Health tip

Lent 2017 - A time for inner work and outer care By Mary Ircink, parish nurse When I start up a new exercise or walking opportunity, it is much easier to complain about how I hate to “have” to exercise or move. I may have a sore leg muscle, or my feet may hurt in my new walking shoes. I realize that the more I complain the easier it is to make excuses not to do it at all, even after the soreness resolves.   A solution was for me to look at my daily walk as a form of meditation with Jesus. I have placed a hand-out titled: “Health and Wellness: 40 Bible Verses to Walk With” on a table i...
Read More

“Do you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…” By Mary Ircink, parish nurse The New Year usually brings with it a “renewal” of thought about how great life would be if you could just stay in shape. Most of us have a lot of knowledge about how to exercise and why exercise is important, but knowing is not the same as exercising or moving. Exercise is moving! Here is a link to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) recommendations and benefits to moving. Each day try to make moving your body a priority. Of course the ok from your physician before starting any extensive mo...
Read More

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 By Mary Ircink, parish nurse The holiday season is beginning and being able to manage stress is important in our life. How can we take care of ourselves when there are so many expectations for favorite meals, pretty decorations, festive celebrations, travel to destinations, the perfect gift, etc.? Positive ways to deal with stress always highlight the following: -Maintain a healthy balanced diet. Avoid caffeine. -Exercise regularly; take a brisk walk in ...
Read More

By Mary Ircink, parish nurse “I lift up my eyes to the hills-from where will my help come?”…  Psalm 121 Depression is a serious illness.  People in adulthood are most likely to develop depression, but it also can affect children and the elderly. Depression can affect your body, mood, thoughts and behavior and is accompanied by inability to concentrate, a loss of energy and a change in eating or sleeping patterns. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. Depression symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. A variety of treatment...
Read More

“…listen closely to my words. Keep them in your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.” (Pr. 4:20-22) By Mary Ircink National Men’s Health Week is celebrated in June! Check out this important web site from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention on men’s health. http://www.cdc.gov/men/nmhw/index.htm Stay ahead of the game by paying attention to sleep, healthy eating, exercise, stress and the names of tests to ask your doctor about for your health. Keep your “Health Tool Box” full of ways to stay as healthy as possible!
Read More

“I pray that you may enjoy good health and all may go well with you even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 2) By Mary Ircink, parish nurse The month of May is Stroke Awareness Month Reduce the risk of stroke by: -Checking blood pressure! Know your numbers! Take medication as prescribed! -Eating healthy diet with fruits and vegetables. Beware of processed foods that are high in sodium. -Controlling your weight -Getting regular physical exercise -Quitting smoking -Providing healthy food choices rich in fruits and vegetables for children. Important nutrients are good for hear...
Read More

By Mary Ircink, parish nurse “…good news gives health to the bones.” Proverbs 15:30 “Make no bones about it,” there are important healthy foods to stock in your fridge and pantry to help keep those bones strong! Low-fat milk and plain low-fat yogurt (not sugar and fruit filled) sweetened with a banana or strawberries which you prepare and add, are good snacks that have calcium and protein. Baby Kale is a fast growing favorite loaded with vitamin K, a nutrient that helps you bind minerals like calcium to bone tissue. Calcium and vitamin D-fortified orange juice can have as much of b...
Read More

“Be still and know...” Psalm 46:10 Meditation for Health and Happiness By Mary Ircink Stress is a part of everyone’s world. It can be positive, such as right before a test or interview. Or it can be negative, when losing a job, a relationship or health. Long term stress can lead to further health problems. Many studies have started to show the benefits of learning meditation. Research has demonstrated that there is a decrease in anxiety and an increase in positive emotions which can lead to a stronger immune system. Blood pressure, heart rate, depression have been positively affect...
Read More

Benefits of Exercise “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”  (Pr.4:23) Last month we talked about exercise and bone health.  February is “Heart Month” and we all should know by now how exercise decreases the chance of developing heart disease. Studies have shown that the people who benefit most from starting (and sticking to) an exercise program are those who go from a sedentary (“couch potato”) lifestyle to a moderately energetic lifestyle.* A moderate program can consist of: -Bicycling with the children a few times a week as the weather permits ...
Read More

By Mary Ircink, parish nurse Yes, many people make New Year’s resolutions which include good nutrition and exercise for weight control. In addition, do you know the benefits for your bone health? The month of May is National Osteoporosis month. However I can’t wait to remind you of the importance of exercise for bone health in the New Year! According to Neil Binkley, M.D., professor of medicine, proper nutrition is important for maintaining strong bones. Calcium, vitamin D and protein all play a part in strong bone health. Weakened bones can break more easily. Exercise is another comp...
Read More