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Written by Debbie Ringen, Parish Nurse
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Summer is here! It is time to go outside to relax and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings. What better time than this to make some subtle changes to improve our health.
It is estimated that more than half of Americans over age 60 and three-quarters of the population over age 70 have hypertension (blood pressure greater than 120/80). This increases risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, eye disease, and kidney failure. Keeping track of your cardiovascular health and making small lifestyle changes to improve your health includes knowing your numbers. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Don’t forget the monthly blood pressure checks in the health ministry room on the first Sunday of the month, or stop by and ask for a blood pressure check anytime.
In addition to knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol levels are very important. Total cholesterol, which is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood, of less than 200 mg/dL is the recommended "desirable" level that puts you at lower risk for heart disease. A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or greater increases your risk. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are the "good" cholesterol. HDL helps keep cholesterol from building up in the walls of the arteries. An HDL of 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease.
The good news is that although certain risk factors such as age, gender, family history, and race cannot be changed, there are many ways to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends several lifestyle changes to help control blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health that are easy to do, especially during the summer. Our opportunity for summer activities can positively affect our cardiovascular health. God has given us the tools!
What better way is there to enjoy God’s creation than to get outside and move? Summer weather encourages walking, hiking, swimming, gardening, biking, dancing, washing the car, and all kinds of physical activities. NIH recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day (check with your doctor before starting a new exercise regime). Physical activity also helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress, providing a triple benefit for controlling your blood pressure and improving health.
Another benefit of summer, and living in California, is the abundance of produce easily available in the garden or at the local farmers market. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy whole grains reduces blood pressure and improves health. Along with eating fresh produce, it is important to limit salt intake. Fresh foods contain less salt than processed foods and taste better, too!
So enjoy the colorful rainbow of foods God has provided. Get out and move in God’s beautiful creation, improve your health, and enjoy life!
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Written by Debbie Ringen, R.N.
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 There are curtains in the windows, stuffed toys on the shelf, and many health-related booklets with answers to your burning questions in the new Health Ministry Room. Located between the nursery and the kitchen, the beautiful, brightly painted Health Ministry Room is where blood pressure screening and parish nurse consultations can take place in a calming environment.
The shelves are filled with books and pamphlets on such topics as older driver safety, grief, caring for aging parents, cancer care, end of life issues, infant care, and health and healing as well as prayer and devotional guides. Relaxation and meditation CDs are also available in the Health Ministry Room to help relieve stress.
The Parish Nurse is available for consultation, prayer, and emotional or spiritual support. Just call to make an appointment or stop by the Health Ministry Room to relax in a comfortable chair, chat, and listen to soothing music.
Parish Nurse office hours will be Tuesday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. You can reach the Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Team by calling the Health Ministry Help Line at 644-3031 or Debbie Ringen, RN, MSN, at 216-5809.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons licensed by Joey Parsons on Flickr. |
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Written by Debbie Ringen, R.N.
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 Recently our Pastor, John Martin, reminded us during a sermon of the importance of reading and following the small print directions on medication labels.
When one fails to read the fine print, or follow the instructions, for an over the counter (OTC) or prescription medication, the potential for dangerous side effects and reactions increases.
Let’s take this opportunity to review some important factors related to medication safety. Most of us take some kind of medication at some point during our life. Either we are prescribed regular daily medication for conditions such as hypertension or asthma, or maybe we take medication for a headache or vitamin supplements. All medications—OTC, herbal, and prescription—are potentially harmful when taken incorrectly. No matter what type of medication you are considering taking, follow these safety tips to help enhance the benefit and avoid unnecessary complications.
- Ask questions when your healthcare practitioner prescribes a medication.
- Know the condition it is prescribed for and how it is expected to help.
- Ask whether there are any potential interactions with foods or other medications.
- Make sure ALL your healthcare providers know ALL the medications you take, including OTC, herbal supplements, and prescription medications.
- Before taking the first dose of a medication, read all information you are given about the medication and CLARIFY what you don’t understand with a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Don’t assume that the information doesn’t apply to you.
- Make sure to take all your medication exactly as prescribed for the time prescribed.
- Keep all medication in their original containers and monitor expiration dates. Know the brand and generic names for your medications, the dose, the purpose, and the schedule of administration.
- Know the side effects and interactions with other medications and food, and know the best way to store your medication. If you notice any reactions such as itching, swelling, or trouble breathing, stop taking the medication and call your doctor, or seek medical attention promptly.
- It is helpful to carry a list of your medications with you in your wallet, or on a portable memory stick, to show to your healthcare providers or the help in case of emergency.
* Following these basic safety tips can help prevent medication errors and unwanted side effects thus improving health and safety. God has given us the gift of knowledge, and it is up to us to be informed healthcare consumers by working with our healthcare providers to promote our own health and wellness.
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