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Heaven is lit up
News from the Mountain
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Yes, it’s that wonderful time of year to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birthday once again. Heaven is lit up and all aglow for its king with splendor we just can’t imagine. Someday won’t it be wonderful to be joining in on that celebration the likes of which this world has not a clue as to how to describe the magnificence of its beauty? Do you ever just get carried away in your thoughts about heaven as to how it will be there and how will you feel finally being in the presence of Jesus and most assuredly bowing down at His feet? I do wonder what all will be going on there as you know our life here will pale in comparison to living in our heavenly kingdom. A difference of night and day we will be experiencing living in heaven from what we have known here on earth. May all of you have a beautiful Christmas with your family and friends and honor Jesus on His birthday above anything or anyone, because He truly does love you and He is the greatest gift you will ever receive. What a sad Christmas for so many families here lately having to endure losing loved ones with Christmas so close.

 

Uplift in prayers: the people in Gatlinburg, the people in Chattanooga, Michael "Moose" Nokes and wife Becky, those people in houses and mobile house that burned. Some tragedies in TV they were telling about tonight could possibly be prevented by smoke detectors, by blowing out candles, keeping heaters away from curtains and comforters. I would add before you go to bed "double" check heaters and how close they are to materials that could ignite while you are sleeping. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A human life is so precious and cannot be replaced.

 

Please keep in prayer: Carlon and Mai Nell Melton, Charlie Mai Daniel, and Denise Stanton.

 

If you have any news for the column, just give me a call at (615)-563-4429.

 

Have a great day!

 

It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

 

What Parents and Expectant Parents Need to Know
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(StatePoint) Each year, as many as 80,000 children younger than 5 are hospitalized due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the United States. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in all infants. New medical advancements however are safeguarding infants and some toddlers at increased risk, and providing hope.


As RSV season ramps up, the American Lung Association is partnering with Sanofi to help educate parents and expectant parents about the symptoms of RSV and the steps they can take to help prevent severe illness. Here is what they want you to know:


Risk factors: Virtually every child will contract RSV at some point, however those at highest risk for severe illness and complications are:


• Premature newborns


• Babies up to 12 months old, especially if they are 6 months old or younger


• Children younger than 2 who have a chronic lung disease or heart disease that was present at birth


• Children who have weakened immune systems


• Children who have neuromuscular disorders


New protection: In 2023, two preventive immunization options were recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help protect infants from serious RSV illness: a preventive RSV antibody for infants and some young children at increased risk, and an RSV vaccine received during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy.


The RSV antibody is recommended from October through March and provides protection for at least five months after immunization. The RSV vaccine is recommended from September through January and provides protection for around six months after birth. Both immunization options are effective in reducing the risk of a baby being hospitalized from RSV, however most infants do not need both. Speak to your physician about the best course of action for your family.


Symptoms: Most people, including infants, develop only mild RSV symptoms similar to that of a common cold, such as congestion, runny nose and a cough. You should call your healthcare provider if your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough or their symptoms are getting worse.


Age-old wisdom: To prevent RSV infection, families are also encouraged to follow everyday healthy habits like:


• Avoiding close contact with sick people


• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue


• Washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds


• Cleaning frequently-touched surfaces


• Staying home when sick and avoiding close contact with others


• Avoiding sharing cups, bottles or toys


To learn more about RSV and illness prevention, visit lung.org/rsv.


“Thanks to new preventive options, you now have multiple opportunities to offer your child safe, effective protection from a dangerous RSV infection,” says Juanita Mora, M.D., national volunteer medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association.