We are proud to be a part of the St. John's Episcopal Church Ministries. The St. John's Health Ministry was established in October 2000. Our focus is providing health education, and helping the congregation in maintaining a healthy life style. Activities include: - Regular blood pressure monitoring - Health questions answered - Conducting Workshops - Links to Health Sites (coming soon). HELLO ST. JOHN'S! EATING FRESH FRUITS This is very informative! We all think eating fruit means just buying fruit, cutting it up and popping it into our mouths. It's not that easy. It's important to know how and when to eat fruit. What's the correct way to eat fruit? IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUIT AFTER A MEAL! FRUIT SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. Eating fruit like that plays a major role in detoxifying your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities. FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread, then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it's prevented from doing so. In the meantime, the whole meal rots and ferments, and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach, and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil. Eat your fruit on an empty stomach, or before your meal! You've heard people complain: Every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc. This will not happen if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. Fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas. Hence, you bloat! Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes -all of these will NOT happen if you eat fruit on an empty stomach. There's no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruit becomes alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruit, you have the Secret of Beauty, Longevity, Health, Energy, Happiness and normal weight. When you need to drink fruit juice drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't drink juice that has been heated. Don't eat cooked fruit; you don't get the nutrients at all. You get only the taste... Cooking destroys all of the vitamins. Eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit-fast to cleanse your body.. Eat fruit and drink fruit juice for just 3 days, and you will be surprised when your friends say how radiant you look! KIWI: Tiny but mighty, and a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange! AN APPLE a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C, thereby helping to lower the risk of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke. STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals. EATING 2 - 4 ORANGES oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones, and reduce the risk of colon cancer. WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. Also a key source of lycopene, the cancer-fighting oxidant. Also found in watermelon: Vitamin C & Potassium. GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, good for your eyes. Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can u believe this? For those who like to drink cold water, this applies to you. It's nice to have a cold drink after a meal, however, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you've just consumed, which slows digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. A serious note about heart attacks. HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they're asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Be careful, and be aware. The more we know, the better our chance to survive. A cardiologist said if everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. It may even be your own life! Thanks To Pat Hamlet for sharing this article! MAY GOD WHO CARES ABOUT US AND GUIDES US WITH HIS LOVE, BRING YOU CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS , PEACE , AND JOY. MAY THE NEW YEAR BE FILLED WITH HOPE, HEALTH AND PROSPERITY. GOD BLESS Cynthia, Edith, Eutrice, Sybil, Eleanor & Monica. Healthcare Ministry HEALTH  TIPS! HELLO ST' JOHN'S! SEASON'S GREETINGS ! Fall brings a certain realization that the calendar year is coming to an end very soon. The yellow, golden colors of fall and the harvest reaps, replace the bountiful summer fruits and vegetables. Soon the fallen leaves will be replaced by the snow - a joy to some and a concern for others. Hush!! We still have a lot to be thankful for, as we embrace the fall and winter seasons. We all have our seasonal preferences, but one thing is sure we do not need to let the seasonal changes affect some of the healthy choices we made during the spring and summer months, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water if it is not restricted, eating smaller portions and of course exercising. With daylight saving time it gets dark earlier, some people may feel a little blue/sad or depress or lonely at this time. Some may have problems sleeping, maintaining healthy eating habits and exercising. Here are some tips and suggestions to get you through this period. If you can get up an hour earlier, please do so.( You will be surprised as to how much more you can accomplish. It also gives you one more hr of daylight). Schedule appointments earlier during the day Make a to do list, whether it is for grocery, hairdresser, shoe repair shop, dry cleaning. (Keep it with you all the time. This way you are always prepared). Make sure you are prepared for the weather and for exercise. (Your sneakers are not too worn, and are skid proof, and your winter boots have good grips). Check out gyms and health clubs for free passes or reduced fees. Check your TV guide for home exercises and follow them to your own pace. Get a workout partner and keep each other motivated. If you can, walk instead of driving to near places. If you have problems sleeping avoid coffee or anything with caffeine after lunchtime. Do not exercise at least 3 hrs before bedtime. Avoid alcoholic drink 6 hrs prior to bedtime. Always engage in activities that are relaxing before bedtime. Go for quiet, cool dark and peaceful bedroom Do not go to bed hungry or too full. Holiday/party eating. Limit the variety - circle first, then make your choice - small portions only. (Remember to eat before go to the party) Drink plenty water. Eat slowly - it takes about 20 minutes for the brain and the G.I tract (gastrointestinal tract) to signal each other to turn off the hunger pangs). For those who are feeling a little blue, apart from exercising and practicing good nutrition, ensure 7 to 8 hrs of sleep a night. Learn to so "no" if you think you are being asked to do too much. Explain your feelings to a friend or family.(Strong social connection is important over this season). Do not blame self for not being up to par. Try to be with other people which is better than being alone. Participate in activities that make you feel better. - help in church activities, senior centers, etc Set priority. Do not set difficult goals. Do not expect too much from yourself. Try not to make major decisions without discussing with others. Do not accept negative thinking. (It is part of the depression and usually goes away once you are feeling better). Get counseling - speak with your doctor, priest, etc. MAY GOD WHO CARES ABOUT US AND GUIDES US WITH HIS LOVE, BRING YOU CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS , PEACE , AND JOY. MAY THE NEW YEAR BE FILLED WITH HOPE, HEALTH AND PROSPERITY. GOD BLESS Cynthia, Edith, Eutrice, Sybil and Monica. Healthcare Ministry December 12th, 2011.   THE FLU SEASON - HOW TO SURVIVE IT! Hello St. John's. This is the flu season and influenza (flu) can make you feel really lousy, and may lead to serious complications. Every year many people are hospitalized with the flu, and more than 2,000 people in New York die from flu and flu-related diseases. (i.e. Pneumonia) Although you may get flu throughout the year the actual flu season begins in September, about the time that the vaccine is available and continues until May. The timing and duration of the flu season vary, with January being the peak season. Shots are now being given throughout the year to the most vulnerable. This year's flu vaccine also protects us from swine flu (HINI). SO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET THE FLU? You may experience some or all of the following signs or symptom: Cough Fever, chills (You may have the flu and not have fever) Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose Headaches, body and muscle aches Vomiting and diarrhea Tiredness AS USUAL CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE TAKING A FLU SHOT. Who should get flu shots: (As a general rule) * Children 6 months and older. * Pregnant women * People 5o yrs and older * Health care workers * People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, Strokes, Heart disease Sickle cell disease, asthma or any disease that may cause breathing problems, i.e. COPD. * People with weakened immune system diseases as in HIV; Cancer. * People who live in long term health facilities, etc. Some Facts: Flu is a contagious lung disease caused by the influenza viruses. It generally affects the nose, throat and lungs. The illness can be mild or severe, and may lead to serious complications resulting in deaths at times. Some types of illness include ear infection, bacterial pneumonia, etc. The mode of infection is usually droplet, as in sneezing, coughing, yawning and talking. A person may also get flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching the mouth, eyes, nose, etc. (This occurs less often). How is the flu passed on? You may pass on the flu to someone even before you realize that you are sick as well as when you are sick. So this can happen on day one before symptoms develop and up to a week or longer before becoming sick. HOW TO PREVENT SEASONAL FLU * The Single Best Way To Prevent The Flu Is To Get A Flu Shot Each Season. (Approx. 2 wks after the shot the body produces antibodies that protect against the Flu virus infection. Remember that this seasonal vaccine is only protecting you against the 3 most common viruses that researchers have isolated for the season. That is why, accord to research data the vaccine has a 59% effectiveness, nasal spray 83%. We believe you would want to be part of these percentages. It is better than 0%. Again discuss the subject with your healthcare provider). * Wash your hands often with warm water and soap, is so important. Or use alcohol-based hand cleanser. * Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue to cough in or the inside of your elbow. * Avoid people who are sick or do not get too close. * Stay home from work or school if you have a fever. * You may return to work or school if you are without fever for at least 24 hrs and have not taking any medication to reduce fever within not time period.. * Drink plenty of fluids if you medical condition permits this. * Ensure you get at least 8 hrs sleep per night. * Eat a well balanced diet and follow your exercise routine. Wishing you good luck, health and God's Blessings throughout the season Cynthia, Edith, Eutrice, Sybil and Monica. (Healthcare Ministry - St John's - Springfield Gardens. November 09th, 2011). Diabetes Mellitus 2011 So we know that Diabetes Mellitus is a medical condition characterized by hyperglycemia, (high blood sugar); resulting from the body's inability to use blood glucose for energy. Remember that in Type 1 Diabetes the pancreas does not make Insulin, therefore blood glucose cannot enter the cell to be used for energy. With Type 11 Diabetes, (the most common form), the pancreas does not make enough Insulin or the body is incapable of using Insulin correctly. WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS? The fact is that not everyone with risk factors will develop Diabetes. However, the chances of getting Type 11 Diabetes increase with: 1. Family (genetic) history. 2. Race - (Type 11 DM is more prevalent in Asians, Hispanics, Blacks, Native Americans). 3. Age - Chances of getting Type 11 DM increase with age - people over 45 yrs. (Lately teens have been affected). 4. Obesity or being over weight 5. Hypertension 6. High Cholesterol 7. History of gestational diabetes or if your baby at birth is over 9 lbs. 8. Metabolic syndrome - Insulin resistance 9. Inactivity etc. Treatment as per your healthcare provider may include: 1. Glucose testing 2. Medications (pills or injections or combination) Exercise 3. Healthy eating habit (Make it a life style change. It is the calories and what you eat that count). Goals for blood Glucose control as recommended by the ADA include blood sugar ranges of: 1. 70 - 130 mg/dl before meals 2. Less than 180 mg/dl after the meal 3. Less than 180 mg/dl at bedtime. 4. Next time we will discuss Hyper/Hypoglycemia and Glycosylated hemoglobin. Until then, Be healthy, God's speed. Cynthia, Sybil, Edith, Monica and Eutrice DIABETES Hi Everyone! It has been some time now since we did a workshop on Diabetes. So lets do a quick review. What happens when we eat: When we eat, the foods are digested and provide nourishments for our bodies to use. The most common nutrient of the food is Glucose/sugar, and our main source of energy. During the digestive process, food leaves the stomach, enters the small intestines, then enters the blood stream. As the level of sugar begins to rise and the body senses this, it sends a signal to the pancreas (the gland /organ about the size of a hand, that makes insulin and produces enzymes for digestion) located at the lower part of the stomach. The insulin from the pancreas now enters the blood stream, lowers the level of the blood sugar by opening up the body cells and allowing sugar to pass from the blood stream into the cells. The level of sugar in your blood falls as the sugar passes in the cells. This sugar is what the body uses for energy. When you have diabetes the body does not get enough glucose in the cells for energy. It builds up in your blood stream. If the blood sugar is high for a long time it can affect all organs. Areas of the body that can be affected include: the heart, the brain, kidneys, eyes, lower extremities. sexual organs, and digestive tract. This is a simplification of the process, but is worth knowing so that we can better understand the types of Diabetes Mellitus, how to prevent and treat it. Be well and think about changing your eating habits for a better, healthier life. Best regards, Cynthia, Edith, Monica and Sybil PREVENT INFECTION To stop or prevent the spread of infection the number one thing that we all should or must do is to WASH OUR HANDS. How do you wash your hands? Use soap and warm water. 1. Wet your hands thoroughly with warm water. 2. Add soap, lather and scrub hands; back, in between fingers, nail for 20 seconds or longer. 3. Rinse for 10 seconds or longer. 4. Dry hands with hand towel. 5. Turn off tap with the towel you used to dry hands, then discard. If you have to make an exit via a door with knobs after washing your hands, use a paper towel to hold handle or use a sanitizer after existing the door. OTHER HELPFUL ADVICE IS TO KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM MOUTH, NOSE AND EYES Other precautions: Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze or Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. If you are required to wear a mask, please ensure you wear the correct mask, following instructions for use and disposal Place used tissue in waste basket/garbage bins. NEXT, WE WILL SHARE "SOUND BITES" ON TAKING CARE OF YOURSELVES IN GENERAL AND IF YOU HAVE DIABETES. BLESSINGS AND BE WELL Bye for now. Cynthia, Sybil, Edith and Monica. OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. Why should we care? Because every year we hear of so many lives succumbing to this dreadful disease. It hits us hardest when it happens to people we know and when we here of younger women being diagnosed with the disease, While white women have the highest "incidence rate" for breast cancer, African Americans/Blacks are the most likely to die from the disease. Some of the reasons given for this disparity are, the lack of medical coverage, barriers to early screening and detection, the finding of a more aggressive form of tumor in younger blacks, unequal access to new and improved treatments and lack of education about the disease. Because of the research that is going on we are sure that one day there will be a single method for early detection of breast cancer. Until then, we will have to continue to be vigilant and use the methods that we have now to detect breast cancer in the early stages, where the outcome is known to be more promising. Hopefully we can eradicate breast cancer for all in this decade. Here is our ounce of prevention: MAMMOGRAPHY (There is still some controversy as to how often, at what age and its validity). Despite all of that it is recommended that you have one every year, beginning at age 40 years. Sooner if there is a family history. And please, please have this discussion about mammograms with your health care provider. The risk of radiation is low and the procedure is less uncomfortable with the newer mammogram machines. BREAST SELF-EXAM 1. Breast self exam should be done every month, preferable 2 or 3 days after the end of your period when the breast is likely to be less tender or swollen. Breast exam every month also allows you to be more familiar with the appearance and feel of the breasts. If you no longer have a period then chose the same day every month to remind you that it is time to do the breast exam. What to look for: Lumps - Dimpling or puckering of the skin Discharge from the nipple Asymmetry - Is there a difference is size or shape of breast. HOW TO DO BREAST EXAM - Must be done standing in front on a mirror and while lying flat on your back. 1. Stand before a mirror with hands by your side. Inspect both breasts for anything unusual such as; dimpling, puckering, or scaling of the skin. 2. Still standing in front of the mirror, clasp you hands behind your head and press your hands forward and inspect as above. 3. Now place your hands firmly on your hips and bow slightly toward your mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward. 4. Raise your left arm. Use 3 or 4 fingers of your right hand to explore your left breast firmly, thoroughly and carefully. Begin at the outer edge, pressing the flat part of your fingers in small circles, moving the circles slowly around the breast. Gradually work toward the nipple, covering the entire breast. Be sure to include the area between the breast and the underarm. You are looking under the arm for lumps or a mass under the skin. ( This is where the lymph nodes are and they are important in the staging diagnosis of breast cancer). 5. Squeeze the nipple and look for discharge. (If there is a discharge consult with you health care provider). Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the right breast. 6. Now lie flat on your back with your left arm over your head and a pillow or folded towel under your shoulder. (This positions helps to flatten your back, making it easier to do the exam. Use the same circular motion in step 4 with both left and right breasts. REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN OR THINK YOU FEEL SOMETHING OR SOMETHING LOOKS SUSPICIOUS CHECK IT OUT IMMEDIATELY. TIME IS OF ESSENCE. Consult your doctor. BY THE WAY YOUR PARTNER OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER CAN BE TAUGHT HOW TO DO THE BREAST EXAM. Good luck. Be well. Until next time. Cynthia, Sybil, Eutrice, Edith and Monica. Diabetes Mellitus 2011 *NEW*  So we know that Diabetes Mellitus is a medical condition characterized by hyperglycemia , (high blood sugar); resulting from the body's inability to use blood glucose for energy. Remember that in Type 1 Diabetes the pancreas does not make Insulin, therefore blood glucose cannot enter the cell to be used for energy. With Type 11 Diabetes, (the most common form), the pancreas does not make enough Insulin or the body is incapable of using Insulin correctly. Please CLICK on link below to veiw latest file on Diabetes Diabetes Mellitus 2011 New Data . Thank You & Well Wishes St. John's Episcopal Church would like to thank the members of our Health Ministry and other members of our congregation who acted swiftly and courageously in assisting one of our brothers on Sunday, December 19th in his time of need. THANK YOU all very much and we wish our brother a speedy recovery! GOD BLESS!