Parish Nurse

Vicky Mansson, RN

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
  ~ Philippians 4:19

Upcoming Events

 

    May 18 ~ Blood Pressure Checks between services

  • May 20 ~ Naps pick-up from 9-10:00

Current Health Issues

High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Stroke

May has been designated as High blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Stroke awareness month. 

A Stroke is caused when the blood supply to the brain is clogged or bursts.  Therefore, part of the brain does not get enough oxygen and nutrients, and that can cause death of brain cells within minutes.  When a significant amount of brain cells die there is permanent damage.  Some strokes are proceeded by Transient Ischemic Attacks or TIAs.  The symptoms of these “mini-strokes” are not permanent, but you are 9 ½ times  more likely to have a stroke if you’ve had a TIA.  Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, problems in the blood vessels such as atherosclerosis and aneurysm, and some heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation. Early treatment may prevent permanent damage and death, and increase the likelihood for a quicker and more complete recovery. 

Warning signs of stroke include:

• sudden numbness on one side of the face, arm or leg or
• difficulty speaking or
• sudden change in vision or
• dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking or
• a sudden severe headache.

What can you do to protect yourself?

• Check your BP often, since it can be elevated without any symptoms
• If you have high cholesterol or BP, work at reducing them
• Get down to a normal weight & exercise at least four days a week
• Eat a heart healthy diet
• Take medication prescribed even if you feel fine!
• If your total cholesterol level is over 200 or LDL over 130, or triglycerides more than 250,  check with your doctor
• Please contact the me if you would like your BP checked or you have any questions or concerns.

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Office Hours:
Monday - Friday  9 - 12
Office Phone - 751-3699 ext. 26
Home Phone - 444-0229

 Please leave a message on my voicemail and I'll return your call as soon as possible.  Do not hesitate to call me at home.

What is a parish nurse?

A Parish Nurse is an RN who ministers to her faith community and promotes disease prevention, healthy habits, exercise programs, and provides health screening and educational awareness to the congregation.

She functions according to the Scope and Standards for Parish Nursing: Health Counselor Educator Advocate

  • Making referrals as indicated
  • Acting as liaison to the community
  • Keeping communication open with pastors, health care agents, and parishioners
  • Teaching volunteers
  • Offering healing tools: through kindness, listening, and prayer