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Parish Nurse: Margaret Hoarty, Omaha
Nerf falls, inner tubes, plastic bags, colorful
scarves, even restaurant milk dispenser bags blown up as balloons -- all manner
of items become exercise equipment in the exercise class for seniors at Holy
Name Parish in Omaha, Neb.
The class is led by parish nurse Margaret Hoarty using methods that help the
elderly achieve physical fitness “without the usual jumping around,” she
said. Dancing and music add variety to the class. Conversation creates
camaraderie.
“People will talk about relatives or friends who are ill, and we’ll often
pray for them,” Hoarty said. “They feel comfortable combining something like
this with the spiritual aspect -- that health is mind, body and spirit.”
In addition to working with its own advisory group that communicates
senior’s needs, Holy Name’s health ministry is actively involved with Senior
Adult Ministry, a consortium of senior ministers from nine local parishes. That
group organizes retreats, luncheons, bus trips and parties.
What do the social activities have to do with health? “There have been
studies that show how the immune system is strengthened by laughter,” said
Hoarty, who has been at Holy Name since January 2001. “People who are socially
connected to others have stronger immune systems. If you come to one of those
events and witness what’s happening -- the joy that people experience when
they get together. They have a good time, sing together, laugh together, eat
together. In those communal experiences, you see healthier people.”
Hoarty’s work also includes a bereavement ministry, organizing health
education seminars, health fairs and a flu shot clinic. When the parish debated
a smoke-free policy, she led smoking cessation classes. Last fall the ministry
offered education on domestic violence for the parish priests, staff, secretary
and pastoral ministers.
Many of the events were attended by people from the broader community.
“That’s an important part of it, too: connecting with the community,”
Hoarty told NCR. “The health of the individual impacts the community, and the
health of the community as a whole impacts the individual.”
-- Teresa Malcolm
National Catholic Reporter, June 7, 2002
