Health Education Ministry

Health Ed Collage Jul 19 Resized 07.06.19

Contact:   Deacon Harold Goodman, Chairperson   
Phone:
510-544-8910
Email: healthed@allen-temple.org
Meetings Day / Time: Tuesdays / 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM Meeting
Location: FLC Health Ed. Room 

The goal of the Health Education Ministry Committee is to increase the health, mental and spiritual well-being of the Allen Temple Church Family and East Oakland Community. This will be accomplished by emphasizing positive attitudes towards health, increasing knowledge of preventive health practices and providing biblically based tools that will assist in comprehensive self-care.

The Health Education Ministry accomplishes its mission by providing programs in collaboration with community-based organizations, health care and social services agencies throughout the Bay Area.

The objective of our Ministry is to educate and empower the community with positive health maintenance attitudes.

Click here for information on the 2019 Holistic Health Fair

View the 2019 Health Fair Press Release

Sign up to attend the 2019 Holistic Health Fair

Sign up as a volunteer for the 2019 Holistic Health Fair

The Allen Temple Health Education Ministry is honored to partner with Samuel Merritt University for seminars! Click here to download a brochure


Allen Temple/Kaiser Permanente Healthy Ministries/Healthy Resources Newsletter

Click here to view YouTube video from the 2014 Health Fair (Partnership with Samuel Merritt University) 

Healthy Horizons Health Ministry Partnership Radio Interview with Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr, Deacon Harold Goodman, and Edgar Quiroz MPH of Horizon Clinical Services

 

Deacon Harold Goodman speaks with Sterling James of KBLX 102.9 about our 40th Annual Holistic Health & Job Fair
http://www.kblx.com/blogs/kblx-cares/kblx-cares-interview-sterling-james-allen-temple-40th-health-fair

December 2021 - Holiday Mental Wellbeing

After many of us experienced very different holiday celebrations last year, there is great anticipation of family gatherings and traditions feeling more like ‘normal’ this year. As much as we may look forward to social activities, holiday shopping, and quality time with loved ones, there can also be difficult moments that we dread.  Many of us have also experienced the loss of a beloved family member or friendunhappy memories from holidays past, or just a general sense of malaise of having endured 21 months of a pandemic.So, keeping up with activities, staying positive and safely socializing can be overwhelming.

 

In addition, 40% of adults in the United States struggle to manage their overall wellbeing, making a complicated holiday season even more difficult time for many people. Regardless of whether you are living with a mental health challenge or know someone who is, you can take steps to prepare for the holidays and prioritize your mental health in the coming weeks.

 

Use these tips to get started:

 

  1. Manage your expectations. Remember that this year may still not feel like the holiday season we are used to. Whether you are sharing a meal over Zoom or sending well wishes to family across the country, managing your expectations for yourself and others will help you stay positive. Give yourself and those around you some grace – none of us have been through a time like this before, and we’re all trying to balance staying safe with feeling “normal.”
  1. Pull back when you need to. If, at any point, you feel overwhelmed or anxious, know that it’s perfectly fine to take a step back. Healthy boundaries are necessary for your mental health. Practicing self-care can also help soothe feelings of anxiety or stress. Take a walk, watch a funny movie, or meditate.
  1. Reach out to loved ones. In times like this, living in a digital age can feel like a saving grace. Stay connected with your loved ones via text, social media, video, or phone. Make yourself available for those you cannot see in person and offer your support to loved ones who may be struggling — a simple text or email can make a difference.
  1. Monitor your moods. The “holiday blues” are real, so it is important to stay in tune with how you’re feeling. It can be easy to put others before yourself during the holiday season but remember that how you’re feeling matters too. Practicing mindfulness, journaling, focusing on your prayer life and Bible study, or even rating how you feel every day can help you better understand your emotions. Pay attention to what brings you joy and incorporate it into your daily life. And remember: It’s OK to not be OK, and you’re not alone.
  1. Ask for help. If the holidays become more than you can handle, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Talk to a loved one, trusted peer, your primary care physician, or contact Allen Temple’s Bethsaida Counseling Servicesfor a referral to talk about how you’re feeling. If you notice a family member or loved one having a difficult time, encourage them to seek help too.

 

Even though we are still navigating uncertain times this holiday season, you can still make it special and comfortable by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. Take it one day at a time and develop a selfcare plan to get through the season.

 

Wishing you and yours a wonderfully blessed holiday season!

 

Sources/Resources:

  • National Council for Mental Wellbeing
  • Bethsaida Counseling Services at 510-544-8945
  • Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990
  • 800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line Counselor