Clear Lake United Methodist Church :: MINISTRY OUTREACH

Health Ministry Highlights...

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Blood pressure results from the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls, both when the heart beats and when it is at rest between beats. High blood pressure, or hypertension, means that the pressure in the arteries is consistently high and can cause damage to the vessels. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is the single most important risk factor for stroke in this country, and also increases the risk of heart failure, kidney disease, blindness, dementia, and impaired circulation in the hands and feet. High blood pressure typically has no symptoms until it has already damaged the body. Many people have it for years without knowing it, which is why it is called the “silent killer”. It is important to have your blood pressure checked periodically, and if elevated consistently, work with your physician to bring it under control.

The Health Ministry Team provides blood pressure screening between services on the second Sunday of the month in the Elrod Building. Please come by and get your blood pressure checked. We also have information on managing high blood pressure from the American Heart Association available.

The CLUMC Health Ministry Committee...
is a group of health care professionals and lay persons whose purpose is to promote holistic health within our congregation through health screening, health education and health referrals. From the early days of Methodism, John Wesley recognized and wrote about the interconnectedness of health with spiritual, mental and physical well-being. The Health Ministry Committee provides a variety of health-related activities and services throughout the year. If you are a health professional or someone who simply has an interest in health topics and healthy living and would be willing to share your ideas or be a part of the Health Ministry Committee, please contact Lynda McKenney by calling 713-320-9183 or emailing lyndamckenney@yahoo.com.

Purpose:
To promote holistic health within our congregation. John Wesley recognized health as a state of spiritual, mental and physical well being.

Description:
Health Ministry is comprised of healthcare professionals and lay people who are interested in promoting our congregation’s health. The following services and events have been provided;

» Assistants for blood pressure screening:
lay persons who hand individual blood pressure record to each client; then alphabetize and return cards to file after use

» Coordination assistants for blood drives:
lay persons who assist with publicity, monitor blood drive sign-up for appointments during the two Sundays preceding the drive, or serve as hosts the morning of the blood drive as donors arrive for their appointments.

» Assistants for scheduled health speakers:
lay persons to help with publicity, and/or arrangements, for scheduled health speakers.

» Breast cancer survivors (Pink Ribbon Sunday): women who would be willing to relate their experience to the congregation, or would be in Fellowship Hall between services to hand out printed information and answer questions of other women in the congregation.

» Assistants for Pink Ribbon Sunday:
women who would help with making and/or distribution of Pink Ribbons to all women as they leave the worship services.

» Publicity:
person who enjoys writing articles for the church newsletter, Sunday Bulletins, and church e-mail distribution to publicize events & information.

» Assistants for RAD Self-Defense Course:
women to help with registration and planning.