Health

Parish Nurse
One of the Faith in Action ideas planted in the early stages of exploring the desires of our congregation was the addition of a Parish Nurse. This came at the very same time that I was investigating the roles, responsibilities and goals of other faith based nurses in the area. The intrigue of faith community nursing has become a reality as I have begun the course work for this calling. St. Mary’s hospital and in particular, Peg Weber, have taken me under their wing and  exposed me to the many facets of this growing avocation. I am so excited to share with you, my church family, all that I have learned and continue to learn in training for the role of your Parish Nurse.

I am writing a monthly article for our Promise and weekly health tips for our bulletin. If you have any topics, health issues, or concerns that you would like me to investigate and share with our Covenant family please feel free to contact me! I am here to serve!

In His (healthy) Grace,
Sue Richards, RN, Your Parish Nurse
Email: beebarfhoney@yahoo.com

Healthy News You Can Use… 
Health Benefits of Chocolate – Cough Relief
One study found that chocolate quieted coughs almost as well as codeine, thanks to the theobromine it contains. This chemical, responsible for chocolate’s feel-good effect, may suppress activity in a part of the brain called the vagus nerve. Maria Belvisi, a professor of respiratory pharmacology at the National Heart and Lung Institute in London, says, “It had none of the negative side effects.” Codeine makes most people feel sleepy and dull—and doesn’t taste anything like fine chocolate.
In His Grace,
Sue Richards RN FCN
Your Parish Nurse
873-7494 ext. 106

Hug-A-BearWhere are the Bears?
Byan Bear comforting a friend of someone who died.
Bemmaline Bear welcoming a newborn.
Bilo Bear welcoming a newborn.

Stoughton Support Groups
Dementia Support Group
Meets 1st Wednesday of each month. 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Stoughton Hospital Board Room. 608-873-2356

Diabetes Support Group
Meets the 2nd Monday of each month. 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Stoughton Hospital Ridge Room. 608-628-6500

Hope Chest–Breast Cancer Support Group
Meets 3rd Monday of each month. 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Stoughton Hospital Board Room. 608-877-2232

Health and Independence
Resource Center
The Resource Center is located on the table next to the family mailboxes. The center is maintained by the Covenant Care Team and includes helpful websites, notice of upcoming events and written resources for…
• Middle-aged and older adults who want to stay healthy, active and independent
• Individuals challenged by chronic conditions
• Caregivers
• Families and friends

Materials added frequently. Please check often.

THREE FOLKS WAITING TO GIVE BLOOD AT RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE HELD AT COVENANT.

Notes from Sue Richards, Your Parish Nurse…
Caring for You… 

Please come to a FREE health class offered at Covenant by Nurse Sue. “Oral Health for All” is offered in the Nurse office on the lower level twice this month…come and learn. All are welcome!

Contact Sue for upcoming events.

Blood Drive
Next Blood Drive: TBA
Covenant Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall
Appointments preferred; walk-ins welcome. For an appointment call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. Sponsor Code: Covenant. Bring a friend and help save lives together.

Health and Wellness Cabinet Update
Our Hug-A-Bear ministry has really taken off. The pastoral care group has  reached out to our church and community in times of need, suffering and celebration! This ministry was so well received that we began to consider extending this beyond our local community to reach out to our church family away at school.

NEW! Keeping the Connections
Through discussion, planning and prayerful consideration the Council approved the newest ministry (a mental health emphasis) from the Health and Wellness Cabinet, Keeping the Connections. We’ll connect with our college students 4-5 times through the school year with notes of encouragement, tokens of comfort and much needed expressions of love. Our hope is that our young adults, who at this potentially vulnerable time will be re-connected with their church home and those of us who love them so much.

Please consider reaching out. We’ll inform you when mailings occur, and of what we need. We welcome any suggestions. Our hope is that this will be a self sustaining and ongoing program that will be “looked forward to” by our members away at school. If you have any questions please feel free to call/text or email! Sue Richards, Parish Nurse 235-5873