An invitation to all faith community leaders:  Learn more about how to deal with the flu and COVID-19 to keep yourselves, your families and your faith communities safe and healthy this winter.

During this webinar, we will hear from Dr. Robert Citronberg, Executive Medical Director of Infectious Disease for Advocate Aurora Health, and Dr. Nkem Iroegbu, Chief Medical Officer of Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, who will present the most current information and answer your questions.

Thank you to Michele Richardson, chair-elect of the Advocate Aurora Health Board of Directors, who will facilitate the webinar. Click here to join the webinar on Nov. 10.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Wisconsin, CBS News recently spent time at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. ICU nurse Ashley Bonus explains why she keeps fighting, even as a Type 1 diabetic who is 17 weeks pregnant.

“This community, these patients, these families that are being affected by this,” she said. “That’s what I’m fighting for.”

See the CBS News story here.

By: Dr. Robert Citronberg, Executive Medical Director of Infectious Disease for Advocate Aurora Health

MYTH: You don’t need to wear a mask because you already had COVID-19 and recovered.

TRUTH: We do not yet know if people who have recovered from COVID-19 are immune to getting infected again and if so for how long. Therefore, even if you have had COVID-19 you should still continue to wear a mask. Also, remember that flu season is coming up and wearing a mask will help you from spreading the flu to others.

Wearing a cloth mask over your nose and mouth can help people protect each other from the spread of COVID-19. And in some places, wearing a mask when you’re indoors or can’t keep distance from others is the law.

Watch this video to learn what to look for in a cloth mask.

If you have questions or need assistance choosing a plan, call the Public Benefits Connection with Aurora Family Services at 414-345-4906.

We are happy to help you find a plan that fits your budget, explain the various coverage options available and answer any other questions you may have.

Anxiety Disorders are the most common of mental disorders, affecting nearly 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

You can improve health, breathe easier and save money when you overcome nicotine dependence. Learn how by attending Freshstart, a free four-week virtual smoking cessation program. Please note: all participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions.

To register, contact Laurie Dlouhy, RN

According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, communities of faith play a unique and vital role in the response to and elimination of domestic violence, as they carry the responsibility to protect and nurture the spiritual well-being of the community as a whole and its individual members.

The Chicagoland Trauma Informed Congregations Network Interfaith Advisory Council invites you to join faith leaders and communities in a virtual discussion about supporting survivors of domestic abuse and breaking the cycle of violence through our various faith traditions.

Understanding Medicare and the Choices You Need to Make

Are you ready for Medicare?

As you approach 65 years of age and beyond, retiring or not, Medicare is something you should explore and understand. Learn more about Medicare basics, Medicare supplements, enrollment periods and more.

These free webinars are ideal for:

These webinars are for educational purposes only. No specific plan information will be discussed.

Learn more about your Medicare Advantage options & how to keep your doctors.

This webinar will focus on Medicare Part C also known as Medicare Advantage (MA).

We will discuss in deeper detail Medicare Advantage choices and how these plans bundle benefits, different types of MA plans, cost summaries of Medicare Advantage and the enrollment options available to you.

These free webinars are ideal for:

These webinars are for educational purposes only. No specific plan information will be discussed.

Think Teens Don't Gamble? Think Again! Email ethielen@nicasa.org for more details, or to ask about the sessions we will hold in Spanish.

The Prayer Support Line allows us to come together in unity to release our burdens, receive comfort and express our gratitude to God for holding us close during this pandemic.

The Prayer Support Line is a place where we can join with others in prayer for health, healing and spiritual care with the expectation that God will meet us and provide us with encouragement.

“What’s Next?” is a weekly resilience program that combines evidence-based scientific studies with encouragement from faith-based resources. Participants will gain tools to:

Attend any or all sessions. LaShondria Purnell, RN, a faith community nurse with Advocate Aurora Health, facilitates "What's Next?" and looks forward to learning alongside you.

How can we reduce the burden of cancer for everyone? The virtual 2020 Wisconsin Cancer Summit will bring together health system leaders, public health advocates, policy makers, researchers, and other partners from across our state who are working to fight cancer. Together, we can build healthier communities for everyone by using the Wisconsin Cancer Plan as our blueprint for action.

To register, call 708-366-6900 or email gracechurch@graceriverforest.org.

Advocate Aurora Health Faith and Mental Health Quarterly provides updates on mental health resources, events and news to support the well-being of people in your congregation and community.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Cindy Novak.

Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable, and many of the risk factors are controllable. Take Advocate Aurora Health’s online Stroke Risk Assessment to estimate your chance of experiencing one and learn about the ways you could minimize it.

Learn more about CHAMP (Congregational Health Asset Mapping Partnership), which brings people in a community together to identify how faith communities are supporting the health and well-being of the community.

1: All Saints Day - Christian

1: Samhain - Beltane - Wicca/Pagan

2: All Souls Day - Catholic Christian

3: Milad un Nabi (Shia) – Islam

4: Karwa Chauth - Hinduism

12: Birth of Baha'u'llah - Baha'i

14: Diwali - Hindu-Jain-Sikh

15: Nativity Fast begins - ends Dec. 24 - Orthodox Christian

15: Vikram New Year - Hindu

15: Jain New Year - Jain

22: Christ the King - Christian

24: Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahdur - Sikh

26: Thanksgiving - Interfaith USA

26: Day of the Covenant - Baha'i

28: Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha - Baha'i

29: December 24 Advent begins- Christian

30: St. Andrew's Day - Christian

30: Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib - Sikh

We hope you find this update helpful as you promote the health of your members and community. Please contact Cindy Novak or Anya Gordon if you have topics you'd like us to address or if you have questions or concerns.