Health Ministry

The Health Ministry at Guardian Angels is committed to enhancing our community’s quality of life by helping to improve the health awareness of our congregation. We emphasize wellness and preventive medicine in a safe, spiritual environment while empowering the people of our congregation to take control of their own health care. We plan various educational events throughout the year for the congregation, school, and community to attend.

We work in collaboration with Henry Ford Health System’s Faith Community Nursing Network and our lead Faith Community Nurse, Shawn Bennis, MSN, RN, FCN.

If you have questions or are interested in being part of this ministry, please contact the parish office by calling (248) 588-1222 or email Shawn directly at shawnbennis2010@gmail.com.  No healthcare experience is necessary; just an open heart to helping others!

Upcoming Events

Local Support Groups

In-Person Caregiver Support Group (Carl Fraser, social worker)

When: 3rd Monday of the month
Time: 5:30pm EST
Where: Henry Ford Medical Center-Sterling Heights
Address: 3500 15 Mile Rd. in the 2 nd floor conference room-elevator is available

Online Caregiver Support Group (Shawn Bennis, MSN, RN, CHC)

When: (Mostly) every Tuesday
Time: 11:00am EST
Where: Online, using WebEx

  • WebEx information to join:
  • https://hfhs.webex.com/hfhs/j.php?MTID=md64304c763af88d40f72fe81ab25dcc0
  • Meeting number (access code): 1851 21 2166
  • Meeting password: Care
  • Call-in number: 1-415-655-0003
Non- Emergency Caregiver Concerns
  • The Henry Ford Health C.A.R.E. Program phone line is: 313-874-4838. This phone line is managed Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST.
  • You can also call the AARP caregiver support line. Agents are available to take calls Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST at (877) 333 – 5885. The support line is also available in Spanish, at (888) 971-2013.
  • Text “TOUGH” to “741741” for free, 24/7 crisis counseling from the Rosalyn Carter Institute for
    Family Caregivers.
  • Telephone support is available 24/7 for caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. Call (800) 272-3900 to reach the Alzheimer’s Association.
  • The VA National Caregiver Support Line, at (855) 260-3274, is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST
  • We invite you to join our Caregiver Facebook Support Group

Caregiver Resources

Find local resources, support groups, classes, and events by visiting Henry Ford’s C.A.R.E. Program website:

Free online directory of organizations that loan home medical equipment for free or at low cost:

Additional Resources

Addiction/ Rehab

Locate the Best Inpatient Drug Rehab Center- https://www.rehabcenter.net/inpatient-rehab-centers/

Addiction Group: Addiction Resources for American Communities- https://www.addictiongroup.org/addiction/

Alcohol Addiction: Effects, Mental Health, and Relapse Prevention- https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/addiction/

Consumer Safety Guide- https://www.consumersafetyguide.com/

Inpatient Alcohol Rehab- http://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/treatment/inpatient-rehab/

Psychological Effects of Alcohol Abuse- https://addictionresource.com/alcohol/effects/psychological/

PTSD and Addiction- https://www.drugrehab.com/co-occurring-disorder/ptsd/

Sleeping Pills and Alcohol- https://bestmattress.reviews/sleeping-pills-and-alcohol/

The Recovery Village – Substance Abuse Resources for Veterans- https://www.floridarehab.com/resources/veterans/

What is Relapse?- https://www.drugrehab.com/recovery/relapse/

Staying on Track During the Holidays

 

 

For anyone in need of AA, NA, CoDA, and/or other recovery support

If you find that you cannot attend an in-person meeting, there are options for virtual meetings and support.

In The Rooms is a tremendous internet resource for virtual meetings, including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Codependents Anonymous (CoDA), and Marijuana Anonymous.

Other groups also have virtual meetings. Here is a list we have compiled. Please consider sharing this with anyone you think may benefit from it.

In The Rooms
https://www.intherooms.com/home/

Cocaine Anonymous
https://www.ca-online.org

Al-Anon
https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings/

There are also numerous recovery groups on Facebook that folks can seek out.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

Website: http://www.alz.org/

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Center

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Center brings our caregiving information and tools together into one easy-to-navigate site featuring information on safety topics such as wanderinghome safety, and driving.

Alzheimer’s Care Workshops

(2 Hours) with FREE respite care

Phone: 1-800-852-7795

Website: https://aaa1b.org/caregiver-resources/classes-for-family-caregivers/

Care.com

Are you looking for child care, tutors, adult or senior care, pet care or pet sitters, house care services or resources?  Visit this free website to search for these services in your area.

Website: www.care.com

Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan

Multiple Adult Day Health Centers offering several social activities and stimulating projects for adults with cognitive health challenges such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, and other conditions or injuries that require constant supervision.

Website: http://ccsem.org/services-for-seniors/

Coping with the Cost of Care Tax Deductions and More

Often-Overlooked Tax Deductions and Tips for Seniors and their Families

Website: https://blog.taxact.com/tax-deductions-and-tips-for-seniors-and-their-families/

Long Distance Careviging

How to Ensure Your Loved Ones are Safe at Home

Website: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/long-distance-caregiving/

Autism & Special Needs

MetroParent for Southeast Michigan

Website: http://www.metroparent.com/daily/parenting/autism-resources/top-autism-centers-southeast-michigan/

Autism Support Network Resources

Website: http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/resources

Autism Resource Center

Website: https://www.aacap.org/aacap/families_and_youth/resource_centers/autism_resource_center/home.aspx

Accommodations for Students with Autism

Website: https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/students-with-autism

Best Home Modifications for Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder

Website: https://www.rentdeals.com/blog/best-home-modifications-for-autism-and-sensory-processing-disorder/

Creating an Autism Friendly Home

Website: https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/sensory-friendly-home-modifications-autism-sensory-processing-disorder

Guide to Better Sleep for Kids with Autism

Website: https://www.sleepjunkie.org/autism-and-sleep

Home Modifications for Parents of Special Needs Kids

Website: http://www.homecity.com/creating-a-home-where-your-child-can-thrive-with-a-disability

How to Create a Backyard Sanctuary for Kids with Disabilities

Website: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/disability-friendly-backyard-for-kids/

Autism and Travel

Website: https://www.thezebra.com/traveling-autism/

Planning Trips for Children with Autism

Website: https://online.simmons.edu/blog/preparing-trips-children-with-autism/

Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping

Website: https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/sensory-overload-while-shopping.html

30 Ways to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month

Website: https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/30-ways-to-celebrate-autism-awareness-month/

Resources for Military Families

Website: http://www.patss.com/resources/

Care.com

Are you looking for child care, tutors, adult or senior care, pet care or pet sitters, house care services or resources?  Visit this free website to search for these services in your area.

Website: www.care.com

Easter Seals

Website: http://www.easterseals.com/

Phone: 248-475-6300 or toll free 1-866-992-4453

Michigan Mental Health Networker

Website: http://www.mhweb.org/index.html

Depression

Depression – What you need to know

Common Ground
Common Ground provides a lifeline for individuals and families who are in crisis, victims of crime, persons with mental illness, people trying to cope with critical situations and runaway and homeless youths. You will find crisis response resources, support groups, shelters, classes, and much more on their website or by calling the number below.
Phone: 1-800-231-1127 (speak with someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Website: Common Ground

Community Mental Health
The Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration website is located within the Michigan department of Community Health and administers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, serious emotional disturbance and substance disorders.
Website: Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration

Find a Michigan Mental Health worker close to you:
WebsiteMichigan Mental Health Networker

Need help now?

Call the 24-hour, toll-free, confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Diabetes

What is Diabetes Mellitus Type 1?

What is Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?

 

Heart Health

What is High Blood Pressure? (hypertension)

High blood pressure is a common disease which blood flows through blood vessels (arteries) at higher than normal pressures.

You may find some of this information helpful in managing your blood pressure.

Lung Health

Asthma (AZ-ma) is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways.  Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.  The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning.

Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood.  In the United States, more than 25 million people are known to have asthma.  About 7 million of these people are children.

What is COPD?

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe.  “Progressive” means the disease gets worse over time.

COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus (a slimy substance), wheezing, shortness or breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD.  Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke.  Long-term exposure to other lung irritants–such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust–also may contribute to COPD.

You may find some of this information helpful in managing your lung disease.

Medication Safety
Mental Health Resources

Depression – What you need to know

Need help now?

Call the 24-hour, toll-free, confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Common Ground

Common Ground provides a lifeline for individuals and families who are in crisis, victims of crime, persons with mental illness, people trying to cope with critical situations and runaway and homeless youths.  You will find crisis response resources, support groups, shelters, classes, and much more on their website or by calling the number below.

Phone: 1-800-231-1127 (speak with someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Website: www.commongroundhelps.org

Community Mental Health

The Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities Administration website is located within the Michigan Department of Community Health and administers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, serious emotional disturbance and substance disorders.

Website: http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_2941—,00.html

Locate a Mental Health Worker

Find a Michigan Mental Health worker close to you.

Website: http://www.mhweb.org/index.html

Nutrition

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states 98 million Americans have obesity.  Between 1980 and 2010, the percentage of people with obesity doubled among adults and tripled among children.  Since 2010, rates have been steady, even declined among young children, but too many people still have obesity.  Obesity reduces quality of life and increases individuals’ risk for other diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.  Obesity severely impacts the U.S. economy, approximately $147 billion in annual health care costs.

The Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) supports healthy eating, active living, and obesity prevention by creating healthy child care centers, hospitals, schools, and worksites; building capacity of state health departments and national organizations; and, concluding research, surveillance and evaluation studies.

Parent Resources

Common Ground
Common Ground provides a lifeline for individuals and families who are in crisis, victims of crime, persons with mental illness, people trying to cope with critical situations and runaway and homeless youths. You will find crisis response resources, support groups, shelters, classes, and much more on their website or by calling the number below.
Phone: 800-231-1127 (speak with someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Website: Common Ground

Tenants Rights and Housing Assistance for the Disabled
Website:
 https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/renters-rights-and-housing-assistance-for-people-with-disabilities

Persons with Disabilities
Veterans/ Military

US Department of Veteran Affairs Crisis Hotline

Transition to Civilian Life

11 Best Veterans Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers

ASVAB Resources

Best Jobs for Returning Service Members

Surviving Spouses Resources

Financial Resources and Discounts for Military Families

Free Grants for Veterans

Support for Veterans and Their Struggles

Guide to finding a PTSD Therapist

PTSD and Addiction

Denver Recovery Center

The Recovery Village

What is Relapse?

Mesothelioma Veterans Center

MesotheliomaVets

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Guide

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

Financial Assistance for Homeless Vets

Make the Connection.net
Launched in 2011, MakeTheConnection.net connects Veterans, their family members and friends, and other advocates with mental health informationlocal resources, and inspiring stories of recovery. Visitors can find reliable information on how to cope with challenges such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and transitioning from service. The site is free and accessible to everyone.