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Wellness Wisdom from the FPC Health Ministry Team
4.1.2020
Hopefully you are all staying well and settling into new routines during this health crisis. At this time more than ever we need to choose carefully what we decide to “fill up our tanks’ with. Are you filling up with excessive Covid-19 news or filling up on faith, family and friendship? We hope these wellness wisdoms, along with the pastoral care letters and weekly worships will be your guide to “filling up your spiritual tank”.
As more cases of Covid-19 appear in our community, reliable knowledge and following current guidelines remains key to getting through this safely and swiftly. Symptoms of Covid-19 can range from mild to severe and it is important to know what to look for and how to proceed if you experience symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever (100.4 F /38 C or higher), cough and shortness of breath.
If you are experiencing these symptoms call your primary care physician before going to an emergency room or an urgent care. Your primary doctor is trained to assess your symptoms and recommend what to do and where to go (if necessary) for your best care options. They do not recommend to go to your local emergency room unless you are having urgent warning signs. These include; trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, mental status changes (new confusion or inability to arouse) and bluish lips. In this case you should immediately call 911.
If you do not have a primary care physician, you can call your local health department or go onto the CDC website. The CDC has a symptom checker you can use to plug in your symptoms and receive guidance.
Remember, the best prevention is to avoid exposure at all! We have a “Pony Express” team of volunteers that are ready to help you if you are in urgent need of supplies or medications.
Knowing how to correctly take your temperature is important. You need to wait 30 minutes after eating, drinking or exercising before taking your temp. You also need to wait at least 6 hours after taking any temperature lowering medication such as; Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen, Aspirin.
Follow this link to more information on correct temperature taking with various types of thermometers https://newsnetwork.
As we seek to further “quiet the clamor” of our minds at this time, let’s remember we are part of an amazing faith community who has supported each other through tough times. If you need someone to talk to please reach out to your bible study friends, church friends, Kerry and Carter or Dawn. Retired pastors Rev. Linda Hale (610-326-4508) and Rev. Barry Moyer (484-524-3245) are also available for you.
In these extreme circumstances, we may find ourselves needing more resources to help us sort through our concerns. There are many options to find a trained professional to speak with. Most counselors are offering phone or video sessions with free options available. Here are some suggestions;
NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness) (www.nami.org)-offers various forms of help in times of crisis, virtual support groups as well as a virtual wellness chat every Monday and Wednesday at 2pm via zoom. Check out their website. The information to join the zoom wellness chat is
Or Dial In: +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 869 323 845
Password: 314738
Nami Helpline 800-950-6264 or in a crisis text NAMI to 741741
Montgomery County
- Mobile Crisis is available to help. Call (855) 634-HOPE (4673). The line is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
- Peer Support Talk Line 855-715-8255 or text 267-225-7785
- Teen Talk Line 866-825-5856 or test 215-703-8411
Berks County
- Service Access and Management, Inc. provides Crisis Intervention for Berks County. Anyone in Berks County, residents or visitors, can call the contact information listed and talk to someone who can help.
- Toll Free (877) 236-4600 or Text ruOK to 484-816-ruOK (7865)
Chester County
- Valley Creek Crisis Center 610-280-3270 or 610-918-2100; Toll free 1-877-918-2100
- Consumer-run Warm Line 866-846-2722 This is for people looking for peer support or information about mental health services. This line is staffed by trained, paid mental health peer specialists. The service is toll-free and operates M-F 2-8pm, Sat and Sun 12-6pm.
Remember, there is no health without mental health.
This is a time for us to rely on each other and our faith. It is a time to be more mindful of our body and mind so that we can come through this stronger than ever.
Let’s be…
- Faithful rather than fearful
- Peaceful rather than panicked
- Purposeful rather than paralyzed
Please email Dawn ([email protected]) if you are looking for more resources or watch for next week’s Wellness Wisdom.
May healthy blessings continue to surround all of you,
Dawn and your health ministry team
