Newsletter of the: 

Nurse & Health Ministries Network

 555 West Glendale Ave.

Phoenix , AZ   85021

Phone: (602) 274-5022

Fax: (602) 274-6793

Email: nmn@centerdoar.org

Information Overview

This section highlights some of the information we glean from parish nurses, community organizations, newsletters and periodicals.

 To-Be Instead of To-Do

There is a devotional book entitled, “Breakfast with God”. One of the readings encourages a “To-Be List”.  It states it is more important who “we are throughout the day” rather than what we do. The author suggests, “from a ‘to-be’ perspective, we might make these requests of the Lord:  Help me to reflect Your love today, Help me to display Your joy, Help me to manifest Your peace, Help me to practice Your patience, Help me to express Your kindness, Help me to make known Your goodness, Help me to reveal Your faithfulness, Help me to show Your gentleness, Help me to exhibit Your self-control.” During this busy season of doing, it is helpful to remember the importance of being.

 Arizona Women’s Health Survey

This survey randomly sampled 1121 Arizona women and found that the average BMI (Body Mass Index) was 26, which is overweight and places the majority of the women at-risk for adverse health effects. The Commission recommended an emphasis on physical activity and fitness be the primary focus of ongoing efforts.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts Prolong Life

The November 2002 issue of The Cleveland Clinic Heart Advisor reports that 570,000 bypass operations are performed annually in the U.S. In 1999 a study published by Cleveland Clinic reported 70% of 10,124 CABG patients were still alive 12 years after their first operations. The number of “re-do” procedures is rising because patients are outliving their grafts. They recommend to avoid a redo bypass operation: quit smoking, diet low in saturated fat, & exercise w/doctor’s approval.

 Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) Revised Guidelines on Food & Nutrition

The November 2002 issue of the Harvard Women’s Health Watch & The New England Journal of Medicine Health Watch reported on the September 2002 revised guidelines of the IOM. They stated the most controversial advice was the recommendation to exercise one hour/day. The good news is this doesn’t mean setting aside one solid hour. Routine activities, such as housecleaning and climbing stairs count. An article in the New England Journal of Medicine, Sept. 5, 2002 reported that women who walked briskly or exercised vigorously at least 2.5 hours/week reduced their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 30%. For a copy of the IOM report, visit www.iom.edu.

C-reactive Protein Test

Dr. Thomas H. Lee, Editor of Harvard Health Letter, reported in the November 2002 edition that C-reactive protein test may be a regular part of routine physicals next year. The protein is a by-  product of inflammation. Research now shows inflammation inside arteries is pivotal to the development of heart attacks and other heart disease. He thinks that measurement of the C-reactive protein may be better than cholesterol measurement as an indicator of heart disease risk.

 The Cleveland Clinic Disease Management Project

This project has a web site with free access to medical information written by physicians at Cleveland Clinic. The site address is:

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/diseasemanagement/

 Sacred Art of Dying

Sacred Art of Dying is a comprehensive program to educate caregivers who deal with death and dying in their professional and personal lives. It is a National Certification Program to be held at the Franciscan Renewal Center, Paradise Valley, AZ, February 21, 22 2003. For more information contact 480-948-7460 or 800-356-3247, email: casa@thecasa.org, web site: www.thecasa.org.

 Physical Activity and Health

This web site is a report from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human services with comprehensive information on the relationship between physical activity and health. If you are planning some programs about exercise and health, this has some great information:

http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/physicalactivity/physicalactivity.pdf

 On the Path to Health and Wholeness

5^th Annual Health Ministry Symposium, Hosted by Wesley Nurse Health Ministries, March 5-7, 2003, San Antonio, TX. Call 800-489-8863 for more information.

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.)

Be a Bone Builder!

It only takes a few hours a month to become a Bone Builder volunteer and make a difference in the health of women. Volunteer to be a Bone Builder in your workplace, your church or community.  Educate people about bone health and osteoporosis prevention. For an application or more information, call the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension at 470-8086, ext. 316 or download the application from the www.bonebuilders.org web site.

Griefshare

A weekly seminar grief support group that will gather every Monday evening in January and February, 7-8:30pm, Church of the Beatitudes, 555 West Glendale Ave. Phoenix, 85021, (602) 264-1221.

Food Safety Classes for Occasional Quantity Cooks

Prepare, serve or handle food at church suppers, festivals, etc.? Keeping food safe is critical. Two free, 2 hour workshops sponsored by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension are scheduled for December around Maricopa County.  Select from the following dates and locations:

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002        9 - 11 AM

Glendale Public Library

5959 W. Brown, Glendale

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002         2 - 4 PM

Victory Lutheran Church

5946 E. University, Mesa

Call 602-470-8086 Ext. 353 to register.

West Valley Health Ministry Group

Sharon Davids, RN, Ed.D is hosting a Christmas party at her home one evening in December for parish nurses in the West Valley. Please contact Linda Shipley at (623) 979-3481 for more details if you would like to join them for networking and celebration.

Pain Management 2003: The Art & Science

Conference sponsored by the Arizona Cancer Pain Initiative. January 30-31, 2003, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoenix, AZ. For more information call (623) 935-7184 or visit www.azcpi.org

Upcoming Support Groups

Parish nurses, health cabinet members, chaplains 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 providing health and wellness in a congregational setting.

Three NMN-sponsored peer support groups meet each month and you are welcome to attend any and all support groups.

Upcoming events

December 15, 2002

12^th Annual Poinsettia Tea

At the Camelback Inn, Phoenix, featuring actress Tanya Griffith, $45/person, 2:30-4:30. Proceeds will benefit  the work of Beatitudes Center D.O.A.R. (Developing Older Adult Resources).*

February 14, 2003

Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Focus on Intimacy and Aging Conference, Phoenix Airport Marriott, Phoenix*

March 2, 2003

22^nd Annual Benefit Concert & Silent Auction, featuring trumpet player Jesse McGuire and Sudanese Voices United Church of the Beatitudes *

May 3- 9, 2003

Basic Preparation Program for Parish Nurses*

 *Please call (602) 274-5022 to register, for more information or a brochure.