Student Health and Safety
VAPING
Young people start vaping for a variety of reasons. Whether it's peer pressure, the belief that vaping relieves stress or looks cool, or because they believe that vaping is "harmless" and safer than smoking - vaping is harmful and unsafe for kids, teens and young adults.
How Does Vaping Work?
E-cigarettes (or “vape pens”) heat a liquid until it becomes a vapor, which is inhaled. The liquid (e-liquid or “vape juice”) can contain nicotine or marijuana distillate or oil. E-cigarettes can be refillable or pre-filled with cartridges containing the e-liquid. The pre-filled e-cigarettes (called “Puff Bars”) are designed for one-time use. After taking a certain number of “puffs,” the user throws the device away. A CDC (2022) study found that 99% of the e-cigarettes sold at venues across the US contained nicotine.
Teens often vape because vapes come in fun flavors, like fruit, candy, mint and menthol. In 2022, 84.9% of youth reported using e-cigarettes because of the flavor varieties and sleek enticing packaging.
What Are the Health Effects of Vaping?
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance and can harm adolescent brain development. Other health risks of vaping include:
addiction: E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a drug that’s highly addictive. You don’t have to vape every day to get addicted.
anxiety and depression: Nicotine makes anxiety and depression worse. It also affects memory, concentration, self-control, and attention, especially in developing brains.
becoming a smoker: People who vape are more likely to start smoking regular (tobacco) cigarettes and may be more likely to develop other addictions in the future.
sleep problems
exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
chronic bronchitis
lung damage - some of the ingredients in e-cigarette aerosol could be harmful to the lungs in the long-term.
Prevention and Education
Set a good example and make your home tobacco free
Talk with your child about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes/vaping.
Start the conversation early - let them know how you feel about e-cigarettes and all tobacco products. Encourage your child to learn the facts.
CDC. (2022). Quick facts on the risks of e-cigarettes for kids, teens and young adults. Retreived from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/spanish/los-riesgos-de-los-cigarrillos-electronicos-para-jovenes.html
DANGER! What do You Really Know About Energy Drinks?
In 2011, 1,499 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years went to the emergency room for an energy drink related emergency.
Some of the dangers of energy drinks include:
Dehydration (not enough water in your body).
Heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure).
Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery).
Insomnia (unable to sleep).
MAKE GOOD CHOICES!
Drinking enough WATER every day is important for your health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones. Water has no calories, so it can also help with managing body weight and reducing calorie intake when substituted for drinks with calories, such as sweet tea or regular soda.
The benefits of drinking water:
Keep a normal temperature.
Lubricate and cushion joints.
Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements( Felix, 2023).
