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 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

ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH: DRY JANUARY

The holidays are the time for imbibing-sugar cookies, mystery punch, and champagne. But here's the thing: Once January 1 rolls around, you might be starting to feel a little off, and in search of something to reset your body for the new year.  New Year's diet resolutions are an option. But, another solution might be Dry January.

Dry January is avoiding alcohol for the entire month of January. The concept began in the U.K in 2013 when a non-profit group called Alcohol Concern used the idea to raise money for alcohol abuse awareness and treatment. The trend caught on, and now lots of people choose to partake in Dry January as a way to drink less or reset after a month or two of holiday partying.

This choice comes with many benefits.  In addition to saving money, there is a better quality of sleep and increased energy level. “It may sound counter-intuitive since most of us are likely to quickly pass out asleep after a night of drinking more than usual. Too much alcohol screws with your sleep status,” says Brigitte Zeitlin, R.D. "After having a few drinks, your body doesn't get a chance to reach the deep REM sleep that you need to help your body de-stress, repair, and replenish itself for the upcoming day. " When you eliminate the alcohol, however, you won't have those sleepy-yet-restless nights.    

Your skin will look brighter. "Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can make you go to the bathroom more frequently and leave you a bit dehydrated," says Zeitlin. Dehydration can dull the skin and accentuate any aging.

You'll lose a few pounds even if you were to make cutting alcohol the only change to your diet. “One alcoholic drink is typically 150 to 200 calories,” Zeitlin says.  “When we drink a lot we tend to eat more than we realize as well, so cutting back on the alcohol will likely help you to also cut down on some of the mindless overeating that usually happens after the third round of cocktails.”

As a bonus, you may also find that you are less bloated or puffy without those nights of drinking too much, which in turn will make you feel naturally leaner and better.

In a 2016 study published in the journal Health Psychology, those who voluntarily quit alcohol for a month may end up drinking less even after the period ends. After participating in Dry January, participants reported healthier drinking habits even after the month was over.

For more information, please go to: www.niaaa.nih.gov, www.cdc.gov/alcohol, and www.aa.org.