Children’s Hospital of San Antonio expands pediatric network in North-Central San Antonio

CHRISTUSHealthSystemThe Children’s Hospital of San Antonio is expanding its Pediatric Network in North-Central San Antonio, providing more access to care for children and families with the opening of its new pediatric clinic at Alon Town Centre. 

“The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio has recruited world-class pediatricians with longstanding involvement in the community whose number one goal is to provide the best in pediatric health care,” said Elias J. Neujahr, President of the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.  “Our pediatricians are the foundation of our children’s health from birth.  With their expertise, we are able to create an integrated health care system that puts our children first.”

The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio first announced the creation of the Physician Group in May of this year with Tejas Pediatrics, Children First Pediatrics, Northwest Pediatrics, and Dr. Sky Izaddoost leading the charge to develop the network.

“Growing up in San Antonio, I’ve watched our city expand and develop.  As our city grew, so did the need for healthcare, especially for our children,” said Dr. Izaddoost.  “By aligning with the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, I strive to be part of a network of physicians putting our children first. I am honored and grateful to provide world class, seamless care in our community.  This is an exciting opportunity to improve the health and well-being of our most precious, our children.”

Dr. Izaddoost and Dr. Subhashini Valavalkar will be anchoring a new location at Alon Town Centre.

“The health care landscape is changing – especially pediatric medicine in San Antonio,” said Dr. Subhashini Valavalkar.  “I am very happy to actively participate in this medical evolution in San Antonio and South Texas. I believe our new primary care team, in partnership with physicians at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Baylor College of Medicine, and the private community, is a positive move towards continuing the advancement of providing quality care to all children in San Antonio.”

“The model we have created implements an integrated medical record system, accessible by all physicians in the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio network,” said Elias J. Neujahr, President of Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.  “That network enables pediatricians and pediatric specialists caring for a child to communicate, with real-time updates on the child’s health.  This new location ensures we can continue to provide the best possible medical care for our patients and their families.”

The new Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Physician Group at Alon Town Centre is located at 11503 NW Military Highway, Suite 113, San Antonio, TX 78231 and is scheduled to open November 24, 2014.  The clinic’s hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  New and existing patients are invited to call 210.705.5151 to make an appointment.

All Methodist Healthcare Hospitals in San Antonio earn ‘Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®’ recognition

methodist hcs logoMethodist Healthcare announced that all of its hospitals have been recognized as  2013 Top Performers on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the United States. Methodist Hospital and its campuses at Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Heart Hospital, Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital, Methodist Texsan Hospital, Metropolitan Methodist Hospital and Northeast Methodist Hospital* plus Methodist Stone Oak Hospital and Methodist Ambulatory Surgery Hospital were recognized as part of The Joint Commission’s 2014 annual report, “America’s Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety,” for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, and children’s asthma.  Methodist Healthcare is the only hospital system in San Antonio to receive this Top Performer status.

The Top Performer program recognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based interventions that increase the chances of healthy outcomes for patients with certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, stroke, venous thromboembolism and perinatal care, as well as for inpatient psychiatric services and immunizations.

Three out of the last four years Methodist Hospital’s campuses have been recognized as  Top Performers.  Methodist Stone Oak Hospital and Methodist Ambulatory Surgery Hospital were recognized two out of the last four years.

To be a 2013 Top Performer, hospitals had to meet three performance criteria based on 2013 accountability measure data, including:

  • Achieving cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures;
  • Achieving performance of 95 percent or above on each and every reported accountability measure where there were at least 30 denominator cases; and
  • Having at least one core measure set that had a composite rate of 95 percent or above, and (within that measure set) all applicable individual accountability measures had a performance rate of 95 percent or above.

“Delivering the right treatment in the right way at the right time is a cornerstone of high-quality health care. I commend the efforts of Methodist Healthcare for their excellent performance on the use of evidence-based interventions,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president and CEO, The Joint Commission.

“We understand what matters most to patients at Methodist Healthcare is the quality and safety of the care they receive. That is why we have made it a top priority to improve positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes,” said Jaime Wesolowski, president and CEO for Methodist Healthcare. “Methodist Healthcare is proud to be named a Top Performer as it recognizes the knowledge, teamwork and dedication of our entire hospital staff,” he continued.

For more information about the Top Performer program, visit http://www.jointcommission.org/accreditation/top_performers.aspx.

*These hospitals share the same Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provider number with Methodist Hospital and therefore are evaluated as a single entity by The Joint Commission; Methodist Stone Oak Hospital and Methodist Ambulatory Surgery Center, each has its own provider number.

About Methodist Healthcare
Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio (MHS) began as Methodist Hospital, chartered in 1955 by the United Methodist Church.  Since that time, MHS has grown to what is now the largest health care provider in South and Central Texas with 27 facilities, including nine acute care hospitals serving over 90,000 inpatients and 390,000 outpatients annually, expanding its vision of world class health care to San Antonio and 26 surrounding counties.

The System’s ownership structure is a 50/50 co-ownership between not-for-profit Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) and for-profit Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). With equal partnership control, MHS assures a dynamic balance in its mission: serving humanity to honor God by providing exceptional and cost-effective healthcare accessible to all.

Led by a culture of Methodist Excellence, the over 8,000 staff and volunteers combined with a medical staff of over 2,500, dedicate themselves to continuous quality improvement by committing to live by Methodist Excellence mission, vision and values.

Methodist Healthcare has achieved many awards for clinical excellence and quality outcomes as well innovation and people’s choice awards. Receiving the Texas Award for Performance Excellence in 2014 is a testament to Methodist Healthcare being selected as the most preferred and trusted health care system each and every year.

 

Security Service FCU named San Antonio’s Healthiest Employer

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) has been named the healthiest employer in San Antonio by the San Antonio Business Journal. The credit union topped the list for large employers in the annual survey that showcases those employers who proactively shape the health and wellness of their employees.

This year’s awards event took place at the Historic Pearl Development in downtown San Antonio and included a one-mile fitness walk and a health fair.

SABJ Healthiest 2014Back Row: SSFCU Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer John Worthington; SSFCU Employee Wellbeing Advisor Karyn Draeger; SSFCU Senior Vice President of Performance & Planning Tom Martin; SSFCU Assistant Vice President of Human Resources Gerry Smith; and SSFCU Benefits and Compensation Manager Amanda Kassler Front Row: SSFCU Vice President of Consumer Lending Michelle Scott; SSFCU Benefits Specialist Flori Espinosa; SSFCU Assistant Vice President of Benefits & Compensation Anne Hoeffner

“We believe when employees feel their workplace has a strong culture of health, they are happier, less stressed and more likely to improve their well-being,” says Jim Laffoon president and chief executive officer of SSFCU. “That benefits them, their families, the workplace and our members.”

Conceived and promoted by Laffoon to help employees and their families achieve a good life-work balance and strong financial footing, the credit union earlier this year rolled out its Total Wellbeing program to its more than 1,700 employees. It offers employees and their families an individualized comprehensive life balance program at no cost that takes into account their physical, emotional and financial health.  Benefits include tools, resources and rewards to help them achieve their physical goals; reduced rates and fees on select financial products; confidential advising for help navigating personal challenges; concierge services and legal and financial help.

In cities where SSFCU branches are located, employees are encouraged to participate in local community events, like the Blacklight Run in San Antonio, Dragon Boat Races in Denver and Iron Will Games in Salt Lake City. “We pay for our employees to participate in these events, many of which are fundraisers for nonprofits…it’s a win-win all the way around,” adds Laffoon.

The credit union also received accolades for it’s wellness program in Denver, coming in second place in the 2014 Metro Denver Healthiest Employers category for small companies. It is the third year the credit union has made the top five.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $8 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org <http://www.ssfcu.org> or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

 

Morningside Ministries named winner of $350,000 Humana Communities Benefit Grant in San Antonio

MM-Main-logo-300x108Morningside Ministries, San Antonio’s oldest and largest not-for-profit, faith-based senior care organization, is the recipient of the inaugural $350,000 Humana Communities Benefit grant in San Antonio, which is funded by the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM).

Morningside Ministries currently provides residential care to more than 800 older adults in the greater San Antonio community and extensive training services for their caregivers. Using the $350,000 Humana Communities Benefit grant, Morningside Ministries will expand its web-based training program, mmLearn.org, a nationally-recognized website that provides support and educational training to caregivers of seniors. The –enhanced e-learning website will provide caregivers an all-encompassing support system with educational videos on nutrition and medication management programs, mental illness, senior exercise routines, caregiver health and other valuable resources.

“The role of a caregiver can be difficult with little resources available that address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of older adults in their care,” said Alvin A. Loewenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Morningside Ministries. “Thanks to the generous grant from Humana, countless families suddenly finding themselves in the role of caregiver will finally find the training and support they need to provide the best possible care to their loved ones, as well as for their own needs.”

In its inaugural year in San Antonio, the Humana Communities Benefit charitable giving program provided 501(c)(3) organizations in Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties the opportunity to apply for this year’s grant. The Humana Communities Benefit program awards nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations a total of $350,000, provided in three installments over a three-year period.

“Morningside Ministries’ proposal to create a sustainable and life-changing support system for seniors and their caregivers exemplifies the goals of the Humana Communities Benefit program,” said Pattie Dale Tye, Vice President, Humana. “Humana has had a presence in San Antonio for more than three decades and we’re thrilled to help such a deserving nonprofit improve the quality of life for countless caregivers throughout the greater community.”

The San Antonio Food Bank, an organization that provides food and grocery products throughout Southwest Texas, and ChildSafe, a children’s advocacy center that provides hope, healing and support to children and their families who have been traumatized by abuse, were the other two finalists.

The three organizations participated in the inaugural online community vote hosted on HumanaHCBVote.com. One of this year’s many new features, the online vote gave the public the opportunity to weigh in on which organization it felt was most deserving of the Humana Communities Benefit grant. The public’s results were included during the final round of judging, which included formal presentations to a panel of community leaders and business representatives, which decided the winning nonprofit in each city.

For more information on the Humana Communities Benefit program, visit www.Humana.com/HCB.

For more information on Morningside Ministries, visit https://www.mmliving.org.

About The Humana Foundation
The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., one of the nation’s leading health care companies. Located in Louisville, Ky., the site of Humana’s corporate headquarters, the Foundation focuses on promoting healthy relationships and healthy behaviors. We believe that people who are engaged in caring and supportive relationships, are receptive and more likely to exhibit healthy behaviors; and healthy behaviors result in healthier communities. For more information, visit www.humanafoundation.org.

Humana and the Humana Foundation are dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Our goal is to ensure that every business decision we make reflects our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our members, our associates, the communities we serve, and our planet.

About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. The company’s strategy integrates care delivery, the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the country.

More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:

  • Annual reports to stockholders
  • Securities and Exchange Commission filings
  • Most recent investor conference presentations
  • Quarterly earnings news releases
  • Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls
  • Calendar of events (including upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors)
  • Corporate Governance information

 

Security Service Federal Credit Union introduces Life Balance program for employees and their families

Security Services Federal Credit UnionWhen employees feel their workplace has a strong culture of health, they tend to be happier, less stressed and more likely to take positive steps to improve their well-being, according to a recent study by Aon Hewitt, the National Business Group on Health and The Futures Company. Now, imagine the benefit if that perception were expanded to their families. That’s what San Antonio-based Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) is counting on with the revamping of its award-winning health and wellness program.

In the new SSFCU Total Wellbeing program, more than 1,700 SSFCU employees and their families are eligible to participate in an individualized, comprehensive life balance program at no cost…one that takes into account their physical, financial and emotional health. Benefits include tools, resources and rewards to help them achieve their physical goals; reduced rates and fees on select financial products; confidential advising for help navigating personal challenges; concierge services and legal and financial help. Everything is accessible from one, easy to use online platform and the program is being marketed extensively to employees.

“At Security Service, we are deeply committed to having happy, healthy employees…and that includes having a good life-work balance and strong financial footing,” says Jim Laffoon, president and chief executive officer for SSFCU.  “I am

thrilled that we are embarking on this initiative that is laying the foundation for a healthier work environment. We are making significant investments providing meaningful and relevant products and services for our employees and their families.”

And it’s working. More people are taking part in the benefits than ever before.

“One of the most popular features of our new program is our support of involvement in community health and fitness events,” says Tom Martin, senior vice president for SSFCU. “We encourage and pay for employee participation in local, community events.

In San Antonio, for example, we sponsored an astounding 223 employees and their families in the Blacklight Run,” he adds. “There’s literally something for everyone –from zombie runs to boat races.”

Studies show that employers like SSFCU are beginning to take longer-term and more holistic approaches to their benefits programs, according to the Wills Health Care Reform Survey for 2014. Almost one-third of companies interviewed were planning to expand wellness programs, with another 29 percent planning to do so in the future.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $8 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

Get sweaty! Gold’s Gym Summer SweatFest continues

180x150-GoldsGymGold’s Gym continues their summer SweatFest even as temperatures rise. Come meet fellow San Antonians at this summer’s hottest, FREE workout series! Like your favorite Gold’s Gym on Facebook to hear the latest #SWEATFEST scoop. Workouts take place every Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Remaining locations are below.

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Security Service Federal Credit Union recognized for worksite wellness efforts in Texas and Utah

Security Services Federal Credit UnionThe San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH), in collaboration with the Mayor’s Fitness Council, recognized Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) with a Silver Award in the 2014 Healthy Workplace Recognition Program. It is the fifth year the credit union has been recognized in the category for workplaces with more than 200 employees.

In addition, the credit union was recognized by the Utah Council for Worksite Health Promotion (UCWHP) with a Platinum 2014 Healthy Worksite Award. This award is the state’s premiere award honoring outstanding achievements of businesses and organizations that have employee health promotions and wellness programs. The Utah award was based on corporate activities and outcomes for employee programs focused on the general worksite, environment, nutrition, physical activity, safety and prevention.

SSFCUHealthyWorkplaceShown in the photo (from left):  Dr. Peter Wald, SABGH Chairman; Amanda Kassler, Compensation & Benefits Manager, SSFCU; Anne Hoeffner, AVP, Compensation & Benefits, SSFCU; Mayor Julian Castro; and Jeff Skelton, San Antonio Mayor’s Fitness Council Vice Chairman.

The credit union is well known for its sponsorship of community fitness events where employees and their families have the opportunity to participate in activities promoting physical fitness. Beyond fitness, SSFCU supports health and wellness in a very holistic way, promoting health education, physical activity, nutrition, smoking & tobacco cessation, financial fitness and more.

At the San Antonio awards ceremony, SSFCU compensation and benefits manager Amanda Kassler served as keynote speaker, presenting the credit union’s wellness initiative and best practices for the nearly 50 companies present.

“Since we started our wellness program six years ago, we’ve seen huge results,” said Anne Hoeffner, SPHR, SSFCU assistant vice president of compensation and benefits. “While we’ve received many industry awards, we’re particularly proud of the results…millions of steps taken…thousands of hours of exercise logged…thousands of pounds of weight lost. Our employees are taking up healthy habits and getting rid of the bad ones. We’re really making a difference,” she added.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $7.9 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

 

PS&Co. recognized again as one of the 2014 Healthiest Workplaces

Padgett Stratemann & Co.PS&Co Healthy WorkplaceFor the second year in a row, PS&Co. was awarded gold-level recognition as one of San Antonio’s Healthiest Workplaces by the San Antonio Business Group on Health (“SABGH”) and the Mayor’s Fitness Council.  Employers were recognized for their work to improve team members’ health through worksite wellness programs and initiatives. To meet any of the three award levels (bronze, silver, or gold), the firm had to provide examples of a company culture encouraging and rewarding wellness programs, including health promotion and education, as well as offering opportunities for physical activities.

The Healthy Workplace Recognition Program was launched as a pilot project in July 2010, and has been growing since. In its first year, 10 applicants participated, 38 in the second, and showing an upward trend with 46 submissions for 2014.

All chosen nominees received formal recognition at the SABGH Quarterly Forum and 2014 Healthy Workplace Recognition Program (“HWRP”) Awards Reception held May 19,2014 at the Municipal Plaza Building, City Council Chambers.

PS&Co. is proud to have been given this distinction again, as it is a direct reflection of the efforts of all team members to meet and exceed, the firm’s challenge of being a healthy workplace.

Bexar County Games Valero Missions Cup Premier Baseball Tournament

SASLogobcg baseball tournamentIf you’re a baseball fan or have a family member who is part of a youth baseball team, you won’t want to miss the Bexar County Games Valero Missions Cup Premier Baseball Tournament, presented by Ancira, July 19-20. Some of the best teams from Mexico and from around Texas have been invited to play in the 16U division at Missions Baseball Academy. Registration is open for the remaining divisions, 14U, 12U and 10U, with games played at Mission Concepción Sports Park and Southeast Skyline. Every team has a three game guarantee. The goal of the Bexar County Games presented by Ancira is to host top notch competitions in Bexar County sports facilities, which are some of the best venues in Texas. To learn more, visit SanAntonioSports.org/bexarcountygames.

blue-cross-blue-shield-logo-2014If you’re looking for something to do as a family this summer, be a part of San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge presented by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas.  San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge, kicked off in May at Port San Antonio when 1,500 runners participated in the D4 Heroes 5K. Now families are participating in free Zumba and Kid Fit classes at eight locations during the week where they are also receiving nutrition education. Exercising as a family is not only fun, but it helps make you accountable to each other.  Include friends in your activities, too, because the more you hang out with people with similar healthy goals, the more likely you are to stick with it.

On Saturday, June 28, San Antonio Sports will host the Fit Family Challenge summer fun day at Hardberger Park, along with District 8 City Councilman Ron Nirenberg.  Between 8-10 a.m., we will offer Zumba, cooking demonstrations, a fitness walk, nature walk and more.  Remaining Fit Family Challenge big events will be Saturday, July 19 at Brooks City Base and Saturday, August 9.

Families can join the Fit Family Challenge at any time and the entire program is FREE.  Families that attend at least three weekday events and have their tracking logs stamped are eligible to win $1,000. To learn more, visit FitFamilyChallenge.com.

If you’d like to volunteer for these events, or any of our events, you can register online at SanAntonioSports.org/volunteer or contact Tony Benke at tbenke@sanantoniosports.org.  We happily offer service hours for students 14 & up.

Calling all companies: 2014 Corporate Recruitment Event

CRE Walk LogoDiabetes is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation. For companies, it also leads to more sick days and less productivity on the job.

According to Kaiser Family Foundation data, the American Diabetes Association’s workplace cost calculator estimates that for a company with 1,000 employees:

  • 100 employees have diabetes
  • 27 of them are undiagnosed
  • 250 have prediabetes
  • $2.7 million is the average annual insurance cost for employees with diabetes and prediabetes
  • $912,438 is the annual increased cost if 50 percent of employees with prediabetes develop diabetes

The good news is, type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and it isn’t as hard as you might think. Losing just 7% of your body weight (which translates to 15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) and exercising moderately (like brisk walking) 5 days a week can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58%. Lifestyle changes also can prevent or delay diabetes complications. Companies can help their employees take control of their health while enjoying interactive team-building events by participating in Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes.

Join the American Diabetes Association (ADA) along with our Honorary Chair Dr. Brian Woods of Northside ISD, Corporate Recruitment Chair Stacy Rice of Peripheral Vascular Associates, Step Out Event Chairs Lenore Gregson of Kaiser Medical Managemet & Jay Gregson of Hallmark College, as well as other community leaders at the Corporate Recruitment Event for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on June 26, 2014 at Casa Hernán, 411 E. Cevallos, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.   This free informational event will be our official kick-off to the 2014 Step Out: Walk, which will unite thousands of people all over the city to help STOP DIABETES.

This is the key event in which to learn more about this community’s diabetes epidemic, the costs of diabetes to companies attending, and how the ADA can help.  Companies will also have the opportunity to meet the people mentioned above who are supporting our efforts this year and will walk away with free resources for your company. This event emphasizes the importance and value of having the business community take a leadership role in the fight to cure diabetes, while also creating a healthier environment for all employees.

What: American Diabetes Association 2014 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Corporate Recruitment Event

When: Thursday, June 26th, 6-8pm

Where: Casa Hernán, 411 E. Cevallos

RSVP: Email Lisa Gibson at lgibson@diabetes.org or call us at (210) 829-1765 ext. 6124

Many of the escalating costs of healthcare are out of an employer’s control.  However, one of the most effective things an employer can do to control healthcare costs and improve employee health and productivity is to encourage healthy living in the workplace. Please join us in that fight!