TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH

Tracey GEORGE

A Date with Dad

Do a date day with your dad! Call your dad and say, “Let’s do a date day.” Father’s Day is approaching, and this occasion is the perfect part of the year to call your dad and take him on a date to do dinner, lunch, or brunch. Grab the family or decide to do some one-on-one time with your dad and do a date that is designated just to celebrate him. Make plans to make a memorable moment with the one that is devoted to being the best dad to his ability. Dads do so much to take care of their loved ones by providing wise counsel, covering and protection, comfort and calming, and the confidence boosts that seem to come just at the right time. Even if your natural dad is no longer alive or in your life, find a father figure to spend some time with to let him know how much you love and appreciate him for the impact he has made on your life. If you cannot find a father figure, know that your Heavenly Father is always willing and waiting to spend time with you. Make it a divine dad date with Him! This Father’s Day, do a good deed and schedule a date with your dad. King David was a dad that did it all. From disappointments to being deemed “a man after God’s own heart”, King David was a determined dad. Throughout the psalms it is evident that King David is the epitome of someone who looked and longed for time to spend with his Heavenly Father. Although his life wasn’t perfect, one of the things that David was determined to do was to keep his promise to his friend and be a father figure for his friend’s children. David initiated a search for his friend Jonathan’s descendants in order to show them kindness like he vowed to do. His search resulted in finding Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13) and he made a decree that Mephibosheth would always have a seat at his table (2 Samuel 9:11-13). It would be someone like David to be a king but still show how compassionate he could be as a dad. Do a date with your dad and honor him for being on the frontline of your family. Also consider taking the time to celebrate all the meaningful men in your life that can be a father figure to you.

You are not only blessed to have an opportunity to have a date with your dad who is your natural father, but you also have a Heavenly Father that you can do a divine date with. Both dads are fathers that indeed care for you, cover you, and continuously show you love. Both dads want to fulfill all promises to you, fight for you, be a friend, and to fill all your voids. Although some natural dads are not perfect, can make mistakes, and even at times mess up and miss the mark, your Master and Divine Dad is always there waiting and willing to make up the difference.

Your Divine Dad is so awesome that while you are planning a date to dine with Him by spending time with Him praying, reading the scriptures, and meditation, He already has a table set for you (Psalm 23:5). With God in your life as a Divine Dad, Father’s Day can last forever. During these Divine Dad dates, not only do you get a chance to shower Him with your praise, worship, and adoration, He gets the opportunity to lavish you with His love, loyalty, and an everlasting life. Have a date with your dad!

Cigarette Smoking

Let’s address the “elephant in the room” cigarette smoking. Yes, Saints of God, some Christians are addicted to tobacco products. Nicotine, the primary chemical in tobacco, is a highly addictive substance. The CDC reports an estimated 12.5% (30.8 million) of U.S. adults currently smoke cigarettes regularly.

Cigarette smoking is idolized in the media. Rugged men and sultry women smoked. No one spoke about the severe medical conditions that develop in individuals who smoke cigarettes.

When smoking, individuals draw Nicotine and other chemicals such as formaldehyde into their bloodstream. These chemicals affect all organs in the body, which leads to multiple health problems.

Nicotine causes an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood flow to the heart. Nicotine also contributes to arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arterial walls, which may lead to a heart attack.

The chemical assault of Nicotine on the tissues of the lungs causes irritation, inflammation, and stiffness. This change in lung structure leads to the development of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and cancer.

Other common side effects of Nicotine include decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhea, increased blood flow to the brain, causing heightened mood, better memory, and increased alertness. However, the increased blood flow to the brain with the narrowed blood vessels puts the individual at risk for strokes.

E-cigarettes or vaping is a new form of cigarette smoking. Vaping is popular among young people in middle and high school. Vaping appeals to youth because it produces no odor and is less costly than traditional tobacco products. Vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, but it’s still not safe. E-cigarettes heat extracted Nicotine from tobacco and add flavorings and other chemicals to create an inhaled aerosol. Severe and irreversible lung damage and multiple death is associated with vaping. Studies show that vaping use increased during the pandemic.

Cigarette addiction is a chronic relapsing condition. Most people who use tobacco want to quit but may try to quit multiple times before succeeding. Various resources are available to help individuals who desire to quit smoking. Smokers may participate in counseling. Counseling support can help individuals make and implement a plan to quit smoking. Primary care providers may prescribe medication to block the desire to smoke and reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The use of a mobile app like quitSTART can help smokers with tips and information to prepare them to become smoke-free. Smoking cessation apps provide incentives and badges for achieving milestones. They provide suggestions for managing nicotine cravings in healthy ways. The CDC offers online resources and quit-guides to help individuals to stop smoking. Most recently, the CDC implemented the Tips From Former Smokers campaign featuring people who were able to quit smoking and highlighting the hazards of tobacco use. This campaign features T.V. commercials of people with cigarette-related illnesses. https://www. cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/index.htm

All smokers are encouraged to stop smoking. Studies show that smokers may attempt to quit smoking several times before becoming successful. Some physical damage from smoking can begin to reverse in as little as 24 hours after quitting. Don’t give up hope! Spiritual strength is essential in overcoming any addiction. Prayer and fasting will move the mountain of nicotine addiction. Encourage those around you to get help to stop smoking. Have faith Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels that the nicotine habit can Assistant Professor at Coppin State Universitybe broken. DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu healthytips025@gmail.com