October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

Posted by | October 19, 2010

October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, dedicated to educating patients and the public about what sudden cardiac arrest is and how to respond to a cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating, resulting in no blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Approximately 300,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States, with a median reported survival-to-hospital-discharge rate of 8%.

What causes sudden cardiac death?

All known heart diseases can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. Most of the cardiac arrests that lead to sudden death occur when the electrical impulses in the diseased heart become rapid (ventricular tachycardia) or chaotic (ventricular fibrillation) or both. This irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. Some cardiac arrests are due to extreme slowing of the heart which is called bradycardia. .
In 90 percent of adult victims of sudden cardiac death, two or more major coronary arteries are narrowed by fatty buildups. Scarring from a prior heart attack is found in two-thirds of victims. When sudden death occurs in young adults, other heart abnormalities are more likely causes. Adrenaline released during intense physical or athletic activity often acts as a trigger for sudden death when these abnormalities are present. Under certain conditions, various heart medications and other drugs — as well as illegal drug abuse — can lead to abnormal heart rhythms that cause sudden death.

The term “massive heart attack” is often wrongly used in the media to describe sudden death. The term “heart attack” refers to death of heart muscle tissue due to the loss of blood supply, not necessarily resulting in a cardiac arrest or the death of the heart attack victim. A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death, but the terms aren’t synonymous.

Rapidly implementing the “chain of survival” model can help increase the chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest. The steps in the chain include activation of emergency medical services by calling 9-1-1, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using an automated external defibrillator (AED), and acquiring appropriate care. This year marks the 50th anniversary of CPR; updated CPR guidelines will be released later this year by the American Heart Association (AHA).

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Living Our Faith Without Compromise, Part 3

Posted by | October 19, 2010

All of us need an anchor that will hold during the storms of life. The anchor we need is our faith. What have you put your faith in? How important is it to have faith? Where do we find faith strong enough to make it through the storms of life? Peter knows how important faith is and he gives us a great picture of a faith that we can anchor deep with; and a faith which will hold us during the storms of life.

In Part One of our teaching Peter gave us three reasons why it’s important to anchor our faith in Christ. They were that faith in Christ is imperishable, faith in Christ is uncorrupted, and faith in Christ is unfading. In Part Two, Peter said that tested faith is valuable, revealing, and is centered on our love for Christ.

So Peter had a faith in Christ that was timeless. His faith was valuable, revealing, and full of love. But how does that mean, what worked for Peter will work for me? Almost as if Peter anticipated your question, he writes about the faith of others.

The prophets of the Old Testament found their faith in God to hold. (1:10) God spoke to the prophets and told them that the Messiah was coming. He gave them a hope that the One who could deliver them was on the way. The message of the prophets can be summarized as, “Hang on. God is working and the Messiah is coming. Get ready, your deliverer is coming.” Doesn’t that sound like a message for people at the end of their rope, for people who don’t know where to turn? It is a message of hope and encouragement. It is a promise. How many people do you know that need to be encouraged not to give up. How many people are there that need to be told that help is on the way. Maybe you need to hear that God’s promises are for you. That is the message of the Old Testament prophets.

Peter points out that the true faith is not only tied to the prophets, but also the fulfillment of those prophecies. There is a faith in the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. (1:11)

Our faith is built upon the prophecies of the Old Testament, prophecies which said a Messiah is coming. Our faith is built upon Jesus. We believe that he is the Messiah, the embodiment of the Old Testament prophecies. We believe that He died on a cross for our sins and that he rose again. We believe that he is coming back.
If all of Christianity were to be destroyed, how could we recreate it in our minds? We could not. Our faith is not built upon philosophy, intellect, or creative speculations. Our faith is built upon the historical fact that Jesus, God’s only Son, died on a Roman cross, on a hill in Jerusalem. Our faith cannot be recreated, but thank God it is a faith which has stood the test of time, proven itself faithful when tested, and is the only true faith which holds in the storms of life.

Peter then talks of how the faith of the Old Testament and the Gospels is for these present days. (1:12)

Peter literally says, “Angels desire to look into these things.” Can you imagine what that must be like? Angels are leaning over the rim of heaven and looking down. They have seen what God did with the prophets. They have seen how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies with His birth, life, death and resurrection. The angels have seen Lucifer kicked out of heaven, the resurrection of Christ, the dead raised, the Red Sea parted, and demons exorcized. But what they desire to see, is what God is going to do now. The angels are watching us and they want to see what the next chapter will be like. How will our faith and God’s great actions meet? The time is now to live by faith.

All of us have faith, but will your anchor of faith hold in the storms of life? Is your anchor of faith a true anchor? Is your faith built upon the truth of scripture. Is your faith tested? Do you know how valuable, revealing and full of love, a faith in Christ is? Is your faith timeless, or will the newest fad or the latest philosophy cause you to tie to a new anchor? Only a faith in Christ is true, tested, and timeless.

It is not a question of if you have a faith. It is not a question of if the storms of life will come. The question is, will your anchor of faith hold through the storms? The time to anchor your hope and faith to Christ is now, before the storms show up. AMEN!!!!!

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Living Our Faith Without Compromise, Part 2

Posted by | October 5, 2010

All of us need an anchor that will hold during the storms of life. The anchor we need is our faith. What have you put your faith in? How important is it to have faith? Where do we find faith strong enough to make it through the storms of life? Peter knows how important faith is and he gives us a great picture of a faith that we can anchor deep with; and a faith which will hold us during the storms of life.

In Part One of our teaching Peter gave us three reasons why it’s important to anchor our faith in Christ. They were that faith in Christ is imperishable, faith in Christ is uncorrupted, and faith in Christ is unfading.

Our faith must be anchored in the timeless nature of Christ, but I can hear the question. How do you know that a faith in Christ will hold up during the storms of life? Why should I trust Christ?

Because, this is no ordinary faith, it is a tested faith. Countless people have placed their faith in Christ and found the anchor holds. Peter survived some incredible storms of life, and he says here is what I found the faith of Christ to be when it is put to the test. Peter found out three things about a tested faith.

First, it is valuable. (1:7)

Here, Peter plays upon the image of a goldsmith. A goldsmith would melt the metal down until it became a liquid. All the impurities would come to the surface and the goldsmith would scrape them off and allow the metal to cool. He would then come back and repeat the process over and over. His goal was pure gold. How did he know when he had pure gold? When no impurities came to the surface or when he could see his reflection in the melted gold.

Peter says that our faith is like gold, as it is tested, it will begin to bring the impurities to the surface. When the impurities are removed our faith becomes more valuable. (1:7) Gold is the standard by which we define value. We say things like, “worth it’s weight in gold”, “and the golden age”. Our jewelry is made of gold and we trade with it. In Peter’s world and in ours, gold was considered one of the most valuable things a person could have.

While gold is valuable, it is secondary to our faith. Gold can perish, but our faith will endure. A faith in Jesus Christ will carry us through this life and even into the world to come. A faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of God’s only Son is far more valuable than gold. Our faith is in something eternal, not in something that can be destroyed.

Second, Peter says that our faith is revealing. (1:7)

The goldsmith knows that he has pure gold when he can see his reflection in the metal. Our faith should reflect Jesus and reveal Him to a world. As we grow in Christ, we learn more about Him and His love. It is only through a life given to Christ that we will begin to see Him as He really is.

As our faith grows, more about the deeper nature of Christ is revealed to us. The end result of a Christ centered faith is that our lives are shaped and molded by Him.

Our faith begins to reflect that deeper knowledge of Jesus, our lives will begin to change. When you and I live differently, because our faith is growing, those around us will see the difference. Quite literally, your life begins to reflect the image of Christ. Just as the goldsmith knew he had pure gold, when he looked into the metal and could see his reflection, Jesus desires His reflection in our lives. That can only happen in a refined faith that has been tested.

Finally, he says our faith is centered on our love for Christ. (1:8)

Peter talks about how we love Christ even though we have not seen Him. In Hebrews we have the definition of faith, “Now faith is the substance of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). The essence of faith is that it does not require our sight or proof. Peter says that real or genuine faith is loving a Christ you have never seen, but still know that He exists. Next time we will finish with Peter teaching on true faith.

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Fall Safety

Posted by | October 5, 2010

Stan White, the chief security officer of Praise Covenant Christian Center, continues to offer security tips and vital information in the upcoming months. Therefore, please take note and stay alert as it relates to safety, especially when it comes to the upcoming fall season.

Fall Safety Tip:

Fall is a good time to really look around our property and take care of those maintenance problems which could cause a slip and fall in the winter months.

  1. Be sure outdoor lighting is adequate
  2. Repair porches and steps
  3. Put summer items away from porches and lawns so that someone won’t trip and fall
  4. Have a sand supply ready for the soon to be icy walks and driveways
  5. Now is the time to prepare your home for the winter months ahead, so clean out gutters of leaves and debris
  6. Check roof shingles to be sure they are in good condition for wind, ice, and snow
  7. Check windows for deteriorated sills and putty to prevent water damage to walls and ceilings

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National Fire Prevention Week

Posted by | October 5, 2010

(October 3-9, 2010)

During National Fire Prevention Week, October 3 – 9, 2010 attention is focused on promoting fire safety and prevention. However, we should practice fire safety all year long. Many potential fire hazards go undetected because people simply do not take steps to fireproof their home.

Many bedroom fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, careless use of candles, smoking in bed, and children playing with matches and lighters. Most potential hazards can be addressed with a little common sense. For example, be sure to keep flammable items like bedding, clothes and curtains at least three feet away from portable heaters or lit candles, and never smoke in bed. Also, items like appliances or electric blankets should not be operated if they have frayed power cords, and electrical outlets should never be overloaded.

Fire Safety Checklist:

  • Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year.
  • Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.
  • Teach everyone the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique in case clothing catches on fire.
  • Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage.
  • Teach kids that matches, lighters and candles are tools, not toys.
  • If you suspect a child is playing with fire, check under beds and in closets for telltale signs like burned matches.
  • Matches and lighters should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet.

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Living Our Faith Without Compromise, Part 1

Posted by | September 21, 2010

All of us need an anchor that will hold during the storms of life. The anchor we need is our faith. What have you put your faith in? How important is it to have faith? Where do we find faith strong enough to make it through the storms of life? Peter knows how important faith is and he gives us a great picture of a faith that we can anchor deep with; and a faith which will hold us during the storms of life.

Using 1 Peter chapter 1 as our foundation, let’s look at how Peter teaches us to live Christ centered, faith filled lives in the midst of some difficult times. First, we must understand the concept of timeless faith (1 Peter 1:4-5). The question isn’t if we have faith, every one has at least a measure of faith according to the Bible. The atheist has faith that his rational reasoning has removed the possibility of God. He has faith in his intellectual ability. Others have faith in their abilities, skills, connections, friends, families, and even themselves. However, the question is where is your faith anchored? Sooner or later the storms of life will begin to blow and then the question becomes will the anchor of faith hold. Peter gives us three reasons why it’s important to anchor our faith in Christ.

First, faith in Christ is imperishable. You may say, “how can that be?” Well, faith in Christ is kept in heaven. Jesus says that we are to put our treasures in heaven where moth and rust can’t destroy or the thief can steal. If our faith is set upon the things of this world, then our faith will perish. Our faith is to be set in heaven, and not on the things of the world. That’s the only way that we know our faith is imperishable.

Second, our faith in Christ is uncorrupted. Perhaps you have heard the phrase, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” It’s a statement which indicates our sinful nature. History is full of leaders who started out with the best intentions but pride, ego, or other flaws got in the way. If we place our faith in a leader, it is but a matter of time before the corruptible nature of the individual is revealed. However, Christ has no sin, and our faith should be in the power of God. God has absolute power and it’s uncorrupted. Our faith can only be incorruptible when it’s placed in Jesus Christ.

Finally, our faith in Christ is unfading. There are many people who are fad people. They jump on the latest trend or idea and about a year or so later they jump on something new. If you don’t believe me then pull out your high school year book and look at the hairstyles, the clothes you wore, and the tone of the culture during that time period. How much have things changed in the last 10, 20, or 30 years? Nevertheless, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever and the faith we have now will see us through these tough and perilous times we are living in.

Next time, we will continue our teaching on living our faith without compromise.

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September is National Cholesterol Education Month

Posted by | September 21, 2010

September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. National Cholesterol Education Month is also a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that help you reach personal cholesterol goals.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally and makes all that you need. Too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries. After a while, these deposits narrow your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol doesn’t have any symptoms. As a result, many people do not know that their cholesterol levels are too high. However, doctors can do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol and it can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medications.

It’s important to check your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. People who are overweight or obese and those who have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease are at especially high risk of developing high cholesterol.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that adults aged 20 years or older have their cholesterol checked every 5 years.

A simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile can measure your total cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol), and triglycerides.

More than 98 million Americans have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels. More than 34 million of these people have levels of 240 mg/dL or higher, which puts them at high risk for heart disease.

High cholesterol can develop in early childhood and adolescence, and your risk increases as your weight increases. In the United States, more than one-third (31%) of youth aged 12–19 years have at least one abnormal lipid level. It is important for children over 2 years of age to have their cholesterol checked, if they are overweight/obese or have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

If you have high cholesterol, to lower it your doctor may prescribe medications to treat your high cholesterol. In addition, you can lower your cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes such as eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. The National Cholesterol Education Program has developed specific recommendations about cholesterol treatment for people at increased risk, such as those with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

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Tip #4: Protect Your Home While You Are Away

Posted by | September 21, 2010

Stan White, the chief security officer of Praise Covenant Christian Center, continues to offer security tips and vital information in the upcoming months. Therefore, please take note and stay alert as it relates to safety, especially when it comes to protecting your home.

Safety Tip # 4:  Protect Your Home While You Are Away

  • Home burglary is a serious reality in the world we live in. Criminal teams work neighborhoods looking for unoccupied homes to steal from. They may watch a home for weeks to see who’s coming and going. They are also looking for patterns or consistent times when no one seems to be at home.
  • Make sure your home looks like someone is living in it. Don’t close your curtains – in the daytime this shows the house is empty. Think about getting automatic time switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark.
  • Cancel any deliveries such as newspapers and other packages.
  • Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
  • Get a friend or neighbor to look after your home. They can collect your mail; mow your lawn and so on. This gives the impression that someone is living in your home. If you leave keys with a neighbor, don’t label them with your address.
  • Don’t leave valuables, like your TV or computer where people can see them through windows.

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God’s Peace: The Right Way

Posted by | September 8, 2010

Did you know that peace with God is the result of faith in Christ? Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The peace of God and the presence of the God of peace will come when the believer practices three things that we will now discuss.

#1. Right praying (Philippians 4:6-7)

We just can’t pray but we must pray right. The Bible nowhere says that any kind of praying will bring peace to our hearts. What is right praying? It starts with adoration, for this is what the word “prayer” means in verse 6. We must bow before Him in worship and let Him search our hearts and minds. Next, is supplication, which means the earnest, sincere desire of the heart because true prayer comes from the heart and not the lips. Finally, there is appreciation or thanksgiving. It takes faith to thank Him for uncomfortable circumstances or for requests not yet granted. Father God loves to hear His children thank Him.

#2. Right thinking (Philippians 4:8)

Peace involves your mind. Isaiah 26:3 reads, You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Thoughts are powerful and thus wrong thoughts will lead to discouragement and unrest, but spiritual thinking will lead to peace. In verse 8, the apostle Paul tells us what to think about. Meditation on the Word of God will always bring you peace. Psalm 119:165 says, Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

#3. Right living (Philippians 4:9)

If there is something in my life I can’t pray about, then I will never have peace. Right living always brings peace. Isaiah 32:17-18 tells us that, the fruit of righteousness will be peace, the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
We must use the bible as a basis and compass for our living and obeying its precepts. All we need to do is check out James chapter 4 to discover the negative effects of wrong praying, wrong living, and wrong thinking. This type of living produced and still today produces war instead of peace.
So, if you want to experience God’s peace his way, then begin to practice the big three of right praying, right thinking, and right living.

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National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month

Posted by | September 8, 2010

Recovery Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September.
Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need. Each year a new theme, or emphasis, is selected for the observance.
Recovery Month provides a platform to celebrate people in recovery and those who serve them. Each September, thousands of treatment programs around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about treatment, how it works, for whom, and why. Substance abuse treatment providers have made significant accomplishments, having transformed the lives of untold thousands of Americans. These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these successes.
Recovery Month also serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis, that addiction is a treatable disease, and that recovery is possible. Recovery Month highlights the benefits of treatment for not only the affected individual, but for their family, friends, workplace, and society as a whole. Educating the public reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment. Accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, those who work within the treatment field, and those in need of treatment.

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