First United Methodist Church
909 North Vanderveer
512-756-2229         Burnet, Texas 78611                         EMAIL


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September, 2010


Submitted by Marjorie Bronk

 This article is a continuation from last month, with focus this month on ectoparasites that live on the body, in clothing and in beds. I am referring to bedbugs, fleas, lice, ticks and mites. Fleas, bedbugs and lice are insects that live and feed on humans. Mites live in peoples skin and cause scabies. Ticks and mites take blood meals from humans.

Bedbugs, head lice and crab lice do not carry disease, but their biting can be a serious nuisance. Certain fleas and lice can transmit disease like typhus, and plague, while biting mites can carry scrub typhus. Ticks can cause Lyme disease and viral diseases.

 Bedbugs have become more prevalent in hotels, motels and even department stores. In hotels, do not leave your bags on the floor. Check the bedding before you climb into bed. Their excreta may be visible as small dark brown or black marks on bed sheets, walls and wallpaper.

When returning from a trip, wash all your clothing in HOT water and try to keep the used clothing from contact with "clean" areas. Even the best hotels and motels are experiencing some issues currently. Repellents are useful for travelers, but may not last the entire night.

 Fleas feed on mammals and birds. Their bites can cause irritation, discomfort and loss of blood. Cat fleas can transmit tapeworms. Fleas avoid light and are found in the hairs of animals, in beds and in people's clothing. Fleas move around by jumping and leave marks on clothing and bedding of undigested blood ejected by the flea. Humans are most commonly bitten by the cast flea and less commonly by the dog flea. Heavy infestations may cause allergic reactions and dermatitis. Repellents may be used by humans and the animals need to be treated routinely. The sand flea or jigger is unique among fleas because the female burrows into the skin. It feeds on body fluids and deposits eggs. An infestation causes irritation and itching. After hiking, wash all your clothing in hot water and take a hot bath using lots of soap. Should an infected area appear, clean with alcohol or iodine.

 There are 3 kinds of lice. The head louse, the crab louse and the body louse. Children often have head lice and the louse lives in the hair on the head. The eggs or nits are found at the base of hair at the back of the head and behind ears. Head lice are spread by close contact and yes, by using each others comb. There are effective shampoos and lotions for treatment.

 As we travel, be aware of the cleanliness of the lodging. Even the very best accommodations could have these culprits waiting for us. I often travel with bug spray and people spray. I have been known to "fog" the room before we get too comfortable or settled.

 Food and drink in the room can be an attraction for insects, also. 

 These critters are disgusting I know, but some of us live with them every day. I tutor second grade and have dealt with a few head lice problems and horrified parents.  

    If you have any questions or issues with these parasites, contact the health department or your physician. Your health could be at issue.

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

SEPTEMBER 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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