My apologies for no Lane/ Crystal News last week. I'm working on a book called 'Reasons There Was No Lane/Crystal News Today.” So, I’ll just go ahead and use the number 1 reason…I really, truly, for sure was sick.
I recently had someone at Lane, who has retired, tell me that they were really bored and asked if I had any suggestions as to what to do. I found it hard to identify with the problem because I am very seldom bored by any of my current activities. I did remember my aunt who didn’t have any hobbies, was recovering from a heart attack and could no longer work, who said she was bored out of her mind.
A friend of hers who volunteered at the local hospital got her to come along one day and she was hooked. She told me that volunteers gave in so many different ways throughout the hospital and that it had changed her life. They interact with patients, bringing flowers, books, snacks or something to drink, or a warm blanket. They comfort families with information, coffee, or a hug. They escort those who are unfamiliar with hospital services and locations. They assist behind the scenes, and they operate the gift shop.
The Hospital says that “volunteers enrich the lives of our patients, families, and staff every day and ask nothing in return except the satisfaction that comes with making a difference.” If you are interested in supporting a worthy cause that might just change your life, you want to apply your skills, meet new people, make new friends, help others, and make a difference in your community, call 580-889-3333 to learn more about volunteering at Atoka County Medical Center.
I was wondering if it bothers you, like it bothers me, that what doctors do is called “practice” or that the man who invests all your money is a “broker.”
I saw this list online recently and was amazed that it was almost exactly a list of the traits my Dad always taught me and insisted that people with genuine integrity have. I have added to the ones that did not complete Dad’s exact words.
• They show up on time.
• They always follow through on what they say… in other words they keep their word.
• They notice how others are feeling… and try to make them feel better.
• They notice when someone is left out… and do something to include them.
• They give credit where it is due.
• They fix what they break and clean up their messes… even when no one is looking.
• They speak up when something is wrong.
• They lend a hand before being asked.
• They apologize…and mean it.
• They always leave things… and people…better than they found them. These are still good values to live by.
Do some of the insane social media challenges scare you? They should. I know there are challenges that have become popular money raiser, like the ice bucket challenge that sane people (sane may be questionable here) used to raise money for charitable causes.
In 2014 it began as a hugely successful fundraising campaign to raise money for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research and patient care. Then, other causes picked up the challenge to raise money for their foundations.
However, many of these challenges are not to raise money, they are just a dare or seen as a game. The problem is that many have killed young people who are not aware of the dangers involved in activities such as the latest deadly media challenge, the “dusting” challenge.
Parents, grandparents, and anyone who has contact with young people that are susceptible to social media influence should be aware and spreading the word about this latest challenge which consists of huffing or chroming which involves inhaling aerosols.
Products being inhaled include nail polish, paint thinner, keyboard cleaners, gasoline, spray deodorant, or cleaning solvents. The scariest ones to me are permanent markers which are the most common agent used and hair spray. Most every home has some permanent markers or a can of hair spray and no one thinks they might be lethal. The parents of one of the latest causalities are trying to make everyone aware of the dangers after their daughter became one of the statistics.
Concerned doctors are urging parents to be sure they are alert to the trend and make their children aware of the dangers. When these chemicals are inhaled the gas actually replaces the oxygen in the Huffer’s lungs as well as in the rest of their body. This makes the user feel drunk for a few minutes. During these few minutes of euphoria, the damage can be done, and it is often irreversible or deadly.
Liver failure, heart failure, and disease of the lungs are all possible outcomes of inhaling the chemicals. Some deaths may be misclassified and labeled as suicides instead of being attributed to a specific challenge. Informal reporting is limited to those who report through news outlets or find support groups.
However, some sources provide specific numbers related to certain challenges: One nonprofit, estimates that 1,385 people have died from the blackout challenge (also known as the choking game). Other challenges that have cost lives are the Blue Whale Challenge where the person has to follow several trivial challenges that get harder with each one until the last one which is suicide.
Others are the Benadryl Challenge, Cinnamon and Nutmeg Challenge, One Chip Challenge, and Tide Pod Challenge. Please be aware of what your children are doing on social media. It has been proven that social media challenges or other harmful content can lead to deaths. Seek professional help immediately if your child is deeply involved. You can find resources and support at: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline https://988lifeline. org/ or by calling 988.
Don’t forget our local churches are planning for summer Bible Schools and Camps for the young people of the church. Volunteering to be an encouraging help to those who are trying to organize, be sure there is money, and be a positive influence in the life of each child.
Thelma’s Thought for the Day: The church is not a museum for saints as much as it is a hospital for sinners. (unknown)
