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. 

Chair Yoga with instructor, Talancia Pea! Classes are $3 each, and are on Tuesdays at 4:00pm in Lewis Hall.

Exercise Class continues on Mondays at 2:00pm 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

ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH WATER? KNOW YOUR WATER FACTS!

For decades we have been told that eight 8ounce glasses of water was all that we needed to stave off dehydration. Now health officials are telling us that we need more!
    People need from under one liter a day to nearly four liters a day depending on their age, sex and health status. One liter equals 4.23 cups. Newborns and infants need 0.7 to 0.8 liters of water a day from breast milk or formula. Toddlers need 1.3 liters and young children up to eight years need 1.7 liters daily. Boys, ages nine to 13 need 2.4 liters daily. Teenage boys and adult men need 2.7 liters. Girls, ages nine to 13 need 2.1 liters and teen girls need 2.3 liters. Adult women need at least 2.7 liters of water each day. Women need at least 3 liters of water during pregnancy and 3.8 liters daily for lactation. Men should have 3.o liters of water per day.
   The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends different amounts of water based on age, sex and health status. The USDA bases specific recommendations on the how much water is lost on a daily basis through perspiration, respiration, urination or metabolism. They began setting these recommendations to help individuals avoid dehydration. The amount is higher for those who live in hot, humid climates and for those who engage in prolonged exercise.
   While getting this much water may sound like a daunting task, don't forget that you can combine liquids and foods to achieve this goal.  Devouring water-logged vegetables is a great way to get more water. Cucumbers, lettuce, celery, Chinese cabbage,  radishes, watercress, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, bell peppers, asparagus, portobello mushrooms, Swiss chard, cabbage, cauliflower, and turnips each have more than 90% water.
   You should also devour water-logged fruits. Grapefruit,
watermelon and strawberries have 92% water.  Cantaloupe, honeydew melon, lemons, peaches, Asian pears, blackberries, papayas, nectarines, prickly pears, pineapples, plums, and oranges contain 86-89% water. These fruits and vegetables are abundant in August. Each serving of fruit contains a half cup of water.
For more information go to www.healthyeating.sfgate.com, www.healthline.com, and www.livestrong.com.