Setting a New Table

I wrote Setting a New Table for HopeandHealing.org that uses feast accounts of Peter and Jesus to help imagine a table that considers the health needs of everyone at that table. Links to healthy recipes created in the Church Health Center’s Teaching Kitchen are available at the end of the article.

Healthy Holiday Traditions

My coworkers at Church Health Center have written an article on HopeandHealing.org that offers 10 suggestions for creating a healthier holiday season for you and your family.

Routine Mammograms Beginning at Age 50?

Another article reported by the Washington Post reports on a Federal panel’s recommendation about delaying routine mammogram screenings until the age of 50. Being a part of a family that has been touched by breast cancer in dramatic ways, I worry about this finding. At the same time, I believe that the health care reform debate will spark more studies like this that place under a microscope long-held practices in medical care.

Physicians might find it helpful to their faith communities to hold information sessions on such tests as mammograms, the PSA (prostate specific antigen) and other screening tests so that lay people can make better sense of this debate.

Hunger Problem in America Growing

A troubling article in the Washington Post reports that the economic crisis in this country has led to an all-time high in people who are lacking sufficient food. Quoting the article by Washington Post Staff Writer Amy Goldstein, “Food shortages, the report shows, are particularly pronounced among women raising children alone. Last year, more than one in three single mothers reported that they struggled for food, and more than one in seven said that someone in their home had been hungry — far eclipsing the food problem in any other kind of household.”

From church food pantries to Feeding America to Angel Food Ministries, there are numerous ways communities of faith can do their part to reduce this problem.

What can a vibrant health ministry look like?

Rev. Dr. Ken Robinson of St. Andrew African Methodist Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee was recently interviewed by HopeandHealing.org in an article titled Soulful Messengers about his congregation’s health ministry activities. Every congregation reading this article can find something that inspires them to try something new.

Physicians and Prayer

This is a link to a great article from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly that features interviews from several physicians in Memphis, Tennessee, including the Founder and Executive Director of the Church Health Center, Rev. Dr. Scott Morris.

Right Care at the Right Time

This thoughtful article by Geoff Calkins of the Commercial Appeal in Memphis highlights a challenge faced by uninsured Americans – getting care before it is too late. This has complicated societal and financial implications. I think this article also provides an interesting beginning point for a discussion on how our faith traditions inform our opinions on health reform.

One couple’s story…

A new article at HopeandHealing.org

Loving God with Your Body

Mary Cay Oyler is a valued coworker of mine at Church Health Center. Not only does this article help you see how faith and health are intertwined, but it also gives insight into the wonderful work we do at our prevention and wellness ministry known as Hope & Healing. Enjoy, Butch

Care for Caregivers

A visitor to my blog asked me about caring for caregivers. This article posted by my friends at HopeandHealing.org is titled “Care for Your Caregiver.” I think it is the kind of article nurses and other medical professionals could give to their patients in long-term care as a way to advocate for the family member or friend who is their primary caregiver.

If you have a special article or advice to offer caregivers or those in their care, I hope you will comment here and link to the article so others may learn. Peace, Butch

The Church and Mental Illness

My friends at HopeandHealing.org are featuring articles on mental illness throughout the month of May. Marja Bergen writes and blogs about living with bipolar disorder and the roles faith communities have played. Read an excerpt from her book, A Firm Place to Stand. You can also check out her blog. Click on Roller Coaster in my blog roll.

Congregations and Pandemics

My friends at HopeandHealing.org have posted an article by Rev. Dr. Gary Gunderson titled “The Role of Worshipping Congregations Amid Pandemic.” Dr. Gunderson is a leading voice in the faith and health movement and offers wonderful insight into the strength of congregations.

Health Ministry with Teenagers

With the school year winding down, you might be developing summer programming for the teenagers of your faith community. I encourage to read Deborah Patterson’s ariticle, Health Ministry with Teenagers and consider some of her suggestions for helping teenagers with some of their unique health issues.