St. James Our Lady of Fatima Parishes

 

We Pray for Our Sick, Their Families and Caregivers

Catherine Carruthers, Dennis Jones, Lori Josephson, Janet Ventimiglia, and Kevin Plezia.

Please pray for these Special Prayer Intentions

Donna Chavis, the Burke-Chavis Family, The Doran Family, Joseph Grey, William Francis Janelle III, Merian and Mike Mikha and Joe Mills.

 “That which is dark, becomes Light” ~ Catherine of Siena

“Do not despair, thinking that you cannot change yourself after so many years. Simply enter into the presence of Jesus as you are and ask him to give you a fearless heart where he can be with you. YOU cannot make yourself different, JESUS came to give you a new heart, a new spirit, a new mind, and a new body. Let HIM transform you by HIS LOVE and so enable you to receive his affection in your whole being.” ~Henri Nouwen

A thought about prayer…”I believe that contemplation is an innate capacity of human nature, available to everyone just by being born. We already have it; we just don’t think so….External silence leads to interior silence and interior silence into the letting go of interior dialogue. Then follows a sense of stillness, even though there is always present some attentiveness to God’s presence.” ~Fr. Thomas Keating, Contemplative Outreach News

Spirituality isn’t stagnant. It is a VERB. Our core beliefs, and that which we put our faith, hope and trust in, is manifested in what we say and do. So, if our spiritual perspective is to remain balanced we need to make a conscience effort to be in relationship with the Lord. In doing so, we will experience the peace and joy of Christ, and in-turn make His presence known on earth.

People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

~Maya Angelou~

~Symptoms of Inner Peace~

“A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based upon past experience.

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

A loss of interest in judging other people.

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

A loss of interest in conflict.

A loss of ability to worry(!).

Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

Frequent attacks of smiling.

An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to love them back.” –Author Unknown

“The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have”

 

CHILDREN HAVE NEVER BEEN VERY GOOD AT LISTENING TO THEIR ELDERS, BUT THEY HAVE NEVER FAILED TO IMITATE THEM. THEY MUST, THEY HAVE NO OTHER MODELS.” ~James Baldwin~

 

The Parish Nurse Team would like to share with you some helpful websites and information :

·Alcoholic Anonymous- 248-332-3521; www.aa.org

·Narcotics Anonymous- 248-543-7200; www.na.org

·Substance Abuse/Treatment Hotline- 1-800-662-HELP

·Al-Anon- 1-888-425-2666; www.al-anon.org

·National Association for Children of Alcoholics- www.nacoa.org

 ·Arthritis Awareness…www.arthritis.org

·Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection…www.melanomamonday.org

·Osteoporosis and Prevention…www.nof.org

·Women’s Health…www.womenshealth.gov/whw

·Mental Health…www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may

·Stroke Awareness…www.stroke.org

FOR YOUR HEALTH FROM YOUR PARISH NURSES

The American diabetes Association is the nation's leading non-profit health organization providing diabetes research, information & advocacy.  Founded in 1940, the ADA provides programs to hundreds of communities in all 50 states & the D.C.

KNOW the WARNING SIGNS:

TYPE 1                                                           TYPE 2

frequent urination                                           any of the type 1 symptoms

unusual thirst                                                  frequent infections

constant hunger                                             cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

unusual weight loss                                        tingling/ numbness in the hands & feet

extreme fatigue& irritability                             recurring skin, gum or bladder infections

blurred vision

Anyone, child or adult can have diabetes.  See your health care provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms!

A Heart-Healthy Diet Can Be Affordable! Spend less on animal-based foods, such as red meat, processed meat and high-fat dairy foods and more on plant-based foods, like nuts, beans, soy and whole grains, can keep your grocery budget from being too high, while increasing your intake of fiber and other nutrients and decreasing your saturated fat, cholesterol, and calorie consumption.

Get the Right Amount of Omega-3s to Protect your Heart! Omega-3 fats found in fish are good for your heart (just be careful of where the fish are caught).

Fruits and Vegetables Linked to Lower Heart Risk! Fruit and vegetables are key parts of your everyday diet. Eight servings of fruits and vegetables a day lower your risk of dying from heart disease. Eating red and blue berries, as well as more vegetables, helps ward off hypertension. Again, be weary of where you get your fruits and vegetables from (organic vs. non-organic).

ALWAYS confer with your medical doctor before beginning ANY new dietary regimen.

Ten Commandments for a Healthy Heart:

1. Know your risk factors for heart disease.

2. Talk to your doctor about reducing your risk of heart disease.

3. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.

4. Know your cholesterol numbers. (These include total cholesterol, HDL, or “good cholesterol, LDL or “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides).

5. Have your blood sugar checked for diabetes.

6. Do not smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products.

7. Eat for your heart health.

8. Get regular physical activity. (At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most or all days of the week).

9. Aim for a healthy weight.

10. Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the importance of seeking medical help IMMEDIATELY.

Source: www.hearttruth.gov

A stroke is an attack on the brain. It is the third leading cause of death. Common stroke symptoms to be aware of are as follows:

·Sudden numbness of the face, arm, or leg- especially one side of the body

·Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

·Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

·Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

·Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If ANY of these symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 immediately. If the symptoms last only a few minutes, you may be experiencing a TIA, or transient ischemic attack. THIS STILL REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION, as TIAs ARE A WARNING OF A FUTURE STROKE.

OAKLAND COUNTY HEALTH DIVISION: Has numerous programs to assist low-income and high-risk families including the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program for pregnant moms and children through 5 years of age; Dental Program; Children’s Special Healthcare Services; Vaccine for Children; Substance Abuse Services; Clinic Services, and Nurse on Call. The Nurse on Call number is: 1-800-848-5533. Or go to www.oakgov.com/health to access the Community Resource guide.

Covenant Community Care Clinic: 27776 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48067, phone number: 248-556-4900, provides medical services for those who are uninsured and under-insured. Please share this information with others. Thank you.

Alcoholism…is not simply an issue of excessive drinking; rather, it is a disease which affects the drinker and his/her family, friends and co-workers, spiritually, mentally and physically. Al-Anon Family Groups, which includes Alateen for the younger members, is an established community resource for people who have been affected by a person’s misuse of alcohol. Al-Anon is a spiritual program of recovery which is compatible with all religious beliefs and practices. Al-Anon/Alateen program can aid in the recovery process for the entire family that have suffered the affects of the alcohol abuse of a family member. Alcoholics Anonymous is for the person suffering from alcohol abuse. IF you would like more information, please go to: http://oaklandafg.org, or email: outreach@oaklandafg.org.

 

Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting: (The following information, in-full, can be found at www.kidshealth.org) :

• ·Nurture your child’s self-esteem. Children start developing their sense of self as babies when they see themselves through their parents’ eyes. Your words and actions as a parent affect your child’s developing self-esteem more than anything else.
• ·Catch your child being good. Have you ever stopped to think about how many times you react negatively to your child in a given day? You may find that you are criticizing far more than you are complimenting.
• ·Set limits and be consistent with your discipline. Discipline is necessary in every household. The goal of discipline is to help children choose acceptable behaviors and learn self-control. Children may test the limits you establish for them, but they need those limits to grow into responsible adults.
• ·Make time for your children. With so many demands on your time, it’s often difficult for parents and children to get together for a family meal, let alone spend some quality time together. Schedule time together! Make time to be together!!!
• ·Be a good role model. Children learn a great deal about how to act by watching you. Be aware of the fact that you are constantly being observed by your children. Model the traits you wish to cultivate in your child: respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness, tolerance. Exhibit unselfish behavior. Do things for other people without expecting a reward. Express thanks and offer compliments. Above all, treat your children the way you expect other people to treat you.
• ·Make communication a priority. Take time to explain your expectations. If you don’t, children will begin to wonder about our values and motives and whether they have any basis.
• ·Be flexible and willing to adjust your parenting style. If you frequently fell “let down” by your child’s behavior, it may be because you have unrealistic expectations. As your child changes, you will gradually have to change your parenting style. What works for your child now, may not work as well as they grow and mature.
• ·Show that your love is unconditional. As a parent, you are responsible for correcting and guiding your child. But how you express your corrective guidance makes all the difference in how your child receives it. When you have to confront your child, avoid blaming, criticizing, or fault-finding, which undermine self-esteem and can lead to resentment. Instead, strive to nurture and encourage, even when discipline is necessary. Make sure he or she knows that although you want and expect better behavior next time, your love is there no matter what.
• ·Be aware of your own needs and limitations as a parent. Face it- you are an imperfect parent. You have strengths and weaknesses as a family leader. Recognize your abilities. Vow to work on your weaknesses. Try to have realistic expectations for yourself, and your children.

Please go to http://www.kidshealth.org/ if you would like to read the full explanations for each of the nine steps to more effective parenting. It is a great website with some helpful tips. Always remember to take things to God in prayer when it comes to your family life. Seek out help when necessary, a professional counselor, and always seek out a good spiritual director. You are the main person in your children’s life…they look to your example of how to live a good, healthy and balanced life. If you are centered in God, they will be too. They will also experience stability and the security that comes with the unconditional love that you model for them.

The Code Word & No Questions Asked Policy: The Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition (BBCC): Would like to share the following with parents:

Equip your teen for safety. Develop a code word or phrase for your teen to use if they find themselves in a situation where good choices are not being made, such as calling or texting “How’s Grandma?” and you will know to come and pick them up. Since the main goal is to keep your child safe and substance free also include a “no questions asked policy” where if they need to be picked up, you will do so and not ask any questions at that time.”

Attention Parents: Be sure to check out “A Family Guide for Teen Parties”. This guide offers tips if you are hosting a party. To access the guide, click on these links: http://tiny.cc/kc1ql. You may also contact: kmichaud@bbcoalition.org for more information about substance abuse and events for high school teens.

Regarding dealing with the grief of loss… you never “get over” a significant loss. It inevitably changes you. You can choose whether that change is for the better. Become BETTER because of that person’s impact upon your life…not BITTER. A good friend said recently: “Where there is deep love, there is deep grief.” To grieve the loss of someone is o.k. To not grieve, to “stuff” down your emotions, pain, anger, etc. is to prolong the healing process. Grief IS the journey to healing.

Gilda’s Club: Located in Royal Oak is an excellent resource and center for those who have been diagnosed with cancer, and for their families and friends. Please call: 248- 577-0800. They offer three basic types of support groups: 1. Wellness groups are for adult men and women with any type of cancer. 2. Networking groups are for all adult members with a specific type of cancer. Family and friends are also welcome to participate. 3. Family groups are for adult family, friends and caregivers of people with cancer. This is a wonderful organization that helps all members of the family (& friends) cope with cancer.

FYI: Foods that Fight Cancer: Beans= they contain phytochemicals, including saponins, protease inhibitors and phytic acid. These compounds appear to protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Berries= All berries, but especially strawberries and raspberries. Green Vegetables, Garlic, Grapes and Grape Juice, Green Tea, Tomatoes, and Whole Grains. As with any change in diet, please contact your primary physician. Green Tea and Vitamin K are not good if you have a clotting disorder or on a blood thinner…ALWAYS check with your doctor before you make any changes in your diet or begin taking supplements.