August 2009

Partners in Health and Wholness Newsletter
A Newsletter by the North Carolina Council of Churches

Vol. 1, No. 1

Key Topic in this Premier Issue:
OBESITY

In this Issue:
Program Update
In the News
Healthful Tips
Sample Recipe
Health Hero
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Announcements

PROGRAM UPDATE

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), a program of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith and health together. In order to live out the example of Jesus Christ - someone who dedicated his life to healing the sick, guiding the lost, comforting the downcast, and even raising the dead - our program seeks to provide people of faith with the tools necessary to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. By improving the health and well-being of people of faith, we hope to impact the larger community and, ultimately, reduce the health care burden on our state.

PHW is generously funded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. A number of existing health programs have also agreed to partner with us to fulfill our important mission. They will offer free or low-cost materials and services to the nearly 6,200 congregations that are affiliated with the Council. For example, information and support will be given to churches to help them establish tobacco-free facilities, grow community gardens, reduce their risk for certain diseases such as heart disease and stroke, and advocate for health policy change. Church participation in each of these programs is voluntary.

To accompany the materials provided by our partners, PHW is developing worship aids to share with our faith leaders to help them incorporate health and wellness into their worship services. Fact sheets and other health-related resources will be provided to all who are interested. If you would like more information or to receive copies of these materials as they become available, please email Willona Akingbade at willona@nccouncilofchurches.org.

IN THE NEWS

AND THE U.S. HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE GOES TO....

A recent report by the Associated Press revealed that people who live in the Southern United States (that includes us, North Carolina!) are among the fattest in the nation. From 2006-2008, 32.5% of Mississippi adults were obese, granting the Magnolia State the ominous U.S. heavyweight title for the fifth year in a row. Alabama and West Virginia trailed close behind at 31.2% and 31.1%, respectively. North Carolina, although not listed as one of the top three heaviest states, did not fair much better than our Southern counterparts. We came in at No. 12 in the national ranking, with 28.3% of North Carolinians falling into the obese category.

If being overweight or obese only resulted in larger dress sizes for women or collar sizes for men, there would be no need for alarm (of course some of us might beg to differ). But research has shown that people who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, hypertension, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis, and infertility.

In North Carolina, it is estimated that nearly $24.1 billion is spent each year on health care costs related to physical inactivity, excess weight, type 2 diabetes and low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Across the United States, that total is a whopping $147 billion; double what was spent to treat obesity-related health problems just a decade ago. At the individual level, the annual cost of caring for an obese person is nearly $1,400 higher than someone who's normal weight, and the cost of prescription drugs about $600 higher.

It is clear that obesity-related health problems place an increased burden on our health care system and have the potential to significantly reduce one's quality and quantity of life. As Christians, we serve as Lord and Savior someone who is referred to as the Great Physician; someone who came so that we might have life and life more abundantly. For the Bible says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: [Jesus has] come that [we] might have life, and that [we] might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10, KJV) Are you living the best life possible today? The following healthful tips will help you achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Healthful Tips

Be active

According to U.S. health officials, adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day or at least 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity 3 or more days per week. Examples of moderate physical activity include walking briskly, hiking, gardening or doing light yard work, dancing, bicycling (less than 10 miles per hour), and weight training. Examples of vigorous physical activity include jogging, bicycling (more than 10 miles per hour), swimming, aerobics, and playing basketball.

Getting regular exercise can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, diabetes and some cancers; prevent and lower high blood pressure; strengthen bones; improve muscle strength and endurance; and help you maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise also helps to reduce stress and improve concentration.

For tips on how to incorporate more physical activity into your day, please visit Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina -- a statewide initiative dedicated to improving the way we nourish our bodies through physical activity and good nutrition - at www.MyEatSmartMoveMore.com. You can also reserve a copy of Faithfully Fit & Active, a fact sheet created by the North Carolina Council of Churches' Partners in Health and Wholeness Program.

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Most of us can remember as children being told to eat our vegetables so that we could grow strong and healthy. Believe it or not, our parents were not just using this as a lure to make us eat that last spoonful of spinach on our plate, but it is true. Fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins and minerals that promote good health in both adults and children, help you to maintain a healthy body weight, and reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, diabetes, some cancers and high blood pressure.

In order to reap some of the benefits just memtioned, it is recommended that you eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

For tips on how to include more fruits and vegetables into your diet, please visit Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina at www.MyEastSmartMoveMore.com or reserve a copy of Eating Faithfully, a fact sheet created by the North Carolina Council of Churches' Partners in Health and Wholeness Program.

Drink more water

Although the benefits of drinking 8 or more glasses of water each day, at least for people who are already healthy, can be debated, there is no question that replacing sweet, carbonated drinks with water is a healthy choice.

Drinking water helps to regulate your body temperature, transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, and remove waste. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, on the other hand, has been associated with higher rates of overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and insufficient intake of important nutrients like calcium, iron, folate and Vitamin A.

Get a good night's sleep

Not surprisingly, a lot of things that we were taught as children remain true for us as adults. We should still treat others the way that we want to be treated, share, brush our teeth before going to bed, and respect our elders. In school, we were also taught to get a good night's sleep before taking an exam in order to improve our concentration and overall test scores. Well, the same is true for us now as adults. Research has shown that getting a good night's rest (i.e., between 7 to 9 hours) helps to not only improve your concentration, but also keep your heart healthy, reduce stress, improve memory, and help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Turn off the TV and go outdoors

Countless news reports and magazine articles have addressed the fact that children are spending less time playing outdoors and more time in front of the television and on the computer than they did in years past. This switch to a more sedentary lifestyle, coupled with poor nutrition, has increased the overweight and obesity rates among children and adults. As a result, parents and other caregivers are urged to find creative ways to keep their children (and themselves) healthy and active and connected with God's creation, the great outdoors.

By simply turning off the television and going outdoors, you can reconnect with your family, improve your physical and mental health, and discover some of the wonderful things that your community has to offer (e.g., parks, walking trails, festivals, farmers' markets, etc.).

Take time to reflect

Many Americans are working harder but earning less and finding it increasingly difficult to balance the demands of work and family life. Even for those of us who are able to strike such a balance, we sometimes forget to include our individual need for reflection and spiritual growth into our day. Taking just 15 to 30 minutes to write in your journal, take a prayer walk, or sit in complete silence could significantly improve your state of mind and overall well-being. Try it today!

SAMPLE RECIPE

Spicy Oven-Fried Chicken:
A Healthy Twist on a Southern Favorite!

Serves 4, 3 ounces of chicken per serving

Cooking spray
¼ cup low-fat buttermilk
¼ cup cornflake crumbs
¼ cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt-free extra-spicy
seasoning blend
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 4 ounces each), all visible fat discarded

Preheat the oven to 375º F. Lightly spray an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan or a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Pour the buttermilk into a pie pan or shallow bowl.
In a large airtight plastic bag, combine the remaining ingredients except the chicken.
Set the pie pan, plastic bag and baking pan in a row, assembly-line fashion. Put a piece of chicken in the buttermilk and turn to cover completely. Put the chicken in the plastic bag and shake to coat. Place the chicken in the baking pan. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the coating is crisp.

Nutritional Analysis (per serving)

Calories	195
Total Fat	1.5 g
Saturated	0.5 g
Polysaturated	0.5 g
Monosaturated	0.5 g
Cholesterol	66 mg
Sodium	264 mg
Carbohydrates	16 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugars	1g
Protein	28 g

Courtesy of the American Heart Association's Heart-Healthy Recipes

A HEALTH HERO

A Story of Weight Loss and Personal Growth to Inspire Others

(By Rose Gurkin, Program Associate, NC Council of Churches)

Two years ago, I was an insulin-dependent diabetic, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and debilitating arthritis. Overweight since I was a teenager, I had tried every fad diet, even a two-year fast, and the weight always came back. At age 57, I had accepted myself as a morbidly obese woman, an emotional and stress-related eater, that could not lose weight.

I joined Weight Watchers in January 2008 at 288 lbs. I thought, "What have I got to lose?" Now, 18 months later, I know that I had a great deal to lose, but it was not just weight. I needed to lose my negativity, my sense of failure, and my embarrassment. I needed to lose bad habits: emotional eating, poor portion control, and lack of any physical activity.

The most amazing transformation has taken place! I am down 115 lbs. and ten dress sizes! While this has certainly changed my outward appearance, more importantly, I have radically improved my health. My type 2 diabetes is now under control and my doctor has taken me off insulin and all of the additional diabetes drugs. My blood tests all come back normal: blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. The knee replacement surgery that my doctor discussed with me last year is no longer necessary since my knee pain is gone. My energy level is up and I am able to get more things accomplished than I have in years.

I have joined a gym and am now working out five days a week. Since my energy and stamina are greatly increased, I don't use electric carts to shop or need a cane to walk. I don't avoid stairs. I can do my own yard work. All of these changes make me a more positive and successful person. I feel that there isn't anything I can't accomplish now.

This has not been an easy journey. It had to be a complete life-style change. My advice? Find a food program that is sustainable and that will continue to work for you after you lose weight. Build a support group that encourages you and believes in you. For me, the Weight Watcher plan has the flexibility and guidelines that help me to make good choices. Attending meetings every week holds me accountable. A terrific leader continues to give me the emotional support and encouragement that I need to make permanent life changes. And move more. Start small, but start. You will be amazed at the progress you can make.

As a person of faith, I have always believed that I was "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Every person is a creation of God and I believe God intends every creation to be healthy and whole. Of course, I fell short of that for most of my life. But now I feel that I am closer to the person that God would have me be because I'm taking much better care of the body and life that I've been given.

My new question is "What have I gained?" A longer, healthier life, good self-esteem, high energy, knowledge, new friends, and new ambitions.

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

A dietitian was once addressing a large audience in Chicago. "The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. Vegetables cooked in bacon fat can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have, or will, eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?"

A 75-year-old man in the front row stood up and said, "Wedding cake!"

Courtesy of Food Jokes - A collection of jokes related to food! http://www.food-jokes.co.uk/#

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We Need Your Input!

The Partners in Health and Wholeness Program is in need of a catchy name for our quarterly newsletters, and we need your input. All feedback is welcomed; just remember to be creative! You can send your suggestions to Willona Akingbade at willona@nccouncilofchurches.org.

Need to Get the Word Out?
If you would like to announce an upcoming health event that is taking place at your church or within your community, please email the following information to Willona Akingbade at willona@nccouncilofchurches.org:

Date, time and location of the event
Purpose Intended audience
Other information that might be of benefit to persons who wish to attend