Asbury Health Ministry
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team works to help educate Asbury’s congregation on all things connected to health. Read their June education article. “Summer ‘BITES’…and I Do Not Mean FOODS!; and visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
by Karen Turi, RN
Summer brings lovely weather BUT also biting bugs!! Most are just itchy nuisances but a few carry distinct health risks and require attention.
MOSQUITOES are the standard summer itch and are active during warm humid months, especially dusk and dawn.
Bite causes mild irritation that heals in a few days. They can carry diseases (WEST NILE and DENGUE).
Appearance of red puffy bumps shortly after bite (usually ankles / arms / neck / legs).
Avoid scratching and breaking skin (this can cause secondary infection)
Apply cool compresses and anti-itch cream (hydrocortisone)
TICKS are small pests but bigger threats! Lurk in tall grasses, brush, wooded areas and latch on to warm usually
hidden spots (knee, groin, scalp). Their saliva contains a natural numbing agent so painless bite!
Symptoms can appear 3-30 days AFTER the bite, need to be attached to body 36-48 hours to infect.
DO DAILY TICK check after gardening, hikes or adventures in wooded areas.
Early signs: Bullseye rash, and flu like symptoms.
Late signs: Joint pain, fever, headaches, muscle weakness.
BEST TREATMENT is prevention! Wear LIGHT colored clothes that cover up body parts. (Can SEE the tick)
Shower after coming in from suspected areas. DO BODY check.
REMOVE TICK (do not use petroleum jelly or burn off) Grasp tick with tweezers as close to body and pull straight up. Clean area well with soap and water and alcohol to disinfect.
TREATMENT: Antibiotics are effective (14 days) and blood tests may be ordered if symptoms persist.
BEES / WASPS especially seen around flower beds, trash, and outside foods
Sharp pain followed by red swollen welts. The honeybee leaves a “white” spot in the center where stinger is.
The stinger should NOT be squeezed but SCRAPE with fingernail or credit card-type material.
FIRE ANTS aggressive and swarming unlike normal ants. They ATTACK if their mound is disturbed, and bite to anchor themselves on your body and repeatedly sting.
Results in pus-filled blisters in 24 hours.
Treatment consists of removing ants, washing with soap and water, applying cool compress and anti-itch cream.
CHIGGERS. INVISIBLE trekkers!! Microscopic mite larvae found in tall weeds and grasses, grassy fields.
Intense itch in affected areas, especially love warm feet and ankles . Wash well with hot soap and water!
SPIDERS . Pennsylvania hosts a variety of spiders most are harmless and actually beneficial for control of house and garden pests.
House / Cellar spiders (daddy long legs) harmless and prefer dark, undisturbed corners.
Orb Weavers, harmless and known for their beautiful wheel -shaped garden webs
Jumping Spiders, harmless and rarely bite
Treatments: Keep area of cellars and dark spots clean and clutter free. Wash bites with soap and water.
VENOMOUS Spiders: Require caution.
Black Widow: Black with distinct red or orange hourglass shape on underside. Venom contains neurotoxin and requires immediate attention.
Brown Recluse: Rare in Pa. but occasionally spotted. Light brown with violin shape on back. Seek medical attention.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!!!!! Be safe and enjoy the summer!
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team works to help educate Asbury’s congregation on all things connected to health. Read their May education article. “New CDC Food Guidelines”; and visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
by Paige Wendling
New dietary guidelines were developed by the CDC in 2025 (find the new diagram on the United States Government’s “Real Food” website (Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030). A brief summary of changes is as follows:
Avoid highly processed foods including sugar-sweetened beverages, salty or sweet packaged snacks, and ready-to-eat foods. No one meal should contain more than 10 grams of sugars. Priority foods are fiber-rich foods.
Protein intake increased from 13-56 grams per day to now 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. There are plenty of ways to get protein including animal sources like eggs, poultry, and seafood, or plant-based sources like beans, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy. Protein does add additional calories as compared to other nutrients such as vegetables.
There is contradictory guidance on healthy fats. Saturated fats should not exceed 10% of fat consumption, however, on the new pyramid steak, meat, cheese, and butter are prominent at the top.
Includes limiting alcohol consumption with no clear limits. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association have come out and recommended avoiding alcohol completely. It’s always going to be a personal choice, but it is a surprise that the dietary guidelines didn’t come down stronger on this.
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team will hold a free blood pressure screening on Sunday, April 12 from 9 AM -11 AM in the Parlor/Community Room. Team leader Paige Wendling says: “Our educational topic for this month will be “New Food Guidelines.” We hope you will join us to get your blood pressure taken. If you have any questions related to your blood pressure, or any other health questions, we will gladly answer any questions you may have.”
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team works to help educate Asbury’s congregation on all things connected to health. Read their April education article. “Healthy You”; and visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
by Karen Turi
The challenges facing our world today are exploding. Couple that with life’s “usual issues” and you have the formula for sadness and depressing thoughts.
Staying healthy mentally (along with physically and spiritually) involves a combination of factors!
Key strategies :
1. Stay socially connected! (see the March article for excellent ideas.)
2. Challenge the brain! “Use it or lose it” applies! The brain needs exercise to stimulate new neural pathways.
Learn a new language /instrument / exercise / puzzle. Ditch the repeated familiar routines.
3. Manage stress and mental health. Small acts of kindness make a huge impact. Volunteer!!!! Service is a powerful antidote to loneliness or feeling down. (Explore opportunities such as Meals on Wheels / school projects / neighbor help).
Gather around food, music, and/or sports to provide diversion, joy, and human connection.
4. Prioritize sleep: 7-9 hours for older adults is suggested to allow brain to process information and clear toxins.
5. Adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle and get regular checkups!
6. Take time for gratitude and meditations with your God, who loves you and died on the cross to save you.
We need to cultivate a positive outlook and find our purpose, perhaps even rebuilding our social fabric to adapt to the changes we experience with the years. Birth and death are not endings in the story of life, but a doorway to transition .
In-between lies the most important choice of WHO YOU CHOOSE TO BE!
If you feel like nothing good ever happens TO YOU, maybe YOU are the good that happens to others! Embrace the kindness of words and the safe place you offer.
Remember sadness, depression, and anxiety are not a normal part of aging. Practice some of the strategy suggested. Seek professional help if those feelings overwhelm you.
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team works to help educate Asbury’s congregation on all things connected to health. Read their March education article. “Adults and Seniors Socialization Health Tips”; and visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
by Doris Farrar, RN
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team works to help educate Asbury’s congregation on all things connected to health. Read their February education article. “Balance”; and visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
by Mike SIlvonek
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team will hold a free blood pressure screening on Sunday, February 15 from 9 AM -11 AM in the Parlor. Team leader Paige Wendling says: “Our educational topic for this month will be ‘Balance’. We hope you will join us in the Parlor to get your blood pressure taken. If you have any questions related to your blood pressure, or any other health questions, we will gladly answer any questions you may have..”
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
by Karen Turi
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team works to help educate Asbury’s congregation on all things connected to health. Read their December education article. “Happy Healthy Safe Holiday Tips”; and visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
by Ellen Sagazio
Happy Healthy Safe Holiday Tips
1. Eat in moderation savoring the favorite foods in smaller portions.
2. Bring a healthy dish with veggies or less fat to a holiday gathering to share.
3. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat to a safe temperature.
4. Take a walk to see light displays like the Lehigh Valley Zoo or neighborhood decorations.
5. Use relaxation techniques like yoga or deep breathing to de-stress from the holiday hustle.
6. Wash hands frequently and stay home if not feeling well to decrease the spread of germs.
7. Get vaccinated with appropriate medicine to protect yourself and others.
8. Lock your car and home; and keep gifts out of sight.
9. Buckle up, avoid cell phone distractions, and drive safely – especially in bad weather.
10.Be generous and kind to others sharing the Christmas spirit!
11.Celebrate Jesus was born to save us all!!
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team works to help educate Asbury’s congregation on all things connected to health. Read their recent article. “New Blood Pressure Guidelines”; and visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
by Asbury’s Health Ministries Team
The American Heart Association has published new blood pressure guidelines:
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team works to help educate Asbury’s congregation on all things connected to health. Read their recent article. “Fall Season = Vaccine Reviews”; and visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
by Doris Farrar, RN
SCHEDULE:
Childhood vaccine – eligibility 0 to 18 years
Adults – vaccine eligibility 19 to 64 years
Seniors – vaccine eligibility 65 years & older
Travelers guide – listed online under vaccines
TIPS & GUIDELINES IN A NUTSHELL:
Multiple vaccines in one appointment are acceptable per the Center for Disease Control (CDC). It is important to keep a list of your vaccinations with dates for your doctor and personal reference. A vaccination is the process of obtaining the injection. Immunization is the process of developing protection from the disease to improve the outcome of exposure from getting it. There are some vaccines that can be obtained through ingesting it through the nasal passage if one is allergic to the other ingredients in the injection. Ask your doctor for guidance. .
Why are vaccines important? They save millions of lives yearly. They help fight a disease as the vaccine provides antibodies to defend against the attack. It helps to prevent serious complications & ongoing spread to others in the surrounding areas. Vaccines are considered safe for the majority of people to keep them healthy and improve their immunity.
It is wise to develop a healthy nutrition plan, exercise daily, plan for sufficient sleep, and seek guidance with issues that cause stress in our daily lives. Stress can create poor immunity for our health as it triggers our system to create poor habits that affect our bodily functions. This can lead to many physical and emotional problems that attack our immune system, thus permitting an illness to evolve.
Specific vaccines are listed on the computer for the age groups listed above. Check for your recommended boosters and vaccines under the vaccines and also with your doctor to keep updated. Advocate this responsibility for your own health. Fall is the recommended time for the annual flu vaccine. It is wise to consider doing this for a healthy outcome. Asbury’s Health Ministry Team recently held a flu/COVID/RSV clinic – watch for another next fall. It is a great way to keep fit in mind, body, and spirit (the mission of the Health Ministry Team).
Come join our ministry. More recruits are needed to help reach our goals. We meet monthly on Sunday morning in Room 231 with a cup of coffee in between services to plan our agenda.
“Here’s to your HEALTH.”
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
Asbury’s Health Ministry Team will meet from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM on Sunday, October 12 in Room 231.
All who have an interest in the health of the church community are invited to attend.
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
