Brotherly Love Ministry - Parish Nursing
Parish Nurse Office Hours Regular parish nurse office hours are from 9 am to 10:15 am every Sunday, September through May. Please feel free to stop by during this time to talk, or I am available by phone call or text as needed. If I can be of assistance to you, please contact me at 484-223-7324.
Taking Blood Pressure Readings We would like to to offer blood pressure screening for members of Grace and the community at the monthly Free Community meal. If you would like to take blood pressures for those attending the Free Community meal (the second Friday of each month from 5 pm to 6:30 pm), please contact Kim Vaupel.
WHERE TO FIND...
The AED (defibrillator) is mounted on the wall by the AED sign. There is an emergency supply kit and a diabetic emergency supply kit on the table next to the pew in the Chapel. If you enter the Chapel from the doorway in the hallway by the sanctuary, the table with the emergency care kits will be on your right. This is a more central location than the previous one in the event of an emergency. When you are next at church, please take a minute to locate the emergency equipment.
First Aid kits are in all restrooms and the Sunday School classroom. There is also a first aid kit in the rear of the sanctuary on a table below the bulletin board, and in the kitchen on the counter in Fellowship Hall (downstairs). Feminine hygiene products are available in all restrooms except for the Men’s restroom in the Sunday School wing.
The Brotherly Love Ministry/Parish Nurse bulletin board is by the front ramp entrance.
AUGUST UPDATE - ALL ABOUT BREAKFAST
Statistics show that 25% of Americans skip breakfast due to lack of appetite, time, and energy. Many people skip the am meal because they are rushing to get out the door. Skipping breakfast can throw off the body’s rhythm of fasting and eating. If you don’t eat breakfast, you aren’t likely to get all the nutrients your body needs. If your body doesn’t get that fuel from food, you may feel zapped of energy and be are more likely to overeat later in the
day. If you don’t eat in the morning, you may get so hungry later that you snack on high fat and high sugar foods.
Benefits of Eating Breakfast
Replenishes Glucose After sleeping at night, your body’s glucose levels are low. A good breakfast provides the necessary sugar to fuel your brain and muscles.
Boosts Energy Levels Eating a balanced breakfast can significantly improve your energy and alertness throughout the morning. Improves Concentration Your cognitive function can be enhanced with adequate fuel from breakfast.
Appetite Control Studies suggest people who eat breakfast tend to make healthier food choices and eat smaller portions throughout the day.
Metabolism Boost Eating breakfast can kickstart your metabolism, potentially aiding in weight management.
Good Health Eating breakfast leads to better memory and concentration and lower levels of “bad” cholesterol; along with lower chances of diabetes, heart disease, and being overweight.
10 Healthy Breakfast Foods
• Eggs - Because they are high in protein, eggs keep you feeling fuller longer. Eat eggs with whole grain toast; and limit eating bacon and sausage with eggs.
• Greek Yogurt - Good source of protein - top with berries, nuts, and chopped fruits.
• Oatmeal - Full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Chia Seeds - Extremely nutritious and great source of fiber.
• Cottage Cheese - High in protein and calcium.
• Berries - Try raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries; they are low calorie and full of antioxidants and fiber.
• Nuts - A great source of antioxidants, high in magnesium, potassium, and heart-healthy monosaturated fat.
• Whole Wheat Toast - Good source of fiber and complex carbs; eat with eggs.
• Fruit - Has good amounts of fiber and simple sugar, low in calories, high in vitamin C.
• Protein Shakes or Smoothies - A great quick source of protein, especially after an exercise workout
Making Healthy Breakfast Choices
• Plain Water - Best choice for rehydration after sleep
• Green Tea - Packed with antioxidants and has a moderate caffeine level
• Coconut Water - Good source of electrolytes, especially after exercise
• Coffee - To prevent stomach irritation, do not drink coffee on an empty stomach
• Fruit Juices - Orange, apple, coconut, pineapple, and cranberry are best morning juices
• Low Fat Milk - Good source of calcium for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis
• Energy Drinks - not recommended for breakfast, due to high caffeine and sugar content
Take the time to eat breakfast. IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY!
May peace and good health be with you all!
Kim Vaupel, RN
History: In September 2023, a new ministry was started at Grace Lutheran Church. The goal of this ministry is to promote the health, wellness and safety of the members of Grace and the community. Brotherly Love Ministry was named in honor of my brother Leonard Sterner, Jr. who passed away unexpectedly in September 2019. Since my brother was proud that his sister was a nurse, I have decided to use the memorial donations given to Grace in his name to start this parish nursing ministry. This memorial fund was used to pay for the classes I needed to take in order to obtain a certification in faith community/parish nursing, and also to attend a lay eucharistic communion class. After this, I will be available to assist Pastor Samantha with visiting the homebound and ill of the congregation. I will also be a resource to the congregation to answer any medical questions and offer support to the congregation as needed.
Next I will be updating the church first aid kits, and will create a kit for use in case of a medical emergency which will include a blood pressure cuff, a glucometer to check blood sugars, snacks to treat low blood sugar, and a pulse oximeter to check oxygen levels. I am also asking for anyone certified in CPR to contact me at the number below, as I will be creating a list of those members certified in CPR. I plan to coordinate a one-hour class taught by the Macungie Ambulance team to teach “hands on CPR for the community” to anyone interested in learning this skill.
On a monthly basis, I will be speaking to the congregation about how to prepare in the event of medical emergencies, fire emergencies and gun violence emergencies. My goal is to raise awareness and prepare the congregation for these different emergency situations, and be available to the members of Grace as your parish nurse. I look forward to sharing information with all of you in my monthly newsletter column in the Grace Notes monthly newsletter, and here on this website.
Peace be with all of you!
Kim Vaupel, RN
