Lawrenceville United Church Of Christ
3880 Lawrenceville Drive
Springfield, Ohio 45504
(937) 964-1772
Reverend - Arthur D. Thibeault
email [email protected]

A Note from the Parish Nurse

April

Diseases We Can Prevent

Sometimes there are situations in life that we cannot change.  This
can give people a sense of powerlessness.  WHAT ABOUT THINGS WE CAN NOT CHANGE.
Change always includes hard work and sacrifice.  What can also be achieved is a sense of power.  
The power to control the things we can, is a great source of self-satisfaction.

I.  DIABETES - Studies suggest that more than 80% of diabetes is dues to being over weight.
 It has an enormous impact on risk.  Physical activity can reduce the risk of diabetes.  
Whole-grain foods are associated with lower risk.

II. OSTEOPOROSIS - One in 2 women & one in 8 men over age 50 will fracture a bone
because of osteoporosis. Women are at greatest risk. They can loose 20% of bone mass
during the first 5-7 years following menopause.  Consuming adequate Calcium and
Vitamin D lowers fracture rates in older people.  In people with calcium levels of 100mg. per
day, exercise in full weight bearing, positions (standing) can strengthen bones.  Vitamin D is
helpful to bones because it allows calcium to be absorbed.

III. STROKE - is the number three killer of both men & women in the U.S. The key to
stroke prevention is keeping blood pressure under control. High blood pressure raises
the risk of heart attack but the impact on stroke is much greater. Tips to reduce blood
pressure include:
          1. Limit sodium
          2. Control weight
          3. Keep active - 20 min. minimum
          4. Limit alcohol

IV.  HEART DISEASE - is the number one killer of both men and women in the U. S.  
We've known that severe atherosclerosis, the underlying disease, is a reflection of
Western Lifestyle in the 20th century.
          1. Too much saturated fat largely from meat, dairy, products, pastries &
              eggs raises cholesterol.
          2. Too much sodium as well as too many calories, which leads to obesity
            can raise blood pressure.
          3. Lack of exercise & use of alcohol also raises blood pressure.

These dietary changes and lifestyle changes can do much to prevent all of the major
diseases. The key is to stay in control of these diseases so they don't take control of us.

-Article was contributed by Ceese Belisle, nurse from St. Bernard's Catholic Church-

March

Worried about high blood pressure?  Didn't think so.  Most Americans aren't.
Read about a silent killer that feeds on many of our bad habits.

High blood pressure contributes to about 900,000 deaths a year and affects 1 in 4
American adults.  In fact, 2 out of 3 Americans over age 65 have high blood pressure
known medically as Hypertension.  It can sneak up on one with little or no warning.  
SYMPTOM LESS IN 90% of all cases, many people are far too casual about it and
often don't realize that their blood pressures are above normal limits until they've
suffered heart damage.

KEEPING A KILLER AWAY:

A variety of medications are available to help keep blood pressure under control.  But many
cases can be managed by making simple changes in diet and lifestyles.

1.  Maintain a healthy weight - blood pressure can be brought down just by losing excess
     pounds.

2.  Lessen alcohol intake - by limiting alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks a day.

3.  Quit smoking and using tobacco - nicotine triggers the body to release adrenaline, which
     constricts blood vessels and raises the blood pressure.

4.  Exercise regularly - physical activity can help lose weight & reduces stress that may
     contribute to excess drinking and smoking.

5.  Reduce chronic stress - when one relaxes, your heart rate slows down & body tissue
     requires less oxygen.

6.  Cut down on salt - one can benefit from reducing their salt intake.  It's a good idea to
     take salt shakers off your table, reduce the amount of salt used in cooking and check
     food labels carefully for added sodium.


-Article was contributed by Janet Detrich, nurse from First Lutheran Church-