Parish Nursing

Parish nurses have been practicing their unique blend of nursing and ministry in congregations for nearly 25 years now. The ELCA Parish Nurses Association hopes to strengthen parish nurse practice in the ELCA and encourage more congregations to consider health ministry. Regular articles about this ministry will appear in this column.

Monthly Health Tips from the ELCA Parish Nurses Association

March: Caring for our Physical Well-Being
“After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.”  Ephesians 5:29-30
Fiber is such an important nutrient to our diets.  It is probably the most neglected in our diets.  To reach the recommended 25-35 grams of fiber a day, add fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.  Adding fiber will helps in many ways to our health and well-being, most of all it can promote weigh loss and decrease the risk of colon cancer.

April: Caring for our Intellectual, Interpersonal and Emotional Well-Being
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”  Proverbs22:6
Autism Awareness Month
The incidence of autism has increased over the past years.  First signs may be   evident at the age of 12 months.  Early diagnosis and treatment can change a child’s life incredibly.  Contact a physician or counselor for questions regarding symptoms of your child.  More information>

May: Caring for our Physical Well-Being
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” III John 2
Stroke Awareness Month
What if you think you are having a stroke?  Evaluate three simple tasks: Smile- Is it even? Talk without difficulty; Raise both arms equally.  If any of these do not happen, call 911.  The effects of stroke can be reversed if you are given immediate medical attention.

June: Caring for our Social/Interpersonal, Emotional, and Physical Well-Being
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Jenna Johnson of Merit Care Heart Center in Fargo, ND describes how stress and the body respond to one another.  "Carrying stress in our lives is like holding a glass of water for a long period of time. Hold the glass for a minute is fine, but if we kept holding the glass and never set it down, our arm begins to ache and eventually gets weak.  In our pain and fatigue, we need to set the glass down.  We can choose to set it down or let it will all out of our hand, allowing the glass to break spilling the water. If we carry our stress for a moment, we are fine.  But to never to give the stress away can cause physical harm. Find ways to relieve stress.  Breathe, move and find another to talk to let go of our burdens.  It is through processing with others and giving it to God we find relief."