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New Magazine Offers Spiritual Support to Americans Living with Chronic Illness
Published: Thu, 6 Oct 2005, 02:25 EDT
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By Aria C. Munro
Staff Writer, Publishers Newswire
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. /Publishers Newswire/ -- Over 100 million Americans live with a chronic condition and despite what we may assume, 60% of are between the ages of 18 and 64. According to the World Health Organization's October 4, 2005 report, over 400 million people will die of a chronic disease in the next ten years. 'HopeKeepers' is a new consumer magazine which offers spiritual support to those who live with a chronic condition, such as fibromyalgia, diabetes, or degenerative heart disease. It's published by Rest Ministries, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Research has shown that patients who seek a connection with God and support from church members are less depressed and rate their quality of life as higher, even when the diagnosis is less than favorable. "There are many health magazines," says Lisa Copen, thirty-seven, founder and editor-in-chief of 'HopeKeepers,' "but for those who may live for decades with a chronic illness, there are few resources, especially Christian ones, that address the roller coaster of emotions they experience and the practicalities they need to live effectively with disease."
'HopeKeepers,' subtitled "joyfully serving the chronically ill," is Christian in nature, and addresses diverse topics such as spiritual struggles, family challenges, alternative medicine, and caregiving, and includes devotionals, doctor's advice, and profiles of celebrities and national HopeKeepers groups. The current issue's features are "Help Your Family Cope, Not Mope!" and "Ways to Handle Unwanted Advice." "Articles address the day-to-day issues that one with a chronic illness encounters," says Copen. "It's refreshing and comforting to know you are not alone."
"'HopeKeepers' magazine is an oasis of optimism in the desert of despair experienced by those who suffer chronic pain, disability, or depression," says Lynn D. Morrissey, author of 'Love Letters to God: Deeper Intimacy through Written Prayer' and AWSA/CLASS speaker. "Its articles are encouraging and enlightening, written by real people who have overcome their pain with the hope of Christ. Hope is more potent than any medicine from a bottle-it's the love of God poured into our hearts."
Copen, who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since the age of twenty-four, is the founder of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and Rest Ministries, Inc., the publisher of 'HopeKeepers.' Over 300 HopeKeepers groups meet around the country. She hopes that the magazine will connect the various professions in the health/ministry industry. "Many professionals are encountering the growing trend of patients desiring to make new health connections and to find an alternative to New Age spirituality. Rest Ministries offers HopeKeepers as a comprehensive Christian resource for doctors, chaplains, counselors, caregivers, and family members, enabling them to understand the life-and-heart issues by those with chronic illness and how best to serve them."
"What a gift HopeKeepers is to caregivers!" shares LeAnn Thieman, coauthor of 'Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul,' "Its comprehensive content offers true stories to nurture their hearts and spirits, as well as practical help for their bodies and minds. Expert advice about everything from medicines, finance, and recipes, to devotions about caregiving blesses, supports, and encourages those who benevolently care for others."
Go online to http://www.hopekeepersmagazine.com to request a free trial copy of this 64-page digest-size publication, which includes a "buy one, get one free" coupon or call 888-751-7378. A one-year single subscription is $17.97.
WIRE SOURCE: Send2Press Newswire
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