2010 Photo Timeline
A Year in Review
Risk Watch (Buckle Bear) – 2010
Knowledge is one of the best ways to avoid injury. That’s why Hudson Hospital & Clinics’ trauma prevention program focuses on outreach and education to reduce injury in the communities we serve.
Lynn Nelson, RN, trauma prevention program coordinator and Buckle Bear teamed up for safety in schools across the county. As a participant in the national Risk Watch program, Nelson also talked about safety with preschoolers throughout the year at the St. Croix Valley YMCA. Her lessons included topics like fire safety, choking, suffocation and strangulation prevention, and “things that buckle” – seat belts, bike helmets and life jackets.
The Daily Zoo by Chris Ayers – February 2010
The Healing Arts Program sponsors many special events throughout the year for community members to enjoy, including Visit with an Artist.
How does art develop creative ways to respond to and interact with illness? Local artist, author and Twin Cities native Chris Ayers presented a digital slideshow filled with whimsical inhabitants of his book, The Daily Zoo – keeping the doctor at bay with a drawing a day. Chris shared his story of his experience with cancer and the healing power he found in art.
Healthy Benefits Fair – February 2010
Committed to helping employees improve their health, HealthPartners and Hudson Hospital & Clinics announced the new Healthy Benefits program and sponsored a kick-off event for employees to learn about the new wellness program. Participants learned about health facts, nutrition education and had the opportunity to establish their own health stat baselines for body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and blood glucose.
Employee health improvement efforts continued into 2011 with the introduction of Be Well. An online health assessment helps employees determine a wellness program that’s right for them.
Regional Health & Wellness Expo – March 2010
The Regional Health & Wellness Expo held at WITC in New Richmond was a great opportunity for attendees to improve their health in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. More than 60 organizations and agencies from the region, including Hudson Hospital & Clinics, participated in this event which included educational displays, on-site demonstrations, and assessment services.
An Evening of Zen Events – 2010
In support of our health initiatives, the hospital hosted An Evening of Zen several times throughout the year as part of the hospital’s free health seminar program. Because of its popularity, this event continues today. An Evening of Zen, a holistic approach to better health, includes meditation, light movement and nutrition tips that have been shown to help individuals better cope with stress and reduce high blood pressure.
In 2010, over 250 participants attended these events presented by a dietitian, yoga and meditation instructors. “This class was a great blend of mind/body/soul and the exposure makes me want to learn more and change my habits.”
Healing Arts Proclamation – April 2010
Margaret Welshons, healing arts coordinator, was a feature presenter at pARTners for Health, the Society for Arts in Healthcare national conference held in Minneapolis. Margaret shared with national attendees how the hospital’s Healing Arts Program was conceived, operates and is now one of the most comprehensive hospital arts program in the region and internationally recognized.
Marian Furlong, CEO, participated in the CEO Roundtable as part of the conference to discuss the promotion of more arts in healthcare.
In honor of the conference and Hudson Hospital & Clinics participation in the event, Mayor Dean Knudson (Hudson) issued an official proclamation designating April 2010 as Arts in Healthcare Month for the City of Hudson. He encouraged all citizens to honor those members who are performing such important and diverse work throughout the Arts in Healthcare field.
Report to Community Launch Event – May 2010
Key stakeholders, community partners and hospital volunteers were invited to the 2009 Report to Community Release Party to help celebrate the accomplishments and good works of the hospital and the foundation’s service and support in these efforts.
Attendees at this early morning event heard firsthand through storytelling and video (launch of this micro site) how Hudson Hospital & Clinics was living up to its mission and vision of caring for community health.
Tony Zappa, a grateful Heart Care patient and Carol Gorke, hospital volunteer, cardiac rehabilitation, inspired guests with their heartfelt stories.
Hospital Week (employee appreciation) – May 2010
Each May, in celebration of National Hospital Week, administration sets aside some time to acknowledge employees’ hard work and years of service, not to mention have a little fun!
Last year’s week-long line-up of events included a Campus Western BBQ. Employees were invited to kick up their boots and dress Western style.
Big Brother, Big Sister Class – 2010
Materials required: a doll or teddy for diaper practice. The Big Brother, Big Sister Class was designed with the child in mind – shorter lessons and use of a variety of educational tools and sibling-related activities. Parents received guidance for common challenging situations.
Last year, over 140 children took this class in preparation for the arrival of the new baby and together with parents, toured the labor, delivery and nursery areas of the hospital.
HealthPartners Heart Walk – June 2010
As our waistbands have expanded, so have the number of preventable illnesses and health care costs. Cardiovascular disease still remains the nation’s No. 1 killer. In the mission to reduce heart disease, HealthPartners family of care was a proud sponsor of the 2010 American Heart Association Heart Walk at the new Twins Stadium – Target Field. In support of fundraising efforts, the Hudson Hospital & Clinics walk team raised $3,210.
Patient Transport Service – June 2010
In 2010, Hudson Hospital Foundation purchased two new handicap-equipped patient transport vans for hospital use. These vans provide safe and convenient medical appointment transportation and Community Pharmacy deliveries. The rate for hospital patients, $1 per trip, $2 round trip, is subsidized by Hudson Hospital & Clinics as a community service. The rates for non-hospital patients are not subsidized but do remain lower than cab or other transportation service fees. Last year, more than 1625 patients benefited from this service.
Hudson Relay for Life – June 2010
Outdoor hospitality tent set-up and a pre-storm dash to move indoors kept Hudson Relay for Life volunteers moving last year. As a main event sponsor, hospital staff registered participants, managed the silent auction and provided refreshments. The theme, “A Community of Superheroes Fighting for a Common Cause”, chosen by the American Cancer Society (ACS) honored those fighting cancer and their caregivers.
At the Opening Ceremony – Tribute to Caregivers, several hospital staff spoke including “super hero” and honorary survivor chair Kimberly Webb, Rehabilitation Center, who shared her heartfelt cancer journey and important role of this event. Deb Brisch-Cramer, Administration, expressed the hospital’s ongoing commitment to provide and expand cancer care services in our area. The Hudson walk team raised $3,700 for ACS.
New Wellness Class Introduced – June 2010
How’s your ener-chi? To promote wellness and address elderly falls prevention, Hudson Hospital & Clinics introduced Tai Chi Basics Class Series; one for beginners, the other more advanced. Pronounced “tie gee”, this graceful Chinese exercise is a combination of mental and physical activity to increase energy flow and balance mind and body. Participants learn fundamental tai chi movements like flying crane, gathering the stars and the bear walk to improve breathing, coordination, balance and flexibility.
Discover your energy or chi for wellness. Tai chi classes are now regularly offered in partnership between the Health Resource Center and Recreational Therapies and are a great complement to the hospital’s existing holistic programming and healing environment.
Baby Sign Language – October 2010
During the past decade, parents and other caregivers have discovered the benefits and joys of using sign language with preverbal hearing babies. Babies can control their arms and hands before they develop the oral motor skills necessary for speech, so signing allows babies and toddlers to express their thoughts before they can speak.
Since 2005, the hospital has offered the Using Sign Language to Communicate with Your Preverbal Baby workshop twice a year as part of its Birth Center and Family Education program. The class draws parents, caregivers, daycare providers and grandparents alike who learn the techniques for introducing and reinforcing signs, more than 148 available, with babies and toddlers. Last October‘s class was sold out with twenty soon-to-be parents.
A recent participant commented, "Loved the class! What a great resource for my family. The presenter was so passionate and enthusiastic, which made it even more beneficial and understandable."
Family Fresh Market Health Fair – October 2010
Hospital staff offered free blood pressure checks and blood sugar testing to community members at the Family Fresh Market health fair held last fall. Additional services available included cholesterol check, chiropractic screenings, stress testing, free chair massages and nutrition education regarding fat, sodium and sugar content in foods. Health education and screening were provided by area businesses in support of community health improvement.
New Parents Education & Support Group – October 2010
The New Parents Education & Support Group gathers every October to celebrate Halloween in style in the Hudson Hospital & Clinics Conference Center. Over fifty-five moms and children attended last year’s event. The group heard stories, sang songs, and enjoyed a puppet show from Mary Davis, Hudson Area Joint Library, and Children's Librarian. Healthy treats were provided and a spooky parade, friendly spooks only, was enjoyed by patients and staff.
In addition to this annual event, the New Parents Education & Support Group meets twice a month and offers new parents support, education and connection to others who are experiencing similar joys and concerns of parenting. The group is open to all families regardless of whether or not your children were delivered at Hudson Hospital & Clinics.
Camp Odayin (Family Support) – October 2010
When Camp Odayin called to say they were coming to town (Camp St. Croix) to host a weekend camp for 37 families and their children with heart disease, Hudson Hospital & Clinics’ staff member Emily Breuer didn’t hesitate to offer her time and talents.
Emily, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, Rehabilitation Center, would serve as an activity lead and was to engage children – heart patients ages 5 – 17 and their siblings, in a health and wellness activity of her choice, as long as it was healthy, informative and fun – naturally, tai chi. The gentle flowing movements would help refresh and energize the children, a welcome distraction from the more serious things in life.
Healing Arts Program – 2010
Experts agree that a healing environment can improve patient outcomes. That’s why years ago the hospital adopted a Healing Arts Program, in partnership with The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson.
The healing environment of Hudson Hospital & Clinics continues to be recognized nationally, even internationally. Last year, health care organizations from across the country continued to tour the facility to learn more about Hudson’s innovations and successes in partnering with the community to build a healing environment.
Since its inception, the program has exhibited more than 4500 pieces, and at any one time has about 175 pieces of original art on view. Every three months a fresh exhibit draws glances, excitement and appreciation from staff and patients.
“Nature’s Rainmaker” photograph by Peter Madsen offers a welcome distraction for patients.
