Welcome to the Health & Wellness Ministry
August 19, 2023
Additional Information:
If you are thinking about surgery, ask your doctor these questions:
●What are the risks of surgery for me? (If you have any other health problems, ask how they might affect the results of the surgery.)
●How much is my vision likely to improve if I have the surgery?
●Is it possible the surgery will not work?
●Are my cataracts the only thing causing my vision problems? (If you have other eye conditions, surgery might not help with those.)
●What will my recovery be like?
If you need cataract surgery in both eyes, it will usually be done as 2 separate procedures on different days. Your surgeon will want to be sure that you have healed properly from the first surgery before doing the second one.
After you get all this information from your doctor, ask yourself:
●How much do my vision problems limit me?
●Can I do all the things I need to do with the vision I have left?
●Have I stopped doing things I love, such as reading or knitting, because I can’t see well anymore?
●How do I feel about the possible risks of surgery?
●How will I feel if the surgery causes problems or does not work?
●Will there be someone who can help me while I recover?
Complications: Although the surgery is pretty simple, it can rarely lead to problems such as infection or pain. Infrequent complications include endophthalmitis (severe inflammation of the eye tissues), lens malposition/dislocation, macular edema, and retinal detachment.
Sources: cdc.gov
UpToDate
National Institutes of Health (.gov) Web Link:
Eye Conditions and Diseases | National Eye Institute (nih.gov)
August 13, 2023
August 6, 2023
Additional Resources:
Prevention: you may be able to lower your risk of AMD (or slow vision loss from AMD) by making these healthy choices:
- Quit smoking — or don’t start
- Get regular physical activity
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Eat healthy foods, including leafy green vegetables and fish
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
July 30, 2023
Additional Resources:
How to make Mason Jar Ice Cream:
Easy Mason Jar Ice Cream {4 Ingredients} – FeelGoodFoodie
Frozen Yogurt Bark {Easy Summer Dessert} – FeelGoodFoodie
July 23, 2023
Additional Resources:
July 15, 2023
Additional Resources:
July 9, 2023
Additional Resources:
Physical Activity Basics for various groups and ages:
Healthy Weight, Nutrition and Physical Activity (English and Spanish)
July 2, 2013
Additional Resources: Tick Borne Illnesses – Links
- Protect Yourself From Lyme Disease
- From A to Zika: Understanding Emerging Diseases
- Unexplained Cases of Allergic Reactions Linked to Red Meat
- Tickborne Diseases
- Lyme Disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Babesiosis
- Lyme Disease (CDC)(link is external)
- Preventing Tick Bites (CDC)(link is external)
- Symptoms of Tickborne Illness (CDC)(link is external)
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome (CDC)
Tick Talk | NIH News in Health: How to remove a tick
June24, 2023
More UV Safety Tips:
- Protect Children: Children are much more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Keep them in the shade, dress them in protective clothing, apply sunscreen and ensure they wear sunglasses and hats.
- Be Aware of Medications: Some medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Check the labels of your medications or speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Perform Regular Skin Checks: Keep an eye on your skin and look for any changes, such as new moles, growths, or changes in existing moles. If you notice anything unusual consult a dermatologist.
- Be Cautious with Tanning Beds: Avoid using tanning beds as they emit harmful UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Remember, UV safety is important throughout the year not just during the summer months or on sunny days. Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and cause damage. By following these tips, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Resources:
Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov
American Academy of Dermatology: www.aad.org
American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
World Health Organization: www.who.int
Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov
June 18, 2023
June10, 2023
Sarcopenia: Age-Related Loss of Muscle Mass
Signs & Symptoms:
- Decrease in muscle size
- Loss of stamina
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Poor balance & falls
Prevention & Treatment:
- Regular medical check-ups
- Eat a healthy diet that includes high-quality protein
- Regular physical activity with a emphasis on resistance training
Examples of Resistance Training Exercises:
- Body weight exercises
- Push-ups
- Squats
- Resistance band exercises
- Weights & Kettlebells
- Resistance training machines
Health Tip: Additional Information
Sarcopenia is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenia can negatively affect your quality of life. Explore the links below to learn more about this condition and strategies to help prevent or reverse its negative effects.
June 3, 2023
Additional Alzheimer’s Information
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s stages: How the disease progresses – Mayo Clinic
May 27, 2013
Additional Resources for The Sacrament of the Sick and Spiritual care for people who are sick, elderly or dying (May 27-28, 2023 bulletin):
Pope Francis, Teaching on Sacrament of the Sick:
Order of Malta, American Association, USA:
https://orderofmaltaamerican.org/2016/08/02/sacramental-care-for-the-sick/
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Anointing of the Sick: https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/377/
May 21, 2023
Additional Content for Health & Wellness Corner Health Tips for May 20 & 21, 2023 on CELIAC DISEASE
If symptoms last more than 2-3 weeks, contact primary care physician or gastroenterologist. If diagnosed with positive celiac disease, contacting a dietician will help to get one on the right path
Read the following information about Celiac Disease from the Cleveland Clinic.
- How do you know you have celiac?
- How are you tested?
- What are the treatments?
- What is the outlook if you have been diagnosed?
- What are long term complications?
- Living with Celiac!
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14240
Celiac Cookbook for Children: Gluten-Free Kids Recipes | BeyondCeliac.org
May 14, 2023
May 7, 2023
Additional Content for Health & Wellness Corner Health Tips for May 7, 2023 on Arthritis
There are many forms of arthritis in addition to osteoarthritis, which is the most common form. Read on for more information from the CDC and Arthritis Foundation about the various forms of arthritis, and exercise and dietary recommendations.
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/types.html
Programs and Info as of August 1, 2022
New Suicide Hotline now Live nationwide
Program options for late summer and fall
Virtual Program sponsored by Hartford Hospital
August 12, 2022, 6-7pm Virtual Class:
The following programs are in person and held at the church.
If a program indicates “pre-registration required” please call the rectory or sign up on a registration sheet if available in the church vestibule.
Nutrition Series
Wednesday Sept 7 & 14
6-7:30 pm
Healthy Eating with Marisa
Pre-registration is required.
Speaker Marissa McCoy, Nutritionist
Join Marisa, your very own dietitian, from ShopRite of Wallingford in a two-week series on healthy cooking, shopping and eating!
Session one will include a food demo on a fall themed healthy appetizer and information on healthier cooking swaps and grocery shopping tips.
Session two is TBD. Tasty food samples of course are always included!
Blood Pressure Screening
Sunday Sept 11
7:30am-12noon
All are welcome to stop by for this important health screening. No pre-registration is required. One of our health care providers will be available from 7:30am to 12 noon to check your blood pressure in a private setting and record the result on a wallet card for your convenience. Enjoy breakfast prepared and served by our very own Men’s League!
Cyber Safety Program
Wednesday Oct 5
6:30 – 8:00pm
Pre-registration is recommended
Speaker: Scott Driscoll, President, Internet Safety Concepts
In today’s ever growing technological world, new trends and programs are developed to improve our lives. With this constant surge of new information and programs available, communication and the world is a click or text away. But with all these new advances, come new dangers and concerns. Parents need to be aware of the technology their children are using and the trouble that can follow if safety rules are not in place. Please join us for an informative and eye-opening evening.
Bereavement Dinner/Speaker Program
Wednesday, November 2
Before Bereavement Mass
Speaker: TBD
Invitations for this program will be mailed to those who have lost a loved one in the last year. The program will be held before the Bereavement Mass and will include a talk and dinner.
_________________________________________
May 15, 2022
The Health & Wellness Ministry again hosted a Blood Pressure screening event after all morning masses on May 15, 2022 with lots of great feedback from the 25+ participants as well as the health care volunteers who provided their expertise. Thank you to Dan & Les Carmody and Ann Marie Bonvini for volunteering their time and making this such a success. We look forward to our next one in the fall, please look for the date in the bulletin and plan to stop by!
The Health & Wellness Ministry would also like to acknowledge the ongoing contribution of the Carmodys through their business, Survival Group, in maintaining the church’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) located in the votive candle holders room in the rear of the church. We are grateful for your generosity in maintaining this life-saving piece of equipment.
Anita DeAngelo,
APRNCo-Chair, Health & Wellness Ministry
_________________________________________
March 2022
As we begin the Lenten season and see the early daffodils and crocuses poking their blooms through what is left of the snow, the spirit of renewal and rebirth also blooms. In that spirit, it is a good time to recommit to our personal goals, our relationship with God, our church community, and our also our good health.
Good health is not just a goal, it is a process….below are a few ideas to consider for your process.
Longer and warmer days are coming, which means we can get back to outside activities like walking. If you have not been walking or doing any regular exercise during the winter months start slow….a nice brisk 10 minute walk most days is a good start. Build up slowly, add 5-10 minutes a week. Set a goal for your daily time, 30 minutes a day of brisk walking or other moderate exercise has great health benefits. Bring a friend or join a class, exercise can be fun in the right setting. If arthritis or other health issues are a concern, check with your healthcare provider… Tai Chi or work outs focusing on joint mobility, flexibility, strength and balance may be right for you.
Another great spring activity is planning a garden. There are so many options including inside pot or hydroponic gardens which grow all year, or outside traditional, raised or pot garden beds. Fresh vegetables are an important part of any healthy diet. Fresh herbs are easy to grow and add flavor to any dish. Pick a few of your favorites. Vegetables like lettuce, onions and carrots do better planted earlier in the season while other vegetables like tomatoes, corn and squash grow well through the summer. Do an online search, or visit your favorite local nursery for some in person advice on what to plant and where and when to plant it.
For those with allergies and asthma, spring brings pollen and other allergens, be sure you have your inhalers, allergy medications and Epi-pens (if prescribed by your doctor) ready to go. Check expiration dates and replace expired medications as needed.
COVID appears to be on the wane, but there is strong evidence that even healthy vaccinated and boosted individuals can get COVID. If you are 65yrs old, have chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease or if you are significantly overweight discuss with your healthcare provider if precautions are still appropriate for you before you retire your masks and return to crowded social gatherings.
Many of us have not kept up with our routine visits with our primary care providers and health screenings. Now that COVID cases are decreasing it is a good time to catch up. Make an appointment for your routine health physical, screening exams such as mammograms, colonoscopy, and immunizations. These preventative strategies are proven to be tried and true measures that promote good health, detect early disease or prevent disease altogether.
Check out program offerings such as Bp screening listed below.
Wishing all a happy healthy Lenten season and spring!
We again hope to have events scheduled throughout the year to address a wide variety of health needs for our parishioners. Our goal is to enhance the lives of our parishioners in body, mind and spirituality.
Recommendations:
Hartford Health Care publishes a newsletter for seniors filled with lots of great information. Here’s a link: https://hhcseniorservices.org/file%20library/publications/my%20healthy%20advantage/advantagenews-sping-2022.pdf
There has been a great deal of discussion about online safety and how social media affects us. There is a great documentary on Net Flicks entitled: The Social Delema. We cannot completely avoid social media today but understanding how it works will help us avoid its dangers.
_________________________________________
Past Events
Quarterly Blood Pressure Screening: Health Ministry volunteers will again be available to check your blood pressure on September 8, 2019 after all morning masses. Come visit us in the conference room off the vestibule. New and repeat parishioners welcome! We will provide you with your blood pressure measurement in writing, resources for follow up if needed, and a wallet card where serial blood pressures can recorded. If you have not had your blood pressure checked this year, or take medications for blood pressure please take advantage of this free screening.
June 2, 2019: Quarterly Blood Pressure Screening
We had a record 42 parishioners come in to have their blood pressure checked with referrals recommended as appropriate for follow up.
May 22, 2019: Coping with Grief Program
Twenty five parishioners participated in this program by Sr Catherine Mary Clarke, FSE, LCSW. Sr Catherine provided insights into the grieving process and strategies and resources to assist in coping with the loss of a loved one. This program was extremely well received by those participating and we are hopeful to have follow up sessions.
April 3, 2019: How to Help your parents age with Grace
This well attended program was given by Marc Levesque, Senior Resource Case Manager at Midstate Medical Center and our parishioner and Parish Council member who reviewed resources available for caregivers of older adults.
March 3, 2019: Mindfulness for Parents Program
Amanda Voto, PA discussed how to be “present” in the lives of their children in the hectic life that is the reality for most parents of young children.
February 6, 2019: Strength and Balance Assessment Program
This “hands on” program by MaryBeth Vientos, Physical Therapist from Ivy Rehab included an individual assessment of strength and balance of every participant . She also provided important tips and resources as well as gift bags for each participant.
January 9, 2019: Kick Off to Weight Loss for 2019
Marissa McCoy, Registered Dietician at ShopRite reviewed practical tips and menus suggestions for healthier eating and invited participants to schedule an individual meetings at her office at ShopRite to review personalized menus for special requirements such as diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarian preferences or more generalized guidance regarding good nutrition. She even offers to shop with you in the store. She provided healthy snacks during her talk and written guidelines.
