Health and Wellness
Health Tip: If you’re like most people, you think that heart disease is a problem for other folks. But heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. It is also a major cause of disability. There are many different forms of heart disease. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. This is called coronary artery disease and happens slowly over time. It’s the major reason people have heart attacks. Heart disease can be prevented. To keep your heart healthy:
• Watch your weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get active and eat healthy.
• Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45 or a woman over 55.
• Manage stress.
Blood Pressure: Our Parish Nurse will be checking blood pressures in the Fellowship Room after the service on
February 11 and between services on February 12.
Service of Healing and Wholeness: The Litany of Healing with remembrance of Baptism, laying on of hands and
anointing with oil, if desired, will be included in the 5:30 p.m. service on Saturday, January 28.
Care Ministry: Please call the church office or Parish Nurse, Joan Holt, jholt@firstgeneseo.org, if you know of someone
in need of a call or visit from a member of our Care Ministry team.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: We have a ministry where we give prayer shawls to members and their loved ones facing serious illness or entering nursing home care. For many years, Marie Stenzel has been making the prayer shawls for us, but for health reasons is no longer able to continue. We are very grateful for her faithful ministry! Social Ministry is looking for volunteers who like to knit or crochet and would be willing to help make prayer shawls. If you would like to help us, please contact our Parish Nurse, Joan Holt, at 944-3196 (jholt@firstgeneseo.org).
Diabetes Support Group: “Helping Hands” will meet on Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Room
at First. Dr. Ranilo Rabacal of Trinity Family Medical, Geneseo will be speaking on “Organ Damage Caused by Diabetes.”
The organization is open to anyone who is directly or indirectly affected by diabetes. For more information, contact
Gary or Mary Anne Daniels at 944-2404 or visit www.helpinghandsingeneseo.org.
Women’s Health Program: “Diabetes/Nutrition” is the topic of the noon luncheon on Thursday, February 23 at
The Cellar. The cost of lunch is $8 per person, which is payable at the door. Please register by calling Hammond-Henry Hospital at 944-9112.
What does a Parish Nurse do?
P – Plans and evaluates wellness programs
A – Assesses the needs of the individual and the faith community
R – Refers individuals to faith and medical resources
I – Implements wellness programs and support groups for all ages
S – Supports and counsels individuals and families
H – Highlights current health information in newsletters and at the resource center
N – Networks with church and community agencies
U – Utilizes services and agencies from the community to improve the quality of life for individuals
R – Researches health issues for clients and families
S – Screens for blood pressure changes and other health risks
E – Evaluates the needs and concerns of a faith community, individual or family
If you have a medical question or need help in any health related area, please contact Parish Nurse,
Joan Holt at 944-3196 (jholt@firstgeneseo.org).
“…I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.
Jeremiah 33:6
Trinity and Parish Nurse Ministry
In 1988 the Lutheran Health Care Foundation of Lutheran Hospital sought the help of Rev. Dr. Granger Westberg,
the father of Parish Nursing, to initiate a faith and wellness program. Through collaboration with his program, the
first parish nurses were anointed in January 1989. Since then, Trinity’s program has continued to educate and
partner with faith communities throughout this area.
As a specialty practice, parish nursing is rooted in the belief that faith and health are universally intertwined in one’s
search for balance of the body, mind, and spirit. The core component is the spiritual dimension. The wholistic nature
of this practice means that the nurse blends the client’s faith with the science of medicine and the client’s definition
of “living well” to create a quality of life that is acceptable to the client. The parish nurse also collaborates with faith
leaders, church members and community agencies to provide an environment where healing and advocacy can occur.
—The Parish Nurse Program & Trinity Regional Health System
Director of Care Ministries: Senior Health & Parish Nursing
