Quick Links
The Parish Nurse Office is located in the Session Room at the bottom of the stairs. Office hours are every Tuesday from 9:00 - 11:00AM. The parish nurse is also available any time of the week by contacting the church office. A Blood Pressure Clinic is held on the 3rd Sunday of the month after morning worship, while a Health Spot is presented the first Sunday of the month at Junior Worship. Check the bulletin board in the hallway leading to the office for timely health information. The parish nurse also writes an article, which contains pertinent health information, for the church newsletter.
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What is the Parish Nurse Program?
The Parish Nurse Program is a partnership between Trinity Regional Health Care System and Churches in the Quad Cities and surrounding region. It allows congregations to expand their healing ministries. The program takes a holistic approach to health care by promoting wellness in body, mind, and spirit. The goal of the Parish Nurse Program is to help individuals stay well and to create a feeling of deeper caring throughout the community. This is the third year Bettendorf Presbyterian Church has been involved in this program.
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Who is a parish nurse and what are her responsibilities?
Parish Nurses are persons of faith who are registered nurses and they have received special education in holistic health care. They promote wellness within the congregation. Parish nurses can provide personal health counseling, develop educational programs, link parishioners with community resources, assist with visits to the homebound and hospitalized, facilitate support groups, and interpret the relationship between faith and health. Parish nurses can also assist families in times of crisis and help provide continuity of care as people move through the health care system. The services offered by parish nurses are tailored to meet the needs of the congregation they serve. There is no fee for the care provided.
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What makes one truly healthy?
You might answer, “Not to be sick, to be well, or to be free of disease.” This could be true of any of us, yet we may still be unhealthy. Health encompasses more than just being free of disease. Each human being is a body, a soul, a mind, and is connected to others by relationships. We must have balance between all four parts or our entire being will be affected and we will not have health and wholeness.
The Bible tells us in Luke 2:52 (RSV), "Jesus increased in wisdom (mind) and in stature (body), and in favor (in favorable relationship) with God and man, (with family and neighbors). So should we strive to have balance and to be in harmony with our body, mind, spirit, and in relationships. Then we will have total health and wellness!
“How Did You Sleep?”
This is a question that some people are unable to answer. For thousands of Obstructive Sleep Apnea sufferers a “ good night’s sleep” is actually very poor. Even though several hours are spent sleeping, this common disorder is robbing then of the rest they need. Left untreated this condition can contribute to a progressively diminished state of health.
Consequences of Untreated Sleep Disorders
A. Increased risk factors of:
- Heart attack
- Heart arrhythmia
- Increased blood pressure
- Brain Attack (stroke)
- Vascular Disease
- Traffic accidents
- Mood disorders
- Memory problems
- Reduced job security
- Family and social problems
B. Diminished quality of life.
C. Reduced life expectancy.
The following questions are to help assess if you or someone you know should ask a physician about OSA. Please answer them with your spouse or someone who observes your sleep.
1. Do you snore, especially if the snoring is irregular, as if you’re holding your breath?
2. Do you feel very sleepy during parts of the day?
3. Do your arms or legs twitch while you sleep?
4. Do you ever awaken feeling breathless?
5. Do you ever awaken with leg cramps?
6. Do you feel tired or non-refreshed upon rising?
7. Do you move or thrash about in your sleep?
8. Do family or friends comment about your loud snoring?
9. Are you unable to stay awake during the day?
10. Has your bed partner ever been struck by you as you slept?
11. Do you snort, grunt or gasp as you breathe while sleeping?
12. Has your restless behavior at night caused a bed partner to sleep somewhere else?
13. Have you ever awakened in a place other than where you went to sleep?
14. Are you tired a few hours after waking up?
15. Do you have an urge to sleep during the day or evening?
16. Do you often wake up with a headache?
17. Do your legs cramp or ache during the day?
18. Have you ever fallen asleep while working, driving, talking, etc.?
19. Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with sleep apnea?
20. Do you need caffeine to stay awake or alert?
Answering Yes to any of these indicates that OSA may be a possibility. Please see me if you have any questions or talk with your doctor.
May Health Be With You
Your Parish Nurse, Sharon Pipe