Announcement from the Nurse:
The school nurses will be conducting state-mandated health screenings at Bellefonte Area Middle School on November 5-7, 2024. The mandated screening includes height, weight, and vision for all grades. In addition, hearing screening will be conducted on 7th-grade students. Students who wear glasses should bring them to screenings. Please contact Rachel Griel at rgriel@basd.net with any questions. Thanks
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month:
While every day is a good day to quit smoking and vaping, the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out is November 21 this year. Quitting smoking is hard but taking it one day at a time can help you to make progress toward stopping smoking and setting an excellent example for your children.
The best way to avoid the health risks associated with smoking is to never start. Starting to smoke can lead to addiction and a lifetime of health problems. It's crucial to have open and honest conversations with your children about the potential dangers of these habits, so your student never starts smoking or vaping.
Some people think vaping is a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes however that simply is not true. Both involve the inhalation of harmful chemicals and can lead to serious health consequences. Nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, can have detrimental effects on the brain and cardiovascular system. Additionally, vaping can expose individuals to other potentially harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and heavy metals. It is important to view vaping as a serious health risk and discourage its use, especially among young people.
Understanding the Risks
Both smoking and vaping pose serious health risks, including:
Lung damage: These activities can lead to chronic lung diseases like bronchitis and emphysema.
Heart problems: Smoking and vaping increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Cancer: These habits can contribute to the development of various cancers, including lung, mouth, throat, and bladder cancer.
Addiction: Nicotine, the addictive substance found in cigarettes and e-cigarettes, can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Talking to Your Kids
Here are some tips for having effective conversations with your children about smoking and vaping:
Start early: Begin discussing the risks of smoking and vaping at a young age, even before your child reaches adolescence.
Be open and honest: Share your concerns and explain the potential consequences of these habits in a way that is age-appropriate and understandable.
Listen actively: Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings. Be patient and attentive, and avoid judgment.
Provide support: Let your child know that you are there to help and support them if they are struggling with smoking or vaping.
Resources and Support
If you or your child are looking for resources or support related to smoking or vaping, here are some helpful organizations:
The American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/
The National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-drug-abuse-nida
The Truth Initiative: https://truthinitiative.org/