7 Must Considerable Points about Vaping from a Parent Perspective
Vaping is the process of inhaling vapor created by a device like an electronic cigarette or a vaporizer. The vapor contains active substances like nicotine or CBD, and inhaling it delivers the substance to the body. A very common vaping device is the e-cigarette. It is battery powered, and it has replaceable cartridges that use nicotine, flavorings and chemicals.
1.
Is vaping harmful to teens?
Yes. Vaping
is quite harmful to the developing body of an adolescent. Studies show that teens
are more sensitive to the effects of nicotine than adults. That is why even a
little amount of nicotine, as found in e-cigarettes, is unsafe for growing
adolescents.
They are
also prone to suffer more harmful effects. For example, youths exposed to e-cigarettes,
and nicotine, in general, can develop brain damage and a nicotine addiction if
they take it for a long time.
Other health
disadvantages of vaping and nicotine include:
·
Lung irritation
·
Lung damage and death
·
Craving for real cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
use
2.
Does vaping have any health benefits?
The health
benefits are of vaping are only in comparison to other forms of smoking. Some
researches suggest that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, and smokers
are encouraged to make the switch. However, introducing nicotine into the body altogether
is discouraged because of its long-term health disadvantages, especially when
it comes to adolescents.
3.
How often do you have to vape to experience the
negative effects?
Like with
other activities, the negative effects of vaping are dependent on several
factors. For example, some people may need to vape everyday to develop
addictions, while others can get hooked on nicotine, even if they only vape occasionally.
People’s bodies react differently to the substances introduced to the body
during vaping, and some people are more susceptible to the influence than
others.
4.
Can vaping cause cancer?
While on the
subject of how vaping can cause bodily harm, some researches have linked vaping
to cancer. Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that’s produced by e-cigarettes,
and it isknown to harbor carcinogenic effects. The implication of this is that
long term exposure can cause cancer forthe user. High traces of Formaldehyde
and other aldehydes were also found in the breath of people that vape, meaning
that the substance lingers after vaping sessions.
5.
Is there any harmless form of vaping?
Some of the dry
herb/weed vaporizers don’t contain nicotine and formaldehyde. As a result,
they may not be as carcinogenic as other forms. The long-term effects of
e-cigarettes like these have not been explored, and they may be safe for use.
However, when assessing the risks associated with vaping, other factors should
be considered. For example, these cigarettes still contain certain chemicals
that can irritate and damage the lungs.
6.
Why should adolescents quit vaping?
Adults who
use dry
herb vape pens are old enough to make decisions about vaping and
their health. However, with children, parents often need to make some decisions
for them, especially if they have the potential to cause life-altering effects.
Here are some of the reasons why people should quit vaping:
Ø Addiction
Addiction to
nicotine can be detrimentalto the growing brain, causing stunted growth and
even cognitive impairments.Additionally, nicotine dependence can lead to future
health problems, not to mention the development of addiction to other
substances.
Ø Risks of brain damage
Nicotine can
affect normal brain development in kids and adolescents. Common impairments
include difficulty concentratingand remembering. Some of these brainimpairments
can grow permanent as time progresses.
Ø Impaired function in other activities
Because
vaping can affect lung function, it can also affect performance in other
activities like sports.
Ø There are also unknown health consequences
There may be
other risks that haven’t been identified, especially as they relate to
e-cigarettes that don’t have nicotine.
7. How can you help your adolescents
quit vaping?
Quitting is
a tough task, and your teenis going to need your help if they are going to
successfully quit vaping. Here are some steps that can help you:
Ø Help them understand why they should quit
Telling
someone to quit doing something they love is very different from trying to help
them stop something they actually want to stop. The first and most important
step is to help your kids understand why they should quit vaping. Show them the
evidence you found of all the harmful effects.
Ø Pick a day
It’s better
to simply stop vaping, as opposed to trying to ‘wean it off’. You should pick a
day and mark it on the calendar. That way, your kid can mentally prepare for
the task at hand.
Ø Make a distance from all vaping equipment and supplies
There’s no
doubt that the sight of vaporizers can cause a relapse. You need to get rid of
all vaping supplies around.
Ø Prepare for withdrawal
For the
first few days after quitting, your teen is going to experience major
withdrawal symptoms. Preparing for these will make it much easier to endure.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms you can expect include:
·
Intense fatigue, anger, and sometimes depression
·
Headaches
·
Restlessness
·
Cold sweats
·
Insomnia
·
Lack of concentration
Ø Identify triggers
For many
people who are addicted, certain triggers can make them feel an almost irresistible
urge to vape. Common triggers include other people, feelings, or situations.
Helping your teen identify these triggers can make the quitting process easier.
It may be best to avoid these triggers completely, especially in the first few
days after quitting.
Ø Build a support system
As a parent,
you’re one of the most important support systems for your adolescent. You
should also try to enlist the help of other friends and family members, to make
the quitting process easier for both of you.
The bottom line
Even though
vaping can be an enjoyable recreational activity for adults, it can cause unwanted
effects in kids and adolescents. The responsibility often falls to parents to
help their kids understand the truth and get on the road to becoming nicotine-free.
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