The Wellness Ministry of Saint Joseph Parish, Sea Isle City, is hosting a series of free health programs this month and next, in an effort to educate and support senior citizens – as well as caregivers and family – on their journey of health in mind, body and spirit.
Each one-hour session will be held on a Saturday morning, 10-11 a.m., in the Parish Life Center. The sessions and topics are:
Feb. 21: Standing Tall Against Falls – presentation on fall prevention
Feb. 28: Bone Up On Your Health – education on osteoporosis and women’s health
March 14: Be Wise About Your Medications – tips for medication safety
March 21: Keep Your Mind Sharp – tips on maintaining memory
“We’re supporting our fellow disciples in need, and we want to be there for them,” said Bette Keller, a member of the Wellness Ministry and a retired nurse of 50 years, who helped organize the program. “We want to enlighten them and their caregivers.”
Each session will be led by a healthcare professional, Keller said. Two physical therapists will lead the fall prevention discussion, a nurse practitioner will educate on women’s health, a pharmacist will speak on medication safety, and a psychologist will converse on memory.
She added that not only will these conversations be beneficial for seniors and their caregivers, but those of all ages, “who can take what they learn and support themselves or educate their loved ones.”
The Wellness Ministry has been at the parish for five years, and one of its main goals is to ensure that people stay healthy physically as well as spiritually.
“It’s all connected,” said Matt Keefer, Wellness Ministry coordinator. “Physical health ties deeply into spiritual and mental health, and all facets need to be operating at 100%.”
As for the upcoming sessions, Keefer hopes to capture attendees’ curiosity “through conversation, education and sharing.”
Keller noted that in the past, the ministry has focused on offering health fairs to seniors. She is pleased that the upcoming sessions will zero in on some topics that seniors expressed interest in.
“We’re a close community here, and we need to let people know that we care about them,” Keller continued.
It’s also important to hold the sessions in a comfortable setting for seniors who otherwise might not leave their home, or feel uneasy with new experiences and surroundings, she said. “They see us and their friends in church, so the Parish Life Center can bring them together and make them feel at home.”
Andrea McManus, director of Parish Nursing for VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden, praised the ministry’s initiative in “helping seniors get access to healthcare professionals, and find advocacy and education.”
As well, caregivers need help sometimes, so these events help them understand how best to cater to those in their charge, she said.
Noting the challenges of healthcare, such as long wait times for appointments, not enough time with healthcare professionals, or rising copays and deductibles, McManus is happy to see a parish ministry providing help close to home, free of charge.
“It’s great that the Saint Joseph Wellness Ministry is putting these presentations on, so no one falls through the cracks,” she said.
Added Keller, “The seniors’ wisdom, life experiences they have, the stories they tell of their faith that has gotten them through … they’re all so beautiful. We want them to know there’s a support system behind them.”
To R.S.V.P. for any and all of the sessions at Saint Joseph Parish, 4308 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City, contact Joanne Gallagher at 615-554-8659, or joanng303@gmail.com; or Bette Keller at 908-337-9600, or bette23@msn.com.
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