Ready to Talk to Your Teen About Vaping? Parents, Here Are 5 Points to Make About Vaping From a Health-Care Provider by Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

Three million teens are vaping, and one in four have done it at least once in the last month. Parents are finally waking up to what is now being called an epidemic, and headlines about young people getting sick and dying – half of whom are under the age of 25 – are helping to create a sense of urgency. If you’re ready to talk to your teen about vaping, here are the most important health points to make:

1. Vaping is dangerous. It causes inflammation that can lead to serious lung infections.
2. Vaping is very addictive. E-cigarettes contain nicotine and are just as addictive as regular cigarettes.
3. Vaping will not help you quit smoking. Seven out of 10 high school smokers also use e-cigarettes.
   
4. Vaping is bad for your brain. Nicotine impacts mood, lowers impulse control and makes it harder to pay attention.
5. Vaping makes it easier to get addicted to other drugs. Nicotine primes your brain to seek repeated use of other drugs as well.

Teens who vape are taking on serious health risks, and many don’t fully understand the consequences. Talking to your teen about vaping is a must, and if you feel like you need support, enlist a nurse practitioner to help.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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