HEALTH & WELLNESS MINISTRY

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL HEART MONTH

TIPS FROM THE SEMINAR

1. Read your bible- The scripture teaches in Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

2. Read daily inspirational faith based material- this could be the daily bread, devotional books you may have collected over the years, getting information from inspirational websites or inspirational pages on social media. It is important to intentionally create a space to allow God to be the leader of our lives.

3. Meditation- Meditation is important and I prefer to use meditation with prayer. When we slow down (which Covid 19 has made us do) it allows us to place an intentional focus on what we want, and what we are taught. It is important to create space to think about what the Lord has for us to do and how He wants us to lead our lives and trust in Him.

4. Interactions with others- zoom meeting, texts, phone calls, driveway and outdoor visits are important…even if for 5 minutes. God created us to have interactions with others, and to be together with one another. Being isolated can breathe life into fear and anxiety, so it is good to get out and interact with others. 1 Thessalonians states in Chapter 5 verse 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. And Hebrews 10:25reads…not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. **It is also healthy to set limits too...if you are not comfortable meeting with people, even if it meets CDC guidelines, its ok...your no means no...people will try to push through your boundaries that you have set for yourself and it is ok to keep the limits you have set for yourself.****

5. Finding a routine- Do you make up your bed in the morning? Do you pray before you start the day? Do you exercise? Do you drive around to get out of your house? It is important to try to create a routine that is safe, but it is also important to breathe fresh air and step outside of your home.

6. Last, but not least, if you feel as though that you are having a difficult time, seek a counselor or pastoral counseling. I have been seeing people in a safe way (via telehealth) so people can express their concerns and seek and develop strategies to manage any symptoms they may be experiencing. If you need more information about how to get in contact with a counselor, I have provided you all with a resource and referral list. There is a stigma that exists in our community, with seeing counselors, but I do believe God gives us tools to deal with situations in this world and one of those tools can be counseling. I saw a t -shirt that stated “Dear black people, it is okay to pray and go to therapy too.”

Resources

Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck Community Service Board

5372B Old Virginia St, Saluda, VA 23149

Phone: (800) 542-2673

Old Town Counseling

1041 Sharon Rd.
Suite 203
King William, VA 23086
(804) 491-5691

Thriveworks

Telehealth counseling (540) 322-5424

Betterhelp

Telehealth counseling -contact by email contact@betterhelp.com

Below, I have attached a guide to several resources in your area, including emergency services, domestic violence resources, Substance Abuse and counseling referrals, transportation, etc.

http://www.kingandqueenco.net/html/Govt/socdocs/King_and_Queen_County_Resource_Guide.pdf

Also, if you are in need of insurance or want to learn more about what insurance you are eligible for, please refer to www.coverva.org

July/August Awareness Information

Extreme Heat Information

Summer temperatures in Virginia normally climb into the upper 90’s and even reach

over 100 degrees at times. The hot temperatures and high heat indexes can cause ill

health effects.

The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. It is important to stay hydrated and seek cool temperature environments until the heat subsides.

Here are some tips to avoid heat-related illness during the summer:

Drink water. When the temperature rises, it is important to drink plenty of water. Drinks that contain caffeine, large amounts of sugar or alcohol should be avoided because they can cause you to become dehydrated.

Keep cool indoors. On hot days, prevent illness by keeping cool indoors. If your home is not air conditioned, try to spend the hottest hours of the day in a cool public place such as a library, movie theater, or store.

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin.

Limit physical activity. Avoid excessive physical exertion in hot temperatures, especially in the middle of the day. If you must work outdoors, stay hydrated by drinking 2-4 glasses of water each hour and take frequent breaks in a cool place. Even a few hours in an air-conditioned environment reduces the danger of heat-related illness.

Do not keep children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside a car with windows up can reach over 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death.

Check on your neighbors. Although anyone can suffer heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. People aged 65 or older are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses and complications that can result during periods of high temperatures and humidity.

Heat-Related Weather Terms:

Understanding heat-related weather terminology can help you and your family prepare for hot weather.

Heat Index: A measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature.
Excessive Heat Outlooks: When the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days.
Excessive Heat Watches: When conditions are favorable for an excessive heat in the next 24 to 72 hours.
Excessive Heat Warning/Advisories: Issued when an excessive heat is expected in the next 36 hours.

Signs & Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness:

Several heat-related health conditions can cause serious health problems. When temperatures are on the rise, watch for the following symptoms:

Dehydration— Dehydration is caused by the excessive loss of water and salts from the body due to illness or from prolonged exposure to heat. Severe dehydration can become a life-threatening condition if not treated.

Heat Cramps— Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy physical activity in hot environments. Muscles most often affected include those of your calves, arms, abdominal wall and back. If you are suffering from heat cramps, rest for several hours and drink clear juice or an electrolyte-containing sports drink.

Heat Exhaustion— Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt from sweating during hot temperatures. The elderly, people who work outside and people with high blood pressure are most at risk of heat exhaustion. Continued exposure may lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening.

Heat Stroke— Heat stroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or by doing physical activity in hot weather. Sweating has usually stopped and your body temperature becomes too high; body temperatures can reach as high as 106 degrees in 15 minutes. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and you should seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke.

We would like to give Kudos to all the essential workers at EBC and surrounding communities for their hard work, patience with others and endurance to serve others during this demanding and uncomfortable time in our lives.

~EBC Health & Wellness Team

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE CORONAVIRUS

All information comes from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

EBC FAMILY LIFE

Ministry Mission:

To edify lives by providing resources, information, health screenings and/or other programs that will enhance awareness and increase knowledge about what it takes to keep God’s temple.

Ministry Vision:

To empower individuals to take active roles in managing their health and modifying their behaviors to make a life style change in order to live longer. The ministry will attend to the physical, psychosocial and spiritual scopes of each person.

Ministry Scripture Reference:

“Do you want to get well?” – John 5:6b, NIV

Ministry Description/Purpose:

To provide accurate and meaningful education, programs, activities and focus to address health issues pertinent to each congregational member and the community it serves.

To provide ongoing educational seminars, workshops, health screenings for the members.

To provide access to a variety of healthcare professionals and organizations.

The ministry will focus on the body, mind and spiritual aspects of the individual.

To bring healing, health and wellness to all.

This will include blood pressure, glucose screenings, exercise programs and spiritual counseling, etc. to the congregation and community on a regular basis.

To partner with various local organizations to maximize resources that will allow individuals to improve their health.

Health Information is shared through the following: