WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
Many people strive to live a healthy life and take steps — no matter how big or small — to add healthy habits to their routines. As a parent, you play an important role in guiding your teenager toward making healthy choices by equipping them with the resources to make them. An unhealthy habit that doesn’t contribute to your teens’ well-being? Vaping.
In a poll conducted by Mott Children’s Hospital, about 60 percent of parents whose teens vape have no idea. This alarming statistic shows how important it is for parents to talk with their teens about the dangers of vaping. Here’s what you need to know about the health risks:
The health risks of vaping
Vaping is harmful to your mental and physical health. While you can’t always physically see these effects, you’ll start to feel them.
Your teen may not know about these long-term implications that come with vaping.
Long-term vaping can lead to:
- Nicotine addiction
- Respiratory issues
- Increased risk of cardiovascular problems
- Gastrointestinal and kidney disorders
- Reproductive health issues and infertility
- Resistance to chemotherapy and other medicines
- Lung irritation which may trigger:
- Wheezing
- Asthma attacks and shortness of breath
- Dry mouth, which can lead to dental issues
Mental health issues are another side effect.
Nicotine from vapes also leads to:
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Increased quickness to act without thinking
According to Truth Initiative, four out of five teens try vape products to cope with depression or anxiety. The tobacco industry often claims their products help mental health, when the opposite is true. The teenage years can already be challenging without the added negative consequences of vape and nicotine products.
Why are vapes popular?
There are more than 15,000 flavors of vapes on the market, and many are aimed specifically at addicting young people. Vaping also appears in media often, which makes teens think it is safe or even “cool.” According to Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, more than one in five Oklahoma high school students report vaping, and most of them started with a flavored product. The tobacco industry has also made vaping more enticing with discounted prices, event sponsorships, tech-inspired designs and false claims about mental health benefits.
Signs your teen is vaping
With what we know about the truth of vaping and the dangerous consequences, it is important to recognize if your teen might be vaping. They will most likely show physical and behavioral signs, along with changes to their routine.
The physical signs:
- Nosebleeds
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Constant coughing
- Mouth sores
- Skin changes
The behavioral signs:
- Intense mood swings
- Oversleeping
- Struggling to concentrate
- A loss of interest in hobbies or sports
- Spending more money than usual
Unexplained sweet scents, strange batteries or chargers and the delivery of unmarked packages may also be warning signs.
Even if your teen exhibits one or more of these symptoms, don’t immediately assume they’re vaping. Hormones, stress and typical development can present similar changes. Invite open and honest conversation about changes you’re seeing rather than making accusations.
Talk with your teens
As a parent, you might ask, “How can I help my teen?” With the knowledge you have about vape and nicotine products, the best thing you can do is talk with your kid. An open conversation about the importance of their mental and physical health, paired with the side effects of vaping, can be powerful coming from a trusted adult.
Keep your kids tobacco free with ongoing discussions about the dangerous effects and why health should be a priority in their lives. Not sure how to start the conversation? Find age-specific starters and guides at TalkAboutTobacco.com. This resource, from Tobacco Stop With Me, gives parents the tools to start difficult conversations, learn more about tobacco and find judgment-free support.
Remember: You play a vital role in your kids’ mental and physical health, which includes warning them of the dangers of vape and nicotine products.