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NURSE MINISTRY
MARCH, 2010
FIBROMYALGIA
Here are some facts about fibromyalgia to understand this common cause of widespread pain. The muscle pain from fibromyaglia is one of the most common types of chronic pain affecting millions of people. People typically have different types of symptoms. Symptoms may include chronic widespread muscle pain; muscle soreness; tenderness and flu-like aching; sleep problems (discomfort in any position); morning stiffness; fatigue; and/or dull pain and aching muscles. Pain may occur in the feet, hands, leg bones or any joint area.
The pain of fibromyalgia is hard to ignore. It may be difficult for some physicians to identify this condition. No blood test or x-ray can be used to help detect it. Many of the symptoms are found in other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
The American College of Rheumatology identifies the diagnosis of fibromyalgia for persons that have widespread pain lasting at least three (3) months with pain identified in at least 11 of 18 parts of the body called "tender points." Fibromyalgia mostly affects women, but men can have this disease. About 80 to 90 % of those diagnosed are women. Those with fibromyalgia experience pain differently from other people. Their condition may be due to injury, emotional distress or viruses that may change the way the brain perceives pain. The exact cause is unclear. Though once thought to be a mental disorder, people with fibrmyalgia have a heightened sensitivity to pain.
The treatment for fibromyalgia has more options than in the past. Treatment can be through your family physician, medical internist or a rheumatologist that specializes in fibromyalgia. Exercise such as walking, jogging, biking or gentle stretching may help ease the pain. So can good emotional support and medication prescribed by a physician.
Only your physician can make an accurate diagnosis.
Marjorie
CAR SERVICE CHECK
Each Angel Food distribution day, PJ Taylor and Don Hendley provide a car check service available to all. They check tire pressure, windshield wipers and fluid levels. They have been a real benefit to several ladies that needed car care that their husbands used to provide. It is a GREAT mission service and they are there cold weather and all! Come between 9:30 and 11:30 on Saturday distribution days.
Respite Program
A Respite program is offered every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the old fellowship hall at the First United Methodist Church of Burnet. This FREE program began about 3 years ago and is available to those with Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease or dementia. The program is offered so that care givers can have an uninterrupted 4 hour period once a week to care for themselves. It is important for the care giver to stay healthy and fit.
Billie Marie Cobb and Diane Caruthers coordinate the program. Diane conducts an interview and evaluation of potential clients and their families to learn what they expect from the program and to identify what we can provide. Some criteria that might be evaluated includes continence, ability to eat and swallow, cooperation and compatibility. Wandering would be a concern.
Each client has a one-on-one volunteer at all times. Every effort is made to have the same volunteer with the same client for continuity. Every volunteer is "trained" in the work they do. We can host up to 10 clients.
A light breakfast is served when clients arrive. There is exercise, music time, crafts, games, a vegetable garden and rest time. The client is not "forced" to participate in activities.
This program is under the auspices of the Alzheimer's Association of Austin. Funding has been through grants and donations. The Church is pleased to support this program.
Contact Billie Marie at 756-4092 or Diane at 512-793-6958.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
We have a great "used" medical equipment loan system and have
helped MANY individuals with short term and long term needs. There is a
“sign out” notebook in the volunteer office to help us keep track of where
items are being used. Often we get a call and this record can locate a
needed item that is no longer being utilized. Tammy and Jim will be glad
to help you if Marjorie is not available. We encourage anyone to use
these supplies, but need to know where they are currently located.
COMMUNITY KITCHEN
A new program has begun in Burnet to offer a FREE meal every Thursday evening at the Church of Christ at Vanderveer and Hwy 29. This program began by Joanne and Ben Thomas from the Episcopal Church as an outreach mission for any one that needs or wants a good meal once a week. It has been embraced by the Ministerial Alliance of Churches. Volunteers are needed to serve and assist with clean up. The First United Methodist Church provides the dessert each week. Come share a meal between 4:30 and 6:30 PM every Thursday. Families are welcome.
Contact Joanne or ben at 512-793-6177.
ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES
MARCH 2010 ANGEL FOOD MENU . . .(Adobe PDF file...)
NOTE NEW PICK UP TIME SCHEDULE
To Order Online
Go To
http://www.angelfoodministries.com
To place your order locally
please refer to the menu for available times at FUMC.
The Angel Food Menu is only available in a PDF format. If you have trouble viewing this format please contact the FUMC Webmaster
QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT MARJORIE BRONK AT 756-2756
WE NEED AND WANT AND CAN USE VOLUNTEERS OF
ALL AGES FOR THIS MAJOR UNDERTAKING. GIVE A LITTLE OF YOUR TIME AND MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN MANY LIVES.
Thank you,
Marjorie
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