Spring 2016 Volume 7, Issue 1 In this issue: 1 Greetings from Wendell Oman 1 Grace Notes 2 Quality of school lunches improves 2 Help for faith leaders 2 Does caffeine affect heart rate? 3 Hospice Corner 4 Spring – season of renewed hope 4 Springtime prayer 4 Bicycle helmet program 5 Annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks on May 14th Office for Mission & Spiritual Care The Office for Mission & Spiritual Care provides spiritual care for patients, their families and associates 24 hours a day every day of the year. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To contact us, call 708.684.5175. Evenings and weekends, ask for the paging operator and request #7729 for the house chaplain or #2299 for the emergency department chaplain. Bridges to Our Faith Communities Connections Also in this issue: News from Advocate Children’s Hospital Embedded in the larger story of redemption is a principle we must not miss: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others. Paul David Tripp From Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change Grace Notes are readings, poems or quotes from a variety of faith traditions and writers. Each reflection tries to touch on the heart of being human in this world. To receive Grace Notes five or seven days a week, please click here or contact [email protected]. Grace Notes Welcome to spring! It’s getting to be that time when we can pack away cold- weather clothing and begin looking forward to the warmer months. At Advocate Christ Medical Center, we continue to provide excellent health care to our community while also encouraging and empowering patients to make positive, healthy changes in how they eat, exercise, sleep and manage their days. In this issue, we look at two studies that address life choices and daily habits. The first is on the impact of caffeine on heart health; the other relates how schools are improving the nutritional value of their lunches. Both articles stress the importance of educating ourselves about healthy habits and then implementing them into our day-to-day lives. We encourage faith leaders to be particularly mindful about self-care, which may include regulating our own dependency on caffeinated beverages. In the article about school lunches, please note the importance of adults as models of healthy habits for children. As always, we extend our hope that you, your family and your congregation will have a healthy, happy and enjoyable spring. We hope that this season is full of learning, love and supportive community. Rev. Wendell Oman Vice President, Office for Mission & Spiritual Care
Transcript
Spring 2016Volume 7, Issue 1
In this issue:
1 Greetings from Wendell Oman
1 Grace Notes
2 Quality of school lunches improves
2 Help for faith leaders
2 Does caffeine affect heart rate?
3 Hospice Corner
4 Spring – season of renewed hope
4 Springtime prayer
4 Bicycle helmet program
5 Annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks on May 14th
Office for Mission &Spiritual Care
The Office for Mission & Spiritual Care provides spiritual care for patients, their families and associates 24 hours a day every day of the year. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To contact us, call 708.684.5175. Evenings and weekends, ask for the paging operator and request #7729 for the house chaplain or #2299 for the emergency department chaplain.
Bridges to Our Faith CommunitiesConnections
Also in this issue:News from
AdvocateChildren’s Hospital
Embedded in the larger story of redemption is a principle we must not miss: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others.
Paul David Tripp
From Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change
Grace Notes are readings, poems or quotes from a variety of faith traditions and writers. Each reflection tries to touch on the heart of being human in this world. To receive Grace Notes five or
Welcome to spring!It’s getting to be that time when we can pack away cold-weather clothing and begin looking forward to the warmer months. At Advocate Christ Medical Center, we continue to provide excellent health care to our community while also encouraging and empowering patients to make positive, healthy changes in how they eat, exercise, sleep and manage their days.
In this issue, we look at two studies that address life choices and daily habits. The first is on the impact of caffeine on heart health; the other relates how schools are improving the nutritional value of their lunches.
Both articles stress the importance of educating ourselves about healthy habits and then implementing them into our day-to-day lives.
We encourage faith leaders to be particularly mindful about self-care, which may include regulating our own dependency on caffeinated beverages.
In the article about school lunches, please note the importance of adults as models of healthy habits for children.
As always, we extend our hope that you, your family and your congregation will have a healthy, happy and enjoyable spring. We hope that this season is full of learning, love and supportive community.
Rev. Wendell OmanVice President, Office for Mission & Spiritual Care
Connections - Advocate Christ Medical Center Office for Mission and Spiritual Care Spring 2016 - Page 2
A recent study of the 4,600 elementary schools that participate in the National School Lunch program revealed some encouraging news: School lunches are getting healthier. By providing a greater variety of fruits and
vegetables, whole grain products and more nutritionally balanced pizzas, schools are helping kids learn how to make wise food choices.
Still, there is room for improvement. The study’s authors noted that the availability of fresh foods and salads varied by school and region. Parents also have to take responsibility for reinforcing healthy eating outside of school by monitoring children’s diets, encouraging healthy snacking and integrating fruits and vegetables into meals.
Elizabeth Zawila, a registered dietitian at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital’s Health and Wellness Center in Downers Grove, Ill., stresses the importance of not giving up on getting kids to appreciate healthy foods:
“Research shows that it can take up to 15 tastes before a child learns to appreciate a new flavor. While it can be a struggle, the earlier kids learn to embrace fruits and vegetables the better, as these nutritious habits will last a lifetime.”
When children are consistently exposed to healthy foods and eating behaviors, they are more likely to adopt them. Doing so gives these children a strong foundation for a healthy, active life.
As faith leaders, . . . we can do our part to encourage children to develop healthy eating habits. Some ways to do this include:
✦ Provide healthy snacks during children’s activities.
✦ Offer taste tests of fruits and vegetables as a way of teaching about God’s good creation.
✦ Make sure that meals served at congregational events include healthy options.
✦ Offer cooking classes as a congregational activity. In the classes, emphasize healthy meal preparation techniques, such as minimizing the use of sugar and added fats.
✦ Congregations that sponsor or support food pantries should make an extra effort to collect healthier foods. While stocking fresh produce may be impractical, collecting and buying whole-grain pasta, low-sugar cereal and low-sodium canned beans and produce can have a positive impact on those who receive food assistance.
See HEART next page.
The work of a spiritual leader is never really done. That’s why many clergy frequently turn to
caffeinated beverages, such as coffee or tea, to get them through the day.
Some may worry, however, that drinking caffeine could have a
negative effect on heart health. This is particularly
front-of-mind in recent years as we continue to become more
aware of clergy health issues.
Many spiritual leaders suffer from chronic illnesses, including heart disease, making it all the more important for clergy to address their stress and develop healthy lifestyle habits. Becoming more aware of and concerned about what they eat
and drink in am important component of good health.
A recent study on the effect of caffeine consumption on heart health turned up some interesting and perhaps reassuring data for coffee drinkers. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco looked at 1,400 test subjects over a period of twelve months to determine whether caffeinated beverages affected heart rate or irregular heartbeats.
“This was the first community-based sample to look at the impact of caffeine on
Connections - Advocate Christ Medical Center Office for Mission and Spiritual Care Spring 2016 - Page 3
Advocate Christ Medical Center4440 West 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 708.684.8000
Staff ChaplainsRefat Abukhdeir, Moslem MinistriesCarla Banks, United Church of ChristMary Anne Cannon, Roman CatholicDenise Duncan, United Church of ChristFr. Casimir Eke, Roman CatholicRichard James, Southern BaptistSheila Reed, American BaptistDavid Safeblade, United Church of ChristTyron Smith, BaptistKellie Tracz, PresbyterianBetty Vander Laan, Christian Reformed
Clinical Pastoral Education SupervisorsChristy Howard-Steele, Christian, ACPE Supervisory CandidateAngie Keith, Pentecostal ACPE Supervisory CandidateJanet MacLean, United Church of Christ
ACPE Supervisor
Chaplain ResidentsBarbara Lawrence-Bostick, BaptistEdward E. Coleman Sr., Evangelical CovenantKenneth Okechukwu Ekekwe, Roman CatholicMegan A. Keller, Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
Administrative Assistant IIJacquelyn Perkins, Coordinator, Faith Health Partnerships
Administrative StaffCorky DeBoer, Christian Reformed
Manager of Spiritual Services, ACPE SupervisorWendell Oman, Evangelical Free Church of America
Vice-President, Mission & Spiritual Care
To subscribe to Connections, call 708.684.5175 or email [email protected] with your name and email address. You’ll receive an electronic edition of Connections every three months.
To continue receiving Connections, your email address must be current. Please inform us of any changes of email address or other contact information. Email [email protected] or call 708.684.5175.
Service of RemembranceRichard & Wilma Molenhouse Chapel
Advocate Christ Medical CenterOak Lawn
Sun., May 15, 4 p.m.
A special memorial service will be held for the hospice and patient families of Advocate Christ Medical Center who have recently lost a loved one. Christ Mission & Spiritual Care and Advocate Hospice join together in leading this service of prayers and readings as a comfort for the families they serve. For more information, contact Penelope Gabriele at 630.829.1753.
The next service will be Aug. 14, 2016.
Hospice Cornerextra heartbeats, as previous studies looked at people with known arrhythmias,” said lead author Shalini Dixit, in a news release.
The researchers found that the consumption of caffeine did not have a negative impact on heartbeats. However, the American Heart Association notes that the connection between high caffeine intake and coronary heart disease has neither been proven or disproven, making it important for clergy to talk with their doctors about whether it safe to consume caffeinated foods and beverages.
“When it comes to any heart issues, you have to be careful of saying that one type of philosophy works for everyone,” says Dr. Harley Brooks, an internal medicine physician at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago, who suffered a heart attack himself and has changed his diet and caffeine habits after his health scare. “Sometimes one cup of coffee can affect a person more than it might someone else.”
If you are concerned about heart disease, talk to your doctor or consider taking Advocate Heart Institute’s online heart risk assessment at advocatehealth.com/cv2016.cfm.
Connections - Advocate Christ Medical Center Office for Mission and Spiritual Care Spring 2016 - Page 4
As the days get longer, the robins return and the flowers begin to bloom, spring is a welcome return. It is beautiful to see these signs of spring, signs of hope that new life and growth can occur after the cold of winter.
During these early days of spring, many faith communities are also celebrating holy days which point towards hope for all seasons. Our Jewish sisters and brothers observe Passover, where they recall God’s promise of freedom as the Hebrew slaves are delivered from slavery and journey towards the promise land. Our Christian sisters and brothers journey through Holy Week and hear the stories once more of pain and grief of Good Friday and the promise of new life of easter found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These messages of hope and new life are the cornerstone for these two faith traditions and enlarge the hope of spring with penultimate hope found in their respective traditions.
Here at Advocate Children’s hospital, signs of hope found in the spring and sacred stories of hope and faith inspire us as we offer care and support to children, so that they too may live lives filled with hope, health and promise. Thank you to all of you as our faith community partners who nurture hope in the lives of children and families. It is an honor to join with you in nurturing hope and health in our community.
Peace and blessings, Rev. Stacey Jutila, Vice President Mission & Spiritual Care
Spring – season of renewed hope
Springtime prayer
For flowers that bloom about our feet,For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet,For song of bird and hum of bee,For all things fair we hear or see,Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
For blue of stream and blue of sky,For pleasant shade of branches high,For fragrant air and cooling breeze,For beauty of the blooming trees,Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Bicycle helmet programDid you know that over 300,000 children are treated in the ER each year for bicycle-related head injuries? Head injuries, even those that may initially seem not serious, can have a life-long impact on sufferers. Wearing a bike helmet can reduce injury risk by 85%.
Advocate Children’s Hospital sponsors a bike helmet program that provides high quality bicycle and multi-sport helmets at affordable prices. We even provide free helmet fittings so that children wearing our helmets receive maximum protection. Our sizes range from toddler to adult, and parents are welcome to get fitted for a helmet along with their kids.
The helmet program operates 10:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m. Mondays at Andrew Family Children’s Health Resource Center, Advocate Children’s Hospital, Oak Lawn. Call 708.684.3225 if you need a different time.
Connections - Advocate Christ Medical Center Office for Mission and Spiritual Care Spring 2016 - Page 5
Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn4440 West 95th St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Advocate Children’s Hospital – Park Ridge1675 Dempster St., Park Ridge, IL 60068
1.855.312.KIDSStaff:
Stacey Jutila BCC, Vice President Mission and Spiritual Care Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Carol Stephens BCC, Staff Chaplain and Pediatric Bereavement Coordinator, United Church of Christ
Tracy Nolan, Staff Chaplain, United Church of ChristStaycie Flint BCC, Staff Chaplain, EpiscopalEliza Stoddard Leatherberry BCC, Staff Chaplain, United
Church of ChristLoretta Ransberg, Staff Chaplain and Pediatric Bereavement
on May 14thApril is Autism Awareness Month. During this time, educators, social service providers and health care professionals work together to educate the public about autism and its impact on families and individuals.
Every year, the representatives from Advocate Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Developmental Center participate in Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is one of the country’s premier advocacy organizations for autistic
people, their families and their caregivers.
Walk Now begins with a resource fair and then participants enjoy a three-mile walk that starts at Soldier Field and ends with a party for all participants on the east lawn and stadium green. The event raises awareness of the autism spectrum, as well as funds needed for research and supportive programming.
Our Advocate Health Care team participates in several ways. In addition to our own team of walkers, we also sponsor an information and activity table for other participants. Providers from our Pediatric Developmental Center autism team, as well as the Park Ridge Autism Program, staff the booth and make connections with attendees. We also sponsor giveaways and structured art activities for the kids. All are welcome to visit our both and find out more about our programs and what we do.
Walk Now for Autism Speaks takes place on May 14th, 2016 at Soldier Field. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., and opening ceremonies begin at 9:30. For more information about participating or providing sponsorship for the event, visit autismspeakswalk.org.
Importance of dental care for children According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. While some may think that dental care and hygiene for children aren’t important because kids don’t have their “adult teeth” yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Tooth decay can have a serious -- and sometimes permanent -- effect on a child’s development and overall health:
•!Tooth decay can result in pain and infection, sometimes requiring costly treatments and surgery that require time off from school.
•!Children with tooth decay may lack confidence about their appearance and may be embarrassed to speak or smile in the presence of other people. This can have a negative impact on a child’s social and speech development.
•!Tooth decay can make it painful for children to chew food and get the nutrition that their growing bodies need.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association recommend that parents and caregivers take babies for their first dental visit by the time they turn one or when they get their first tooth. Dentists and hygienists can examine the baby’s mouth to check for possible problems and can teach parents and caregivers how to provide good oral hygiene.
Another thing to consider is that healthy habits are often best learned when we are young. If a child grows up in a household that encourages good oral health habits, such as regular flossing and brushing after each meal, he or she is likely to continue these habits into adulthood. Seeing siblings and parents brush and floss sets a great example for little ones, too.
Faith communities have a role to play in encouraging children to care for their teeth. Parish nurses and other pastoral care providers can provide information to families with children about dental care. Community members who supervise children’s activities can encourage parents and children to send along toothbrushes and toothpaste so that kids can brush after snacks or meals. After all, children’s oral health matters.
Dear God, we thank you for the communities in which we have conversations, share meals and support each other. Remind us to guard and cherish these relationships. Amen.
The importance of dental care for adults Good oral hygiene and seeing a dentist regularly shouldn’t be an afterthought. Gum disease and tooth decay can have a serious impact on your appearance as well as your health. If you’re the sort of person who sees their physician for regular checkups but neglects oral health, consider the following:
•!Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, staining, gum disease and bad breath. All of these can have a negative impact on your social and professional life.
•!Untreated gum disease and tooth decay can result in bacteria entering your bloodstream and may play a role in the development of some diseases, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. There is also some evidence that gum disease in pregnant women may be linked with premature birth.
•!Neglecting tooth decay or gum problems can result in the need for more serious treatments later on. If you have to have surgery or undergo multiple treatments, you may have to take time off work and pay for what your insurance does not cover.
If you are putting off a visit to the dentist because you’ve had bad experiences in the past or are concerned about costs, here are some options:
•!Ask friends and family for recommendations to dentists and check out online review sites. When you make an appointment, explain that you’ve had bad experiences and would appreciate it if the dentist or hygienist talks you through the procedures before performing them.
•!Many dentists offer special pricing or payment plans for new or uninsured patients. Ask about costs when you make an appointment.
•!Dental schools often provide low-cost dental care to people who are in need.
If you are concerned with helping others receive the dental care that they need, consider working with your faith community to help provide this care. People in your congregation may need rides to the dentist, for example.
Government programs like food stamps/SNAP, WIC or the food commodities program do not provide oral health products, such as toothpaste, floss and toothbrushes. In light of this, consider a congregational drive to purchase these items to distribute to those in your area who need them. Resources: Advocate Health Care: advocatehealth.com, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: mychildrensteeth.org, American Dental Association: ada.org
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Caregiving in America
Caregiving is a major issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 21 percent of households have a member who needs caregiving. The reasons a person may need care vary: Many are elderly, disabled or ill and need assistance with day-to-day living tasks. They may also need help managing medical conditions.
Contrary to what many people think, most people who provide such care are not paid professionals. They are instead unpaid caregivers, often family members or neighbors, and there are 65.7 million of them in the U.S., according to a report by The National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP.
The impact of the work done by caregivers is enormous. Analysts note that the economic value of their labor is over $450 billion dollars per year, though it is impossible to put a price tag on the social and personal value of their work. Many care receivers are able to maintain their independence and remain part of their communities because of caregiving.
In recent years, more attention has been paid to the work of caregiving and its effect on caregivers. While many family members experience deep fulfillment in helping to care for their loved ones, caregiving has its own risks:
•!Caregivers often experience stress as they try to balance their own needs with the needs of those they care for.
•!Some caregivers report that their health has declined as a result of caregiving. They feel that their own health issues negatively impact their ability to provide care.
•!The financial cost of caregiving can be serious. Many caregivers report spending thousands of dollars each year in support of their caregiving work. In addition, some caregivers find it necessary to quit their jobs or cut their hours so that they can be present for the family member who they care for.
Caregiving is important work, one worthy of support from family, friends, neighbors and faith communities. Dear God, we thank you for your loving care and the opportunity to care for each other. Help us to remember and care
for the caregivers in our midst. Amen.
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Caring for the caregiver within faith communities Almost 30 percent of adults in the United States are caregivers. This means that your congregation likely has several caretakers in its membership. While faith communities are often very concerned with providing care to the ill, elderly and disabled, family caregivers can be overlooked.
The work of a caregiver can be overwhelming, and some givers of care can be reluctant to ask for help or support. When a caregiver becomes overwhelmed and does not get help, his or her life is negatively impacted, and he or she may not be able to continue to provide good care to the care receiver.
Because caregiving typically takes place in homes, caregivers and the challenges they face can be invisible to others. Sometimes congregations aren’t aware of a caregiver’s situation until it becomes incredibly difficult and much harder to address. Awareness of caregivers within your faith community is an important part of providing quality care to all members.
Congregations can do a lot to support caregivers. Here are some ideas:
•!Identify caregivers. Clergy and laypeople who provide care to the disabled, shut-ins or the elderly should find out who is providing care. The caregiver may also be in need of pastoral care and support.
•!Provide practical assistance. Members of the congregation can volunteer to provide practical assistance, such as help with chores. When appropriate, community members may be able to provide respite care.
•!Acknowledge the work of caregivers in worship services and community prayers.
•!Provide direction to caregivers who are in need of professional help. Direction may include directing them to casework services, counseling or other resources.
•!Reach out to caregivers. They may feel isolated from their peers. Plan time to spend together over coffee or a meal. In a recent study by AARP, 51% of caregivers indicated that they pray as a way of coping with caregiving stress. When appropriate, offer to pray with caregivers.
•!Help the caregiver find out if they qualify for financial assistance programs. The National Council on Aging’s Benefits CheckUp site helps people learn about available assistance: www.benefitscheckup.org.
Resources: Advocate Health Care: advocatehealth.com, Family Caregiver Alliance: caregiver.org, VA Caregiver Support: caregiver.va.gov, Caregiver Action Network: caregiveraction.org
