HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH!

We have a Parish Nurse-Educator! Nancy Schoener, diakonia graduate, has started her Deacon Internship by forming a Health Ministry Committee, with ideas on how we can stay healthy. Every last-Sunday-of-the-month, after our regular Healing Service, she will plan some type of health-related program during Coftea. Now here are some suggestions for your health right now:

Here are some health tips for the summer months:

Handle and Prepare Food Safely!

As you prepare summer meals and picnics, keep your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and working surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Don’t leave perishable foods out for more than 2 hours.

Travel Safely!

Whether you're traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don't drink and drive, and don't let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat or seat belt.

Be Smoke-free!

Avoid smoking and breathing other people's smoke. If you smoke, quit today! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk to your health care provider for help.

Get check-ups and vaccinations!

Exams and screenings can help find problems early, when the chances for cure are better.

Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Visit your health care provider for a yearly exam. Ask what vaccinations and tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history, and family health history.

Watch the kids!

Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they're eating and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards and other objects out of kids' reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly.

Prevent injuries!

Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

God's blessings for a healthy, happy, Season! Nancy