Partnership for Prescription Assistance

Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

Scripture

July

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 119:18

August

Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails?

Jeremiah 15:18

Ministry Tools

We are pleased to offer the following tools for your ministry:
"Helpful Hints" - This CD ROM contains monthly posters which correspond with the health observances featured on this website. Each poster provides bullet tips and colorful graphics, and may be used to reinforce your messages in addition to the weekly church bulletin. Some faith communities post these in rest rooms as "reading material"!

"A Celebration of Life - the 50 Days Following Easter" - What better way to celebrate the gift of life everlasting than by taking a fresh look at our health? This program is structured to begin the day after Easter, but can be used at any time of the year. Provided are a poster to announce your event, an application form for participants, an overview that may be placed in the weekly church bulletin, weekly tally sheets with inspiring scriptures for each day, and a 3 month calendar to track progress. Also included are ideas for participant recognition, and links to websites for "healthy recipes".

Each CDROM is $15.00. Checks only, please.
Download Order Form in PDF format now. Mail to:

Hospice Care Corporation
3363 University Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26505
Attn: Georgia Meyers

Bulletin Tips for July

Don't focus on the color or darkness of sunglass lenses: Select sunglasses that block UV rays. Don't be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag.

Check for 97 to 100 percent UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 97 percent to 100 percent of UV rays and UV-B rays.

Choose wrap-around styles: Ideally, your sunglasses should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun's rays can't enter from the side.

Wear a hat: In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.

Don't rely on contact lenses: Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, remember your sunglasses.

Don't be fooled by clouds: The sun's rays can pass through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime.

Protect your eyes during peak sun times: Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside. It's especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense.

Don't forget the kids: Everyone is at risk, including children. Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's UV rays are the strongest.

From www.geteyesmart.org - The American Association of Ophthalmology

Bulletin Tips for August

The Road to Pain Relief

It's important to become your own best advocate as you navigate the road to pain relief and reclaim your life. And the earlier you seek treatment, the better. Here are some other helpful things to keep in mind along the way:

1. Don't be afraid to speak up! Only you know the extent of your pain and how it affects your quality of life.
2. Knowledge is power. There are a variety of drug and non-drug therapies (e.g., physical therapy, yoga, meditation) available to effectively control pain; these are typically used in combination. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to relax and cope with pain. Your pain may feel worse if you are stressed, depressed or anxious.
3. Set realistic goals with your healthcare provider for things you most want to do, such as sleeping, working, exercising or enjoying sexual relations. Begin with the easiest goals first.
4. Tell your provider what over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you take, at what dose and how often. Also let him or her know about other personal health habits (e.g., smoking tobacco, alcohol use), which can interfere with some pain treatments and increase pain levels.
5. Keep a pain journal to record the frequency and intensity of your pain. Use descriptive words, such as sharp, crushing, throbbing, shooting or tender. Also, take note of how well your treatment plan is working and what makes your pain worse or better.
6. Write down questions you have before each appointment, and tell your provider(s) if there is something you don't understand.
7. Bring a relative or friend to your appointments for support and to help take notes and remember what was said.
8. Find out about support groups and educational programs in your area or online.
9. Reach out to supportive friends and family members when you need them.
10. Know there will be good days and bad days.

Reprinted from APF's Pain Resource Guide: Getting the Help You Need