Cholesterol Screening: Cholesterol screening is offered, contact the Parish Nurse for details. 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.

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.

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.

Please speak with Fr. Demetri 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