Health Ministry
The Health Ministry provides information and support on how the Body of Christ should care for our individual physical, psychological and spiritual health. It also sponsors workshops on nutrition, fitness, medical conditions, and the health care system. The work of the Health Ministry is guided by the scripture in I Corinthians 3:16…” Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?”
Health and Emotional Well Being Tips
presented by The Abyssinian Baptist Church Medical Ministry and Health Ministry
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Millions of people who are high risk for heart attack, high blood pressure, or stroke don’t even know it. The good news is that many major risks for these conditions can be prevented and controlled through awareness and healthy lifestyle changes. It is important to know your numbers!!!
- Know your blood pressure: Normal Adult blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or below.
- Know your cholesterol: What are my cholesterol targets?: Total cholesterol 200 mg/dL, LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) 130 mg/dL, HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol) 40 mg/dL, Triglycerides (fat in the blood) 150 mg/dL
- Know your blood sugar: — normal fasting blood sugar 100 mg/dL — normal hemoglobin A1c 5.7%
What should I do if I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or elevated blood sugar?
Visit your doctor regularly for a complete cardiac evaluation and do all you can to address modifiable risk factors, including eating a healthy diet, having your blood pressure and cholesterol levels monitored regularly, and make sure you get at least 30 minutes of an aerobic exercise like walking, three or more times per week.
Everyone should be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke because thousands of deaths could be prevented by simply being aware of the signs and having an action plan.
Heart Attack Signs
Symptoms are not always obvious. The warning signs of heart attack in men are different in women. Men usually present with “typical” symptoms of a heart attack, which are chest pain, pressure or heaviness, pain radiating down the left arm, profuse sweating and shortness of breath. Women present with “atypical” symptoms and are not so easily recognized. Symptoms could include: fatigue, sudden dizziness, nausea, pain in the shoulder, neck, back, upper belly, or jaw.
Stroke Signs
F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke.
F – Face Drooping
A – Arm Weakness
S – Speech Difficulty
T – Time to call 9-1-1
If you, or someone you know, shows any of these heart attack or stroke symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get yourself or the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.