HEALTH MINISTRY
Our Health Ministry Team is dedicated to supporting the goal of wholeness in body, mind and spirit that enables us to love and serve others in the Name of Christ.
Some of us are previous or present healthcare workers; others have experience as patients or caregivers in illness, injury and rehabilitation. Together we have access to current information on healthcare issues, facilities and medical advances. We meet regularly to address specific needs and topics of interest to parishioners.
Our health-promoting efforts include:
- Blood-pressure screenings the first weekend of every month
- Regular Sunday Health Forums on major health topics by expert speakers
- Health tips and news in the weekly announcement sheet and on our bulletin board in the Narthex of the church
- Monthly article in the Tribune
- Response to specific health questions
- Personal visits or consultation on request
Click HERE to view a list of our Health Ministry Team Members. E-mail our Faith Community Nurse, Carolyn Wilt, R.N., or call the church office (321-723-5272) for more information.
HEALTH NEWS AND EVENTS
Blood Pressure Screenings are available the first weekend of every month. Our plan is to have one or possibly two health professionals available on the west end of the Narthex (behind the screens) to do the screenings. Sign in when you arrive, and we'll then record your blood pressure and give you an information sheet if you desire. Your time invested is about eight minutes a month to know your numbers. The time schedule will be: Saturdays at 4:30 - 6:30pm, and Sundays from 8:15am - 12:45pm.
Yoga for Health – a weekly class on Mondays from 6:00 to 7:15pm in Lewis Hall. In order to participate, you must be able to move from the floor to standing without assistance. Call Peggy Snead (321-242-9425) with questions. Sign up by calling the church office at 321-723-5272. The suggested donation per class is $5.
Exercise Class continues on Mondays at 1:00pm in Lewis Hall. IT'S FREE!
Health Forums: The Health Ministry sponsors regular health forums on a variety of topics. Check the NEWSLETTERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS for upcoming forum information.
LENDING CLOSET
The Health Ministry has an extensive Lending Closet which includes a variety of medical supplies, such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, portable commodes, etc. These supplies are loaned out to parishioners and friends of parishioners as needed. Should you need any supplies, please contact the Parish Nurse, Carolyn Wilt, R.N., or the church office at 321-723-5272.
HELPFUL LINKS
- HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: For a lot of information to help you and your loved ones stay healthy, visit the US Department of Health and Human Service's Health Finder website.
- COLORECTAL CANCER ALLIANCE
- CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
- MAYO CLINIC
MARCH IS NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH
March is National Kidney Month, and the National Kidney Foundation is urging all Americans to give their kidneys a second thought and a well-deserved checkup.
Kidneys filter 200 liters of blood a day, help regulate blood pressure and direct red blood cell production. But they are also prone to disease; 1 in 3 Americans is at risk for kidney disease due to diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney failure. There are more than 30 million Americans who already have kidney disease, and most don’t know it because there are often no symptoms until the disease has progressed.
Watch your blood pressure. If it’s too high, that can put stress on your kidneys. If you’re not sure what your blood pressure is, your doctor can check it. You could have high blood pressure and not know it since it doesn’t have any symptoms. High blood pressure is one of the top causes of kidney problems.
All forms of diabetes put stress on the kidneys. Work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels in check. If they’re not under control, that can cause kidney problems over time. Along with hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes is one of the biggest concerns for kidney health.
Use your meds correctly. Take them as your doctor recommends, or follow the instructions on the package. Be wary of medicines that can cause kidney damage when you take them for a long time, including over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and prescriptions such as lithium and HIV medications. Some antibiotics are hard on your kidneys because the kidneys will filter them out of the body, which can strain them over time. (Street drugs like cocaine can cause kidney disease, too.)
Shake the salt habit. Keep sodium low: no more than 2,300 milligrams a day. Check food labels to see how much is in a serving. It might be more than you think!