Marshfield Area Parish Nurse Development Project

Spiritual Heart Failure. . . Heart disease is the #1 killer of American men and women. Heart failure affects some 4.6 million Americans. Roughly 550,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure every year. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65. But, it doesn’t have to be. There are many steps you can take to prevent and manage heart disease and live a long, healthy life. What is Heart Failure? Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working. Rather, it means that the heart’s pumping power is weaker than normal. With heart failure, blood moves through the heart at a slower rate, and pressure in the heart increases. As a result, the heart cannot pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the body’s needs. The chambers of the heart respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body. This helps to keep the blood moving, but in time, the heart muscle walls weaken and are unable to pump as strongly. As a result, fluid builds up the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs or other organs, the body becomes congested. Congestive heart failure is the term used to describe the condition. What are the Symptoms of Heart Failure? ♥ Congested lungs, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. ♥ Rapid or irregular heartbeats. ♥ Dizziness, fatigue and weakness: Less blood to your major organs and muscles makes you feel tired and weak. Less blood to the brain can cause dizziness or confusion. What is the bottom line? One of the major risk factors for heart disease is a sedentary (inactive) lifestyle. By now you may be wondering where am I going with this? Simply this. . .if a sedentary or inactive lifestyle is one of the major risks for heart disease then is a sedentary or inactive spiritual lifestyle one of the major risks of a spiritual heart

Volume 5, Issue 4: November, 2002

disease. . .Spiritual Heart Failure. What is Spiritual Heart Failure? Spiritual heart failure does not mean the heart is spiritually dead. Rather, it means that the heart’s pumping power is weaker than normal. With spiritual heart failure, acts of charity and generosity moves through the heart and body at a slower rate, and pressure in the heart increases because off our material excess. As a result, the heart cannot pump enough acts of kindness to meet the needs of those around us. The chambers of the heart respond by stretching to hold more of our selfishness to pump through our body. This helps to keep the blood moving, but in time, the muscle walls in our spiritual heart weaken and are unable to pump as strongly. What are the Symptoms of a Spiritual Heart Failure? ♥ Congested lungs, our difficulty in breathing in the Holy Spirit and shortness of breath. ♥ Rapid or irregular heartbeats, from holding on to so much stuff. ♥ Dizziness, spiritual fatigue and weakness of a generous heart. In our culture we have a strong tendency towards individualism. We are self-sufficient, we put up fences to keep outsiders out and we close ourselves in. Over time, individualism turns into indifference. Indifference is the lack of emotion or lack of interest. Indifference leads to a failure to address the needs of others around us. I recall the slogan for the classified section in one of the Twin Cities’ newspapers, “You want it! Get it! Got it! Good!” We live in a society where “I will take care of myself, I come first.” We load up on materials goods; such as the latest fashion in clothes, the fastest machine on the market, whether it be a boat, snowmobiles, jet-ski, or ATV. . . We rent or build storage space and we pack it in, not that we really need it, but simply because its mine, all mine. When our lives are congested with material stuff. . .we fail to see the needs of others, our spiritual eyes be-

come clouded and indifference settles in our heart and runs through our body This is the point of a spiritual heart failure. What Does Scripture Tell Us About An Indifference Attitude to the Needs of Others? In the third chapter of the Book of Revelation, we hear these words: 15 “I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, “I am rich and affluent and have no need for anything,’ and you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (NAB) These are strong words!! It continues: 19 “Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.” (NAB) Is God knocking on your door?? Here is a story titled: St. Martin & The Shirt Off His Back When he was only ten, Martin decided on his own initiative to become a catechumen. As the son of a military man, however, he was forced into the army against his will when he was fifteen. While he was serving his duty, there was an incident and a vision,

Inside This Issue. . . Spiritual Heart Failure — continued . . . . .2 International PN Resource Center. . . . .2 WWHF Rural PN Scholarship Awarded. . .3 In the Spotlight: Viterbo University. . . . .3 Central Wisconsin Welcomes PNs. . . . . . 4 Parish Nurse Update: Concordia. . . . . .4 GrapeVine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Education Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Ministry Health Care PN Meeting. . . . . . .4 Parish Nurse Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 **From Bethel to Ur; Mental Illness National Diabetes Awareness Month. . . . .6 Holidays and Grief. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 From The Parish Nurse’s Desk. . . . . . . . . 7 **Influenza; Violence; Smoking; Babies

well-known in tradition and art, which changed his life. On a bitterly cold day, Martin meet a poor man, hardly clothed, trembling in the cold and begging from passersby at the city gate. The young soldier had nothing but his weapons and his clothes. He drew his sword, cut his cloak in two, gave one-half to the beggar and wrapped himself in the other half. Some of the onlookers mocked him, dressed like that; others were ashamed for having ignored the man’s misery. In his sleep that night, Martin saw Christ dressed in half of the garment he had given away, and heard him say, “Martin, still a catechumen, has covered me with this garment.” As a result, the story goes, Martin straight-away “flew to be baptized.” St. Martin listened! He heard our Lord knocking at the door. He heard His voice and opened the door. He provided the beggar with what little he had. He had a vision of Christ wrapped in the cloak he have to the beggar and he immediately ran to receive Baptism, to be received into Christ. This is what it means to be baptized, “I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” Christ comes into us. . .through our baptism we have received Christ, in the Eucharist we eat with Christ, “I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” Indifference is a dangerous disease to have as a Christian. Fortunately, indifference is a risk factor that we can do something about. Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has many benefits. Or, if you will, a regular prayer life, especially spiritual aerobic exercise. I am talking about frequenting Our Lord in prayer and asking for forgiveness and mercy for the times we have been lazy in looking after the needs of those around us. When we approach and ask Our Lord for His forgiveness then our hearts are purified and set free from the stuff that otherwise only leads towards an attitude of indifference. We can take care and alleviate the: ♥ Congested lungs, our difficulty in breathing in the Holy Spirit and the shortness of breath. ♥ Rapid or irregular heartbeats, from holding onto so much stuff. ♥ Dizziness, spiritual fatigue and weakness of a generous heart. A healthy heart is a loving heart that reflects the goodness that has its source in God. A healthy heart will not consider the amount of time and energy it takes

to bring hope and compassion to those who are despairing. A healthy heart is a strength that everyone longs for in our present day. As the winter months approach, what are some ways we can give of our hearts? ♥ Have a garage sale and give proceeds to a worthy charity or ♥ If you can’t sell it, then give it away to someone who could use it. My gratitude to Father Daniel Hackel, Parochial Vicar, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Marshfield for sharing with a generous heart, this writing.

Greetings from St. Louis, and from the International Parish Nurse Resource Center! As you are probably aware, Advocate Health Care in Chicago closed the International Parish Nurse Resource Center (IPNRC) on December 31, 2001 and asked Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries (DPNM) in St. Louis to continue its programs. Under the direction of Ann Solari-Twadell, the IPNRC had pioneered research, education, and support for parish nursing. We are honored to continue the Westberg Symposium and other aspects of this important work. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we have received this year: Who is on your staff? Our staff includes Alvyne Rethemeyer, RN, MSN, Director of Parish Nursing ([email protected]), Sheryl Cross, RN, MSN, M.Div., Associate Director ([email protected]), Carolyn Loeffler, Office Manager ([email protected]), and me, Rev. Deborah Patterson, Executive Director ([email protected]). Both Alyvne and Sheryl bring a wealth of experience in parish nursing, nurse education, and program management. I have worked in local parishes and in 2

health administration, as well as in grant making in health-related fields. Together, we bring over 25 years of experience in the field of health ministry. Where are you located? We are located on the campus of Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Our mailing address is 475 E. Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119. Our telephone number is 314-918-2559, our fax is 314-918-2558, our website is www.parishnurses.org. What is your organization called? Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries (DPNM) is now home to the International Parish Nurse Resource Center. For our local parish nurse network in St. Louis, we use the name DPNM, and for our other parish nurse educational programs, research, and support, we will use the name IPNRC. Will you continue the work of the IPNRC? We will continue most programs of the IPNRC, including the Westberg Symposium, support of the curriculum developed through the IPNRC, and educational classes. We had a great Symposium this year – visit our website (www.parishnurses.org) for photos and a copy of Rev. Ellerbrake’s lecture. Our theme for next year is “Discovering the Mystery in Parish Nursing” - information is on our website about that, as well. Please note that the location of the hotel has changed to the Adam’s Mark in St. Louis. Do you still have books and pins available? We will have parish nurse pins, course completion certificates, and blood pressure cards at our office. Please call 314-918-2559 to order these items. Books and videos may be purchased at the Eden Bookstore (toll-free 877-627-5653). The catalog is available on our website at www.parishnurses.org Will you offer any classes? Yes, we will continue to offer the Parish Nurse Basic Preparation class, and also now offer the Parish Nurse Coordinator and Faculty Preparation classes. Will you honor the contracts with organizations offering the Basic Preparation Curriculum? Absolutely. They have been transferred to our office. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns. Can we still acquire the Curriculum? Yes, the Curriculum developed by the IPNRC is still available and will be updated soon. Will you honor Friends of the Center Memberships? Certainly. Friends of the

Center will continue to receive a subscription to Parish Nurse Perspectives from our office and discounts to the Symposium. We have been continuing all Friends’ memberships through the dates recorded by the IPNRC in Chicago. When memberships are about to expire, Friends receive a mailing from our office for renewal. The cost is currently $30 for a one-year subscription to Parish Nurse Perspectives. More information is on our website. Are you affiliated with a health system? The work of Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries began in 1989 at Deaconess Health System in St. Louis. The health system was sold in 1997, and Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries was retained as the sole programmatic asset of the Deaconess Foundation, which also received the financial assets from that sale. DPNM is currently a Limited Liability Company, with Deaconess Foundation as its sole corporate member. For more information on the Deaconess Foundation, please visit their website at www.deaconess.org. Are you affiliated with a particular Deaconess was denomination? started by clergy and laity of the Evangelical Synod of North America in 1889. That church was one of four denominations who later merged to become the United Church of Christ (UCC). We continue our affiliation with the UCC, but our parish nurses are from, and serve , a variety of denominations. The UCC was one of the two denominations to which Advocate Health Care was related, the other being the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). Are you related to other Deaconess Hospitals? Deaconess Hospital was staffed at its founding, and for many years, by Deaconess Sisters in the Evan ge lic al Ch u rch , who wer e “consecrated” into their ministry of the practice of nursing, to serve in the hospital and/or in the community. Their roots were in the Deaconess movement that started in Germany in the 1850’s, and grew strong in many denominations, including Lutheran and Methodist. Parish nursing has many similarities to the form of health ministry that Deaconess Sisters expressed in churches and the wider community. For more information on the Deaconess movement, please see our website, www.parishnurses.org

How many parish nurses do you have on staff? Currently, DPNM has 28 parish nurses serving churches in the St. Louis metropolitan area. In addition, we have been offering educational programs, as well as overseeing research efforts, throughout the Midwest region. Thank you for your patience and continued support during this transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact any of our office staff at any time. Sincere THANKS to Rev. Deborah L. Patterson, for accepting the invitation to update readers on DPNM and IPNRC

Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation Announces Fall 2002 Rural Parish Nurse Scholarship Recipients In October 2001, Sue Ann Thompson, President of the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, announced at the Wisconsin Nurses Association — Wisconsin Parish Nurse Coalition pre-conference, the availability of five (5) $500.00 scholarships for women in rural Wisconsin to apply towards tuition fees, enabling them to complete the Basic Parish Nurse Preparation course. In Spring 2002, two scholarships were awarded. This fall, the WWHF awarded two scholarships. Recipients are Robin Ellen Burke and Alice Martin. Robin (Cumberland) is completing Viterbo College’s Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Program which, through her efforts is being offered off campus in Rice Lake. Robin plans to apply the knowledge gained from taking this course to her everyday work and home, as well as develop a community Parish Nurse program for the Prairie Farm Faith United Methodist Church community and/or Cumberland United Methodist Church community. Robin is described as “compassionate, pleasant, diligent, cheerful, professional and with a very positive attitude. . . portraying God’s love for us all. . .she would fulfill the role of parish nurse beautifully.” Alice (Ladysmith) is attending the Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Program offered by Viterbo College. Alice’s personal experiences have helped her to “realize how important is it to address the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of all persons” and “believes as a 3

Parish Nurse, she can “bring the resources to the church and minister in a caring, creative, competent, respectful, and responsible manner.” Alice is described as a “very spiritually mature person. . .very loving and caring person who is naturally compassionate and empathetic. . . lives her Catholic faith daily; a very prayerful lady, who openly loves the Lord and shares that love with all she meets. . . is highly respected by all the churches in our community because of her sincere dedication and willingness to stay abreast of new ideas and developments in health care, keeping the patient’s well-being first. Congratulations to Robin and Alice! May God continue to bless and guide you and your faith community. Note: WWHF is funding five (5) $500.00 scholarships in 2003 for women in rural Wisconsin to attend a Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Course. Applications are due February 1, 2003. For information or applications: Contact Bobbie at 1-800898-8818 or [email protected].

Up Close & Personal ———

In the Spotlight..

Parish Nurse Programs

May God’s Hope and Peace Be With All of You! Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI is “home” to the Parish Nurse Ministry Program, which is endorsed by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center. It’s coordinator, Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN, teaches part-time for the university where she has taught parish nursing for the last six years. She has completed the Faculty Preparation Course sponsored by IPNRC for the Basic Parish Nurse Preparation and Basic Parish Nurse Coordinator Programs. Also, Ruth has been a parish nurse for nine years at St. Mary’s of the Assumption, Richland Center, WI. Upon completion of the Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Program, the participant will be able to: ♥ embrace the integration of faith and health as central to the PN role;

♥ demonstrate

knowledge, attitude, and skills to practice as a PN; ♥ value an inter-collegial peer system of support; ♥ identify a network for continuing development and support and ♥ commit to continued spiritual formation to more effectively understand and carry out the PN role. In August, Ruth attended the IPNRC’s Parish Nurse Faculty 4-day update for current and new faculty at the Pallotine Renewal Center in Florissant, MO. There were 27 new faculty, of which 14 were from 13 new Education Partner Institutions and 13 were replacement or added faculty from ongoing Education Partner Institutions. Also in attendance were 29 current faculty from Korea, Canada, and the United States (CA, KT, KA, FL, CO, SD, PA, TX, WV, IN, MA and WI). The new faculty focused on teaching the 21 modules of the Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Program Curriculum. There was discussion about reviewing and revising the modules in 2003. Viterbo University will be represented by Ms. Williams. The current faculty focused on “Hearing the Call and Nurturing the Spirit.” The days together ended with a Commission Service for new faculty and a rededication of the current faculty. Viterbo University also offers a Parish Nurse Coordinator Program. For more information or to schedule a Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Course or the Parish Nurse Coordinator Program, please contact Ruth Williams @ 608647-3280; [email protected] or 815 Ninth Street South, La Crosse, WI 54601. Thanks Ruth, for providing an update on Parish Nurse Programming at Viterbo University. Please also visit: www.parishnurseheartland.com

Wausau, Wisconsin Welcomes Our Newest Parish Nurses ♥ Trinity Lutheran Church/School—

LCMS, 501 Stewart Avenue, W ausau, welcomes Karen Zimmerman, RN, Parish Nurse ♥ Immanuel Lutheran Church— ELCA, 4024 Riverview Drive, Wausau welcomes Phyllis Hustedt, RN May God’s gentle hand lead them!

Parish Nurses Attend Concordia University Update on Parish Nursing Fifteen Parish Nurses from northern and central Wisconsin attended an October Parish Nursing update, sponsored by Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander. Environmental Assessment of the Church; Blood Pressure Ministry; Planning a Health Fair Using the Nursing Process and Self-Care Strategies were shared by Carol Lueders-Bolwerk, Dir., Parish Nurse Ministries, Concordia University, Mequon. Thanks Carol! Info: [email protected]

The GrapeVine Project Did You Hear? Parish Nurses in Oneida, Vilas, Brown, Outagamie, Marathon, Brown, Waupaca, and Winnebago Counties are participating in a rural women’s health outreach campaign in collaboration with the Wisconsin Well Woman Program/ Wisconsin Division of Public Health and the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation/Rural Women’s Health Program funded through a grant provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Pilot partners are the Wisconsin Parish Nurse Coalition and Ministry Health Care Parish Nurse Ministry Network. The GrapeVine Project provides rural Wisconsin women with information on breast and cervical cancer, increases their awareness of risk and directs them to their local healthcare provider and/or Wisconsin Well Woman Program. This is the first of a series of educational topics on women’s health that Parish Nurses will have the opportunity to present in their faith community. Through discussion, video, visualization of breast lump size progression when detected by a regular self-breast exam and receiving a mammogram as compared to that which is undetected due to lack of breast self-exam or regular mammograms; and hands-onpractice using a breast model, women learn healthy stewardship of their body. Early detection of cancer is our best action. A mammogram can find a lump in the breast years before it can be felt. A Pap test is used to detect cancer of the cervix—the opening of the womb. It All Starts With a Healthy Woman!!! 4

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Education Opportunities

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International Parish Nurse Resource Center—Parish Nursing Outcomes Measurement Tool Check: http://ipnrc.parishnurses.org/ westsymp2002outcomes.phtml 8th Annual Concordia Parish Nurse & Congregational Health Ministries Fall Conference “Growing Through Grief” November 8, 2002. Information: 262-243-2608 or [email protected]

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Aurora Health Care/Marquette Univ.

2/19: Men’s Health, 4/2: Women’s Health; 6/18 Children’s Health (2003) Contact: [email protected] 414-219-7401 (Sue Schaus) Parish Nurse Update Retreat March 21, 2003. Viterbo University Info @ [email protected] Int ernat ional Parish Nurse Resource Center Basic Prep Course for Parish Nurse Coordinators / Managers May 12 - 14, 2003 - St. Louis. Information: www.parishnurses.org or call 314-918-2559 11th Annual Concordia Conference for Parish Nurse and Congregational Health Ministries “Through Christ We Heal” June 4-6, 2003. Information: 262-243-2608 or [email protected] Perinatal Mood Disorders: Postpartum Depression — “You Can’t Tell By Looking” June 10, 2003 - Madison. Contact www.perinatalweb.org/foundation or Perinatal Foundation - 608-267-6200 18th Annual Westburg Symposium - St. Louis, MO “Discovering the Mystery in Parish Nursing” September 24–26, 2003.

Ministry Health Care Parish Nurse Ministry Network Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2003 Time: 9 a.m. — 12 Noon. Lunch to Follow Where: St. Michael’s Hospital 900 Illinois Avenue, Stevens Point Discussion: Networking, Updates, Local Happenings, Trials & Joys, Workshop: “Conducting a Healing Service” (tentative), Fellowship & More! Please RSVP: 715-389-3866

Please Join Us!!!

PARISH NURSE NOTES

From Ur to Bethel A congregational health survey identified exercise as an area of interest at First United Methodist Church, Wausau. The Health Cabinet was exploring ways of addressing this issue when one of the members spoke of a program she had seen in a wellness catalog called 10K A Day. The program is a four week physical activity program that "Gets Everyone Moving". The idea is to encourage people to become more active in their daily lives. 10K A Day is equal to 10,000 steps a day or approximately 5 miles. Every step counts! You do not have to be a marathon runner to increase your activity! The program is a kit that includes promotional material, pedometers, log cards and materials to keep participants interested during the 4 week time period. In addition 4 gifts were included with the initial packet. A CD with everything on it was another piece of the package. We decided it was worth purchasing the program and seeing how many we could enroll. Then the creativity began to flow. What could we do that would make it fun for church members? The idea surfaced about keeping track of the steps per week on a Biblical trip. We talked about Moses and his journey through the wilderness and then Abraham. Abraham’s journey was chosen. Research was completed to identify the route from old maps and calculate the number of steps between the cities of Ur and Bethel. An artist in the congregation enlarged the map on a poster board adding palm trees and camels. Then we had a medallion with Abraham and a camel on it. Each week as church members brought their steps in they were added together and Abraham was moved along the route. Progress reports were published in the bulletin weekly. There were 38 folks who participated. The distance from Ur to Bethel, according to our best calculations, is 3,206,000 steps. The distance traveled by our participants over 4 weeks was 7,961,826 steps approximately 3,981 miles. We ended up with Abraham doing 2.48 laps on the map. The

participants said they were surprised at how little they walked on some days and how much on others. There was a lot of conversation about the pedometers and curiosity of those seeing the activity. Some are already asking if we will be doing this again. Cost wise, we sold the pedometers to the participants and recovered the cost of our initial investment. Believe it or not, the week we started, September 22, a picture of Abraham was on the front page of Time magazine. We had a good time and increased the visibility of our Health Ministry as well. Note: 10K A Day program kits or a catalog of products can be ordered from Health Enhancement Systems. Call 1-800-326-2317 or visit their website @ www.hesonline.com. Mary Ann Dykes, RN, Parish Nurse [email protected]

The Congregation: A Community of Care and Healing—Mental Illness Awareness I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would be not one cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell. I awfully forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better it appears to me.” Abraham Lincoln Unless we seek out persons challenged by mental illness and get to know them personally and become informed about the disease, myths about mental illness will continue to surround us like a dense fog. Images that trigger stereotypes abound: A homeless person walking down the street, an enraged customer at a restaurant, or a student disappearing from college. Rarely do we associate mental illness with practicing professionals or figureheads from history like Lincoln, Churchill, Emerson, Dickinson, Tchaikovsky, Luther, and Tolstoy. According to researchers, nearly 10 percent of adults in America experience some form of depression in a given year. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States as well as the world. 5

As a “community of faith we are called reach out by helping overcome obstacles like: the fear of being with someone who has depression or schizophrenia, the inability to talk about mental illness when someone in our congregation is suffering or the desire to hide the fact that someone is mentally ill. People with these challenges tend to isolate themselves form others. A word of comfort or a note of encouragement can help by expressing our desire to stay connected! What else can we do to befriend those experiencing this type of pain? Here are some ideas pieced together from those who have “been there” and returned: ♥ Don’t tell me how it feels. Your attempt to identify with me may in fact increase my feeling of isolation. ♥ Don’t remind me of what a good person I am. Better to accept me for who I am now and love me just the same. Assure me that my illness has not changed how you feel about me. ♥ Don’t tell me to just “cheer up”. ♥ Please do not offer easy advice. It’s OK if you don’t know how to fix it. ♥ Help me get the professional help I need. Help me make good choices about m edical, spiritual and therapeutic resources. I may forget to thank you. I’m sorry. ♥ Help my family express their own feelings. ♥ Learn what you can about the type of mental illness I’m challenged with. ♥ Reassure me when I make efforts to connect. ♥ Pray for me, just as you would for someone suffering from a serious illness like diabetes or cancer. Sources: Befriender Curriculum, by Willard and Marcia Lund; National Alliance for the Mentally Ill @ 1-800-950-NAMI or www.nami.org; The Befriender Ministry Lending Library; and National Befriender Newsletter Summer 2002. Mindy Gribble, RN, Parish Nurse First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield Provided in recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 6-12

God only gives us what He feels we can handle. I only wish he didn’t have so much confidence in me. Mother Theresa of Calcutta

National Diabetes Awareness Month Diabetes: Trends & Practices Diabete s will be in epidem i c proportions by the year 2010 according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). There are approximately 17 million people in the United States with Diabetes, of those 5.9 million are unaware that they have the disease. It is imperative that we adhere to consistent screening techniques in order to identify those at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recom mends scre ening for all overweight people age 45 and older. It is further suggested that physicians consider screening adults younger than 45 if they are significantly overweight and have one of the following risk factors for diabetes or pre-diabetes: • Family history of Diabetes • Low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides • High blood pressure • History of gestational Diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds • Belong to a minority group (AfricanAmericans, American Indians, Hispanic American/Latinos, and Asian American/Pacific Islanders are at increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes). Pre-diabetes is considered to be a person with blood glucose levels higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Study identified that people with pre-diabetes can delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes by increasing physical exercise, eating a healthy diet and reduction of body weight by 5 to 10%. The significance of pre-diabetes is evidenced by a 50% risk of heart disease and stroke. The ADA provides diagnosing guidelines as follows: • Symptoms of diabetes plus casual plasma glucose concentration greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl. Casual is defined as any time of day without regard to time since last meal. The classic symptoms of diabetes include polyuria, polydipsia, and unexplained weight loss. • Fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl. Fasting being defined as no caloric intake for at

least 8 hours. • 2-hour plasma glucose greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl during an oral glucose tolerance test, using a glucose load containing the equivalent of 75g anhydrous glucose dissolved in water. It is critical that all persons with diabetes have education in order to understand the relationship between glycemic control and avoiding the complications related to this overwhelming disease. Parish nurses are in a position to direct persons who have diabetes or feel they may have diabetes to the appropriate health care providers for early intervention. It is this early intervention that will reduce the complications and perhaps the onset of Type 2 diabetes, thereby creating a healthier America. More Information: www.diabetes.org or www.niddk.nih.gov Susan Setterlund RN, CDE, CCM [email protected] St. Joseph's Hospital -Diabetes Center, 611 St. Joseph Avenue, Marshfield. 715-387-7351 or 1-800 559-9800 Thanks for you contribution! and &

Holidays & Grief

For individuals who have had a loved one die, the anticipation of the holiday season is often very stressful. Many wish they could just skip over it, but find that is not possible. Often changing the rituals, traditions and ways of celebrating the holidays is helpful. Life has changed since the death of the special person and traditions may be painful. They can, however, also be healing when transformed to address grief and incorporate the memories of the person who has died into the celebration. Planning ahead is important. Each family or individual can find rituals or re-create traditions to suit their special needs. It is important for those who are grieving to reflect on what their needs and feelings are and how the total spectrum of life’s joys and sorrows can be incorporated into the holiday celebration. It is also important that family and friends of these individuals encourage this reflection early in the holiday season. Ignoring the grief and 6

sadness will not make it go away. Some suggestions for a change would include: • Remember the person who has died by telling stories and sharing memories, lighting a special candle, praying or reading a poem. • Do something specific in the person’s memory. For example, if a child has died, take a toy to a sick child or do something special for children in a hospital. • Choose carefully what events to attend and whom you do them with. Don’t plan too much. Leave time for quiet reflection, time to mourn and cry. Grief has a place in your holiday. • Plan something different. Create a new ritual—for example, one person began a New Year’s tradition of inviting friends to a candle lighting ceremony where time is spent sharing past blessings and memories and lighting candles representing wishes and hopes to the New Year. Above all, give and receive permission to grieve. It can not be avoided and it does help an individual to heal. Rather than avoiding it, plan to make the grieving part of the celebration. Families and friends often find that being gi ven “permission” to speak of the person who died and the sharing of tears often adds a special significance to the celebration and they are grateful. “Celebrating” the holidays may not seem possible for the first, second or even fifth year after the death of someone you love, but it is. The celebration will be different, but it can be beautiful and meaningful. Accept that there will be times of sadness, but remember it is ok to feel good, to laugh and even to have fun. ~~~~~~~

Although you and your loved one will be apart, may the spirit of the holiday comfort your heart. May its message of peace be with you each day to help and guide you along life’s way ~~~~~~~

A heartfelt thanks to Chris Schmelling Bereavement Coordinator, Ministry Home Care — Hospice Services Stevens Point

We all have crosses to bear. Pray to accept our burdens with a grateful heart.

Teachable Moments in Our Faith Communities. . .From the Parish Nurse’s Desk Vaccinate Now!

Influenza and Pneumococcal Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). The flu usually spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and the virus is sent into the air. Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, the flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in people. In the United States, the peak of flu season can occur anywhere from late December through March. Each flu season is unique, but it is estimated that approximately 10% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and an average of 114,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications. About 20,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu. Please get your Influenza Vaccination! Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a type of bacteria called pneumococcus which is present in many people’s noses and throats. Why it suddenly invades the body and causes disease is unknown. Pneumococcal pneumonia (begins with high fever, cough, and stabbing chest pains), bacteremia, and meningitis. A complication of pneumococcal pneumonia is death (one of the most common causes of death in America from a vaccine-preventable disease). Pneumococcal vaccine is very good at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Get the vaccine if: • You are 65 years old or older. • You have a serious long-term health problem such as heart disease, sickle cell disease, alcoholism, lung disease (not including asthma), diabetes, or liver cirrhosis. • Your resistance to infection is lowered due to Hodgkin's disease; multiple myeloma; cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs; treatment with long-term steroids; bone marrow or organ transplant; kidney failure; HIV/AIDS; lymphoma, leukemia, or other cancers; nephrotic syndrome; damaged spleen or no spleen. • You are an Alaskan Native or from certain Native American populations. See: www.cdc.gov & www.cdc.gov/nip

November is..

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Intimate partner violence—or IPV—is actual or threatened physical or sexual violence or psychological and emotional abuse directed toward a spouse, ex-spouse, current or former boyfriend or girlfriend, or current or former dating partner. Intimate partners may be heterosexual or of the same sex. More women than men experience intimate partner violence. 1 out of 4 U.S. women has been physically assaulted or raped by an intimate partner; 1 out of every 14 U.S. men reported such an experience. Approximately 1.5 million women and 834,700 men are raped and/or physically assaulted by an intimate partner each year Intimate partner violence is associated with both short- and longterm problems, including physical injury and illness, psychological symptoms, economic costs, and death. As a consequence of severe intimate partner violence, female victims are more likely than male victims to need medical attention and take time off from work; they also spend more days in bed and suffer more from stress and depression. Each year, thousands of American children witness IPV within their families. The estimated yearly direct medical cost of caring for battered women is about $1.8 billion What can you do if you are a victim? Contact your local battered women’s shelter or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD) http://www.ndvh.org/. What can you do as a citizen? Learn more about intimate partner violence. Information is available in libraries, from local and national domestic violence organizations, and through the Internet. The more you understand intimate partner violence, the easier it will be to recognize it and help friends who may be victims. Source:http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc 7

Babies Positioned for Sleep The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) have teamed together to encourage safe sleeping practices for babies. CPSC data show the dangers associated with placing babies in adult beds, including: ⇒entrapment between the bed and wall, or between the bed and another object ⇒entrapment involving headboards, footboards or bed frames ⇒soft bedding-related hazards, such as suffocation on a pillow ⇒falls, sometimes into a pile of clothing or plastic, resulting in suffocation ⇒overlaying of the baby by another child or adult in the bed. The CPSC recommends: ⇒Don't place a baby to sleep in an adult bed or on soft bedding. ⇒Place babies to sleep on their backs in a crib that meets current safety standards and a firm, tight-fitting mattress. For additional info -- http://www.cpsc.gov/ cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02153.html. Shared by Mary Bradley, RN, MaternalChild Health Specialist for the Madison Department of Public Health (Thanks!)

Wisconsin Wants You to Quit Smoking Wisconsin has a stop-smoking program for older adults. By calling the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 1-877-270-STOP (7867), smokers age 65 and over can receive free nicotine patches and counseling. A combination of counseling with nicotine replacement therapy can double or triple quitting-smoking success. The program is available until the supply of free nicotine patches is exhausted. For information on stopping or preventing youth smoking visit the WI Children’s Initiative: www.smokefreewi.org. For free brochures: www.philipmorrisusa.com

What is it like to be Christian? Like a pumpkin! God picks you. He carves you a smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Parish Nurse Development Project Attn: Dorothy Flees, RN, PN 9522 County Road T Marshfield, WI 54449

Ways to serve the Lord: Use our talents wisely. Give God glory. Share our faith. Be pure in heart. Wear Christ’s crown of thorns. Give of our mites. Be merciful. Be meek but strong. Have compassion for others. Live each day in humbleness. We start with prayer—Change me, Lord. Crown of Thorns/Ruth Dexheimer Wishing You A Blessed Holiday Season

Listen to the words of God! Embrace them Lovingly! Live them Courageously!

Father Charles Stoetzel, St. John the Baptist Church, Marshfield

Invitation to Recipients! “And everyday, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching...” Acts 5:42 What are you sharing with your faith community? Won’t you please share with “The Heart of the Matter” readers. Send your articles to Dorothy Flees, 9522 County Road T, Marshfield, WI 54449. E: [email protected] Thanks!

A “Heartfelt Thanks!” to Ministry Health Care for supporting this publication by providing postage and printing and for your support of Parish Nursing!!

Parish Nurse Basic Preparation *Uses Curriculum developed by International Parish Nurse Resource Center

Parish Nurse display or Parish Nurses to speak about Health Ministry. . . Contact Dorothy Flees @ 715-389-3866 E-mail: [email protected]

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Concordia College: Moorhead, MN* Call 218-299-3893 Email: [email protected]

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Concordia University: Mequon, WI Call 262-243-2608 Email: [email protected]

Wisconsin Parish Nurse Coalition Steering Committee Leadership • JoAnn Boss, Chair • Linda Walker, Secretary • John Ujcich, Treasurer • Deborah Ziebarth, Program & Conference Chair • Dorothy Flees, Publications & Communications Chair • Vacant: Program Development & Nominations Committee Chair

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Marian College: Fond du Lac, WI Call 920-749-1045 Email: www.mariancollege.edu

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Viterbro University: LaCrosse, WI* Call 608-796-3670 E-mail: [email protected] or www.parishnurseheartland.com

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Edgewood College – Nursing Dept.* Call 608-663-2268 E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.wisconsinnurses.org

Contact: [email protected] 608-221-0383 or 1-800-362-3959

The International Parish Nurse Resource Center thanks you for your interest and support in parish nursing. Consider subscribing to “Parish Nursing Perspectives." If you have any questions, please contact them: 475 East Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119 Tele: (314) 918-2559 E: [email protected]. Web: www.parishnurses.org