Great American Smokeout a good time to snuff out cigarettes

November 21, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

If you’ve ever tried to stop smoking, you know how hard it can be. The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout event on Thursday, Nov. 21, is a great way to start a new journey toward better health – a day to try something new, something that may be challenging at times, but well worth it.

According to the CDC, within 20 minutes of not smoking, blood pressure and heart rate drop to more normal levels; in 8 to 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels return to normal and within 48 hours, nerve endings begin to regenerate and you can smell and taste better.

Within 2 weeks to 3 months, your lung function begins to improve, and coughing and shortness of breath decrease. One year after quitting, your risk of coronary artery disease is half that of someone who still smokes.

If you, or someone you know, is looking to stop using nicotine, there are options:

When preparing to quit:

Eliminate temptation. Identify your triggers and try to avoid them.

Create a fresh environment. Remove all cigarettes, ashtrays, vaping/JUUL devices from your home, work and car. Cleaning out the area you smoke or vape in can help create a fresh start.

Plan for withdrawal. Nicotine withdrawal is real. Ask your health care provider about the approved FDA tobacco cessation aids for adults, such as lozenges, nasal spray or a patch. Prescription options like Bupropion and Chantix are also available. Contact your health care professional to find the best plan for you. If you’re under 18 years of age, contact your pediatrician and/or school health resources.

Start a “quit kit.” Plan a strategy to deal with hand-to-mouth habits and cravings. Pack items like sugarless gum, cinnamon sticks, a water bottle, hard candy or sunflower seeds.

Plan for down time. Many smokers report “boredom” as a reason for smoking. Is there something you’ve put off doing because you didn’t have the time? The time may be now.

Identify coping skills. Stress will happen. Having coping skills in place can help. Take a deep breath. Allow yourself time to process. Still need help? Call for backup – talk to a friend, ask for help or call a tobacco counselor or other health care professional.

Remember, it takes that first step to run any race. Be kind to yourself and reach out to those who can offer support in your journey toward good health.

If you would like to quit smoking and need help call the Tennessee Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-Quit-Now or visit http://www.tnquitline.com.

November 20, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

DCHS Senior Anna Chew, who recently finished 7^th in the TSSAA Large School Golf Tournament, will be playing at the collegiate level next year.

Surrounded by her family, coaches, friends, and fellow golfers in the high school auditorium, Anna signed a letter of intent Wednesday with Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville where she will play golf after graduating from DCHS next spring.

Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU), founded in 1901, is a private Christian liberal arts college in Nashville and is a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II.

“There are many reasons why I chose Trevecca but the main reason is the coach is super sweet. He is a very Godly man and I think it is a very good place where I can grow in my golf game and grow in my faith. I am very excited. I’m ready to see what is in store for my golf game in the next couple of years. We’ll see what happens,” said Anna.

A gifted golfer, Anna credits much of her success to a strong work ethic and her coaches.

“I think you could say a little natural ability came with it but I have a very strong work ethic. I have been playing since I was 7 and started playing competitively when I was in 6^th grade. I practice every day and over the summer I practice four or five hours a day. I also want to thank my coaches, John Pryor, Eddie Hobson, Cody Randolph and everyone who supported me throughout my entire journey. It was really bittersweet this year knowing that it was my last high school tournament,” said Anna

DCHS Golf Coach John Pryor said Anna is a special person, an excellent student, and a good leader.

“She has played four years here for the high school. Her first year she played in a couple of matches and then she broke her arm and didn’t get to finish the season. In year two her goal was to make it to the region. Although she didn’t quite make it as a sophomore she did get to region in both her junior and senior years and also made it to the state. She finished 18^th her first year at state as a junior but it was only a one round competition that year because of rain. This year she finished 7^th at state and she played great. She is an example of God given talent and a lot of hard work. I am so proud for her. She is going to continue her golf career at Trevecca and I think her best golf is in front of her,” said Coach Pryor.

The following are Anna’s awards as a DCHS golfer:

District 6 Large Class Champion (2019-2020)

Region 3 Large Class Champion (2019-2020)

TSSAA State Tournament Large Class 7^th place (2019-2020)

District 6 Large Class 2^nd place (2018-19)

Region 3 Large Class 3^rd place (2018-19)

TSSAA State Tournament Large Class 18^th place (2018-19)

Although she has chosen Trevecca for her collegiate work, Anna has not yet settled on a career path. “I am not sure where I will be ending up. I’m thinking in physical therapy or pharmacy but either way, I’m sure I will be taking chemistry, science, and biology,” she said.

Anna is the daughter of Lori Chew and George Chew and granddaughter of Larry and Gail Redmon.

November 20, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Road Department has announced that paving will begin on Banks Pisgah Road Thursday through Saturday weather permitting. Motorists traveling that road should exercise caution or take an alternate route.

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