3D rendering of a neutrophil
(Wikimedia Commons)

E-cigarettes were once praised as the most effective way to stop smoking, but a recent UK study shows how vaping causes damage at a cellular level.

White blood cells contain neutrophils, which help the body heal damaged tissue. According to this study, e-cigarette vapor freezes the neutrophils in place, which stops the cell from defending and repairing as it should.

“There’s a lot of faulty thoughts out there, [like] replacing one habit with another is good. Maybe [that works] if it’s a good habit, but vaping is not,” Brandon Bower with The Lighthouse says.

“We’re seeing massive lung infections; [and] a lot of physical problems from people who are vaping.”

The Lighthouse helps people stop smoking using the Bible. More about that here.

“When we talk about smoking cessation, whether it’s vaping, cigarettes, or marijuana, we want to start from a biblical perspective,” Bower says.

“If we’re focused on our love for Christ, we don’t need these other things to satisfy the desires of our hearts.”

Safe methods of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) still have a place in the program.

“We partner with the 1-800-Quit-Now program that sends out patches and nicotine gum because those things assist us in stopping sinful habits as we’re working on our heart issues,” Bower says.

Connect with The Lighthouse here to find biblical tobacco cessation help for you or a loved one.

“We have a 30-day program, and everyone starts there. If someone wants to continue, we also have a six-month residential program,” Bower says.

“We do community events weekly here in Fort Wayne because we feel that help and healing happen in community.”

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Mr Flame/Pexels.

“Two studies just hit my radar this morning,” The Lighthouse’s Brandon Bower says,

“One [report] says 7.69 million deaths were attributed to tobacco use in 2019; that would be any nicotine products: vaping, chewing tobacco, all of those things. Another study says those who smoke marijuana regularly have a 60 percent higher chance of a heart attack or stroke.”

These substances are legal and even find acceptance in some Christian circles. Bower says biblical living requires a different perspective.

“Biblical principles [involve] caring for our body, which is the temple of Christ,” he explains.

“Let’s consider what it takes to change, to bring our hearts closer to Christ, and to put aside some of these things that so easily entrap us.”

The Lighthouse offers faith-based residential addiction services, mentorship, consultation, drug testing, and community training. More about that here.

(Graphic courtesy of The Lighthouse)

“The Lighthouse has served people from 11 states in the last two years. Normally, in our residential program, it is the more severe cases; someone has to get away to save their life,” Bower says.

Maybe your case isn’t severe enough to require a residential program, but you still want help breaking free from your addiction. The Lighthouse can help.

“If you say, ‘Brandon, help me find a biblical counselor in my area,’ I’m going to find the closest one to you, call and make sure they’re a good fit, and we’ll make that referral for you,” Bower says.

“We want you to be in a community where you can find hope and healing.”

Find contact information for The Lighthouse here.

“It’s always good to contact us through our website, and you can see some of our other programming,” Bower says.

“If you like social media better, you can find us on Facebook.”

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Ali Naderi/Pexels.