Health & Wholeness
Mission Statement
The parish nurse and the health and wholeness team will implement programs to promote health and wellness in the congregation and community, by educating people about their role, resources and options about their health, so all can achieve the wholeness planned by God.
Hospital Care Bags
At some time in our life we will probably find ourselves sitting in an emergency or hospital waiting room while a loved one is receiving medical care. Knowing that others care and having some of the basic comforts such as a soft wrap for warmth can make this experience more bearable. As a new ministry to show Christ’s compassion, we now have a supply of hospital care bags that will be kept in the church office. These can be picked up when you are heading to the hospital to support someone while they are waiting. There is no charge, although we would love to hear the stories of how you were able to share these bags with others. If you have any questions, or would like to share your experience, please contact Betsy McKeeby, our parish nurse, by email or through the church office.
The Health Ministry Team
Health and wholeness ministries support the journey of this congregation and community toward a balance of physical, emotional, spiritual and social health. The Health Ministry Team and parish nurse identify the needs of the congregation and then provide resources to help individuals make informed decisions about their health and ways to maintain wellness.
This ministry team plans and coordinates programs/classes regarding any aspect of improving the health of a person. Emphasis is given to activities that will decrease the major causes of premature death, i.e. heart and vascular problems, cancer, breathing problems, accidents and diabetes. Programs regarding a medical diagnosis emphasize knowledge to help the person directly or indirectly impacted by the problem. All programs support the use of spiritual beliefs and activities to deal with attitudes which negatively impact health, such as stress, anger, hopelessness and powerlessness. Written material and a bulletin board provide detailed information on specific topics.
Blood Pressure Screenings
Screenings for blood pressure will be held at FUMCWP between church services. Betsy McKeeby, our parish nurse, will be available to perform this service. No registration is required for the screenings. There are no more dates scheduled in 2008, but check back soon for 2009 opportunities.
CPR and AED Training: The church has two automatic external defibrillator (AED). One is located in the ushers' closet near the Sanctuary and the second is in the Family Life Center kitchen. Parish Nurse Betsy McKeeby will continue to regularly offer classes to groups of four to six people who want to learn CPR and use of the AED. Contact Betsy McKeeby to schedule this 1 1/2 hour free course. All ushers and group leaders are encouraged to get this training. Four-hour Basic Life Support (BLS) Training with certification is also offered regularly by appointment. Recovery of infants through adults is included. Contact Betsy McKeeby to schedule.
Personal Counseling by licensed mental health counselors is available at the church through the Community Counseling Center of St. Lukes. Please call 407-876-4991 for an appointment. This is a fee-based service.
Alzheimer Counseling is available for caretakers or others impacted by Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia. The family counselor from the Alzheimer Resource Center is available by appointment. Contact Betsy McKeeby for more information.
Brain Fitness
This is a two day/week program based on a cutting edge model for memory wellness. This socially and cognitively stimulating model is set to enhance or maintain cognitive functioning for individual success and enjoyment. Our participants have suffered stroke, cognitive impairment, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease - but is specifically designed for those in early stages of a memory disorder. For more information on this program, contact Peggy Bargmann, Program Administrator at 407.774.6274 or email Brain Fitness directly. This group meets from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Medical Supplies including wheelchairs, walkers and crutches are available for use as needed. Please contact Betsy McKeeby to check on equipment availability.
Other Support Groups:
NA, AA and SAA hold meetings regularly on our campus. Contact the church office for room assignments and schedule.
What is a parish nurse? – A parish nurse is a registered nurse working in the church to assist members to become more aware of their health and ways to move toward wholeness. Parish nurses act as health counselors, educators, community resource liaisons and integrators of faith and health. Contact the church office at 407-644-2906 if these services are needed.
