Yoga

Improve your balance, flexibility and state of mind with this beginning level class. We meet in the Chapel Wednesdays at 9:30 am.  Classes are free and open to the public. Wear comfortable, stretchy clothes.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic, acne-like condition of the facial skin that is becoming increasingly common. It affects up to 15 million Americans.

It typically first appears between 30 to 40 years, as a flushing or redness in cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that comes and goes.

If left untreated Rosacea tends to worsen over time. The eyes may be affected causing redness and a “bloodshot” appearance. In advanced cases the nose becomes red and swollen.

This condition gave W. C. Field his trademark nose and facial features.

If you think you may have Rosacea, see a dermatologist who is best equipped for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

~ Loretta Teter, Parish Nurse

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Life is getting noisier in this country and as it does, people are losing their hearing. The rate of hearing loss has increased in every age group. but perhaps most alarming is that 15% of children ages 6 to 19 are showing signs of hearing loss.

One third of all hearing loss is caused by noise-induced hearing loss. Everyday sound from motorcycles, car stereos, monster trucks, rock concerts, power tools, farm and factory equipment, and stereo headsets are causing toxic noise.

Please take notice and seek help if you experience the following signs after being exposed to loud noise: ringing or buzzing in the ears; slight muffling of sounds; difficulty in understanding speech; or difficulty in hearing conversation in groups of people or where there is background noise.

Protect yourself against damaging noise: Turn down the volume or wear earplugs when using noisy equipment. Earplugs can be purchased for a reasonable fee at most local drug stores. Wearing earplugs will also help protect your ears if you do a lot of swimming.

~ Loretta Teter, Parish Nurse

Anger and Your Heart

Proverbs teaches, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty.”
Researchers at Harvard and Michigan Universities have found a strong association
between anger and an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Anger can range from mild irritation or annoyance to rage and fury. Tip-offs
that anger may be undermining your health include being stubborn, impatient or
hotheaded and habitually feeling like you want to hit someone or something.

Certainly life is filled with frustrating experiences and a certain amount of
anger is normal, but how you cope with it seems to have more bearing on
cardiovascular health.

To diffuse anger and minimize its stress:

Recognize the signs of anger and diffuse them before they overwhelm you, take deep breaths or talk to a friend.

• Identify and avoid situations that trigger your anger
• Practice a relaxation technique
• Exercise to work off the stress
• Talk with your pastor or other Christian counselor about your
  anger/frustrations

 

Low dose aspirin may also offset the negative effects of anger, but see your
doctor before you start. So, be mighty healthy and control your response to angry feelings.

~ Loretta Teter, Parish Nurse

Park and Ride at the Church

PARISH NURSE NOTE –

The term “park and ride” is used if you have physical limitations and find it difficult to walk long distances.

The Church has purchased a transport wheelchair to help the members get around better.

So “park” yourself in the new chair and let someone give you a “ride” to where you need to go.

Stewardship of Our Bodies

We have been hearing about stewardship here at Church. The dictionary says that a good steward is “a person morally responsible for the careful use of money, time, talent, and resources.” In I Corinthians Paul tells us we should regard ourselves as “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

When we think about the complexities of the workings of our bodies and minds, I think they can qualify as “mysteries of God.” As you reflect on your commitment of time, talents, and resources for a stewardship pledge, also consider your body and mind as part of your God given resources.

This could be a good time to pledge to exercise, eat better, relax more, plant a garden, read a good book, or participate in adult education. I know these aren’t the typical pledges, but self-improvement can have a real impact on how well you live your life.

As Christians we need to take seriously the knowledge that we are created in God’s image and live like we are by taking care of ourselves so we are better able to serve our Lord and our neighbors.

~ Loretta Teter, Parish Nurse

Tetanus/Diptheria Boosters

Adults need a Tetanus/Diphtheria booster every 10 years.

Guard against Hepatitis A & B Immunizations for All Ages Many adults don’t know that getting immunized is a life-long job. They think shots are for kids. Are you one of them? Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended one time at age 65. It’s also recommended for people under 65 with certain chronic diseases. All Adults need a Tetanus/Diphtheria booster every 10 years. Vaccines to guard against Hepatitis A & B are recommended for those at risk. Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine is recommended for those born after 1957 who are not vaccinated. Chicken Pox or varicella vaccine is recommended for those who have never had the disease. Please take the time to get your flu shot. Check your local paper for clinics where flu immunizations will be given. Ask your doctor, or be aware of clinics held at local drug stores or grocery stores. Medicare part B will help cover the cost. Protect yourself this holiday season. ~ Loretta Teter, Parish Nurse

Getting the Most from Your Visits to the Doctor

Maximizing your time with your physician

 Getting the Most from Your Doctor

The American Heart Association has found that one of the most prevalent health problems in our country is non-compliance: half of Americans with chronic diseases do not follow their doctor’s directives or take medications correctly.

• You can do your part by getting the most from your doctor. Here are some ideas to make the most of your next visit:

  Write down your concerns and symptoms the day before your appointment so
  you won’t forget anything.

• Be sure you summarize your health history if the doctor is new to you.
• Divulge the details, especially any and all medications you take,
  including non-prescription drugs and vitamins and/or minerals.
• Don’t be afraid – talk openly about your symptoms.
• Be sure you understand. Ask for clarification if you aren’t sure what
  you’re being told. Repeat what you hear the doctor telling you.
• Take notes. Phone after you get home if you still have questions.

   

Once you know your treatment, be sure to follow your doctor’s directives.
~ Loretta Teter, Parish Nurse

Sun Safety

“The Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade over his head, to save him from discomfort.” Our modern notion that a tan is healthy is a direct contrast with the wisdom conveyed in the Bible by desert residents. We’re used to bundling ourselves up against the bitter wind chill but we are not in the habit of protecting ourselves from the sun’s rays. Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States; it’s now the most common type of cancer and most is preventable. Anyone can get it regardless of their skin color. Please get in the habit of practicing sensible sun protection: Keep infants and small children out of the sun. Stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at their peak. Cover up with hats, long, loose sleeves and long, loose pants. Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF. Beware of reflected light. Examine your skin regularly for any changes. The sun is the cause of at least 90% of all skin cancers. These skin precautions can prevent this disease and help you stay younger-looking. Please see me if you’d like more information and I’ll be available to check your blood pressure. -Loretta Teter, Parish Nurse

What a Parish Nurse Does and Does Not Do

WHAT A PARISH NURSE SHOULD AND
SHOULD NOT DO

 

Setting the right expectations

 

The Parish Nurse should:

 

1. Listen to those they serve. The Parish nurse has time and interest to
   help persons maintain the health of their body, mind, and spirit.
   

2. Maintain the privacy of those they serve. Parish Nurse health
   information is reported to church committees only by categories and numbers.
   

3. Answer general health questions such as, “How long is the incubation
   period for chicken pox?”

4. Help persons understand
   post-surgery instruction, because patients are often still groggy when
   instructions are given or stress prevents them from remembering clearly.

5. Help persons get set up
   with various social agencies when patients need social services, like
   housekeeping aides, home nursing care, hospice or support groups.

6. Help persons make a list of
   questions to ask the doctor when facing surgery or new health concerns.

7. Help persons understand
   medical procedures when they or a loved one are facing surgery or in
   critical health care.

8. Visit persons in their home
   if they are not able to get out, offering to pray with them and providing
   routine checks such as taking blood pressures.

9. Organize health education
   programs and screenings so persons can understand their physical needs and
   make healthy lifestyle changes. Education, screenings and support groups
   provide the tools for persons to take responsibility for their own
   well-being.

The Parish Nurse should not:

• Give daily baths or perform
  tasks assigned to other home health professionals.

• Prescribe or supply
  medications.

• Give the impression a
  Parish Nurse can make health problems go away, but try to help a person
  understand what is happening and respond in ways that maximize their
  potential to live abundantly.

• Replace home health care or
  hospital nursing care.

• Perform invasive
  procedures, i.e. giving injections, performing dressing changes, etc.

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