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Church Members Putting Faith In Health

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By LENORA LAKE, Tribune correspondent

Published: September 22, 2007

UNIVERSITY AREA - Thoreau J. Nellum's church already has a health fair, but he would like to see St. Peter Claver Catholic Church do more to help parishioners avoid illness.

'Health is a big issue. We need the medical people to be involved,' said Nellum, a parishioner who represented his church near Ybor City at a forum this week to explain health ministries to pastors and lay leaders.

Monday's Health and Wellness Pastors Forum and Kickoff Luncheon at the University Area Community Center was designed to form a consortium of faith-based groups and health service organizations to offer health ministries to improve the lives of congregation members and the clergy. It was sponsored by the Hillsborough County Health Department's Steps to a Healthier Florida, which has community-based programs to help reduce obesity, diabetes, asthma and tobacco use.

Nellum said the idea appeals to him because 'I turned 66, and 50 percent of my time I am trying to stay healthy.'

Dianna King, the cultural/health initiative director for the American Heath Association and forum co-chairwoman, said about 500 clergy and lay leaders were invited to the forum. Organizers targeted ZIP codes - mainly those in the inner city, along Interstates 4 and 275 and in the University Area - served by Steps. It drew about 100 leaders from faith-based groups and health organizations.

'Churches are an integral part of the whole health process. The minister has to support any program and share the vision,' King said. 'A healthy congregation is one that can serve.'

King said health ministries can take many forms, such as classes on health-related subjects, health fairs, blood pressure checks and walking clubs. It can include printing information in the church bulletin about warning signs for diseases or having displays about specific health issues at church services or events.

Some churches have health ministries that don't work because organizers don't know that resources are available, King said. Health organizations have free printed materials, videos, guest speakers and training for volunteers.

Demetria Merritt-Bell, president of the women's society at Greater Mount Carmel African Methodist Episcopal Church on 34th Street, said her church has worked with Steps for several years. Her church sponsors exercise classes, offers programs about nutritional needs and has healthy cooking workshops. Speakers give a 'medical minute' message to the congregation during services.

'We want people to still enjoy those soul-food dishes but have them be healthy, too,' Merritt-Bell said.

Mo Chiodini, health initiative director for the Tampa YMCA and co-chairwoman of the forum, said congregations are natural groups to work with on programs

'They are gathered in one place. They know everyone. They are comfortable with each other,' Chiodini said. 'The socialization in itself can lead to better health.'

The keynote speaker was Bethann Witcher Cottrell, a community and international nutrition specialist who is married to a Baptist minister in Atlanta.

A person's health is determined 10 percent by the medical system available, 20 percent by genetics, 20 percent by the environment and 50 percent by lifestyle, she said.

That lifestyle may or may not include participation in a faith-based program, she said.

'Those raised in a faith community have faith, hope, meaning to life and character,' Cottrell said.

However, many faith-based leaders have health problems. Those leaders are pulled in many directions, often seven days a week.

'The word 'no' never seems appropriate,' she said, adding that they must learn they cannot do everything for everyone.

Cottrell praised the formation of a healthy ministries consortium.

'You have the perfect match: the hospital St. Joseph's, which is partner, Steps to a Healthier Florida and the ministers,' Cottrell said.

Several of those in attendance expressed interest in starting faith-based health programs at their churches. The consortium is expected to meet again in several months.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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