Happy New Year Mt. Zion!  We are approaching the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, but isn’t God good?  He made a way by giving medical experts the knowledge to create a vaccine which helps us to remain healthy and stay safe.  We also have access to information from the CDC to keep informed about how to remain healthy and stop the spread. According to the CDC vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow the transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The CDC continues to recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status. This year let us stay in prayer, follow the CDC guidelines, and spread the word to our family, friends, and community about how to stay safe and healthy.  Let us also start the New Year by making healthy choices in our diet, activity level, and prayer life.  Studies show that it takes 21 days to create a habit, and 90 days to create a lifestyle change.  Remember 2022 is a new year for increased faith and abundant blessings!
 
   
Reference:  www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html
 

 
Due to the ongoing pandemic, many people have been working from home. Because of the sedentary lifestyle and resultant weight gain, newly diagnosed prediabetes are of concern. When it comes to prediabetes, there are no clear symptoms—so you may have it and not know it. Here’s why that’s important: Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have prediabetes—blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. You may have some of the symptoms of diabetes or may even have some of the complications. Therefore, it is important to have a yearly physical with bloodwork, or seek medical care of you develop symptoms. If caught early we can keep prediabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes (non-Insulin required). Type 1 (lifetime Insulin required).
 
The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed.

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty; Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet

 
For some people with prediabetes, prompt treatment, as well as moderate lifestyle changes like increasing daily physical activity and eating healthier can return blood sugar levels to a normal range, effectively preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes. Keep in mind that, according to the CDC, having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19, so getting a COVID-19 vaccination and booster are recommended.
 
Resource: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes
 

 
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.  Make sure that you get a mammogram when recommended by your health care provider.
 
There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. If you have any signs that worry you, see your health care provider right away.  Symptoms can include—

• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
• A new lump in the breast or underarm.

 
This is flu season, and the CDC is recommending COVID-19 and flu vaccines for people with weakened immune systems.  This is especially important for people undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as cancer survivors.
 

• Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.
• Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar and include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea – and with COVID-19, loss of taste and smell. Testing is needed to tell which illness it is.  As soon as you begin to feel any symptoms, get tested right away – remember COVID-19 can be deadly, especially the Delta variant so don’t try “work on yourself” at home.  Testing and vaccines for COVID-19 are free of charge and are available throughout the Metro Atlanta area. 

 
Reference:  https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/flu/index.htm
 

 
We live in a medical age unprecedented in history.  Through God’s Grace, we have eliminated many of the scourges and plagues that haunted the world. Now with the COVID 19 pandemic and it’s variants, we know what we should and must do to protect ourselves and those around us.  God gave us all free will to make decisions, and we offer this prayer to strengthen us and help us make the right decisions:
 
Heavenly Father, we thank you.  You are the Comforter and Healer of all sickness and afflictions.  We depend on you to give us insight and wisdom for greater cures,therapies, and techniques to conquer disease.  Bless all health practitioners, the methods they use, and the medicines they prescribe. Father, give us the faith and trust to cooperate with the revealed truth which you have given them to help us attain wholeness of body, and mind.  In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
 
What We Know
The United States is facing a COVID-19 surge this summer as the more contagious Delta variant spreads.  More than 643,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 while over 4.5 million people have died from the disease worldwide, according to real-time data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.  Just 61.5% of Americans ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
Vaccines are widely accessible in the United States and are available for everyone at no cost. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 12 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.
You will find options listed for getting the vaccination via drive-through, with no appointment required, on Mt. Zion’s website under "information." 

Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html
 
 

   
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.  Because there is a large population of people who continue to opt out of getting the vaccinations for COVID-19 and the Delta variant, this observance and education is vital. 
 
There are any number of reasons for people to resist getting their children vaccinated for childhood diseases such as polio, whooping cough and smallpox, but history proves that these diseases were eradicated due to vaccinations.  As your children head back to school this fall, it’s particularly important for you to work with your child’s doctor or nurse to make sure they get caught up on missed well-child visits and recommended vaccines.
 
Remember to take care of yourself too! Make sure to receive any vaccines you need to stay healthy. Use CDC’s adult vaccine assessment tool to see which vaccines might be right for you.
 
August is also a critical time for those who are eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccination, check out the following websites:

• cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/your-vaccination.html
• cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/adolescents.html

 
We urge anyone who is still reluctant to get vaccinated to research, educate yourself and pray about getting the vaccination.  2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of sound mind.
 
Resource:
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) | CDC
 

 
 
With temperatures on the rise and pandemic-related restrictions lifting, many are anxious to return to a state of normalcy.  According to the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccines appear to be effective at preventing COVID-19 disease and reducing the risks of people spreading the disease.  People who have been fully vaccinated can resume activities that they had stopped because of the pandemic.  Keep in mind that if you have a chronic medical condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may not be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated.  For those with chronic medical conditions, you may need to continue taking all precautions – wearing masks in public and social distancing, even after vaccination.
 
For now, although the risk that fully vaccinated people could become infected with COVID-19 is low, fully vaccinated people should continue to:

• Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
• Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations.

 
The CDC cannot provide the specific risk level for every activity in every community.  It is important to consider your own personal situation and the risk to you, your family, and your community before venturing out.
 
This summer let us also attempt to increase our physical activity level – moving more and sitting less, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and staying well hydrated – making water our primary beverage.   
 
   
Reference:
Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases
 

 
 
The first Sunday in June is recognized as National Cancer Survivors Day.  A day to celebrate life for everyone who has been touched by cancer.  It is a day to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges cancer survivors and their families face because of their disease.   Mt. Zion celebrates all cancer survivors on this day and every day!  May God bless and keep you.

 
April is designated as National Stress Awareness Month.
  
Stress management is vital to our overall health, so it’s important to learn and practice successful ways to cope with stress. 
 
How do I know if I have too much stress?
 
If you have too much stress in your life, your body will let you know.  Stress may be experienced in different ways.  Some things you may notice include:
 
Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of worry and fear
• Muscle tension
• Sweaty palms
• Heart pounding
• Irritability toward others
• Fatigue

 
If you are overly stressed for a long period of time, it can put your health at risk.  A list of encouraging ways to respond to the stress in your life and keep your stress levels in check include:
 
Prayer and meditation

• Therapeutic massage and aromatherapy
• Affirm what is right with your life instead of dwelling on what’s wrong
• Exercise.  Aim to do at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.  When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in the body!
• Get proper rest, eat a well-balanced diet and get regular health checks with your primary care provider.

Remember that life often presents us with stressful situations and it is easy to allow ourselves to fall into fear, worry and anxiety, but thanks be to God!  He is our source of peace, hope, strength, courage, and joy amidst all trials and tribulation.  Pray, and trust in Him to supply all of our needs and calm our anxious hearts with his Spirit of peace, joy, hope and love!
    
*Source: Beliefnet
 

 

March is National Kidney Month

Most people with kidney disease don’t know they have it. March is National Kidney Month and we are encouraging everyone to learn more about their kidney health.

More than 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease – that’s about one in seven adults. The disease is underdiagnosed since a person may lose up to 90 percent of their kidney function before symptoms develop.

The biggest risk factors for kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and family history of kidney failure. Early identification and treatment may help to slow kidney damage and prevent additional health problems.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has provided these healthy lifestyle tips to take charge of kidney health:

• Meet regularly with your health care team. 
• Manage blood pressure and monitor blood glucose levels. 
• Take medicine as prescribed and avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. Your pharmacist and doctor need to know about all the medicines you take.
• Aim for a healthy weight. 
• Reduce stress and make physical activity part of your routine. Consider healthy stress-reducing activities and get at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity each day.
• Make time for sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
• Quit smoking. If you smoke, take steps to quit.

 

Image: americanhw.com

February is Heart Health Awareness Month.  Heart disease is the leading killer for both men and women in the United States.  According to the CDC, deaths from heart disease are higher in Black Americans than in White Americans and other ethnic groups.  Heart disease also develops at a younger age in Black Americans. 
 
4 Ways to Take Control of Your Heart Health

• Do not smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
• Manage health conditions. Work with your health care team to manage conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Make heart-healthy diet changes.  Eat foods low in fat, low in added sugar, and low in salt.  Try to eat more vegetables and fruit.
• Stay active.  You can break up exercise into 10-minute blocks for a total of 30 minutes per day.