Sr. Mary Martha Gardiner, IHM Director of Health Services, IHM Center, Scranton, PA The IHM Center is home for seventy-five retired or semi-retired sisters. These sisters, ranging in ages 65-94, are all involved in some activity, whether tutoring students in the EEI Program, serving as Receptionists, working the Console, helping in one of the offices, or volunteering and visiting the sisters at the Marian Convent, our residence for our elderly and infirm sisters. Several sisters are on the Staff of the IHM Center. My role as Director of Health Services is to be here for the sisters, encouraging and supporting them in their efforts to maintain wellness of mind and body. I do this by overseeing their medical needs, providing opportunities to promote their social and mental health, and encouraging healthy living through exercise and proper nutrition. My day usually begins with personal prayer and meditation followed by celebration of the Eucharist. Once I am in the Health Office I am available for individual consultation, checking blood pressures, reviewing medications, arranging appointments and anything else that may come up. It is somewhat like working in an Emergency Room-you never know what is going to happen next! I may be sent for to check on a sister who is not feeling well, or who may have had a weak spell or a fall. Frequently I accompany a sister to the doctor’s office, or take her for tests or x-rays. When necessary, I accompany a sister to the Emergency Room. If a sister is admitted to the hospital I try to visit her every day and when discharged coordinate her on-going care. Since I work out of a wellness model, I believe that it is important that the sisters remain as independent as possible and keep active. We encourage our elder sisters to take advantage of the many opportunities for enrichment and continuing education in our area. Leisure and fun are equally important to live a well-balanced life. We plan trips to the Mall, the movies, or to go out for lunch. In the Fall, many enjoy driving around to see the beautiful autumn foliage and at Christmas we always go out to see the lights and decorations. Living and ministering at the IHM Center is very rewarding. Sharing prayer, the Eucharist and daily life with those who have given their lives to God and to God’s people is a blessing.