This week starts Session V of The Daniel Plan Curriculum.
Pastor Rick starts out the video session reminding us of the verse found in 2 Thessalonians 1:11, “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.”
Personally, I want this support to last for more than one more week. I love listening to pastors preach, and Pastor Rick mixes his sermons on health with humor and seriousness. He also is not afraid to use his own story. In case you haven’t browsed their site, take a look at some of their recipes. I have really enjoyed the recipes online at the site, well at least watching their videos online. The recipes for me haven’t turned out so well. I’m not sure if it is because I change them or if the recipe itself doesn’t work. But in any regard, they are fun videos and can give you great ideas of combining foods in a new way.
Although this curriculum is coming to a close, we can still keep going with these principles. This is going to be a yearlong pursuit for me, and frankly, I plan on visiting these videos and curriculum throughout the year.
I’m taking Pastor Rick’s charge to memorize scripture. Will you memorize this verse with me?
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13–14 NIV)
Discussion question, excerpted from the curriculum:
1) Have you been taking time to have fun and to enjoy what God has given you? You might plan to do something fun together as a group, such as a hike, bike ride, a day at the park or beach, etc. This would be a great activity for your Health Champion to coordinate.
2) How have you found trusting God, confessing sin, giving generously, and having fun to be good for your health?
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>This week starts Session IV of The Daniel Plan Curriculum.
We are half-way through this curriculum. Does it have to end? This curriculum is helping me to reinforce the importance of seeing health through the lens of my faith. The scripture in Romans 12:2 that Pastor Rick offers I’m quite familiar with, and is rooted deep within my perspective of my body. He has offered many scriptures such as this one that have helped me meditate on health as a faith issue.
Pastor Rick says that practicing health is a spiritual discipline, “an expression of worship”. I love to worship. It’s even better for me when I worship God instead of man. Know what I mean? I have been recently reminded of the Israelite Kings who built idols and altars to other gods, and those Kings who tore down the idols and rebuilt the altar of the Lord. I know this is what I need to do for my health. I need to tear down my dependence on unhealthy habits and refocus my dependence on God.
Discussion question, excerpted from the curriculum:
1) Have you found that thinking about your health through eyes of faith increases your thoughts toward God through the day? If so, in what ways do you see this happening?
Romans 12:1
2) Romans 12:2 (NIV) says . . . “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”
Why do you think God wants you to offer your physical body to him? How is that an act of worship? What practical steps can you take to do that?
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
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But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (Matthew 19:14, NRSV).
]]>Everyone gets so hyped about attending conferences. You go there, you collect as many business cards as you can, you write down notes, quotes, and things to follow-up with. You instantly get empowered and invigorated with the amount of energy and ideas that flood your mind and new-found relationships. You struggle over which break-out session to attend, because all five of them are titled so well, and they are all happening at the same time. Whew, you hope this never ends. And then you get home. Works starts again, long lines at retail stores, your purse/wallet/notepad fills up with daily living receipts and to-do lists. It’s not until weeks or months later that you come across those business cards you collected, or remind yourself that you still have the conference program with short-hand notes you can’t decipher. Who was this person whose name I circled and put a smiley face next to? Algipth Ep???
If this is you, then the Come to the Table Conference had you in mind. The masterminds of this year’s conference, Sarah Gibson and Francesca Hyatt, had the forethought to record each break-out session and to email a directory to all participants. Brilliant!
Looking at some of these videos reminded me of the relationships I formed. I still keep in contact with people I met for the first time at the Piedmont and the Eastern conferences. If you missed attending these conferences in real-time, I invite you to take part through the recorded sessions. And if you hear a song in the video, since you are online anyway, look up the lyrics and sing along, after all, you are a part of the conference now.
]]>This week starts Session III of The Daniel Plan Curriculum.
One of the scriptures that Pastor Rick quotes that I absolutely love is from 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20, "You are not your own, you were bought at a price". This scripture has many implications for how I live my life. For example, as this scripture relates to health, I meditate on making healthy choices because I'm stewarding God's temple, my body. And the temple of the Lord, from what I learn in the Old Testament, is not to be taken lightly. If done incorrectly or out of the order that God prescribes, death was the sentence. I am so thankful that I'm living under grace which saves me from that judgment. However, God's grace for my life should not lessen the importance of stewarding well what is of God, but rather, fill my heart with gratitude.
Discussion Question, excerpted from the curriculum:
What is your one-page miracle that you would like to share?
How does 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20 change your outlook on life?
]]>We deliver 4x8ft raised bed gardens, build them on site, fill them with compost donated by the City of High Point, and give each family seeds or plants to fill their garden. Then we keep up with them throughout the growing season to help them tend, grow, maintain and harvest their gardens.
We have a website, www.hggp.org, where people can go online and fill out an application or print off an application to mail in to apply for a garden. We have two levels of gardeners. One is a paid garden and the other is a scholarship program. If families meet the Census Poverty guidelines, they can get a garden for $50.
Since our beginning, we have delivered approximately 300 gardens. Of these, two-thirds are scholarship gardens. We receive donations from area churches and individuals to also help in our costs. We also have a training garden located at Ward Street Mission where people can come and learn how to plant, tend and harvest vegetables. We give the excess produce away to people in the community.
In 2012, we did a project with the Boys and Girls Club housed on the third floor of our church. The children were put in teams of two and given a 4x4ft section and seeds and grew vegetables to take home to their families.
Any church can do this. In March and April this year, we partnered with Rankin Memorial United Methodist Church in High Point and helped them install twenty 4x8ft raised bed gardens on their church property that they are letting families surrounding their church tend and harvest. We bring in youth groups from other churches for a weekend mission trip where they install gardens and learn how House Gardens Greening Project works and can work in their community.
The PHW mini-grant will be used to further our project in our community by funding more gardens that can be delivered.
The success story above was submitted by John Moran, PHW Liaison at Ward Street Mission United Methodist Church in High Point, where Rev. Anne Elmore serves as pastor. As John so eloquently stated, ANY congregation can do this work – i.e., contribute to the health of their community by providing increased access to healthy, local foods. Thank you for visiting our website to find ways to get involved!
This video captures Dr. Murray reading a healthy food, beverage and physical activity policy to the congregation. Perhaps your place of worship can do the same, or maybe start a community garden, or perhaps participate in a local 5k run? The possibilities are endless and the rewards are great. By promoting healthy lifestyles, we can help reduce the healthcare burden on our state and improve the quality of life for God’s people.
]]>This week starts Session II of The Daniel Plan Curriculum. I have really enjoyed listening to Pastor Rick share his personal experiences. I have also loved to hear the word of God and hear someone say that the reason why you want to change actually matters. Within this lesson, Pastor Rick stresses it is not enough to want to reach your ideal weight for the sheer hope of looking good. Although he admittedly agrees he wants people to look good, he also shares that this motivation is too superficial. He adds that once you get to your ideal weight, you then will go slack and think that you have reached “health”.
Pastor Rick courageously shares his desire to be healthy is to answer God he stewarded his body as well as he stewarded the church that God entrusted to him to pastor. Amen.
We have a hope to look towards.
Discussion Question:
Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In what ways do you find yourself tapping in to God’s strength through your daily life?
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For this week, the focus is on recruiting people to go through this curriculum with you (besides our fabulous PHW community of course), knowing your starting health, and making the commitment to this study.
If you don’t have a way to take your measurements, don’t worry too much. If you are like me, taking quantitative measures is not easy for various reasons. So I opted to do a qualitative measurement. If you would rather do a qualitative measure, I have included three for you to consider, or google some other choices. The answers are for you to know where you are starting from—which is the important point. Relax, you don’t have to share this with anyone or write about it—unless you want to. Saddleback also suggests that you follow your health as you go along, so check in with your health assessment on a regular basis.
Qualitative Health Surveys:
If you find it difficult to stay committed, pray for help, this is one of the promises of the Holy Spirit. Then pick up where you left off. We are here to support each other. You will also find regular encouragement on our Facebook page.
Discussion Questions (From The Daniel Plan Curriculum)
1) In our key verse for this week Paul writes, “I constantly pray for you that our God, by his power, may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.”
(2 Thessalonians 1:11 NIV)
How do these words give you a sense of hope as we begin this study?
2) Pastor Rick shared in this session about his family background and history with food and health. Take a few moments as a group to talk about the food and health “environment” in which you grew up.
3) Daniel asked for a different menu than everyone else because of his faith. What character qualities did it take for Daniel to make the choice to eat differently than those around him?
]]>Congregations are already showing their commitment to health as a practice of their faith by participating in the NC Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative. But now we have the opportunity to partner with others in the community, like schools and businesses, to spread our message of health and abundant living and to affect more lives.
To learn more about A Healthier NC, please visit their official website, www.ahealthiernc.com, where you will find free tools and resources to help you lead a healthier lifestyle. You can also begin logging your hours of physical activity, either as an individual or a group.
Our very own Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, who represents the NC Conference of the United Methodist Church, is already on board and has vowed to engage as many United Methodist congregations in this effort as possible. It’s my hope that other denominations and congregations will follow suit, demonstrating God’s care for all areas of our lives – mind, body and spirit.
]]>Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading will come from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with responses from staff. Just look for the apple on top of the book picture among the blog post pictures and you will find past Book Club entries.
The Daniel Plan is a six week bible study curriculum that walks through steps to be healthier. You can find a summary of the curriculum below, and an introductory video here. This curriculum encourages you to find a companion to walk through this six week journey together. I know that you will enjoy browsing through The Daniel Plan website. I hope to you visit next Thursday to leave your comments on our first week’s lesson!
The Simple Six: Core Principles & Action Steps (provided by Saddleback)
CONNECT for Success
Ask a friend or two to join or support you on your journey because “we’re better together.” Start or join a small group. Online groups available too.
Connect with your current health by measuring your weight, waist size, blood pressure so you know your numbers. See your doctor(s) for annual checkup.
Start your health profile, enter your starting figures at www.danielplan.com “Start” tab.
Begin learning about foods to eat and avoid. Watch “Clean Out Your Pantry” video and print out the “Good Foods” shopping list.
RELY on God's Power
Seek God’s power to help make changes to your health and life.
Start your day with an attitude of gratitude and journal your journey. Seek God’s help. Read “How to Have a Meaningful Time with God” by Pastor Rick.
Complete the One-Page Miracle. Set goals. Try to win the week. Consider using food and exercise tracking tools like fitday.com, loseit.com or fatsecret.com.
EAT Delicious Whole Foods
Have 70% of your daily diet consist of whole, living foods including raw or lightly cooked vegetables, fruit, raw nuts and seeds. The other 30% can include lean protein, whole grains and starchy vegetables.
Don’t drink your calories (sodas, juices, alcohol). Drink water instead.
Read the label: Avoid high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, nitrates, food coloring.
Avoid the “white menaces,” flour, rice, potatoes and sugar (bread, pasta, cookies, cakes).
Supplement your diet with high quality vitamins Omega-3, Vit. D, and a multi-vitamin.
Eat nutritious breakfast that includes protein. Add healthy snacks throughout the day. Low fat lunches. Light dinners (don’t eat within three hours of bedtime).
MOVE Your Way to Health
Stay active daily. Find ways to enjoy exercise. God made our bodies for movement.
Begin improving your posture, flexibility and cardiovascular/aerobicconditioning.Lose weight faster with “burst” (interval) training. Read “How to Exercise” to guide you.
Burn calories, gain strength using resistance training.
THINK Sharper and Smarter
Your decisions about the way you eat, move and think are results of your brain health.
Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Stress less with deep breathing and exercise.
Reverse risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by learning something new: language, scripture.
Avoid brain robbers like; alcohol, drugs, smoking, and sports that can cause concussions.
Don’t believe the automatic negative thoughts in your head. Challenge and replace them with the truth!
HEAL for Life
Develop a strategy that makes The Daniel Plan a permanent part of your life.
Seek optimal digestive health by following Dr. Hyman’s suggestions.
Consider a period of food detoxification to identify food allergies that could be making you sick and overweight.
Stop sugar addiction and food addictions that trigger overeating.
Improve your energy by addressing the variety of energy gains and drains.
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To learn more or to complete an application, please click here. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24.
]]>This week will take a look at Eating Well Week 7: Reflection from the free “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Food Curriculum.
Excerpted from the curriculum (Leader’s Notes, Focus Statement and Scripture):
As a book club we have learned a great deal about the complexity of the food system over the course of this study. This week gives us an opportunity to practice some of the information we’ve learned and to reflect on the next steps we’d like to take.
One of the most basic rituals for all Christians is to share the Lord’s Supper or Holy Eucharist. This coming together over a table to share bread and wine is understood differently among faith traditions; however, it is a common act that unites Christians to one another and to Christ.
Scripture:
Matthew 26:26-28
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘take, eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Please read the Eating Well Week 7: Reflection of the “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Curriculum.
Discussion Prompts from the curriculum (feel free to create your own prompts or to respond to one or more of these):
This week will take a look at Eating Well Week 6: Peace from the free “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Food Curriculum.
Excerpted from the curriculum (Leader’s Notes, Focus Statement and Scripture):
This week’s lesson looks at the impact food security has on peace. Some of the terms used in this lesson may be new to participants, so definitions are provided.
Feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the needy, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners are all ways in which we as Christians can love our neighbors. Our neighbors – both around the world and in our own counties – struggle to find food security.
Scripture:
Matthew 25: 34-36
Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.
Please read the Eating Well Week 6: Peace of the “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Curriculum.
Discussion Prompts from the curriculum (feel free to create your own prompts or to respond to one or more of these):
Excerpted from the curriculum (Leader’s Notes, Focus Statement and Scripture):
This week’s session focuses on the importance of diversity. Diversity can mean different things to different people. For example, when some people hear the word diversity, they may immediately think of racial or ethnic diversity. That is an important topic, particularly in light of last week’s discussion about neighbors. However, the idea of diversity in food focuses on the necessity to consume a wide variety of foods, for our own health and the health of the planet.
God sought to preserve the diversity of creation by instructing Noah to build the Ark. This story shows God’s great love for creation because all the animals were valued whether they were clean or unclean. Diversity is an important part of God’s good creation.
Scripture:
Genesis 6:5-9:17 – Noah’s Ark
In the Israelites’ dietary laws, some animals were considered clean and others unclean. The Israelites were not allowed to eat unclean animals. After Noah built the ark, God instructed him to save all the animals – both clean and unclean. This indicates the importance and necessity of diversity in the world.
Please read the Eating Well Week 5: Diversity of the “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Curriculum.
Discussion Prompts from the curriculum (feel free to create your own prompts or to respond to one or more of these):
Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with responses from staff. Just look for the apple on top of the book picture among the blog post pictures and you will find past Book Club entries.
This week will take a look at Eating Well Week 4: Honoring Neighbors from the free “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Food Curriculum.
Excerpted from the curriculum (Leader’s Notes, Focus Statement and Scripture):
This week focuses on neighbors. We often forget that people who do not look like us or live near us are our neighbors.
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan in response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus shows us that our neighbors are not just our friends or the people who are like us. As we continued to study God’s good creation, think about expanding your definition of neighbor even further to see all of creation as your neighbor. We are siblings to all of God’s creation – the land, the animals, and the plants – because God created all of us.
Scripture:
Luke 10:25-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan
In the first century, Jews and Samaritans were enemies. While both followed the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament” and worshipped Yahweh (the Hebrew name for God), Jews considered Samaritans heretics because they did not worship in Jerusalem and they intermarried with other tribes.
The feud between the two peoples was so strong that Jews would often travel far out of their way rather than set food in Samaria. The Jews would not have expected to hear about a good Samaritan, so Jesus shocks his Jewish audience by using a Samaritan as a positive example. As you read this parable, ask yourself who is a “Samaritan” to you?
Please read the Eating Well Week 4: Honoring Neighbors of the “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Curriculum. To view the adult activity this week, Harvest of Dignity, please go here.
Discussion Prompts from the curriculum (feel free to create your own prompts or to respond to one or more of these):
The Greensboro conference was equally powerful. There were workshops surrounding food justice as well as finding support for your ministry or nonprofit. I was especially proud of the representation from Robeson County. We had two Partners in Health and Wholeness-certified churches participate: Gold-Certified First Baptist Church 2nd St with Pastor Dr. Thomas Murray and Bronze- Certified St. Matthews Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church with Rev. Joseph Young serving as the church leader. Both churches participated in the events that spanned the two days. In particular, Jay Leggette of FBC was one of the panelists who shared resources he has found for his church in order to do work partnering to hold dental clinics and health classes. They are now gearing up to plan for a garden or greenhouse.
You can find success stories like these on the on the Partners in Health and Wholeness website here. Many of the folks at the conference joined our Facebook page as well as our PHW Book Club. I would invite you to do the same. In both of these resources you will find encouragement to continue pursuing God’s direction for your health, and engage in safe and stimulating conversation around food and faith. I hope to your read your comments in the future on either resource.
-Joy Williams
Partners in Health and Wholeness is an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches. PHW aims to connect health as a faith issue. Please visit our website to sign your personal pledge to be healthier, and to find out about grant opportunities for churches in NC. Continue to stay connected with PHW by liking us on Facebook and our PHW Book Club!.
]]>This week will take a look at “Eating Well Week 3: Enough” from the free “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Food Curriculum.
Excerpted from the curriculum (Leader’s Notes, Focus Statement and Scripture):
For many people, eating can be an emotional activity (I wrote about my personal experience of emotional eating during Thanksgiving of last year). Some people eat when they are sad, some avoid eating to have a feeling of control, and others cook and eat foods that remind them of their family or their heritage.
Our bodies are a gift from God. We don’t want to misuse that gift by consuming more food than our bodies need. God provides enough.
Scripture:
New International Version (NIV)
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Please read the “Eating Well Week 3: Enough” of the “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Curriculum.
Discussion Prompts from the curriculum (feel free to create your own prompts or to respond to one or more of these):
1) In what ways do we abuse our bodies –temples of the Holy Spirit –when we indulge in too much food?
2) How well do you treat your temple?
]]>Even if your congregation falls outside of the area where the grants are available, there are many additional resources and opportunities available through our Partners in Health and Wholeness program to help make healthy living a part of your faith community, including certification and mini-grants.
We also hope you’ll help us get the word out to the congregations who are eligible for equipment grants. By all working together to make our communities better, we impact our state and nation, and live out our faith. Please consider yourselves a part of this unique initiative although your place of worship may not be directly impacted. We will all benefit as we live out our faith and collectively do what is necessary to teach, preach, and live out biblical principles.
Anyone interested can visit this link on our PHW website or contact me directly at joy@ncchurches.org or 919-357-8625. Thanks!
–Joy Williams, PHW Consultant
Partners in Health and Wholeness is an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches. PHW aims to connect health as a faith issue. Please visit our website to sign your personal pledge to be healthier, and to find out about grant opportunities for churches in NC. Continue to stay connected with PHW by liking us on Facebook.
]]>We hope you enjoyed reading week 2 of the Eating Well Curriculum!
We are going to focus on reading these well-known Biblical passages through the lens of the food that we eat.
Scripture:
Genesis 1:1-2:4
The story of creation is beloved and familiar. As you read and listen to it, keep in mind the issues raised by “Nourish” or the food system articles from last session.
Focus Statement:
God created the universe and everything in it. God called the creation good and gave humans the responsibility of caring for it. God provided humans and creatures with all we need to eat; however, we must take care of creation to ensure there is enough food for all children of all species, now and forever.
Discussion Questions:
1) Did anything surprise you from what you read this week?
2) How far does your food travel? How far do you travel to get to your food?
3) What impact does that have on creation?
4) How can you make different food choices that reflect your respect for God's creation?
We look forward to hearing your thoughts about Eating Well Week 2! Feel free to share your responses to these questions or any other elements you may want to discuss.
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These grants are designed to support congregations in your efforts to increase access to local, healthy, sustainable foods. To see if your congregation is eligible to apply, please visit: http://www.healthandwholeness.org/equipment-grants.
]]>This week will take a look at Eating Well Week 1: Overview from the free “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Food Curriculum.
Excerpted from the curriculum (Leader’s Notes, Focus Statement and Scripture):
Food is a surprisingly complex issue. Where our food comes from, the way in which it is grown, the treatment of the farm workers, our purchasing choices, the availability of food around the world, and the types and quantity of food we consume are all interrelated. At the very root of the issue is our intimate relationship with God’s good creation and how we steward it.
Food is at the heart of human existence. Not only do we need food to survive, we use food as a way of building and maintaining community. It is a part of the rituals and stories we share as people of faith.
Scripture:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. Psalm 24:1
Please read the Eating Well Week 1: Overview of the “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Curriculum. To request a loaned copy of “Nourish” for your congregation please email Allison Reeves Jolley: allison@ncipl.org.
Discussion Prompts from the curriculum (feel free to create your own prompts or to respond to one or more of these):
1) What in “Nourish” surprised you the most?
2) Why do you think people eat fast food instead of making meals themselves?
3) How does the impact of your choices on the environment and on others relate to Jesus’ command, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?”
]]>
Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our first choice of reading will come from the free “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Food Curriculum. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full.
These discussions are meant to be engaging according to the time that you have. We encourage honest, respectful, and non-condemning dialogue. We want to create a safe environment for people to explore what could be negative perceptions about food, or overwhelmingly positive ones. Our goal is to highlight the complexities of food, and why people of faith should care. Please remember that we come from different heritages where one culture may value a particular food and another may not. We want you to be honest, but please be careful with how you frame your commentary. For example, instead of saying, “Spam is gross” consider writing, “Spam is not a food choice of mine.”
Feel free to check back in to read, comment, and offer your perspective throughout the next weeks of exploring this curriculum. You can expect a new post to go up every Thursday. Thanks and enjoy!
Excerpted from the curriculum:
Everyone eats.
Our relationship with food is as simple – and as complex – as that. Every living thing is dependent on nutrition, which makes food an incredibly valuable resource. And how we get it, who gets enough of it, and the choices we make around it become critical social justice issues.
For people of faith, food has incredible symbolic meanings. It is the stuff of miracles, of punishment, a symbol of welcome and the generosity of the Creator. For Christians, reenacting the Last Supper is one of our most sacred rituals of our faith.
And so, we have developed “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet” from a faith perspective, recognizing both the spiritual nature of the shared meal together as well as the broader implications of what is placed on our tables. As sisters and brothers in Christ, we are called to be good neighbors to each other, good stewards of creation, and good caretakers of the body God has given us. Our relationship with food touches our relationship with just about everyone and everything else.
Let’s explore it together.
Please read the introduction of the “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Curriculum. To request a loaned copy of “Nourish” for your congregation please email Allison Reeves Jolley: allison@ncipl.org.
Discussion Prompts (feel free to create your own prompts or to respond to one or more of these):
1) Can you describe your earliest memory of food?
2) When you think about food, what do you think about? Whether its negative or positive, please share.
Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our first choice of reading will come from the free “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Food Curriculum. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full.
These discussions are meant to be engaging according to the time that you have. We encourage honest, respectful, and non-condemning dialogue. We want to create a safe environment for people to explore what could be negative perceptions about food, or overwhelmingly positive ones. Our goal is to highlight the complexities of food, and why people of faith should care. Please remember that we come from different heritages where one culture may value a particular food and another may not. We want you to be honest, but please be careful with how you frame your commentary. For example, instead of saying, “Spam is gross” consider writing, “Spam is not a food choice of mine.”
Feel free to check back in to read, comment, and offer your perspective throughout the next weeks of exploring this curriculum. You can expect a new post to go up every Thursday. Thanks and enjoy!
Excerpted from the curriculum:
Everyone eats.
Our relationship with food is as simple – and as complex – as that. Every living thing is dependent on nutrition, which makes food an incredibly valuable resource. And how we get it, who gets enough of it, and the choices we make around it become critical social justice issues.
For people of faith, food has incredible symbolic meanings. It is the stuff of miracles, of punishment, a symbol of welcome and the generosity of the Creator. For Christians, reenacting the Last Supper is one of our most sacred rituals of our faith.
And so, we have developed “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet” from a faith perspective, recognizing both the spiritual nature of the shared meal together as well as the broader implications of what is placed on our tables. As sisters and brothers in Christ, we are called to be good neighbors to each other, good stewards of creation, and good caretakers of the body God has given us. Our relationship with food touches our relationship with just about everyone and everything else.
Let’s explore it together.
Please read the introduction of the “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Curriculum. To request a loaned copy of “Nourish” for your congregation please email Allison Reeves Jolley: allison@ncipl.org.
Discussion Prompts (feel free to create your own prompts or to respond to one or more of these):
1) Can you describe your earliest memory of food?
2) When you think about food, what do you think about? Whether its negative or positive, please share.
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I came across this podcast, and found it interesting to hear from a chef…who is also a doctor who advises:
John La Puma, a chef and doctor, talks with Joe and Terri Graedon of The People’s Pharmacy of how to celebrate any holiday season on this podcast.
One major point is that you have to plan not to fall into the trap of gaining weight. Planning is hard. And that is the very reason why you need to plan. What a conundrum! You will find some other gold nuggets within this podcast such as; drink your three liters of citrus water early in the day because your brain has a hard time telling the difference between when you are hungry and when you are thirsty.
I hope you will have a chance to check out this podcast. Afterwards, send it to a friend to help support him or her in their health endeavors.
If you like information like this, consider:
1) Following PHW on Facebook
2) Signing a pledge to be healthier…and get your pastor to do so as well!
3) Doing a Bible study around health, such as The Daniel Plan
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>There are few things I love more than setting out on a grand adventure. I know there are folks out there who prefer the safety, security, and dependability of home. But…there is that thrill of anticipation, that rush of excitement when something new is coming. There is the surge of nervous energy when a risk is taken, the sting of failure if things don’t turn out as expected, the hope of new knowledge, the joy of new experiences and the gratifying sense of determination when we set out again, having grown from this last adventure.
I believe our lives are meant to be an adventure. We are not meant to sit by and let things happen, getting caught up in only routine and monotony. We can all too easily get caught up in doing things just because we have always done them that way, or because they are easier than trying something new. I think our food choices can often be like this. We hesitate to try something new because we have never had it before, we don’t know what it will be like or how to prepare it, and we are afraid of failure. Why? Why not take a risk and try something new? I love buying a strange looking fruit or vegetable from the farmers market or grocery store and researching it to come up with a new meal I’ve never had before. My husband is the subject of my many kitchen adventures, and thankfully appreciates them (and does the dishes!). However, there is one thing I might love more than my own kitchen adventures, and that is being with someone when they try a new food they’ve never had. Better yet if it is something healthy that they are convinced they do not and will not like. When we take a risk to try something new, we are opening ourselves up to the world of possibility. We are in a posture of discovery, where we are able to learn something new. One of my favorite song lyrics, by Nickel Creek, says, “Only the curious have something to find.”
My coworker, Joy, is one of the most curious and open people I have ever met. When I told her I grew up in Saudi Arabia and loved making chicken shawarma, she remembered months later and wanted to learn. So we set out one day to make them, in the style of a Partners in Health and Wholeness cooking show! We chopped veggies, minced garlic, and prepared all the elements of this delicious meal. This process came with many laughs, and the renewed awareness of the important place food holds in our social, emotional and cultural lives. We spent the morning talking about Partners in Health and Wholeness and cooking, and ended up singing praises to God in the afternoon, with satisfied stomachs and delicious garlic lingering on our breath. It was not planned or expected, but it was a beautiful moment.
So let’s each set out to find our own sense of curiosity and adventure. Every day is meant to be an adventure. When we take the risk to open ourselves up to the possibilities of this world, we will grow. This is how our walks with God can be. When we open ourselves up to the possibilities that God is constantly creating in the world around us, we get to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We live on edge—looking for what we can discover next, with our eyes truly open and hearts alive. May we find this joy in the foods we eat, the adventures we have in the kitchen, and wherever our journeys take us.
Here's to the adventure of good food and good health! I hope you enjoy the meal and the preparation as much as we did!
]]>I sat next to Don Johnston, the husband of Shirley Johnston who was an administrator at the Council for many years. As Shirley tirelessly worked in those days, Don and their two sons were often by her side helping with tasks. He had worked in a Masters in Public Health career and then as a professor and now is retired from both.
Cancer awareness was a topic in a course he taught. I am intensely grateful for his work as I have both a family member and a friend going through chemo therapy. This sparks an emotional chord with me.
What struck me most about his attitude in teaching was his passion to encourage those who listened to be wise enough to practice what they heard and diligent enough to persist in making healthy choices.
Don to me is an Ezekiel, who in the valley of dry bones speaks life. Ezekiel renewed the hope of the people of Israel through the word of God and Don did the same. PHW joins these voices and says to you, person of faith, God says, “I will put my Spirit in you, and you shall live” (Ezekiel 31: 14).
We invite you to:
1) Keep praying that the Spirit of God will breathe on us to renew our spirits
2) Sign PHW’s health pledge, and encourage a friend to do so
3) Apply easy examples from success stories on our site in your church to improve your friends’ and family’s health
4) Follow us on Facebook
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>There are preventive steps a person can take to help contain the spread of flu, as outlined in a previous PHW Newsletter. They are as follows:
Anyone who wishes to reduce their chances of contracting seasonal flu can, in most cases, get vaccinated. However, the following high-risk groups are strongly encouraged to do so every year and are given priority when vaccines are in short supply: pregnant women, children between the ages of 6 months and 19 years, those with chronic medical conditions, the elderly and health care workers.
According to Dr. Gerald, “this year’s vaccine is well-matched to the strains of flu we are seeing in North Carolina”, so it is imperative that all North Carolinians over the age of 6 months get vaccinated. The vaccine is provided free of charge at most health departments. To locate other flu vaccine clinics near you, please visit flu.nc.gov.
]]>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering resources to help you quit smoking in 2013. If you are uninsured and need help such as nicotine patches, please email me at joy@ncchurches.org. There might be some available for free.
Some things obviously support the process and others do not. You can try suggestions based on research and common sense that could make the process of quitting smoking drastically easier, such as exercise. However, if someone is constantly telling you it’s impossible or is smoking around you all the time, quitting becomes harder.
My prayer is for God to lead you to what will work for you, whether through God’s power or God working through other means.
Happy New Year!
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>Do you know a Community Sparkplug in Wilson County?
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and The Rensselaerville Institute — in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, North Carolina Recreation and Park Association, and Center for Environmental Farming Systems — are looking for individuals with project ideas for creating a healthier Wilson County. Projects will be implemented over the next 6 months and must focus on increasing physical activity and/or access to and consumption of fresh produce.
Selected Community Sparkplugs and their teams will receive:
Examples of recent Community Sparkplugs’ projects:
Register for an information session in Wilson:
Tuesday, January 15 from 6:00-8:00 PM or
Wednesday, January 16 from 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Wedgewood Public Golf Course on 3210 Statonburg Rd. SE, Wilson, 27893
Space limited to 30 participants per session; pre-register by January 10 at www.communitysparkplugs.org
Questions? Contact Ilana Dubester at ilana@whatworks.org or 919-260-6210
]]>Issues including education, socioeconomic status, and other social determinants mentioned in Kathy’s article are powerful, but God has created ways to help us enjoy good health and even worked in a way to naturally get our teeth cleaned. Our eating habits are one of the direct causes of poor dental health — diets high in sugar and processed foods but with little vegetable and fruit intake. Actually, broccoli, apples, cauliflower, and carrots help to clean the teeth — God’s natural toothbrush. The crunchy vegetables also are helping your heart health among many other nutritional and cellular benefits. I think about eating these crunchy vegetables for this very reason. Here’s a website with additional information. This is not to discredit actually brushing your teeth or flossing, I’m just pointing out that preventive care for your body, eating fruits and vegetables, can also serve your teeth well.
And to speak to the social determinants that are associated with poor health, those of us who are able to reach out have a responsibility to provide healthy options to our neighbors. Why not donate a bag of apples to a family who is struggling or a bag of carrots along with something else? These fruits and vegetables are often favorites among children and adolescents for their crunchy and sweet flavors — and indirectly, you could be helping a much needed issue of dental care.
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>Since that time, the Council has distributed an additional 149 grants, bringing the total to 183 AEDs and CPR training provided in 2012 alone. Our awardees represent 15 different Christian denominations and other faith traditions as well as congregations large and small, urban and rural, and that span across 54 NC counties.
We hope to continue this program in 2013 pending continued grant funding. To learn more, please click here. To have your name added to our contact list, please email me at willona@ncchurches.org.
]]>I am interested in health because God calls me to honor my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Through the grace of God, I am able to pray through hard choices in order to be healthy. Additionally, I see people who are affected with depression, obesity, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and so much more, all ailments greatly contributed to by sugar consumption.
The Center for Science for the Public Interest has put together some information for consumers, including lies and truths about sugar intake, such as:
Lie: “There is no scientific evidence that connects sugary beverages to obesity.”
Truth: Each additional sugary drink consumed per day increases the likelihood of a child becoming obese by about 60%. Sugary drinks are connected to other health problems as well.
Truth: Drinking one or two sugary drinks per day increases your risk for type 2 diabetes by 25%.
I urge you to check out the site for the Center for Science in the Public Interest to learn more sweet truths. Adults are encouraged to preview the content of the video included on the website before sharing it with children.
And stay connected with PHW by liking us on Facebook.
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>During the Thanksgiving holiday, I sat down to eat at different tables. And I kept thinking, easy Joy, just eat enough. But I couldn’t. I finally discovered why emotional eating patterns are so hard to break during a visit with my uncle on Thanksgiving Day. He had baked a ham along with warm biscuits. I was preparing to leave when he asked, “Joy, do you want to take some with you on the road?” My heart skipped a beat. He reminded me so much of my grandmother, his mother, who had passed in June of 2010. This was our second Thanksgiving meal without her, and those were always her departing words, too. Whatever she cooked, whatever she had, she would say, “I love you, call me when you get there, and do you want to take some with you on the road?”
In honor of her, I accepted my uncle’s invitation to take some ham and biscuits for the road. The first bite was in nostalgia of my sweet, late grandmother. With the second and third bites, I relished in the delicious taste. And then I continued to eat, mostly because it was there. By the time I finished, it dawned on me that I had just emotionally eaten. I wasn’t hungry, but everything on my plate was now gone. Oops.
Despite all the reasons to feel guilty about my over-indulgence, I felt somewhat justified because I was with family and friends, and I had prayed over the food and myself. It made me connect to the feasts of the Old and New Testaments, when food was bountiful. It was a time to indulge in company, dance, food and wine. It was a time of celebration. I’m not justifying emotional eating, but rather, I’m pointing out that during this holiday season, there are emotions we each need to be aware of and then work to address.
It is important for those of us who follow Christ to take a stand for health. Health is more than just “maintaining” your weight; it is also indulging in the bountifulness of God’s goodness and grace with natural foods that God provides. Examples of God’s goodness and grace through food might be home-baked bread from non-processed ingredients or ham from a local pig that was not injected with hormones or fed a GMO diet.
God also cares about our emotions, intending for us to rely on God’s grace and truth for comfort. However, we sometimes fail to acknowledge this and may turn to food to fill an emotional void. But during our times of weakness, let us remember that God has already claimed the victory. We can take this opportunity to indulge in God’s goodness and grace through food by paying particular attention to the foods we provide for ourselves and our loved ones. It is important to take the extra steps to provide wholesome foods–foods that God has provided. So I continue to challenge myself, and you, to provide natural, wholesome choices for people to indulge in this holiday season.
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>Recently I have been reading about the controversies surrounding factory farms, and companies that produce genetically modified seeds. In this debate that originates from the intricacies of industrial farming, there are important points being made from many angles: the legal, business, science and farming perspectives. I do not claim to be a scientist, farmer or lawyer. What I do claim to be is a proclaimer of the Gospel, of the Good News. So, I wonder what we would find if we looked at this issue through a spiritual lens.
Today as I spread out seeds on a piece of wax paper to save for next year’s planting season (as my mom taught me to do) I caught a glimpse of God’s grace. I was reminded of God’s desire for us to live full and abundant lives. I was reminded how different the Kingdom of God often looks from our own way of living and being in the world. The squash full of seeds from a local farm reminded me that in the Kingdom of God, one tiny seed planted not only has the possibility to yield abundant fruit, but it also returns the seeds ten-fold. One tiny seed grows into a plant that can offer hundreds of seeds for next year’s harvest. This is the way it works in the Kingdom of God. In the kingdom of God, even the smallest seed has incredible possibility. Even a mustard seed had the potential to have great branches, so great that all kinds of birds could perch in its branches.
Yet we sometimes stray to a point where some think it is normal to call a seed “intellectual property” and stake claims over such seeds. In this complicated debate, we blatantly forget to acknowledge the One who created all that is. We forget about the Divine creativity that fashioned the first plant, the first seed, and the first garden. We live in a world where often farmers can buy a seed to plant once, but those seeds yielded in the harvest must be treated within the parameters of a contract. This is not meant to demonize a company or certain methods of farming but rather to call attention to our way of thinking. In the Kingdom of God abundance reigns, while in the kingdoms we create, selfishness, greed, and destruction of creation often reign instead.
In this season of Thanksgiving, I hope we each take the time to celebrate the abundant possibilities present in the world around us. Take a moment to marvel at the examples of grace God has given us in creation, maybe in something as simple as a butternut squash full of seeds. Let us celebrate the creativity of a God who lovingly sculpted us out of the dust, and created this world, which has the potential to yield abundant harvest. And while we break bread and eat our Thanksgiving meal with those we love, I hope we can remember the literal and figurative seeds that we plant. Let us strive to embody and create abundance that resembles the kingdom of God. May we plant seeds that yield abundant harvests of justice, squash, peace, health and turnips; a world where we experience the freedom and bounty of the Kingdom of God, where our neighbors do not go hungry.
”He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-12
A big thank you to all who helped make the NC flash mob a success! With your help, more than 350 people participated in making the flash mob fun and engaging. Groups ranged from Sandhills Theatre Arts Renaissance School in Moore County, Durham Academy in Durham County, Paradigm Dance Group and UNCG Dance Students in Guilford County, Greater Glory Church in Scotland County, The Cedar in Montgomery County, Steppers With Attitude in Robeson County, and New Life Covenant Fellowship Church in Cumberland County, along with many others helped to spread the word across the state. We more than tripled are goal of 100 participants. Thank you to the many organizations who posted it on different social media sites, web sites, and the like. We had more than 500 hits on the youtube link. Thank You—the flash mob was a success because people like you helped make it so!
Two new churches were certified through this process, with more than sixty people making a pledge to be healthier. This also includes partnering with new organizations in the future to help connect all the good work that is happening. If you would like to sign the pledge to take one step to being healthier, please do so electronically.
We are already planning to make next year’s Food Day a fun event. Keep posted to hear the latest on how Oct. 24, 2013 will be celebrated by contacting joy@ncchurches.org.
Thank you several times over! Check out our facebook page for more images about the flash mob, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook!
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>Over the summer, the health ministry team at MCMB served healthy snacks to congregants, boosting health morale within the church. The health ministry team has continued to inspire the people of God to think of their health in a new way.
Morris, who serves on the team, said, “The month of October the Health And Wellness Ministry sent out a newsletter targeting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We also raised $205 and walked in the September 15 Cancer Walk sponsored by The Friends of the Cancer Center.”
Morris, a very active community member in Cumberland County, also relishes that other congregations joined in to celebrate all the nurses at MCMBC on Oct. 14. I wish we could have more of these celebrations within our churches. Our health care practitioners work very hard.
The health ministry team of MCMBC will continue offering opportunities to their church members throughout the rest of the year. The popular and free program, Follow Our Footsteps, will be joined by a registered dietician and other health collaborators on November 3. This church is also reaching out to youth by having a gang awareness event that same day.
Morris said proudly, “Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church has been actively taking part in reshaping the health of our community.”
To learn more about the health programs at MCMB and at other churches, contact Joy Williams at joy@ncchurches.org
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>The amount of each mini-grant corresponds to the three different levels of PHW Certification – $500 for Bronze, $750 for Silver and $1000 for Gold. To learn more or to apply, please visit: http://www.healthandwholeness.org/phw-certification. We will offer this opportunity to congregations as long as funds last.
]]>Making the video of the flash mob choreography was an easier task than I could ever imagine! The groups that helped to put this together were The Cedar in Troy, Steppers With Attitude in Lumberton, Youth Dance Group of New Life Covenant Fellowship in Fayetteville, and UNCG Students in Greensboro. It was wonderful to see groups across the state coming together to celebrate and honor God’s blessing of healthy sustainable food.
These groups came up with the choreography. Yes. These are each group’s particular moves that they put together. I only facilitated when asked. For example, the first group, The Cedar, didn’t have any other reference as to how to come up with the choreography. So on the Tuesday night that they met, I played the song several times, and then asked them to think of dance moves that people with no dance experience could do. I then put all of these dance moves into a sequence, and voilà the first segment of the flash mob choreography was complete. Then we filmed a segment of us teaching the moves to all of you who will be joining us on Oct. 24! (Don’t let the first slide on the video fool you — Oct. 24 is the correct date.)
I let SWA of Lumberton hear the song, gave them an introduction of what was going to happen on Oct. 24. Then, I went to the store to pick up some fruits and vegetables for us to dance with. When I returned, they had the chorus done. I was astounded and excited. I tried to keep up with them but I need a bit more practice!
Members of the Youth Dance Group of New Life Covenant Fellowship were a delight. The young lady who took on this challenge is only about 12. Her mom had full confidence in her abilities in coming up with choreography, and I had a blast doing it with them. We attended Sunday church together, and after the service, we took our shoes off, had a few snacks, and got to work. It was so much fun! That that same Sunday, Pastor Stephen McMillian lead the church in becoming Bronze Certified with Partners in Health & Wholeness, and they are now eligible for a grant of $500 to continue health initiatives.
The UNCG group was birthed through a class assignment to work with students in the process of choreography. It was a delight to eat vegetables, dance, and have fun with pursuing social justice.
I hope that you will join the festivities on Oct. 24 at 12:05 at a location you designate.
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
Partners in Health and Wholeness is an initiative of the NC Council of Churches. PHW aims to connect health as a faith issue. Please visit our website to sign your personal pledge to be healthier, and to find out about grant opportunities for churches.
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I’m asking people all over North Carolina to organize groups wherever they are, within their school, work place, church, streets, a common area in a town, etc. to perform a synchronized dance (choreography will be available Sept. 24 on Youtube). If you need a letter to help support asking permission to hold the event in a public place, please contact me. In addition, please videotape it to be uploaded and viewed to reflect participation. Please start the process of organizing people, choosing a location and “registering” so I can share where folks can join in. Several locations can be chosen within one city to make celebrating Food Day accessible to anyone. The choreography of the dance is simple enough so that a non-dancer can learn, and we are seeking participants of all ages and abilities. Youth groups within the state are helping to choreograph this project.
Please consider joining the NC Food Day Flash Mob. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found here, or for more information about registering, please contact Joy Williams at joy@ncchurches.org or 919-357-8625. And if you have not already signed a pledge to be healthier, please consider doing so here.
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
Partners in Health and Wholeness is an initiative of the NC Council of Churches. PHW aims to connect health as a faith issue. Please visit our website to sign your personal pledge to be healthier, and to find out about grant opportunities for churches.
]]>
To explain the rumors, it has begun to spread around GCUMC that the entire staff is being put on a diet. Several staff members of GCUMC have approached me to share their concerns: just because I am using their office space for PHW it does not mean I can throw away their junk food! They have assured me they are not interested in eating kale for every meal. It is as if they think I have been placed here, in their church, as a part of some conspiracy to take away all the food they love! I went on to quiet their fears (at least in part) and explain that my work is a deeper calling to encourage God’s people to become good stewards of our bodies, which are an incredible gift God has given us. It is not about eating all kale all the time. (Although if you are wondering, the nutritional content of kale is fantastic and it can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways!) “Well, as long as you know I’m not going on a diet!” they’d say. I’d smile and nod as they jetted in the opposite direction. I mean it when I say: this is going to be fun!
But before all this excitement, I had my first day of work at the council. My first morning I made the commute from Greensboro to Raleigh with a cup of coffee my brand new husband made for me in our brand new French press coffee maker. As I carried it into the office (although nearly empty and growing cold) I thought to myself, “I wonder what PHW’s stance is on coffee… Is it too acidic? Do the healthy antioxidants outweigh the potentially unhealthy aspects? Is there too much caffeine? What will they think of me?!” I soon relaxed and acknowledged that this stream of consciousness was just new job nerves–I care about living out a healthy lifestyle, and they already know that. As I sat in our staff meeting and listened to updates and prayer requests, I felt completely welcomed and at home. I realized what I have known since I became interested in this position—that the people who work for and support the North Carolina Council of Churches are kindred spirits. They are people who maintain a beautifully complex balance of pouring their lives into the work of the Gospel, yet not taking themselves too seriously. They embody “doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly” with our God as the prophet Micah calls us to do. It is an incredible gift to be surrounded by such down to earth people doing such holy work. I am excited to be a part of this holy work and to dive right into the work of PHW, kale and all.
–Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>The following are some of Executive Director George Reed’s remarks at the statewide launch of the Strive to Revive campaign on August 7:
We see preserving health as an issue of faith. We who are Christians follow a religious leader whom we still call “The Great Physician”. Forty percent of the stories in the gospels are about health and wholeness. In the Greek New Testament (the language in which it was written), the words “healing,” “wholeness,” and “salvation” all come from the same Greek word. (For me, raised and steeped in Baptist teachings about personal salvation, realizing that salvation, healing and wholeness are tied together in the Bible was an eye-opener.) Because of our biblical calling, we have built hospitals, trained doctors and nurses, sent medical missionaries around the world, created free clinics, hired parish nurses, promoted healthy lifestyles, and used our congregations as wellness centers. Health and wholeness are important to us as part of the practice of our Christianity, as they are in many other faiths.
The Council of Churches started Partners in Health and Wholeness more than three years ago as a way to improve the health of our clergy and parishioners by equipping congregations to be health promotion and health education centers. PHW has been supported by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and is still being supported by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Foundation. Since its inception, PHW has successfully engaged faith communities in health promotion activities by connecting them with existing health resources across the state; by developing a certification program to recognize and reward congregations for their efforts; by creating a virtual clearinghouse of health-related tools and resources for clergy, congregants, PHW liaisons and health advocates; and by offering free trainings and events on the spiritual relevance of living healthily. We have a wonderfully gifted staff: Willona Stallings, who is the program director; Joy Williams, our regional organizer in an eight-county area from Fayetteville to the South Carolina border; and Shannon Axtell, who starts work in September as a regional organizer in the Triad and surrounding counties.
PHW is all about partnerships, as we connect faith communities with already existing health resources, so Strive to Revive fits smoothly into that work. We are pleased to be partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, with the American Red Cross, and with Rep. Carney to make life-saving AEDs and CPR training available in congregations across the state. These first thirty-three represent a diversity of congregations. They are large and they are small. They are rural and they are downtown. Some are predominantly white and others predominantly African-American. They come from as far west as Franklin and as far east as Jacksonville, and they come from twelve distinct faith traditions. We are grateful to know that, when the need arises, these AEDs and the CPR training that goes with them will be available to save lives and to play a role in restoring people to health and wholeness.
–George Reed, Executive Director
]]>The program first began in Charlotte in 2010 and is now expanding to all 100 counties in North Carolina. Thirty-four congregations – both large and small, racially diverse, located in rural and metropolitan settings, and representing twelve distinct faith traditions – have received an STR award to date. On August 7, these congregations were recognized for their efforts to protect the health of their members by respected faith and health leaders in our state at the STR Public Launch in Durham.
The Council and our partners would like to invite more places of worship to apply for a free AED and CPR training by Monday, September 17. Please click here for more information or to complete an online application.
]]>There was already one teenager shooting and warming up as I pulled into the parking lot at 8 a.m. I got out of the car, introduced myself and just looked at him. He was serious. I was a bit unsure of how to make conversation since the pastor was not there yet, so I told him that I drove all the way from Chapel Hill to meet him. He did not seem to budge from his concentration. I felt bad for interrupting his warm-up. Another player arrived. They looked so much alike that I asked if they were brothers. They nodded. Soon, the last teen arrived, and we were all shooting and warming-up.
I kept throwing air balls and missing lay-ups. I could not understand why I could not at least hit the rim. I was throwing the ball hard. I asked them how high was the hoop and why did they put it up so high. They boys smiled and kind of chuckled. They were not going to break concentration. But I also was not trying to be funny. One of the teens said that I was missing my shots on purpose. To that I had to laugh–a hard belly laugh. “Why would you think I was missing my shots on purpose? I am not joking, I am really putting forth effort.” The other boys agreed with the first. I was baffled. I was trying to get the ball in the hoop and hoping to make some friends along the way. I thought we were going to have a nice pleasant basketball game full of good sport–but apparently not.
“We are going to take you down. We have a world-class basketball player who will out shine you all with her three point shots.” That was Pastor Halloway talking. I didn’t even know where the three-points line was. But then I understood why the seriousness from the boys and why they thought I was playing. “I’ve been talking about you for a long time to these boys, and how good you are, and how they do not have a chance at scoring.” Pastor Halloway interrupted my thoughts process. Was he joking? Did he really think I was good?
You see, Pastor Halloway and I had actually met once before. He hosted a PHW event at his church where I spoke. From our past conversations, I shared with him that I had played basketball in high school (more than 10 years ago) and that my sister had tried out for the WNBA and played professional basketball overseas.
Somewhere between our conversations, the message went from me once playing basketball to me actually being a current basketball addict, which is how this particular game got introduced. Pastor Dave wanted us to play against these boys to show them that playing basketball is not just a teen or a pro-ball player sport–but that regular adults can play and play hard.
We ended up playing a tough game. Afterwards, we shared some laughs, some replays on who did what, and personal remarks. The best lesson is that we had fun, built relationships, and exercised hard. It was an excellent time.
After the game, the pastor was taking 58 children to the park for a hike and kickball game. Many of the youth want to participate in dancing–an interest of mine. I am hoping to return to collaborate with the youth leader on a dance project and healthier options for the young people. Pastor Halloway runs a weight-lifting program for teens in the community three days a week. It was a pleasure to see how he models eating healthy, exercising, and rest.
Godwin Heights has achieved Silver Certification with Partners in Health and Wholeness and will be eligible for a PHW grant. Congratulations to Pastor Dave for being a light to a dark world, and for inviting me to an excellent basketball game!
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>Experiencing the intensity of training was my goal. My coach was by my side (make-believe), and I had my water bottle (for real). My training started at a slow pace, and then I picked it up by pumping my arms and stretching my legs. I walked. That’s right, I took my training seriously. I was inspired. Instead of exercising my daily 30 minutes, I was jazzed, and I walked for 45. You got it — an extra 15 minutes. And then I stretched for 10 minutes. I wanted the gold. Here I come! I am on my way…to better health, which is as close as I might get to the Olympic medals, and I am OK with that.
The Olympic challenge given by Michelle Obama resonates with me. I am right there. Check out the article that the Public Health Newswire wrote about the First Lady’s challenge. While we don’t have to spend every minute training like great Olympians, we can make modest changes to our physical activity. Remember to try to engage in physical activity daily. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day for most days of the week.
]]>The North Carolina Council of Churches’ Farmworker Ministry Committee and Come To the Table assisted PHW in leading the children’s activity. Daryn Lane, the Council’s summer intern from Student Action with Farmworkers, played an integral role in rounding up children and encouraging positive discussions. Sarah Gibson, Americorps/Vista intern with Come To the Table, helped supply PHW with informative literature on community gardens and CSA’s to distribute.
Integrating the Council programs together in ways that are meaningful and trustworthy is what we are looking to do in the future. I hope to bring you even more news of ways that the Council programs are joining forces to build resources within communities.
As for now, comments of the event on July 19th ranged from, ‘I’m so glad you all are in our community’ to ‘please come back again’.
Please continue to follow what is happening in Troy. PHW hopes to collaborate on many more projects that we expect to announce soon.
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>Grown-ups will be rewarded, too, with free giveaways of 30 Farmers Market gift certificates worth $5 each to adults who pledge to be healthier. And Troy’s Covington Missionary Baptist Church is sending representatives to the Farmers Market to check it out as part of a special partnership to get churches and people of faith connected with local farmers in Montgomery County.
This event is sponsored by Bodies United for Christ, Montgomery County Farmer’s Market Association, and Partners in Health and Wholeness. Bodies United for Christ is aMontgomery County organization that strives to encourage health within the Body of Christ. For more information please contact Cindy Taylor at cindybcumc@aol.com. The Montgomery County Farmers Market Association started in 2011 and is the areas only growers-only farmers market. It strives to blend a fresh marketplace setting with a gathering spot for all members of the community. For more information please contact Sheila Menendez at 919-576-6011 or mcfma2011@gmail.com.
Partners in Health and Wholeness is designed to bridge issues of faith and health together. For more information or to link a church with free health resources, please contact Joy Williams, PHW’s Regional Consultant at 919-357-8625 or Joy@ncchurches.org.
– Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
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That’s what Partners in Health and Wholeness is encouraging through its most recent outreach. On June 28, PHW set up at the Farmers Market on Elm and 8th Streets in Lumberton. The parking lot was filled with children and adults. NC Cooperative Extension staff flooded the market, guiding school-aged children to meet farmers and ask questions about fresh produce. I was proud of how the young people stepped up to have conversations with farmers and to sign a pledge to be healthier. PHW reached more than 30 individuals who agreed to make a change in their exercise, diet, or tobacco use.
Talking with farmers, consumers, and sharing health information filled up my day. People stopped by my table to pick up health materials or learn about health partners. Giveaways of free produce were a real winner. Some shoppers learned about unfamiliar produce, including one lady who passed by a type of squash because she hadn’t heard of it before. PHW had a chance to provide a pattypan squash to her and the farmer who grew it talked to her. We were all delighted to share recipes and talk about health.
PHW will be visiting various Farmers Markets within Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, Scotland, Robeson, Cumberland, Bladen, and Columbus Counties in the coming months. The next one will be July 19th at the Montgomery Farmer’s Market on Main Street in Troy.
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
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If you are putting off going to that website, perhaps reading Jennifer LaRue Huget’s article in the Washington Post describing embarrassing low trends in the overall health of Americans might motivate you. I was surprised and greatly motivated.
There are many free health resources and lots of attention supporting good health, but why is it still difficult for people to achieve healthy outcomes? Donald Lloyd-Jones’ commentary on the study that Huget references reiterates what most all public officials agree on — there need to be large societal changes to help guide people to change. It seems that this is slow in coming, and instead of waiting for it, it’s time for Americans to make the changes individually. Are you ready?
Partners in Health and Wholeness wants to help you make needed changes. There is something that we all can do differently to improve our health. We want people of faith to engage in healthy behaviors, and to be supported within their congregations. Please see our resources for churches here. One way to get started with our free resources is to sign the endorsement resolution. If your church is already engaging in health initiatives, then compare yourselves against our PHW certification levels and get rewarded for your hard work.
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>During their most recent gathering in May, members of the coalition did something different. They praised dance for God and to exercise their bodies, and I was fortunate to be there to join in.
We opened up in prayer, and got our blood pumping with Mary Mary’s “It’s the God in Me”. You could hear cheers from everyone egging each other on with laughs and smiles. There were no prescribed dance moves announced, we just stood up and allowed each person to make their own decision for how they would dance to the music. People danced in the form of rocking from side to side while standing, or hands held up high and waving, or legs and arms moving any kind of way. After a couple of songs, the music slowed down, and the focus shifted off of each other and on to God. It was the song “Altar” by Kirk Franklin that brought people to their knees in worship, or off in a corner with their hands high, or just standing crying out to God. Our praise dance was all about our walk with God and the benefits reaped for our bodies.
Everyone left with a smile and full of hugs from each other.
As I drove home that evening I was excited about the possibility of what was to come. My heart was filled with the revelation that I needed to fast and pray for the next steps that we are to take. It was an amazing time, and no preparation could have produced the success that we experienced. It was all God!
All I know is that God has a plan for our spiritual and physical bodies—and it can include praise dancing!
]]>This power can move us to do seemingly insane things, such as being counter cultural with our living and eating habits. Who would go so far as to spend hours on the phone, going back and forth with caterers trying to get organic, local foods that are in line with our beliefs, as Rose Gurkin of the Council staff did for the delicious lunch that was served? Who would be crazy enough to tell her patients that “…soon we won’t have an earth to support healthy choices if we don’t start saving our planet now” as Dr. Kathy Shea did once long ago and succeeded in changing a patient’s health within one year? Who would be crazy enough to lead congregations to health through a biblical message as Willona Stallings is doing with Partners in Health and Wholeness? And who would be crazy enough to lead a group of dedicated staff to work toward a just, loving, equitable society as George Reed is doing as the Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches? Bishop Curry’s message was that we need crazy Christians.
For some, Bishop’s Curry’s message is a start. For others, it’s an encouraging word. And still for others, it’s an awakening that they have companions on the same path. Partners in Health and Wholeness is tracking those who allow Jesus’ love to drive them to crazy acts of counter cultural decisions. Take a look out our PHW-certified churches to get an idea of Christians who are being counter cultural with their health outlook.
I challenge you not only to take a crazy approach with eating, but also loving as Jesus loved. Reading your Bible, praying, meditating, communing with God, there is nothing sweeter than that comfort, and nothing more life changing than those encounters with God.
Be blessed my dear sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers in Christ, and become biblically crazy!
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>Many of the industry-produced ads and promotional activities target the psychological needs of adolescents, such as popularity, peer acceptance and positive self-image. Tobacco marketing campaigns create the perception that smoking will satisfy these needs or that smoking is the social norm, while price promotions continue to attract a young market. While the tobacco industry is gaining new young smokers, the reality is that one-third of them will eventually die from tobacco-related diseases. In the U.S., 1,200 Americans die each day from tobacco-related diseases.
Surgeon General Regina Benjamin issued the 31st tobacco-related report in which facts about tobacco use and ways proven to prevent it are fully described. You can find the full report here.
Churches can help prevent tobacco use. Partners in Health and Wholeness offers free resources and can help identify health organizations that are workingagainst tobacco use in your area. By declaring the inside of your church buildings tobacco-free, you can begin the process of becoming a PHW-certified congregation, earning state-wide acknowledgement among other benefits. You can find out more information here.
–Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant
]]>The North Carolina Council of Churches, a statewide nonprofit promoting Christian unity and social justice, is working to alleviate the problem through its faith-based health initiative, Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW). PHW promotes health as a practice of our faith and works to improve the health of clergy and congregants.
The Council regards health disparities as a moral issue. Our scriptures teach that Jesus Christ died so that we might have life and that more abundantly– regardless of income, education, skin color or place of residence. Unfortunately, disparities in health are often defined by such social and economic factors. PHW works with congregations, including those in underserved parts of the state, to connect issues of faith and health and to help them implement healthy activities, programs and policies. In the end, we expect to see healthier clergy, healthier congregants, and healthier communities.
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Partners in Health and Wholeness is proud to promote the 33rd Annual Minority Health Conference, presented by the Minority Student Caucus at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. PHW believes in closing the health disparities gap, which is a central goal for this annual conference.
The conference features the 14th Annual William T. Small, Jr. Keynote Lecture by Ana V. Diez-Roux, MD, PhD, MPH, professor and director of the Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan. Dr. Diez-Roux's lecture will be broadcast as a free, interactive webcast.
You can view and ask questions during the interactive broadcast at 2:00-3:30pm EST on Friday, February 24, 2012.
Also, partner conferences are being organized at six other universities (to date) (more information)
The conference will be held at the UNC William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education, Chapel Hill, NC and (Keynote only) on the web.
This year, the conference theme is "Translational Research: The Road from Efficacy to Equity".
You can find more information about the conference here. Or view the video announcement here.
Dr. Diez-Roux keynote address, “Neighborhoods and health disparities: old evidence and new directions”, will kick off an exciting day, with sessions and speakers including presentations by Nina Wallerstein, Professor and Director of the Center for Participatory Research, Betina Jean-Louis from the Harlem Children's Zone, and Jane Perkins, Legal Director of the National Health Law Program.
You can register online for the conference (registration fee applies) or for the webcast (no fee).
Partners in Health and Wholeness is an initiative of the NC Council of Churches. Please visit our website to view more resources on health and faith http://healthandwholeness.org/.
]]>Please download the following resources today and then make a commitment to improve your health by putting what you learn into practice (James 1:22): Eating Faithfully, Faithfully Tobacco Free, and Faithfully Fit & Active.
]]>Well, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and First Lady, Michelle Obama, recently announced their success at raising the nutritional standards of school lunches for the first time in 15 years, but they were also forced by the food industry to make some concessions. For example, they were unable to limit french fries on the cafeteria line, and pizza can still be counted as a vegetable.
By and large, the public health community is pleased with the outcome of this battle over healthier school lunches but will undoubtedly continue fighting to make the foods served to our nation’s children healthier still.
To read the full article, please click here.
]]>I am very excited to share with you an online storytelling initiative that has just launched, called Inspired. A program of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation, Inspired is telling the story of select individuals and organizations from across the state that are making a positive impact in their communities. And our very own Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative is among them!
Perhaps even more exciting is the opportunity for us to benefit beyond just participation, and we'll need your help.
Please take a minute to visit www.inspirednc.org and click on the image associated with our work. (You will find my picture at the bottom of the page in the center.) Watch our story and then share it via Facebook, Twitter or Email using the icons on the site. Each time you share our story or any other, BCBSNC Foundation will invest $1 into the work of the featured organizations, including ours.
So, I encourage you to help spread the word, to learn about and tell others of the great work that is happening all across North Carolina.
Remember, you are able to be awarded for your healthy actions and become a model to other churches by being PHW Certified.
Make sure to get everyone to sign the Endorsement Resolution as a first step to committing to a healthy lifestyle for your community!
View Health Calendar Here.
]]>Richmond County has answered the call to Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012. Mary Swann and Yvonne McGraw of the Pee Dee Baptist Association have both been instrumental in rallying Baptist churches together to learn more about health as a faith issue. The first 2012 event is scheduled for January 29th from 3-5 p.m. at the Pee Dee Baptist Association, 119 Channie McManus Dr. in Hamlet. The Sunday Health Series that they are following can be found on the Being Healthy, Being Faithful Health Calendar here.
Sermons will be every 5th Sunday of 2012 at the Pee Dee Baptist Association. Please contact Joy Williams with any questions at 919-357-8625 or jtwilliams@ncouncilofchurches.org. Please contact Yvonne McGraw at 910-334-0187 for more information about participating in upcoming health events for the Pee Dee Baptist Association.
Partners in Health and Wholeness wants to reward your congregation’s healthy actions. By being PHW Certified, you will also be a model for other churches; find out more here.
Remember, signing the PHW online Endorsement Resolution is a first step to committing to a healthy lifestyle for your community!
]]>Corpses donated for medical research are primarily used by first-year anatomy students, who some argue need to learn what a normal body looks like before studying obesity and other pathologies. Not to mention the fact that larger bodies are simply more difficult to dissect, study and transport.
What do you think? With more Americans falling into overweight and obese categories, what does this mean for the future of medical research and practice in our country?
To read the full article, please click here.
]]>Thanks to Mary McKeithan for being a key instrumental player in uniting churches in Bladen County on Monday November 28, 2011 at Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church on 800 Broad St. Ms. McKeithan and Joy Williams of Partners in Health and Wholeness collaborated with Bladen churches to set a health focus 2012 calendar for willing congregant members. Each month features a health topic with supporting health materials and ideas. There are even guest speakers who are available to help facilitate meetings.
Ms. Mary Swann and Yvonne McGraw are working on a similar calendar for Richmond County and the Pee Dee Baptist Association.
If you are a church and you want a health organization to come to your area or if you are a health organization and you want to be connected with a church, please contact Joy Williams at 919-357- 8625 or jtwilliams@nccouncilofchurches.org. We look forward to working toward a healthier lifestyle with you in 2012.
View Health Calendar Here.
]]>NC Interfaith Power & Light (NC IPL), a program of the NC Council of Churches, is very pleased to be partnering with United Church of Chapel Hill to co-sponsor the first ever Transition Congregations Training and Workshop. The Rev. Jim Deming, national United Church of Christ Minister for Environmental Justice, and Tina Clark, a senior Transition Towns Trainer, have developed a workshop specifically for people of faith using the concepts and techniques pioneered by Transition Towns. This unique offering will be piloted in a day long program on Saturday January 21, 2012 and is open to all communities of faith, lay and clergy. It will explore what preparing for peak oil and climate change means at the congregational level and how faith communities can be leaders and innovators as the world changes in the coming years and decades.
Registration is now open but space is limited. Please go to the NC IPL website events section for registration information. We are hoping for a truly interfaith group to experience this first training, build community throughout the state and give Jim and Tina feedback as well. We are very lucky that this is happening in NC and hope that there will be lots of interest and eager participation.
If you have questions, please contact Kathy@ncipl.org. We look forward to an exciting day.
]]>Our friends at the NC Division of Public Health would like to help current tobacco users quit by offering NC residents, 18 years of age or older, free nicotine replacement therapy (i.e., patches, gum or lozenges) while supplies last.
In addition to being a NC resident and at least 18 years of age, you must also commit to a quit date in order to qualify and get prior approval from your physician if you have experienced the following:
If you are ready to end your dependence on tobacco in 2012, please call QuitlineNC at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) between the hours of 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily. The service is available in both English and Spanish.
]]>Over the next three years, Partners in Health and Wholeness will team up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the American Red Cross Health and Safety Services of North Carolina, and Representative Becky Carney to provide free AEDs and CPR trainings to congregations in NC. The name of this three-year project is Strive to Revive; 50 AEDs will be available in the first year.
With large numbers of individuals attending places of worship throughout NC on a weekly basis, we have the potential to make a real difference and to save lives. In fact, survival rates can be as high as 74% if an AED is administered within 3 minutes of sudden cardiac arrest.
PHW will make an official request for applications from congregations that wish to participate in the coming weeks/months. Please stay tuned and begin sharing information about Strive to Revive with others in your church and/or judicatory. Together, we can beat back the fatal effects of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the US – disproportionately affecting women, African Americans, Latinos and seniors.
For more information, please email me at willona@nccouncilofchurches.org.
]]>The report, titled “A Broken Promise to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 13 Years Later”, highlights the fact that NC spends just a fraction of our tobacco revenue on tobacco prevention programs – an abysmal 4 percent of $431 million. Of course this pales in comparison to the millions of dollars paid by tobacco companies to market their products in our state.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the US. Let’s protect our children’s future by protecting them from the deadly effects of tobacco.
]]>Case workers grew concerned when their attempts to work with the mother to reduce the child’s weight proved unsuccessful after more than a year, resulting in allegations of medical neglect. Workers blamed the child’s excessive weight on his environment and his mother’s unwillingness to follow doctor’s orders. However, the boy’s mother and her lawyers dispute these claims, stating that the child’s welfare isn’t in immediate danger due to his weight, and that the mother tried to follow doctor’s orders but wonders if others in the home were giving him extra food or if genetics are partly to blame.
What do you think? Should a child be placed in foster care due to a weight issue that may or may not result in health problems down the road? Does protecting the physical health of a child outweigh the potential adverse psychological effects of removing him/her from the home? Who else is to blame for growing rates of childhood overweight and obesity in the US? What role can lawmakers, food manufacturers and advertisers play?
To read the full article, please click here.
]]>But there are some foods that you might be OK with buying non-organic. This link will take you there; however, they are focused only on pesticides and not GMO foods.
GMO foods are genetically modified organisms. These foods are cross-bred between the original gene pool of the plant and another organism to help make a resistant plant. These foods have not been tested over a long period and the implications of their health effects are uncertain and a bit scary to some people. You can read more about GMO foods here.
GMO foods to buy organic: Corn
Listed below are other GMO foods to buy organic. Copied from Avoid Genetically Modified Foods:
Now that you are getting on board with adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your congregation's meals, let us and other churches know what you are doing be becoming PHW certified.
Want to know more about how to eat sustainably, check out NC IPL's program Cool Harvest – making the food-faith-climate change connection – looking at ways congregations can eat sustainably, healthily and deliciously as they reduce their greenhouse gas emissions!
To illustrate, the bill recognizes tomato paste as a vegetable, calls for more research on long-term sodium reduction and requires that the Administration first define “whole grains” before regulating them. Again, who knew that promoting healthier school lunches could create such gridlock on Capitol Hill?
The issue of what to feed our nation’s children should not be trivialized, however, as they are predicted to live shorter lives than their parents for the first time in history due to rising childhood obesity rates. Thankfully, some school districts across the country are taking matters into their own hands and are placing our children, not politics, first. In Asheville, for example, they have replaced regular french fries with baked sweet potato fries, white rice with brown rice, and whole milk with 1 percent or fat free. Asheville City Schools also provide more fruit and vegetable servings, whole wheat bread, and foods that are either baked or steamed.
To learn more, please click here to read the full article in the Asheville Citizen-Times.
]]>Other states and countries have witnessed the same effect…. When we reduce individuals’ exposure to tobacco smoke – which contains chemicals that increase our blood pressure, heart rate and narrow our blood vessels – people suffer fewer heart attacks. As a result, we save lives and dollars. According to Dr. Jeffrey Engel, NC State Health Director, we saved an estimated $3.3 to $4.8 million in health care costs in 2010 due to the decline in heart attacks.
To read the full report, please click here.
]]>The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, has never rung truer for business leaders, health care providers and economists alike. According to Be Active North Carolina, costs associated with overweight and obesity in our state climbed into the billions in 2006 alone - $2.81 billion in medical costs, $0.96 billion in prescription drug costs and $11.80 billion in lost productivity. Nationwide, these costs totaled approximately $147 billion in 2009.
A business leader who participated in the Trust’s recent analysis of the physical and economic health of communities put it best when he said, “it’s much cheaper to keep people healthy than it is to take care of them when they’re sick….” As North Carolina and other states search for solutions to today’s poor economic climate, may we not overlook the importance of investing in prevention and healthy lifestyles.
To view the report in its entirety, please click here.
]]>This great idea came from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). CSPI has served the public by advocating for food labeling, better nutrition, and safer food since 1971 to help support the public’s health. The day also aligns with the Council’s work on food as a social justice issue.
In North Carolina, Food Day was celebrated in the NC Legislative Office where distinguished guests from UNC Gillings School of Public Health, Dr. Barry Popkin and Dr. Alice Ammerman, ushered almost 200 attendees to review a history of food and the great things happening now to change the latter part of our dreary food history.
Food Day in NC collected 1068 pounds of fresh produce which was donated to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. NC Food Day had support from Governor Beverly Purdue and Midday Remarks from Dr. Jeffrey Engel.
Follow future NC Food Day events on Facebook here, and take a look at the national page here.
]]>This is extremely good news for our state, as infant mortality is considered a strong marker for overall population health and well-being. State leaders attribute the decline in NC’s infant mortality rate to smart investments in public health programs and education, as well as accessible, quality health care. Specifically, NC encourages women of childbearing age to lead healthy, active lifestyles; provides education and support to minority families who are at increased risk of losing an infant within the first year of life; and promotes infant safe sleep practices (e.g., back sleep positioning) to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
North Carolina has made great strides in improving maternal and child health, but there is more work to be done. As an example, the current infant mortality rate among African Americans is two times higher than that of non-Hispanic Whites. So, let’s take a moment to celebrate our success and continue working together to protect our future, our children.
To see a full copy of the report, please click here.
]]>How important is sleep? I was recently asked this question at one of our trainings. Dr. Epstein, from Harvard Medical School says that sleep is one of the basic building blocks of health, just like healthy eating and exercise. He also says that we need to rethink how we prioritize sleep. How powerful! Below are more facts researched by him and his colleagues:
You can read more on this list as well as view other benefits of sleep and consequences of inadequate sleep in a short (6:13) video from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School here or visit the website here.
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Harvard School of Public Health has put out a new plate—different from the USDA’s revamp of the Food Guide Pyramid. Harvard School of Public Health talks about their difference.
First, they say that the USDA’s MyPlate does not talk about nutrient dense choices within their food guide. For example, the USDA says that a quarter of your plate should be grains. Harvard does not dispute that all, but rather, Harvard wants to clarify that grains should be whole grain and not refined. Over time, eating refined grains can make it difficult to control weight and can raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. According to Harvard, this matters for someone’s health, and are disappointed that this was not included within the guide mainly for political reasons.
The Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Harvard Medical School are redefining what we should eat with more specificity! Harvard University is sharing with the public that political and commercial pressure from food industry lobbyists are the main influences of the USDA’s endorsement of MyPlate.
Harvard takes on the USDA’s recommendations section by section. View it here.
You can view Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate here.
]]>September was Prostate Cancer awareness month (1). The National Cancer Institute calculated 32, 050 men dying of prostate cancer in 2010 (2). Prostate cancer is more commonly found in black men (2). According to family history, age (>50 and average age is 67), ethnicity (higher risk to African American males) and other factors (e.g. work site radiation exposure) you may have a higher risk to developing this cancer (3,4). Of course, prostate cancer is a cancer specific to males (prostate gland).
Prostate cancer in men over the age of 69 becomes more common than any other cancer in men and women (4)! Our poor western diet consisting of highly processed foods is responsible for the high incidence of prostate cancer in men (5).
Several health clinics sponsor free screenings for prostate cancer, and there is probably a local free screening near you. But hold on, there is information you should know. First, know that prostate cancer can grow really slow (6). Secondly, the initial PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening which detects a prostate specific protein in your blood is the most common type of prostate screening (6). However, PSA screening is flawed in that elevated levels of PSA can be present due to other issues with the prostate (7). As well, PSA levels can be low because of higher blood volumes in obese men, hiding prostate cancer. Thirdly, please know that there is no agreed upon because many men are likely to die of old age or something else than they would of prostate cancer (6, 8). To save your life and needless invasive treatments that can leave you impotent, incontinent, or with a subsequent cancer (10) or even death, please read about prostate cancer, candidly talk it over with a doctor, and ask questions regarding what you are comfortable risking as a side effect.
According to Dr. Nortin Hadler a Professor of Medicine at UNC, you should discuss the question of ‘what if I have prostate cancer’ with your doctor BEFORE getting a PSA screening and subsequent biopsy test. In his book, Rethinking Aging, he says, ‘By age sixty, every man should assume he has prostate cancer.” He also says that after age 75 there is enough scientific evidence to say that screening should halt. He also says he will not let anyone give him a PSA test! Listen to his interview, ‘Rethinking Aging’, on NPR here. Just recently the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force panel says that healthy men should not get a PSA test at all (6)!
Those of the medical community who are against PSA screening say the screenings are what are informing people that they have prostate cancer instead of a symptom-driven diagnosis (9). The screenings make men aware of prostate cancer because they followed someone’s recommendation in getting a PSA screening (Ibid). Rather than men experiencing symptoms that drives them to a doctor, and then the doctor figures out from their symptoms that they may have prostate cancer, and subsequently, gives a test to make a prostate cancer diagnosis (Ibid). Even the current outlined symptoms of prostate cancer are not clear enough to suggest prostate cancer. Dr. Hadler adds that once a male is screened for prostate cancer and they are found to have it, their mentality about themselves changes (9). They now see themselves as someone who will die at any minute now, and they must get it out (9, 11).
You may be shocked to hear that PSA screenings may not necessarily save lives (6). In fact, a recent article in the NY Times announced the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force assertions. Read the article here. You also may be shocked that PSA testing and subsequent treatment can cause harm, such as with radiation therapy, which can cause another type of cancer, multiple myeloma, read more here (10).
So why are PSA screenings used? PSA screenings are used because it is one of the few options available to screen for prostate cancer (6). The other screening is doing a digital rectal exam (DRE) where the prostate is felt through the anal or performing an ultra sound (6). Despite of the limitations of PSA screenings and the DRE there are several cases where doctors have been held accountable for ignoring PSA testing or the PSA results, and the bereaved family was severely affected—leaving large professional and financial consequences to doctors (8). The science that Dr. Hadler walks his readers through in his book says, “… if you screen 1,400 men for nine years, the screenings would cause you to treat forty-eight additional men for cancer but avert death from prostate cancer in only one of them” (12).
There are some reputable health maintenance organizations (HMO) such as Kaiser Permanente who advise against prostate cancer screening, and other reputable health organizations that do not state a position at all, such as American Society of Clinical Oncology (8). Those who advocate for prostate cancer screenings, such as the American Cancer Society, say that knowing early will give someone more options that could possibly reduce harmful side effects (8).
The treatment options range from active surveillance of the cancer to chemo or radiation therapy, with new therapies being developed (8). Many medical doctors believe that the risks and side effects of treatments outweigh the benefits of the treatment for a stage of prostate cancer which might not cause any symptoms for several years (8). In addition, the treatment can greatly reduce the quality of life of these patients, causing incontinence or impotence (8). Prostate cancer is a cancer and can spread to other parts of the body. It is a serious disease, but one that also can grow slowly—and be slowed down by a healthy lifestyle.
Some people say that urologists are the ones to financially lose in this debate and that is why they are opposing the new recommendation.
Prevention
Prostate Cancer foundation states that diet and exercise can reduce the risk of development and progression, and can help men with prostate cancer live longer more productive lives.
You hear Partners in Health and Wholeness preach all the time about eating your vegetables and exercising, well, please listen. These are just not cliché health responses. You can even grow your own fruits and vegetables to reduce costs of getting quality foods that will greatly improve your health. If you want to know what others are doing for healthy food consumption, join our success chain by emailing jtwilliams@nccouncilofchurches.org.
How do I talk to my doctor?
Dr. Hardin recommends you bring up the issue at your next doctor’s visit. Before you go in, write down a list of questions based on your prostate cancer research. Yes, google it. Look at varying sites to see what people are saying or even go to your local library. I have included a few internet sites to start your research now. I recommend writing down your questions so that you are not side tracked with other information or become nervous while talking with a health provider. This also allows you to write down the answers (which are highly encouraged) for you to reference later. Please do not expect your doctor to know everything about prostate cancer or to have the position that you must or must not get the test. It is highly controversial. Ask your doctor what influences her/his decision to recommend the test. Go to your doctor or health care provider with researched questions, knowledge, and your preferences in how to treat the possibility of prostate cancer. Your doctor can then participate in the conversation with you, as you are now a more informed patient.
What if I don’t have a doctor?
This is very typical, more than 1million people in NC do not have health insurance and therefore may not have a doctor. Check with your local health department to see if there are any services for you. If your local health department or county do not offer free or reduced health services for you, please know that I deeply sympathize with you and am one of the forces that are working to change this—but, you still have power in your hands. You may find yourself attending a free screening, in which case, someone will get back with you with the results. This is the time to ask who you direct your questions to. Even if you are unable to have the conversation with a doctor or health care provider before your screening, it is never too late. Researching prostate cancer, writing questions down, and adapting a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet, exercise, and tobacco free is still applicable in your case.
ABC’s
ü Start adapting a healthy lifestyle—a good diet, exercise, and be tobacco free
ü Get the facts about prostate cancer and all the treatment options
ü Ask yourself what you are willing to risk as a side effect
ü Form your written questions to a health provider
ü Meet with your health provider and record their answers
Have a comment? Tell us what you think below!
References
(1) National Wellness Institute’s 2011 Health & Wellness Observances Calendar http://www.nationalwellness.org/pdf/2011HOC.pdf
(2) National Cancer Institute. http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html
(3) The Center for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ProstateCancer/
(4) Prostate Cancer Foundation: http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5802027/k.D271/Prostate_Cancer_Risk_Factors.htm
(5) Green Facts: http://www.greenfacts.org/en/diet-nutrition/index.htm
(6) New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/health/07prostate.html?_r=1&src=un&feedurl=http%3A%2F%2Fjson8.nytimes.com%2Fpages%2Fhealth%2Fpolicy%2Findex.jsonp
(7) CDC Prostate Cancer African American Guide: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/pdf/aaprosguide.pdf
(8) The Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (pcaw.org) has compiled the following information on the prostate testing controversy: http://www.pcaw.org/issues/prostatecontroversy.html
(9) NPR Rethinking Aging: http://wunc.org/tsot/archive/Rethinking_Aging.mp3/view
(10) American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/MedicalTreatments/radiation-exposure-and-cancer
(11) NPR Prostate Screenings Not Recommended: http://www.npr.org/2011/10/12/141276792/prostate-cancer-screenings-not-recommended
(12) Hadler, Nortin. “Rethinking Aging: Growing Old and Living Well in an Overtreated Society”. Chapter Stayin’ Alive. M.D. 2011 UNC Press
Photo Credits
]]>This might strike you as surprising, as it did me, but radiation has been in cigarettes for more than forty years! We all have heard just how bad cigarettes are, but to know that they contain alpha particles on top of the other harmful substances is alarming, to say the least. And it is appalling to know that tobacco companies knew this and covered up the truth.
Researchers at UCLA published their findings in an article in the Sept. 27 Nicotine and Tobacco Journal which uncovered the hidden secret of polonium-210 which emits carcinogenic alpha radiation. These researchers also discovered that Big Tobacco kept this quiet because to remove the polonium-210 would be risking the removal of the instant nicotine rush which keeps their consumers addicted.
Big Tobacco knew of the radiation, a cause of lung cancer, and hid this information from the public. The radiation emitted from cigarettes can linger within your home well after you have finished the cigarette—for decades and decades. All tobacco products on the market today still contain polonium-210. This radiation can account for 120 per 1,000 deaths of regular cigarette smokers over a 25 year period.
According to the UCLA Newsroom, Hrayr S.Karagueuzian, one of the researchers, thinks that the FDA should consider the removal of the alpha particles from all tobacco products, thanks to the June 2009 passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
Read more from UCLA Newsroom or from ABC News.
]]>Here are what busy people like you said about this event:
“I am very glad I went, and did enjoy myself, as well as learn something too. Thank you for tackling this neck of the woods.”
“Most informative meeting. Be blessed.”
“Everything was great Joy.”
]]>For some people, this is not an issue. A past roommate of mine turned trips to the local farmer’s market into a date. She and her beau would set a target spending amount, browse the stalls for ingredients, and then head home to have an at-home Iron Chef challenge with their purchases.
Unfortunately, not all of us have that level of creativity or flexibility. (Trust that I’m raising my hand.) Thankfully, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture has an at-a-glance chart of what locally grown fruits and vegetables are available throughout the year. While the chart cannot be exact, it is an excellent guideline for anyone who wants to use local produce but needs to plan meals or dishes in advance.
What is in store for September and October? Say goodbye to peaches, grapes, cucumbers, and green beans in the near future. Pumpkins and tomatoes will be available for a little while longer, while cabbage, apples, and leafy greens are going to be around for at least a few months. Don’t forget peanuts and sweet potatoes, which are available all year round.
If you are like me and need a little recipe inspiration, here are a few that caught my eye and would be excellent with locally-grown ingredients at your next church meal:
If you don’t find something here you like, try searching for your own! Allrecipes.com allows you to search by ingredients that you want or do not want to include, while CookThink.com lets you pick based on ingredients, cuisines, specific dishes, and even your food mood. Another excellent resource would be the farmers or local vendors themselves; asking them their thoughts is a great way to build a bond with those who provide our food.
]]>During the webinar you will have a chance to be introduced to Partners in Health and Wholeness, understand the importance of viewing health as a faith issue, network with other churches, and join our partnership. We would love to have you there, please register at http://anymeeting.com/PIID=E959DB848049!
]]>Another study, reported on by MSNBC, found that obesity currently costs some states up to $15 billion a year, not only in health care costs but in the loss of productivity as well. Obese adults tend to miss more days of work due to illness and are less productive overall than their healthier co-workers.
One word comes to my mind: “Ouch.” In a time of economic turmoil, our nation cannot support these costs.
On the other hand, The New York Times reported on a new national food service program, FoodCorps, which aims to address issues of healthy eating in schools. FoodCorps will build community gardens at schools, bring in healthier meal plans to cafeterias, educate students on healthy diets, and (I saved the best for last) cost only $2 million this first year.
$2 million spent in prevention sounds a lot better than billions of dollars spent in cures.
Awareness of an issue is key to fighting against it. Churches hold a unique place in educating the community because their congregants know that the church wants to help and protect them. It’s clear: when it comes to obesity, there is great harm to be had. Aware communities can speak and act for better lunches in local schools, better and more grocery stores in our neighborhoods, and legislation that helps us live healthier lives.
The Lancet study notes that if the entire population decreased their BMI by 1% (roughly 1 kg for an average-weight adult), the U.S. could avoid up to 2.4 million cases of diabetes, 1.7 million cardiovascular diseases, and 1.27 million cases of cancer. Those are numbers for which I am willing to speak and act.
]]>How can churches turn the tide against the deep-fried, sugar-coated, and salt-laden foods that are a common part of a Southern diet? In a recent New York Times article, Reverend Michael Minor of Oak Hill Baptist Church in Mississippi discusses the strides his and surrounding churches have made towards promoting healthier lifestyles for their congregants and the entire community.
The article mentions several actions the churches have taken, including:
These churches show how change can, and often does, come from within. We play a powerful role in promoting these important changes to our communities by putting a focus on what we eat, how active we are, and the significance of a healthy lifestyle.
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“There are more than 1.1 million low-income, uninsured people in our state and more than three-quarters of them are in working families, according to the North Carolina Institute of Medicine. National numbers show that almost half of the uninsured have at least one chronic illness –that’s where NC MedAssist comes in.
We are able to provide free prescription medicines to those in need by partnering with free clinics, health departments and hospitals across the state. And we can serve clients directly by providing mail order service to their homes. Our goal is to supply essential medicines to every one of our neighbors in need and to improve the health of North Carolina one prescription at a time.
Our average client takes medicines with a retail cost of almost $600 a month – that represents at least one-third of an individual client’s income. In order to qualify for our program, clients must be uninsured and earn less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level – that’s $21,780 a year for an individual and $44,700 for a family of four.
Since expanding statewide in 2009, NC MedAssist has filled more than 106,000 prescriptions valued at more than $9.1 million for more than 30,000 North Carolinians.
People like Mike T. of Rowan County. ‘I sat down and cried when I found out I could get my medicines from MedAssist. It was such a weight off my shoulders that I wasn’t going to have to choose any more between heat or food or medicine. Now I can sleep at night. I feel so much better, physically and mentally. I tell everyone I meet about MedAssist. If you know someone who needs medicine, please tell them about MedAssist. If you’re in a position to give, please help support it.’
We know there are many North Carolinians out there who need our help but who don’t know that we’re here for them. If you’d like to have a member of MedAssist’s staff come speak to your congregation, or if you’d like MedAssist to hold an enrollment event in your community, please contact Gena Renfrow at gena@reach-comm.com or 919-815-5550.”
Feinstein, lead investigator in a recent religion and obesity study writes: “Churches already have infrastructures in place, groups of people gathering regularly and providing social support. That’s hugely beneficial in implementing health intervention or implementing programs geared toward diet and physical activity."
In building support systems, churches have the advantage of an established location and groups of people who regularly interact. These are the key essentials of making any change successful. Too often people tackle large tasks alone. That could be a major reason why we struggle so much with lifestyle changes. Churches have an opportunity to fellowship in a way that supports lifestyle changes such as offering exercise classes and fruits and vegetables during events. So the next time you congregate at your church for an activity, I challenge you to look at others not only as other believers but as a huge support system in your healthy lifestyle endeavors!
1) Begin with prayer. Ask God to help change hearts to establish the discipline needed to build support systems around healthy habits.
2) At a next event, during regular conversation, ask someone if they have thought about exercising more or eating more fruits and vegetables. If they have, see if they would be willing to talk about their thoughts on a regular basis. If they haven’t, see if they might be interested. It could be an opportunity to get someone interested in healthy habits!
3) Start with one or two other people and agree to be accountability partners offering love when you fall and encouragement when you hit struggles. Don’t forget praise for successes!
Always feel free to leave a comment and let us know works for you. We all want to have success, so please share it!
]]>Thank you to the following churches and organizations for making our first youth empowerment training for clergy and other adults a success: Scotland County Health Department, Regional Organic Operation to Serve (ROOTS), YES’ Healthy Vessels Program, Fletcher Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church, Scotland High School and Jason’s Deli of Durham.
For more information about how your church/organization can get involved, please email jtwilliams@nccouncilofchurches.org or call 919-357-8625.
]]>Some ideas include: holding a potato sack race; making and flying kites; having a water balloon toss; or playing Duck, Duck, Goose. The activities you choose are less important than simply having fun and sending the important message that North Carolina’s faith community cares about the health of our children!
For more information or to register, please visit www.beactivekids.com.
]]>Before I share with you an awe-inspiring message from a member of First United Methodist Church in Hickory regarding their flourishing community garden, I would first like to make you aware of a grant opportunity which is being offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Let’s Move Faith and Communities. These two entities are joining forces to help families access more fruits and vegetables by awarding grants of up to $150,000 to individuals and organizations that agree to “facilitate the creation of produce, recreation and/or wildlife gardens in urban and rural areas”.
The deadline for applications is Friday, August 26. To find out more, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Tom Bewick, at tbewick@nifa.usda.gov or by telephone at (202) 401-3356.
Now for that awe-inspiring story provided by a member of First United Methodist Church in Hickory:
The Parable Garden at First United Methodist Church, Hickory, NC
“The Parable Garden is an extension of a vision to help feed those persons in Hickory who are unable to feed themselves. Inspired and led by Buddy Weathers, who is assisted and advised by a number of volunteers, the Parable Garden is making a difference in the lives of many persons who call Hickory their home. It produced enough food in its first year of existence last year to feed hundreds of persons. Weekly the food from the garden is transported to the Hickory Soup Kitchen, the Salvation Army and/or to shut-ins. Learning from last year’s mistakes, the output already has tripled this year. Several new features have been incorporated into the garden. First, a substantial trellis (fence) is being used for climbing vegetables, such as tomatoes. Second, wide rows are being used for planting. This automatically increases the yield, as a higher percentage of the tilled area is used for growing crops and lesser amount is being used for walking paths. The wide rows are widely accepted but used less often by gardeners. Third, the soil is being augmented with both rabbit manure and leaf mulch. The use of natural, rather than commercial, fertilizers has greatly benefited the soil. Fourth, soaker hoses are being utilized to augment rain water. Fifth, the crops that are being planted this year will yield produce that can be used in a variety of ways by the cooks at their destinations. Corn, for example, can be eaten off the ears, served as a creamed corn vegetable, made into casseroles, or into soup. Sixth, plants that take up a lot of space, such as melons, and have a limited yield are not being planted. Seventh, we are using succession planting (several plantings of the same vegetable are spaced over an extended period) to increase the length of harvesting season. Eighth, by careful timing of the planting of the first crops, they were harvested and a second crop (follow-up crop) is growing. Ninth, a number of “things” have been used this year to make the Parable Garden more functional and visually beautiful (signage, blueberry bushes, flowers to attract pollinating bees, flowering shrubs/bushes) to gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
A second function of the parable Garden has been to educate a large number of youngsters on where our produce comes from. A surprisingly large number of them don’t think past the grocery stores. They don’t know how the produce got there. It’s just there. It appears by magic.
A third function has been to expose them to the different types of soil and growing conditions they might encounter later in life — what types support growth and what types hinder or stunt growth.
A fourth function, I believe is touched on under # eight (above) – making the garden visually attractive and appealing to as many people as possible.
A fifth function is to spread the word to other individuals, churches and civic organizations. Our garden is the premier garden raising food for individuals served by the Hickory Soup kitchen, Salvation Army, etc. in the area. Others come by on a regular basis to learn from us. We are glad to share the information with anyone at any time.”
- Mr. Dan Miller, First United Methodist Church, Hickory
For more community gardening tips, please email Mr. Miller at: gdbrmiller@charter.net.
In scripture we are taught that God made Adam and Eve in order to till the ground. Fundamentally, human beings need activity, preferably with the goal of maintaining creation and not destroying it. Perhaps where we would least expect a faithful rendering of this truth holds it the most. Christian monks have venerated activity for centuries. St. Benedict understood this and made manual labor an important part of his monastery’s life. Benedictine monks recited psalms as they worked to preserve their monastery, and still do to this day. Some of the most secluded communities show us how activity not only brings a healthy body but a healthy mind.
The act of gaining weight is very simple, more calories have to be consumed than burned off with bodily activity. However the root cause can be debated, and for some, additional problems such as diabetes or imbalanced thyroid activity can contribute to weight gain. Depression and PTSD can also play a part in how much one consumes and how the body reacts to that food. Not everyone can suddenly begin manual labor and it be beneficial, but our orientation to it can be revamped. To labor in the dirt is our calling as creatures, and in doing so we would be using our bodies responsibly.
Food gives life, but as we are continually seeing over and over again, it can be dangerous when over-consumed. Despite all the effort in diets and miracle drugs, we are still gaining pounds. Maybe we need to look back to see where we came from and how playing in the dirt wasn’t so bad compared to our increasing risk of early death and disease due to overweight and obesity.
]]>PPK is considered NFL’s largest grassroots program in the country, now celebrating its 50th year. If your congregation would like to host a local competition in 2011, please visit: http://www.nflppk.com/competitions/local/create. Once you register, you will receive a PPK administrative kit which includes:
For more information about NFL PPK, please visit their website at http://www.nflppk.com/ or contact North Carolina’s PPK State Chair, Michelle Wells, at michelle@ncrpa.net. To read about another NFL initiative which challenges youth to be physically active for at least 60 minutes per day, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/play60.
Together, we can make a difference… and have fun while doing it!
-Willona Stallings, PHW Program Coordinator
]]>To learn more about Joy and her passion for health and faith, please read her personal message to you below, and visit the Council's website to read her bio. You can also contact her directly at jtwilliams@nccouncilofchurches.org with any questions or well wishes.
A Message from Joy Williams, PHW Regional Consultant:
Greetings NCCC friends! I bring many experiences to my new role as PHW Regional Consultant. They include a Master's of Public Health degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, a Fulbright Scholarship, and a passion for health and faith.
Many different cultures have molded my world perspective, including Native American and Latin American. Through my experiences, I believe that the majority of people want the best for themselves and their families. What a pleasure to embark on an endeavor that offers tools and resources to apply that principle. As the PHW Regional Consultant, I am fulfilling my personal mission of understanding health as a faith issue.
I look forward to getting to know all of you! Please take some time to get to know me and more about PHW.
With Eager Hopes,
Joy Williams
]]>ChooseMyPlate.gov - Uses the plate as a visual aid to help illustrate both the types and correct portions of food you should consume on a daily basis in order to maintain a healthy weight.
Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina - Offers a variety of programs and tools to help people of faith eat healthier and be more physically active.
Heart 360 - Allows you to track and manage your heart health and share your results with your physician.
My Life Check - Offers you a heart health assessment and individualized plan.
NC County Health Tool - Provides obesity and smoking rates by county as well as community strategies for addressing these problems. In addition, the NC County Health Tool illustrates the positive effects of reducing obesity and smoking rates on county health rankings, hospital visits and personal income.
NC Good Health Directory - Provides a list of affordable, evidence-based wellness resources by county.
Shape Your World - Offers strategies for transforming your local community into a healthier, safer place to live. Visit this website to: 1) take advantage of the Shape Your World Visualization Tool which allows you to “build” your own environment and share your pictures with others, 2) complete an online checklist to assess how easy it is to get around your neighborhood on foot, 3) find resources on local greenways and parks, and 4) get tips on how to take action and make your dream of creating a healthier community a reality.
For additional health tips and tools, please click here.
]]>Better Choices, Better Health™ is a proven, life-changing program. If you would like to take advantage of this special limited time offer or to simply learn more about it, please visit https://selfmanage.org.
]]>When? Tuesday, May 24
What Time? 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EDT
Space is limited. Please register by Friday, May 13th. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/512825225.
The session will be led by Dr. Toni (Antronette) Yancey of UCLA School of Public Health and Dr. Melicia Whitt-Glover of Gramercy Research Group. They each have a wealth of experience in public health and promoting physical activity in the community. Comments will also be offered by Pastor Konnie Robinson of Union Chapel Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Registration is FREE, but mandatory. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Please direct any questions to Danielle Crookes at Danielle.Crookes@fccc.edu or Dottie Chezik or Shirley Apeldorn at 215-728-3118.
]]>The North Carolina Council of Churches would like to see more local governments supporting fresh, locally grown foods across the state. Through the Council’s Come to the Table Program, we are equipping congregations with the resources and tools to help relieve hunger and sustain local farms. Through our Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative, we are promoting health as a practice of our faith and recognizing congregations that take steps towards better health through increased physical activity, healthy eating and not using tobacco products.
Data show that eating healthily reduces high blood pressure; reduces our risk of diabetes, some cancers, heart disease and stroke; and helps with weight management. Removing barriers to growing community gardens through changes in land use policies would help to increase the consumption of fresh vegetables and lower the obesity rate. North Carolina is currently ranked the 10th most obese state in the nation for adults and the 11th most overweight and obese state for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is the #1 problem facing America today, and the state of North Carolina spends an estimated $24.1 billion each year in obesity-related health care costs.
The potential health care and financial benefits of community gardening cannot be overstated, not to mention the sense of community and social capital that is cultivated in the process. To learn more about this important effort, please click here.
]]>The reason for the above finding is unknown although some believe that church potlucks and other religious gatherings centered around food – i.e., decadent, high-calorie, high-sodium “comfort foods” which can lead to weight gain – could be a factor. And most of us are aware of the adverse health effects of carrying excess weight (e.g., an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, etc.) as well as the economic burden that is placed on our healthcare system to treat individuals who are overweight or obese. For that reason, congregations in our state must continue to promote health as a practice of our faith and to support one another in our efforts to be physically active and to eat healthily.
To read the article in its entirety, please click here.
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