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
- Occasional 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 and on the website (see below)
- 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.
- COLO-RECTAL CANCER ALLIANCE
- CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
- MAYO CLINIC
YOUR CHILD'S EYE HEALTH
As children spend more time tethered to screens, there is increasing concern about potential harm to their visual development.
Ophthalmologists are seeing a marked increase in children with dry eye and eye strain from too much screen time.
It’s a fact that there is a world-wide epidemic of myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Since 1971, the incidence of nearsightedness in the US nearly doubled, to 42 percent. In Asia, up to 90 percent of teenagers and adults are nearsighted. Something is going on. But scientists can’t agree on what.
Wearing reading glasses may not be the best solution for the eyestrain associated with bright screens. “I prefer to teach kids better habits, instead of supplying them a crutch like reading glasses to enable them to consume even more media,” said K. David Epley, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “If you run too far and your legs start hurting, you stop. Likewise, if you’ve been reading too long or watching videos too long, and your eyes start hurting, you should stop.”
These ten tips will help protect your child’s eyes from computer eyestrain:
- Set a timer to remind them end screen time.
- Alternate reading an e-book with a real book and encourage kids to look up and out the window every two chapters.
- After completing a level in a video game, look out the window for 20 seconds.
- A paperclip every few chapters will remind your child to look up. On an e-book, use the “bookmark” function for the same effect.
- Avoid using a computer outside or in brightly lit areas. The glare on the screen can create strain.
- Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer screen so that it feels comfortable to you.
- Use good posture when using a computer and when reading.
- Encourage your child to hold digital media farther away, 18 to 24 inches is ideal.
- Create a distraction that causes your child to look up now and then.
- Remind them to blink when watching a screen.
For more information got to aao.org/eyesmart, WebMD.com, and NIH.gov.