Introduction to Ministry:
The Wellness Ministry is a group of RNs, LPNs, and lay nurses who are committed to the care and concern for the congregation. This group provides support during regular Sunday services, wakes, funerals and other special events at the church and in some cases at other locations. All nurses are either licensed to practice nursing or receive on site first aid and CPR training.
The nurses are committed to supporting and encouraging healthy living by our congregation by providing regular blood pressure screenings, and periodic events to highlight healthy living. We also encourage regular exercise for health maintenance (i.e. 30 minutes 3-5 times per week). The Wellness Ministry seeks new members to assist in these initiatives.
Body & Soul:
Body & Soul is a health program developed for African American churches. The program encourages church members to eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables every day for better health.
Churches that embrace Body & Soul help their members take care of their bodies as well as their spirits. The church is one of the most powerful elements to African American culture, and clergy leaders are key influencers to their congregations.
The program works by combining pastoral leadership, educational activities, a church environment that supports healthy eating and peer counseling. Watch for upcoming Body and Soul Events!
High Blood Pressure:
Have you checked your blood pressure lately? Perhaps you haven’t heard that high blood pressure is called the silent killer. Silent because your blood pressure could be dangerously high for a long time and you may have no signs or symptoms. But the damage that this condition could be causing inside your body could lead to heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. But, you need not stay in the dark.
The Wellness Ministry provides opportunities to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
High Blood Ranges:
Less than 120/80 – Normal
120-139/80-89 – Pre-Hypertension (at increased risk for developing high blood pressure)
140/90 or higher – HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
History:
The Wellness Ministry of First Baptist Church of Highland Park was established in 1957 to provide support at church wide services. The nurses are christians who display God’s love by addressing the First Aid needs of the ministers and the congregation during church services and events.
Services and Activities:
Blood Pressure Screening every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the church and every 5th Sunday after the 11:15 a.m. service
Annual Health Fair in the Summer
Fitness programs as announced
Monthly health focus events
Scripture Reference:
1 Corinthians 3:9A
For we are laborers together with God
Ministry Contacts:
For more information, please contact Pamela Leonard, President, Wellness Ministry (h) 301 772-2413 or (c) 30- 583-1381 or by e-mail at wellness@fbhp.org