Category Archive

a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team

“Chronic Kidney Disease”

Public health efforts have distributed much information about chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. However, not much has been publicized about chronic kidney disease (CKD). More than 1 in 7 US adults—about 35.5 million people, or 14%—are estimated to have CKD. As many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD do not know they have it. About 1 in 3 adults with severe CKD do not know they have CKD (CDC, 2023).

Some risk factors for CKD can be controlled or modified, including diabetes, hypertension, history of acute kidney injury (AKI), frequent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and use of contrast dyes and bowel preps. Non-modifiable risk factors include family history of kidney disease, diabetes, or hypertension, age 60 or older, and race/U.S. ethnic minority status.

Chronic kidney disease can creep up slowly and silently. You can be losing kidney function for many years without symptoms. Many people find out they have CKD only when their kidneys have failed and it’s too late for preventive treatment. At this point, they usually need dialysis or a kidney transplant. That’s why knowing your kidney numbers is so important! Many people know their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, but they also need to know their kidney numbers, to see if their kidneys are healthy or if they have CKD. Having CKD means that you’ve had a kidney problem for at least 3 months.

There are two KIDNEY NUMBERS: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), measured by a blood test and Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (uACR), measured by a urine test. The eGFR shows how well your kidneys clean your blood, and the uACR shows if there’s a protein called albumin in your urine, which may mean that your kidneys are damaged. Along with these your doctor reviews your health history and performs other tests to either confirm or rule out if you have CKD.

Prevention of CKD includes following instructions on over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, aspirin and Tylenol; maintaining a healthy diet; and not smoking. Treatment for CKD focuses on slowing progression of kidney damage, usually by controlling the cause.

For further information visit the Mayo Clinic’s page on to Chronic kidney disease – symptoms and causes .

a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team

“Safe and Healthy Holiday Travel”

With the holiday season many of us will travel to see family and friends or take a break from work or school. To stay healthy when traveling here are some tips.

1. Know the destination and get vaccinated, visas, and appropriate clothing to blend in with culture and environment.
2. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
3. Tips for plane travel:
   a. Sleep near a window for less foot traffic and better sleep
   b. Dress comfortably in layers for warm or cool climate
   c. Flex your calves to prevent blood clots
   d. Prepare your immune system for germs by wiping tray tables, getting plenty of rest, and wearing a mask
   e. If anxious about flying, take deep breaths.
4. Always take medications from home to your destination.
5. Relax and enjoy the holiday!

a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team

“Emotional Wellness in A Nutshell”

The way we feel plays an important step in our coping skills we develop as we age and mature. We develop these skills from many sources in our growing cycles of life. The ability to handle all the stress and to successfully handle the day-to-day problems we encounter, while adapting to the changes that evolve in life, balances our emotional wellness status.

STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH:

1. Develop healthy physical habits: eating, exercise, sufficient sleep, play, socialization. Practice gratitude daily: explore your beliefs, choose positive relationships, and – most importantly – seek help when you need it.
2. In a nutshell, “the golden rule and kindness” fits the criteria to a “T.” One is never too old to grow if we allow ourselves an open heart and mind for the fertilization of our soul.
3. Do YOU have a mission statement? Make one today – it’s never too late!
4. Bring JOY and learn something new every day”

   Reference: NIH National Institute of Health

Doris Farrar, RN
Parish Nurse
Asbury Health Ministry

a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team

Facts About Immunization

Common side effects are fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and nausea.
More severe side effects include breathing trouble, swelling of face and throat, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and bad rash on body. Call 911 if these occur.

Immunity from a vaccine is the immunity you build when you receive a vaccination.
Unlike natural immunity you have to suffer from the actual disease to gain immunity.

Vaccines work by triggering your body to produce antibodies that will help you fight off disease.
The flu vaccine is an inactivated dead version of the germ that causes the disease, example flu.
Covid vaccine is a messenger RNA vaccine which triggers your cells to produce a protein found on the germ which allows antibodies to fight off the germ from the disease.

The biggest risks of not getting vaccinated are that you will get the disease that the vaccine would have prevented and a good chance of spreading the disease to people who are vulnerable and have serious complications.

Learn about the Flu/COVID/RSV Clinic being held on October 6

a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition where the heart beats too fast and at an irregular rhythm. The top chambers of the heart, called the atria, can beat out of sync with the bottom chambers of the heart. AFib can lead to blot clots in the heart that can cause a risk of heart failure, stroke, or other heart related problems.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include feeling a fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, lightheaded, weakness, and shortness of breath. If having chest pain seek emergency care immediately – it could be a heart attack. AFib needs to be evaluated by a medical doctor or cardiologist who can recommend proper treatment. Treatment can include shock therapy to the heart, medicines, or procedures to block faulty signals to the heart. Some patients may be prescribed chronic medications to prevent blood clots and stroke.

Different diseases of the heart, lungs, and thyroid can cause AFib. Many risk factors – including older age, obesity, high blood pressure, and a change in electrolytes – can increase chance of an episode. Important risk factors to avoid include caffeine, nicotine, and some illicit drugs.

The best way to prevent atrial fibrillation is to have a healthy lifestyle including quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and getting a good night’s sleep.

a note from Ellen Sagazio, RPh, Pharmacist St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus via Asbury’s Health Ministry Team

Poison Prevention with Mr. Yuk

Mr. Yuk is mean and green and helped children of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s to watch out for poisons. Stickers and magnets are still available today to help children know what a poison is and help parents with the national poison help line. Nearly 5 million poisonings occur each year in the United States. Approximately half of all poisonings occur in children less than 6 years old and involve cleaning products, pain relievers, cosmetics, plants, cough/cold medications, etc.

About 5% of poisonings involve seniors, adults over 60, but 16% of poisoning-related deaths occur in this age group. Many older adults take multiple prescriptions and have over-the-counter medications. It is easy to make a mistake with labels or doses to be taken. Seniors may also have young grandchildren, so it is important to make the home safe and childproof for little ones.

What to do if there is a poisoning?

1. Remove the poison
2. If person is not breathing call 911
3. Call the poison center hotline with information on what was taken. The expert toxicologist will give instructions 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The poison center can also alert an emergency room of what action needs to be taken.
4. If carbon monoxide is suspected, get fresh air.
5. If opioid overdose, give naloxone nasal spray.

The Health Ministry Team will have an educational table in the future with pamphlets, stickers, and magnets.

Our local poison prevention center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) shares additional information on their website: https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/poison-control-center

Ellen Sagazio, RPh
Pharmacist St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus

an article from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team

Adaptive Yoga

by Jamie Laputka

Adaptive Yoga initiates the relaxation response, activates the muscles stretch receptors in the muscles which increases blood flow into these areas to help promote healing in the body as tissues, organs and systems receive additional nourishment from the improved blood flow.  Yoga also has the ability to:

• Reduce muscle tension and habituated tension patterns
• Promote self-healing and functional improvements
• Decrease anxiety and depression
• Improve overall health and feelings of well-being
• Reduce effects of neuropathy and lymphedema
• Improve sleep
• Create a sense of community

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:          What makes the YCat (Yoga for Cancer and Chronic Illness) Yoga Program different than regular yoga classes?

A:          While most yoga classes offered in our community are physically-based movement classes, YCat encourages slow and gentle movement that activates the muscle’s stretch receptors specifically targeted to increase blood flow, range of motion and flexibility in joints and muscles. A YCat class also includes extended relaxation, breathing, guided imagery and other ways to use the conscious mind for improved healing.

Q:          I am not flexible.  Can I still do this class?

A:          Absolutely! YCat classes are gentle and can even be completed while sitting in a chair. They are specifically designed and modified to meet the individual needs of every student regardless of their current level of functionality and capability.  YCat classes also addresses specific issues such as fatigue, neuropathy and lymphedema.

In Pastor Eric’s message on “The Purpose and Power of the Church” (June 16, 2024), we were asked to accept one another and restore one another. Acceptance and restoration with those diagnosed with dementia within a faith community is a unique challenge.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2020) the estimated prevalence of Alzheimer’s Dementia among adults 65 years and older in Pennsylvania is 282,100 people or 11.5%. Many of us know one or more individuals in our own families or our circle of friends who are living with dementia. For further facts and figures related to the burden of Alzheimer’s Disease, see the infographic assembled by the Alzheimer’s Association.

It is often difficult to know how to best accept and restore these individuals within our faith community. Dementia Friendly America offers advice on how faith communities can provide an important spiritual respite for individuals and families living with dementia. This organization provides information on signs of dementia, dementia friendly communication skills, dementia friendly practices and caring for caregivers. To find out more about how we can become a dementia-friendly church, we recommend this information assembled by Dementia Friendly America.