Brotherly Love Ministry - Parish Nursing
The next Brotherly Love Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 16, at 6 pm in the Chapel. All are welcome to attend!
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.
Kim Vaupel, RN
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.
September Newsletter
STROKE FACTS AND STATISTICS
Approximately 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke each year, according to the American Stroke Association. Stroke is the number one cause of adult disability in the United States. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke is more common and deadly in African Americans than other ethnic or racial groups in the United States. The risk of stroke for Americans doubles with each decade after the age of 55.
STROKE DEFINITION
A stroke is a medical emergency where the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or stops. This lack of blood flow deprives brain cells of oxygen, causing them to die and leading to potential brain damage and neurological problems. A stroke can be caused by a blocked blood vessel from a blood clot or by a ruptured blood vessel which causes bleeding into or around the brain. A stroke caused by a blood clot to the brain is the most common type of stroke.
RECOGNIZING STROKE SYMPTOMS - F.A.S.T ACRONYM
Face Drooping - one side of the face may droop or feel numb
Arm Weakness - one arm may feel weak or numb and may drift downward if raised
Speech Difficulty - speech may be slurred or difficult to understand
Time to Call 911 - if any of these symptoms are present, seek medical attention immediately! Early treatment, ideally within 60 minutes of the onset of symptoms, is critical for minimizing brain damage and maximizing recovery.
STROKE PREVENTION
Up to 80% of strokes may be preventable with risk factor and lifestyle management and changes. Managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are crucial for stroke prevention. Schedule regular doctor appointments to discuss the best treatment for these medical conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can all significantly reduce risk of a stroke.
REMEMBER TIME IS BRAIN!
Every minute counts! Acting F.A.S.T. will give the person having a stroke the best chance of survival and recovery!
May peace and good health be with all of you!
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
