EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 

HEALTH MINISTRY IN THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (VOL 4-2025)

Picture of Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Episcopal Coordinator for Health Ministries

PART I.
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR APRIL

A. IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) AWARENESS MONTH

Source: International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.

About IBS Homepage

FACTS:

“IBS is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition that causes recurrent attacks of abdominal pain or discomfort in association with bowel habits. Some persons with IBS report psychological symptoms as depressed mood or anxiety. The cause of IBS is not completely understood. Stress does not cause it, but can worsen or trigger symptoms. It affects 25-45 million persons in the U.S. About 2 in 3 are females and 1 in 3are males. It is a major women’s health issue. It can affect children. Childre of mothers with IBS are slightly more likely to be diagnosed with IBS. 14% of adolescents show symptoms and are managed with a combination of diet and medication. The symptoms may last for a few days, a month in some patients; while others may have daily symptoms for weeks or months. The symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, gassiness, diarrhea and constipation. For some it can be a chronic and debilitating condition. Report these symptoms to your health care provider. However, if you decide to delay become concerned or alarmed if you develop blood in your bowel movements, unintentional weight loss, diarrhea that wakes you up from sleep at night because it may be something other than IBS. Treatment for IBS begins with diet changes and the medications for the reported symptoms, The plan may include life style changes and behavioral therapy to manage stress and psychological symptoms. Healthy habits include adequate sleep, regular exercise and regular eating habits.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

Source: National Sexual Violence Resource Center. httsp://www.nsvrc.org

FACTS:

: “Anyone can be a victim of sexual violence and people who commit sexual abuse, harassment and assault exist in all communities. This is any type of unwanted sexual contact including sexual assault and rape.  It may be words and actions, as well as nonconsensual sharing of private images which is called revenge porn. Sexual violence occurs across the lifespan from children to teens, adults and seniors. Nearly 1 in 4 women in U.S. have experienced rape or attempted rape. 42% of men reported sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. More than 1 in 4 non-Hispanic Black women (29%) were raped in their lifetime, 1 in 3 Hispanic women (34.8%) reported an unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime. More than 4in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women (84.3%) have experienced violence in their lifetime. 32.95 of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence. People often know the person who sexually abused them. It may be family members, friends’ romantic partners or other trusted individuals.  All should know that the victims are never to blame. It doesn’t matter what someone is wearing, how they were acting, if they were drinking or what type relationship they had. Everyone deserves autonomy, dignity, respect, safety, and to have their boundaries listened to. 

Most assaults are not reported. Some reasons given:

1. Will not be believed

2. Fear of retaliation

3. Shame (will be blamed for the incident, pressure from others, desire to protect that person).

Healing and Justice look different for every survivor. Healing is an ongoing process and may require psychological therapy. Learn to support the survivors-Your words actions can help survivors feel seen, supported and help to shift the attitudes and beliefs of others in the community.  

                      NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE, available 24 hours, Call 1-800-656 4673,

                        Chat online at online.rainn.org. Crisis text line: Text “LIGHT’ to 741741.

                        Information and Resources: 1-866-FOR-LIGHT.”

PART II.
HEALING AIDS FROM THE BALM IN GILEAD

Source:

www.balmingilead.org

Click on Education and Inspiration and find to topics-Sunday Morning Health Corner and Resources

Facts:

A. Sunday Morning Health Corner-“Featured Health Literacy-Fuel Your Body, Nourish Your Health,” “Understanding Colorectal Health,” “Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy.
B. Resources- “Cancer Resources,” “Obesity & Nutrition.”

PART III.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

www.cdc.gov/

“COVID-19 County Check.

FACTS:

“Cancer Risk Factors-Some are alcohol, family health history, human papillomavirus (HPV), obesity, and tobacco. You can lower your risk by drinking less or not drinking at all. All drinks contain alcohol including red and white wine, beer and liquor. The risk increases for cancers of the mouth, throat, vocal box, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver and breast in women (in women). Drinking three or more drinks per day increases the risk of cancer in the stomach, pancreas and prostate. To drink in moderation means 2 or fewer in a day for men and 1 or fewer in a day for women. Each year about 20,000 adults in the U.S. die from alcohol associated cancers. Breast cancer is the most common alcohol associated cancer in women. Colorectal cancer is the most common in men. More than 86% of new alcohol associated cancers occur in people 50 or older. Offers a resource-“Drink Less, Be Your Best.”
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