St. Mary's Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN

Dear Viewers, Peace to all in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is the Year of the Eucharist. The month of May is for the Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us wait unto the Lord. May is the month of new life. The flowers, leaves and the grass become full of life and color. It is a perfect time to walk and enjoy the time.

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It is also National Arthritis Month. Arthritis is defined as a disease that involves inflammation of one or more joints which can cause pain and disability. (Mosby's Dictionary). Please read the famous vision of Ezekiel in Chapter 37: 1-14 of the dry bones. "You shall know that I am the Lord." Do you think there isn't anything you can do about arthritis? These are some things you can do: know your symptoms and see your Health Care Provider, develop a prayer life, protect your joints by avoiding excess stress, get moving and walk, exercise wisely to lessen the pain, reduce fatigue, peel, eat, and drink orange juice, take a vacation, develop a strong knowledge base of arthritis, gain a sense of humor, protect yourself from the sun-use sun screen and wear sun glasses,, lose weight-eat less and more healthy, discuss all medications including vitamins with your health care provider, eat three meals a day starting with breakfast, don't over work-check into flex hours, keep a journal, stretch your muscles like cats do, stop smoking, and above all listen to your body. (www.arthritis.org). "I will look after my sheep, says the Lord, and I will raise up one shepherd who will pasture them. I, the Lord, will be their God, Alleluia. "(Ezekiel 34: 11,23-24). May 1st is the feast day of St. Joseph the Workman the husband of the Mother of Jesus. Happy Gardening, Safe Spring and Summer.