Welcome to our newest endeavor - a web page promoting health and wellness issues in Northwest Texas!

In this age of health care issues, with health care under debate and in the news, and with increasing numbers of our society suffering from debilitating health issues, what better goal to strive for... spiritual AND physical health. After all, overall health is a combination of spiritual, mental, and physical health.

This new web-based effort is meant to provide information, suggestions, and support to those who are concerned about their overall health. Each month we will sponsor the Health and Wellness News periodical from The Episcopal Church Medical Trust. Additionally, each month we will focus on one particular topic.

Enjoy your visit to our web page, and please check back to see new additions and changes. All suggestions and comments should be directed to Nancy Igo, Diocesan Ministry Coordinator and Web Minister at the following link:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Thank you for visiting us today!!

In the most recent issue of Health & Wellness News published by the Episcopal Church Medical Trust, an article discussed how easy it can be to start a walking program.

According to the Health & Wellness News, creating a walking group is very easy to do! To quote their article, “You just invite people to get together, figure out a time, and you’re on your way to better health. Leading a healthier life really can be that simple.

A walking program can also be a way to begin a health ministry in your congregation or organization. It’s inexpensive, requires little or no equipment or preparation, and it can be done both indoors and outdoors, all year round. That’s what helps make walking the most commonly recommended exercise by doctors and physical therapists.

Walking can:

• improve cardiovascular health
• reduce blood pressure
• help maintain bone and muscle maintenance

Walking has a low risk of injury, making it a safe exercise regardless of your current condition. If you have any health concerns or medical conditions, be sure to check with your doctor for advice before you begin a routine.

Whether you walk as a group, with a partner, or alone, you’ll be nourishing your body, mind, and soul. The advantage of walking with another person is that it can keep you motivated on days when you feel like staying on the couch.

You’ll also find that you’re deepening your relationship with that person, or people. For a group walk, try providing a daily or weekly reflection to discuss. Not only will you be strengthening bodies, you’ll be raising spirits as well! So take that first step.”

We have actually done something similar in Northwest Texas through the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, held each fall in Lubbock. Last year we had approximately 20 people participate with our team, SAINTS FOR THE CURE, representing the Diocese of Northwest Texas. Additionally, we raised more than $1,700.00 in the fight against breast cancer. Plans are currently underway for our second annual team, and we encourage everyone living close to Lubbock to walk with us AND support the fight against breast cancer! To join our Diocesan team, please see the Race for the Cure notice on this webpage. If you live closer to Amarillo, be sure to check with the Amarillo Komen Affiliate website for Race for the Cure dates.

Various races may also be found through the following organizations/ foundations:

Walk Now for Autism Speaks

The goal of this organization is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. They are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism, raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. Walk Now for Autism Speaks

AIDS Walk

Join leading organizations and support AIDS Walk beneficiaries as they confront the many challenges of HIV/AIDS, one of the most devastating and misunderstood health crises of our time. AIDS Walk

Walk MS

The goal is to help raise critical funds that support cutting edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education and provide programs and services to help people with Multiple Sclerosis move their lives forward. Walk MS

March of Dimes

Enter a March for Babies walk and give hope to the over a half-million babies born too soon each year. The money raised supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that have threatened too many babies. They’ve been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $1.8 billion. March of Dimes

Team In Training

If you feel you can be ready to walk a half-marathon, join Team In Training, which raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.

Team in Training

Please consider starting your own walking program, no matter how small or how large. It is fun, easy, and a healthy way to get into an exercise regime!

September is National Cholesterol Education Month AND Fruit and Veggies- More Matters Month. In the spirit of awareness Carol Nebb, owner of Well Body Natural Foods in Lubbock has provided us with an outstanding recipe for Herbed Barley Salad, which contains beta glucans and is naturally low in cholesterol, is very healthy, AND delicious! Check the Recipe Corner for this month's delicious recipe.

For more information on cholesterol or on fruit/ veggie facts, please see the following websites or contact the following organizations:

National Cholesterol Education Month

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center

P.O. Box 30105

Bethesda, MD 20824-0105

(301) 592-8573

http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/cholmonth

Live Well, Work Well flyers:

Cholesterol and Your Heart Health

Have High Cholesterol? Lower it Naturally

Keep Your Cholesterol in Check

What Are Your Numbers?

Prevention Newsletter

Know Your Numbers

Fruit and Veggies – More Matters Month

Fruit and Vegetable Program Office

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Produce for Better Health Foundation

4770 Buford Highway NE, MS K-03

Atlanta, GA 30341

(770) 488-5435

www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov

Live Well, Work Well flyers:

Eat Well, Live Well

Food Density and Your Diet

Food Facts... and Fiction

Fruits and Vegetables series

HERBED BARLEY SALAD

Main ingredients:

3 C water

3 cloves garlic

1 C pearl barley

In a saucepan, combine these 3 ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for approx 40 minutes until barley is tender. Drain any remaining water.

Dressing:

2 t. Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, chopped

¼ C. red wine vinegar

½ C. olive oil

Salt and pepper

In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, garlic and vinegar. Slowly whisk in the oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.Combine ½ the dressing with the warm barley. Cool.

Veggies: 

6 green onions, chopped

½ cup radishes, chopped

½ red pepper, chopped

½ green pepper, chopped

¼ C. parsley, fresh/chopped

¼ C. basil, fresh/chopped

2 T. chopped chives

Add veggies and herbs to the barley when it is cooled. May vary or add other veggies to taste, such as 2 T. grated carrots.

Toss with the remaining dressing. Refrigerate. Best if made several hours before serving to let the flavors blend.

Sign-up NOW to participate with our Diocesan team, SAINTS FOR THE CURE, in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure held annually in Lubbock, TX.  This Year's races will be held:

October 2, 2010

For more information contact Nancy Igo, Ministry Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or log onto the Komen Lubbock Race for the Cure webpage and look for the team name to register for the Race.