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

JUNE IS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) AWARENESS MONTH 

For millions of people around the world, the most traumatic events of their lives have never ended.

​There are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD. PTSD is a lingering reminder that turns every day into a potential minefield, with flashbacks and triggers potentially hidden around every corner. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about this life-long struggle and the people it affects, and how each of us can help make their lives just a little easier.​

​People may develop PTSD when they are exposed or witness something traumatic like war, physical violence, sexual violence, auto accidents, and much more. After such events, a person may start suffering from symptoms if they were unable to process what happened to them or what they witnessed. The symptoms might include disturbing memories or thoughts, nightmares, trouble sleeping, irritability or anger, trouble concentrating, hyper-vigilant, or on guard for fear of danger, and flashbacks.​

​If you show signs of PTSD, you don't just have to live with it. In recent years, researchers have dramatically increased our understanding of what causes PTSD and how to treat it. Hundreds of thousands of Veterans who served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have gotten treatment for PTSD and found significant relief from their symptoms.​

​Counseling and medication are effective in treating PTSD. Professional therapy or counseling can help victims understand their thoughts and reactions and help them learn techniques to cope with challenging situations. Research has shown several specific types of counseling to be very effective in treating PTSD.  The class of meds most commonly used for PTSD is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are antidepressants that have few side effects. In just a few months, these treatments can produce positive and meaningful changes in symptoms and quality of life. ​

​For more information, please go to www.ptsd.va.gov, www.military.com, and www.mayoclinic.org.