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.”

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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