The Lupus Foundation of Minnesota and the Arthritis Foundation – Upper Midwest Region, both CHCM members,  invite you to an informational and educational webinar.

Join us as Dr. Steven Ytterberg, Rheumatology; Mayo Clinic, Rochester discusses the similarities as well as the differences in signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of arthritis and lupus.

The Lupus Foundation of Minnesota and the Minnesota-American Diabetes Association invite you to an informational and educational webinar on Wednesday, March 28 (12:00 – 1:00 PM CDT).

Joining us is Dr. Luke E. Benedict from Allina Medical Clinics.  He will present the “must knows” of diabetes with special emphasis on the lupus and diabetes connection.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes by the year 2050 if the disease continues at its current rate.  People are more at risk for diabetes when they are obese, maintain a diet high in fat and sugar, do not exercise regularly, have a family history of diabetes, or are 45 or older.

However, for people with lupus, there may be an additional risk factor for diabetes directly related to the medications prescribed to treat and control the symptoms of lupus.

Whether you have diabetes, are a lupus patient living with or are concerned about diabetes, or work with patients who confront diabetes and/or lupus everyday, join us as Dr. Benedict discusses the risks, signs, symptoms and management of diabetes.

To register for this webinar, go to

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/286377886

On Wednesday, January 18,  Community Health Charities Minnesota (CHCM) –  in partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation – delivered a nationwide webinar on “Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle.”

During this free webinar, “Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle,” health experts delivered an informative 45 minute talk and will provide an interactive 15-minute Q&A opportunity for participants to ask their questions.

To learn more and watch a rebroadcast of this webinar, visit: http://www.healthmattersatwork.org/Eating-for-a-Healthy-Lifestyle

This webinar is part of the Community Health Charities Minnesota’s Health Matters at Work program.  If you have additional questions regarding incorporating Health Matters at Work in your workplace, please contact Debi Windshitl-Pehrson at dpehrson@healthcharities.org or 952.224.9824.

On July 1st, Faith's Lodge in Danbury, WI was hit hard by a tornado.

Right now, there is a very urgent need for CHCM member Faith’s Lodge.  On July 1st, Faith’s Lodge in Danbury, WI was hit hard by a tornado.  Faith’s Lodge provides a place where parents and families facing the serious illness or death of a child can retreat to reflect on the past, renew strength for the present, and build hope for the future.

The Lodge will be closed at least through the month of July as they sort through the devastation. While the building itself was minimally damaged, nearly all of the 80 acres of trees were wiped out.   These grounds are an important part of the Faith’s Lodge experience.  “If I have trouble sleeping, I think about that calming image of watching the sunrise at Faith’s Lodge”, says one family member.

While the building itself was minimally damaged, nearly all of the 80 acres of trees were wiped out.

Please, if you are able, consider a contribution to our Faith’s Lodge Relief Fund. You can donate via credit card or send cash/check payable to CHCM’s Faith’s Lodge Relief Fund.* 

Faith’s Lodge looks forward to being able to rebuild and bring back the peace and serenity that existed previously.  We know that many people would like to volunteer in the clean-up effort. Once we have a better timeline established, we’ll recruit volunteers for a group clean-up day to be scheduled later this season.  In the mean time, we are grateful for donations of any amount to assist with the recovery effort.

Thank you for your support, and please continue to check back for more information!

*Mail to: CHCM, Attn: Andrea Wendt, 2626 East 82nd Street, Suite 225, Bloomington, MN 55425 952.224.9825

See photos from the event

Community Health Charities Minnesota’s March 9th ‘In the Company of Heroes’ reception at the University of Minnesota gave key supporters a unique opportunity to connect with faculty and learn more about life-changing health research being supported by Community Health Charities. See photos from the event.

Guests also heard a powerful story of hope from Dr. John Wagner, professor of pediatrics and eminent researcher at the University of Minnesota.

Daylon was born with junctional Herlitz epidermolysis bullosa, or EB, a disorder that causes his skin to blister or tear at the slightest touch. His parents, Brian and Jennifer Edling, were told that he, like most EB babies, would die before his first birthday.

The Edlings moved their entire family from their home in California to Minnesota when Daylon became part of clinical trials conducted at the University of Minnesota.

His family stayed for six months at the Ronald McDonald House. And, funding for the research being done at the University of Minnesota has been provided in part by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Both agencies are members of and receive funding from Community Health Charities.

Now 20 months old, Daylon is experiencing for the first time the hugs and kisses of his mother and father.

Says Jennifer Edling: “Although we’re not entirely sure what the future will bring for Daylon, we’re excited that there’s a future for him and we’re treasuring every moment we have with him.”

In response to overwhelming community interest in our health causes, a new program was launched.

The Hero Project offers a wide variety of community service projects to employee groups and individuals. Whether one-time tasks like cooking meals and raking yards, or ongoing projects like working on an event committee,
volunteers will find an opportunity to match their interests and truly make an impact in the lives of those affected by chronic illness.

Participate as an individual or a group, onsite or off, your time and talents can make a big difference.

This was quite an experience for me. I’ve lost a grandmother and an aunt is now fighting the disease, so this was dear to my heart.

-Wanda

Last year we asked, “Who is a hero?” We believed that given a chance, people want to make a difference. They are just waiting for the opportunity.

Over the course of this past year, our theory was proven time and again. We saw the commitment of our partners, the 178 employers, and thousands of employees, donors and volunteers.

We witnessed the determination and resulting successes of our 33 member charities.

We are grateful to our heroes, the companies, groups and individuals who make research, education and support possible for people struggling with the most serious health issues of our time.

We are proud to announce our newest education program, Health Matters at Work^® (HMatW). This program provides employers with essential information for their employees, through onsite health information, education programs and resources from 34 of Minnesota’s most well known and trusted health charities. Debi Windschitl-Pehrson, our HMatW specialist, works with employers to offer HMatW programs customized to their needs.

Our services are free and easy to implement. To discuss your Health Matters at Work^® options and how they will best meet the your goals and the needs of your employees, contact Debi Windschitl- Pehrson, Sr. Director, HR & Program Services at 952-224-9824, or dpehrson@healthcharities.org. Don’t wait, join us!

Health Matters at Work^® Summary