Member News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2009

Mammograms, Massages and Manicures, Oh My!

Imagine receiving discounts at some of your favorite stores just for taking care of yourself. That’s exactly what hundreds of women are doing through Silver Cross Hospital's new I Matter™ program. I Matter is a partnership between the hospital, physicians and over 135 local businesses working together to promote good health and reward women for getting their regular health screenings.

More than 44 million American women between the ages of 40 and 70 are at risk for heart disease and most greatly underestimate the likelihood that they will develop the deadly disease. In fact, a 2008 study by The Strategy Group found that an alarming 88% of Will County women in the same age group are at risk for a first heart attack yet only 36% know it.

Furthermore, according to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer remains the top form of cancer in women across the U.S. with an estimated 182,000 new cases in 2008. Yet, a significant number of Illinois women (less than 75%) have had a mammogram in the last two years.

"We need to do something," said Marybeth Antone, Administrative Director of Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging Services at Silver Cross Hospital. "We realize that women—especially Baby Boomers, view staying healthy and active as a top priority in their lives. We want to encourage and even reward them for getting these lifesaving tests."

Free I Matter Membership
Women who join the free I Matter program at www.Imatter.silvercross.org or by calling 1-888-660-HEAL (4325) receive benefits just for getting their annual mammogram and cardiac screening. After registering, members receive a welcome kit in the mail, which includes information on how to schedule a mammogram and cardiac screening as well as details on how to take advantage of the discounts. Upon completing the first screening—breast or heart, members receive a card for 5% off unlimited purchases at I Matter™ business partners. When the member completes the second screening, she is receives a 10% discount card.

Mammograms, Massages & Manicures
Silver Cross has made it easy for women get their mammogram with three convenient locations—at the Joliet hospital or in the Silver Cross Professional Buildings in New Lenox and West Joliet. At each location, women experience a more comfortable test because each mammography machine is equipped with soft foam pads that do not interfere with the exam in anyway. A certified female mammography technologist performs all the exams. And a board-certified radiologist studies the images for tumors as small as a centimeter using a computer assisted detection system (CAD) giving women the benefit of a second opinion without any additional procedures. With CAD, doctors can diagnose breast cancer even earlier catching the disease when it is most treatable. And for women who are at high risk, Silver Cross Hospital offers breast MRI scans. It’s extra sensitive and can detect event the smallest tumors.

Following the test, women can access their screening mammography results using an automated hotline. They will also receive their discount card for a massage, manicure or other valuable services with the more than 135 I Matter Business Partners.

To schedule an appointment for a mammography screening with a doctor's order, call (815) 740-7076. If you do not have a doctor, call the free Silver Cross Physician Referral Service at 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

About Silver Cross Hospital
Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for the last five consecutive years and as one of America’s Most Customer Friendly Hospitals by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. With over 2,500 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 304-bed acute care hospital and eight satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. Construction has begun to build a state-of-the-art replacement hospital opening in 2012 in New Lenox. To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital or a referral to a physician on staff, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).