Summer 2016Volume 7, Issue 2

In this issue:

1 Greetings from Wendell Oman

1 Grace Notes

2 JP Morgan Chase, Advocate Health Care and job development

2 Easing colonoscopy diet restrictions

3 Hospice Corner

4 A few reminders for a happy summer

4 Summer prayer

4 Be safe in the summer sun

5 Summer lake and pool safety

Office for Mission &Spiritual Care

The Office for Mission & Spiritual Care provides spiritual care for patients, their families and associates 24 hours a day every day of the year. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To contact us, call 708.684.5175. Evenings and weekends, ask for the paging operator and request #7729 for the house chaplain or #2299 for the emergency department chaplain.

Bridges to Our Faith CommunitiesConnections

Also in this issue:News from

AdvocateChildren’s Hospital

Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness.

Mother Teresa

Grace Notes are readings, poems or quotes from a variety of faith traditions and writers. Each reflection tries to touch on the heart of being human in this world. To receive Grace Notes five or

seven days a week, please click here or contact AHC-gracenotes@advocatehealth.com .

Grace Notes

Summer is here!Summer is in full swing, and I hope all of you are enjoying a more relaxed schedule. As always, the staff at Advocate Christ Medical Center continues to offer comprehensive care to our community. I’m reminded that while many of us regard the summer months as “vacation time,” there is always a need for quality medical treatment and education that supports healthy lifestyles.

In this issue, we have some excellent articles on two issues that affect our community as well as preventative health care efforts:

J.P. Morgan Chase is partnering with the Advocate Charitable Foundation to provide healthcare career training to people living in the Chicago area. This training serves two important needs: The first is helping to ensure that healthcare facilities are able to recruit skilled employees to serve their patients. The second is to assist individuals in getting trained for jobs that offer good wages and strong opportunities.

The second article is on possible changes in dietary protocols for colonoscopy patients. Many people put off this potentially life-saving procedure due to the inconvenience and discomfort of pre-colonoscopy fasting. New studies are showing that a less restrictive diet may be an option.

During this time of warmth, sunshine and opportunities to spend time outdoors, my wish is that you and those in your faith community are able to enjoy the blessings and bounty of the season. May it be full of joy, welcome surprises and God’s love.

Rev. Wendell OmanVice President, Office for Mission & Spiritual Care

Connections - Advocate Christ Medical Center Office for Mission and Spiritual Care Summer 2016 - Page 2

JP Morgan Chase, Advocate Health Care and job developmentFaith leaders are well aware of the difficulties that some people have in finding a job. Our economy is changing and so are the fields in which people can more easily find employment. One of those areas is health care. Despite the many technological advances in medicine, there is still a strong need for human beings who can provide the hands-on care that patients need.

While some health care jobs require a bachelor’s or graduate school degree, many do not. In fact, there are many middle-skill jobs open to people who have a GED or high school education and then go on to obtain additional training. Often these jobs provide a way out of poverty and into economic and career stability.

J.P. Morgan Chase recently announced a $3 million grant to the Advocate Charitable Foundation to provide training for new healthcare workers. Advocate will train over 1000 individuals for various healthcare occupations in a program that will initially begin at Advocate Trinity Hospital and will extend to multiple Advocate sites in the Chicago area. This effort will not only help individuals obtain needed job skills but will assist Advocate in filling essential positions.

“’As a continually growing organization, Advocate is increasing our need for patient service representatives, certified medical assistants, phlebotomists, home health aides, schedulers and various technicians, among other middle-skills

workers,” said Kevin Brady, chief human resources officer for Advocate Health Care. “There is a limited talented pool for certain hard-to-fill positions, and it can take months to fill these openings with qualified, experienced candidates.’”

If you are working with individuals within your faith community who are looking to update or improve their job skills, consider suggesting the possibility of a career in health care. There is a strong demand for workers, and given the changing demographics of the country, this demand is likely to increase over the next decade.

For information about jobs at Advocate Health Care go to: jobs.advocatehealth.com

Easing colonoscopy diet restrictionsAs a faith leader, you are aware of the importance of good preventative care for both yourself and your congregation. While it’s tempting to avoid some tests due to concerns about scheduling and discomfort, it’s also important to realize that testing for some conditions is crucial for many people.

Early detection can contribute to a positive outcome for cancer survivors. When a cancer

is detected early, it may be easier to

treat and the treatment options may be

more varied and less invasive. That’s

why many physicians

recommend that their patients undergo regular screenings for colorectal cancer. This testing may include undergoing a colonoscopy. Still, many people may be reluctant to undergo colorectal cancer screenings because of a number of factors. Traditionally, colonoscopy patients were required to undertake a clear liquid diet the day before and the day of their procedure. Many people, however, find such a diet restrictive and unpleasant. As a result, they may put

See DIET next page.

“. . . patients are allowed to eat low-residue foods such as a cheese omelet, vanilla milkshake or flavored

yogurt without fruit or nuts,”

“This initiative has truly changed my life,” said LaSonna Reeves. “It gave me the training and confidence I needed to get back into the workforce and rebuild my life.”

Graduates from the inaugural class of the Healthcare Workforce Collaborative.

Connections - Advocate Christ Medical Center Office for Mission and Spiritual Care Summer 2016 - Page 3

Advocate Christ Medical Center4440 West 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 708.684.8000

Staff ChaplainsRefat Abukhdeir, Moslem MinistriesCarla Banks, United Church of ChristMary Anne Cannon, Roman CatholicIulian Costea, PentecostalDenise Duncan, United Church of ChristFr. Casimir Eke, Roman CatholicRichard James, Southern BaptistSheila Reed, American BaptistDavid Safeblade, United Church of ChristKellie Tracz, PresbyterianBetty Vander Laan, Christian Reformed

Clinical Pastoral Education SupervisorsChristy Howard-Steele, Christian, ACPE Supervisory CandidateLaura Kaufmann, Roman Catholic, ACPE SupervisorAngie Keith, Pentecostal ACPE, Associate Supervisor

Chaplain ResidentsBarbara Lawrence-Bostick, BaptistEdward E. Coleman Sr., Evangelical CovenantKenneth Okechukwu Ekekwe, Roman CatholicMegan A. Keller,  Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Secretarial StaffDenetrice Theard-Sanders, 708.684.4189

Administrative Assistant IIJacquelyn Perkins, Coordinator, Faith Health Partnerships

Administrative StaffCorky DeBoer, Christian Reformed

Manager of Spiritual Services, ACPE SupervisorWendell Oman, Evangelical Free Church of America

Vice-President, Mission & Spiritual Care

To subscribe to Connections, call 708.684.5175 or email Christ-Mission-SpiritualCare@advocatehealth.com with your name and email address. You’ll receive an electronic edition of Connections every three months.

To continue receiving Connections, your email address must be current. Please inform us of any changes of email address or other contact information. Email Christ-Mission-SpiritualCare@advocatehealth.com or call 708.684.5175.

Service of RemembranceRichard & Wilma Molenhouse Chapel

Advocate Christ Medical CenterOak Lawn

Sun., Aug. 14, 4 p.m.

A special memorial service will be held for the hospice and patient families of Advocate Christ Medical Center who have recently lost a loved one. Christ Mission & Spiritual Care and Advocate Hospice join together in leading this service of prayers and readings as a comfort for the families they serve. For more information, contact Penelope Gabriele at 630.829.1753. 

The next service will be Nov 13, 2016.

Hospice Corneroff undergoing a colonoscopy to avoid feeling hungry and being unable to eat with family and friends.

While this may be understandable, it could put these individuals at risk.

Fortunately, there is good news for individuals who should

undergo a colonoscopy. Recent studies have

shown that a less restrictive diet

consisting of certain low-fiber foods prior to the test

has no negative effect on the test efficacy.

“Patient satisfaction and overall well-being is enhanced

when patients are allowed to eat low-residue foods such as a cheese omelet, vanilla milkshake or flavored yogurt without fruit or nuts,” says Kathi Riley, a nurse in interventional radiology at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Ill. “These foods have no ill effect or impact on the colonoscopy procedure.”

If a members of your congregation have been putting off a colonoscopy because of concerns about dietary restrictions, encourage them to speak to a physician.

DIET continued.

Restrictions eased

Connections - Advocate Christ Medical Center Office for Mission and Spiritual Care Summer 2016 - Page 4

Summer seems to be the time of year children like best. School’s out, the weather’s warm, and outside is the place to be.

Because summer is so important to children and families, it’s crucial that parents, caregivers and youth leaders know about summertime health and safety issues. While the professionals at Advocate Children’s Hospital are always available, we prefer to help you help kids stay out of the hospital during this wonderful season.

What sort of things do you need to be aware of? The first is pool and water safety. Swimming is a wonderful activity, but parents and youth leaders need to take precautions to protect the children in their care. The second consideration is heat and sun exposure. Outdoor exercise is healthy and good for social and personal development. But care should be taken to keep children from getting sunburns or developing heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Youth leaders in your communities should be aware of these concerns and be prepared for getting kids into the shade and providing cooling beverages, such as water or fruit juices, during activities that take place outside.

Finally, as faith leaders, we sometimes become aware of individuals and families in our congregations that don’t have air conditioning or other relief from the heat. We can help these community members by referring them to cooling centers in their area. In Chicago, residents can call 311 for location information. Families can access suburban cooling centers sponsored by the Illinois Department of Human Services by calling 800-843-6154.

I hope that you, your family, your loved ones and your communities have a wonderful and joyous summer.

Peace and blessings, Rev. Stacey Jutila, Vice President Mission & Spiritual Care

A few reminders for a happy summer

Be safe in the summer sunGetting out in the fresh air and sunshine is good for mind, body and soul. Still, there are some health risks associated with the summer sun and heat. As faith leaders, it’s important to be aware of these risks as we plan for summer events and offer pastoral care.

Congregational events and activities: Many faith communities sponsor outdoor events during the warmer months. Organizers should be aware of sun and heat safety to help ensure that everyone has a great time. Have a “Plan B” for days on which the temperature gets too high to be outside safely. Have a plan to reschedule the event or move it to an indoor, air-conditioned venue.

Pastoral care: Many people living in the Chicago area do not have air conditioning and may be vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Clergy and pastoral care providers should be aware of heat risks and prepared to provide care and referrals to vulnerable families and individuals.

Everyone needs sun protection

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, adults and children should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when outdoors. In addition, the sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember, It is possible to get See SUN next page.

Dear God,

Give me strength for this day.

Illuminate and strengthen me.

Fill me with joy so that my inward light can be known by all, strengthening those hearts that struggle.

Amen

– Based on Prayer at Sunrise by James Weldon Johnson, 1871 - 1938

Connections - Advocate Christ Medical Center Office for Mission and Spiritual Care Summer 2016 - Page 5

Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn4440 West 95th St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Advocate Children’s Hospital – Park Ridge1675 Dempster St., Park Ridge, IL 60068

1.855.312.KIDSStaff:

Stacey Jutila BCC, Vice President Mission and Spiritual Care Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Carol Stephens BCC, Staff Chaplain and Pediatric Bereavement Coordinator, United Church of Christ

Tracy Nolan, Staff Chaplain, United Church of Christ

Staycie Flint BCC, Staff Chaplain, EpiscopalEliza Stoddard Leatherberry BCC, Staff

Chaplain, United Church of ChristLoretta Ransberg, Staff Chaplain and Pediatric

Bereavement Coordinator, MUM,MCS, Victory Apostolic Church

Administrative:Marybeth Schmalz, Administrative Assistant

Summer lake and pool safetyNo doubt about it, summer in Chicago gets HOT! For many people, this is the time of year to head to the pool or the beach for some relief. It is also the time of year when children are at a greater risk for drowning and water-related injuries. As faith leaders,

we can help reduce this risk by encouraging members of our congregations to be aware of water safety and how to recognize signs of aquatic distress and drowning. This knowledge not only protects the lives of members and their families but is particularly important for leaders and volunteers who supervise children and youth during water-related activities.

Basic safety

Everyone should practice good safety habits around all bodies of water. Home pools and hot tubs should be covered when not in use. No one should swim alone; children should be cautioned not to swim when adults are not present. Everyone should stay away from pool drains. Hair, bathing suits and jewelry can get caught in them and trap the swimmer.

Know what drowning looks like

Recently, there has been an effort to educate the public on what drowning looks like, because media portrayals are actually depictions of aquatic distress. If a person is yelling for help, splashing and waving his arms, he is in trouble and needs help but isn’t drowning yet. People who are drowning can’t hell for help, as their respiratory system is focused on trying to breath. They are often very quiet, not kicking, not reaching for help and not waving their arms.

sunburn in 10 minutes or less.

If your congregation sponsors outdoor activities for kids, ask parents to apply sunscreen to their kids before sending them off for the day and to send sunscreen with their kids so it can be reapplied as needed.

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion

The sun isn’t the only summer health hazard. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are caused by exposure to high temperatures. Heat stroke victims may have a body temperature of over 103F, hot, dry skin and a rapid pulse. Heat stroke requires emergency medical treatment; dial 911. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramping, weakness, cold, clammy skin and nausea. People suffering from either condition may lose consciousness.

SUN continued.

Autism spectrum

[April Is Autism Awareness Month] Autism, also known as “autistic spectrum disorder (ASD),” is a developmental disability that affects a person’s behavior, ability to communicate and social skills. According to the National Institutes of Health, ASD is called a spectrum disorder because there is a wide range of symptoms, skills and levels of impairment among those who have the condition.

Until recently, there were several different conditions, including Asperger syndrome, that were considered to be part of the autism spectrum. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association consolidated these diagnoses into Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 18 months, although many children aren’t diagnosed until they are older. Some people with autism who are very high functioning may never be diagnosed or may be diagnosed as adults.

Autism symptoms

Autism symptoms vary in severity and presentation. Here are some common symptoms of autism spectrum disorders:

•! Has difficulties relating to others.

•! Avoids appropriate eye contact.

•! Engages in repetitive behaviors or motions, such as rocking or hand-flapping.

•! Has difficulties adapting to changes in routines.

•! Reacts in an extreme or unusual way to sensory stimulation, such as tastes, textures and sounds.

Autism treatment

There is no cure for autistic spectrum disorder, but there are ways to improve the quality of life of those who have it. Therapy is available that will help them communicate more effectively, develop relationships with others and manage stress.

Early interventions are important for people with autism. Parents who believe their child may be on the spectrum should speak to their doctors about having their child evaluated. Adults who believe they are on the spectrum should speak to their physician or a mental health professional about their concerns. Dear God, we remember those who struggle with their differences. Give us the grace and love necessary to support them

and their families. Amen.

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Caring for people on the autism spectrum and their families Faith communities can do a lot to support people with autism. Learning about autism, understanding autistic behaviors and providing practical support can make an enormous difference in the lives of people in your congregation who are on the spectrum, as well as their families and caregivers.

Be understanding: Some people call autism an “invisible disability,” because you can’t tell if a person has the condition just by looking at him or her. In children, frustration and sensory stimulation can sometimes cause a child to have what appears to be a tantrum. High-functioning adults with autism may appear to be distracted or even rude in social interactions. When confronted with these situations, show grace and understanding, instead of becoming irritated or offended.

Educate yourself: There are many online resources for those who wish to educate themselves about autism spectrum disorders. Learning about autism is important for everyone, especially clergy and laypeople. Encourage those who work with young people and children in your congregation to develop an understanding of autistic spectrum disorders. These workers can, in turn, educate the children and teens that they work with about the challenges faced by peers on the spectrum.

Make accommodations: When possible, faith communities can accommodate the special needs of people with autism, as well as their families. Accommodations may include dimming the lights in classrooms, asking about communication preferences (some people with autism are more comfortable communicating in writing than on the phone), or providing a quiet room where an autistic person can decompress if feeling stressed.

Offer practical support: Parents of children on the autism spectrum are often very busy juggling their children’s special needs with other responsibilities. Faith community members can help these parents by offering assistance with chores and childcare.

If there are adult members of your congregation who are on the spectrum, they may also appreciate support and assistance with household tasks and, if they don’t drive, transportation. Some people with autism may appreciate your willingness to engage them socially, especially if they are self-conscious about their social skills. High-functioning adults with autism often have special interests and skills that your faith community may be able to put to use. Encourage these individuals to become volunteers.

Resources: Advocate Health Care: advocatehealth.com, Autism Speaks: autismspeaks.org,

The Autism Society: autism-society.org

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[May%Is%Mental%Health%Month]%

Anxiety(is(a(state(of(mind(in(which(we(are(worried,(nervous,(concerned(and(afraid.(While(most(people(experience(anxiety(from(time(to(time,(some(develop(anxiety(disorders.(People(who(live(with(anxiety(disorders(regularly(become(anxious(in(situations(that(typically(do(not(trigger(anxiety(in(most(other(people.(Over(time,(their(symptoms(can(become(debilitating(and(affect(their(ability(to(work,(enjoy(themselves(or(maintain(relationships.(

Types%of%anxiety%disorders%

There(are(several(different(types(of(anxiety(disorders.(Here(are(some(of(them:(

•! Generalized%anxiety%disorder%(GAD):(People(with(this(condition(find(themselves(in(a(state(of(anxiety(that(can(last(for(months.(Symptoms(include(difficulty(sleeping,(irritability,(feeling(“on(edge,”(trouble(concentrating(and(muscle(tension.(

•! Social%anxiety%disorder:(Individuals(with(social(anxiety(have(strong(feelings(of(concern(and(fear(in(social(situations.(When(around(others,(they(may(experience(physical(symptoms(such(as(sweating,(facial(flushing(and(trembling.(They(may(also(have(an(inordinate(fear(of(being(humiliated(or(embarrassed(and(eventually(will(start(avoiding(social(situations.(In(some(cases,(people(with(this(condition(may(have(difficulty(making(friends(and(establishing(a(supportive(peer(group.(

•! Panic%disorder:(Panic(disorder(is(characterized(by(unexpected(anxiety(or(panic(attacks(in(which(sufferers(feel(overwhelming(fear.(During(a(panic(attack,(sufferers(may(develop(heart(palpitations,(shortness(of(breath,(sweating(and(may(even(feel(like(they(are(choking.(%(

Diagnosis%and%treatment%If(a(person(believes(that(they(may(be(suffering(from(an(anxiety(disorder,(he(or(she(should(speak(to(a(doctor.(A(physician(can(perform(a(physical(exam(and(review(any(medications(the(patient(is(taking(to(rule(out(other(conditions.((

The(doctor(may(refer(sufferers(to(a(mental(health(professional(who(can(assist(with(further(diagnosis(and(in(developing(a(treatment(plan.(In(addition,(people(with(anxiety(disorders(may(benefit(from(selfIhelp(practices(such(as(meditation,(yoga(or(regular(exercise.(In(some(cases,(a(physician(may(prescribe(medications(that(can(help(minimize(anxiety(and(its(symptoms.(

PRAYER:(Dear(God,(help(us(to(draw(closer(to(you,(and(to(each(other,(during(times(of(fear(and(worry.(Amen((

(

%

How%faith%communities%can%support%people%with%anxiety%

Like(other(mental(illnesses,(anxiety(disorders(are(“invisible(disabilities.”(It’s(not(always(obvious(that(a(person(is(struggling(with(anxiety.(As(a(result,(sufferers(may(feel(isolated,(ashamed(and(misunderstood,(even(within(faith(communities.(Yet,(there(is(a(lot(that(congregations(can(do(to(support(people(with(anxiety.(

SelfHeducation%

Faith(community(members(can(educate(themselves(about(common(mental(illnesses.(By(understanding(anxiety(and(how(it(manifests,(it(becomes(easier(to(have(empathy(for(those(who(have(this(condition.(Education(can(also(help(us(develop(ways(and(be(in(relationships(with(people(who(struggle(with(anxiety.(

Being%supportive%

People(with(anxiety(may(engage(in(behaviors(that(seem(inappropriate(or(unwarranted.(This(can(be(frustrating(to(others,(and(these(behaviors(can(be(misinterpreted(as(irresponsibility,(immaturity,(attention(seeking(or(hostility.(Family,(friends(and(associates(may(express(frustration(and(anger(to(the(person(with(anxiety,(exacerbating(the(situation.(

When(we(understand(that(people(suffering(from(anxiety(disorders(are(suffering(from(uncontrollable(fear,(it’s(easier(to(be(supportive.(When(we(take(the(time(to(ask(about(the(kind(of(support(they(need,(we(can(help(assist(them(in(managing(and(recovering(from(their(condition.(

Offer%options%for%getting%involved%

Many(faith(communities(are(structured(around(group(activities.(People(who(have(anxiety(may(want(to(become(involved(with(a(faith(community(but(may(also(feel(overwhelmed(by(unfamiliar(people,(loud(noises(and(bustling(activity.(One(option(is(to(offer(people(with(anxiety(ways(of(getting(involved(with(the(community(that(don’t(trigger(panic.(This(might(include(participating(in(a(small(prayer(group(or(performing(volunteer(tasks(that(can(be(accomplished(at(home.(

Some(individuals(with(anxiety(disorders(experience(symptoms(during(religious(services(and(activities.(In(some(cases,(the(anxiety(might(be(eased(if(the(person(attends(with(one(or(more(trusted(friends.(Offer(to(accompany(and(stay(with(the(person(during(services(and(events.((

Resources%

Advocate(Health(Care:(advocatehealth.com(((Anxiety(and(Depression(Association(of(America:(adaa.org((National(Alliance(on(Mental(Illness:(www.nami.org

Practical suggestions for those recently diagnosed with cancer

If you or a family members have recently been diagnosed with a complex cancer, it’s important to consider all of your options. Perhaps you feel uncertain about the diagnosis you received or your doctor’s treatment recommendation. According to Dr. John Brems, general surgeon with Advocate Medical Group in Elgin, Ill., a second opinion may be a valuable next step. “If you received a diagnosis for a complex cancer and have been advised to undergo a major surgery or therapy, then I think a second opinion is very important,” Dr. Brems says. “You want to hear the different treatments available in order to make a wise, informed decision and ultimately choose the best option for you.” Even if you are satisfied with your primary cancer specialist, a second opinion is recommended for complex cancers, agrees Dr. C. Yeshwant, medical oncologist on the medical staff at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Ill. “Consider a physician who specializes in your type of cancer, as he or she may bring different treatment options to light,” Dr. Yeshwant says. “A second opinion will also make you aware of all the available treatment options, which are continually changing with medical advances.” If you would like to explore another doctor’s advice, here are some suggestions:

•! Let your doctor know you’re interested in a second opinion. Don’t worry about causing offense. Most doctors welcome your interest in your health.

•! Ask your current doctor how to get copies of your test results and any X-rays you have had. You’ll want to share these with the other doctor when you’ve made your appointment. Keep a copy of your medical records, including your diagnosis and treatment plan.

•! Bring along family members to ensure everyone understands the diagnosis and treatment options. Also, be sure to take notes and ask questions.

Get a second opinion as soon as possible after receiving an initial complex cancer diagnosis. This should take place within the next week or two after receiving your primary opinion. “With a serious diagnosis, time is of the essence to begin your treatment for the most successful outcome,” Dr. Brems says. Dear God, help me be mindful of those who struggle with cancer. Help me be present to them and their families. Amen.

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How your congregation can help people with cancer

People who are living with cancer, along with their families, often need support from their faith communities. It’s important to communicate with cancer patients and their families so that your congregation understands what kind of help is most needed and desired. If your congregation has a parish nurse or a pastoral care coordinator, he or she can work with the congregation member and his or her family to develop a care plan.

Here are some ideas for your congregation:

•!Offer transportation to treatment appointments. Many people with cancer must undergo repeated chemotherapy and radiation treatments and may need transportation to and from the hospital.

•!Provide child care. If the cancer patient has children, babysitting or driving the kids to school and activities can be a huge help.

•!Help with household chores. Many people who are undergoing cancer treatment struggle with exhaustion. Helping with household chores (or providing the funds to hire a cleaning service) can help keep the cancer patient’s home in good order and frees up time for rest.

•!Be supportive. The emotional impact of living with cancer or caring for someone with the disease can be immense. Spending time with patients and their families, offering prayer and being available for emotional support is incredibly important.

In addition to providing direct support to patients, congregations can also join the fight against cancer:

•!Educate members about cancer. Share information about types of cancer, symptoms, prevention and diagnosis. Representatives of cancer awareness groups are often available to offer in-person presentations at houses of worship.

•!Participate in local fundraising and awareness programs. Many organizations promote events, such as walks, runs and benefit dinners. Your faith community can help support these events through financial contributions as well as volunteer efforts.

Resources: Advocate Health Care: Advocatehealth.com, National Cancer Institute: Cancer.gov, American Cancer Society: Cancer.org

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