The Five Wishes

The Five wishes is described as “ the living will with heart and soul”. The inspiration began with founder, Jim Towey, who worked closely with Mother Teresa as her legal counselor and over the years became her friend and trusted advisor. He lived for one year at a hospice in Washington, DC and got to see first hand what people wanted and learned what was important to them before their death. It was through Mother Teresa’s urging that Jim founded “Aging with Dignity”, a private, non-for-profit organization founded in 1996.

The Five Wishes is the first advanced care plan which addresses personal, emotional and spiritual wishes in addition to medical treatment. It is the combination of a living will and health care power of attorney in addition to addressing matters of comfort care and spirituality. It is an easy-to-complete form that lets you say exactly what you want and, when signed and witnessed, it is legal in most states.

How the Five wishes can benefit you and your family:

  • It lets you talk with your family, friends and doctors about how you want to be treated if you become seriously ill.

  • Your family members will not have to guess what you want or make difficult choices.

  • You can be there for your loved ones when they need you the most.

Who can use the Five Wishes:

  • Anyone 18 years or older

  • Single, married, adult children, friends

How do I change to Five Wishes:

  • You may already have a living will or power of attorney for health care. Once you complete and sign the Five wishes, it takes away the advanced directive you’ve had before.

  • Destroy all old copies or write revoked on the old documents.

  • Make sure your health care agents, family members, doctors, have a copy or know about your new wishes.

There are too many things in life that we have no control over and are out of our hands. This Five wishes document gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on issues of real importance-human care.

Preparing for this year's flu season

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated every flu season. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness which can lead to severe illness, hospitalization and even death. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the vaccine especially those who are at higher risk for complications.

Flu season begins in October and lasts until early spring ( peaking in January and February). The CDC recommends getting the flu shot by the end of October keeping in mind it does take several weeks to help build immunity and is offered throughout the flu season.

People often wonder why get the flu vaccine if it’s only 40%-50% effective. The answer is that it offers at least some protection and it will help to lessen the severity of the illness and reduce hospitalization and possible death. People infected with the flu may be infectious to others beginning one day before onset of symptoms and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.. For this reason it’s always important to follow ways to help slow the spread of the virus such as frequent hand washing, always cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough, stay home if you feel sick, avoid toughing your eyes, nose and mouth and get vaccinated.

There are different flu vaccines approved for use in different groups of people. This year, all of the vaccines protect against 4 different strains of the flu. Keep in mind that the flu and COVID-19 are 2 different viruses and require 2 different vaccinations. The CDC recommends both and that it is safe to receive them at the same time..

You can schedule a flu shot at your local pharmacy, primary health care provider or visit vaccines.gov/flu.

The New 988 Mental Health Hotline

Effective July 16th, 2022, “988” will serve as the new direct line for the new National Suicide prevention helpline. This new “ 911 for mental health emergencies” can be used by individuals or those looking to assist individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide. When people contact “988”, they will be connected to a trained counselor who will listen, provide support and connect callers to the appropriate resources.

The past few years has created an epidemic of mental anguish and the prevalence of depression and anxiety has alarmingly increased to over 25% since COVID-19 emerged according to the World Health Organization.

This new implementation of the 988 hotline is a once in a generation opportunity to reimagine our mental health crisis standard of care. The need for this has only grown since the pandemic and people in crisis will now have a new way to reach out for help.

The Mental Health Continuum

The definition of mental health refers to anyone’s state of mental, emotional and psychological well being. It affects how we think, feel and act.

The definition of mental illness are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior or a combination of these. It is associated with distress and/or problems functioning in work, social or family activites.

Mental health exists on a continuum which can change. It can fluctuate up and down and depending on different circumstances can get better or worse. Mental health can be affected by psychological, biological, social and spiritual factors. We all will experience languishing and flourishing mental health regardless of the presence or absence of mental illness in our lives.

So when we think about mental health as a continuum rather than a medical condition we are removing barriers that may exist between the two. While everyone will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives, not everyone will develop a diagnosed mental illness. It is important to understand that diagnosing mental illness is a very delicate and complicated process but seeking help is a crucial giant step for proper treatment.

The following is an example of the mental health continuum:

Mental health begins with a strong relationship to self. Acknowledging the presence of any tension, worries or overwhelming emotions can go a long way in developing a deeper and more meaningful connection to the self.

The key takeaway of the concept of the mental health continuum is that the human mind is always moving. We can use the continuum to know ourselves, to listen to ourselves and to help us live a happier and more content life.

THE MIND BODY CONNECTION

There is much talk about the mind-body connection. But what does it really mean? The mind and body are more connected than we realize. This means that our thoughts, emotions, beliefs and attitudes can either have a positive or a negative affect on our physical well being. And our physical well being can impact our mental state. The result is a complex interrelationship between the two.

Medical care has historically concentrated on treating the disease and not treating the person as a whole. Research has shown that our psychological health can have a huge impact on our heart health, risk for stroke and other conditions previously attributed to strictly external factors. It’s no surprise that one of our leading psychological factors attributing to physical health is stress. People who suffer from chronic stress has a 40% higher chance of developing or dying from heart disease. But it’s never too late to adapt a healthier lifestyle to control stress and to take steps to improve your mental health which can lead to a healthier body. So let’s explore ways to extend your lifespan and improve your mental health.

As stated by the American Heart Association, “ What’s stressful for one person may not be stressful to another.” Stress is an inevitable part of life and everyone responds to stress in different ways. How you react to it can lead to a variety of health problems. This is why it is so important you understand ways and means available to you to address it.

  • Exercise: Exercise realeases naturally produced stress chemicals in the brain called endorphins that are the body’s natural painkillers as well as elevating one’s mood. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of exercise every week, broken up into 5 half-hour sessions. This can include walking, running, lifting weights, aerobics, yoga, biking, almost any variation of exercise that you might enjoy.

  • Practicing Relaxation: Balance out your emotions through ways such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, prayer, scheduling quiet time on a regular basis.

  • Good Sleep Habits: There are measures which can help to promote better sleep habits such as regular exercise, no caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime, meditation, no electronics 30-60 minutes before sleep and in general, the room should be quiet, cool and dark.

  • Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Schedule time aside for yourself and find something you enjoy doing. Find a hobby or interest. Spend quality time with family and friends. This will all lead to maintaing a positive attitude.

If your mind and body seem “out of synch” ask yourself “ what are my stressors?”. “ what are my strengths?” “what are my weaknesses?” “ what have I done in the past to manage my stress?” “what can I do to manage my stress?”. These measures just may help you to manage the stressors that affect your emotions and body and in turn lead to a happier and healthy you!

Free at-home COVID test kits

If you have been having difficulty purchasing rapid at-home COVID tests these past few weeks or have paid a substantial higher amount than a month ago you will be happy to hear the latest federal program to help fight against the spread of the virus.

As of January 15th, health insurers are obliged to pay for at-home COVID test kits. The federal mandate allows insurance companies to establish in- network pharmacies and capping it off at $12/kit for out-of-network retailers. Carriers are also encouraged to cover the costs up front rather than asking members to file for reimbursement. They are allowing up to 8 tests per person per month. Unfortunately, the reimbursement does not apply to medicare or medicaid recipients unless they have a secondary that would cover the cost.

At-home rapid rests are usually available at Walgreens, Walmart, CVS and online retailers such as Amazon. Make sure to check which retailers are in-network with your insurance carrier. President Biden has stated that they are “on track to roll out a website next week where you can order free tests shipped to your home”.

CDC Updates For COVID Quarantine

Guidelines have changed due to what the CDC knows about the new Omicron variant. Here is the latest information:

  • If you test positive for COVID you should isolate for 5 days and if asymptomatic or if symptoms are resolving (fever-free for 24 hours) follow that by wearing a mask for 5 days.

  • If exposed to COVID-19 and unvaccinated, CDC recommends 5 day quarantine followed by mask use for an additional 5 days.

  • If exposed to COVID-19 and longer than 6 months out from their second mRNA dose and has not received the booster, quarantine for 5 days followed by mask use for an additional 5 days.

  • If exposed and received the booster shot there is no need to quarantine, but should wear a mask for 10 days after exposure and recommended to test 5 days after exposure.

    CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what they know about the spread and protection from the virus.

    Prevention is the best option and we just need to be smart about our choices such as getting vaccinated, including the booster, wearing a good-fitting mask in areas of high community transmission and test before gathering with friends and family . It’s the best we can do at this point.

Medicare Advantage Plans....Choices, Choices Choices

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Please see information below from a virtual care advocate for Medicare Advantage Plans

There are over 49 Medicare Advantage Plans available in New Jersey, and as you can imagine sorting through all of them is confusing and time-consuming.

 

We aim to be a trusted healthcare information source for aging adults and their loved ones because we believe everyone deserves high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage. We create informational resources (Note: We do not sell or provide health insurance) that are specifically designed to help people navigate the complex maze that is Medicare and understand how to enroll as well as the differences among the myriad of plans. 

 

Our newly updated resource on Medicare Advantage Plans in New Jersey helps guide seniors through all of the available Medicare plans, eligibility requirements, enrollment guidelines, and their many benefits. Most importantly, we provide a list of helpful community organizations throughout New Jersey that further support seniors with their healthcare needs. 

Here is the link to the resource:

  https://www.medicareadvantageplans.org/new-jersey/

 

Breast cancer Awareness Tea

Holy Trinity will be hosting a tea in honor of our breast cancer fighters and survivors. Please join us for an intimate conversation where you can share your story or simply relax and enjoy each other’s company. Feel free to pass along the invite to any parishioner who you feel might be interested.

Where: Holy Trinity Parish Center

When: Tuesday October 26th @ 1pm

The Practice of Gratitude in the midst of Covid

Experiencing gratitude is always important in our lives and even more important when the world around us is so unpredictable and even dangerous. The Hebrew meaning of gratitude is “ recognizing the good”. It is the practice of noticing and feeling thankful for what is valuable and meaningful to you. Being grateful is a virtuous quality which allows you to not only see the best in other people but in your own life as well. Gratitude can help us to recognize the goodness in life and when expressed during these challenging times it achieves its maximum power by calming our fears and anxieties and helps us to maintain a positive outlook .

Gratitude helps to improve both your mental and physical well being. Practicing gratitude on a regular basis is instrumental in helping you become more optimistic and can have a huge impact on your overall mood and perspective. There is some research that has shown that practicing gratitude during a crisis such as Covid-19 not only boosts the mood but also helps your physical health in response to illnesses such as respiratory infections.

Learning to practice gratitude everyday can help bring some ease and stability in your life and help to focus on the positive rather than what is unpredictable.

Ferris Bueller’s famous words, “ Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” With all the craziness around us and how busy our lives can get we can easily get swept away and forget to appreciate what we do have. Here are some suggestions on how to bring gratefulness into your life:

  • Start a gratitude journal: Write a few things that you are thankful for each day. Write down your positive thoughts.

  • Appreciate the smaller things in life: There is nothing too small to be thankful for.

  • Volunteer: Helping others increases our own well being and our ability to have more gratitude. Helping others helps you!

  • Spend time with loved ones: Spend time with friends and family.

  • Begin and end each day with gratitude: It can be in the form of a quick prayer of thanks, a text of appreciation to someone or a reminder of what went right during your day.

    Gratitude is such a powerful emotion and one that can make your life better in so many ways. Be the change you want to see in the world by making gratitude a part of each day.

The Delta Variant- A New Phase of the Pandemic

Different versions, or variants, of the virus that causes COVID-19 are emerging around the world. Every time a virus replicates, errors, known as mutations, occur in its genetic material. This is normal and it is how these variants occur. Most of the time, these changes either cause no impact or are harmful to the virus. But with the SARS-COv-2 variants, it has given the virus an advantage. The CDC has identified 4 variants from around the world that has caused concern in the US.

  • Alpha- United Kingdom. First detected Dec 2020. New cases are declining.

  • Beta-South Africa. First detected Jan 2021. Very few cases found here.

  • Gamma-Brazil.. First detected Jan 2021. Rare in the US.

  • Delta-India. First detected Mar 2021. Most dominant variant in the US right now accounting for 83% of cases.

Scientists are studying these variants closely to determine if they spread more easily and just how effective the available vaccines are against them. So far, the scientists feel confident that current vaccines work on these variants. What we know at this point is that those fully vaccinated remain highly effective against developing symptomatic infection and severe illness and/or hospitalization. The vaccines are not 100% effective and breakthrough cases have been reported. However, the infections that we are aware of have been mild or asymptomatic. We also know at this point that hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 are almost entirely limited to the unvaccinated.

With more transmissible variants emerging, it is important for unvaccinated people to continue practicing interventions such as wearing masks in public places, physical distancing and frequent hand washing. Vaccines continue to be one of our best tools at curbing the spread of the variant, preventing new generations of new variants, and returning to normal life.

Outsmart The Scammers

Scams targeting older adults are all too common in today’s world. I have recently heard from several people as well as my own 87 year old mom who has had the unfortunate experience with a situation involving a scam. It takes a heavy emotional toll on seniors and can create great anxiety and distress even if they don’t fall for the scam.

The isolation that many seniors have been faced with during the pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. Scammers initiated contact with older adults online more often than they did by phone for the first time ever in the second quarter of 2020, according to an October report from the Federal Trade Commission. However, phone scams still resulted in the highest monetary losses.

Luckily there are ways to stay ahead of these “fraudsters” to avoid getting scammed.

Here are some of the tactics that scammers will use:

  • Grandparent scam: criminal poses as a relative, usually a grandchild, claiming to be in immediate financial need.

  • Utility companies such as PSE&G claims account is delinquent and power will be turned off

  • IRS, Medicare, Social Security imposters

  • Tech support scam: pose to be technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues.

  • Sweepstakes/lottery: criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations to gain victims trust.

  • Counterfeit prescription drugs- do not trust advertisements and emails claiming they can sell you cheaper and better medications.

  • Covid-19- know who you are speaking with regarding vaccines, testing and contact tracing.

 

Some measures to protect yourself:

  • Recognize scam attempt and end all communication.

  • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, emails and door to door offers.

  • Make sure all computer anti-virus, security and malware software are up to date.

  • Never open up an email from someone you don’t know.

    Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.

  • ·If your bank accounts were compromised, immediately contact your financial institution to place protection on your accounts.

Conclusion: Always be cautious of phone calls, texts, emails, or mailings you aren’t expecting. If contact by phone, scammers will pretend to be in an office where you might hear other people talking in the background to make it realistic. Be aware that scammers will try to pressure you to act quickly by creating a sense of urgency. Finally, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Scammers need to be stopped and reporting them is the first step. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it with someone you trust. Keep handy the phone numbers and resources you can turn to such as the local police, your bank and adult protective services. You can also call 1-800-677-1116 to find an eldercare locator in your area for further guidance.

The Westfield Police department and Lifelong Westfield will be presenting a webinar to help residents to identify and avoid frauds and scams on April 26th. You must register in advance by emailing [email protected] or calling 908-201-1287.

Covid Vaccination Call Center

New Jersey State health department has promised to open a call center by the week of January 25th for those who do not  have internet access or having difficulty registering for the vaccinations on websites. Gov Murphy states that the agents will be able to help schedule appointments for eligible callers when appointments are available to them.

 

The call center is promised to become operational by Monday, January 25th. The number is 855-568-0545-  8am-8pm.

 

There will likely be a large influx of callers early on, so please be patient but persistent in getting your vaccine scheduled.

Covid Vaccination Resources

Below are reliable websites where you can find information regarding the rollout of the COVID19 vaccination process. A list of places where you can receive the vaccination as well as who is eligible in the different phases can be found here. I recommend that you check often as information and guidelines change rapidly.

Please note that you should pre-register in order to get an appointment when you are eligible for the vaccine!

https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/

https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/who-is-eligible-for-vaccination-in-new-jersey-who-is-included-in-the-vaccination-phases

COVID-19 Vaccines

Covid-19 vaccine

The World health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic on March 11,2020. We all have seen the numbers of how many people have been infected and the death tolls. The CDC has guided us with recommendations on how to limit the spread and the states have mandated restrictions to further help reduce number of infections. Businesses and restaurants have closed. Places of worship have closed. Schools have gone remote. We have all felt the physical and mental strain that this pandemic has caused. Even our faith has been tested for many people.

 The first of the covid-19 newly authorized vaccines developed from Pfizer /BioNTech in the US were distributed Monday, December 14th. A total of 55 sites nationwide received shipments and Phase 1a was implemented for the healthcare workers and LTC facility employees and residents. By December 29th an initial rollout of 2.9 million doses of the vaccine will have been delivered nationwide. And the FDA is said to be authorizing emergency use of the vaccine from Moderna which is also highly protective with an efficacy rate of 94.1%.

There is now hope and the end of this pandemic is becoming more of a reality. The goal is for everyone is to be able to get a Covid-19 vaccination as soon as large quantities are available. We can then resume our lives as we once remembered.

Many people have expressed concerns about the vaccine. It’s important to know the facts and some science behind it.

      About the vaccine: (information from Center for Disease Control)

·         While the vaccine has been developed quickly, routine processes and procedures have remained in place as with all other vaccines to assure safety and efficacy.

·         COVID-19 vaccine will not give you COVID-19. None of the current vaccines uses the live virus and the goal of the vaccine is to teach the body’s immune system to recognize and fight the virus.

·         The active ingredient in the vaccine is messenger RNA and is designed to be very specific and only trigger an immune response to the virus’ “spike protein”.

·         The M-RNA does not alter one’s own DNA.

·         MRNA research has been in progress for several decades and has been tested for use for other infectious agents such as influenza and Ebola, certain types of cancers such as melanoma and certain diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

·         Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is about 95% effective

  Please refer to the link below for specific guidelines and information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/pdfs/321466-A_FS_What_Expect_COVID-19_Vax_Final_12.13.20.pdf

At this point we will need to continue wearing masks, social- distancing and frequent hand washing. The benefits of getting vaccinated and following CDC’s guidelines to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from covid-19.

As we enter into the most anticipated 2021, we have to stay healthy with good nutrition, adequate exercise and sleep. It is important to stay mentally healthy as well by practicing effective ways to reduce our stress and anxiety level. And we must stay spiritually grounded through prayer, meditation and relaxation techniques.

Much peace, health and happiness in 2021.

Lori Arena RN, BSN

Parish Nurse

End of Summer Update!

It seems forever since I posted a bulletin article! This summer was a busy one for me and my family. We sold our house in Westfield after living there for 25 years and moved to an apartment in Cranford. This decision took several years to make and “who knew” it would be in the midst of a pandemic. The transition was not an easy one and this only added to the physical and emotional stress we were about to face. What I learned from all this, is that change is not always easy, but it can be positive one. 

I recently revisited a book I read many years ago, “Who Moved the Cheese”. It’s a simple parable about change and truths and how one can deal with change. One of the excerpts I found to be so true: “No reason to fear the unknown, because the unknown may be better than you could have ever imagined.” All of us have been faced with so many unknowns this year and it's hard to believe it can be good but maybe, just maybe, it can! 

2020 has been a most challenging one for all of us and has brought on realities for many that we were never prepared to handle. There have been a cascading series of events that have additionally bombarded us on a national level adding to the pandemic. There is a light at the end of this tunnel and 2020 is coming to its final quarter. Let’s continue to be smart and adhere to the recommended CDC guidelines and continue to bring some normalcy to our lives. 

Hard to believe the parish nurse program began just about a year ago at Holy Trinity. It was a vision of Father Anthony’s and with the help of a newly formed health cabinet, it became a reality. I was honored to have been chosen to develop the program. My first mission was to explain what a parish nurse does and what is involved with a parish nurse program. 

A bit of history: Parish Nursing, also called Faith Community Nursing, is a concept that emerged back in the mid 80’s and originated with Dr Granger Westberg in Illinois. His model makes the nurse the bridge between the church, the hospital and community. Historically, churches have always had a role in caring for the sick and needy so linking church and community together to address modern healthcare made perfect sense. Although it is a popular concept in the Midwest, there are few parish nurse programs here on the east coast and actually there were none in Union County! 

So, what do I do as a parish nurse?  It is non-invasive delivery of holistic care incorporating mind, body and spirit. A parish nurse offers spiritual support and guidance, not counseling. The role is multi-faceted and involves acting as an educator, a referral source and guiding people to take ownership of their own health. This is the fundamental core of parish nursing: mind + body= spirit. The essence of holistic care. 

 How does it work? A referral is called into the parish by Father Anthony, Deacon Tom or Deacon Keith, a family member or fellow parishioner. I will then meet with the parishioner and a nursing assessment of needs is done followed by a plan of care. The plan may involve interventions such as educating, referral to an outside agency, chaplain services, and providing emotional, physical or spiritual support.  

I look forward to the 2nd year of developing the program. I hope to offer more educational programs (even if through zoom!), informative and useful workshops and can’t wait to restart my home visitations. It is my pleasure getting to know the community of Holy Trinity and continuing my ministry as parish nurse. 

How to reach me: 

Lori Arena RN 

Office: 908-588-7303 

Cell:    908-347-7414 

E-mail: [email protected] 

Stay well and God bless… 

Office Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Parish Office Phone: (908) 232-8137
Religious Education Office: (908) 232-8137

Come Visit Us: 506 Westfield Ave, Westfield NJ 07090 (Church)

315 First Street Westfield, NJ 07090 (Rectory)

 

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