RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE for Saint Francis Parishioners: Thursday, March 4, 2021, & Thursday, May 20, 2021, at: Red Cross Donor Center at 4626 Packard Street, Ann Arbor. This drive is sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. To schedule an appointment, log onto RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: stfranciscc) or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Appointments highly recommended. Please bring photo ID.
Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.
Volunteer Assistants Needed:
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE for Saint Francis Parishioners: Thursday, March 4, 2021, & Thursday, May 20, 2021, at: Red Cross Donor Center at 4626 Packard Street, Ann Arbor. This drive is sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Volunteers if at least age 16 may serve on-your-own. And, younger children if accompanied by a parent may also serve. The drive is 6 hours long. The volunteers can stay the whole 6 hour time or the day can be broken into shifts. Some volunteers are needed to stay for about 45min after the drive end time.
We have these volunteer roles:
Registration – signing donors into the computer, giving them a name tag, checking to make sure they have an ID and an appointment.
Canteen– giving the donors snacks and drinks after donating, informing the staff if the donor does not feel well.
Temp-Taker– (volunteer must be at least age 18) take the donors temp on arrival (must be 99.5 or lower to donate)- this role might not be needed because we may be getting cameras that scan temp, but as of now we don’t know when they are arriving.
If interested contact Scott Wright (734-821-2121) swright@stfrancisa2.org OR, Erin.Burns2@redcross.org
Articles for Health Ministry at St. Francis Parish and Parish School written by Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org
2021-January – St. Francis Health Nurse News – From our Parish Nurse
COVID-19 Vaccination Updates
The COVID-19 vaccine has brought some new hope of overcoming the virus and returning to a state of normalcy. Although the initial roll out of the vaccine will take time and coordination over many months and the results of said vaccinations will not display results immediately, we can expect a more positive outlook soon. We are now in the 1B stage of the vaccination rollout which includes additional frontline workers including law enforcement and teachers as well as those 65 years of age and older.
Researchers are learning more about the virus and vaccinations every day. There is some nervousness related to the vaccine and how quickly it was produced. Many have heard that there have been a few cases of allergic reactions noted upon receiving the Pfizer vaccine. There are still some unknowns regarding the vaccine; however, what is known is that the vaccine will help end the pandemic and save many lives that need not be lost. Safety and health of the population is the focus of the efforts.
Most side effects of the vaccine that are reported are similar to those of any vaccine as the body creates antibodies including tenderness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild headache within 24 to 48 hours. These symptoms do not mean you are infected with COVID as you cannot get the virus from getting vaccinated against it. With that said, if and when you are able to get the vaccine, you are encouraged to do so. It will help protect you, those you love, and anyone you may interact with throughout your day. Remember, it currently takes two doses of the vaccine to effectively produce antibodies against the virus.
Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html and https://www.washtenaw.org/ for more information which is frequently updated.
Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org
2020-December – St. Francis Health Nurse News – From our Parish Nurse
Annual Health Checkups
As the new year approaches, one goal or new year resolution you could make is to visit your doctor. If you haven’t seen your primary care physician for an annual wellness check in over a year because of the pandemic or some other reason, now is the time to make an appointment. A doctor’s office visit isn’t just for illnesses but also for preventative health. Annual health checkups are the best way to be informed about your body’s needs including changes that you may need to make in your lifestyle or diet to stay healthy. Annual visits also help to catch early signs of a disease process such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.
We have different needs throughout life; our doctors can help us to navigate these needs long term. Primary care physicians also refer to specialists for more indepth care and treatment of diseases to help you feel and function your best.
Building a trusting relationship with your primary care physician is important. When this relationship is built, the likelihood of going for routine visits increases. You wouldn’t take advice from someone you don’t trust. This also applies to the relationship you have with your doctor. Don’t be afraid to find the best fit for you and your family.
When children know that their parents go to the doctor for checkups and go to checkups themselves, it starts the process of healthy habits in the younger generation. Let’s encourage healthy habits for all members of the family for the coming year.
Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org
2020-November – St. Francis Health Nurse News – From our Parish Nurse
Mental health and wellness is important for everyone. Many ups and downs can affect our individual mental wellness leaving us feeling stressed, distanced from others, and anxious. Life events can cause trouble coping. This year has been particularly difficult as we have needed to social distance for the physical wellbeing of the population. Life still looks and feels abnormal for most. However, there are steps that can be taken to combat the negative feelings that come and help us to feel our best during trying times not just now but in the future.
Don’t forget to address mental health and wellness with children. This year has been a whirlwind of changes for them as well; it is important to consider how children may need extra attention and support to develop appropriate coping skills. Anxiety in children often present physically with symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches. Age appropriate conversations can be really impactful in developing a lifetime of healthy coping skills and trust.
Trails to Wellness has resources for all ages to develop healthy habits regarding mental health and wellness. The Self-Care During COVID-19: For Everyone resource addresses many natural emotions that are being experienced during this time as well as ways to combat the thoughts from overrunning our minds. Remember, it is okay to feel overwhelmed. We all feel this way at times. When feeling overwhelmed, take some deep breaths, focus on what is important and in your control, ask for help when you need it, and remember your faith. We are all doing our best. You are not alone.
Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org
Mental health is a very important topic at any time, and especially during this pandemic Covid 19. This link offers a ton of information and resources and yet it is best for those who live in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, who are struggling to seek local resources. Here are some local providers in Washtenaw County:
• Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSS) (734.971.9781) www.csswashtenaw.org
• Dawn Farm recovery community (social detoxification) (734-485-8725) dawnfarm.org
• Raphael Counseling Services – Gordon R. Prepsky, M.A., L.L.P. (734-572-0255)
• Ann Arbor Center for the Family and Family Therapy Associates (734-663-5955)
• Crossroads Counseling Center, Inc. (734-971-5991)
• Samaritan Counseling Services (734-677-0609)