September 2005
The Parish Nurse Program of the Taxiarchae Archangels Greek Orthodox Church provides a link between the needs of the whole person- body, mind and spirit-and the resources of the church and the community.
Click here to meet our beloved nurse, Marion Avtges, R.N.

Cholesterol Screening Update

Cholesterol screening will begin on September 19 from 9 AM to noon and will be held every 3rd Friday of the month thereafter. The test takes about ten minutes to do and requires a finger stick to obtain a small blood specimen. The blood pressure clinic will not be held on that Friday. All parishioners who sign the consent form may take advantage of this screening. The guidelines recommended for this service are that cholesterol screening should be done twice a year. Results will be printed and given to each individual and a copy will be kept by the Parish Nurse in a confidential file. Those with abnormal readings will be responsible for following up with their primary care physician.

September 2005

A Guide To Getting
A Good Night’s Sleep
The National Sleep Foundation found that more than half of Americans experience one or more symptoms of insomnia a few nights a week, and two-thirds of older adults report frequent sleep problems.


Many things can interfere with sleep, ranging from anxiety to an unusual work schedule. People who have difficulty sleeping often discover that their daily routine holds key to night time woes. The following from the Harvard Medical School Special Report are some tips to help get a better night’s sleep:

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
  • Forgo naps, especially close to bedtime.
  • Limit the time you spend in bed. Turn in only when you’re sleepy. If you don’t fall asleep within 15 minutes or if you wake up and can’t fall back to sleep within that amount of time, get out of bed and do something relaxing until you
    feel sleepy again.
  • Avoid caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, many teas, chocolate, and cola drinks) after 2 PM, or noon if you are caffeine-sensitive.
  • Avoid eating foods that contribute to heartburn.
  • Don’t drink alcohol for at least two hours before bedtime.
  • Limit liquids before bedtime to minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom.
  • Stop smoking or at least do not smoke for one or two hours before turning in for the night.
  • Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime. An afternoon workout is ideal.
  • Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and as quiet as possible.
  • Replace a worn-out or uncomfortable mattress
  • Take a hot bath before bedtime.

Use relaxation techniques before bedtime.
excerpt from: A SPECIAL REPORT FROM HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL. For more information visit the web site at: www.health.harvard.edu/reports.
The IMPROVING SLEEP REPORT is also in the Parish Nurse office. You may look it over there and make copies of chapters that are of interest.

DATES TO REMEMBER:


SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL
CHOLESTEROL AWARENESS MONTH
Cholesterol Sunday—September 18—11:30 AM to 1 PM


CPR AND DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING
Training for CPR and use of the Automated External Defibrillator are planned for Wednesday, September 14 and
Thursday, September 22 from 2 to 6 PM. Spaces are limited; please call the church office to register.


MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS,
SISTERS, FRIENDS
A health event for women of all ages sponsored by Brigham and Women’s Hospital will be held this year on Saturday, October 15, 2005 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Registration including lunch is $35.00.
Contact Marion Avtges if you would like to attend as a group.


Bereavement Support Group
“Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be
comforted” Matthew 5:4 Thursday September 15, from 2-3:30 PM. If you have experienced a recent loss please join us.

Compassionate Friends
Grow through service to others. Enjoy the feeling that comes from helping those in need. Compassionate Friends come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but share a common desire to help others. If you would like to join this ministry call Marion Avtges or leave a message with the church secretary.

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS
A note from Marion Avtges
"THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD GO I"


Last month Father Ted and I and several parishioners visited the Emerson Nursing Home. Father Ted performed a short service and the eight Orthodox residents received Holy Communion. Other residents also enjoy our visits and are invited to join us for the service. Before the service, I explained that we would have a short service and they would then receive Communion. One gentleman was concerned that he had not fasted. Father Ted assured him it was all right. Another gentleman was mute. I wondered if he understood what was happening, but when Father Ted approached him with the chalice he opened his
mouth wide and held the red cloth under his chin for fear of spilling a drop of the precious communion. I noticed that the others were very careful not to let a drop spill. They wiped their lips very carefully. So sweet and loving and so grateful that they were able to participate in this holy sacrament. After the service we visited with them and all enjoyed some refreshments. I couldn.t help but think sooner or later we may all end our days being cared for by others and looking forward to a visit. We all need some human contact, to see others, to have someone take our hand and ask us how we are doing. The human voice and the human touch are like medicine to those who are alone and in need of companionship. The staff at the Emerson are dedicated caregivers and should be commended for the fine work they do. Each time we visit we are well received by them. The residents need to see new faces and that is something we can all do. Father Ted and I try to visit four or five times a year. The time commitment is minimal, a few hours, but the gift of seeing a new face, a visit by someone who takes the time to take their hand and ask how they are doing is huge. Father Ted and I welcome any parishioner who would like to join us for these visits. You will have an uplifting experience.

There is one very special volunteer in Florida that many of you know. Jim Vouros, a former Taxiarchae Parish Council President, just received a ten-year pin from Cape Coral Hospital Volunteer Services. Jim volunteers every Friday for six hours driving a golf cart around the hospital’s very large parking lot giving a lift to patients and visitors from their cars to the hospital entrance and back again. Jim chats and jokes with his passengers, helping them to relaxed. Researchers claim that volunteers live longer and have more energy, and Jim is a perfect example. He just celebrated his 80th birthday. Jim is also on the Parish Council at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Myers. Kudos to you, Jim! You’re keeping yourself healthy and helping others also.

Please speak with Fr. Ted or Marion Avtges to join our Compassionate Friends Ministry!
"He sent them forth to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick" -Luke 9:2