CENTRAL DUPAGE HOSPITAL CONVENIENT CARE CENTERS INSTALL FULLY AUTOMATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPENSERS
Technology eliminates additional errand when you just want to get home

Central DuPage Hospital Convenient Care Centers in Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Naperville, St. Charles and Wheaton now offer InstyMeds, a fully automated ATM-style machine that dispenses prescription medications directly to patients. The vending machine pharmaceutical system offers a safe, convenient way for patients to receive prescription medications at the point of care.

“The new system eliminates the need for patients to stop at a pharmacy and wait for a prescription to be filled, especially when they’re not feeling well, in pain or in a hurry,” says Darin E. Jordan, MD, medical director of Convenient Care Centers for Central DuPage Hospital (CDH). “Implementing this technology has been a huge patient satisfier. Patients really appreciate the convenience of the new system, as well as being able to start the medication immediately after seeing the physician.”

CDH Convenient Care physicians will give patients the option to receive a traditional paper prescription to bring to a pharmacy or a unique security code to purchase medications through the InstyMeds machine. Using the touch-screen, the patient enters the unique security code and their date of birth. The patient then swipes a debit or credit card or inserts cash to pay for the prescription or insurance co-payment. After the machine performs a triple bar code check to ensure safe and accurate dispensing, the pre-packaged labeled product is dispensed from the machine. A direct dial phone on the machine is available for patients to call an InstyMeds support specialist for assistance, if needed. The entire process typically takes a couple of minutes.

“It is our belief that this convenient and quick  option will improve  patient medication compliance which ultimately leads to  faster recoveries,” says Dr. Jordan. “With this new service, the CDH Convenient Care Centers offer one-stop shopping with medical care, lab, x-ray and medication dispensing all in one location.” 

In addition to enhancing patient services, this technology helps to mitigate a national pharmacist shortage and reduces medication errors due to difficulty in deciphering handwritten prescriptions.

Pharmacist Shortage. According to the National Association of Chain Stores, the number of prescriptions filled has doubled from 1989 to 1999, while the number of pharmacists has only increased by five percent. A 2002 report by the Pharmacy Manpower Project predicted 157,000 unfilled pharmacy openings by 2020. Automated medication dispensing could take pressure off this badly overburdened system. 

Medication Errors. Misinterpreting a physician’s handwriting is the largest identified source of preventable medical error according to a 2005 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). In addition, the pre-packaged prescriptions and the machine’s revolutionary bar code technology reduces other types of errors, such as distribution of incorrect medications. “The safeguards provided by the bar code technology you have employed assure that the drug prescribed is, in fact, the drug dispensed,” writes the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy to the makers of InstyMeds.

Patient Compliance. Several studies by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine show that nearly a quarter of all prescriptions that emergency room doctors write go unfilled. The added convenience of InstyMeds increases the likeliness that the patient will fill his or her prescription and undergo the medication treatment plan.

To find a CDH Convenient Care Center near you, visit www.cdh.org or call (630) 933-4234 (4CDH).

Climate Change Discussion Series

The Wheaton Franciscan Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) is offering a Climate Change discussion series based on materials provided by JustFaith Ministries. The eight-week ecumenical program is scheduled from 10 a.m. till noon each Tuesday from Jan. 6-Feb. 24, 2009, at Our Lady of the Angels Motherhouse on the campus of the Wheaton Franciscans, 26W171 Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL, 60187.

The program is intended to evoke critical discussion about political, ethical and moral arguments related to climate change and the future of the Earth. The curriculum relies on a lens that focuses on scientific data concerning the negative impact of global warming. At the same time, participants are invited to examine their faith for the aspects that call people to protect the Earth.

It is expected that the small group gathering would use films, writings and discussion to stir reflection on how climate change impacts the poor and vulnerable at home and abroad. The program is anticipated to identify global warming policies and mitigation efforts, as well.

From a position that honors St. Francis as the patron saint of ecology, the program is ecumenical and welcomes discussion about the variety of statements from faith groups and congregations about the promotion of environmental protections and respect for all of God’s creation.

The cost of participation is $40 and includes all materials.  For information and registration call the JPIC Office at (630) 909-6635.  

Be a Hero for the Holidays!

You are invited to attend the Grand Opening Gala for Briarbrook Apartment Homes

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Briarbrook Apartment Homes, 1147 Briarbrook Dr., Wheaton

Price of admission is a donated item for care packages to go to our troops overseas. Click HERE to see items for donation.

Please RSVP by Monday, December 1, to 630-653-2541 or bri@villagegreen.com.  For more information, visit www.briarbrookliving.com.

INTRODUCING…..a new book on environmentally based land use planning, “PLANNING CONNECTIONS Human, Natural, Man Made” by N.J. “Pete” Pointner FAICP, ALA, ITE

This is a practical book about how to achieve more sustainable, attractive, efficient and livable human communities.  It is about “green”, environmentally based land use planning and context sensitive design.  It presents planning principles and illustrates their application with 19 case studies of approved plans and implemented projects.  There are chapters on comprehensive planning, town centers, site planning, growth management tools, review and processing of development applications and transportation corridors.   

Pete is an architect and planner with 47 years of experience beyond his masters degree in City and Regional Planning.  He is a consultant with Corporate Services Inc. of Wheaton, Illinois. He has been elected to the college of fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners, is a lifetime member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and is a member of the Association of Licensed Architects. 

Pete has been an active member of the Wheaton Chamber and served as vice president of the board and worked on many committees including the Hubble School, Tax Increment Financing, bridge street bridge replacement and local government affairs committees. 

For more information, or to order a copy, go to www.petepointner.com or call Pete Pointner at 630-221-8225.

‘A CELTIC HOLIDAY’ BENEFIT AT THE MAC DEC. 13

Award-winning singer-songwriter Gavin Coyle will help ring in the holiday season while benefitting local needy families as part of “A Celtic Holiday” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, on the Mainstage of the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.

Sponsored by the People’s Resource Center (PRC) in partnership with the MAC, “A Celtic Holiday” features Coyle’s original tunes, traditional holiday favorites and Irish carols in an evening of holiday cheer sure to inspire.

Founded in 1975, PRC currently operates a number of different programs, including a food pantry, job development, computer and art classes addressing the non-profit organization’s mission to meet basic human needs, promote dignity and justice and to create opportunities for residents of DuPage County through the sharing of personal and community resources.

More than 65 percent of the organization’s $2 million budget comes from individual donations and fundraising events, said Development Director Karen Hill. That community support, coupled with the more than 850 volunteers that work within PRC’s programs, are paramount to the group’s success, she said.

“We’re so lucky that donors have been so generous within the DuPage community,” she said. “And this kind of concert gives people a nice evening out without the huge investment all while supporting a worthwhile local cause.”

MAC staff is thrilled to be able to continue their tradition of community outreach through the partnership with PRC. In addition to the Gavin Coyle concert, PRC also will be represented at upcoming performances of “A Christmas Carol,” where food items will be collected for the organization’s food pantry.

PRC isn’t alone, however. The Arts Center regularly works with school groups, ethnic and other organizations to create new opportunities for artistic expression and to expose the community at large to the arts.

Tickets to “A Celtic Holiday” benefitting the People’s Resource Center are $25. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Arts Center Box Office at (630) 942-4000, or visit: www.atthemac.org.

All aboard to the DuPage Historical Museum

Bring your family to the museum on Saturday, November 29^th to see the HO model railroad trains from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.  This famous display covers over 2,000 feet of track and depicts several railways through the Dupage County area.  Other exhibits will take you on a journey through 150 years of history, a walk in the woods, an 1890’s family sitting room and an activity area all about measurement.

The Museum is located at 102. E. Wesley in downtown Wheaton.  Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4pm and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.  The trains will run on the third and fifth Saturdays each month.  For more information, please call the Wheaton Park District Administration office at 630.665.4710.

Join us in celebrating together the unity and diversity of faiths and the power of combined thought in upcoming events:

Du Page Inter-Faith Thanksgiving Service
Monday, November 24, 7:30 p.m.
The 15^th annual Inter-Faith Thanksgiving Service will be celebrated at St. Procopius Abbey in Lisle (corner of Maple and Yackley).

Following the 1986 Assisi Model of praying in each other’s presence, many traditions will be represented:  Theosophist, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Baptist, Bahai, Native American. No charge

Meditation for World Peace
December 31, 2008, 6-7 a.m.
Meditation for World Peace is a free yearly event in which participants use their concentrated thought power to help generate energy for peace.

This wave of peaceful thought travels around the world as it coincides with group meditations across the globe from 6 to 7 a.m. in each time zone! By releasing light, love, and spiritual energy into the world, we hope to help heal the sense of separation between human beings. This is a global event and we urge you to participate wherever you are.  Refreshments and fellowship after the meditation.

Place: 
The Theosophical Society
1926 N. Main St.,
Wheaton, IL 60187

Theosophical study and practice focuses on the unity and interconnected nature of all things. We uphold that all human beings have spiritually and physically the same origin which is the fundamental teaching of Theosophy or Divine Wisdom. Having said that, being a theosophist does not replace the religion that one may belong to, if any. There is no dogma that a person must believe in order to become a member.

For more information, visit www.theosophical.org or call 630-668-1571, ext. 300. The Theosophical Society is a world-wide, non-profit, membership organization that encourages open-minded inquiry into world religions, philosophy, science, and the arts in order to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and help people explore spiritual self-transformation.

College of DuPage Calendar of Events December 2008

2, Tuesday
At the McAninich Arts Center - Small Group Jazz. McAninch Arts Center, Studio Theatre, noon, free. For more information, call (630) 942-4000.

3, Wednesday
At the McAninich Arts Center - Percussion Ensemble. McAninch Arts Center, Theatre 2, 7:30 p.m., $4. For more information, call (630) 942-4000.

4, Thursday
At the McAninich Arts Center - Guitar Ensemble. McAninch Arts Center, Theatre 2, 2:30 p.m., free. For more information, call (630) 942-4000.

4, Thursday
At the McAninich Arts Center - Concert Choir/Chamber Singers. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., $4. For more information, call (630) 942-4000.

4, Thursday
At the McAninich Arts Center - Small Group Jazz. McAninch Arts Center, Studio Theatre, noon, free. For more information, call (630) 942-4000.

4 to Jan. 10
Gahlberg Gallery Art Exhibit – Studio Art Faculty Exhibit. An exhibition of new work by College of DuPage studio art faculty. Features painting, sculpture, drawing, design, printmaking, photography, jewelry and more. Gallery hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; also open during Mainstage events and by appointment. For more information, call (630) 942-2321.

5, Friday
At the McAninch Arts Center – The Mulligan Mosaics Big Band with special guest Judi Silvano. With regular Chicago appearances and a featured performance at last summer’s Chicago Jazz Festival, The Mulligan Mosaics Big Band presents the music of jazz giant Gerry Mulligan and his Concert Jazz Band. Led by baritone saxophone virtuoso Ted Hogarth and featuring some of Chicago’s most sought-after musicians, the band is joined by guest vocalist Judi Silvano. With flair and precision, The Mulligan Mosaics promote the genius, magic and beauty of Gerry Mulligan’s music. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, 8 p.m., tickets $30/28/20. For ticket information, call (630) 942-4000.

7, Sunday
At the McAninch Arts Center - DuPage Chorale. Major works are performed with the DuPage Chorale Orchestra and soloists. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., tickets $16/14/6. For more information, call (630) 942-4000.

9, Tuesday
At the McAninich Arts Center - DuPage Community Concert Band. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., $4. For more information, call (630) 942-4000.

10, Wednesday
At the McAninich Arts Center - Chamber Orchestra. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., $4. For more information, call (630) 942-4000.

13, Saturday
At the McAninch Arts Center – A Celtic Holiday featuring Gavin Coyle, benefiting the People’s Resource Center. Celebrate the holidays with award-winning singer-songwriter Gavin Coyle. Singing original tunes and traditional holiday songs, his concert engenders the warmth of Christmastide. Holiday favorites and Irish carols will release the holiday spirit in us all, as Gavin shares his music and we share with those in need. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, 8 p.m., tickets $25. For ticket information, call (630) 942-4000.

13, Saturday
At the McAninch Arts Center – New Classic Singers: A Child’s Christmas. A family-friendly salute to the holidays, featuring timeless carols and a special bearded visitor. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, 1 p.m., tickets $10/8. For ticket information, call (630) 942-4000.

14, Sunday
At the McAninch Arts Center – New Classic Singers: Family Christmas Album 27, All Carols. Our holiday tradition! An entire concert of beloved holiday carols, spanning the world and the centuries, with great arrangements by Luboff, Waring, Shaw-Parker and the newest generation of choral arrangers. A treat for your ears, your memories and your hearts. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, 4 p.m., tickets $22/20/12. For ticket information, call (630) 942-4000.

19, 20 and 21, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
On Tour at the McAninch Arts Center – Von Heidecke Chicago Festival Ballet: The Nutcracker. Celebrate the holiday by creating childhood memories that only sugarplum fairies, toy soldiers and swirling snowflakes can conjure. This timeless classic returns, taking Tchaikovsky’s marvelous score and creating a winter wonderland of excitement and awe with colorful sets, luxurious costumes, exquisite ballerinas and Kenneth von Heidecke’s innovative choreography. Co-sponsored by Hilton, Lisle/Naperville. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, Friday, 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m., tickets $35/33/25. For ticket information, call (630) 942-4000.

31, Wednesday
At the McAninch Arts Center – New Philharmonic – Viennesse Pops New Year’s Eve. Chosen by the Chicago Tribune last year as a not-to-be-missed sold-out concert … reserve your seats now for this unique New Year’s Eve celebration. Experience the Viennese waltzes and polkas, and, of course, all of the musical surprises that only Maestro Muspratt has up his sleeve. Returning for this celebration is soprano Michelle Areyzaga, who thrilled our audiences singing Mimi in La Boheme. McAninch Arts Center, Mainstage, 8:15 p.m., tickets $60/58/50. For ticket information, call (630) 942-4000.