Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Winter 2019

12 VITALITY Winter 2019 COMMUNITY SMOKING The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, has become a common alternative to smoking traditional tobacco. However, its long-term health effects are not yet fully known. Here are some common questions about vaping and how it compares to smoking regular tobacco. Q: HOW DOESVAPINGWORK? A: Vaping refers to the use of electronic cigarettes, which are also known as vaporizers, vape pens, e-cigarettes, mods or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). E-cigarettes vary in shape and size, but they all contain a liquid that is heated until it turns into a vapor and then inhaled. Q: ISVAPINGADDICTIVE? A: Vapor from e-cigarettes usually contains nicotine, a highly addictive chemical. Studies have also shown that some e-liquids contain other cancer-causing chemicals and toxins, heavy metals, and other addictive compounds. Q: WHAT OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS ARETHERE? A: Another major concern is the number of young people who use e-cigarettes. Multiple studies suggest that teenagers who smoke e-cigarettes are more likely to move on to tobacco or other drugs. This Teens: Get help to quit Millions of adolescents now vape. It’s urgent that teens understand the addictive nature of vaping and how it affects overall health and brain development. Citizens Memorial Hospital now offers support through “Ready Now” vaping cessation counseling. “Ready Now” vaping cessation is a free, one- hour crash course led by Anne Bristow, a CMH registered respiratory therapist with more than 40 years of experience and a master’s degree in education and counseling. Bristow can also accommodate youth who feel more comfortable in a small group setting. The counseling program’s goals are to: » Provide fundamental tools and resources for vaping cessation. » Establish a supportive relationship with the teen. » Encourage teens to use necessary resources and tools to stop vaping. CMH Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation also offers free vaping and smoking cessation for adults. For more information, contact your medical provider or make an appointment with Bristow by calling 417-328-6574 . is because of the effect nicotine has on the brain’s reward system. Nicotine is also dangerous for a teen’s developing brain—it can cause problems with attention span and learning, and raise risks for mood disorders and long-term problems with impulse control. Q: ISVAPING HEALTHIERTHAN TRADITIONAL SMOKING? A: Vaping is not good for your health. However, it is less harmful for you than smoking if used as a complete tobacco replacement. Because vaping can encourage the brain to become more easily addicted to other drugs, experts recommend that you don’t start using e-cigarettes if you have never smoked before. Q: CANVAPING HELPYOU QUIT SMOKING REGULAR CIGARETTES? A: There is currently no sufficient evidence that e-cigarettes help smokers quit. In fact, some studies have found that people who tried to use e-cigarettes as a quit aid were less likely to quit smoking than those who didn’t. There are seven other smoking cessation methods approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that can help smokers quit effectively and safely. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute on Drug Abuse; U.S. Food and Drug Administration Vaping: Your questions answered