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

OCTOBER 2018: HEALTHY LUNG AWARENESS MONTH

Breathing for most of us is a non-event. We pay no attention to this continuous activity as we work, play, or sleep. Our lungs perform this essential natural function that gets oxygen into the bloodstream and delivers it to the cells of our body.

Every day, we breathe nearly 25,000 times. The more than 10,000 liters of air we inhale is mostly oxygen and nitrogen, along with small amounts of other gases, floating bacteria, and viruses. It also contains the products of tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, and other pollutants from the atmosphere.

Air pollutants can affect our lungs in many ways from irritation and discomfort to illness or even death. The lungs have a series of built-in mechanical and biological barriers that keep harmful materials from entering the body. Also, the lungs have specific defense mechanisms that can deactivate some disease-causing elements.

Harmful air pollutants exist indoors, too. Toxic substances commonly found in the home can be as hazardous as outdoor pollutants.   Common irritants include lead, formaldehyde, radon, cleaning agent vapors, and fire-retardants. Natural pollutants also make their way into the home, including pet dander, dust mites, and mold.

Luckily, it’s not difficult to make our indoor air safer. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to reduce lead, chemical build-up, and allergens such as pet dander.  Fill the house with plants. Indoor plants purify the air, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene.  Avoid scented cleaning products, laundry detergents, and air fresheners that are lung irritants. Choose fragrance-free products whenever possible. Make sure your home has a radon detector because radon gas–is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

For more information on this, please go to https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads/healthylungmonth.pdf, https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/health-awareness/healthy-lung-awareness-month.html, and https://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/october-is-healthy-lung-month/