Posts Tagged ‘resources’

Washing you hands can be fun

Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Infections

They’re not fun for any child but they mean something much more serious to a family with a medically-fragile child. We’re talking about infections, even ones as simple as the common cold can mean potential hospitalization, new medications and a much longer time for recuperation. PHS wants to do all we can to help prevent illnesses from creeping into the lives of our patients and to keep them thriving at home.

Scrub a dub dub

Winter is on its way, everyone is so busy and with kids back in school its easy to forget how many germs we all come into contact with on a daily basis. It takes just a minute, yet hand washing is the single best way to avoid getting sick. Teach your kids how to properly cleanse their hands and encourage them to do so often at school, home and when out and about. Be sure to share this video with your friends and family as a fun reminder to ensure we all do what we can to stay germ and infection free this winter season.

Hand washing humor

To bring a little levity to the otherwise “sterile” (pun absolutely intended) topic, a couple PHS employees came up with a creative way to remind our staff to wash their hands as often as possible. Check out the fun below.

Step By Step Guide:

  • Wash hands for at least 15-20 seconds (Sing the “Happy Birthday” song 2x)
  • Turn off faucet with paper towel
  • Dry hands with air dryer or clean paper towel
  • Use paper towel to open bathroom door
  • Use hand sanitizer between washing
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes or nose

As a handy hand washing reminder to families, PHS created the Think ABC to Prevent the Spread of Infection poster, feel free to print it out or call 651-642-1825 and we’ll send you a copy to put by the sink in your bathroom or kitchen.

Hope is a powerful medicine

Friday, September 17th, 2010

Philanthropy has been part of the PHS culture since we opened our doors for business in 1990. Since formalizing our giving and volunteering by introducing the Sharing Care program, PHS has formed several valuable partnerships that serve as fantastic resources to our patients and their families.

PHS staff participating and volunteering at HopeKids Annual Suburban Adventure Fundraiser Walk/Run. For more information on the fundraiser and how you can help out visit their website @ www.hopekids.org

Having a chronic illness not only impacts the child with the condition but also the entire family. HopeKids understands this challenge and strives to support these families with the message that hope can be the most powerful medicine of all. HopeKids events provides kids and parents with the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. That invaluable connection helps families feel as though they’re not alone.

HopeKids provides ongoing events & activities and a powerful, unique support community for children with cancer and other life-threatening medical conditions free of charge for the whole family. With events such as go-cart racing, football clinics with the University of Minnesota Gopher football team, private movie screenings, twins games and not to mention their annual HopeDay festival that, this year, included a petting zoo, BMX biker shows, super heroes, basketball and kickball games, a dunk-tank and inflatable bouncers, there is no shortage of fun or hope for these children, their siblings and parents.

To learn more about the amazing mission of HopeKids watch this video: HopeKids. Restoring Hope. Transforming Lives.

Each spring PHS employees visit Faith’s Lodge to help clean up the grounds around the lodge and spring clean to prepare for new guests

Living with and caring for a medically-fragile child can be exhausting and dealing with the loss of a child is a heartbreaking experience that takes time, strength, support and hope to continue moving forward; for those times when you’re feeling your weakest, there is Faith’s Lodge. Faith’s Lodge provides a retreat where parents and families facing the serious illness or death of a child can retreat to reflect on the past, renew strength for the present, and build hope for the future.

Faith’s Lodge offers families a place to reflect and regroup and hopefully leave with more hope and energy than when they arrived.  While at Faith’s Lodge families have the opportunity to spend time and connect with other parents who are in a similar situation, giving you a feeling of support and understanding.

Visit their website to learn more about the amenities and the process for applying to stay at Faith’s Lodge. With a suggested donation of only $25.00 per night, Faith’s Lodge is truly a resource to families when they are in need of a break, a getaway, support from someone who understands their situation or just some time to renew their spirit.

Coming up on September 25th is Hope Rocks, an annual event benefiting Faith’s Lodge. PHS is proud to support Faith’s Lodge as a sponsor for the second year. If you are interested in sponsoring or purchasing tickets to the event please visit the Hope Rocks website.

To learn more about how Faith’s Lodge impacts the lives of those who stay watch this video: Faith’s Lodge. A place where hope grows (warning, it’s a tear-jerker)

Have either of these organizations touched your lives? We’d love to hear your story or see photos from events you’ve attended.