Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about brain health and the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s, and millions more are caregivers for loved ones affected by the disease.

As Christians, we are called to care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of brain health, how we can take care of our minds, and what we can do to support those living with Alzheimer’s disease.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. It primarily affects older adults and is characterized by the progressive decline of memory, language, and cognitive function. While the exact cause of Alzheimer’...

Memorial Day is a time for us to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. As we remember their courage and commitment, this day also presents an opportunity to consider how we can live lives that honor their legacy. One way we can do this is by taking care of our health—physically, mentally, and spiritually—so that we can live with strength and purpose, making the most of the freedom and opportunities their sacrifices have afforded us.

Health as a Foundation for Service

The soldiers we honor on Memorial Day gave their all to protect and serve. Their spirit of sacrifice embodied a selflessness that inspires us to serve our families, communities, and country. But to serve effectively, we must first ensure we care for ourselves. Physical, mental, and emotional health is the foundation of strength that enables us to lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to the world.

Just as soldiers train and maintain th...

World Autoimmune/Auto-inflammatory Arthritis Day – May 20, 2024

May 20th is World Autoimmune/Auto-inflammatory Arthritis Day, a day set aside to raise awareness about autoimmune and auto-inflammatory arthritis diseases. These conditions affect millions of people worldwide, often leading to chronic pain, joint inflammation, and reduced quality of life. On this day, we take time to support those who are battling these often invisible illnesses, to learn more about these complex conditions, and to explore how we can take better care of our health and well-being.

What Are Autoimmune and Auto-inflammatory Arthritis?

Autoimmune and auto-inflammatory arthritis are categories of diseases in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, particularly the joints. These diseases cause inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and can sometimes affect other organs.

There are many different types of autoimmune and auto-inflammatory arthritis, but some of the ...

As women, we often wear many hats—mother, wife, daughter, friend, professional, caregiver—the list is endless. With so many responsibilities, it can be easy to put our own health on the back burner. However, taking care of yourself is essential, and one important way to do this is by ensuring you stay on top of your annual health checkups.

National Women’s Checkup Day, celebrated on May 13, 2024, is a powerful reminder for women of all ages to prioritize their health and wellness. This day encourages women to schedule their annual checkups and ensure they receive the necessary screenings to stay healthy and prevent potential issues.

Why Are Regular Checkups So Important?

Your annual health checkup is a vital opportunity to catch any potential health issues early on. Many diseases, such as breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, may not present obvious symptoms until they have progressed. Regular screenings and checkups help detect these conditions in their early stages,...

International No Diet Day – May 6, 2024

International No Diet Day is celebrated on May 6th every year, and it is an important reminder to pause, reflect, and embrace a positive, healthy relationship with our bodies. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages about dieting, weight loss, and unattainable beauty standards, this day stands out as a call for freedom and self-acceptance.

Let’s dive into the heart of International No Diet Day and how you can celebrate it by shifting your focus from restrictive diets to embracing health, wellness, and the beauty of who God created you to be.

What is International No Diet Day?

International No Diet Day (INDD) was founded in 1992 by Mary Evans Young, a woman who overcame anorexia and became an advocate for body positivity. The goal of this day is to challenge the idea that we need to fit into a narrow mold of what is considered beautiful or acceptable in society.

Instead of focusing on restrictive diets, this day encourages ...

Own Your Moment to Make a Lasting Impact

April 29 – May 3, 2024, marks Patient Experience Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the vital role that healthcare professionals, staff, and patients themselves play in shaping the patient experience. This year's theme, Own Your Moment, reminds us that every interaction in healthcare—no matter how big or small—holds the potential to make a meaningful difference in a patient’s journey.

Patient experience is more than just clinical care; it is the compassion, empathy, and human connection that occur in every moment. Whether you are a healthcare provider, a staff member, or a patient, each of us has the opportunity to own our moment to create an environment of trust, respect, and comfort.

What Does It Mean to "Own Your Moment"?

In healthcare, every moment counts. From the initial greeting at the front desk to the way information is shared during a procedure, each interaction is an opportunity to provide comfort, alleviate anxiety, and bui...

Health Blog: Honoring Phyllis and Spreading Awareness for Sarcoidosis – April 2024

April is Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of a disease that affects thousands of lives, including the life of my sister-in-law, Phyllis. In honor of her journey and in support of everyone affected by this condition, let’s take this opportunity to educate, encourage, and uplift those who are fighting sarcoidosis and their loved ones.

What is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, but it most commonly targets the lungs and lymph nodes. It causes abnormal clusters of inflammatory cells, known as granulomas, to form in these organs, which can interfere with their normal function. While the exact cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown, it is believed to be linked to an abnormal immune response to environmental or genetic triggers.

This disease affects people differently. Some may experience only mild symptoms and go into remissi...

National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2024: Protecting Our Children, Strengthening Our Future

April 2024 marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a critical time to raise awareness about the impact of child abuse and neglect and to advocate for the protection and well-being of all children. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment, free from harm and filled with opportunities to thrive. This month serves as a reminder that it is everyone’s responsibility—families, communities, educators, and advocates alike—to come together to protect children and support their healthy development.

Why Child Abuse Prevention Matters

Child abuse and neglect can have long-lasting effects on a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Children who experience abuse often face challenges later in life, including difficulties in school, forming healthy relationships, and managing mental health issues. Sadly, the cycle of abuse can continue from o...

Health Awareness Month: Prioritizing Wellness in Every Aspect of Life

April 2024 is Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking proactive steps to protect our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that wellness is not a destination but an ongoing journey that impacts every area of our lives.

This year, let’s focus on how we can prioritize wellness in practical and meaningful ways—embracing habits that protect our health, deepen our connections, and enable us to thrive.

Physical Health: The Foundation of Wellness

When we think about health, physical wellness is often the first thing that comes to mind. Our bodies are designed to move, heal, and function optimally when given the right care. During Health Awareness Month, take time to evaluate your physical health and consider areas where you might need more attention, whether it's through exercise,...

Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: How We All Play a Role in Public Health

April 1-7, 2024, marks National Public Health Week, a time to focus on how we can collectively protect and improve the health of our communities. This year’s theme, Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health, reminds us that public health is not just the responsibility of healthcare professionals but a shared mission we all participate in.

Public health touches every aspect of our lives, from the air we breathe to the water we drink, the foods we eat, and the social systems that support our well-being. To create thriving communities, we must work together to prioritize the health and safety of all individuals, recognizing that we are all public health.

Protecting: Health Starts with Prevention

One of the key pillars of public health is prevention. By preventing illness before it begins, we can reduce the burden on our healthcare systems and improve the quality of life for everyone. ...