Vaping

We are so excited for this episode with Megan from the Bear River Health Department! She gave us some great information about vaping and the way it is impacting us today. Come listen to learn more!

Listen here:

Transcribe:

Hilary: Welcome to The Parents Place podcast, my name is Hillary Anderson.

Jen: And I'm Jen Daly.

Hilary: And we are really excited to have you here today, we actually have a special guest with us today. Her name is Megan and she is from the Bear River Health Department, and we brought her here today to talk about something that we, as educators feel like is really important for parents and for families to understand. So, we're going to turn the time over to her, and she's going to introduce to you as viewers, as listeners, what she's going to talk a little bit about today.

Megan: Yeah, so I'm Megan from The Bear River Health Department, happy to be here and talk with you guys, share some info. Yeah, we're going to talk about vaping today and the effects of that, the history of it, all that jazz what people want to know about it.

Jen: I think it's such an important conversation to have because I think, you know, there was such a big thing about tobacco and cigarettes and how addicting they are and how bad they are for our lungs and things like that and secondary smoke. And we got hammered with that and then they came out with vaping stuff. I thought that it was vaping started a lot longer than it actually has and I just don't think people understand what it can do to our bodies and that it still is addictive, at least to my understanding. And so, I think there's a big appeal for kids because you don't get the smell, I don't think. And it's easier to hide, so but I think it's super important that we talk about this and we share this information with our kids as well.

Hilary: Well, Megan, let's start with this because it sounds like, as Jen mentioned, this is probably new territory for a lot of us. So, tell us a little bit about the history when we saw it maybe come about to our community, let's start there.

Megan: Yeah, no, that's great! So, throughout history, there's kind of been like some form of like an e-cigarette like people have been trying to like, modify the cigarette and stuff. Nineteen hundreds is when someone came up with an e-cigarette type product, but it wasn't patented or anything. It wasn't until 2003 is when the first e-cigarette was actually patented by a pharmacist in China. So, he had parents who smoked, had lung cancer from smoking. He was a heavy smoker, and he wanted to come up with a way to not smoke cigarettes and but yeah, that's a history of how they started. They entered e-cigarettes and vape pens, they entered the U.S. market in 2006, but they didn't really start to gain popularity until 2010. So, it is still new and I mean, we don't have as much research as we did on cigarettes been around forever, but there still is. We are doing a lot of studies still and getting a lot of really good information about how it affects the body and what it does to you. So, and it's just been slow, not slow, I guess has been a really good increase since 2010 as well, like 2019, was when Utah had the highest number of users in the state so.

Jen: So, it took a little bit of time to catch on, so, with that increase and the increase being kind of at 2019 and us being able to do some read a little bit of research. I mean, if you put it in the scheme of things of research, it is still really new but what are they finding are the dangers of vaping?

Megan: Yeah, so there's actually a lot, and it is very similar to cigarettes as well. And like you said, it's still new, but we do have I mean, we've gotten a lot of information just over the short time.

Jen: Really solid information.

Megan: Yeah, yeah, because when you think about it, just even technology, when trying to run studies and everything, we have really good technology right now to be able to test things where we didn't when cigarettes first started. But yeah, there's just a lot of things that just don't seem to have happened to your body. So, some things is when you vape, it increases your odds of just a chronic cough, you'll have phlegm, you can get bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. You'll increase your risk for heart disease and heart attack, pneumonia, lung damage and it also just when it's damaging your lungs it prevents oxygen from reaching the rest of your body and helping your organs and everything. Your immune response is different it's making it harder to fight off sickness and bacteria. And there's actually a study in 2019 where they found that mice that were exposed to e-cigarette aerosol for 54 weeks, they started to develop tumors in their lungs and abnormal bladder cell growth. So just stuff that doesn't seem fun to have happened to your body. So, and one of the bigger things that has been happening recently that we found out is it's called ECVPULI. So, it's e-cigarette vaping, product use associated lung injury. And so, they're actually finding a lot of teens and young adults are having this issue. It's similar to pneumonia, so you'll get the fever, chills, achy cough, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and just from vaping too much.

Megan: So, yeah,

Hilary: I’m really surprised about how many side effects are associated because I think, I guess in my naïve mind, when vaping became something an option for individuals, it was almost like, this is the safe option is the option where you're not going to see any harm to your body. This is why we're choosing to vape over the traditional cigarette. But I mean, I would make the assumption that a lot of those are very similar to what you would receive from smoking.

Jen: I know that I've had pneumonia. I had pneumonia years ago, and I've had ramifications ever since that I still deal with and they're not fun.

Hilary: So, a lot of those side effects, it sounds like we're with your lungs with proper breathing, but tell us a little bit about how it affects the brain. And do we have we seen from studies anything associated with that?

Megan: Yeah. So, a lot of it that affects your brain is the nicotine that's in vape pens and e-cigarettes. And that's kind of misleading because a lot of the things are labeled as nicotine free but studies have shown even if it's labeled nicotine free, it still has amounts of nicotine in it. And so, nicotine is just very addictive and stuff, and that's what keeps smokers and vapers going back for more. It kind of just rewire their brain, so, it's not good, especially for young adults and teenagers where your brain is still developing and trying to form all those connections. And so, nicotine can make it harder to quit because it's breaking those connections that you have in your brain and then it's also you lose your control to attention, you have mood swings, impulse control are affected. And also, something I found interesting, too, is that you increase your risk for anxiety and depression. And so, a few things that I read is that lots of teenagers have started to vape because they have anxiety and depression, but then they vape to help calm that but then it's making it worse. And so, it's just the cycle that they've been going through.

Jen: And probably increasing and trying to think, oh, you're having that mindset of or if I do it a little bit more, then it'll help my anxiety. It's always, yeah, that vicious cycle that just goes around. It's one of those coping skills that some people have of vaping or smoking and probably not getting the results that they're wanting from that coping skill.

Hilary: So, Megan, you may be getting to this, but I'm just curious, you made you made the comment about the study with the mice. But what are some of the side effects that we see from secondhand smoke? Do they have some similar side effects?

Megan: Yes. So, yeah, very similar to cigarette smoke and there's also third hand aerosol effect as well that also go into. So, with the second-hand aerosol smoke effect, so, there's still, nicotine and other particles, cancers, chemicals and everything that still are emitted into the air when someone vapes and so you can still affect someone if they have a respiratory illness. And you can also put someone else at risk for cancer or other respiratory infections and then the third hand side effects are its kind of like the residue that's left over. So, it's the stuff that gets into the air or into the dust, dust as well. So, it lands on surfaces and then not get mixed with other stuff in the air, it creates a chemical reaction and so it makes people sick as well. So, it's specifically harmful for kids and pets just because they have put things in their mouth, in their hands and their fingers after they touch stuff.

Jen: So, I was just thinking of growing babies, you know, on the floor. Yeah, yeah, so, with vaping, do you think like I always get when I teach about sexuality and things like that and if we're supposed to talk to our kids about that? Well, if I talk to my kids about that, they're going to go out and have sex. And is that the same mindset of people of if I talk to my kids about vaping, that it will entice them to use marijuana?

Megan: I think it's always a good idea just to have those hard conversations with your kids and especially about vaping, because I just think the more knowledge they have, I mean, that kind of makes them not as curious when they know exactly what everything is. So, yeah, but it has been shown that people who do start vaping, they can become addicted to other drugs and other substances as well. So, a lot of people who start off vaping will eventually start smoking and try other drugs. So, I guess, yes, in a way, if you start off vaping and everything, then there is a chance that you can start on marijuana and addiction.

Jen: And I wonder if there's a correlation between that they're not getting that coping skill from vaping and decreasing that anxiety. So, they go to something else trying to decrease anxiety, and that's really interesting. Now I've also heard and you may be talking about this later, and this is one-way kids hide marijuana, is by vaping it, is that you can vape with marijuana?

Megan: Yeah. So, you have the THC, and that's actually something that does relate to that, ECVPULI, what we were talking about earlier. It’s vitamin E acetate I think that is in with the THC liquids that use in the vape pens, and a lot of that isn't legal and its off-market stuff. And so that's where a lot of these lung illnesses are coming from is from people vaping, the THC and other things that they don't get from vape shops or approved places.

Jen: All right.

Hilary: So, let's backtrack for a little bit, so, for our listeners that maybe this is a completely new topic to them that they haven't ever explored before. Let's just go over the basics of what's the difference between vaping and your traditional cigarette smoking a cigarette?

Megan: Yeah so vaping e-cigarette or yeah, the mod. I don't know, there's lots of words. So, we'll just start with this, e-cigarettes, they're made with batteries and they have a heating coil in there. And so, it heats up the heating coil, which heats up the liquid juice, like the vape juice and stuff. So that has the nicotine, the flavoring and whatever chemicals in there. And so that battery heats up the coil and then that creates an aerosol and then you breathe it in and that's what you end up inhaling through the e-cigarette. So, cigarette in just basic terms it's just paper wrapped around tobacco, basically, you light it up and smoke it.

Jen: So, it sounds just like the same thing just in the different form. And then you're saying battery and heating up, and I'm thinking, is the device itself? Dangerous, like, can something happen to the device?

Megan: Yeah, so that's actually like one of the dangers as well as vaping is just a device where there have been cases where they have exploded or caught on fire and stuff. And so that's also a risk that doesn't seem fun to have that in your purse or something when that happens.

Jen: So, no, we're actually using it and having it happen while you're using it, that’s scary.

Megan: Yeah, yeah.

Hilary: And where a teen, an adult can pick up cigarettes just at your local grocery store, where does an individual go for an e-cigarette?

Megan: For e-cigarettes, they can go to just vape shops and stuff around town, so that's what I know. I know there's some, I know people can make them like the juice and stuff for it and whatever. And I know that's what kids will kind of share, but that's not regulated.

Hilary: So, are vape shops regulated at all?

Megan: Yeah, there are regulations and laws and stuff they have to follow.

Jen: And for vaping, is it the same age for kids? I mean, I know they're going to they find them one way or another, but there's still a legal age before you can purchase these?

Megan: Yeah, yes, you still have to be 21 in order to do that.

Jen: That is countrywide correct?

Megan: Yeah, pretty sure.

Jen: So, I am learning a lot with this um you think you know information and then you sit down with someone who actually knows and realize.

Hilary: Realize that you have no idea!

Jen: I know social media influences a lot of what kids do, and I'm sure the vaping is influenced by social media also. So, can you tell us a little bit about how social media is influencing our kids and vaping?

Megan: Yeah, so, it's actually it's a little bit frustrating, but like an example is Juel, which is a big e-cigarette company, and stuff is they were paying social media influencers to advertise for their products and make it look cool so that, you know, teens and other people will get involved in that. And then they weren't able to do that anymore, so, then they moved on to where they still have a social media account. They don't necessarily advertiser post through it, but they will comment on other people's posts and stuff and tell them to try, Juel or give like a discount code or something if they order online through their website. But I mean, they're just bigger tobacco companies, I mean, it started with cigarettes and that population is dying down from their customers. And so, they got to come up with something else to target another group of people to continue making money and so that's what a lot of these companies are doing.

Jen: So most across the board with everything, things technology, everything is changing so fast that what we as kids knew, at least Hillary and myself knew is old school and it is dying out. And so, everything is trying to find new ways to get customers it's not always the best way.

Hilary: Do you find that these companies are targeting certain genders or populations? What have you seen when it comes to the social media platforms? Is there are there trends that we've noticed?

Megan: Yeah, so, it's definitely teens and young adults and stuff and so, I mean, you can even just look at their website and see its bright colors, it's kids and I don't know, in really nice-looking clothes and stuff, whatever's trending popular with clothes and everything, and especially just because these products are small too. And so that's also what they're showing off is like, it's also discreet and it's small and everything, and you can hide it. And so, it's like they look really cool because they have a really cool background they have on really cool shoes or whatever.

Jen: And I'm sure they use music and anything else, musician, I mean, certain bands to.

Hilary: Advertising is big business and they know what they're doing, unfortunately, exactly which can be one of those situations that is very good or very bad, depending on what they're advertising on behalf of.

Jen: So, we need that on the good side.

Megan: Yeah, yeah.

Jen: We want the powers for good.

Hilary: So, let's talk about what we as parents and families and community members, what we can do to help with this, with this trend that we see with this problem. So how we mentioned being able to talk to our kids but let's dive into that a little bit more. So how do we go about opening up that conversation and what should that sound like for us?

Megan: Yeah, so, there's a resource that I use for those first steps for talking to your kids about vaping. It's SeeThroughTheVape.org and there's just a step by step on there that tells you like what how you can start conversations with your kids. So obviously, the first step before talking to your child is do some research, so, you know, listening to this podcast is a good idea where you get an idea about what vaping is and the harms it can do. But then also I also suggest just Googling different vape pens and e-cigarettes because, like I said, they do look like everyday products as well. And they're small, they're not big and yeah, they're just easy to hide.

Jen: In your state or your county probably has health departments as well that has great information that you can get.

Megan: Yeah, yeah, for sure. So yes, that's the first step, do some research about it. Just say, you know what you want to share with your child and then obviously start the conversation. So, choose a time that's good for you where you know you're not going to be rushed through anything and choose a place that's free of distractions. And then also just let your kid know that you have their best interests in your heart, you want what's best for them and that you care about them and you love them. And then if you do have a kid who vapes and I feel like the best thing to do is still tell them that you love them and that you're proud of them, but then just help them come up with a quick plan. Also, ask them, you know, like, why are you vaping? What are the benefits you're receiving? Is there something else we can replace it with that's healthier for you? And find out, you know, where they're getting their vapes and set boundaries about what's expected in your household. And then the last one is just to continue to build that healthy relationship with your kid. So, and I know sometimes these conversations can be hard, but I do think it's and it's important to have it.

Jen: Absolutely, I'm a big advocate for sharing information, information is power and making sure that we are talking with our kids and and being honest with them. You know, these are things that could happen and I want to keep you safe. I mean, I'm just thinking in my life, my grandmother, she passed away from emphysema, I mean, she smoked and she worked on a farm. So, the hay particles in her lungs and smoking, it was really hard for her. I mean, it was years of a prolonged, just chronic illness and then finally passing away from emphysema. So, letting kids know that it can have that end result for you and so, they have all of the knowledge. I mean, we can't be with her kids all the time, we can't. I love that commercial that now what is that parent's empowered? Does with the alcohol and he goes to drink it in it? I wish we could do that with kids in reality, but in reality, we can't. And so, the more education we can give them, the better decisions they can make.

Hilary: Well, and I like that you said I would guess that most kids are obviously have knowledge when it comes to what vaping is, probably where to get it, what it looks like. But you're right, they may not be as knowledgeable about the effects of it and the long term. Yeah, the long-term health concerns that you're going to get so, I think, like you said, knowledge across the board is powerful and I love that you mention that we're doing this in a loving way. We're not necessarily lecturing or even to the point where we're taking away or giving consequences or whatnot, but we're just having this loving conversation and that's open and it's honest, and it's a way to connect with our child so that hopefully they end up making that choice on their own.

Jen: And it's not a one-time conversation. Yeah, I think this has got to be an ongoing conversation that we have just sporadically of, hey, I wonder how you're doing with this or do you have any more questions? Let's remind you about some things and so that is ongoing and not just a one-time gig.

Hilary: So, for an individual, whether that be a teen or even an adult that decides that they are ready to quit, what resources are available out there for that type of help?

Megan: Yeah. So, what we, where we refer them to for teens, it is MyLifeMyQuit.org. It's specific for teens who have vaping or smoking addictions, it does require parental permission, though, in order to be involved in that. So, there is that, but it's a great resource to have they can text someone if they have any questions about it and need help quitting, or they can do an online chat. There's a lot of different ways that they can get support there.

Jen: And I think with that, yes, they have to have parental approval but I think if we're having that conversation with our kids of, you know what? I'm going to love you no matter what, if you come and tell me that you're doing this, then let's get you some help, I love you, I'm not going to be angry with you or you're not going to have all these horrible consequences. My goal is to get you help.

Megan: If that's yeah, you want your kids to live a healthy, long life without having to worry about anything. So, yeah, and then for adults as well, if there's any, if you need any help, there's also a WayToQuit.org. The same thing, you can get help on there, you can talk to someone online, and I think they do some online group work as well. And then we also have a quit kits available at the health department, so, there's just little things in there to help you, I'm looking for it. I mean, quit kits are available at the health department to help you quit as well. There's more resources and pamphlets in those to quit in those kits, as well as just like toothpicks to chew on whenever you get the urge or other things to help you with that.

Jen: Those are great resources, I appreciate you sharing them with our audience.

Hilary: And we're really grateful that there is an agency like you guys that is able to not only provide us with those resources, but that information too.

Megan: You can follow the health department on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you want more information about classes and what we offer, you can also visit our website BRHD.org. And that also offers the resources for other things as well.

Jen: And we will be sure to put those in our show notes so that they'll be quick things for listeners to be able to go to those, along with those resources for helping with quitting. I think we want to thank you so much for coming and educating us today, I know this will be a conversation my stepdaughter always loves when I have podcasts like this. Okay, now we're going to talk to you about this, so, thanks for this information, it's great. And hopefully this has been helpful for you as our listeners. Again, we're just this is information, gives us power and education so that we can make good, healthy decisions for our lives. If you would like to get a hold of Hilary or myself, you can reach us at Parents@thefamilyplaceutah.org or you can find me on Facebook, Jen Daly - The Family Place. You can also receive parenting tips twice a week through text by texting TFP 33222. We hope that you have a great week and we will see you next week.

Resources: Quitting vaping resources: - mylifemyquit.org (teens) - waytoquit.org (adults) - BRHD Quit Kits BRHD Social Media links - brhd.org - Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearRiverHealth - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearRiverHealth Contact:

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