Brotherly Love Ministry - Parish Nursing
Parish Nurse Office Hours Regular parish nurse office hours are from 9 am to 10:15 am every Sunday, September through May. Please feel free to stop by during this time to talk, or I am available by phone call or text as needed. If I can be of assistance to you, please contact me at 484-223-7324.
Kim Vaupel, RN
Taking Blood Pressure Readings We would like to to offer blood pressure screening for members of Grace and the community at the monthly Free Community meal. If you would like to take blood pressures for those attending the Free Community meal (the second Friday of each month from 5 pm to 6:30 pm), please contact Kim Vaupel.
WHERE TO FIND...
The AED (defibrillator) is mounted on the wall by the AED sign. There is an emergency supply kit and a diabetic emergency supply kit on the table next to the pew in the Chapel. If you enter the Chapel from the doorway in the hallway by the sanctuary, the table with the emergency care kits will be on your right. This is a more central location than the previous one in the event of an emergency. When you are next at church, please take a minute to locate the emergency equipment.
First Aid kits are in all restrooms and the Sunday School classroom. There is also a first aid kit in the rear of the sanctuary on a table below the bulletin board, and in the kitchen on the counter in Fellowship Hall (downstairs). Feminine hygiene products are available in all restrooms except for the Men’s restroom in the Sunday School wing.
The Brotherly Love Ministry/Parish Nurse bulletin board is by the front ramp entrance.
JANUARY UPDATE
The month of January is the perfect time to think about ways you can be healthier and happier in the new year!
10 Simple Healthy Habits to Start Your New Year Strong
1. Stay Hydrated—drink plenty of water. Water keeps you energized, improves skin health and supports digestion. The recommendation is to drink half your body weight in ounces daily.
2. Prioritize Sleep—better sleep can improve mood and strengthen your immune system. Create a bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and aim for 7 to 9 hours of rest per night.
3. Meal Prep—preparing meals in advance saves time and ensures you are eating balanced, nutritious foods. Include a variety of colorful vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to keep meals packed with nutrients.
4. Move Daily—a brisk walk or stretching can help keep your body active and your mood lifted. Walking outdoors connects you to nature.
5. Eat More Whole Foods—incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. Eat snacks like nuts, seeds of fruit—these nutrient rich foods fuel your body and support overall well-being.
6. Practice Gratitude—gratitude helps you stay positive and helps reduce stress. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you are thankful for.
7. Limit Screen Time—cutting back on screen time, especially social media, can improve your mental health and free up time for more meaningful activities.
8. Set Realistic Goals for 2026—set small, achievable goals to build momentum, such as taking the stairs instead of an elevator (every step counts). Breaking a larger goal into manageable tasks helps you to stay motivated to achieve your goal.
9. Schedule Regular Checkups—preventative care is the key to staying healthy. Schedule annual physical, dental cleanings, and necessary screenings like mammograms or colonoscopy. Staying proactive about your health can help catch potential issues early.
10. Take Time for Self-Care—take time to relax and recharge by reading a book, watching a movie, meditating, enjoying your favorite hobby or spending time with family and friends. Taking time for yourself is essential to maintain life balance and reduce burnout.
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year! May peace and good health be with you all!
Kim Vaupel, RN
History: In September 2023, a new ministry was started at Grace Lutheran Church. The goal of this ministry is to promote the health, wellness and safety of the members of Grace and the community. Brotherly Love Ministry was named in honor of my brother Leonard Sterner, Jr. who passed away unexpectedly in September 2019. Since my brother was proud that his sister was a nurse, I have decided to use the memorial donations given to Grace in his name to start this parish nursing ministry. This memorial fund was used to pay for the classes I needed to take in order to obtain a certification in faith community/parish nursing, and also to attend a lay eucharistic communion class. After this, I will be available to assist Pastor Samantha with visiting the homebound and ill of the congregation. I will also be a resource to the congregation to answer any medical questions and offer support to the congregation as needed.
Next I will be updating the church first aid kits, and will create a kit for use in case of a medical emergency which will include a blood pressure cuff, a glucometer to check blood sugars, snacks to treat low blood sugar, and a pulse oximeter to check oxygen levels. I am also asking for anyone certified in CPR to contact me at the number below, as I will be creating a list of those members certified in CPR. I plan to coordinate a one-hour class taught by the Macungie Ambulance team to teach “hands on CPR for the community” to anyone interested in learning this skill.
On a monthly basis, I will be speaking to the congregation about how to prepare in the event of medical emergencies, fire emergencies and gun violence emergencies. My goal is to raise awareness and prepare the congregation for these different emergency situations, and be available to the members of Grace as your parish nurse. I look forward to sharing information with all of you in my monthly newsletter column in the Grace Notes monthly newsletter, and here on this website.
Peace be with all of you!
Kim Vaupel, RN
