August is National Family Fun Month

August is National Family Fun Month – it’s a great opportunity to sneak in some last-minute fun before school and congregational programs begin.

We may automatically think of biological parents, children, and other relatives when thinking of family. But many consider members of their congregation and community as family, too.

Faith communities can join in the fun during National Family Fun Month – and beyond. Consider hosting a:

• picnic or ice cream social
• game night
• trivia contest
• scavenger hunt
• nature walk
• chili cook-off or best barbeque contest
• talent show
• arts and crafts party
• pizza party and movie night
• pumpkin painting contest

Having fun with our loved ones, whether they are our biological family or members of our congregation and community, can allow us to build stronger bonds, and create a sense of community. Enjoying carefree time with your family can even improve mental health, and contribute to a long, healthy, and happy life, according to a study.  

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People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, and are more trusting and cooperative. As a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them. In other words, social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical well-being.

Source: Stanford Medicine

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

It's National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance that highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. Advocate Aurora Health encourages you talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional to ensure you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccines.

During National Immunization Awareness Month, your faith community can:

• Encourage members ages 6 months and older to get their flu and COVID-19 shot. See the CDC Flu Vaccine Finder and other information at https://www.cdc.gov/flu.
• Share information about COVID-19 vaccination and more.
• Offer your building as a flu vaccination site. Remember to follow CDC safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Learn more.
• Organize rides to flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics or set up vaccination appointments for seniors, those with disabilities and other members in need of assistance.
• Host an information session on vaccines or publicize the CDC vaccine guide in your faith community newsletter or website.

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A person’s social networks can have a significant positive impact on their overall health. Those with adequate social networks had a 50% greater survival, compared with those who had poor social relationships. Social support has also been found to be particularly important in increasing resilience and promoting recovery from illness.

Source: The King's Fund

Spiritual Affirmations

Spiritual affirmations are positive phrases or statements we repeat to help us shift our mindset, so we feel more grounded and connected to our higher power. You can use your favorite phrase, or choosea verse from the Bible, Bhagavad Gita, Torah, Koran, or other sacred book.

You can practice spiritual affirmations anywhere and at any time throughout the day. Some prefer the morning to start their day on a positive note, or at night to cultivate a sense of calm and peace before going to bed.

Examples of spiritual affirmations:

• The peace of God flows within each breath.
• I open my heart to love, and I am blessed with peace, joy, and harmony.
• The Spirit leads me, guides me, and walks beside me.
• I am wondrously made of infinite love.
• Freely I give and freely I receive, in divine abundance.
• Immersed in divine peace, all is well with my soul.
• In a spirit of peace, I seek to understand and appreciate others.

Incorporating a contemplative practice, like spiritual affirmations, into our day, can have a positive impact not just on our spirituality, but our physical and emotional health, as well.

And when we feel healthier in mind, body, and spirit, we can better encourage, love, and serve our neighbors and communities.

Sources: Unity, Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, The Berkely Well-Being Institute

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Ethics in Practice Webinar: Clinical Ethics from an Islamic Perspective

Aug. 9, noon-12:30 p.m.

Hosted by: 

Rikki Caffrey, Manager, AAH Ethics Program

Guest Speaker:  Dr. Asma Fazal, Clinical Ethicist, Advocate Aurora Health

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the concept of Islamic bioethics.
2. Explain the principle of Islamic bioethics.
3. Explore how Islamic bioethics is similar to Western bioethics.
4. Discuss the position of Islamic bioethics on important ethical issues on patient care.

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The Advocate Aurora Local Services Guide allows you to find free and low-cost options for food, safe housing, child care, transportation and more.

Download and share this mental health toolkit with members of your congregation and community.

Download this flyer to learn how the Advocate Aurora Health LiveWell app and website can help you manage your health and wellness.

Faith and Mental Health Specialist

Advocate Aurora Health is looking for a Faith and Mental Health Specialist to do training, education, capacity building, and consultation with faith leaders and congregations in Illinois and Wisconsin. The position requires an active clinical license (LCSW, LCPC, etc.) and the candidate must be comfortable in working across diverse religious traditions. Candidates of color are highly desirable for this role.

Find more information and apply here.

Community Connector

Advocate Aurora Health is looking for a Community Connector to build relationships with residents and key community stakeholders in the South Chicago neighborhood. Duties include communicating community concerns and issues to Faith Community Nurse, congregational and community-based partners, Advocate Aurora Health Community Health staff, and other relevant stakeholders, and connecting congregation and community members with messages and programs supporting healthy lifestyles, social connectedness, and health equity.

Find more information and apply here.

Advocate Aurora Health

Faith and Health Partnerships

We work side-by-side with faith communities to promote health equity by mobilizing the transforming power of social connectedness and spiritual wisdom.

Our core belief: Drawing on the wisdom of our religious traditions and the best social and public health science, we believe that positive, mutual relationships and the intentional practice of faith are at the heart of what creates equitable health and well-being for individuals, congregations and communities.

Learn more about our work in English and Spanish.

We blend the strengths of Advocate Aurora Health with the strengths of your congregation to improve the health of those in your community.