Olive Crest United Methodist Church
7180 North 60th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68152

Our Pastor

Rev. Debra Tompsett-Welch

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Olive Branch Newsletter For May 2002

Health Ministry

HEALTH WATCH

It's National HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Month.

Hypertension of high blood pressure is a condition without any outward symptoms. This "silent-killer" develops gradually over several decades and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney failure and premature death in this country. The incidence of high blood pressure increases with age, and is higher in African Americans.

The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is through regular monitoring. Your doctor can assist you in establishing a monitoring program to determine your normal blood pressure.

A diet high in sodium is often linked to hypertension, but food choices are not the only cause. Contributing factors include family history, increased age, smoking, being overweight, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Here's the bottom line: nutrition experts recommend a healthful eating pattern moderate in sodium, a physically active lifestyle and a healthy weight.

Respectfully submitted by LaVerna Bonacci, R.D.L.D.

National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day Wednesday May 1, 7-9 p.m. at Nebraska Methodist College 8501 W Dodge Road, Omaha FREE. Advanced Registration Required. What do musician Naomi Judd, Football great Earl Campbell and television star Marc Summers have in common with 23 million Americans? They all suffer from an anxiety disorder, the most common mental illness in the United States. Receive information, complete an anonymous questionnaire and have the opportunity to meet with a behavioral health professional. This screening will not diagnose anxiety but will give the necessary information to guide toward treatment, if needed. To register or for more information call Health Touch One at 331-1111 or (800) 273-3737.

AARP 55Alive Mature Driving Course (Choose 1 of 3 sessions)

• Wednesday & Thursday, May 1 & 2, 5-9 p.m., Methodist Hospital, Cornhusker Room
• Wednesday & Thursday, May 8 & 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Methodist Hospital, Cornhusker Room
• Saturday, May 18 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Methodist Hospital, Centennial Room

Walking Your Way to Health Tuesday, May 14, vendor displays and pre walk blood pressure checks 10-11, program 11-noon, walking noon to 1pm. At Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S 10th Street, Omaha Participants must provide zoo entry fee. Advanced Registration Required. A physical therapist from Rehab Partners will provide you with information you need to enjoy spring and improve your health by walking. Learn proper walking techniques and how to set up your own safe and effective walking program. Appropriate attire, safety issues and safe walking places will also be covered. To register or for more information call 55PLUS at 354-PLUS.

Journaling for the Heart and Soul Tuesdays, May 21 or June 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Nebraska Methodist College, Doppler Room 8501 W Dodge Road, Omaha FREE. Advanced Registration Required. Journaling allows us to take the complex tangle of life and tease out single threads to discover patterns, identify colors and find beauty. By showing us the patterns in our experiences, we learn to connect with our internal strengths and the strengths we find in others. Gladys Haunton, associate professor at Nebraska Methodist College, is the facilitator for our journey of creative remembrance and future pathways. A reception with a light dinner will be held exclusively for class participants on Thursday June 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. To register or for more information call Health Touch One at 331-1111 or (800) 273-3737.

Leaving a Legacy - Autobiographical Writing Course Fridays, May 17-June 7, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Methodist Hospital, Cornhusker Room 8303 Dodge Street, Omaha $40. Advanced Registration Required. Autobiographical writings are the stories of our lives and help guide us through past experiences and events. This course is an opportunity to share your life with family and others through the medium of writing. Each session will be spend sharing, writing and reflecting on life stories. Neither formal writing experience nor correct spelling or grammar is required. To register or for more information call Health Touch One at 331-1111 or (800) 273-3737.

Smart Move for Self Defense Thursday, May 23, 7-8 p.m. at Nebraska Methodist College 8501 W Dodge Road, Omaha FREE. Advanced Registration Required. Play it safe when it comes to personal safety! Regardless of your age or physical ability, learning a few smart moves can protect you in a dangerous situation. Some of these techniques will be demonstrated and participants will receive a free videotape to use to practice. Wear comfortable clothing for this program. To register or for more information call Health Touch One at 331-1111 or (800) 273-3737.

The Women Within: A Graceful Journey Among Generations Thursday and Friday, May 16-17 at Lied Conference Center, Nebraska City, NE. Women are our co-workers, friends, sisters, mothers, daughters, patients, and clients. What do we need to know about each other and the way we perceive life, relationships, events and each other? This two day conference offers educational sessions for and about women at different life stages as well as retreat activites. Featured speakers are Mary Phipher, PhD, lecturer and author of Reviving Ophelia; Jean Beyer, PhD, RN, nationally known lectuer; and Victoria Moran, BA, lecturer and author. For more information call Nebraska Methodist College at 354-6539 or (800) 793-3965.

Stroke: Warning signs of Stroke

• A sudden, temporary weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg.
• Temporary difficulty or loss of speech, or trouble understanding speech.
• Sudden, temporary dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.
• An episode of double vision.
• Unexplained headaches, or a change in the pattern of your headaches.
• Temporary dizziness or unsteadiness.
• A Recent change in personality or mental ability.

What is a Stroke?

Stoke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain tissue is cut off, and as a result, the nerve cells in that part of the brain cannot function. The nerve cells of the brain control the way we receive and interpret sensations and they control most of our bodily movements.

How Strokes Occur

There are four main types of strokes: Two caused by clots and two by hemorrhage. Cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism are most common, accounting for 70 percent to 80 percent of all strokes.

Cerebral thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the artery, closing it. Cerebral embolism occurs when a clot formed in a blood vessel away from the brain is carried by the bloodstream until it plugs an artery.

Strokes caused by hemorrhage have a much higher fatality rate than those caused by blood clots. A subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel on the brain's surface ruptures and bleeds into space between the brain and skull. A cerebral hemorrhage occurs when a weak artery in the brain bursts and floods surround tissue.

For more information on Strokes or any other health topic, please call Health Touch One at 331-1111 or (800) 273-3737.

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