn.org/ob or call 815-599-6221 for more information.

January 23

Blood Pressure Screening
1 – 3:30 p.m.
FACC, 514 S. Chicago, Freeport
Open to the public; no cost or registration required.

Mama Milk Circle Infant Support Group
4 p.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas Street
Bring your baby and join area moms to share knowledge, build a support system, and gain up-to-date infant support information. This group is open to all moms and free to attend; visit fhn.org/breastfeedingtaskforce for more information.

Prenatal Class (Session 2b)
1 - 3 p.m.
Stephenson County Health Department, 10 W Linden Street, Freeport
The FHN/Stephenson County Health Department series of 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. In session 2, the Stephenson County Health Department staff will discuss newborn and postpartum care, STDs, birth control, and community resources. Register for all of these classes online at fhn.org/ob or call 815-599-6221 for more information.

January 25

BLS for Healthcare Professionals
8 a.m. – noon
FHN Memorial Hospital Globe Room, lower level, 1045 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport
For healthcare professionals only; this hands-on program focuses on high-quality CPR and basic life support skills Registration is $40, which includes the BLS Provider Manual (contains BLS reference card) and BLS certification card valid for 2 years. For more information or to register, visit www.fhn.org/basic-life-support.asp .

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View past issues of the Focus

Welcome

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

FHN’s Get Fit Program Begins this Sunday
Lunch ‘n’ Learn: ACS in Women
Smart Home Device Safety
FHN Employee Discounts
Help Spread the News: We’re Here, For You!
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion and Worldwide Health
New Hires
Our Sympathy
Classified Ads

FHN’s Get Fit Program Begins this Sunday

Get Fit 2025, FHN’s FREE 12-week online wellness program, is designed to help participants build a healthy lifestyle with tips, videos, and recipes. Running from January 19 through April 13, 2025, this program offers valuable resources including:

Bi-weekly newsletters with exercise tips and healthy recipes
The ability to track water intake, fruit and vegetable servings, and exercise minutes to earn competition points
Access to special offers from local fitness partners
Fun contests and the chance to win great prizes!

To participate in the competition, you'll need to attend both an initial and final screening. Reserve your spot for the screening this Saturday, January 18, from 8 – 11 a.m. at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills in Freeport by visiting www.fhn.org/getfit.

You can register at any point during the program to receive newsletters and enjoy fitness specials!

Lunch ‘n’ Learn: ACS in Women

Sara Piefer MSN, RN, CCRN will present a free program on Acute Coronary Syndrome in Women from 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 in the Burchard Hills Conference Room in Freeport and on Zoom.

0.50 nursing CEs will be awarded to those who attend in person or on Zoom and complete the evaluation.

Here’s the link to join the Zoom meeting:
https://FHN.zoom.us/j/83346484437?pwd=7C2aqaG8tcGUmZfbgttOMiDRbOUlAJ.1
Meeting ID: 833 4648 4437
Passcode: 830337

Bring your lunch and join us!

Smart Home Device Safety

A majority of people now have what is known as a "Smart Home Device" connected to their home internet network. Examples of these devices are:

    Thermostats
    Security Cameras
    Alexa
    Google Nest
    Sonos Era
    Apple HomePod
    Smart Speakers
    Smart Lights
    Washer and Dryer
    Refrigerator

These devices can be managed through an app on your phone, with many also offering voice command functionality for added convenience.

While the convenience of these devices is undeniable, improper security can turn them into a serious liability. Without proper protection, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to steal your personal information, spy on you, or even take control of the devices themselves.

Here are five way to quickly improve security on these devices:

• Change Default Passwords Immediately: Smart devices come with default passwords that are simple and documented in manuals and support forums on the internet.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Protect these accounts with MFA, which adds another layer of security by requiring both a password and a unique one-time code
• Give Your Smart Devices Their Own Wi-Fi Network: By creating a dedicated network for your smart devices, you help isolate the problem and limit potential damage if a device is ever compromised.
• Update, Update, Update: Manufacturers regularly release updates to fix security vulnerabilities. Be sure to apply them.
• Disable Unused Features: Smart devices often come with a variety of extra features. Turn off any features you do not use to limit access.

FHN Employee Discounts

Vizient Employee Discounts

To register for a free account with Abenity, enter “FHN” in the organization name field, and you’ll be directed to the Abenity dashboard. Navigate to the employee discount/perk that you’re looking for using the website’s menu system or search bar. You can also download the free, convenient Abenity app via the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Then follow the steps provided to access the discount.

• At the bottom of the main Abenity dashboard page, there are ways to look up categories of products, how-to videos, etc. Clicking on “New” or “Popular” will give you the list of products that people often ask about (rental cars, electronics, etc.)
• Abenity has discounts for zoos, amusement parks, museums, etc. in IL and elsewhere
• Neither Vizient nor FHN can guarantee that these employee discounts are the best deals available. You may be able to shop around for better deals via Groupon or other programs.

Example: Cellphone Discounts

Verizon Wireless
• Existing Verizon customers should look for the heading: “Already have a Verizon Wireless account?” and click the small arrow ( > ) underneath. Sign into your Verizon mobile account and follow the steps provided. For assistance, call the Verizon wireless employee validation center at 800-890-8007.
• New Verizon customers should go to a Verizon store to create an account and choose a plan or call the new account hotline at 800-922-0204.

AT&T Wireless
• Existing AT&T customers should log into their account and follow the steps provided. For assistance, call the AT&T wireless business division at 800-331-0500.
• New AT&T customers should go to an AT&T store to create an account and choose a plan (or call the new account hotline at 866-945-8251.) (NOTE: There is an option to print a coupon to bring to an AT&T store, but this will not work in Illinois, Wisconsin, or Iowa)
You will need to provide them with Foundation Account Number (FAN #): 02562984.

Brown's Shoe Fit

FHN employees are eligible for a 15 percent discount on shoes from Brown's Shoe Fit in Freeport when you present your employee name badge. Payroll deduction is also available.

Butitta Brothers Automotive (Freeport)

FHN employees are eligible for a 10 percent discount on any service over $100, and will do scheduled pickup/delivery of staff vehicles while at work.

Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois

FHN employees get 15 percent off all membership categories with no joiner fee or contract required, a free 7-week group swim session for employee's child, one free personal training consultation and health and wellness orientation, plus free land and water fitness classes. Free childcare available to all YMCA members while working out or swimming.

Fitness Lifestyles

FHN employee corporate discounts include month-to-month ($53/mo) or annual agreements ($43/mo + 1-time $50 joiner fee). This membership includes all fitness classes, indoor heated pool, indoor track, pickleball, tennis, a women-only workout area, and cardio and strength equipment. Ask about a 10-day free trial!

Gone Postal

FHN employees are eligible for a 10 percent discount on uniforms when you present your employee name badge. Payroll deduction is also available.

GreenState Credit Union

As an FHN staff member, you and your families have access to financial discounts including 1% off personal loans, $250 off mortgage closing costs, plus bonuses for new free checking accounts, loans, and credit cards. You also have access to online financial education, monthly market insights, in-person private consultations, and much more!

US Cellular

FHN employees are eligible for a Partner Employee Discount (PED) through US Cellular. (This offer is not through Vizient or Abenity). The discount is up to 15% off qualified plans. See a US Cellular associate for more details. If requested, please provide the US Cellular representative with this PED code: PED4551. You will also be asked to verify your employment with FHN, which you can do by showing a paycheck stub or an employee name badge, and show a valid driver’s license or state ID.

Advantage Marketplace

FHN team members have access to thousands of other discounts on the FHN Staff Advantage Marketplace.

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

January is …
Thyroid Awareness Month
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
National Birth Defects Prevention Month
Cervical Health Awareness Month
Stalking Awareness Month
Radon Action Month
National Blood Donor Month

The Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony held each January and February, lasts for eight days and each day is dedicated to an event such as tobacco invocation. The days vary according to community.

January is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender History Month in the United Kingdom. It was initiated by Schools OUT in Britain in February 2005. This is an opportunity for all to learn more about the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Britain and Northern Ireland.

January 19 is Sultán, the first day of the seventeenth Bahá'í month. The English translation of Sultán (Arabic) is Sovereignty.

Coptic and Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Timkat / Theophany on January 19. The Eastern Orthodox church associates the day with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.

January 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States. It commemorates the leader of the Civil Rights movement in USA. People of all races and religions have benefited from the sacrifices and accomplishments made by this great man. He was a Nobel Prize winner (Peace Prize 1964) and a prominent advocate of nonviolent protest. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

New Hires

*Staff Member*	*Department*
Tayton Bandy	Med/Surg
Destiny Boland	FNS
Christopher Brennan	Emergency Room
Leslie Dunagan	Medical Staff
Alelie Green	FNS
Terasa Goeddeke	Family Practice
Shayna Ishmon	EVS
Roderick Jenkins	FNS
Mekhi Johnson	FNS
David Knutti	FNS
Eric Kuhl	TPA
Jose Martinez	Security
Brian Pals	EVS
Corie Thomas	Float Pool
Asia Walker	Obstetrics
Hailey Wiggins	Forreston
Jeffery Birch	ED
Samantha Hughes	Telemetry
Alicia Lawson	Telemetry
Jorrel Mendoza	PT Burchard
Ebony Moore	Telemetry
Savannah Quimby	Telemetry
Andrea Stephens	Med/Surg
Tamara Whalen	OB
Nicole Cassiberry	Med/Surg

Our Sympathy

We extend our sympathy to ...
Cathy Magee (CBO) on the loss of her mother.
Lorrie Heeren (Health Management) on the loss of her grandmother.

Classified Ads

The deadline to submit ads for each Focus is 10 a.m. the Thursday before publication. Please submit your classified ad information to Tammy Edler, and send your donation to the Foundation.