July Parish Health Happenings
July Health Article
The farthest back that I can consciously remember wanting to be a nurse was in second or third grade. There was something magnetic about having a role in minimizing the physical suffering of another person. I never changed course or considered any other profession. I knew early and concretely that this was what I would do someday.
As I got older, my interests naturally shifted to the health and wellbeing of the human body… what processes are happening to make everything work “right”. I devoured all kinds of literature in the form of books, magazine articles and journal publications. I was fascinated with anatomy and physiology and began my own health and fitness journey when I was twenty years old. I started running at the age of 23 and haven’t ever given it up, though there have certainly been seasons (mostly pregnancy and young motherhood) where I wasn’t. I have tried every type of eating trend out there, from vegan to carnivore (extreme keto), experimenting with food as a means of naturally healing a variety of mild ailments from joint pain and rosacea to strange skin rashes.
Through all of my reading, research and self experimenting, I have discovered that the human body is remarkable. It is designed and equipped, when cared for and fueled well, to grow and heal itself in astounding ways. As a Catholic Christian, this should come as no surprise. I know that our design is intentional and perfect, as is our Creator Himself.
But we live in a fallen world, which when sin entered, so did disease and illness. In response to disease and illness, the need for doctors, nurses and all kinds of medical professionals is evident. I thank God and am proud to be counted among the thousands who aid in the health and healing of another.
For this reason, the cultural shift to celebrate transgenderism grieves me, particularly in reference to children. Many in my own profession have run in the opposite direction and have denied biology, causing irreversible harm to the physical bodies of our youth. I would put money that all of those who partake in this type of medical and surgical intervention know this. However respectability and social pressure in our various professions often causes the deadening of consciences when there are no roots to keep them alive and upright. There should not be anything controversial about discussing facts. But somehow, it has
become so. As Catholics, we know that the human body is sacred. It is a temple of the Holy Spirit and is not just a random blob of matter taking up space that we can treat like a science experiment. We also don’t have the authority to harm another human person. This is kindergarten level theology here. Definitely not rocket science. Puberty blockers harm children… irreversibly… as does gender transition surgery (the removal of healthy breast tissue and reproductive organs).
I bring this up as your parish health nurse, schooled in what is verified by science but also rooted in faith in our Creator. Some of the horrors put on public display in our country during the month of June have fueled me to speak up, which sadly, is becoming a dangerous thing to do. We are called to live our faith and be disciples of Jesus Christ. Since when does that mean quietly go along and not ruffle feathers? I welcome conversation and dialog should anyone feel compelled to reach out.
Please pray for our country, our children, our lost medical professionals and the parents caught in the middle, navigating the storm with children who are struggling with self identity. The devil is truly not hiding and is only so happy to pounce on these vulnerable souls.
May God bless you and keep you and your families safe.
Kate Rewwer,
Parish Health Coordinator
July Events
Physical Therapist, Matt Gingras, will be in Loyola Hall on Sunday, July 23rd from 9:30-noon. Come by and see Matt for a free evaluation for any mobility or pain related issues, including but not limited to, arthritis, sports injuries, chronic pain, ect. Matt has been a wonderful asset to our parish community and has helped many resolve and alleviate pain.
Blood pressure screenings will take place after all masses in the back of church the weekend of July 29th and 30th. Stop by and let one of our skilled parish health nurses check your blood pressure.
The Iggy 5k couch to 5k training program will be offered again this year! The 8 week 5k training program will begin on Tuesday, August 15th and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:30-7:30 pm. Place TBD. Please contact krewwer@sainti.org for more details or to sign up.
GLOW (God’s Love On Wheels), parish health’s new meal ministry is set to launch in September. Have a passion or gift for cooking and creating delicious meals? Why not use that gift to love others in our parish community? Contact krewwer@sainti.org for details. New email contact for GLOW coming soon.
