Everyone has most likely experienced loss. Loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship, loss of income. With loss comes grief. Grief is a natural response to any kind of loss, and it does not follow any timeline or schedule. Grief can become a mental illness when the intensity and duration of grief symptoms significantly interfere with daily life and functioning. Grief is often described as passing through five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance.

To further explain the stages of grief:
Stage 1: Shock and/or Denial: This is a coping mechanism -  a state of shock,  disbelief and numbed feelings. You might pretend the loss isn’t happening. For instance, you may be unable to show emotion or cry at a loved one’s funeral. As you move out of the denial stage, the emotions you’ve been hiding will come out. Think of it as your body's natural defense mechanism.
 
Stage 2: Anger
Anger has a masking effect. This anger may be redirected at other people, the person who died, or even God. While your rational brain knows the object of your anger isn’t to blame, your feelings at that moment are too intense to act according to that. Remember this is normal, and this is where our relationship with God can really help us. Be faithful in prayer, and understand everything is in his planning and in His will.
 
Stage 3:  Bargaining
Followers of Christ may to try to make a deal or promise to God in return for relief from grief and pain. “If only I had called her that night, she wouldn’t be gone.” “If only we had gone to the doctor sooner, we could have stopped this.” We relive things we may have said, things we did not mean, and wish we could go back and behave differently.
 
Stage 4: Depression
This is where grief may become prolonged and unhealthy. We start to feel the loss of our loved one, and might find ourselves retreating, being less sociable, and reaching out less to others about what we are going through. There may be an intense and persistent yearning or longing for the deceased to the point of wishing to join them. If this stage is prolonged, in addition to prayer, we may benefit from counseling. If a friend or family member seems to be having difficulty with grief, please suggest that they seek help.
 
And the final Stage, 5: Acceptance
When we come to a place of acceptance, it is not that we no longer feel the pain of our loss. We can view acceptance as a way to see that there may be more good days than bad. There may still be bad — and that’s OK.
 
Just keep in mind that prayer can provide a sense of comfort, hope and a feeling of being supported during your season of grief. There’s no exact time frame for each stage. You may have ups and downs, go from one stage to another, and then circle back. This is natural. It takes time to go through the grieving process. Matthew 5:4  “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
 

 
There are still health conditions that affect us more than other races. Sometimes health education can seem redundant, but continuing to educate ourselves can help improve our overall health.
 
There are five major health issues in the Black community:
Hypertension, Diabetes, kidney failure, cancers especially breast and prostate, Obesity, and mental health issues are very prevalent in our community.

Psalm 139:14 highlights the intentional design of the human body and encourages us to appreciate it.  We must be vigilant about our health. Preventive self-care is one way to stay healthier.  We must get to know our bodies by being in tuned to changes that alert us that something is wrong. A new pain, swelling, rash, change in stool or urine appearance – all of these symptoms must be addressed without delay. Early detection allows timely intervention, and this can improve chances for a successful outcome, especially with conditions like cancer.
 
Fitness, along with proper nutrition, is essential in manifesting lifestyle changes. Nowadays, you might hear doctors recommending exercise as part of treatment. For something like hypertension, a good doctor will include exercise in the plan, not just medication. Years ago, it was all about the meds, but now it’s more holistic - with physical, mental, and nutritional health all working together.
 
So, let’s be an active participant in our health. Write it down; seeing our goals on paper makes a huge difference. Keep a food diary and track your body measurements. This helps us understand where changes need to be made and whether your habits align with your goals. Start small, like losing 2 to 5 pounds instead of aiming for 30 in two months. Just like our prayer life or spiritual growth, daily engagement builds consistency. We can take charge of our health journey with small steps, consistency, and the right mindset.
 

 
 
There are many health observances for this month, but in light of the ongoing unrest in our country, we must discuss how stress can affect our health.
 
Our minds are very powerful and even though we pray and depend on God to cover and protect us, we are human and are prone to stress, anxiety and worry. It is important during these uncertain times to stay focused on our faith in God, our life goals, and on maintaining our health.
 
We can typically handle stressful situations without difficulty, but long-term stress, anxiety and worry can cause physical symptoms. Our bodies are truly miraculously made, and when we are under stress, our bodies do let us know. Headaches, muscle tension or pain, stomach issues, chest pain, overeating for comfort, and relapsing drug or alcohol habits can all be a result of long-term stress. We must listen to our bodies. If there is anything new – a new pain, rash, change in bowel or bladder habits – it may be a symptom of stress. If left unchecked these symptoms can lead to depression and serious health issues.
 
We know that prayer is our first line of defense in anything affecting our peace. But we can also try the 5 “As” of stress management.
 
Avoid: Do not engage in conversations about the stressor; turn off the news for a few days, and do not view social media posts to see what others are saying.
 
Alter: If possible, modify or change the stressful situation. Set boundaries with family or friends.
 
Adapt: Develop strategies to cope with stressors. Recite the Serenity prayer. Seek professional support if symptoms of depression worsen.
 
Be active: Engage in activities that promote well-being such as exercise, trying a new hobby, getting out of the house and into nature.
 
Accept: Recognize that some things are simply out of our control – but always keep in mind that God is in control.
 

 
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and is more prevalent in Black Americans than other ethnicities. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to prevent heart disease.
 
The risk factors for heart disease are:
 
History of high blood pressure and/or diabetes
History of high cholesterol
Being overweight
Tobacco use
Sedentary lifestyle
Unhealthy diet
 
 
Chest pain can be scary — especially if you don’t know what it means. Two common types of chest pain are heartburn and heart attacks. And they even have similar symptoms.
 
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is discomfort or pain that occurs when food and stomach acid back up into the esophagus — the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach.
 
Common signs include:
A burning sensation in the chest or stomach
Foul breath and a sour, acidic, or metallic taste in the mouth
More gas or belching than usual
Coughing, especially when lying down
Symptoms that start after eating or lying down

An antacid should help relieve your symptoms. You can also try drinking a glass of water with a spoonful of baking soda stirred in. Is heartburn keeping you from sleeping? Propping yourself up in bed can help.
 
When to get medical help: Contact your doctor for advice if:
 
An antacid doesn’t temporarily ease your symptoms
This is the first time you’ve had heartburn
Your symptoms have changed or worsened
If you’re suffering from persistent heartburn and have one or more risk factors for heart disease, get medical attention right away.
 
What are the signs of a heart attack?
A heart attack can happen anytime. It can occur randomly or after physical or emotional stress. And it can last for several minutes or longer. Chest discomfort that goes away in seconds is almost never from a heart attack. Both women and men can feel the well-known warning signs of a heart attack. These are the symptoms you see in movies and TV shows, like:
 
Pain, tightness, or pressure in the chest
Discomfort traveling to the arm, neck, or jaw
Shortness of breath
Sweating
 
For women absolutely nothing is typical in terms of heart attack symptoms. Warning signs for heart attacks in women could be a general unwell feeling or a few milder symptoms, like:
 
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Back discomfort
Lightheadedness
 
When to get medical help: If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
 
Taking control of our heart health is the first step to overall wellness!  
   
 

  National Family Caregivers Month is the time of year when we acknowledge those who take care of their loved ones in their time of need. Family caregivers provide home care and assistance to family members with illness, injury or disability. Family caregivers are the everyday, overlooked heroes who provide enormous value to our community. Their services often make it possible for their loved ones to remain at home, instead of at a nursing home. It usually fills a gap that would otherwise be astronomically expensive, often requiring the liquidation of assets to pay for nursing home care.  
 
Family caregiving can be tough, and sometimes a thankless job. Home care responsibilities often leave caregivers overlooking their own health and well-being. They are always available for those who need them most, and they typically ask for nothing in return. These are some ways that we can honor and support our family caregivers:
 
A simple “thank you” can make a big difference. Though it might sound simple, these words mean the world to caregivers. Send a card to a family member who is the primary caregiver to mom or dad. Sadly, other family members unknowingly take the family caregiver for granted. Offer help with household chores, or by providing a meal; make a grocery run. Pray for the family caregivers. Ask God to give them the strength and health to be able to continue providing care in the home for their loved- ones.
 
Caregivers of Veterans can contact the VA Caregiver Support Line by calling 1-855-260-3274.
 
To find information on qualification for Medicaid:  https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org


                               Praying for *Mind Body and Spiritual* Wellness to you,
                                                The Health and Wellness Ministry
 

   
Sickle cell disease is a common inherited genetic disorder. To be born with sickle cell disease, a child has to inherit a copy of the sickle cell gene or trait from both parents. The disease is characterized by periodic episodes of pain called crisis that occur repeatedly throughout life. These episodes happen when sickled cells obstruct blood vessels. The resulting lack of oxygen to muscles organs causes pain and may cause organ failure. The degree of pain may range from a mild discomfort to a severe disabling pain for which the person needs treatment in a hospital.

Education about sickle cell disease is important to our community because it mostly affects people of color. Healthcare providers may inaccurately perceive patients suffering a crisis as drug-seekers and may doubt their severity of their pain. As a result, patients with SCD often experience longer wait times to see a doctor and to get pain medication when visiting the emergency department.  Also, the number of physicians trained to treat SCD patients, especially adult patients, is limited. The good news is that the CDC Foundation is implementing the Sickle Cell Data Collection (SCDC) program to collect health information about sickle cell disease and educate health professionals about it.
 
Healthy Aging Month is celebrated in September to promote healthy aging and to help people stay healthy as they age. We have talked about living longer, but healthier, and the ways to achieve that such as: More exercise, water as a primary source of hydration, more fresh fruits and vegetables, less fat and less sugar, and getting adequate sleep. I also want to stress fall prevention. A lot of people over the age of 60 take medications that may cause them to experience side effects such as dizziness when standing from a sitting position, predisposing them to falls. Also age-related loss of muscle mass, problems with balance and gait, hip, knee, and foot pain can also lead to falls. Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup. A fall can alert your doctor to a new medical problem or issues with your medication. If you take care of your overall health, you have a better chance to live longer, but also healthier.
 

 
 
In August we celebrate National Wellness Month. It is a time to prioritize your self-care, reduce stress, and create healthier habits to be your best self.
 
Being healthy can mean different things to different people. To have a healthy life, we must maintain certain habits and routines that we follow each and every day. To stay healthy, we focus on our Mind, Body and Spiritual Wellness. A healthy life is like a puzzle that we put together. All the pieces are connected and when one piece is missing, the puzzle is not complete. This is what can cause our overall health to suffer.
 
Mind: Our mind is powerful, and we must keep our mental health strong. When we struggle emotionally, it can affect our health. Prayer is our first line of defense against depression and other mental health issues. However, if you continue to have feelings of depression, seeking professional help does not mean that we are any less spiritual or are not relying on God.
 
Body: Our bodies are miracles, and our Father in Heaven wants us to take  good care of them. We can be happier, more productive, and live longer when we are healthy. Four ways to achieve body wellness:

1.  Increasing your water intake – making water your mains source of hydration
2. Adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, along with less sugar and less salt.
3. Get plenty of sleep (at least 7 hrs/night) and make adjustments for better sleep habits.
4. Move! Takes walks every day; join a gym or yoga class, do exercises while watching TV.

 
Spirit: As Christians, our goal is to receive salvation by believing in Jesus Christ - that God sent Him to take our sins away. Just as keeping our mind and body strong, our spiritual wellness must be kept strong also. Make sure your prayer life is a major part of your day. God wants to hear our voices every day.
 

   
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory that is severe enough to interfere with daily life.  Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia.
The top signs of Alzheimer's disease include:
-Memory loss that disrupts daily life and problems completing activities of daily living.
- Challenges in planning or solving problems.
-Personality or behavior changes.
 
Minor changes in memory as person ages are considered normal. This includes misplacing reading glasses, or occasionally having difficulty finding the right word during a conversation. Alzheimer's develops over time, often over many years. Older adults, especially women who are experiencing symptoms of memory loss should discuss it with their health care provider. Cognitive testing can be administered to determine whether you are experiencing normal age-related forgetfulness or are developing dementia. Early evaluation is important as it can rule out other possible causes of memory loss. Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but medication, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and potentially slow the rate of decline.
Measures to improve your memory include: 

• Challenging your mind by learning a new skill; do crossword puzzles; read daily.
• Engage in physically active every day; physical activity raises blood flow to the brain. This might help keep your memory sharp.
• Spend time with others. Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress – both of which can contribute to memory loss.
• Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep
• Drinking plenty of water and eat nutrient dense foods.

 

The Mt. Zion Health and Wellness Ministry Health Tip 

Sunday May 5, 2024

 

May is recognized as National Mental Health Awareness Month to bring attention and raise awareness about issues involving mental health. This month we will focus on understanding what mental health is, reducing stigmas surrounding mental health, and learning how to manage it effectively. 

 

Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It involves our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. 

 

Here are a few ways to help with your mental health: 

 

-Exercise regularly: Even small amounts of exercise and moving your body in general can help to improve your overall health.

 

-Eat nutrient-dense meals and drink plenty of water

 

-Stay connected: Reach out to your family, friends, or church for support.

 

-Practice being grateful and focus on positivity-: Focus on thanking God and be specific on what you’re thankful and grateful for.

 

-Remember to get enough sleep and rest  

 

-Seek out professional help: If you experience severe symptoms contact a doctor or mental health professional 

 

Ultimately developing a strong connection and faith in God, as well as regular prayer, bible study and scripture reading is important with managing our mental health as believers.

 

Praying for Mind, Body and Spiritual Wellness to you, from the 

Mt. Zion Health and Wellness Ministry

 

If you have any questions or need further health and wellness support  

 

Contact: mtzionhealthwellness@gmail.com