| Parish Nurse Articles from the Tidings Archives |
Pandemic Influenza Planning
You can help with planning and knowing what to do. Be prepared!
Pandemics are global in nature and are likely to touch your family
and community when it happens.
Avian Flu- Bird Flu
This is a disease of wild and farm birds caused by Avian Flu viruses. These viruses do not usually affect humans. Since 1997 there
have been confirmed cases of human infection from this virus. Most happened from direct contact with infected birds, i.e.,
domesticated chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc. DO NOT HANDLE OR PICK UP DEAD BIRDS. The spread of Bird Flu viruses from
person to person is rare but has been reported to have happened to one person. A world wide pandemic could happen if the virus
changes. This virus has only been detected in domestic fowl. It is safe to eat properly cooked fowl as it destroys germs, including
the bird virus. Vaccines are under development but the process is slow and not available at this point. Seasonal flu vaccine will not
protect you from the bird virus but is important to get each year. Wild birds carry the virus but do not seem to be affected by it.
When a pandemic happens, social disruption may be wide spread so back up services may not be available. Schools may be
closed for an extended period of time, as well as, public transportation. Plan to be self sufficient in your home.
More than 5-20% of the population gets the seasonal flu each year. More than 200,000 are hospitalized and 36,000 die from flu.
Effects of a severe Bird Flu Pandemic could be much more damaging than seasonal flu.
Symptoms are similar to the common flu but have more severe complications. Healthy adults may be at an increased risk for serious
complications
Be prepared. Wash hands frequently, especially if anyone in your home is ill. More details are available on the bulletin board at the
west wing exit.
You can help with planning and knowing what to do. Be prepared!
Pandemics are global in nature and are likely to touch your family
and community when it happens.
Avian Flu- Bird Flu
This is a disease of wild and farm birds caused by Avian Flu viruses. These viruses do not usually affect humans. Since 1997 there
have been confirmed cases of human infection from this virus. Most happened from direct contact with infected birds, i.e.,
domesticated chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc. DO NOT HANDLE OR PICK UP DEAD BIRDS. The spread of Bird Flu viruses from
person to person is rare but has been reported to have happened to one person. A world wide pandemic could happen if the virus
changes. This virus has only been detected in domestic fowl. It is safe to eat properly cooked fowl as it destroys germs, including
the bird virus. Vaccines are under development but the process is slow and not available at this point. Seasonal flu vaccine will not
protect you from the bird virus but is important to get each year. Wild birds carry the virus but do not seem to be affected by it.
When a pandemic happens, social disruption may be wide spread so back up services may not be available. Schools may be
closed for an extended period of time, as well as, public transportation. Plan to be self sufficient in your home.
- Have a two week supply of food on hand with one gallon of water/person, as well as. medications. Food should be non-
perishable . - Stay healthy.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue and cough or sneeze into a tissue or sneeze into your bent arm or upper sleeve to avoid
the droplets getting into the room air. Dispose tissue into waste container . - Use soap and alcohol based hand cleaner or soap and water often.
- Stay at home if you are ill.
- Check with your doctor to order an extra supply of your regular prescriptions of meds.
- Have a supply of non-prescriptions medicines including pain relievers, stomach remedies cough and cold meds, fluids with
electrolytes and vitamins. - Keep cash on hand or travelers checks as banks or ATM's may be closed.
More than 5-20% of the population gets the seasonal flu each year. More than 200,000 are hospitalized and 36,000 die from flu.
Effects of a severe Bird Flu Pandemic could be much more damaging than seasonal flu.
Symptoms are similar to the common flu but have more severe complications. Healthy adults may be at an increased risk for serious
complications
Be prepared. Wash hands frequently, especially if anyone in your home is ill. More details are available on the bulletin board at the
west wing exit.
| The Hagerstown Church of the Brethren |
Keep Your Heart Happy and Healthy
Winter months are upon us and getting outside to exercise may be difficult. Finding other ways to keep active in your home like
stretching, bending, stair climbing and walking becomes important.
Keep track of what you eat. Eat heart healthy meals, if possible. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water to keep
hydrated.
Our skin seems to dry out during the winter months so it’s important to drink water and moisturize our skin for good health.
On the West Entrance bulletin board is a poster showing you what is important for good heart health. Please read and find out
what you can do for yourself to have a happy, healthy heart.
Winter months are upon us and getting outside to exercise may be difficult. Finding other ways to keep active in your home like
stretching, bending, stair climbing and walking becomes important.
Keep track of what you eat. Eat heart healthy meals, if possible. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water to keep
hydrated.
Our skin seems to dry out during the winter months so it’s important to drink water and moisturize our skin for good health.
- Good Health Guidelines
- Regulate blood pressure with medicine and diet.
- Don’t smoke!
- Keep track of your cholesterol numbers. Know your good (HDL) and bad (LDL). Control with medicine and diet.
- Eat right and exercise to keep your weight under control especially if you are a diabetic.
- Relax and control your stress.
On the West Entrance bulletin board is a poster showing you what is important for good heart health. Please read and find out
what you can do for yourself to have a happy, healthy heart.
| Hagerstown Church of the Brethren 15 S. Mulberry Street Hagerstown, MD 21740. Telephone: 301-733-3565. Fax: 301-733-3598. Office hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - noon & 1:00 –4:00 p.m. |
| MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren is to celebrate the love of Jesus Christ and glorify the Lord by striving to live as Christ lived, experiencing the power of God's healing in our lives. We seek to nurture our faith community through prayer, music and the proclaimed Word, while enthusiastically reaching out to others with compassion, respect and love for everyone so that we may grow in faith and commitment together. VISION STATEMENT Journeying with Christ Serving Our Neighbors Uniting at the Master’s Table |
Eight Healthy Habits for 2008
I. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. They provide cancer fighting antioxidants and help you add fiber to your
diet that helps you lose weight and maintain it. Keep in mind a serving of meat should be the size of a deck of cards to meet
your daily needs. Beans also provide plenty of protein in your diet.
2. Snooze and Win. Studies have shown that people that take a short midday nap, may reduce their risk of a heart attack by
reducing stress. Fifteen to twenty minutes is all you need.
3. Monitor Sun Exposure. Use a sunscreen even in the Winter Season. Just 15 minutes of sun daily supplies enough of the
'sun vitamins' you need. Take care of your skin as it is the largest organ of your body, and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Tanning is no longer a healthy look and ages your skin rapidly. Did you know that a one bad sunburn can set you up for a much
higher risk of skin cancer.
4. Laugh a Lot. Laughing is the closest thing to a workout for the abs. It releases serotonin and dopamine that enhances
feelings of well being. People who have a sense of humor and can laugh at life's issues can heal faster following traumas and
Surgery .Learn to look at the funny side whenever possible.
5. Add Color to Your Environment. Color lifts your spirits. Painting a room a cheery yellow or a soothing green can inspire
you to love your surroundings. Add color by using bright house plants to brighten your life in the winter. Add bright colored
cushions to your sofa for additional color.
6. Learn What Reduces Your Stress Level. Stress is often the cause for sleep problems, headaches and lack of energy
.Learn what relaxes you and practice it. Take charge of your body and be kind to it.
7. Exercise is Wise. Develop an exercise routine that works for you and schedule in your day. If you do not plan it, you plan to
fail in the follow through. Add some strength training to improve your bone density, muscle strength and overall fitness. Strive to
do 15-20 minutes three times weekly on alternate days along with your walking exercise of at least 30 minutes five days weekly.
8. Don't Worry. Be Happy. It is all up to you. Steer your life in the direction you choose that makes you happy. Create your own
future and take steps to accomplish your goals.
I. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. They provide cancer fighting antioxidants and help you add fiber to your
diet that helps you lose weight and maintain it. Keep in mind a serving of meat should be the size of a deck of cards to meet
your daily needs. Beans also provide plenty of protein in your diet.
2. Snooze and Win. Studies have shown that people that take a short midday nap, may reduce their risk of a heart attack by
reducing stress. Fifteen to twenty minutes is all you need.
3. Monitor Sun Exposure. Use a sunscreen even in the Winter Season. Just 15 minutes of sun daily supplies enough of the
'sun vitamins' you need. Take care of your skin as it is the largest organ of your body, and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Tanning is no longer a healthy look and ages your skin rapidly. Did you know that a one bad sunburn can set you up for a much
higher risk of skin cancer.
4. Laugh a Lot. Laughing is the closest thing to a workout for the abs. It releases serotonin and dopamine that enhances
feelings of well being. People who have a sense of humor and can laugh at life's issues can heal faster following traumas and
Surgery .Learn to look at the funny side whenever possible.
5. Add Color to Your Environment. Color lifts your spirits. Painting a room a cheery yellow or a soothing green can inspire
you to love your surroundings. Add color by using bright house plants to brighten your life in the winter. Add bright colored
cushions to your sofa for additional color.
6. Learn What Reduces Your Stress Level. Stress is often the cause for sleep problems, headaches and lack of energy
.Learn what relaxes you and practice it. Take charge of your body and be kind to it.
7. Exercise is Wise. Develop an exercise routine that works for you and schedule in your day. If you do not plan it, you plan to
fail in the follow through. Add some strength training to improve your bone density, muscle strength and overall fitness. Strive to
do 15-20 minutes three times weekly on alternate days along with your walking exercise of at least 30 minutes five days weekly.
8. Don't Worry. Be Happy. It is all up to you. Steer your life in the direction you choose that makes you happy. Create your own
future and take steps to accomplish your goals.