I blog about health and faith because I believe in both. I believe that a well-lived life is about actions and words, body and mind.-Maiju
Author Archives: Maiju Lehmijoki-Gardner
The Love of the Written Word Benefits Health, Body
It is time to celebrate the first anniversary of Health and Faith in Baltimore, even if a bit late. With this posting comes a tribute to the many people who have made this blog possible through their involvement in promoting health and … Continue reading
Who Will Provide for the Providers?
[I originally published this entry in The Baltimore Sun's Commentary on August 31, 2012.] Over the past year, I have had the privilege to follow the work and lives of many of Baltimore’s committed community health advocates. These health promoters, organizers, practical … Continue reading
Celebration Brings the Message of Wellness, Care: A Day of Hope 2012
Day of Hope events are by now a summer tradition in East Baltimore. Thousands of people came together this year and last year for a few days of community bonanza at Collington Square and Darley Park. I had the opportunity … Continue reading
Posted in African-American Churches, Baltimore, Uncategorized
Tagged Brandon Scott, Carl Stokes, Day of Hope, East Baltimore, Health and Faith in Baltimore, Linda Harvey, Matt Stevens, Melvin Russell, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, The Transformation Team
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London and Beyond: Spiritual Lessons of Athletic Competition
Though the London Olympics began rather bitterly for Baltimore with its hometown swimmer Michael Phelps’s loss to Ryan Lochte and a few others in 400m Medley, the creative spirit of the opening day festivities and the thrill of the competition … Continue reading
Posted in Baltimore, Exercise, Running, Sports, Uncategorized
Tagged Adam Hamilton, Chariots of Fire, Hampden United Methodist Church, Health and Faith in Baltimore, Mr. Bean, Olympics, Robin Johnson, sports and spirituality.
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Baltimore – a mural city: An Interview with Lyle Kissack.
Baltimore is a mural city. Walter Ward and Oliver Gardner, both 13, did research into Baltimore’s murals, went around the city to take pictures, and interviewed one of the prominent local mural artists, Lyle Kissack. All the murals depicted in this … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Baltimore, Uncategorized
Tagged Baltimore, BOPA, Lyle Kissack, MICA, Mural, Public art
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Decide that Everyone Matters in the Fight against HIV/AIDS
Testing is the new, widely accepted, key word for faith-based HIV/AIDS support. While the conversations about sexual activity or sexual orientation may leave many pastors squirming from unease, the focus on screening and linkage to care has successfully brought HIV/AIDS … Continue reading
Green Means Move: The Next Step for Urban Environmentalism.
Urban environmentalism, city gardening, and initiatives promoting awareness of healthy, fresh food have a strong foothold in Baltimore. Faith communities are involved in the budding awareness and advocacy of the many ways individuals and groups can be more conscious of the … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Exercise, Food, Uncategorized
Tagged Baltimore City Food Desert Map, Baltimore Food and Faith, Center for a Livable Future, GreenFaith, The Good Food Toolkit, urban farming, urban gardens
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Graceful Living in East Baltimore
Some urban churches are virtual community service centers. In these churches civic advocacy, promotion of education and health, and neighborhood partnerships couple with spiritual services and worship. Amazing Grace Lutheran Church on McElderry Street is one of these power houses. … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Baltimore, Christianity, Environment, Food, Uncategorized
Tagged Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, Baltimore United Viewfinders, East Baltimore, Gary Dittman, Health and Faith in Baltimore, Maiju Lehmijoki-Gardner, Maryland Food Bank, Morgan Blizzard, Safe Streets, Trees for Public Health
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Health Promotion Takes More Than Words.
A good preacher may rock the room or bring it to meditative stillness, fill it with laughter or sobs. Some preach through words, others through deeds – both are probably needed. The real test of preacher’s craft is the landing … Continue reading
Spring to Health in All Baltimore’s Neighborhoods
A few months ago Baltimore City Health Department published Neighborhood Health Profiles. This publication is a compilation document of broad range of data that addresses health outcomes and social determinants of health in 55 Baltimore neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Health Profiles makes an important read. It … Continue reading
Posted in Baltimore, Health Disparities, Health Equality, Social determinants of health, Uncategorized
Tagged Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore City neighborhood health profiles, Charles Village, East Baltimore, Health and Faith in Baltimore, Health Disparities, Homeland, Northern Baltimore, Park Heights, social determinants of health
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