Prayer & Clorox Wipes for Coronavirus

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By R.L. Witter M y mother (Miss America) used to say, “If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.” We never scurryfunged (to rush about about cleaning when company is coming) before answering the door to greet an unexpected guest, because our house was kept clean. We rarely were sent to the store for a last-minute item to complete dinner, because Miss America planned our meals and kept both the pantry and refrigerator well-stocked. Being my mother’s daughter, I aim to conduct my household the same way. So you can imagine my surprise when on our weekly trip to Costco, there were no paper products or disinfectants to be found—NONE. That entire area of the store was empty.

While other shoppers looked panicked, That Wonderful Husband and I just sort of shrugged our shoulders and moved on to find that huge box of Raisin Bran that lasts us two months and some of the vacuum seal bags we use to keep our bulk purchases fresh and freezer burn-free.

Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a fullblown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, never will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). Because of my admittedly ridiculous aversion to germs, we have a supply of Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer on hand at all times, in addition to bulk packages of toilet paper, napkins, and facial tissues. We were hoping to top-off our supply as we usually do, but not being able to do so did not constitute an emergency for us.

Something my Gram frequently said that often carries me through difficult situations is: “You can worry in earnest or you can pray in earnest, but you can’t do both.” As someone who struggles with anxiety, this has become a mantra for me. With the germophobia and the constant news coverage of the Coronavirus, you might be able to imagine the anxiety and fear I am currently fighting. Did I mention my husband has “underlying health issues” and a chronic illness? Yeah.

But here’s the thing. Worry doesn’t change anything; it only steals joy and sanity. So as I prepare for the (blissful) possibility of being quarantined in our house, I plan to do some Bible reading. And one of the first scriptures I know will comfort me is Philippians 4:5-7, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In these stressful times, the ONLY hand I’ll be holding is the hand of the Lord (and maybe That Wonderful Husband). Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a full-blown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, nev er will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). By R.L. Witter M y mother (Miss America) used to say, “If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.” We never scurryfunged (to rush about about cleaning when company is coming) before answering the door to greet an unexpected guest, because our house was kept clean. We rarely were sent to the store for a last-minute item to complete dinner, because Miss America planned our meals and kept both the pantry and refrigerator well-stocked. Being my mother’s daughter, I aim to conduct my household the same way. So you can imagine my surprise when on our weekly trip to Costco, there were no paper products or disinfectants to be found—NONE. That entire area of the store was empty.

While other shoppers looked panicked, That Wonderful Husband and I just sort of shrugged our shoulders and moved on to find that huge box of Raisin Bran that lasts us two months and some of the vacuum seal bags we use to keep our bulk purchases fresh and freezer burn-free.

Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a fullblown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, never will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). Because of my admittedly ridiculous aversion to germs, we have a supply of Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer on hand at all times, in addition to bulk packages of toilet paper, napkins, and facial tissues. We were hoping to top-off our supply as we usually do, but not being able to do so did not constitute an emergency for us.

Something my Gram frequently said that often carries me through difficult situations is: “You can worry in earnest or you can pray in earnest, but you can’t do both.” As someone who struggles with anxiety, this has become a mantra for me. With the germophobia and the constant news coverage of the Coronavirus, you might be able to imagine the anxiety and fear I am currently fighting. Did I mention my husband has “underlying health issues” and a chronic illness? Yeah.

But here’s the thing. Worry doesn’t change anything; it only steals joy and sanity. So as I prepare for the (blissful) possibility of being quarantined in our house, I plan to do some Bible reading. And one of the first scriptures I know will comfort me is Philippians 4:5-7, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In these stressful times, the ONLY hand I’ll be holding is the hand of the Lord (and maybe That Wonderful Husband). Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a full-blown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, nev er will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). By R.L. Witter M y mother (Miss America) used to say, “If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.” We never scurryfunged (to rush about about cleaning when company is coming) before answering the door to greet an unexpected guest, because our house was kept clean. We rarely were sent to the store for a last-minute item to complete dinner, because Miss America planned our meals and kept both the pantry and refrigerator well-stocked. Being my mother’s daughter, I aim to conduct my household the same way. So you can imagine my surprise when on our weekly trip to Costco, there were no paper products or disinfectants to be found—NONE. That entire area of the store was empty.

While other shoppers looked panicked, That Wonderful Husband and I just sort of shrugged our shoulders and moved on to find that huge box of Raisin Bran that lasts us two months and some of the vacuum seal bags we use to keep our bulk purchases fresh and freezer burn-free.

Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a fullblown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, never will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). Because of my admittedly ridiculous aversion to germs, we have a supply of Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer on hand at all times, in addition to bulk packages of toilet paper, napkins, and facial tissues. We were hoping to top-off our supply as we usually do, but not being able to do so did not constitute an emergency for us.

Something my Gram frequently said that often carries me through difficult situations is: “You can worry in earnest or you can pray in earnest, but you can’t do both.” As someone who struggles with anxiety, this has become a mantra for me. With the germophobia and the constant news coverage of the Coronavirus, you might be able to imagine the anxiety and fear I am currently fighting. Did I mention my husband has “underlying health issues” and a chronic illness? Yeah.

But here’s the thing. Worry doesn’t change anything; it only steals joy and sanity. So as I prepare for the (blissful) possibility of being quarantined in our house, I plan to do some Bible reading. And one of the first scriptures I know will comfort me is Philippians 4:5-7, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In these stressful times, the ONLY hand I’ll be holding is the hand of the Lord (and maybe That Wonderful Husband). Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a full-blown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, nev er will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). By R.L. Witter M y mother (Miss America) used to say, “If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.” We never scurryfunged (to rush about about cleaning when company is coming) before answering the door to greet an unexpected guest, because our house was kept clean. We rarely were sent to the store for a last-minute item to complete dinner, because Miss America planned our meals and kept both the pantry and refrigerator well-stocked. Being my mother’s daughter, I aim to conduct my household the same way. So you can imagine my surprise when on our weekly trip to Costco, there were no paper products or disinfectants to be found—NONE. That entire area of the store was empty.

While other shoppers looked panicked, That Wonderful Husband and I just sort of shrugged our shoulders and moved on to find that huge box of Raisin Bran that lasts us two months and some of the vacuum seal bags we use to keep our bulk purchases fresh and freezer burn-free.

Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a fullblown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, never will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). Because of my admittedly ridiculous aversion to germs, we have a supply of Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer on hand at all times, in addition to bulk packages of toilet paper, napkins, and facial tissues. We were hoping to top-off our supply as we usually do, but not being able to do so did not constitute an emergency for us.

Something my Gram frequently said that often carries me through difficult situations is: “You can worry in earnest or you can pray in earnest, but you can’t do both.” As someone who struggles with anxiety, this has become a mantra for me. With the germophobia and the constant news coverage of the Coronavirus, you might be able to imagine the anxiety and fear I am currently fighting. Did I mention my husband has “underlying health issues” and a chronic illness? Yeah.

But here’s the thing. Worry doesn’t change anything; it only steals joy and sanity. So as I prepare for the (blissful) possibility of being quarantined in our house, I plan to do some Bible reading. And one of the first scriptures I know will comfort me is Philippians 4:5-7, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In these stressful times, the ONLY hand I’ll be holding is the hand of the Lord (and maybe That Wonderful Husband). Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a full-blown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, nev er will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). By R.L. Witter M y mother (Miss America) used to say, “If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.” We never scurryfunged (to rush about about cleaning when company is coming) before answering the door to greet an unexpected guest, because our house was kept clean. We rarely were sent to the store for a last-minute item to complete dinner, because Miss America planned our meals and kept both the pantry and refrigerator well-stocked. Being my mother’s daughter, I aim to conduct my household the same way. So you can imagine my surprise when on our weekly trip to Costco, there were no paper products or disinfectants to be found—NONE. That entire area of the store was empty.

While other shoppers looked panicked, That Wonderful Husband and I just sort of shrugged our shoulders and moved on to find that huge box of Raisin Bran that lasts us two months and some of the vacuum seal bags we use to keep our bulk purchases fresh and freezer burn-free.

Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a fullblown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, never will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). Because of my admittedly ridiculous aversion to germs, we have a supply of Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer on hand at all times, in addition to bulk packages of toilet paper, napkins, and facial tissues. We were hoping to top-off our supply as we usually do, but not being able to do so did not constitute an emergency for us.

Something my Gram frequently said that often carries me through difficult situations is: “You can worry in earnest or you can pray in earnest, but you can’t do both.” As someone who struggles with anxiety, this has become a mantra for me. With the germophobia and the constant news coverage of the Coronavirus, you might be able to imagine the anxiety and fear I am currently fighting. Did I mention my husband has “underlying health issues” and a chronic illness? Yeah.

But here’s the thing. Worry doesn’t change anything; it only steals joy and sanity. So as I prepare for the (blissful) possibility of being quarantined in our house, I plan to do some Bible reading. And one of the first scriptures I know will comfort me is Philippians 4:5-7, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In these stressful times, the ONLY hand I’ll be holding is the hand of the Lord (and maybe That Wonderful Husband). Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a full-blown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, nev er will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily).

I’ve got breast cancer but I also have an expert team to help me fight it.

At the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, fighting cancer is a team effort between you and our nationally recognized experts, including fellowship-trained breast surgeons and mammographers, and dedicated nurse navigators. We have a full spectrum of screening and detection technology, including 3D mammography. And in partnership with the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, we offer the most advanced treatment options and clinical trials. Visit rwjbh.org/beatcancer or call 844-CANCERNJ. NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

Let’s beat cancer together.

Women’s Health Day The Newark Airport Marriott May 2, 2020 • 9:00 A.M. — 3:00 P.M.

For information or to register, visit rwjbh.org/nbiwhday

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI) will hold its eighth annual Women’s Health Day event at The Newark Airport Marriott on May 2. This all-day event includes a panel discussion with health experts from NBI and the Newark community. Attendees will also receive free health screenings and examinations, fi tness demonstrations, massages, pampering activities and door prizes.

*Must be 21 or older and registration is required.

New and Improved: Newark Beth Israel’s Mother-Baby Unit

More than 3,000 babies are born at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center every year. Now, the new 34-bed Women’s Health Unit offers spacious private rooms, including more than a dozen newly renovated spaces. Each room is equipped with Wi-Fi access, a lounge chair for overnight guests and a private bathroom. The private rooms mean that mothers can feel more comfortable rooming in with their babies throughout the length of their stay and can work one-on-one with a lactation nurse to make breast feeding a rewarding experience. Once discharged, families are encouraged to continue to take advantage of the expert medical care available at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, which offers more than 30 pediatric specialties.

During and after your pregnancy, The Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center has much to o er your family. Here are a few little known facts about the world-class care that is available close to home:

• Access to a Level IV NICU. Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit offers the highest level of care for newborns in need of additional medical support; infants are transferred from across the region to receive care at NBI.

• Newborn Heart Screenings. In addition to receiving all mandated newborn screenings, newborns at NBI are also screened for possible heart defects and congenital cardiac conditions.

• A Children’s Heart Center. Children living with cardiac conditions have access to specialized care including New Jersey’s only pediatric interventional cardiology program, and a world-class surgical team.

• Labor and Delivery Tours. Expecting mothers can schedule a tour of our Labor and Delivery unit by calling 973-926-8022. • ECMO Therapy. The Children’s Hospital of New Jersey is the only center that offers Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy, a life-saving technique that mimics the natural function of the heart and lungs, allowing an infant or child to rest while natural healing of the affected organs takes place.

• The Valerie Fund. NBI is home to the largest Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in the state of New Jersey, providing state-of-the-art medical care with compassion in a happy, upbeat child focused environment.

• Child Life Specialists. NBI has a robust Child Life Program that includes child life specialists, music therapy and art therapy. Child Life Specialists provide therapeutic play, preparation and education to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for infants, children, and youth in our pediatric emergency department; our Valerie Fund Hematology/Oncology Clinic; our general pediatric unit and our pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.

• Sickle Cell and Hemophilia. NBI treats more patients with sickle cell anemia than any other hospital in New Jersey. Our Hemophilia Center provides the latest advances in care and treatment for children with inherited bleeding and clotting disorders.

• High-Risk Infant Follow-up Program. Our team provides comprehensive medical and developmental care to address the needs of our NICU newborns after they are discharged, helping families from infancy into early childhood.

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

Keep A Healthy Heart

February marked American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women.

It is very important (as we all know) to take care of your physical heart, but it is equally important to be mindful of guarding the condition of your spiritual heart.

The Hebrew or biblical thought for heart is the whole man, with all attributes physical, intellectual, and psychological. It is the heart which makes a man or woman what he or she is, and governs all actions (Pr. 4:23). Character, personality, will, and mind are modern terms which all reflect something of the meaning of “heart” in its biblical usage.

It is of utmost importance that we take care to keep our physical and spiritual heart healthy. Here is an excerpt from my 30-day devotional Living Longer Living Better Mind, Body, and Spirit (Guideposts Publications). by holding on to grudges. Despite many trials, Joseph was able to rise to the top. Like Joseph, we must learn to let go and forgive, because blessed are the pure in heart.

Ways to keep your heart healthy: Spirt, Soul, and Body! • Be smoke-free. It’s one of the best things you can do to protect your heart

• Manage your blood cholesterol

• Manage your blood pressure

• Manage diabetes

• Be physically active

• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight

SPIRIT: A Pure Heart Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8 NIV)

The story of Joseph in the Bible is the story of a person with a pure heart. He loved life and loved people. Unfortunately, Joseph was resented by his brothers for who he was and how he was loved by his father. After being thrown into a pit by his brothers, who wanted to get rid of him for good, Joseph was taken captive. He experienced even more difficult times, including serving two terms in prison. All this trouble could have caused Joseph to shut down and close his heart to people, but throughout his trials he was able to maintain a pure heart. When we keep a pure and open heart, that’s when we really experience God’s blessings. Resentment, bitterness and, lack of forgiveness contaminate the purity of our hearts and limit our ability to give and receive love. All of us have experienced unfair treatment at one time or another. When someone takes our kindness for weakness, it hurts. It can be upsetting when a good friend or mentor turns on us because of jealousy or envy. But we must remember that we cannot become who God wants us to be • Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods

• Look after your mental health

I heard a catchy slogan: “keep a healthy heart, so that we won’t be apart.” An unhealthy heart has the ability to separate us from those we love physically and emotionally. So I encourage you, Beloved, keep a healthy heart!

Live Whole, Live Well, Live Free.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen.

Happy, healthy, loved. These are the dreams we have for our families and friends.

So we cherish the moments that make us smile and inspire us to grow... when we move, create, serve, play, teach, do. When we care.

This is how health rises in each of us, and in our homes and communities. Because when we’re being ourselves, we all feel better.

Let’s get everyone covered.

If you or someone you know needs health insurance, Fidelis Care is just a call, click, or visit away.

Call: 1-888-FIDELIS

Click: fideliscare.org

Visit: A Fidelis Care community office near you. Search for locations at fideliscare.org/offices

1-888-FIDELIS • fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547) TTY: 711

To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.