HealthyPlusFeb15spreads - Flipbook - Page 13
VAPING
The hidden danger in plain sight
T
hese days, it’s hard to go anywhere
and not encounter someone using
a vaping device.
Often called “e-cigs,” “jules,” “vapes,” “vape
pens,” and “ENDS” (electronic nicotine delivery
systems), these battery-operated devices deliver
nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals in the
form of an aerosol that users inhale.
While vaping devices may look harmless—
some are even designed to look like everyday
objects including pens, USB drives, watches, and
markers—the risk they pose is very real and
especially dangerous for youth.
Danger in disguise
According to Dare Chammings, director of the
Alliance for Community Transformations (ACT) in
Bennington, “Vape products are very deceiving.
Teens get drawn in by the cool factor of vape tech,
and vape juice comes in flavors including cotton
candy, cake, and fruit. But what we’ve found is that
over 50% of teens don’t realize that e-cigarettes
contain nicotine.”
Given this lack of understanding, Chammings
says, “It’s important for parents and other caring
adults to lean on local prevention programs, school
counselors, and even online resources to educate
themselves and, in turn, their teen.”
Vape facts
5%
Nearly
of students of
Mount Anthony Middle
School students
reported using
vape products
in the last
30 days.
Source: ACT 2021
Core Measures Survey
10 | HEALTHY+ | WINTER/SPRING 2022
While vaping isn’t good at any age, it poses a
particular risk for teens with developing brains.
Research shows that when added to a developing
brain, nicotine can reduce impulse control,
contribute to mood disorders, and negatively affect
attention, planning, and decision-making abilities.
It also impacts the heart by increasing blood
pressure, causing palpitations and sweating.
In addition, the aerosol found in vape products
contains potentially harmful chemicals. These
include flavoring such diacetyl, a chemical
linked to a serious lung disease; volatile organic
compounds such as benzene, which is found in
car exhaust; and heavy metals like nickel, tin, and
lead, all of which are drawn into the lungs when
using a vape.
Not surprisingly, vape-related lung injuries are
common. In some cases, users develop permanent
While vaping isn’t good at any
age, it poses a particular risk for
teens with developing brains.
scarring of tiny air sacs in the lungs—called
‘popcorn lung’—an irreversible condition that
leads to frequent coughing, wheezing and
shortness of breath.
Talking to your teen about vaping
While conversations with teens often include eye
rolling and sighing, the truth is they do listen to
and care what their parents think.
“The most important thing,” says Alice Abraham
of The Collaborative, based in Londonderry
and serving Bennington County, “is to have the
conversation. There are a lot of misperceptions out
there about vaping. Talking to your kids is the best
way to ensure they know the facts.”
Abraham suggests parents keep conversations
casual. She says, “Seize everyday moments, like
car rides to music lessons or sports practices.
Ask open-ended questions and listen carefully
before responding. Ask what they think is in
the vaping devices. A lot of teens are under the
impression that vaping is an appetite suppressant
and can boost their mood and energy levels.
Neither is true.”
She encourages caring adults to share facts
that might get kids to think twice about vaping.
“Try pointing out that big tobacco is targeting
them with flavors. Or, that many of the devices
are high in poisonous metals that can harm their
developing brains. You want to engage the youth
in critical thinking. You want them to appreciate
that vaping does actual harm to their bodies and
that harm may be permanent.”
Abraham also notes that talking about vaping
isn’t a one-and-done kind of thing. “The devices
and marketing keep evolving. When you see a
window to naturally bring up the topic, you should
seize it.”+
Here to Help
The following organizations offer
information and advice that can help
parents navigate talking to teens about
vaping and offer help for quitting.
VT:
Statewide: :
802Quits (support & classes)
802quits.org
FreshStart (online workshop)
myhealthyvt.org
Mylifemyquit.org (confidential
texting with online coach)
Truthinitiative.org
Wilmington:
Deerfield Valley Community
Partnership
802-464-2202
Londonderry (covering
Bennington County):
The Collaborative
802-824-4200
thecollaborative.us
(age-specific information)
Bennington:
Alliance for Community
Transformations (ACT)
info@actbennington.org
actbennington.org
MA:
North Adams:
Northern Berkshire
Community Coalition
413-663-7588
nbccoalition.org
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