WOODSTOCK, Illinois – Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. There are many types and most are curable. When skin cancer is found early, it can be easier to treat.

On Thursday, May 31, 9 am-4 pm, the Mercy Woodstock Medical Center dermatology department is offering free skin cancer screenings for people concerned about spots on their skin.

Appointments can be made with dermatologist, Vic Khanna, MD, or dermatology physician assistants, Megan Baumbach, PA-C, or Christine Watson, PA-C.

Screening times are limited. Call (888) 39-MERCY to make an appointment at Mercy Woodstock Medical Center, 2000 Lake Avenue.

Women and men have many of the same health problems, but they can affect women differently. Some diseases or conditions are more common in women, such as osteoarthritis, obesity and depression.

Join us for a free, fun and educational night of women’s health information. At this special Women’s Night Out event, you’ll be able to:

• Ask questions and talk with OB/GYNs about birth control, hysterectomies and planning for pregnancy
• Watch an acupuncture demonstration
• Get a chair massage
• Take home a goodie bag (only for the first 75 attendees)
• Have a chance to win a massage and skin care gift certificate

Refreshments will be provided. To reserve your spot today, call (608) 756-6100.

For more information about Mercy Health System, CLICK HERE.

In celebration of National Nurses Week, May 6-12, we’re teaming up with the American Nurses Association to recognize all nurses for their commitment, compassion and excellence in patient care.

“Nurses’ Week is an opportunity to take a step back and recognize over 900 men and women who make up our nursing staff,” said Sue Ripsch, vice president and chief nursing officer for Mercy Health System. “These dedicated professionals are doing amazing work on a daily basis and it’s important to honor them for it.”

We especially recognize and celebrate our nurses who are committed to lifelong learning and are working towards obtaining bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as board certifications. Advanced degrees and board certifications validate nurse’s skills, knowledge and abilities, and plays an important role in the assurance of high standards of care for patients and their loved ones.

We are proud to recognize our hard-working nurses for advocating, leading and caring for their patients seven days a week, 365 days a year.

For more information about Mercy, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.

Makes 4 servings (two medallions and 1/3 cup fruit mixture)

Each serving is 262 calories and 8.7 grams of fat

What you need:

• 1⁄2 cup Apple juice
• 1⁄2 cup Fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp. Brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 tsp. Cornstarch
• 1⁄2 tsp. Salt
• 1⁄4 tsp. Dried rubbed sage
• 1/8 tsp. Coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 pound Pork tenderloin, trimmed
• 1 Tbsp. All purpose flour
• 4 tsp. Olive oil, divided
• 1⁄2 cup Finely chopped onion
• 1 cup Thinly sliced, peeled Rome apple
• 3⁄4 cup Fresh cranberries
• Cooking spray

Steps:

1. Combine first seven ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk.
2. Cut pork crosswise into eight pieces. Place each piece between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; flatten each piece to 3/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Dredge each pork piece in flour.
3. Heat three tsp. olive oil in a large non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add pork; cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned; remove pork.
4. Add one tsp. oil to pan. Add onion; cover, reduce heat and cook five minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Return pork to pan; add juice mixture, apple and cranberries. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook three minutes or until cranberries pop and pork is done, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh sage sprigs, if desired.

This recipe originally appeared on CookingLight.com.

For more information about Mercy Health System, visit us online at MercyHealthSystem.org.

Andrew M. Butchart, DO, psychiatrist at Mercy Options Behavioral Health Clinic-Walworth

Major depressive disorder, more commonly referred to as major depression, is one of the most common and serious illnesses in the United States. It often leads to impaired ability to function, absences from work and school, and strained interpersonal relationships. It affects millions of people, from children to the elderly. The financial costs of major depression to American society measure in billions of dollars, and are related to direct medical costs, suicide-related mortality costs, and lost workplace revenue. Stigma associated with depression, and other psychiatric disorders, increases the risk that those who suffer from it may delay seeking treatment, often due to a false belief that its symptoms are insignificant, or that the inability to overcome the symptoms on one’s own represents a weakness of character. This is concerning, as suicide is a tragic potential outcome of untreated major depression.

Major depression is diagnosed by a clinical interview with a qualified medical or mental health professional. Medical illness, such as hypothyroidism, which can mimic major depression, should always be excluded when diagnosing an episode of major depression. The majority of patients with major depression are diagnosed and treated by primary care providers, as the condition is common and such individuals serve as the first point of contact for most health concerns. Symptoms of major depression include at least two consecutive weeks of five or more of the following symptoms: disturbance in mood (usually unhappy or sad, sometimes irritable or anxious), change in activity level, diminished interest in pleasurable activities, decreased motivation, fatigue/low energy level, change in appetite/weight, change in sleep pattern, feelings of worthlessness/guilt, decreased libido, impaired attention and concentration, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the average age of onset for major depression is 32 years old, and women are 70% more likely to experience an episode of major depression during their lifetime. The NIMH also reports that approximately 17% of people will experience an episode of major depression in their lifetime; however, this is often thought to be underestimated due to stigma that leads many people to avoid seeking treatment. Having major depression increases the risk for substance abuse problems, particularly alcohol use disorders. It is common for people to use alcohol to cope with symptoms of depression, but continued alcohol use can intensify and prolong episodes of major depression. Chronic medical illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and coronary artery disease are associated with a higher risk for developing major depression. Individuals with a family history of major depression are three times as likely to develop the illness themselves. In such instances, the identification and treatment of major depression is crucial.

Treatment of major depression is largely based on symptom severity. In cases of mild to moderate severity, psychotherapy (talk therapy) may be enough to treat the illness into remission. There is significant and increasing clinical evidence for cognitive behavioral therapy to identify emotions, and treat maladaptive thought and behavior patterns commonly associated with major depression. Several other types of psychotherapy have also been proven to be effective in treating major depression. In cases of moderate to severe major depression, medication treatment should be considered in addition to psychotherapy. Most antidepressants act by targeting deficits in the brain chemical serotonin, which has been found to be depleted in major depression and clinical anxiety. Antidepressant treatment is typically recommended for 9-12 months after symptoms are in remission, at which time the medication may be discontinued. Long-term antidepressant treatment, to minimize the risk of recurrence of major depression, is recommended in patients who have experienced more than two episodes of major depression.

The rates of recovery from major depression decrease as the length of an episode of depression increases. This suggests that early and aggressive treatment of major depression provides the best chance to return to normal levels of function. If major depression is identified early and treated into remission, most patients experience a complete return to previous mood states and return to their normal levels of daily functioning. Data suggests that there is a 50% chance of recurrence of major depression after experiencing a single episode. Unfortunately, the likelihood of further episodes of major depression increases to 70% with two episodes and to 90% with three or more lifetime episodes of major depression. Such data supports the continued use of antidepressant medication, to assist in the prevention of further episode of major depression, if one has experienced three or more episodes of major depression in their lifetime.

Major depression is a common, highly treatable illness. Obstacles to treatment include stigma associated with psychiatric illness, as well as lack of education about the illness and how to go about seeking treatment. Primary care providers serve as the first line for identification of major depression.  Individuals who have concerns about their moods or other psychiatric health concerns should discuss them with their primary care provider, or seek consultation with a mental health professional.

For more information about Mercy’s mental health service or Dr. Butchart, CLICK HERE.

According to the American Obesity Association, pediatricians are reporting more frequent cases of obesity-related diseases in children such as type-2 diabetes, asthma and hypertension—diseases that once were considered adult conditions.

Mercy is ready to work hard and do whatever it takes to change those staggering statistics for your family with its new program, Health for Youth.

During this 12-week program conducted by the staff at Mercy Cardiac Fitness Center, children and families learn lifelong tools to improve their overall health. Weekly exercise classes and meetings with nutrition experts and behavioral psychologist will make positive lifestyle changes to offer better health and well-being for the entire family.

At the same time, you will learn:

Exercise: benefits, family exercise ideas, when and when not to exercise and how to keep your kids interested in their health.

Food: healthy meal and snack ideas, portion sizes, food diaries, menu planning and shopping tips.

Lifestyle changes: monitoring screen/TV time, managing stress, improving self-esteem and self-confidence, and how to make permanent changes.

To get started, join us for a free informational meeting May 9, 4:30 pm at Mercy Health Mall in Janesville.

All participants must attend an informational meeting and your child will need a doctor’s referral and lab work prior to beginning the program. Check with your health insurance provider to find out if they will cover the cost of the program.

To register, call (608) 755-7996.

For more information about Mercy Health System, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.

Mercy Health System will host a free arthritis seminar on Wednesday, April 25 at 6 pm in the front lobby of Mercy Clinic East.

Dr. Andrew Jasek, board certified rheumatologist, will present causes of arthritis, Gout, how to find relief and supplements that can help.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is joint inflammation where two bones come together and is very painful for those who are affected. It can refer to any one of more than 100 or so diseases that make your joints feel painful, stiff and swollen. It affects about 41 million Americans and is one of the most common causes of disability in the United States. The most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Of these, osteoarthritis is by far the most common, affecting approximately 27 million Americans.

Light refreshments will be served. To regster for this FREE presentation, call (608) 756-6100.

During National Volunteer Week, we recognize over 1,200 Mercy volunteers for their generosity, dedication and big hearts!

This week, we’d like to give a special shout out to our volunteers for helping our patients receive the very best care and making our communities a better place to live and work.

From volunteering their time at the House of Mercy Homeless Center, Castaways Thrift shop and visiting Mercy Hospice Care patients, to delivering Meals on wheels and installing Lifeline emergency response units, to helping our local organizations such as United Way, American Heart Association and the YWCA, your generosity of time and talent is greatly appreciated.

Thank you volunteers, you inspire all of us!

To learn more about volunteering with Mercy, call Mercy HealthLine at (608) 756-6100 or toll-free (888)39-MERCY. For more information about Mercy, visit us at MercyHealthSystem.org.

Acupuncture is a growing phenomenon in America and is also gaining speed here in Janesville as a successful alternative medicine technique to help treat chronic disease and pain.

Join Matt Warnke, licensed acupuncturist, as he talks about the benefits of acupuncture and performs a live demonstration, April 18, 11:30 am at Basics Cooperative.

Mercy Healthy Bites is a monthly program dedicated to the health and wellness of our community. The program, which is free and open to anyone, is held each month, at 11:30 am, at Basics Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Drive in Janesville. Monthly topics include stress management, healthy eating, fitness and exercise and illness prevention.

Enjoy light snacks. To register, call (608) 756-6100. The seminar is educational, and open for anyone to attend.

For more information about Mercy, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.

Having prostate cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn’t be. That’s why Mercy teamed up with the American Cancer Society to provide support for men fighting prostate cancer.

The Man to Man Support Group is sponsored by Mercy Health System and the American Cancer Society. The support group, which is free and open to the public, is held the first and third Wednesday of each month, 3:15-4:45 pm, at the Mercy Michael Berry Building, Room 2616, 1000 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville. The Man to Man Support Group provides men and their families with a forum for discussion, education on treatment options and support through the recovery process.

George Ehlers and Tim Lathrop, both prostate cancer survivors, will facilitate the meetings, along with Michelle Leverence, case manager with the Mercy Regional Cancer Center.

Topics covered include:

• Diagnosis process
• Sexual matters – A woman’s touch
• Treatment options (radiation, surgery)
• Side effects
• Survivor navigation
• Local resources and caregiving

The next session is April 18. For more information about the Man to Man support group or Mercy’s cancer services, call (608) 756-6824 or visit Cancer.MercyHealthSystem.org.

Nationally, nearly 70 percent of all sexual assault cases last year were children under the age of 17. In Rock County alone, nearly 85 percent of cases were children under the age of 18. Each year, Mercy Health System partners with other local advocates to educate the community on the growing problem of sexual assault cases right here in Rock County. One of the ways Mercy does this is with its annual “Pinwheels for Prevention” efforts in April.

“The importance of this event today is to help the community realize how big of an issue sexual assault in Rock County really is,” said Jackie Friar, RN, sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) coordinator at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center. “These crimes are not committed in dark alleys by strangers so much as they are committed in our schools, our workplaces, our streets and our homes by people we know.”

Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center expanded its emergency services to include a SANE program in July 2008 to give the county with the necessary emergency health services and the support it needs. A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse who has specialized education and met clinical requirements to perform forensic examinations of patients who report sexual assault. Mercy’s SANE program, the only one of its kind in Rock County, provides around-the-clock, comprehensive care and has the expertise to offer effective courtroom testimony. At Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, a specially trained sexual assault nurse examiner examines sexual assault patients. Attention is focused on the patient’s care, comfort and emergency assistance.

Friar, who spearheads the SANE program, has been working hard for years to educate the community about sexual assault and violence. “Our program covers everything from the definitions of consent and sexual assault, to resources available locally,” she said.

“Few crimes are more horrific than a sexual assault,” said Janesville Police Chief David Moore. “These crimes are personal. In Janesville we are blessed to have a strong relationship and collaborative work environment between law enforcement, the Rock County district attorney’s office, Mercy Health System, YWCA and other organizations. We have an collaborative vision for how we’re addressing sexual assault and violence prevention in Janesville.”

The pinwheels are displayed at Mercy Hospital Campus, Mercy Health Mall, Mercy Clinic East, Mercy North Campus, YWCA CareHouse and Wedge Park for the remainder of the month.

For details about Mercy’s SANE program, call (608) 756-6522. For more information about Mercy Health System, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.

This easy-to-make, low-calorie recipe is meatless and low-fat for the entire family to enjoy. You can also add fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, onions and spinach as well as mushrooms.

What you need:

• 1 cup sliced portabella mushrooms
• 2 cups reduced-sodium, meatless pasta sauce
• 1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup egg substitute (or 2 egg whites)
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 6 cooked manicotti shells
• ¼ cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil to garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat large skillet with non-stick spray. Add mushrooms and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in pasta sauce. Spoon ½ cup pasta sauce into bottom of an 11×7 glass baking dish.
2. Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, salt and pepper in a bowl; stir well. Spoon ¼ cup mixture into slightly cooled shells. Place on top of pasta sauce in the baking dish. Spoon on remaining pasta sauce. Cover dish with foil.
3. Bake 28-30 minutes or till bubbly. Remove from oven, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes or till cheese melts. Remove from oven and set aside for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Makes 6 servings • Calories: 193; Fat: 6 gm; Carbs: 23 gm

For more information about Mercy Health System, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.

The annual Mercy Foundation Charity Ball will be held Saturday, May 19 at the Janesville County Club at 5 pm. Proceeds from the event go to the Mercy Foundation’s $150,000 goal to support the House of Mercy Homeless Center. The prestigious, black-tie event will feature cocktails, gourmet dinner, live and silent auction and dancing.

Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. They are available for purchase at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center Gift Shop, Mercy Health Mall or Mercy pharmacies.

Prizes include:
Grand prize: $5,000 cash
First prize: $2,500 cash
Second prize: $1,500 gift certificate to The Diamond Center (donated by The Diamond Center)

The drawing will be held May 19 at 10 pm, at the Janesville Country Club during the Charity Ball. You need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, please call (608) 741-2422.

For more information about Mercy Health System, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.

Know your numbers! Dr. Ranjana Soorya, board certified internal medicine physician, is offering free fingerstick cholesterol and glucose screenings at Mercy Crystal Lake Medical Center-South, 415-A Congress Pkwy., during the entire month of April.

These are screenings only; an additional appointment can be made if treatment is desired. Times are limited and appointments are required. Make your appointment today by calling (815) 356-7494.

For more information about Mercy Health System, visit MercyHealthSystem.org or MercyPulse.org.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6EQ98jg7eA

VIDEO: Local Vision TV visited Mercy Clinic East and Mercy North Campus to find out what Mercy staff and patients had to say about our doctors.

March 30 is National Doctors’ Day. This year, Mercy celebrates by encouraging you to personally recognize special Mercy physicians. Just fill out a Doctors’ Day Thank You form for each doctor you want to thank. Forms are available electronically on Mercy’s website, as well as at each medical center reception desk.

We’d like to thank our 385 physicians for the countless hours they put into caring for our patients. Our physicians and staff represent the best of what Mercy has to offer, and we are honored to work with such a tremendous group of professionals who are also our friends.

Here’s what some of our patients say:

“I want to personally thank Dr. Gary Livingston and his staff at Mercy Crystal Lake Medical Center-East. At my first visit, I was very worried about my recovery from surgery. Dr. Livingston explained in detail in words I could understand. I look forward to his advice and expertise in my future visits. His staff is friendly and efficient. My sincere thanks for their assistance in my recovery.”

“A special thanks goes to Dr. Vic Khanna and the staff at Mercy Woodstock Medical Center. I am 54 years old and have been to many doctors in my lifetime. I have never been treated more professionally and kindly than I was when I was seen by Dr. Khanna and his staff. The entire experience was enjoyable and my recovery is going smoothly. Thank you!”

“I want to thank Dr. David Pittenger for the wonderful care I received at Mercy Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center-Janesville. It was a great mental relief to know he would do my surgery. It gave me confidence and a positive outlook knowing that whatever the outcome was, I had the best team for the job. The support staff, especially Joanne, had a light-hearted spirit that made me feel relaxed and comforted. I hope Dr. Pittenger’s hands are insured by “Lloyds of London” because they are invaluable to people like me.”

“Hospitalist Dr. Deana Courier, the nurses and staff at Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center are excellent to my mother. I wish Dr. Courier could be my mother’s personal physician! She and her staff put me at ease and lifted a tremendous weight off my shoulders knowing I my mother was in capable hands.”

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Gene Gulliver at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center. I received exceptional care. Mercy is by far one of the best hospitals I have ever been in. Thank you, Mercy, for saving my life!”

For more information about Mercy Health System, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.

Celebrate National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screening Awareness Week by making your appointment for a FREE quick and painless screening. These screenings are offered by Jason Cundiff, MD, FACS, David Goodman, MD, PhD, FACS, and Gary Livingston, MD, FACS, at Mercy Crystal Lake Medical Center-East, 390 Congress Pkwy., Ste. M. All doctors are board-certified otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons. Also participating is certified physician assistant Hilario del Peral.

The screenings are offered Tuesday, April 24, Wednesday, April 25 or Thursday, April 26, 9-11:30 am. Times are limited and appointments are required. Make your appointment today by calling (815) 455-0850.

These are screenings only; an additional appointment can be made if treatment is desired.

For more information about Mercy Health System, visit MercyHealthSystem.org or MercyPulse.org.

The following comments from Mercy’s patients and visitors at our clinics and hospital in the McHenry County area. They were documented by our customer relations staff. We’re happy to bring you more proof of why and how our partners inspire us!

Harvard Care Center is compassionate and loving

“We want to thank you all for the wonderful care you gave my mother at the care center. You went above and beyond for her. It was a difficult decision to place your family member in someone’s care. We know we made the right choice. Thank you so much.”

“Thank you for your loving, considerate care and kindness. It could not have been better and truly appreciated.”

“We sure appreciate all the kindness you showed. We can’t begin to thank you enough! It meant more than we can say.”

Polite and thorough

“The nurses and staff at Mercy Harvard Hospital Emergency were very, very nice. Dr. Mazzei was very patient with my questions and was very polite. The nurses were very nice with my family. This only made the hospital even nicer. They explained everything and answered all of our questions.”

Proud and trusting

“Please acknowledge the staff at Mercy McHenry Immediate Care who cared for me. Everything that Mercy stands for was definitely accomplished. This makes me proud to be a Mercy partner who ended up as a patient. The staff actually made my injury more bearable.”

For more information about Mercy and our staff, visit us online at MercyHealthSystem.org.

The following comments from Mercy’s patients and visitors at our clinics and hospital in the Walworth County area. Our customer relations staff documented these comments. We’re happy to bring you more proof of why and how our partners inspire us!

Praise to Mercy!

“A very huge thank you to all the wonderful people at the Mercy hospitals and clinics in Janesville and Williams Bay. The doctors were superb, wonderful and fantastic lifesavers. Everyone was simply top-notch, friendly and just plain wonderful. We have been patients of Mercy for nearly 30 years and our family is always appreciative of all that they do. God bless Mercy! I could not rate anything any higher on any level.”

Knowledgable and respectful

“Dr. Carlson at Mercy Delavan Medical Center is the most knowledgable and kind doctor we have ever had. He takes the time to explain things to us in a way we understand and covers all the bases with an exam and orders tests to make sure no stone is left unturned. Christy goes above and beyond her receptionist duties for our family and Carla and Debbie always take time to listen and answer any questions we have. The whole staff works as a great team. They are respectful, kind and caring. We have been blessed with the staff at Mercy.”

Mercy Walworth Hospital emergency room receives multiple compliments

“Let me say that the care we received from the nurses and doctor was extraordinary. The speed of service, compassion and level of care was first rate. I wish I could name them individually, but be assured that each and every one of them is to be commended. The professional people in your ER department are a great asset to Mercy. We left with a great feeling about your hospital.”

“We live four hours away and were visiting Lake Geneva when we ended up at Mercy Walworth Hospital Emergency Room. Michelle took good care of me and made my husband very comfortable. She explained what was going to happen, who the doctor would be and the procedure that was going to be done. She went above and beyond her duty. She made me feel that I was her only patient.”

“Kari Richards was extremely professional, helpful and showed deep concern for my comfort. She explained everything very well.”

For more information about Mercy and our staff, visit us online at MercyHealthSystem.org.

The following comments from Mercy’s patients and visitors from our clinics and hospital in the Rock County area. They were documented by our customer relations staff. We’re happy to bring you more proof of why and how our partners inspire us!

Caring and nice

“Just recently, I took both my three-year-old granddaughter and my 93-year-old grandmother to Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville. The staff was absolutely wonderful. Not only did they both receive excellent care, but in both instances there were a number of concerned family members present and they showed the same care and compassion, consistently. From the nursing staff and unit secretaries to dietary and housekeeping, they not only performed their jobs, but took the time to participate in jokes and storytelling, putting everyone at ease and building a rapport that left a lasting impression. It made me proud to hear over and over again from my family how wonderful everyone was. Oh, and the private rooms and the view from the special care unit didn’t hurt either. They truly do make a difference.”

Professional, knowledgeable and caring

“I was a patient in the outpatient services department at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center. I have been in many hospitals and clinics across the country and the care I received from Mercy was without a question, the very best ever. The nurses and staff were very professional, knowledgeable and caring.”

Praise to Mercy!

“A very huge thank you to all the wonderful people at the Mercy hospitals and clinics in Janesville and Williams Bay. The doctors were superb, wonderful and fantastic lifesavers. Everyone was simply top-notch, friendly and just plain wonderful. We have been patients of Mercy for nearly 30 years and our family is always appreciative of all that they do. God bless Mercy! I could not rate anything any higher on any level.”

Fantastic nurses

“Every nurse on the fifth floor at Mercy Options Adult Inpatient Center was fantastic. In fact, every single person was unbelievably awesome. The most wonderful care I have ever received. They were professional and really cared. They all need to be commended.”

Calming and helpful

“The Mercy Health Mall urgent care staff were great! The evening nurse was wonderful, calming and helpful. She did her best to get medication for my nausea to help get it under control.”

For more information about Mercy, visit us online at MercyHealthSystem.org!

Mercy Foundation, Calvary Community Church, Geneva National and Walworth State Bank are teaming up to host a new breakfast event to recognize, honor and encourage area high school students who demonstrate the art of making a difference in their community by sacrificially giving of themselves to help others who are less fortunate.

The event, A Day of Difference, will be held Friday, April 20, 8 am, at the Riviera Ballroom, Lake Geneva. Sal Dimiceli will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. Sal is from Lake Geneva and was recently featured as one of the top 10 CNN Heroes of the Year. Sal and his organization, The Time is Now to Help, encompass the idea that one person can truly make a difference.

The honored students have been chosen by high school principals, administrators and faculty as having exhibited these characteristics within their community:

• Intentional, wholehearted commitment to making a difference within their community
• Specific passion for helping those who may be less fortunate
• Sacrificially giving of their time and talents and financial resources
• Help raise awareness of specific needs
• Inspire others to be more giving

The overall purpose of these annual awards is to encourage young people to develop a passion for looking not only to their own interests, but also to those of others by sacrificially giving of their time, talents and financial resources.

The public is invited to A Day of Difference. Event tickets are $10 per person and include breakfast. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (608) 755-8821 or email jljohns@mhsjvl.org.