PTSA Newsletter
February 2018
It's Not Too Late!
What You Need To Know About Vaping
What is an e-cigarette?
- Electronic device-has battery and coil that heats up “oil” that users inhale
What’s the problem?
- Common Myth that they are “SAFE” because they are marketed as “safer than cigarettes”--this is misleading
- Still considered a TOBACCO product and most oils contain NICOTINE
- Nicotine-is addictive and can be deadly at high doses
- Oils-dangerous because they contain HIGHLY concentrated levels of nicotine--
- Too many HITS at high concentrations can cause overdose
- Can be lethal if ingested (similar effects as SARAN GAS)
- Can still be poisonous even with skin contact
**consider dangerous risk if small children were to have access to the bottle of oil***
- Not as many chemicals as cigarettes; however, contain chemicals KNOWN to be toxic including diethylene glycol (found in antifreeze), formaldehyde, metals, and more.
- Faulty batteries have caused explosions leading to injury
- Users now use “dripping” method--in which they drip oil directly over heating element to intensify the “hit”
- This causes ingestion of higher concentrations of nicotine and more “high”
- This increases likelihood of injury related to misuse of device
Why are they doing it?
- They may not see it as a “drug” or realize it is not safe
- Nicotine-stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain and cause “pleasure”
- They do get a “buzz”-nicotine can cause increase in heart rate, lightheadedness, and a “mellow” feeling
What to look for?
- Suspicious behaviors
- some kids meet up to use someone else’s vape
- could appear “high”-sleepy, drowsy, mellow
- Look out for fruity smells/odors (many liquids have “flavors”)
- Listen for the terms: vape, “Juice”
- Overdose signs/symptoms: nausea/vomiting, seizures, heart arrythmias
As a reminder, the High School Handbook has this to say about e-cigarettes:
Students are prohibited from possessing or using any type of tobacco product, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), or any other electronic vaporizing device, while on school property at any time or while attending an off-campus school-related activity.
Check out the following resources from the Surgeon General's Office for more information on the dangers of e-cigarettes and for information about how to talk to your kids about it.
Know the Risks: E-Cigarettes and Young People
Talk With Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents
Practice ACT is February 10, Registration ends Friday, Feb 2!
Texas PTA Honorary Life Member Nominations
Do you know someone who has made an indelible impact on the lives of children? The Lebanon Trail PTSA is accepting nominations for a 2018 honoree for the Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership. This is an honor given by the State PTA and is one of the highest honors that may be presented to individuals for outstanding service to children and youth. The recipient does not have to be a PTA member nor must the service for which the honor has been bestowed be connected with the PTA/PTSA. The only requirement for receiving a Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership is that the recipient is making or has made a worthwhile contribution to the well-being of children and youth.
If you know a deserving individual who has supported our Local PTSA or Council PTA in our mission of making every child's potential a reality, please send his/her name by end of day Friday, March 30, 2018 to gwang_75024@yahoo.com.
Next General Meeting: February 13, 2018 at 6:30 PM
Updates from the Texas PTA:
Get Ready to Take It to The Polls
PTA Advocates! Get ready to take it to the polls! Primary elections, the most important elections in Texas these days, will be here before you know it, on March 6.
Advocacy begins in your community. Educate yourself about the candidates by holding or attending forums to meet the candidates and by visiting their campaign websites. Often local newspapers publish questionnaires that have been completed by candidates. They can provide good information about a candidate’s priorities.
The Texas Tribune has compiled a list of all the candidates who have filed for the Democratic and Republican primaries for statewide, congressional, and legislative offices and the State Board of Education. See the list. To find the candidates who are running in your part of the state, confirm your district number here.
Feb 5- Last day to register to vote
Feb 20- Early voting begins
March 2- Last day to early vote
March 6- Primary ELection Day
Remember the Texas PTA Legislative priorities when you go to the polls. We need representatives at the local and state level who will work beside us to make every child’s potential a reality.
Share with your community, encourage voter registration and get everyone to the polls.