What to Do as School Begins?
Even though school is just beginning all around the country, I am being flooded with calls and emails that vaping remains the school’s number one problem. Research has shown us that vaping affects students’ learning ability, mental and emotional health, and self-esteem. This summer, researchers found that our youth are at risk of experiencing significant respiratory symptoms like bronchitis and shortness of breath, after vaping in the past 30 days. Those using in the past 30 days were 78% more likely to experience shortness of breath. Dr. Hamburg, cardiologist and Professor of Medicine at Boston University, wrote that youth who vape have been shown to “increase heart rate, blood pressure and affect the ability of the blood vessels to relax”.
So, what can we do? We must use our voice in our communities to not only support our schools in addressing this epidemic with evidence-based science but also with local, state, and national officials to change policies that allow companies like Puff Bar, not to be allowed to sell their products to youth. Get involved with Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes, PAVE. Their fall campaign, “Schools In – Vapes Out!” is something you will want to look at. PAVE is extremely helpful if your community needs education or direction in working with policymakers. Of course, our first priority is to communicate with our kids and for me, my grandkids, about the concerns of them and or their friends vaping. You can always email me with questions or comments. I can be reached at: [email protected].
Looking to have The Breathing Association bring the Kick The Nic program to your school or youth organization? Click here to find out more: https://breathingassociation.org/services/asthma-services/kick-the-nic/