IC PARISH NURSE NEWSLETTER
Spring 2016Volume 3 Issue 2
IC PARISH NURSE MISSION STATEMENT: To enhance the overall health of our parishioners (mind, body, spirit) with a focus on integrating the practice of faith with the practice of nursing.
PROGRAMS
The Blood Pressure Clinics continues to be held monthly on the last full weekend of the month. We continue to gain new participants each month. The next BP clinics will be held on April 23 and 24, May 28 and 29 and June 25 and 26. We also did a total of 93 Blood Pressures during the 2016 Lenten dinners.
The Ministry held a very successful Friends and Family CPRProgram in February. The participants had the chance for hands on practice and the program evaluations were excellent.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
April 26: 11AM-2PM FREE Kidney Screening
May 1: Tribute to Nurses
May 14: Addictions Program
May 22: FREE Skin Screening
HEALTH TIPS FOR THIS QUARTER
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. If you are concerned about anyone’s alcohol or drug consumption, encourage them to make small changes like keeping track of their usage. Use some time to talk to teenagers about the risks of abuse. Ask a physician to talk with the person you are concerned about. Watch for information on the Addictions program to be sponsored by the Parish Nurse Ministry on Saturday, May 14, 2016 in the Parish Center. Details about the program will be forthcoming.
May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Month. Dr. Franz will be doing the annual skin screening on Sunday, May 22 after the 11AM Mass.
June is National Safety Month. Summer is a time for fun but also a time for preventable accidents. Be safe when swimming, biking, camping, etc. Do not engage in these activities alone and always be sure that someone knows where you are going. Also this is a good time to check the home for fall risks, check expiration dates of items in First Aid Kits, and update emergency contact lists.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Question: What can I do to help manage my Blood Pressure?
Answer: There are several things you can do. Maintain a healthy weight. If you smoke, stop. Exercise regularly. You do not have to go to a gym, etc. Walking is a great exercise. Learn to read label for salt content of foods and refrain from adding extra salt to your food. If you have been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure, keep regular doctor appointments, take your medication as prescribed, monitor your Blood Pressure at home and remember to have your Blood Pressure checked at our monthly Blood Pressure clinics. Some signs that your Blood Pressure may be higher than desired might include: dizziness, headaches especially those that settle on the top of your head, visual disturbances and swelling in your lower legs and your feet.
HEALTHY RECIPE
Chicken with Roasted Kale
½ pound small red skinned potatoes cut into ½ inch pieces2 Tbs. extra Virgin Olive Oil plus some for brushing
1 large bunch kale, stems removed, leaves torn (about 10 cups)3 gloves garlic, sliced thin
2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about ½ pound)salt and pepper
4 cups mixed salad greens½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese1 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
The Immaculate conception Parish Nurse Ministry has now grown to 19 members. We look forward to expanding that even more. Anyone with any type of medical background is invited to join. You do not have to have an active license. We meet on the 2nd Monday of the Month at 6:30PM in the Parish Center. Future meetings will be held on April 11, May 9 and June13. Please join us!
The Immaculate Conception Parish Nurse Ministry is honored to be the recipient of the Catholic Charities Salt and Light Group Award for Community Service. Thank you for helping to make our programs successful enough to qualify for this award. God Bless you all.
Father Casey for his support of our program
Dr. George Shehl, Bill Manley, and Aaron Kocsis for providing the Friends and Family CPR program.
You, our parishioners, for your attendance at and participation in our programs.
Inday for helping with reproducing materials and scheduling of events
The information presented in this newsletter is for general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Questions about any specific condition or patient should be referred to a licensed physician or practitioner.