15 South Mulberry Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
301-733-3565
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
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.

  • 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.
Eight Healthy Habits

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.
Parish Nurse Program

Our two Parish Nurses at the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren
participate with nurses from 46 other faith communities in Washington
County to provide health education, health screening, counseling and
visitation to members of their congregations and communities. We
regularly participate in Parish Nurse Network meetings for sharing
program ideas and for continuing education.  

One RN On Call every Week. Please reference your weekly bulletin         
for the Parish Nurse on call this week.