CHS Counseling Connections
March/April 2019
Vaping, Juuling, E-Cigarettes -- Everything You've Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask
You've heard all about it in the news -- vaping and juuling are on the rise among teenagers. But what exactly is vaping vs. juuling and how do e-cigarettes fit? They are all considered Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and they have become increasingly popular among young people in the last ten years. These devices have many names: e-cigarettes, e-cigs, cigalikes, vaporizers, vape pens, e-hookahs, tanks, and mods. In 2017, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among high school students (11.7%), followed by cigars (7.7%), and cigarettes (7.6%) (CDC, 2018). The use of these products may result in a new generation of young people developing nicotine addiction and its associated health risks.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor produced by a vaporizer or electronic cigarette. The vapor is produced from a material such as a liquid or concentrate.
A vaporizer is an electric device that turns vaping material into vapor. A vaporizer usually consists of a battery, main console or housing, cartridges and an atomizer or cartomizer. The battery generates the power for the heating element in the atomizer or cartomizer, which contacts the vaping material and transforms it into vapor for inhalation.
E-juice is the primary material used in vaporizers. It usually contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavoring and may or may not contain nicotine.
What's in the E-juice?
Nicotine -- the addictive chemical in tobacco and a major component in the e-cigarette liquid. Most ENDS contain nicotine; some contain the same amount per puff as traditional cigarettes. However, nicotine content tends to vary widely. Brands like JUUL began using nicotine salts, which allow users to inhale large levels of nicotine more easily and with less irritation (CDC, 2018).
Humectants -- substances that help create aerosol when heated, giving ENDS the ability to mimic cigarette smoke. The smoke is made up of propylene glycol and glycerol. Long term exposure to these substances along with dozens of other chemicals that are often not listed on labels can be toxic.
Flavorings -- additives that come in more than 7000 flavors. Many of the flavors are safe when added to food products but can cause problems with breathing when inhaled.
Metals -- residue from coils used to heat up the e-juice as well as other parts of the device can leak into the aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Chromium, nickel, lead, manganese, aluminum, tin and iron have been detected in ENDS aerosols.
Popular Types of Vaping Devices
JUULs
- Looks like a USB flashdrive
- Can charge while plugged into a laptop
- One JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as one pack of cigarettes
- Easy to "hack" -- take apart and fill cartridge with other substances such as marijuana oil.
Phix
- Not as popular as the JUUL but also sleek with a ceramic tip
- Users report easier to "chain vape" and vape for longer time periods
- Magnetic charging -- easier to charge
- Pods last longer than JUUL pods -- more nicotine
- More difficult to "hack" than JUULs
How Do Kids Get Them?
- Physical retail locations (74%)
- Social sources (family or friends)
- Online (6%, but 89% of youth who tried to buy the product online were successful)
What Can Parents Do?
- Look for patterns. Is your child coming home from school and going right into their bathroom?
- Take a quick survey of their personal items. Do you see anything unusual? Empty pods, chargers that don't belong, or unusual devices?
- Teens have to charge electronics -- pay attention to what they're charging. Are they hiding it? Are they taking it to the bathroom with them?
- Pay attention to certain smells and behaviors mentioned. Stay vigilant in your home, in the car, when picking them up from school and when they're with friends.
- Stay informed on the most current vaping devices and lingo. The more you know, the more empowered you are to talk to your child.
- Talk to your teens -- chances are some of them have something to tell you. Be honest about your concerns about vaping, the harm it can do, and the consequences that can occur if they are caught with one.
VAPING, JUULING and E-CIGARETTES A COMMUNITY EDUCATION EVENT
You will learn more about this dangerous and growing trend and the impact it has on adolescent health. If you have any questions, please contact the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance at 609-537-0242. We hope to see you there!!
Thursday, Mar 28, 2019, 07:00 PM
Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Arts Center
Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents
- Know the facts: Get credible information about e-cigarettes and young people here.
- Avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue.
- Remember, your goal is to have a conversation, not to deliver a lecture.
- It's OK for your conversation to take place over time, in bits and pieces.
- Children watch their parents very closely and model their behavior.
Find the right moment: A more natural discussion will increase the likelihood that your teen will listen. Rather than saying "we need to talk," you might ask your teen what he or she thinks about a situation you witness together, such as:
- Seeing someone use an e-cigarette in person or in a video
- Passing an e-cigarette shop when you are walking or driving.
- Seeing an e-cigarette advertisement in a store or magazine or on the internet.
Local Schoarships
Interesting Articles and Videos
Counseling Calendar
March 1
Local Scholarship information sent to parents and students
March 7
Writing the College Essay night. CHS PAC at 7:00pm. Students should attend with parents.
March 8
Registration deadline for April 13th ACT (not offered at CHS)
March 9
SAT ONLY (no subject tests)-- At CHS
March 15
Local Scholarship applications due to Ms. Kuschyk in the Counseling office. Google form must be submitted by 3pm. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS DEADLINE.
April
Deadline for colleges to notify students of admission acceptance.
April 2
College Fair held at Mercer County Community College from 6-8pm
April 5
Registration deadline for the May 4th SAT subject tests (not offered at CHS)
April 11
Gap Year Presentation -- For juniors and seniors and their parents. Holly Bull, President of the Center for Interim Programs will explain what a Gap Year is and how to take one. CHS Media Center at 7pm.
April 13
ACT testing (not offered at CHS)