Parish Nurse Notes January
2003
Incorporating spiritual
values into health education
People feel that it is necessary to make New
Year resolutions, and because medical conditions have been proven to account
for the leading causes of premature death and are all tied to our life habits,
January’s newsletter has a few tips on Healthy Living. Let’s be assertive and take an active role
and not put off tomorrow what we can do today in regards to our health. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, alcoholism and
AIDS are all primarily the result of behavior.
Some people don't learn early enough that the best thing in life isn't a
thing, its Life. What's important now
is to understand that our bodies are
not garbage dumps. I feel that it is
important to promote an understanding of the relationship between Faith, Lifestyle, and Health.
A - Attitude
Go for what you want in life.
Don't sweat the small stuff, and most of it is small stuff. When you
can't fight and you can't flee, then flow,
says Dr. Robert Eliot, author and director of the Institute of Stress Medicine
in Denver. Become aware of the
connection between your own values and interactions with others, and feeling good about you. Forgive yourself when you don't measure up
and forgive others when they need it.
Learn to forgive and
let go, so you can get on with your life. Many studies have now shown that
forgiving enhances health and helps prevent chemical changes in the body that
may lead to disease. The ability to find the humor in the human situation is a
definite plus. Hearty laughter gives a
sense of deep relaxation, and tends to soften your perspective on
problems. It also eases pain.
N - Nutrition
Your body was uniquely designed to employ a series
of four processes to make use of the food you eat for its maintenance. Junk foods will not serve this purpose. Overeating
is further abuse of the body
which renders food indigestible and unusable to the body's needs. Combining
foods improperly can create an overload of work for the body also. Keep in mind the food pyramid for proper
nutrition and well balanced meals. The latter three items are unnecessary
stress we place on the body which depletes our energy.
E - Exercise
Exercise daily.
Action is fundamental to our well-being. Our bodies were made for it.
Everybody knows about the feel-good endorphins released by the brain during
physical exercise. There is more. The energy producing part of the cell,
mitochondria, expands during exercise. Because of this expansion, you have more
energy during exercise.
Walking a fifteen minute mile, which adds up to 4 miles in one hour, is
recommended. Exercise stimulates the
immune system, increases muscular strength and flexibility, and expands
cardiovascular reserves. It also acts as an emotional and psychological
diffuser.
W - Water
Drink clean water. Dr. Melvin Beltz, a medical
professor and cardiovascular surgeon for many years, believes distilled water
is best. Fluids are essential, meaning eight glasses, including fruit and
vegetable Juices and water.
S - Sunshine
Although sunshine is somewhat absent in the winter
months, sunshine assists the body in detoxifying,
revitalizes it and "is a nutritive 'substance' of great
importance. Avoid it in the hottest hours (between 10:00 am and 2:00 p.m.), but
don't underestimate its benefits.
T - Trust
That's
the opposite of worry. Trust your own
intuitive wisdom. If you are true to
yourself (your own heartfelt values of honesty and tolerance), the two will
reinforce each other. You may call the
Source of this wisdom a Higher Power. The
"T" could be a
reminder to be thankful for all the gifts
of your life… Pray faithfully.
Bless the lives of others. Learn
to accept whatever decision is made. Do your best to keep your peace of mind.
Peace is a healer. Live in harmony with
those around you. Be a peacemaker.
A - Air
It is essential that we have fresh, clean air and
that we learn to become conscious and aware of our breathing technique. Some of the first references come from India
and most of the schools of physical arts practice conscious awareness and
control of breathing… leaving a time for
solitude, quiet reflection, spiritual
reading while listening to music.
Controlled breathing has many mental benefits that improve our ability to concentrate
and enhance our energy level
as well as our feeling of well-being. Spend 10 minutes a day meditating on how you
can become a better person. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Listen to and follow your conscience. Open
windows whenever possible, especially at night and take in a Breath of Fresh
Air.
R – Rest
Rest is the diffuser for each day. Without it, we would all
be insane. Studies show that the dream stage of sleep, REM, helps people
permanently remember skills they learned just 3 hours earlier. When it is
interrupted, they had trouble remembering.
Taking an hour nap every day has the rejuvenating factor of two extra
hours of sleep each night.
T –
Temperance
Balance in everything is the key… Work, Play, Rest,
Exercise.
Your intuitive wisdom, if it's tuned, will help you to avoid or correct
imbalances. Program your mind to
moderation of unhealthy indulgences or abstinence.
We
are marvels of design with purpose.
Treat yourself right. You Are
Special! You deserve to be Healthy!
A
tranquil mind gives life to the body… Proverbs 14:30
God’s
blessings and good health for the New Year... Anna Tometczak, RN – Parish Nurse
