HEALTH MINISTRY TEAM

PARISH NURSE  --  Louise Gaeddert, RN

HEALTH MINISTRY TEAM 

Bill Scheider, nutrition;                       Nancy Naffziger, psychologist;    

Mary Ess, health aide                       Dan Brown, psychologist      

Debbie Kampff, school RN                Carolyn Butler, ICU RN  

David Felser, dialysis RN                 Charlotte Horstmann, RN

Rev. amos acree, RN, pastor  

HEALTH MINISTRY PROGRAMS

 We are beginning to promote our next Health Ministry program - "YES! YOU CAN DEFY DIABETES."   We will be holding a series of 6 classes for our community over the next few months, thanks to a grant by the NY Health Foundation, to fund these classes in communities of faith.  In case you don't know, WNY has one of the worst records in the US for diabetes.  This program consists of 3 education awareness classes, approximately 1 hour each, which will give the participants information about diabetes, and helps with how to lessen your risk, or control your disease.  The next 3 sessions will be support groups, and more information in general about maintaining wellness, including spiritual wellness.  There is no cost for this program as it has been underwritten by the NYS Health Foundation for Faith-based organizations like our church and FISH of East Aurora.   There will be an information and enrollment session and risk assessment at FISH of East Aurora on Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 1 pm.  The classes will run at FISH on Mondays at 9 am, on Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4, 18, 25, and Nov. 1.  Participants will be given the opportunity to be part of a research study looking at the effectiveness of this program in reducing risk and maintaining wellness.  This study is voluntary, and does not affect your participation in the sessions. 

We continue our program of "transition coaching" in conjunction with the Parish Nurse Ministry of NY.  This involves tracking the well-being of people as they "transition" from one type of health care situation to another.  This includes being sent to the hospital and then back home or to rehab or other living arrangements.  It is to help empower patients and their families in this often difficult process.  This will involve anyone of whatever age.   though the formal program is over, if you or a loved one is admitted to a hospital, and could use some assistance in getting through the complex health care system, please contact Pastor acree.  It involves a visit to the person in the hospital, helping them understand what is going on, and then follow-up with visits and/or phone calls once the transition has been made.  For more information about this special program, contact Pastor acree.  Particpation is voluntary.  It is hoped that this program will alleviate a lot of problems that people have in these transitions, and hopefully avoid major problems from developing down the road, leading to repeated admissions. 

Our Blood Pressure screenings are on summer recess.  Check the calendar of events for the specific date we begin in the fall.  We also are pleased to do this at any time you request.       

Even though the formal phase of our "Get Fit with Faith" program has ended, we continue the walking club portion of it, and look for ways to enhance the nutrition information we have received.   We are asking folk to walk twice a month.  At this time, we have decided to change our dates to the 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 9:30 am.  (upcoming dates are August 6 & 19). We continue our walks around the village of East Aurora, at 9:30 am.   We encourage walking on your own, but an integral part of this program is the "group walk," which enables us to commit ourselves to a group goal, and encourage one another.  More information is available, and each walker should have received a walking packet, including a pedometer and a stop watch.  This is part of a wider community effort to prevent heart and stroke disease.  WNY has the highest incidence of heart/stroke disease in the US.  The goal is to be active at the target rate for approximately 30 minutes each time.  It also helps in controlling diabetes. 

Also, we hope to find ways to work with the Elders to provide companion services as follow-up to pastoral and parish nurse visits, and looking at both diabetes and nutrition.  If you have a need, please let us know. 

Moment of Wholeness  --  Summer fun – but avoid potential dangers

As we prepare to spend more time in the outdoors, it is important to avoid the danger of skin cancer.  Getting some sun exposure is important, as Vitamin D is a necessary ingredient.  But too much sun can lead to problems.  Some hints:                                     

--Sunlight is the main source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the genes in your skin cells. UV light is thought to be the major risk factor for most skin cancers. Tanning lamps and booths are another source of UV radiation. People with high levels of exposure to UV light are at greater risk for skin cancer. The amount of UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, how long the skin was exposed, and whether the skin was covered with clothing and sunscreen. Many studies show that being exposed to a lot of sun when you are young is an added risk factor.

--The risk of skin cancer is much higher for whites than for dark-skinned African Americans or Hispanics. This is because melanin helps protect against UV radiation. People with dark skin have more melanin. People with fair (light-colored) skin that freckles or burns easily are at extra high risk. The risk of basal and squamous cell skin cancers goes up as people get older. Older people have been exposed to the sun for a longer time. Still, these cancers are now being seen in younger people too, probably because they are spending more time in the sun without protecting their skin.

--The best way to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer is to limit your exposure to strong sunlight. Be "sun safe" when you are outdoors. "Slip! Slop! Slap! … and Wrap" is a catch phrase that can help remind you of the 4 ways you can protect yourself and those you love from UV radiation: Slip on a shirt; Slop on sunscreen; Slap on a hat; Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.  (adapted from www.cancer.org).