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.
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.
MAY UPDATE
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin cancer is the number one cancer in the United States and worldwide. More than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people will get skin cancer by the age of 70. Skin cancer is one of the most preventative cancers and when detected early, it can be treated successfully.
What is Skin Cancer? Cancer is uncontrolled cell growth. Skin cancer occurs when skin cells, often damaged by the sun, begin to grow faster than normal in an uncontrolled fashion. The three most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It starts in the basal cells on the top layer of the skin. BCC is mainly caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and indoor tanning beds, so you will see BCC in areas exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, chest, arms, legs and back. It can be successfully treated when diagnosed early.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. Squamous cells are flat cells that grow on the top layer of the skin. SCC also shows up in exposed skin areas. SCC can appear as scaly red patches, open sores, or rough, thick wart-like skin. Most SCCs are treatable, but can become disfiguring, dangerous, and even deadly if they move to other parts of the body.
• Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). Although occurrences of melanoma are fewer, it is considered the most dangerous of the three for its ability to spread more quickly. The five-year survival rate for melanomas treated early is 99%. That number lowers to 30% if the melanoma spreads to the lymph nodes and other organs.
The Key is Early Diagnosis. Early diagnosis is essential because it allows for a better opportunity to cure. The longer one has skin cancer, the more difficult it is to treat. Skin cancers are visible on the outside of the body, allowing us to help in the early diagnosis. There are two types of examinations that are essential to catching problem areas on time.
• Self-examination is recommended at least once a month. This requires you to look at your body and skin from head to toe for any spots—moles, freckles, or sores. Look for a change in size, shape, color, or a spot that looks like a pimple or sore that does not heal within a month. Skin self exams are easier if done after a bath or shower. Any suspicious spots should be checked by a health care provider at a dermatology office.
• Dermatologist Skin Exam an exam with a dermatologist is crucial if you are concerned about a changing spot on your skin. People who have a history of skin cancer or high risk should be checked annually. High risk patients may have fair colored skin, blue eyes, red hair, or a history of organ transplant.
Tips For Reducing Skin Cancer Risk
1. Protect your skin from the sun by covering your skin with a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a broad brimmed hat. Don’t forget to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.
2. Sunscreen should be applied to sun exposed skin. Use one with an SPF of at least 30 or more, and make sure to apply it every 1-2 hours when out in the sun.
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
