VAPING: The good, bad and the ugly

\n\nCont. from previous edition. \n\nWhy should I quit? \n\nWanting to be the best, healthiest version of yourself is an important reason to quit vaping.\n\nOthers include:\n\nUnknown health effects: The long-term health consequences of vaping are not known. Recent studies report serious lung damage in people who vape, and even some deaths.\n\nAddiction: Addiction in the growing brain may set up pathways for later addiction to other substances.\n\nBrain risks: Nicotine affects your brain development. This can make it harder to learn and concentrate. Some of the brain changes are permanent and can affect your mood and ability to control your impulses as an adult.\n\nUse of other tobacco products: Studies show that vaping makes it more likely that someone will try other tobacco products, like regular cigarettes, cigars, hookahs\n\nToxins (poisons): The vapor made from e-cigarettes is not made of water. The vapor contains harmful chemicals and very fine particles that are inhaled into the lungs and exhaled into the environment.\n\nSports: You want to do your best in sports, and vaping may lead to lung inflammation (irritation).\n\nMoney: Vaping is expensive! The cost of the cartridges over time starts to add up. Instead, you could spend that money on other things you need or enjoy.\n\nTo go against tobacco company advertising: Many e-cigarettes are made by the same companies that produce regular cigarettes. Their marketing targets young people by making fun flavors for e-cigarettes and showing young, healthy people vaping and showing it as if it’s a trend that you must indulge in. They’re trying to make you into their new, lifetime customer.\n\nHow can I quit? \n

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• Decide why you want to quit and write it down or put it in your phone. Look at the reason(s) when you feel the urge to vape.
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• Pick a day to stop vaping. Put it on the calendar and tell supportive friends and family that you’re quitting on that day.
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• Get rid of all vaping supplies.
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• Download tools (such as apps and texting programs) to your phone that can help with cravings and give encouragement while you try to stop vaping.
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• Understand withdrawal. Nicotine addiction leads to very strong cravings for nicotine. It can also lead to:
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• Headache
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• Feeling tired, cranky, angry, or depressed
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• Trouble concentrating
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• Trouble sleeping
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• Hunger
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• Restlessness
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\n\n\nThe signs of withdrawal are strongest in the first few days after stopping. They get better over the following days and weeks. Get rid of feelings, people, and places that make you want to vape. These are called triggers. If possible, avoid places and people that trigger the urge to vape. If you feel the urge to vape, try these things instead:\n

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• Chew sugar-free gum or drink water.
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• Text, call or hang out with a friend who will support you.
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• Listen to your favorite playlist.
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• Go for a walk or jog.
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• Try Meditation / yoga
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• Take 10 deep breaths.
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• Keep your hands busy with a hobby, like drawing or making jewelry.
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• Go somewhere where no one smokes
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\nConsult your health care provider for further information and help.\n\n