Category: General

In an effort to further control the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) into our hospitals as well as throughout the community, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is implementing updated visitor restrictions at the following hospitals, effective 7 a.m. on March 21, 2020:

• HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay
• HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital, Green Bay
• HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, Green Bay
• HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital, Sheboygan
• HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, Oconto Falls
• Libertas Treatment Center, Green Bay and Marinette

Visitors are not allowed at any of the above-mentioned locations until further notice. The new and only exception to this policy allows for ONE (1) approved adult visitor, who is cold/flu symptom-free, for the duration of a patient’s stay under the following circumstances:

• Obstetrical patients may have ONE (1) support person.
• Pediatric patients under the age of 18 may have ONE (1) parent or guardian present.
• Patients nearing end-of-life may have ONE (1) support person; extenuating circumstances will be evaluated.
• Outpatient services patients should ask their support person to wait in the car until their service is complete.
• Patients having surgery may have ONE (1) support person.
• Patients seeking emergency care may have ONE (1) support person who is required to be in the patient room at all times; extenuating circumstances will be evaluated.

It is imperative to make these changes for the safety of all patients and hospital staff to reduce the risk of infection and to preserve important health care resources during this time of a public health emergency. We understand how important it is for loved ones to be able to connect to patients during times of need, and so we encourage the use of cell phone calls, text or video chat if available. Loved ones can also call our hospitals directly to be connected to patients’ rooms via telephone.

• HSHS St. Vincent: (920) 433-0111
• HSHS St. Mary’s: (920) 498-4200
• HSHS St. Nicholas: (920) 459-8300
• HSHS St. Clare Memorial : (920) 846-3444

Although colon cancer is a preventable and curable disease if caught early, it remains the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The experts at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health provide highly-effective screening, prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends people at an average risk of getting colon cancer receive a colonoscopy beginning at age 50. Increased risk patients may need earlier and more frequent screening depending upon recommendation by a health care provider.

People at an increased risk for colon cancer include:

• Those with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
• Those with a personal history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer
• Those with chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

In addition to regular screening for colon cancer, you may also be able to lower your risk by:

• Avoiding foods in high fat
• Adding plenty of vegetables, fruits and other high-fiber foods to your diet
• Exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight
• Not smoking
• Drinking alcohol only in moderation

Warning signs of colon cancer can include:

• Blood in or on the stool
• Recurrent shifts in normal bowel habits such as experiencing diarrhea or constipation for no known reason
• Thinning of the stool
• Increases in stomach discomfort (bloating, gas, fullness and/or cramps that last more than a few days)
• A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Constant and unexplained fatigue

Those interested in recognizing Colon Cancer Awareness month are encouraged to wear blue for National Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 6. For more information about colon cancer screening, prevention and treatment, or to schedule an appointment, call (920) 429-1700.

February is American Heart Month, and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health are committed to raising awareness about the symptoms of heart attacks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States. If you notice symptoms of a heart attack in yourself of someone else, call 9-1-1 immediately. The chances of survival are greater the sooner emergency treatment begins.

The five major symptoms of a heart attack for men and women include:

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back
• Feeling weak, light-headed or faint
• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulders
• Shortness of breath, with or without chest comfort

In addition to these symptoms, women are more likely to experience:

• Unusual or unexplained tiredness
• Nausau or vomiting

How cold weather may play a role:
Cold weather does not increase the risk of heart attack for the average healthy person, but it can be problematic for someone with underlying heart disease. Those with underlying heart disease may already have narrowing of the blood vessels. Cold weather, especially sub-zero temperatures, can cause the vessels to constrict even further, limiting blood flow to vital organs and potentially resulting in a heart attack.

For more information about heart attack and heart disease, please visit the “Heart Care” resources section of www.prevea.com. A podcast episode featuring Prevea interventional cardiologist, Dr. Todd Fergus, and his experiences in caring for those affected by heart attack, is also available now on Prevea Health’s new podcast, Plug In to Health on Apple, Spotify and www.prevea.com/podcast. Look for “Heart Attack: What You Need to Know.”