Focus on Friends is published by

If you or someone you know would like to join The Friends, call us at (781) 624-8520

or visit southshorehospital.org/friends

FEBRUARY 2013 A monthly newsletter for The Friends of South Shore Hospital

Save these DatesFor information on any of the following events, contact Barbara Wahlstrom at (781) 624-4170 or barbara_wahlstrom@sshosp.org.

Sunday, March 10Healthy Values FriendsIsabella Stewart Museum and Maggiano’s Restaurant Only a few spaces available

Friday, March 15Friends of Home Care HoedownSouth Shore Country Club Hingham

Saturday, March 23Walk for HospiceSouth Shore Plaza Braintree

Sunday, April 21 Healthy Value Friends Newport Playhouse Newport, RI

Thursday, May 2LINKS FriendsTrivia Night Tosca, Hingham

Monday, May 2024th Annual Golf ClassicPinehills Country Club Plymouth

Saturday, June 15Friends of Cardiovascular Care Set the Pace Road RaceDCR Wompatuck State Park Hingham

Jackie MacBean, Our New PresidentWhen Jackie MacBean attended an informational event held by the Friends of South Shore Hospital five years ago, she knew nothing at all about the organization. By the end of the evening, Jackie had volunteered to serve as secretary. Today, Jackie is president of the Friends and is deeply committed to the organization and to South Shore Hospital.

“At the time I was first introduced to the Friends, I was looking for a way to become more involved with my community,” Jackie explains. “I wanted to be part of something that made a difference right here where I live. I appreciated the local focus of the Friends and that South Shore Hospital touches so many lives in such important ways.”

Jackie is Vice President of Operations at Weymouth Bank, a job she loves and finds rewarding. “My job takes up a lot of time and I love to spend time with my family, but I try to find as much time as I possibly can for the Friends, because I enjoy the experience and the people.”

Jackie values the warmth, camaraderie and shared goals of the group. “The thing I most enjoy about the Friends is that people are very, very friendly. And everyone seems very, very happy to be involved. You don’t hear a lot of negativity,” says Jackie. “This is an extremely positive, upbeat group of people sharing the desire to make life better for their neighbors, their families and the entire community.”

As president, Jackie intends to work toward increasing awareness about the Friends, its mission and the benefits of joining the organization. “We have been working to get the word out there about the Friends through all our popular events and by word of mouth. I’d like to find a way to help introduce a new generation to what we are doing and all we have to offer, including a host of benefits that allow our members to support local businesses.”

As Jackie embarks on her term as president, she is full of optimism. “I can’t wait to move forward, working with this great bunch of people who I admire and respect. I couldn’t be happier about the opportunity,” she insists. “Together, we are going to take the Friends into the future and make the organization bigger and better, as we continue doing everything we can to support South Shore Hospital and the community.”

Jacqueline MacBean, New Friends President

2 · FEBRUARY 2013

February Meetings Announced

Friday, February 8LINKS8:30 AM Hospital Boardroom

Monday, February 11Alumni Friends10:00 AM 30 Reservoir Park Dr

Tuesday, February 12Friends of Home Care 4:15 PM 30 Reservoir Park Dr

Wednesday, February 20Full Board8:30 AM 30 Reservoir Park Dr

Thursday, March 14Healthy Values“The Flight of Gemma Hardy” By Margot Livesey

Thursday, March 14Preparing for the Future11:30 AM Emerson Rooms, SSH Free event includes lunch Reservations required: Call 781-624-8588

(l-r) Back Row: Tim Hanifan, Paul Hanifan, Lynn Hanifan, Rich Piligian (tallest), Kenny Guilfoyle, and Peter Hanifan. Front Row: Laurie Hanifan, Sean Hanifan, Kelli Piligian,

Susan Hanifan, Traci Murphy, and Pam Hanifan. Patrick Hanifan is not in the picture.

A Decade Of Hoedown SupportHow does a family of seven grateful children pay tribute to the memory of their very caring and giving parents in a meaningful way? Family spokesman, Paul Hanifan, shared the story of how their ten years of generous donations to the Friends of Home Care’s annual Hoedown began. “When my dad passed away in 2001, my brother Sean suggested running a golf tournament as a way to honor our parents, Carole and Pete Hanifan. In discussing this as a family, it was decided that the primary beneficiaries should be Hospice of the South Shore and the Weymouth Korean War memorial fund.”

Each of these choices holds significance — Pete Hanifan “was a proud Korean War Veteran who was part of the committee that was instrumental in bringing the Korean War memorial to Weymouth.” It is privately maintained and relies solely on donations. “When my mom had cancer, Hospice of the South Shore came in to help us care for her at home. She passed away in 1987, and for such a difficult time for my family, we will always remember Hospice’s caring, kindness, thoughtfulness, and professionalism in taking care not only of our mom, but also our entire family. In the years since, we have heard many similar stories about Hospice of the South Shore.” A third charity, The Jimmy Fund, was added in recent years.

Starting in 2003 at the Pembroke Country Club, the Old Fighter Golf Tournament has been held every year. “Participation in this tournament is a direct reflection of how much love and respect people had (and still have) for our parents.” “Old Fighter” was a Pete Hanifan term of endearment with everyone and was reciprocated back to him for as long as the siblings can remember. The portion of funds that have been directed to Hospice of the South Shore over the ten years is almost $28,000.

While grateful for the recognition for their efforts, the family is quick to point out that they are “simply the organizers of the event — the credit goes to family members, friends, work colleagues, and businesses who donate time, effort, gifts, and money to make the tournament successful.”

Ask a friend

to join

The Friends

today!

Call us at (781) 624-4170

or visit southshorehospital.org/friends

The family’s attendance at the Hoedown every year is a tradition that not only shows their dedication to the cause, but is also evidence that they know a good time when they see one! So cowboy up and get down at this years’ Hoedown Friday, March 15 at the South Shore Country Club in Hingham. Cocktails are at 6 pm, dinner is by Raffael’s at 7 pm, and dancing to the music of Creek Side begins at 8 pm. There will be fabulous raffle prizes and a 50/50. Purchase tickets by calling (781) 624-3788 or on line at: southshorehospital.org/events.

Head to the Hoedown — Friday, March 15

FEBRUARY 2013 · 3

Get Ready to Run... or Walk... For Heart Health A road race can be a lot of good healthy fun, and even more meaningful if you are running or walking for a good cause. If you’ve been thinking about taking part in your first road race, consider making “Set the Pace” your goal. You’ll be joining people of all abilities as they lace up their running and walking shoes to step out in support of cardiovascular care at South Shore Hospital. The June 15th event will include a 5k course for runners and walkers, and 1.1 mile scenic trail for walkers. If you’re a first-time race participant, the following tips may help make sure it is a positive experience.

Training Tips:n Visit your doctor if you have any questions about your health

and/or ability to participate in this type of cardiovascular activity. Although running might be your ultimate goal, it may be best to begin training by walking. As with any training program, you should slowly build up your fitness level. Your endurance will increase with time.

n Make sure to have proper footwear. Running shoes with the right amount of support will keep you comfortable and help prevent injury. There are several specialty running stores in the area that offer comprehensive shoe fitting services, including gait analysis to assess your personal running/walking style and fit you with the most suitable footwear.

n Concentrate on proper nutrition. The rule of thumb is to consume carbs before exercise, protein after exercise. Carbohydrates before a workout help make sure your body has what it needs to function as it should during exercise. Protein following a workout enhances the body’s recovery processes. And don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water to replace the fluids you are sweating out while exercising.

For more information and to register for “Set the Pace,” visit www.southshorehospital.org/events or call (781) 624-4170.

Life is full of numbers. Phone numbers. Account numbers. Password numbers. Lottery numbers. Numbers that determine the quality of your health.Your cholesterol levels are important numbers to know. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in your body and in some of the foods you eat. Too much cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease or stroke. But cholesterol isn’t all bad. Some cholesterol is actually good for you. In fact, your body needs some cholesterol in order to function properly. To determine your cholesterol numbers, your doctor tests your blood for levels of LDL, HDL, and triglyceride.

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. It can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your chance of heart disease. The lower your LDL cholesterol number, the lower your risk. HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol, because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack by taking the “bad” cholesterol out of your blood and keep it from building up in your arteries. However, low levels of HDL can increase your risk. A high level of triglycerides, a form of fat in the body, has been linked to greater risk as well.

There are other numbers significant to your health. Your Body Mass Index (BMI), for example, is a calculation that uses your weight and height to determine if you are at risk for a variety of health problems. Blood pressure numbers measure the force it takes for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. High blood pressure can mean you’re at risk for heart disease and stroke. By visiting your doctor regularly, you can make sure you are having the tests and screening necessary to keep track of all the numbers related to your health.

In recognition of National Heart Month, South Shore Hospital will hold a variety of heart health events in February. For information, check out the flyer insert or visit https://www.southshorehospital.org/classes-and-events.

H e a l t h b y N u m b e r s

Saturday, June 15, 2013

55 Fogg Road South Weymouth, Massachusetts

02190-2455

Inside+ Jackie Macbean, President

+ A Decade Of Hoedown Support

+ Get Ready To Run... Or Walk... For Heart Health

+ Health By Numbers

Ask a friend to join The Friends today! Call us at (781) 624-4170 or visit southshorehospital.org/friends

The New and Improved Friendly ShopThere’s a new gift shop in town, and it is worth a visit. With the completion of South Shore Hospital’s Emerson Building expansion project, the Hospital’s lobby gift shop has a whole new vibe. Its larger space is bright, airy and full of a wider range of gift and clothing items. The new Friendly Shop has a beautiful layout that is well stocked with much more than the traditional “get well” gifts. It features clothing, fresh flowers, balloons, greeting cards, items for infants and new mothers, scarves, turbans, plush toys, games, books, photo frames, lotions, and other unique gift items for any occasion. Candy, stamps and additional conveniences are also available. Purchases may be made online at www.southshorehospital.org/e-store or by calling (781) 624-8667. Shop staff is happy to deliver your gift to a hospital patient along with a personal message. Join the Friends of South Shore Hospital and you get a 10% discount every time you shop at the Friendly Shop or the Cottage Shop. And, perhaps best of all, proceeds from your purchases benefit patient care.