One in eight women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their lifetime. Join the largest walk in Chicago’s Southwest area known as the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk FIGHT breast cancer by texting BBCW to 20222. Your donation of ten dollars will help the fight against Breast Cancer. 

First-time mom Lara Stachler, 30, of Evergreen Park, knew early in her pregnancy she wanted to veer from conventional childbirth methods by utilizing a midwife and laboring in delivering her baby in water.

“My husband and I wanted to work with a midwife. I like all the support and individualized attention they give their patients. And I wanted a water birth. I consider warm water very relaxing and I knew it would help me get through the process,” Stachler said.

Mary Kay Burke, certified nurse midwife at Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers, is not surprised Stachler and many other women are choosing hydrotherapy or water births. “Laboring in warm water eases pain and helps women move around better. The water creates buoyancy which can help a woman shift positions easier and get more comfortable. It promote more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation,” Burke said.

When Stachler found out she was pregnant, she started looking for a midwife who could provide a hydrotherapy option.

“Early in my pregnancy I worked with a midwife in Oak Park and had plans to deliver at a birthing center there. I chose that location because I couldn’t find someone or a facility in the south suburbs. As time went on, it got difficult to make that trek. I really wanted to be closer to home,” Stachler recalled.

By luck, Stachler’s sister-in-law was also pregnant and found a midwife that was covered by her insurance. That midwife turned out to be Burke.

“I was so excited to find Mary Kay. It turned out she works at nearby Little Company of Mary Hospital and even lives by me. I switched over to her right after I met her. She was great and provided the excellent care I was looking for,” Stachler said.

Someone being there

Burke, who was a labor and delivery nurse at Little Company of Mary for 15 years prior to transitioning to being a midwife, said Little Company is the first area hospital in the Southland to offer women alternative birthing approaches. And at the time, Stachler would be the first patient to use the new hydrotherapy tub at the hospital.

Choosing a midwife is an increasing trend for pregnant women. Burke says women like idea of someone being there throughout the entire process.

“It’s more of a hands-on process. We spend more time with our patients in the frequency and duration of the visits and then I’m with them through the entire labor and delivery process,” Burke noted.

Through holistic approaches, midwives are being credited for lowering the C-section rate, which is at an all-time high of 34 percent. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, births attended by midwives typically have fewer interventions such as continuous electronic fetal monitoring, epidurals and episiotomies without any difference in outcomes for women or their babies. Burke noted episiotomy rates are significantly lower with water births than in conventional bed births.

The experience

At the onset of active labor, Stachler and her husband Daniel met Burke at the hospital to get ready for the new arrival. Stachler remembers there was a lot of excitement amongst the hospital nurses since she was the first mother to utilize hydrotherapy at the hospital.

Burke described the tub as approximately two feet high by six feet across with a water temperature consistently regulated between 97 to 100 degrees, which tends to be the most comfortable temperature for the moms.

”My contractions were getting stronger and more painful but the tub really took the edge off. The warm water helped me move around and relaxed me,” Stachler explained.

The only complication Stachler experienced was dehydration, which was quickly remedied by replenishing her fluids.

Just before she was going to start pushing, Stachler decided to deliver in bed.

“I had been in the tub for approximately six to seven hours. At that point I just wanted to lie down,” Stachler said.

On March 6, 2012, Oliver Glen Stachler was born weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces.

“Laboring in the tub was a great experience. I can’t even imagine having a baby any other way. And my recovery has been so much easier because I was in the water for so long,” Stachler said.

“Sometimes a woman will labor and deliver in the tub, or they may decide they want to deliver in bed,” Burke said. “Maybe they’ll change their mind and want pain medication. It’s important to be flexible. My role is to be supportive and give my patients options that will best suit them and their baby.”

Burke says a new sanitary tub liner is used for each birth and the process is very clean and safe for the baby.

“Babies will not aspirate in the water; they have a natural dive reflex,” she said. “It’s very soothing for them to enter the warm water. And there is no increased risk of infection. Any bacteria dissipates in the warm water … They are just beautiful births.”

Join us this Mother’s Day, May 13, 2012, for the 13th Annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk, a 3-mile walk beginning and ending at Ridge Park. 10,000 people are expected to join the walk to support the fight against breast cancer. This community-wide event has raised nearly $2.4 million for the Little Company of Mary Comprehensive Breast Health Center and Integrative Therapy programs.

Visit our online registration page, and click “Register Here.” The page will take you through the steps necessary to sign up and get started fundraising!

All money raised on this 3-mile walk goes to the Little Company of Mary Comprehensive Breast Health Center and Integrative Therapy programs.

Three ways you can keep up-to-date on the walk:

• Fan the Walk on Facebook for continued updates about the walk, and for extra motivation fundraising for this amazing event.
• Visit our Beverly Breast Cancer Walk website.
• Join the Little Company of Mary eList to be kept in the loop for updates and future events!

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 8AM 

Where: Ridge Park (96th and Longwood Drive). The 3-mile walk continues through the historic Beverly Hills/Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. 

Cost: Pre-register for $30 for adults and $15 for children 18 and under. Register the day of the walk for $35 for adults and $20 for children 18 and under. For day-of registry, a limited amount of shirts will be available.

WALK-UP REGISTRATION AND T-SHIRT PICK-UP

DATE: 04/10/2012

TIME: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm 

LOCATION: Little Company of Mary Hospital 

ADDRESS: 2800 W. 95th Street, Evergreen Park 

DATE: 05/03/2012

TIME: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm 

LOCATION: Little Company of Mary Hospital 

ADDRESS: 2800 W. 95th Street, Evergreen Park

DATE: 05/05/2012

TIME: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 

LOCATION: Little Company of Mary Hospital 

ADDRESS: 2800 W. 95th Street, Evergreen Park

DATE: 05/09/2012

TIME: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 

LOCATION: St. Barnabas 

ADDRESS: 10121 South Longwood Drive Chicago, IL 60643

DATE: 05/12/2012

TIME: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm 

LOCATION: Little Company of Mary Hospital 

ADDRESS: 2800 W. 95th Street, Evergreen Park

We look forward to seeing you there.

The technology, known as the da Vinci Surgical System, enables doctors to perform major gynecological surgery with only a few small incisions, so patients recover faster.

It is being used at Little Company of Mary to treat a number of gynecologic conditions that might require a hysterectomy, including:

• Fibroid tumors
• Abnormal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Endometriosis

By combining robotics and state-of-the-art computer technology, the da Vinci system enables surgeons to operate with greater precision than is possible with both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery.

“With the da Vinci system, we have the full range of motion with our instruments when we operate, which means greater dexterity and control,” says Travis Haldeman, D.O., an OB/GYN on staff at Little Company of Mary. “The robotic system makes technically challenging gynecological surgery much easier.”

A da Vinci hysterectomy is performed through four or five small incisions in the patient’s abdomen. Surgeons sit at a console, where they direct the movement of the robotic arms and have a highly magnified 3-D view of their operating field. The system translates the surgeon’s hand movements at the console into precise movements of the surgical instruments attached to the robotic arms.

Alexis Jones, M.D., an OB/GYN on staff at Little Company of Mary, says she can see so well with da Vinci’s high-definition visualization that it’s almost like being inside the patient. “During surgery, you can recognize a bleeding blood vessel right away and stop the bleeding immediately,” she says. “This helps decrease the risk for complications and the need for a blood transfusion and can lead to better outcomes.”

In addition to a quicker recovery time, other potential benefits of a robotic-assisted surgery include less blood loss, reduced postoperative pain and a reduced risk for infection.

“We see patients the morning after a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, and they’ve already eaten and are up and dressed,” says Monica Christmas, M.D., an OB/GYN at Little Company of Mary. “It’s remarkable. Patients having this surgery typically go home the next day, and most are back to normal functioning in two to four weeks.”

For more information about Little Company of Mary’s OBGYN’s, please visit our website at www.lcmh.org.

“I was lying down on my sofa and as I leaned over, I noticed a lump on my breast,” said Kim Patton. “I had symptoms like, hair loss and fatigue but I just thought it was due to stress or menopause.” 

The day before Thanksgiving, Kim was having surgery to remove the cancer. Today, Kim has a lot to be thankful for. She finds herself cancer free and credits this to a clear plan of aggressive chemotherapy, 33 rounds of radiation, and ongoing sessions of targeted therapy at Little Company of Mary’s state-of-the-art Cancer Center. “I’m a Lifer, not a survivor, not a warrior, not a fighter. I’m not brave or strong.  I do what I need to do to heal and live my life to the fullest.” 

“Having breast cancer doesn’t mean you are going to die, just as not having breast cancer doesn’t mean you are going to live.  So, I take and enjoy one day at a time, love my family more than ever and most importantly give thanks to God for giving me life.” All of the things we take for granted due to daily life but for Kim, this is what a “lifer” looks forward to everyday!

Please join us for the 13^th Annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2012. The walk starts at 8:00a.m. at Ridge Park located on 96^th and Longwood, Chicago, Illinois. All proceeds benefit Little Company of Mary’s Nationally Accredited Comprehensive Breast Health Center. The Accredited Comprehensive Breast Health Center provides the latest technology and treatment approaches from an expert, caring medical team led by Breast Surgeon, Dr. Nancy Taft.

For more information on the 13^th Annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk please visit www.beverlybreastcancerwalk.org or call 708.229.5256. For more information on Little Company of Mary’s Nationally Accredited Comprehensive Breast Health Center or Dr. Nancy Taft, please visit www.myhealthmyjourney.com or call 708.229.4050. To schedule a mammogram call 708.499.8550.

Little Company of Mary Hospital is hosting a free community-sponsored event on “Living Well With Fibromyalgia, presented by Dr. Joyce Chen, on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at the Oak Lawn Hilton from 6 pm to 8 pm. Learn the latest about Fibromyalgia and maintaining a healthy life balance. A light dinner will be offered. Space is limited.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder causing widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by sleep, memory, fatigue, and mood swings. Fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Fibromyalgia is more common in woman then men. 

Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event. Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, genetic mutations can occur that may make you more susceptible to developing the disorder.

Common symptoms include: 

• abdominal pain
• anxiety and depression
• chronic headaches
• difficulty maintaining sleep or light sleep
• dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes
• fatigue upon arising
• hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
• inability to concentrate (called “fibro fog”)
• incontinence
• irritable bowel syndrome
• numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet
• painful menstrual cramps
• stiffness

Little Company of Mary’s Health Education Center offers specialized health education programs geared specifically to the public’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. The Health Education Center provides innovative wellness programs conducted by registered nurses. 

To register for the free community-sponsored event on Fibromyalgia call 708.424.9988. Space is limited. To learn more about the Dr. Joyce Chen or Little Company of Mary’s Health Education Center, go to www.lcmh.org.

The event began with a special liturgy by Father Czyzynski, who provided a special blessing and reflection. Following the mass and brunch, women were led by an informative and eye opening presentation on women’s physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being.

“Women today face more stress than any other generation before. The expectations and demands of a woman have increased incredibly. Women have to juggle career, family, home, friends, spiritual and civic responsibilities, all while looking polished and refreshed however, in the mass of all the madness, women need to find time to focus on their health care needs,” said Dr. Priya Bhattacharyya. 

Dr. Priya Bhattacharyya’s presentation on “Optimizing Woman’s Health” focused on the “Health Triangle.” Each side of the triangle represents a woman’s mental, social and physical health. 

Mental Health, “Find time to smile and laugh, laugher is shown to help relieve stress and can help increase immunity.  Much of your physical health is determined by your mental state. Much of your mental state is determined by your self-talk”, said Dr. Priya Bhattacharyya. 

Social Health, is how a person interacts with others and the outcome of such interactions whether it being positive or negative affects the well-being of that person.  Developing and maintaining relationships plays an important role in your health. People finding you interesting and trustworthy ensures that you will have a solid connection of people that you call “friends.” 

Physical Health, exercise not only controls weight but it can also combat health conditions and disease, improve mood, and also reverse the detrimental effects of stress. Get routine wellness and gynecological exams, many of the diseases women face today can be preventable and or treatable if detected early.

Don’t skimp on your dental exams! Dental exams not only can diagnose and prevent dental disease but also improve your overall self-esteem, self-image and physical health. 

The overall message of Dr. Bhattacharyya is for women to take care of themselves. Women sometimes put off their problems to deal with the problems of others however the best medicine is preventative. “It’s all about balance. Happiness is a choice and comes from within. Remember to take care of yourself”, Dr. Bhattacharyya’s concluded. 

To learn more about upcoming events, please contact the Health Education Department at Little Company of  at 708.423.5774 or visit the website at www.MyHealthMyJourney.com.  To find out more information about Dr. Priya Bhattacharyya, please call 773.239.9100 or visit www.vistafamilymedicine.com.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Priya Bhattacharyya, Joan E. Murphy, R.N., Ph.D, and Eileen McNichols, RN, Manager of Health Promotion Services.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Priya Bhattacharyya and Claudia Macha, Miss Teen Illinois International 2012, one of the Celebrate the Heart of Women attendees.

The event helped to raise money for the free programs offered at the Cancer Center at Little Company of Mary Hospital, including Integrative Therapy classes and free spa services. Chairs Joanne Jager and Stacy Mulcachy were hoping to raise $25,000 with the silent auction of gently used designer purses, basket raffles, split the pot and bingo.

Women danced until midnight with music provided by Tone Productions. During dinner, comedian Patti Vasquez performed, and breast cancer survivors were honored by attendees.

Fun was had by all! If you’d like to help raise money for this great cause, join us in the annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk on Mother’s Day!

Event details:

When: Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 8AM

Where: Ridge Park (96th and Longwood Drive). The 3-mile walk continues through the historic Beverly Hills/Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Cost: Pre-register for $30 for adults and $15 for children 18 and under. Register the day of the walk for $35 for adults and $20 for children 18 and under. For day-of registry, a limited amount of shirts will be available.

Register for the walk online! Visit our online registration page, and click “Register Here.” The page will take you through the steps necessary to sign up and get started fundraising! We’re off to a good start, with over $3,700 raised so far.

All money raised on this 3-mile walk goes to the Little Company of Mary Comprehensive Breast Health Center and Integrative Therapy programs.

Three ways you can keep up-to-date on the walk:

• Fan the Walk on Facebook for continued updates about the walk, and for extra motivation fundraising for this amazing event.
• Visit our Beverly Breast Cancer Walk website.
• Join the Little Company of Mary eList to be kept in the loop for updates and future events!

We look forward to seeing you there.

Event details:

When: Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 8AM

Where: Ridge Park (96th and Longwood Drive). The 3-mile walk continues through the historic Beverly Hills/Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Cost: Pre-register for $30 for adults and $15 for children 18 and under. Register the day of the walk for $35 for adults and $20 for children 18 and under. For day-of registry, a limited amount of shirts will be available.

Register for the walk online! Visit our online registration page, and click “Register Here.” The page will take you through the steps necessary to sign up and get started fundraising! We’re off to a good start, with over $3,700 raised so far.

All money raised on this 3-mile walk goes to the Little Company of Mary Comprehensive Breast Health Center and Integrative Therapy programs.

Three ways you can keep up-to-date on the walk:

• Fan the Walk on Facebook for continued updates about the walk, and for extra motivation fundraising for this amazing event.
• Visit our Beverly Breast Cancer Walk website.
• Join the Little Company of Mary eList to be kept in the loop for updates and future events!

We look forward to seeing you there.