HEALTH BRIEFS: Fight cancer; share daffodils

Indiana residents can fight back against cancer and share hope for those facing the disease by supporting the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days.

For a donation of $10, anyone can enjoy a bouquet of fresh-cut daffodils while supporting the fight against cancer. In addition to a bunch of daffodils for $10, a bunch and a vase is available for $15, or two bunches and a vase for $25.

"I encourage everyone to help paint our community yellow with daffodils this spring to represent our commitment to preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from the disease," said Jodi Pickens, American Cancer Society manager. "We all have the power to make a difference for those facing cancer and their families. By giving daffodils, we are actually sharing the hope of a world with less cancer and more birthdays."

The last day to place an advanced order is March 9. Flowers will be delivered March 19 to 23.

To order daffodils or to get involved with collecting orders at your workplace or organization, visit cancer.org/daffodils or call (800) 227-2345.

Franciscan Clinic wins kudos

MUNSTER | Franciscan Hammond Clinic received the 2010 Blue Ribbon designation by BlueCross BlueShield Illinois, according to a BCBSIL 2011 report.

Groups earn a "blue star" when they meet or exceed a target care goal within a reporting category. Franciscan Hammond Clinic received eight blue stars in the categories of asthma, diabetes, mental health followup, breast cancer screening, management of cardiovascular conditions, controlling high blood pressure, cervical cancer screening and influenza vaccination.

"Franciscan Hammond Clinic is pleased to have been recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois in its annual Blue Star report. Staff is thrilled to have our ongoing commitment to high quality health care for Northwest Indiana recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois," said Dr. Cynthia Sanders, the clinic's medical director.

Contact www.franciscanhammondclinic.org for information.

Heart health programs offered

In celebration of American Heart Month, Porter Health System will present a series of heart-healthy programs to help educate residents on the prevention and treatment of heart disease — the leading cause of death of both men and women according to the American Heart Association.

• The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, 6 p.m. Feb. 9 at Porter's Education & Rehabilitation Campus, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. Learn what the numbers — total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) — mean and how to reduce the risk for heart disease. Register for the free program by calling (800) 541-1861.  

• PAD is Bad, 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at Porter's Education & Rehabilitation Campus, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. Learn about peripheral artery disease and the best treatment options. Register for the free program by calling (800) 541-1861.  

• Get Back in Rhythm, 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at Porter's Education & Rehabilitation Campus, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. Learn about atrial fibrillation and when to seek medical treatment. Register for the free program by calling (800) 541-1861.  

• Drop Dead Gorgeous: A Heart Disease Survivor Story Featuring Emmy Award Winning Actress and Comedienne Tracey Conway, 6 p.m. Feb. 29 at Sand Creek Country Club, 1001 Sand Creek Drive, Chesterton. During this special program, Emmy winner Tracey Conway will inspire both belly laughs and tears when she relates how she literally dropped dead from sudden cardiac arrest at age 38. The cost is $15 and as a special one-time promotion, anyone 50 and older will receive a complimentary annual membership (value $15) to Porter's Senior Circle program. Registration is required and can be made online at porterhealth.com