|
Index:
- Education Opportunities
- Prayer List
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Parish News
- Resources
- Past Issues of Blessings
-
August 2001
- LIFE AFTER LOSS
A support group for grieving adults
Life
After Loss is a special kind of bereavement support group. Asking all of the group
participants to start in the same week and to try to come to every meeting makes it easier
for the group members to establish very solid supportive relationships with each other.
Social support is such an important tool in healing, that it has proved to be worthwhile
to conduct a group in which members join only at the beginning of the 8-week session.
Another special aspect of Life After Loss is that it is designed to meet
the needs of people who have experienced the death of a loved one who is very much a part
of their every day lives—such as a spouse—and who have been in the grief process
for several months. The rationale is that for these people grief usually lasts a very long
time, and the middle period is often more intense than most people expect it to be. This
period often coincides with the feeling that family and close friends are becoming less
willing to continue to offer emotional support. A group that increases focused social
support at a time when community support feels like it is decreasing, has proven to be
particularly helpful.
Life After Loss is open to men and women of all ages. Although most of
the people who attend have suffered the death of their spouse, the group is not restricted
with regard to that relationship. It is free and open to the public. Although it is
sponsored by Carle Hospice, community members are welcome regardless of affiliation with
Carle or hospice. Pre-registration is required for membership in Life After Loss.
A support group for people whose loved one died between 4 months and 2 years ago.
MONDAYS 6:30—8:00 p.m.
September 10 to October 29, 2001
Hospice Office
2003 Round Barn Road
Champaign
TUESDAYS 4:30—6:00 p.m.
September 11 to October 30, 2001
Carle Clinic
1540 E. Grove
Rantoul
For more information call Katherine Reed, MSW, Bereavement Coordinator at Carle Hospice
at 383-3151.
Pre-registration required.
( back to index)
ANNUAL MEETINGS
Annual Meetings are winding down. If you have not scheduled
yours, PLEASE call Bev at 326-2583 to set up a time. Spring ‘98, ‘99, ‘00
classes.
(back to index)
4th annual Kansas state
parish nurse conference
October 24 & 25, 2001
Spiritual Life Center, Wichita, KS
Plenary speakers: Faith Roberts, Jim Miller, Michael Graham and
Doris Klein
Break-outs—too many to choose from
Also: Julie Russell and Tom Jacobs
Free massages to the first 75 registering — door prizes
Share fun, laughs, tears, stories, ideas
Purchase t-shirts, CD’s, books, soup & bread mixes
Service project this year: Inter-Faith Inn
“Ambassadors for Christ: Promoting Integration of Body, Mind,
and Spirit”
For more information—contact JoVeta Wescott, Health Ministries,
at 1-800-851-0051 x 5152
Or visit their website:
www.via-christi.org (go to Community Resources then CCHM)
(back to index)
New Child Resources
We have added the following new child resources available to our Parish Nurse
library:
Bright Futures, Guidelines for Health
Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, Second Edition, 2000, Morris
Green, MD and Judith S. Palfrey, MD, Editors
The Child in the Congregation: A Resource Guide for Parish Nurses, 2nd Edition,
Revised, Summer 1998, Janet L. Griffin, MS, RN; Rosemarie Matheus, MSN, RN
Stress Busting: Stress Coping for Kids, 1998, Health Ministries, I.C.A.R.E.,
INC.
(back to index)
WESTBERG ATTENDEES
September 12—14, 2001
Please review this list. If you plan to attend and are not on this list call Faith
ASAP.
| Adrienne Andrews |
Marie Lietz |
| Jean Bagaasen |
Marlys Morris |
| Teri Brashear |
Charlotte Peverly |
| Stephanie Cook |
Faith Roberts |
| Lillie Davis |
Anita Rohwedder |
| Nina Dixon |
Pat Tymchyshyn |
| Cathy Faulstich |
Rita Vanier |
| Jean Helper |
Diane Wardrop |
| Helga Huhn |
Shirley Walker |
| Jennifer Kelleher |
Mary Weicherding |
| Margie Koehler |
Melissa Wells |
(back to
index)
Prayer List
Please keep these fellow parish nurses and their
families in your hearts and in your prayers:
Kim Busboom
Jean Kistler
Cherie Craft
Julie Purcell
Tammy Tucker
Faith Roberts
Pennie Duzan
Christal Albert
- (back to index)
MALLPACERS
HELP NEEDED
Please call Bev at 326-2583 if you can take
blood pressures. If you don’t have equipment, we have some available in our office.
The events run from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
We need 2 nurses for each
event
Sign up now!! We need you!
Village Mall—2
nurses needed
August 21
Lincoln Square Mall—2
nurses needed
September 18
- *** Please consider volunteering—
it takes just a little over an hour! ***
(back to index)
COORDINATOR’S CORNER
Thank you for surrounding me with your concern and prayers this
past month. I appreciate very much your cards, notes and calls to let me know I am in your
hearts. Losing a parent is difficult and this has certainly been a long ordeal for our
family. I thank God for friends and colleagues such as you who will help us get through
this dark time.
Probably not a surprise to read but the office was slow in July due to my inability to
focus on much J! Our web page
continues to draw a great deal of interest—590 hits in June!! Plans are being
finalized for Westberg and also our fall class. The location of our class will be St.
Johns Lutheran Church on Mattis Avenue in Champaign. We are looking for help with
the classes, set-up/clean-up with lunch, etc. Please call Bev at 326-2583 if you can help.
“Unplug the Christmas Machine” classes will be held in Urbana and Danville.
If you are planning on instituting this program for the holidays, keep your eyes open for
a class date flyer coming soon.
We are looking forward to our new class beginning and thanks to each of you who will be
teaching, giving devotion, etc. It is greatly appreciated!
(back to index)
WHOLE PERSON HEALTH
Scripture tells us in Hebrews, it is appointed
unto man to die. Death is unavoidable. But the quality of life we live between birth and
death is largely determined by our daily choices.
The National Center of Statistics cites the underlying causes of physical death as 17%
poverty, 17% tobacco, 12% diet and sedentary life style and 4% alcohol. The Center also
lists heart disease as the leading cause of death. These same underlying causes are risk
factors of the leading cause of death, which is heart disease. One can easily see choices
and quality of life have a great impact on when how we die.
There are other daily choices we make that affect our social, mental and emotional
health. These choices, along with our spiritual choices, directly influence the life style
we live. Our lifestyle either breeds new life daily or a lifestyle that is diseased and
harboring death because of our choices.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Making smart life-style choices is the best thing you
can do to stay healthy. The choices you make today can provide immediate benefits and
prevent health problems later. Avoid daily routines which may be putting your health at
risk and incorporate healthier ones gradually. Some guidelines to follow for healthy
living include:
- Avoid behaviors that threaten healthy living including tobacco and excessive alcohol.
- Incorporate physical activity or exercise into your daily routine—
- 30 minutes a day if possible, and remember walking briskly counts.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet—one that is low in fat and high in fiber.
- Get plenty of rest—seven to eight hours a night.
- Spend quality time with those who support you emotionally such as your family and
friends.
JAMA 2001
(back to index)
HEALTH OBSERVANCES & RECOGNITION
DAYS
September
Baby Safety Month
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, 236 Route 38-West, Suite 100, Morristown,
NJ 08057 Materials available
Website: www.jpma.org
Health Aging Month
Educational Television Network, Inc., P.O. Box 7536, Wilton, CT 06897, (203) 834-9888
Website: healthyaging.net
National Cholesterol Education Month
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center, P.O. Box 30105,
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105, (302) 592-8573, Materials Available
Website: www.nhlbi.nih.gov
National Sickle Cell Month
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., 200 Corporate Pointe, Suite 496,
Culver City, CA 90230-7633 (800) 421-8453 Materials Available
10-16
National 5 a Day Week
National Cancer Institute/Better Health Foundation, 6130 Executive Boulevard, EPN 232,
Bethesda, MD 20892-7332 (301) 496-8520 Materials Available
Website: www.nci.nih.gov
October
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
P.O. Box 15437, Wilmington, DE 19850-5437 Materials available
Website: www.nbcam.org
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 6400 Flank Drive, Suite 1300,
Harrisburg, PA 17112-2778, (800) 799-7233 Materials available
Website: www.ncadv.org
National Lupus Awareness Month
Lupus Foundation of America, 1300 Piccard Drive, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850-4303,
(800) 558-0121 Materials available
Website: www.lupus.org
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
SIDS Alliance, 1314 Bedford Avenue, Suite 210, Baltimore, MD 21208, (800) 221-SIDS, Materials
available
Webesite: www.sidsalliance.org
Talk About Prescriptions Month
National Council on Patient Information and Education, 4915 St. Elmo Avenue, Suite
505, Bethesda, MD 20814-6053 (301) 656-8565, Materials available
Website: talkaboutrx.org
5
National Depression Screening Day
National Mental Illness Screening Project
1 Washington Street, Suite 304
Wellesly Hills, MA 02481, (781) 239-0071, Materials available
Website: www.nmisp.org
8-14
National Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Protection Association, P.O. Box 9101, 1 Battermarch Park, Quincy, MA
02269, (800) 344-3555 (orders only), Materials available
Website: www.nfpa.org
- (back to index)
-
Blood Pressure
Everybody has — and needs — blood
pressure. Without it, blood can't circulate through the body. And without circulating
blood, vital organs can't get the oxygen and food that they need to work. So it's
important to know about blood pressure and how to keep it within a healthy level. Normal
blood pressure falls within a range; it's not one set of numbers.
When the heart beats, it pumps blood to the arteries and creates pressure in them. This
pressure (blood pressure) results from two forces. The first force is created as blood
pumps into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The second is created as the
arteries resist the blood flow.
If you're healthy, your arteries are muscular and elastic. They stretch when your heart
pumps blood through them. How much they stretch depends on how much force the blood
exerts.
Your heart beats about 60 to 80 times a minute under normal conditions. Your blood
pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls when your heart relaxes between beats. Your
blood pressure can change from minute to minute, with changes in posture, exercise or
sleeping, but it should normally be less than 140/90 mm Hg for an adult. Blood pressure
that stays above this level is considered high. Your doctor may take several readings over
a period before making a judgment about whether your blood pressure is considered to be in
a high level range.
What do blood pressure numbers indicate?
The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart is beating.
The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is resting between
beats.
The systolic pressure is always stated first and the diastolic pressure second. For
example: 122/76 (122 over 76); systolic = 122, diastolic = 76.
Blood pressure of less than 140 over 90 is considered a normal reading for adults. A
systolic pressure of 130 to 139 or a diastolic pressure of 85 to 89 needs to be watched
carefully. A blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140 (systolic) over 90
(diastolic) is considered elevated (high).
High blood pressure (hypertension) killed 44,435 Americans in 1998 and contributed
to the deaths of about 210,000.
As many as 50 million Americans age 6 and older have high blood pressure.
One in five Americans (and one in four adults) has high blood pressure.
Of those people with high blood pressure, 31.6 percent don't know they have it.
Of all people with high blood pressure, 14.8 percent aren't on therapy (special diet or
drugs), 26.2 percent are on inadequate therapy, and 27.4 percent are on adequate therapy.
The cause of 90–95 percent of the cases of high blood pressure isn't known;
however, high blood pressure is easily detected and usually controllable.
High blood pressure affects about one out of every three African Americans.
Non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans are more likely to suffer from high blood
pressure than are non-Hispanic whites.
First Baptist Church in Savoy distributes this
information when doing B/P’s—obtained from AHA site on the Internet
(www.americanheart.org)
(back to index)
Your Inspiration:
The Women and The Stone
A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The
next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to
share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it
to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune.
He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days
later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.
"I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I
give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what
you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."
(back to index)
TIDBITS OF RESEARCH . . .
- More than 22 million people have died from AIDS and
another 36 million are living with the HIV virus.
- A new study shows that young men in their 30’s who
jog regularly build strong bones and may be less likely to develop osteoporosis. Bone
density was greater for those jogging 9 times a month versus 8 and fewer times per month.
The study does show that it does not require marathon-like running to build strong bones.
Bones are usually strongest around age 30 and then weakens slowly throughout the rest of
life.
- A research study of the Mexican-American population
over age 40 found that the rate of diabetes in this group is 20% — almost twice that
of non-Hispanic whites — and that 15% of those with diabetes did not know that they
had the disease before participating in the study.
- Diabetes increases the risk of blindness 25 fold over
the general population.
(back to index)
Let Us Pray to the Lord . . .
- For all the parish nurse/health ministry programs being planned
- For our ministries—each different, each precious
- For our congregations that are struggling with how to implement a parish nurse
ministry.
(back to index)
Class Pictures AVAILABLE
Fall ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, Spring ‘98, ‘99,
‘00
Please call Faith at 326-2683 if you have not received yours.
(back to index)
Westberg on Wellness
Granger Westberg, Parish Nursing founder, explains the close connection between
wellness of the whole person and the person’s outlook on life in his video, “The
Church’s Role in Preventative Medicine”. Westberg identifies the pattern of
medical science as it focuses on genetics, nutrition, germs and environment, while the
church has for years focused on spirituality. The marriage of these two respected
institutions brings a full circle of healing to the individuals served. Westberg describes
four factors from clinical trials that have the greatest impact on our health; the way we
handle grief, guilt, stress and most of all our outlook (philosophy) on life. These four
things can bring health or illness to our person.
(back to index)
What I Did on My Summer Vacation . .
Awaken to the Call of the Faith-Health Movement
(June 18-20)
The best way to sum up the HMA (Health Ministries Association) conference is with 2
words: Personal and Practical. Unlike most conferences I may go to, I immediately put into
practice what I learned and experienced, in my thought, word or deed, either for my
congregation or my own personal growth. Here is a brief summary of my personal and
practical journey.
6/18: Trauma Healing and Transformation: Awakening a New Heart with Body-Mind-Spirit
Practices
Patricia Crane is the founder for CAPACITAR (Spanish word meaning to empower, to
encourage, bringing one another life). “Capacitar believes that through nurturing,
listening and responding to the deeper wisdom of body and spirit, people can heal, empower
and transform themselves, their families, their communities and their societies.” The
workshop focused on meditation and the power of touch as a way of bringing physical,
emotional or spiritual balance to the body. We learned techniques from several cultures
and worked with them during the session. For more information or if you would like to
order her book: e-mail to Capacitar@igc.org or visit their website at: www.capacitar.org
Journaling Your Way through Grief: Gail E. Kittelson
The basic components of the grief and bereavement journey were discussed. Her
journaling techniques were transformative and insightful. Tears flowed throughout the
audience as we shared some of our personal experiences. Journaling techniques such as
“Loss Time Line”, and “Alpha Poems” were used. The only
“rules” to journaling are: Breathe first. Write everything and don’t censor
anything and most important, YOU CAN’T DO IT WRONG!!!!
Caring For Yourself~Caring for Others: the Ultimate Balance: Diann B. Ustal
The main point being “In order to care
effectively and therapeutically for others, you must first know how to care for
yourself.” Somehow we all have heard that before, and may have even preached it a few
times to a friend. Well, how seriously do we take our own advice? Some practical advice
from this inspiring speaker is “Try not to ‘should’ all over
yourself,” “turn off your beeper” and my personal favorite, (but I
don’t have the guts to do) “hire a housekeeper!” Most importantly
“Give yourself the gift of encouragement, support and praise.”
6/19: Making Aging a Plus:
Improving the Health of Older Adults through Health Ministry: Karen Shelnutt, El Dorado
County Federated Church, Health Ministry Coordinator
Karen talked about emotional and spiritual
factors that contribute to successful aging. Several different programs were talked about,
but my favorites included a medication training seminar for the “over 55” age
group and a program for homebound congregants, making phone calls to check on others that
are infirm. These congregants are given a phone list weekly and limit their phone calls to
5 minutes.
Practical questions to ask yourself as you plan health ministry programs: What
percentage of your congregation is over 55? What are the programs already available in
your community for seniors? What can you do that is unique for your aging community?
Call to Heal with Hands and Heart: Linda
Smith
The ancient art of laying on of hands found in all spiritual paths is finding its way
back into our modern life. This workshop was soothing and relaxing as we experienced a
“healing touch” from our partner. It is a natural reaction to touch one another
to convey empathy and compassion. When we touch with intention of God’s grace and we
focus on God’s presence within our hearts you can feel the flow of healing energy
(God’s grace). I don’t know about you, but being on the receiving end of a
healing touch is a bit more difficult.
6/20: Remembering Who and Whose I Am: Rev. Jerry D. Wright
The main objective at this workshop was: Learn to recognize and name fear, neutralizing
it with love. What is FEAR? False Evidence Accepted as Real
When we fear, we recognize a reason to pray. We give thanks for another opportunity to
remember Truth. We remember what we know of God’s goodness and love. We identify with
God’s love, claiming it for our own. We affirm the positive experience we desire. We
deny the negative, if necessary. Always give thanks for the expected result. Release the
entire matter into divine consciousness.
A Sacred Journey: Health Ministry to Adult
Children Struggling to Care for Elderly Parents—Kathleen Blanchfield
Practical advice for the “Sandwich Generation,” those that have children and
care for their parents. Five questions for caregivers to help provide focus and help
establish various options to explore. What is your greatest need? The answer will help the
caregiver to focus on one need at a time. What is your role? (Does everyone in the family
agree with you about your role?) Lack of clarity over this is a problem, especially with
other family members. Clarify your role (and others) from the start. Do you feel alone as
a caregiver? Efforts need to acknowledge the isolation the caregiver may feel. Create
resources to ease the caregiver’s isolation. Spiritual isolation may also be part of
this. Do you know anyone else who has gone through this? Someone else’s experience
might be your greatest teacher and resource. What resources do you currently have
available to you? Start with what is available and then address what is needed.
The conference, worship and fellowship (and the chocolate chip cookies) made a difference
in my life. Thank you Faith for the opportunity to go to this year’s HMA. Special
thanks to Connie Gewirtz and Michelle Dragonuk (my roomie) for the fellowship and smiles.
Deb Hart
Parish Nurse (Fall ‘97)
Christ Unity Church, Urbana
(back to index)
9th Annual East Central Illinois Memory Walk
www.alzheimers-illinois.org
September 8—Tuscola
September 15—Paxton
September 22—Champaign
September 29—Danville, Hoopeston, Monticello, Mattoon
October 6—Shelbyville
What Is Memory Walk?
…a day of fun, friends, and family…a way for you to make a critical
difference in the lives of those who have lost life’s most cherished gift—their
memories. This fall, over 20 communities in Illinois will band together to participate in
Memory Walk—by walking, by raising dollars, and by supporting the 540,000 people in
Illinois with a family member affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
How does Memory Walk make a difference?
The Alzheimer’s Association provides information, help
lines, support groups, referrals, and a wide array of other resources to people with
Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Most of these programs and services are free to our
clients, funded by individual donors, corporations, and foundations. Since its inception
in 1989, Memory Walk has raised $90 million for local programs and services across the
country. Look around you at the next local event that you attend—a school function, a
worship service, a board meeting—and chances are good that you'll see someone whose
family has been helped by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Our goal this year: to raise $750,000 to support the services of the Greater Illinois
Chapter.
It’s not just a Walk; it’s an
experience! Feel great knowing that your efforts are making a difference in the lives of
individuals and families who are affected by Alzheimer’s in Illinois .
( back
to index)
Local nurses participate in new Parish Nursing ministry
As published in the Marshall Advocate newspaper
Parish Nursing is a unique specialized
practice of professional nursing focusing on the promotion of health related to the
values, beliefs, and practices of a faith community, its mission and ministry to its
members and to the community it serves.
The goal of the Parish Nurse Program is to promote preventative health care and help
members of our congregation lead healthier lives through health education and counseling.
The Parish Nurse will help promote wellness of body, mind and spirit and serve as a direct
link to health care resources in Marshall and the surrounding areas.
They will help church members to gain access to services and resources through referral
to community agencies, support groups or home care agencies as needed.
Parish Nurses do not provide hands on care. Parish Nursing has been recognized by the
American Nurses Association as a professional nursing specialty. Parish Nurses volunteer
their time focusing on parishioner’s health care issues with an emphasis on spiritual
needs.
There are currently three Parish Nurses in the Marshall area that recently completed
the Parish Nurse Course in Champaign, IL and are actively serving their churches.
Charlotte Connerton is an RN and has 16 years experience in nursing. She recently
obtained her Masters Degree and is the school nurse at South School in Marshall. She
currently serves St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Melissa Wells in an RN with 13 years of nursing experience in the areas of
Medical/Surgical nursing, Orthopedic/Neurology and ICU/ER nursing. Melissa is currently
serving the Armstrong United Methodist Church.
Teri Brashear is an RN with 17 years of nursing experience in the areas of
Medical/Surgical nursing, ICU/ER nursing and Home Health Care. Teri currently serves
Emmanuel and Zion United Methodist Churches.
The Parish Nurses are planning to offer education programs regarding health and
wellness to their churches and surrounding community. They also provide a blood pressure
screening free of charge the third Friday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the
Marshall Peace Meal location.
Their goal is for every church in the Marshall community to have a parish nurse in
their congregation.
The Parish Nurse Program is sponsored by Carle Foundation in Urbana, IL and the program
is open to any Registered Nurse with an Illinois license with a low registration fee.
For information regarding the fall course of the Parish Nurse Program, please contact
Faith Roberts at 1-217-326-2683 or one of the Parish Nurses in Marshall.
(back to index)
THE LITTLE BOY AND THE OLD MAN
Said the little boy, “Sometimes I drop my spoon.”
Said the little old man, “I do that too.”
The little boy whispered, “I wet my pants.”
“I do that too,” laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, “I often cry.”
The old man nodded, “So do I.”
“But worst of all,” said the boy, “it seems
Grown-ups don’t pay attention to me.”
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
“I know what you mean,” said the little old man.
— Shel Silverstein
“A Light in the Attic”
(back to index)
Neiman Marcus Cookies
(Recipe may be halved)
Submitted by Kim Busboom
2 cups butter
4 cups flour
2 tsp. soda
2 cups sugar
5 cups blended oatmeal
24 oz. chocolate chips
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 8 oz. Hershey Bar (grated)
4 eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)
- Measure oatmeal and blend in a blender to a fine powder
- Cream the butter and both sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda.
- Add chocolate chips, Hershey Bar and nuts. Roll into balls and place two inches apart on
a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees
Makes 112 cookies
(back to index)
January 2001
February 2001
March 2001
April 2001
June 2001
July 2001
August 2001
-
(back to index)
|
