Health Ministries Health Ministries, part of the Anson Parish Nurse Program, began in 2004 to promote health and wellness in churches that do not have registered nurses. Health advocates in these churches may arrange for speakers or group presentations, and organize health fairs and literature displays.      Activities coordinated by the Anson Parish Nurse and Health Ministries include: Planning programs and blood pressure screenings based on the needs of the community Youth activities and health education Maintaining a Speakers Bureau and health lending library American Red Cross certified baby-sitting classes for 11 to 15 year-olds Ongoing CPR classes, aerobics and exercise sessions Healthy life-style and nutrition programs Distributing information about community services Preparing health brochures, newsletters and bulletin boards Screenings for cancer (colon, prostate and breast), vision, diabetes and cholesterol Health Ministries Defined: Health Ministries is the work of the intentional care of the spirit and may or may not include the services of a faith community nurse.  It is most often housed within communities of faith and emanates out of and is distinctive of that tradition and those particular needs.  But health ministries is rapidly becoming more than that by challenging and nurturing the intentional practice of caring beyond church walls.  Health Ministries as a community development tool re-aligns caring, within and outside of the church, by reminding congregations that practices of caring are not projects nor programs but central to the definition of worship and faithfulness.   This broader definition of caring is essential for communal flourishing and lays common ground for a commitment to a sharing of life.   Shared life and story along with intentional caring can lead to a community that builds bridges, promotes wellness of body, mind and spirit, and loves with a robust love.   (Anne Packett, BSN, Caring Communities Program, Duke Divinity School) CALL 704-695-3233 FOR AN APPOINTMENT Parish Nursing The Anson Parish Nurse Program forms a partnership with congregations and community centers and organizations to provide physical, emotional and spiritual care to individuals, families and communities. Individual congregations may develop parish nurse programs with the purpose of helping members of the church and community lead healthier lives.  How Parish Nursing Began: Dr. Granger Westberg began developing the practice of parish nursing in 1984.  He believed that nurses speak two languages:  the language of science and spiritual care.  For centuries, churches have believed in concepts of wholeness, wellness and healing. Parish nursing is a specific ministry that gives these ideas life. Together churches and parish nurse programs promote stewardship of God's most precious gift of all, the gift of life.  As stated in John 10:10 - "I am come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." As one of the fastest growing nursing specialties, parish nursing offers a unique way of providing the best quality of care.  Parish nursing recognizes the vital relationship between the body, mind and spirit. Parish Nursing Defined Parish nurses promote wellness and disease prevention for all age groups, rather than practicing invasive procedures.  Parish nurses do not replace the pastor or physician.  They work under the values, beliefs and practices of a faith community to help people locate healthcare resources. Parish nursing is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, consistent with the basic assumptions of all faiths that we care for self and others as an expression of God's love (Fourteenth Annual Westberg Symposium). Who is a Parish Nurse? According to Luke 9:2, "Jesus told his disciples to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."  To fulfill this healing mission, parish nurses work with pastors, volunteers and caregivers to meet the needs of church congregations and the community. Parish nurses practice the concept of "wholistic" health. This involves healing or the restoration of wholeness that comes from caring for the body, mind and spirit.  It is not to be confused with curing. Through health fairs, group presentations and discussion, they help individuals understand symptoms they may have ignored or denied. Roles of a Parish Nurse: Integrator of Faith and Health Health Counselor Health Educator Liaison Trainer - recruiting volunteers and support groups Healer - sharing presence, knowledge and prayers during times of crisis and celebration Scope and Standards of Care: The American Nurses Association (ANA) has recognized parish nursing as a specialty for registered nurses.  In 1998, the ANA issued the Scope and Standards of Care for Parish Nurses.

Diabetes Self Management Anson Diabetes Self Management Program was initiated in 2006 under the management of Anson Parish Nurse and Health Ministries.  Our diabetes self-management program (DSMP) received national accreditation by the American Diabetes Association in July, 2007.  This means that we have an approved curriculum and staff that meet national standards for a quality program. Our registered nurse and registered dietitian are diabetes educators who work full-time with our diabetes program. We offer diabetes self-management instruction, individual or group classes, with follow-up training, insulin instruction, foot-care classes, and pre-diabetes classes. Our DSMP includes education about medications, monitoring, management of acute problems (hyper and hypoglycemia, and sick days), prevention, detection, and complications of long term care, goal setting, exercise and physical activity, a diabetes overview, nutrition principles. Progress reports are sent to the referring physician. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for our diabetes patients is offered by our dietitian. This includes an individualized initial consultation to review the medical history, eating and lifestyle habits. The session will include dietary modification strategies, behavior modification, goal setting, meal planning, recipes and other educational materials as seen fit by our registered dietitian. Our charges for DSMP and MNT are usual and customary for comparable services in the surrounding hospitals. Diabetes education is included under the Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Many insurances pay for the services. For self-pay options, we offer additional assistance, discounts, and payment plans for those who qualify.   Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) MNT is a service provided by a  Registered Dietitian (RD) to assist you in planning healthy, nutritious meals designed for your lifestyle, preferences, and special needs.  MNT is tailored to your condition or disease and it will improve your health.   We provide outpatient MNT services for the following health conditions: Diabetes Kidney Disease High cholesterol High blood pressure Metabolic Syndrome Pre-diabetes Celiac Disease Obesity/ Weight Management Food Allergies & intolerances Pregnancy Eating Disorders GI disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, IBS, diverticulitis, gall bladder disease    A doctor's order or referral is required MNT includes an individualized initial consultation to review your medical history, eating and lifestyle habits. The session will include dietary modification  strategies,  behavior modification, goal   setting, meal planning, and recipes and other educational materials as seen fit by the Registered Dietitian.  Typically, a new patient assessment is 60 minutes and a follow up assessment is 30 minutes.    MNT with our outpatient Registered Dietitian is by appointment only.