The Evansville Tri-State Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure awarded nineteen grants today totaling $516,810 including several that will go to southeast Illinois hospitals for breast cancer treatment and prevention programs for those in need.

Among the recipients was Fairfield Memorial Hospital Association and its “Pass on the Promise” program which received $6,847.  This project will provide screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds to patients in White, Wayne, Edwards and Fairfield Counties.  It will also provide breast health awareness education and incorporates mobile mammography to greater impact the communities.

Our New Year's determination and resolutions to eat better, lose weight, and exercise more have gone by the wayside, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.

"Being cooped up indoors doesn't help either," added Martha Smith. "We look out the window at our sleeping gardens, planning for the coming season as we munch on carb after sugary carb."

But there is hope. There is an activity that can provide exercise and cardio training and improve our flexibility. It builds muscle and helps prevent osteoporosis. It also helps relieve stress and provides our families with nutritious fresh food. All of this without leaving home and fighting for the stairmaster at a crowded gym.

St. Mary’s LifeFlight program presented a plaque to hospital staff at Fairfield Memorial Hospital, honoring their 30-year partnership.  Fairfield Memorial says the relationship means its emergency room team has access to valuable continuing education offerings, and collaborative training opportunities which involve ER nurses, local EMS providers, and LifeFlight crew members.

“We value our close partnership with facilities such as Fairfield Memorial Hospital, and rely heavily on the experience and expertise of the ER physicians and staff to evaluate, stabilize, and recognize the need for expeditious transport of their patients requiring specialty care," said Keith Miller, NREMT-P, FP-C, Lead Flight Paramedic for LifeFlight.

LifeFlight operates a Bell 407 helicopter with an air speed of 150 miles per hour which means it can get to the Fairfield area in approximately 22 minutes.