Page 30 - February 2023 Issue.indd

Tips, Classes and
H ealth C orner Programs to help

you live healthier!

owns Vuse, a popular vape brand. or heavy metals. So, now that we
We know how deceitful Big Tobacco understand a little bit more about Big
companies have been in the past and Tobacco’s history and the importance
we know their motives alway involve of raising the next generation tobacco
Raising the Next Generation making money. free, including vapes, what steps can
Tobacco-Free we take?
Just like cigarettes, nearly all vapes
contain nicotine, which is highly 1. Know that you can infl uence
By Heather Grove, BSN, RN
addictive. This is especially concerning kids’ decisions about whether or

No more smoke-filled rooms or cars. No when it comes to young people because not they use tobacco products.

more yellow nicotine stains. Imagine the human brain continues to grow and Be clear that you do not approve
freedom from nicotine addiction and develop until about the mid-twenties. of your children/grandchil-
longer, healthier lives. Wouldn’t it be During that time of development dren smoking, vaping or using
wonderful to see the next generation people are even more susceptible to tobacco in any form. Even if you
completely tobacco-free? addiction. use these products yourself, be
clear they are not to be used by
Tobacco companies have targeted Nicotine is a stimulant and can increase anyone under the age of 21.
youth and minorities for far too long. our heart rate and blood pressure,
Countless lives have been lost from causing our heart to work harder. It 2. Educate yourself on trending
tobacco products. Th ankfully, many can cause damage to our lungs. Also, products. Th e market
young people have been educated contrary to the name, when someone is always growing.
on the dangers of tobacco. Social vapes they are actually inhaling an 3. Have conversations with your
norms are changing and most young aerosol, not a water vapor. Some of the kids/grandkids about the dangers
people are not interested in smoking common chemicals within the aerosol of all tobacco products.
cigarettes. However, young people, inhaled are nicotine, benzoic acid, • Don’t make it a lecture
even those that would have never propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin,

touched a traditional cigarette, are flavoring and coloring. Devices have • Ask them what they know or
interested in electronic cigarettes and a mouthpiece, battery, atomizer, and have heard or seen

vaping products. heating element. These pieces are • Ask for their opinion about
composed of plastics and metals that what they think about these
Companies that make vaping products can break down over time, especially products or how they feel
are connected to the tobacco industry. as they are heated. about the way they are being
The company R.J. Reynolds, which targeted by the companies

makes the cigarette brands Newport Our lungs are made for clean, fresh
and Camel, is the same company that air, not inhaling aerosols, chemicals, • Keep the conversation going
and the door open so they feel
DOT/CDL comfortable coming to you
with questions or concerns
MEDICAL EXAMS 4. Keep kids engaged. Kids and

teens are naturally curious,

help them find safe ways to
Complying with New satisfy their curiosities.
Government Requirements 5. Kids and teens have enormous
levels of stress and anxiety today.
As adults, let us not overlook or
FMCSA Certified Physician
undermine their stressors. Th is
Prompt C.E. Jensen, MD
Service Competitive is a big reason many will cite for
Price 410-924-8560 using tobacco or drugs. Model
and help them learn healthy
Evenings and Saturdays by appointment
ways to manage their stress.
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