Community Education
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
St. Joseph’s Hospital offers Advanced Cardiac Life Support classes for healthcare professionals on a regular basis. The course focuses on the emergency management of acute cardiac conditions. Lectures are given and participants practice their skills at various stations. Written and hands-on testing completes each session.
For upcoming dates and more information, contact Community Education at 618.526-5353 oremail Kathie Heimann.
Babysitting
St. Joseph’s in Breese, offers “For Babysitters Only” in the spring and fall, generally on school holidays. The class is for boys and girls who are beginning or experienced babysitters looking to review their skills and learn new information. Topics include medical emergencies, first aid, infant and child care including diapering and feeding, fire procedures, safety, age-appropriate games, toys and entertainment. Representatives from the local fire departments and Sheriff's Department assist with this program.
Cost is $15 and the class is limited to 30 participants. For more information or to check seating availability, contact Community Education at 618.526-5353 or email Kathie Heimann.
Blood Pressure Screening
Blood pressure screenings are offered from 8 to 9 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the hospital. The screening is free; there are no dietary restrictions.
The American Heart Association warns that the higher the blood pressure the greater the chance of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease. Early identification can prompt lifestyle changes and focused treatment options.
An acceptable reading would be below 120 and below 80. Anyone with a reading of 120 to 139 over 80 to 89 is considered pre-hypertensive, at higher risk and much more likely to move into the range where medication is required.
For more information, call Community Education at 618.526-5353 or
email
Kathie Heimann.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPR classes are available for those needing certification to fulfill job requirements or for personal interest. Those successfully completing the course receive an American Heart Association certification card.
The four-hour class teaches how to recognize and provide immediate assistance for life-threatening emergencies including cardiac arrest and choking for adults, children and infants. Students learn to recognize the warning signs of heart attack, stroke and breathing difficulties in adults, children and infants.
For details or to register, contact Community Education at 618.526-5353 or email Kathie Heimann.
Health Fairs
St. Joseph’s in Breese hosts a health screening program each spring and fall at four locations—generally Breese, Carlyle, Germantown and Trenton. All include a comprehensive blood and men’s prostate specific antigen (PSA) screenings, blood pressure, diabetic finger stick and a variety of other screenings such as heel bone density for osteoporosis. Colorectal screenings kits are available.
For dates and more information, contact Community Relations at 618.526-5439 or email Karyn Whitlatch.
Look Good – Feel Better
Women undergoing cancer treatments are invited to “Look Good…Feel Better” sponsored by the hospital, American Cancer Society, Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association and National Cosmetology Association. The presentation is about improving and maintaining self-image and confidence as well as appearance. Participants receive make-up, skin and hair care tips, a sample make-up kit valued at $250 from the American Cancer Society, wigs and other hair coverings. The class is taught by volunteer cosmetologists with specialized ACS training.
For upcoming dates and more information, contact Community Education at 618.526-5353 or email Kathie Heimann.

