CHRISTIAN HEALTH MINISTRIES

CPR Class
The CPR class, Friends and Family CPR” that was scheduled for November 2007 has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The course will teach CPR, relief of choking in adults and children, and infant CPR and relief of choking. For family members, friends and members of the general community who want to learn CPR. Participants will receive an American Heart Association program participation card at the completion of the course. Cost is $25 per person. Please contact the church office to register (215-348-3531 or email church office).

Parish Nursing
The Parish Nurses are registered nurses with additional parish nurse training who care for the members of our congregation extending into the community. With a blend of compassion and empathy, they provide education, resources, leadership, caring, and spiritual support. Their role is not to provide direct medical care, but to give guidance and encourage healing through visitation for those who are returning from the hospital or are critically or chronically ill. Their service is enveloped in the healing spirit of Christ. If you would like to be contacted about the Parish Nursing program, please contact the church office / 215-348-3531.

Blood Pressure Checks
A nurse is available during regular Church services and provides blood pressure checks are held in the Parlor between services on the third Sunday of each month.

Bloodmobile
DPC holds several blood drives each year in conjunction with the American Red Cross. We have a group of dedicated volunteers who call previous donors to make appointments. Many members faithfully donate this precious “gift of life” which aids our Church family and others in times of need. Our next drive is:

Thursday, February 21
1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Appointments preferred
To schedule an appointment, please contact the church office
(215-348-3531/ dpc@dtownpc.org) or online at:
Please Give Blood. Type in 2532 as the sponsor code

CancerCare
A ministry to provide emotional, spiritual and prayer support for those with cancer in the Doylestown Presbyterian Church. We are the body of Christ and function only when we work together for the common good. We are called to walk with each other. Let us humbly and gently reach out to each other in God’s love. CancerCare is a ministry whose purpose is to supplement, not replace, other sources of support and information for the cancer patient as well as their loved ones. The ministry will offer a connection to resources and information for individuals with cancer. Members of this ministry have received special training and are ready to share ”the journey” with those with cancer. If you are interested in becoming involved, need more information or any assistance, please contact the church office.

Care Teams
Care teams are members of our church who are trained volunteers and together provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support for those in need. They are members of our congregation who are committed to this task and love what they do. The Care Team model compliments ministries of pastoral and deacon care, and parish nursing. If you are interested in becoming involved, contact the church office.

Companions In Christ for those who suffered loss of a loved one. The death of a loved one has a powerful and significant impact on our lives. We meet several times each year in the Celtic Cross Room for a light dessert and a gathering for those who have experienced loss. Although our grieving journeys are unique and private, we all pass several of the same landmarks. We can be companions together, encouraging and praying for each other. Come and be our guest. For more information, please contact the church office (215-348-3531 or email church office).

CPR Training
A course will be offered periodically called “Heartsaver AED and Pediatric CPR” (an American Heart Association course). It will teach the signs of key emergencies and the basic steps to treat them. The “Heartsaver AED” portion will cover the basic techniques of adult CPR in addition to the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). The “Pediatric CPR” section will provide the participant with information and skills to take steps to prevent heart emergencies with infants and children by reducing risk of injuries, recognizing cardiac and breathing emergencies, and the basic steps of CPR. This training will initially be offered to those church personnel who are in a position to help with an emergency should one occur.

Education and Advocacy
In-service training is provided on a regular basis for our Parish Nurses. We also provide programs to educate the congregation about specific health issues, which impact the health and welfare of our population.

Pre- and Postnatal Support
Christian Health Ministries provides pre- and postnatal support in several ways. Expectant parents are kept in prayer before and after delivery. After the birth of a child, the new mother is contacted by a volunteer nurse who notes any needs and, if desired by the family, can call upon the resources of the church to provide services such as meals, transportation, visitation, and pastoral care. These services may also be provided if needed during the pregnancy. A card or small gift, expressing joy and thanksgiving for the newborn(s), is sent to the family. In the event of a loss, outreach with loving sympathy and support is available. Educational materials on childcare, safety, parenting, etc. are placed in the Church Library.

Social Work
In conjunction with parish nursing, a licensed social worker is available to visit the older or disabled adult at home. Potential problem situations can be assessed with care and respect. If necessary, referrals can be made for church-related or community resources to help maintain a person’s health and independence.

Strength for All Seasons -- For Families Coping with Depression. Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal everyday ups and downs. When that “down” mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than several weeks, the condition may be clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, social activity and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures. No charge. Register by calling the church office at 215-348-3531 or email dpc@dtownpc.org. Wheelchair accessible at Mechanics Street entrance. The groups will meet at 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Celtic Cross Room.

Special Needs Task Force
This sub-committee exists to ensure that all who seek the fellowship of this congregation are valued and made welcome, that we might all glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The Special Needs Task Force promotes and supports the inclusion of all participants who want to share in the privilege and responsibility of worship. For more information contact the church office (215-348-3531 or email dpc@dtownpc.org).

Therapeutic Recreation and Gerontology Services
In conjunction with parish nursing, a therapeutic recreation specialist is available to provide services that help families make decisions about their aging members. The goal is to help maintain and increase well being through in-home interventions and reintegration into the community to prevent isolation.

Health Resource Library and Featured Articles
This section is designed to provide education and information on specific health issues. We will feature a new article each month, and provide a list of articles that may be accessed.

Allergies - (November 2003) It seems there are many individuals who have allergies, and there are many allergen substances in our environment.
Blood Pressure Going Up - (August 2003) One in four have high blood pressure the CDC reports.
Children's Safety - (September 2002) Knowledge about how a child remains safe depends on how parents are enabling children to understand safety issues, and how well children are absorbing information they can use.
Diabetes Awareness - (October 2002) Diabetes is a disease found in all age groups, young and old. If not managed and monitored properly, it can cause serious problems.
Diabetes Type II - (July 2003) There is a rise in Type II Diabetes, which is often referred to as non-insulin- dependent or “adult-onset diabetes,” the pancreas produces
insulin, but the body's cells are resistant to it effects.
Emergency!! What to Do - (May 2003) Emergencies occur at the most inconvenient times and often we are not prepared for them. What we do now can save your life later. The Boy Scout Motto is the first step in an Emergency: “Be Prepared.”
Exercise in the Winter … at Home - (February 2004) Your home can be your exercise center when the weather keeps you homebound! Here are a few suggestions; be creative, challenged, and enjoy the advantage of the “In-Home Plan.”
Food Contamination - (January 2004) Everybody is talking about it! Not sure what to eat because it is unsafe, adulterated, infested, or contaminated?
Gift of Healthy Words - (December 2002) Give the gift of words away by sharing them. Copy and cut them out of this page; place them on a card or in a letter, read them to a family member, insert them in a lunch box, place them in a frame, or make a craft item or ornament for the Christmas tree. Often the words from someone who cares is the loveliest gift of all.
Going Deeper - (March 2004) Ask the right questions at your next doctor's appointment.
Heart Healthy Joy - (December 2003) In researching the effect of emotions on the heart, it is interesting to find that when we are joyful so is our heart. Positive emotions trigger bodily chemical reactions that help us feel joy-filled. The heart is a remarkable organ that sustains us and responds to positive emotions, which can keep us healthy.
How to Remain Healthy - (September 2003) Question: How do you remain well and healthy during cough, cold, and flu season?
Justice in Medicine - This article was presented by Dr. James Blore as a Minute for Mission during worship on Sunday, August 18, 2002. We have reprinted it for your information. Sample letters are available at the end of the article.
Obesity and Dietary Guidelines - (October 2003) Information gathered from the ATRA Conference in Atlanta and suggestions from Senator Peter Fitzgerald’s Subcommittee.
Older American Month - (April 2003) How can I remain healthy and well as I get older?
Oral Health - (April 2004) In a recent interview with dental hygienist Kirsten Czaplicki, RDH, BS, and member of DPC, she revealed important information about oral disease.
Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness - (March 2003) We are never too old to consider organ and tissue donations. People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors.
Recreation of Mind, Body, and Spirit - (June 2003) Each person interprets leisure, recreation, and play uniquely since variables such as physical, mental, social lifestyle, age, upbringing, beliefs, and work ethic impact one’s definitions and how to utilize time.
Stroke / “Brain Attack” - (October 2002) This article was suggested by the CHM Committee for families and friends about health education. It's time to take care of each other ... be knowledgeable ... Stroke now called “Brain Attack.”
Stress - (November 2002) What a wonderful time of year to control stress and enjoy every day filled with the love of our Lord and Savior. It is a time to prepare, celebrate and give of ourselves, joyfully, during the holidays. Often preparation takes extra energy, endurance and stamina which add to our optimal stress level. Everyone has stress and positive stress can add anticipation and excitement to life. We thrive under a certain amount of stress and it is not to eliminate it, but to manage it and learn how to use it to our advantage.
Save Your Vision - (February 2003) Keeping your eyes healthy is not difficult!
Vitamin D - (January 2003) An important vitamin, especially during winter months.
Winter Blues - (February 2004) The winter days are long and cold. Weather conditions keep us confined and cause us to change our plans and schedules which affect our mood and spirit.