Church Health Center

Since 1987, the Church Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee has provided quality, affordable healthcare for working uninsured people and their families. By uniting congregations with the Memphis community at large, the Center has grown into the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the country, caring for more than 55,000 patients of record without relying on government funding.

The Clinic operates much like any doctor's office, providing examinations, x-rays and laboratory tests. They have an on-site staff of board-certified physicians and nurses as well as a network of more than 600 volunteer medical professionals. They can also refer clients to specialists who volunteer with the Center by seeing patients in their own offices. The Church Health Center Clinic does not offer obstetric care or family planning.

Healthy Bodies, the core weight management program of the Hope and Healing Center, a ministry of the Church Health Center, will be offered at the Owings Life Enrichment Center part of the Germantown United Methodist Church beginning in November.  Call 901-753-3100 for additional information.

Published October 8 by - Susan

Holiday Countdown

With the onset of Halloween, the countdown to the Holidays begins.  For the last several months, most of the American population has been focused on the economy and Healthcare.  Which ever the direction, food will be a part of the agenda.  This agenda continues into the Holiday Season.  One interesting piece of information - the economy may be in a downturn and businesses closing but one business reports record sales.  Liquor stores, wine boutiques, and the corner package store are reporting an upswing in their economy. 

Thanksgiving is around the corner which is the only holiday on the calendar completely devoted to food.  We celebrate with massive amounts of food to honor a dinner in our history.  We should actually celebrate the fact that we are blessed to live in a country that honors all faiths, races, and people in our country. 

LifeStyle has designed a plan to help you survive the holidays from lower calorie options to activities incompatible with eating.  Call 901-277-5520 today for your free emailed copy of Countdown to the Holidays.    

Published October 8 by - Susan

Clinic Hours

With the closing of the LifeStyle Weight Loss office, the hours have changed.  Currently, the hours are by appointment only.  All of the OPTIFAST® products are still available as well as individual counseling.  Monitoring your weight loss program is easier than ever.  Contact 901-277-5520 for additional information and to make an appointment.  During the month of October, receive $20.00* off your first order of product.  *good one time only; offer expires 10/31/2009

Published October 8 by - Susan

Healthy Bodies

Healthy Bodies, offered through the Hope and Healing Center, a Ministry of the Church Health Center, is the core program for those who want to lose weight or simply learn to take better care of their bodies. This outstanding program is now offered at the Germantown United Methodist Church which is the only facility to have the Healthy Bodies program outside of the Hope and Healing Center. Participants are offered health-education classes, nutrition information, exercise plans, and group meetings for long-term support and fellowship.

The next Healthy Bodies classes in Germantown begin the week of November 2^nd with classes offered on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m.  These hour-long classes will help you develop and implement realistic lifestyle changes to achieve whole-person health.

The cost of the 6 week program is $120.00 which includes a cooking class, individual counseling session with a licensed counselor and opportunities to try out for free several different exercise classes offered at the Owings Life Enrichment Center, part of the Germantown United Methodist Church.  Scholarships are available.  To find out more about the Healthy Bodies classes, call the Owings Life Enrichment Center at 901-753-3100.  These classes fill up quickly so call now to register and be ready for the Holidays!

Published October 8 by - Susan

Couch to 5K

This year I decided to begin running (jogging).  I have always tried to be active but have never been a runner.  I was the facilitator for a summer weight loss program and each week, we had testimonials given by a variety of people who have been involved in exercise or weight loss.  One particular speaker impressed me tremendously with her 80 pound weight loss as well as her new approach to life with healthful eating and exercising.  She told our class about a program that helped her become more active plus encouraged her to start a running program. 

This program is the Couch to 5K from the Cool Running website.  The twelve week program will help you start out slowly and guide you until you are able to run or jog a 5K.  I found the website very helpful but actually used Robert Ullrey's podcasts.  As you will learn he is a '43 year guy from northern California who started running again on his birthday.'  He basically was my mentor this summer as I began the program.  I am little behind in my program due to reconstructive repair surgery for breast cancer which was unexpectedly more complicated than I was prepared.  However, I am now jogging for 25 minutes total which for me is about 2 miles.  That is a little behind the pace but hey I am out there! 

My major investment in this program was a pink (of course) Ipod Shuffle.  So check out this website - you will be jogging in no time. 

Published October 8 by - Susan

Think Pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  And everywhere you look you will see shades of pink from the sacks at the grocery store to the game wear at the football games. 

According to the American Cancer Society, there are now about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States.  I am one of those survivors and currently am 6 years post diagnosis. 

I have tried to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure each year.  Last year I walked with my two granddaughters, daughter-in-laws, niece and sisters in the Fun Walk.  I am trying something a little different this year.  This will be my first actual 5K and I have been training all summer.  With everyone's help, breast cancer can be eradicated during my lifetime.  Come out to the Race for the Cure on October 31^st at the Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown, Tennessee and support the fight against breast cancer.  I am running (actually jogging) in memory of two of my close friends who lost their battle with breast cancer - Rita Headley and Kathy Dale.  I hope to see you there!  I will be the one in the Pink!

Published October 8 by - Susan