Possible New Dangers of Vaping
I recently saw posts in my social media discussing the release of new studies on vaping and I wanted to investigate this.
It appears there are multiple emerging studies on the link between developing insulin resistance and vaping or use of e-cigarettes. As if we didn’t already have enough reasons to be concerned about our teens vaping habits.
Since vaping and e cigarettes both use aerosols with some serious chemicals, for the purposes of this post, I will refer to them both as “ vaping.”
Vaping and Insulin Resistance
What I found? There are multiple studies being conducted in different parts of the world that have all picked up on the link between vaping and insulin resistance. However, it seems that there exists a lack of consistency in the early findings to date, suggesting that more studies are needed to be conclusive.
What does it mean if insulin resistance is created by vaping? It means rising pre-diabetic conditions and diabetes. Alarmingly, diabetes and insulin resistance is a factor in how our bodies fight chronic illness. Specifically, these factors compromise our bodies’ ability to control chronic illness over how a non-diabetic person does.
While the studies continue and are inconclusive to this point, the alarm bells have been sounded and the red flag has been waived. We will have to stay tuned on this topic among the threats of vaping.
What we do know about vaping
Vaping among teens is a growing concern, with serious health risks that parents need to address head-on. As of February 2020, there have been 2,758 cases of vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI) reported across all 50 U.S. states, with 64 confirmed deaths.
Understanding the Risks
Vaping can lead to severe lung injuries and has been linked to cases of poisoning, especially among young users. Symptoms can range from rapid heart rate and nausea to more severe effects like respiratory paralysis and seizures.
According to health professional Leslie Wall, RN/BSN, Cardiac Specialist, BC-NC, she states the following:
“Aside from the more widely recognized risks, vaping and e-cigarette use have been linked to a range of lesser-known health complications, including autoimmune disorders, skin rashes, and the early onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. Additionally, there has been an increase in mental health concerns such as hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression, likely due to the impact of chemicals in e-cigarettes on hormone regulation. Furthermore, cardiovascular issues, including cardiac arrhythmias, and heavy metal toxicity are emerging as significant health risks associated with vaping. Having worked in cardiac emergency medicine for eight years, I’ve seen an alarming rise in younger individuals presenting with cardiac disease, lung disease, unregulated vascular issues, and diabetes—lifestyle-related diseases that are preventable and reversible. Factors such as the standard American diet, combined with the targeted marketing of tobacco and vaping products to children, contribute significantly to this concerning trend.”
Before you engage your teen on the topic, you have to expect:
- They have probably tried it or are doing it regularly (they might enjoy it)
- Some of their friends have also tried it or are doing it regularly (peer influence)
- They will likely attempt to discredit or deny it’s impact (to escape or deny consequence)
- Corporations skillfully market these vaping products to their age group to indoctrinate them into lifelong use. (the enemy has real power)
Your approach is everything
If you only suspect that your teenager is vaping, don’t accuse them or interrogate them. That approach will result in defensiveness and shut out your message. It is better to state that you assume they will be exposed to it if they haven’t already.
Another approach to this discussion is to acknowledge that you have seen some of the friends vape and express concern so that your child will understand and be able to help safely influence their friends. This indirect delivery method will also avoid defensiveness which would shut out your message.
If you know your teen is vaping and they have acknowledged the habit, stay away from criticism and judgement. Your only position here should be for their short term and long term health. Express that with genuine empathetic love and concern.
Talking to your teen about vaping
- Start the Conversation Early: Don’t wait for a problem to arise. Discuss the dangers of vaping with your teen before they’re exposed to it.
- Be Honest and Direct: Share factual information about the health risks associated with vaping. They will try to discredit the risk.
- Listen Actively: Encourage your teen to share their thoughts and experiences. This fosters trust and openness. (Remember, “we listen and we don’t judge”.)
- Set Clear Expectations: Establish rules regarding substance use and explain the consequences of vaping. Focus on the natural consequences and not your imposed consequences.
- Lead by Example: Model healthy behaviors. If you use tobacco or vaping products, consider quitting and openly discuss the challenge and action plan.
Resources for More Information
Use these reliable resources as a basis for your discussion and share with your child.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Offers comprehensive data on vaping-related illnesses.
- American Lung Association: Provides resources on the health impacts of vaping.
- Truth Initiative: Focuses on educating youth about the dangers of tobacco and vaping.
I want to reiterate how serious of a health risk I believe vaping is. The facts reported by the resources above are quite compelling. However, I remain haunted by the first hand accounts of personal stories of debilitating pulmonary injury and death as a result of vaping on social media posted to serve as a serious warning to teens and parents.
By staying informed and maintaining open communication, you can help your teen navigate the challenges of peer pressure and make healthier choices.
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