January 21, 2011
Parish nurses encourage actions to make lives healthier
Lari Zoll, Donna Humbert and Micki Gress are parish nurses at Holy Family Church in Jasper.
In the January issue of the Parish Press newsletter, the three nurses encouraged their readers to have a Happy New Year.
“The New Year always brings hope and regrets at the same time. Many of us know we did not live up to all our resolutions of last year, but think positive — this year is a new slate.”
One of the nurses continued, “Try again. I know I will.”
“At the top of the list should be positive thinking about life and yourself. Positive thinking includes thanking God every morning that you still know he is with you. Not everyone can run a mara-thon, even walk a mile or get out of a chair. Yet everyone, including children, can participate in making their life healthier, be it through armchair exercises, drinking water, or strengthening their prayer life.”
The article went on to suggest “some things we can do to make our lives and those around us healthier; some are especially good for this winter.
Older adults can reduce their risk of falls by more than 20 percent by ensuring they get enough vitamin D. Research has proven that vitamin D combines with calcium to build stronger bones and possibly build muscle strength. Eat vegetables and drink milk high in vitamin D. Check with your doctor if you could use a supplement, especially in the winter when sun exposure is low.
One study found four simple habits that can add 14 years to your life. Not smoking, drinking moderately, keeping physically active and finally eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Women will like this one. The more body fat a woman has the more likely she will have hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. Excess fat may make it harder for the body to dissipate heat.
Have your blood pressure checked often.
Women reduce your alcohol consumption to one drink per day, men two drinks.
Remember to wash your hands regularly and teach this skill to children.
If someone in the family has a cold or flu, keep them away from young children and the elderly until they are better. These two groups have an immune system that has a lower resistance to colds and flus.