Health Ministries Page

by Sue Meyer, Diocesan Health Ministry Coordinator

Increased Risk at Communion? No.

There is no proven connection between Communion cups and the spread of illness. In 1998, the Center for Disease Control made a statement declaring their official, two-decades-old position regarding the risk of infectious disease transmission from a common communion cup:

Within the CDC, the consensus is that a theoretic risk of transmitting infectious diseases by using a common communion cup exists, but the risk is too small to be detectable. The CDC has not been called on to investigate any outbreaks of infectious diseases that allegedly have been linked to the use of a common communion cup. In summary, the risk for infectious disease transmission by a common communion cup is very low, and appropriate safeguards -- that is, wiping the interior and exterior rim between communicants, use of care to rotate the cloth during use, and use of a clean cloth for each service -- would further diminish this risk. In addition, sharing the communion cup is discouraged if a person has an active respiratory infection, or moist or open sores on their lips.

Reception of the chalice is a personal choice.

The Church has long recognized that reception of either the bread or wine conveys all of the grace of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Everyone is encouraged to make their own decision on whether to take part in these practices.

Swine Flu (H1N1) Update 6/29/2009

I receive weekly updates on the swine flu (novel H1N1) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Much of the following information will be outdated by the time you read this. However, some of it will hold true.

On 11 June, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert to phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the influenza. What this means is that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple countries. The decision to raise the alert level is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from this virus. Why? Because this is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against the H1N1 virus.

Is it time to panic??

The answer, in two words, is absolutely NO! As of June 12, the U.S. has reported 17,855 cases of the flu, with 45 deaths. Again, as of that date, Delaware has reported 187 cases with no deaths. To put this in perspective, the CDC estimates that approximately 36,000 people die in the U.S. every year from “regular” seasonal flu related causes. However, you should take precautions.

What to watch for

The symptoms of this new flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu, and include fever, cough, chills, and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

High risk groups

The high risk groups for H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it’s possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza, which would include those 65 and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, those with chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed.

Emergency warning signs.

According to the CDC, if you become ill and experience any of the following, seek emergency medical care:

In children, the following warning signs need urgent medical attention: fast or troubled breathing; bluish or gray skin color; not drinking enough fluids; severe or persistent vomiting; not waking up or not interacting; being so irritable that the child does not want to be held; fly-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough.
In adults: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough.
Treatment. It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care! That is an important statement! Here is another important statement: If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, seek medical care. Antiviral drugs can be prescribed to treat those who become severely ill. Aspirin or aspirin containing products (including Pepto Bismol) should NOT be administered to any person age 18 or younger suspected of having the flu because of the risk of Reye syndrome.

Prevent the spread!

If you become sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. You should stay at home and avoid contact with other persons, except to seek medical care. If you leave the house to seek medical care, wear a mask or cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Currently, the CDC believes that this virus is spread in the same was as seasonal flu. As with seasonal flu, you may be contagious from one day before symptoms develop to up to 7 days after you become sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The CDC also recommends:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash
Wash your hands OFTEN with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact sick sick people.
If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Keep away from other household members as much as possible. This is to keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
In short, take all of the precautions you should take during the regular flu season. Remember again this statement: It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care!
Bottom line…we’ll all get through this. There is no reason for panic. Remember that you can do your part to help prevent the spread of ANY illness by staying home when you are sick and practicing frequent hand washing!

Swine Flu Links

Our Health Ministry Coordinator

Sue Meyer, our diocesan health ministry coordinator, is our liaison with the National Episcopal Health Ministries, a vital ministry to our denomination.

As diocesan coordinator, Sue works to promote health ministries in our diocese. She hopes to link together parishes with existing health ministries and parish nurse programs. She is also ready to share information about the potential for health ministries to congregations and communities here in Delaware.

Sue is a registered nurse. For the last several years she has led an active health ministry program at St. Peter’s, Lewes. If you would like to be in touch with Sue, her contact information is below.

Sue Meyer's duties include (but are not limited to):

Being the resource person for various needs;
Promoting health ministry in our diocese;
Establishing a health ministry in our diocese;
Keeping regular communications between the diocese, the Province III regional representative, and national office;
Staying in touch with needs of diocesan health ministers;
Visiting parishes with active health ministries;
Working with parishes desiring to develop health ministries;
Meeting with health committees in our diocese;
Having a presence at the diocesan convention; and;
Educating the diocese on health care topics through the diocesan newspaper, the Delaware Communion.

Goals for Individual Congregations

Embrace the vision of the National Episcopal Health Ministries that "every Episcopal congregation become a vibrant, caring place of health and wholeness".
Promote whole person health, prevent disease, and manage illness in the faith community.
Bring together health care professionals and those with an interest in healing and wholeness ministry to carry out this vision.
Support and share resources with other faith communities.
Move the congregation ahead in their understanding of health and wholeness.
Ensure a just distribution of health care resources for all through advocacy.
Develop a vision for the program by assessing the congregational health needs, and structuring a program that addresses those needs through:
- Educational forums
- Health fairs
- Blood pressure screening
- Communication with other groups in the parish to encourage them to share the vision of a healthy congregation
- Newsletter articles
- Home visits

Contact

Sue Meyer
Health Ministry Liaison, Diocese of Delaware
16893 Ketch Court
Lewes, Delaware 19958
302-644-6691
Click here to send her an email.

Main Navigation Links

Church Listing