Click here to view previous issues of Parish Nurse News--->March 2002 Summer 2002 September 2002 Nov/Dec 2002 Jan/Feb 2003 March/April 2003 Summer 2003
Health Ministries News
Beatitudes Center D.O.A.R.
(Developing Older Adult Resources)
Nurse and Health Ministries Network
Volume 8, Issue 4 Sept/Oct. 2003
Newsletter of the:
Nurse & Health Ministries Network
Phone:
(602) 274-5022
Fax:
(602) 274-6793
Email: nmn@centerdoar.org
|
Note from the Director This summer I heard a sermon that was a good reminder for me and I think for all people in a ministry of faith. The essence of the message was that we are entrusted with the responsibility to carry the reputation and do the work of the Deity we profess. When people look at us, we are representing our faith tradition. I also heard someone talk about the fact that many people are drawn to participate in faith communities because of their own brokeness. This can create many interpersonal challenges. The really good news is we do not do this alone. Most parish nurses and people involved in faith/health ministry describe a feeling of being called into the work they do. It is through our faith and the support of our communities of believers that we are able to do the work and be the examples of our faith traditions. As we enter into the busyness of fall, I pray that we may all be strengthened in mind, body and spirit to exemplify the faith we believe. I hope to see many of you at the Health in Faith Communities 2003 conference we are presenting with Arizona State University. Please see the back page or call us if you would like more information. Blessings, Sandy Somers, RN, MS |
Affirming AffirmationsRose Coulter, RNAssistant Director Affirmations are simple. They do not require special tools although, I still cherish journals, writing tools, and paper. Affirmations are powerful. They bring into reality an abstract thought. Stating affirmations in the present empowers them at a much stronger level than stated in the future. The inner most cells of our being are influenced by the affirmations we choose. In many books, articles, and tapes today, we are continually reminded of the body, mind connection. In Anatomy of an Illness, Norman Cousins shares his conviction “that the human mind can discipline the body, can set goals for itself, can somehow comprehend its own potentiality and move resolutely forward.”Affirmations have become the center of my awareness. I am reading, writing, and learning all I can about them. The scriptures have come alive for me. I find using affirmations internally when interacting with others, keeps me light and engaged but not attached to their journey. I allow them and myself to grow.How amazing God has provided us not only with our brain, but also gave us free will to choose our thoughts. LaNae Flowers reminded me that affirmations keep us in forward mode while trusting God. And with that, I affirm affirmations.
Psalm 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
|
Information Overview
This section highlights some of the information we glean from parish nurses, health cabinets, healthcare institutions, community organizations, newsletters, conferences and periodicals. If you would like more information about any of these resources, please call us at (602) 274-5022.
National Health Observances for 2003
You can access the complete calendar for the days, weeks, or months devoted to promoting particular health concerns at:: http://healthfinder.gov/library/nho/nho.asp
Flu Vaccine Clinics
Phoenix Fire will be providing flu clinics at seven sites throughout Phoenix this year. Their fee is $15, $25 for pneumococcal vaccine. The vaccinations are free to Medicare type B patients. Call (602) 261-8851 for more information.
FDA Approves FluMist
On June 17, 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an intranasal, trivalent, cold-adapted, live, attenuated influenza vaccine for use in healthy persons aged 5–49 years to prevent influenza A and B. For more information about FluMist and the National Immunization program visit: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/Flu/News.htm#flumist.
Coalition to Improve End of Life Care
Caring Choices is an Arizona coalition with a web site that includes a detailed listing of services. You can access them at: http://www.caringchoicesaz.org/programs.html Click on the side bar: Programs/Services for some helpful information.
Older Drivers & Calcium Link to Weight Loss
The University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter August, 2003 highlighted some recent statistics on older drivers. Drivers over 65 account for 15% of all drivers and have a higher crash rate per mile driven than all other motorists, except those under 25. Older drivers are also much more likely to be seriously injured in a crash. Their driving can improve by participating in an exercise program that enhances flexibility & observational skillls. (p.8). This same issue featured an article stating that preliminary research supports eating calcium-rich food as an aid to control or reduce weight. The article supports dairy products as an important part of a daily diet.(p.1)
Exercise & Brain Function
The July 2003 issue of the Harvard Women’s Health Watch reported on studies that found “physically fit subjects had less age-related brain-tissue shrinkage than less active subjects.” The most beneficial programs to enhance attention, organization and planning combined strength training with aerobic exercise. (p.7)
Research Studies for Breast Cancer Survivors
There are two studies being conducted by nurses from the University of Arizona. One is: “Spiritual,
Psychosocial and Physical Correlates of Well-Being Across the Breast Cancer Experience”. This study is
seeking women diagnosed with Stage I, II, or III Breast Cancer, 60 years or older, 8 to 24 months post-
chemotherapy and/ or radiation. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this research
study, please call or email (520) 887-9733 or clarson@nursing.arizona.edu. The other is a
Telephone Support Project helping women and their partners throughout the Breast Cancer experience. If
you are interested in more information, please call toll free: 866-218-6641.
Super-Size?
The July 2003 issue of HealthNews chronicled an interesting finding, when children were served more food they took larger bites and ate 25% more than when they were offered an age-appropriate serving or served themselves. Another article I read this month stated that on average adults underestimate their caloric intake by approximately 800 calories/day. Our lack of awareness of what we eat and large portions are doing our waists and health a disservice.
Increased Risk of Cancer
We have long known the correlation between being overweight and cardiovascular disease, now research is showing that being overweight or obese increases the risk of dying from nearly all of the leading types of cancer. “As many as 90,000 cancer deaths could be prevented each year if all Americans maintained a healthy weight”. (University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, July 2003, p. 1)
Congregational/Community Events
(If you would like to announce events or support groups, please let us know and we will assist in spreading the word, as space allows.)
Motivational Speaker & Humorist
Beatitudes Center D.O.A.R.’s (Developing Older Adult Resources) VICaP program invites parish nurses, clergy and people involved in faith communities to join in a presentation by David M. Jacobson, MSW on Tuesday, September 16, 2003, 1-2pm at Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale. Please RSVP by September 9, 2003 to (602) 274-5022.
Occasional Quantity Cooks
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension is holding free classes this fall for improving the safety of the food prepared for large groups, such as church suppers. For more information call (602) 470-8086.
Walking the Mourner’s Path
A Christ-Centered program to train clergy & lay leaders to develop spiritually-based grief support groups. Sept. 14-17, 2003, sponsored by the Center for Health and Reconciliation, St. Anthony on the Desert, Scottsdale, AZ. Call (480) 451-7792 for more information.
Franciscan Renewal Center
“Aging Gracefully”, Terry Boyer, MDV, Sat.,Sept..27th, 9am-3pm. This interactive
workshop will address some of the problems of ageism in our society, and explores a model for
developing a healthy spirituality of aging. Fee of $45 includes lunch.
“The Last Mask of the Authentic Healer”
Dr. Carl A. Hammerschlag, M.D., Dec. 14-16, 2003, an experiential workshop for
healthcare providers. Sunday, 3p.m. – Tuesday 3p.m. Fee includes lodging, meals and program:
Single-$550, Double-$450. Register BEFORE NOV. 1 – SAVE $50. Call (480) 948-7460 for more
information or e-mail: casa@thecasa.org for registrations
Prostate Cancer Walk/Run
The 4th Annual Move It For Dad 5K Against Prostate Cancer-Surprise Challenge is Saturday, October 4, 2003, 7:00 a.m. Cimarron Recreation Center, Sun City Grand, Surprise, AZ. For more information, contact SW Prostate Cancer Foundation, PO Box 12186, Glendale, AZ 85318, Ph: 602-547-3806
Understanding Social Security
A seminar on Oct 4, 2003 from 9:00-10:30a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 1124 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, 85004 in Hope Hall. A speaker from SSA will be discussing retirement planning, disability and understanding and calculating your benefits. For more information contact Donna Brown, Parish Nurse at: (602) 258-3787.
Mental Illness Awareness Vigil
Spirituality: Health & Well-Being
Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network Annual Conference, October 22-25, 2003, Fiesta Inn Resort, 2100 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ. For additional information call: (888) 728-7228m ext, 5472 or e-mail: pmarcum@ctr.pcusa.org.
Upcoming Support Groups
Parish nurses, health cabinet members, social workers, clergy and people interested in health ministry have an opportunity to meet together to learn about community resources, receive continuing education, celebrate their ministry successes and share problems unique to promoting health and wellness in a congregational setting. N&HMN-sponsored peer support groups meet each month and you are welcome to attend any and all support groups.
|
East Valley
|
12:00 Networking and Lunch |
|
Central Valley
|
12:00 Networking and Lunch 12:45 Tour & Program by K.E.E.P. – Kidney Early Evaluation Program 1:45 Closing Prayer Place: Arizona Kidney Foundation, 4203 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix (602) 840-1644 x220 Ruth Ann contact |
West Valley
|
12:00 Networking and Lunch 12:30 “Supporting Families, Embracing the Emotionally Ill” Presenter: Shirley Hahood 1:00 Tour of the facility Place:Sun Grove, 10134 W. Mohawk Lane, Peoria, (623) 566- 0745
|
October 1,
2003
Health in Faith Communities: 2003
ASU Downtown Center
Phoenix, Arizona*
February 29-March 6, 2004
Parish Nurse Basic Preparation Program
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
Carefree, Arizona* - Limited scholarships available.
*Please call (602) 274-5022 to register, for more information or a brochure.
Help support us by registering with www.escrip.com. A percentage of purchases to Safeway and other stores will come back to Center D.O.A.R. – at no cost to you. Visit the website & enter our group number (396019) or our group name (must be exactly Beatitudes Center D O A R – (note the spaces between the initials). Follow the prompts. You will be asked to enter your Safeway courtesy card number. That’s it!