Parish Nurse Ministries

 

 

SLEEP HYGIENE
Why is sleep important?
Renews our mental and physical health. Lack of sleep can lead to injury of yourself or others while operating machinery. Lack of sleep can lead to disorders such as problems falling asleep, staying asleep, difficulty waking, difficultly obtaining a regular sleeping schedule, sleepwalking, bedwetting, and nightmares. Good sleepers are likely to have a lifestyle with a healthy diet and active life.

Stress and Sleep
Stress is one of the major causes of sleeping problems. Other causes of sleeping problems include: regular napping, excessive use of caffeine, consuming alcohol beverages before falling asleep, working or exercising at night, or having an irregular sleep pattern. Eliminating or coping with stressors allow for a more restful sleep cycle. Some have anxiety or stress about not falling asleep, this makes it difficult to fall asleep in which some cannot sleep in their room because of the stress associated with sleeping.

Diet and Sleep
Caffeine: Stimulates the brain and interferes with sleep. Coffee, tea, soda, cocoa, chocolate, some prescription medications, and a few over the counter medications (usually pain relievers) contain caffeine. Moderate use of caffeine usually does not have an effect on sleep. If someone suffers from insomnia, this individual should not consume more than 2 caffeinated beverages after noon.

Nicotine: Stimulates the brain and disrupts the sleeping cycle. Cigarettes and some drugs contain Nicotine. Once smokers quit, they are able to fall asleep faster and not wake as often at night.
Alcohol: Slows brain activity. Alcohol may assist in falling asleep at first, but it disrupts sleep during the night. Nightmares and early morning headaches are common when consuming alcohol before going to bed. To have a more restful sleep cycle, avoid alcohol beverages four to six hours before going to sleep.
Meals: Eating meals or large amounts of food interfere with falling and staying asleep. The stomach is digesting food when an individual eats before going to bed and can cause an upset stomach. Light snacks before bed can actually promote sleep. Milk and other dairy products consumed with carbohydrates like crackers have been proven to promote sleep.

Environment: A comfortable bed, in a dark quiet environment promotes sleep. Depending on the individual, adjustments in sleep environments vary (light or heavy sleepers). Use light blocking curtains if light is an issue. Using background noise or earplugs while sleeping help light sleepers. Facing alarm clocks or placing alarm clocks across the room can promote a more restful sleep because knowing the time sometimes adds more pressure to fall asleep causing more anxiety and difficulty to sleep.

Exercise: Depending on the time of day and level of fitness, regular exercise helps people sleep better. If the individual is physically fit, exercise should be avoided within six hours of bedtime; however the lack of activity can also lead to problems sleeping. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program.

 

What Can You Do to Sleep Better?
Distract your mind by reading, watching a movie, or listening to music. Only spend time in bed while sleeping. Managing stressors. Designate time to worry before going to bed; set aside 30 minutes in the evening to sit alone undisturbed and write down stressors and ways to solve them. Limit caffeine. Eat a balanced diet and not large meals before bed; light meals may help you sleep. Exercise on a regular basis.

*Information provided to you by Olivet Lutheran Church Parish Nurse Ministry and Concordia College Nursing Students (2009)

 

FIRST THURSDAY A Cancer Support Group for Women Thursday, March 4th, 7:00pm, Chapel
A Cancer Support Group for Women
Newly diagnosed or cancer survivors are welcome to this informal supportive gathering. It is designed for women who have or have had cancer; it is a time for supporting each other, learning how to cope, and having a good time. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month through May in the Olivet Chapel at 7:00pm. Please join us on Thursday, January 7th as we welcome Dawn Morgan from the “Spirit Room” as she demonstrates relaxation and meditation techniques for us. Information: Parish Nurse Bev Gravdahl, 235-6603.

 

GRIEF SHARE
This grief support group is for people who are grieving the loss of someone close. With this group you may find encouragement and healing, as you will have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss. Olivet Lutheran Church, along with St. John Lutheran Church and Nativity Catholic Church, will continue this series beginning in September. Sessions are designed to help you successfully travel the journey from mourning to joy, and will include a video and small group discussions. With this program, you will learn how to walk the journey of grief and be supported on the way. We will meet September – May on a Sunday from 2:00-3:30pm, at one of the 3 locations listed below. You are welcome to attend the group at any session. Each is “self-contained” so you do not have to attend in sequence – so come when you are able. Questions? Please contact Bev Gravdahl, Parish Nurse, at 235-6603.
Upcoming sessions, dates and locations (2:00-3:30pm):
Feb 14 “When Your Spouse Dies” - Part 2 Olivet
Mar 14 “The Uniqueness of Grief” - Part 1 St. John
April 11 “The Uniqueness of Grief” - Part 2 Nativity
May 2 “The Positive Power of Grief” Olivet
Addresses of the locations:
St. John Lutheran Church – 1710 5th Street South, Fargo
Nativity Catholic Church – 1825 11th Street South, Fargo
Olivet Lutheran Church – 1330 South University Drive, Fargo

 

 

LENDING CLOSET
Our Lending Closet began with Olivet members donating medical equipment and supplies to us. The idea is to “lend out” these items to our parishioners for temporary needs. The “closet” has crutches, walkers, canes, high chair, toilet seat extenders and shower chairs. We are currently in need of wheelchairs. If you or someone you know needs one of these items, or has items to donate to the Lending Closet, please call the church office at 235-6603, or contact Bev Gravdahl, Parish Nurse.

 

NEW BABY
When a baby is born in the Olivet community, a rose is placed by the Baptismal font in honor of the birth. The Parish Nurse will connect with the family and be a resource person for parents to discuss baby care, mom and dad care, baptism, and other areas of concern.

 

SERVICE OF PRAYERS & HEALING
Blessing of the Prayer Shawls
Worship Service of Prayers and Healing is offered the 5th Wednesday of each month at during the Wednesday Evening Worship services. Anointing with oil will be offered as a part of the communion service for those who wish to participate. Healing comes in many forms. Healing can occur physically as well as through the grieving process, in broken relationships, in memories, in the caring and supporting of loved ones. Jesus calls us to preach, to teach and to heal. This worship experience enables and encourages us to participate in Christ’s ministry of healing for ourselves and for each other. Prayer Shawls made by Olivet members are blessed at this service.