Parents Must Talk Frankly to Their Teenage Kids to Wean Them Away From E-Cigarettes

The number of middle and high school students using e-cigarettes has tripled in just a year, but parents can play a vital role in preventing this trend.

A new study has revealed that parents can play a vital role in stopping the rise of teenagers using e-cigarettes.

The study conducted by Loyola University Health System Adolescent Medicine Program showed that in just a year the number of middle and high school students using e-cigarettes has tripled, but parents’ frank talk with their adolescents about the dangers of e-cigarettes can solve the problem.

Some Chemicals Used to Flavor E-cigarettes can be as Harmful as Cigarettes
The components of e-cigarettes are not regulated and standardized as compared to standard cigarettes and this is why they vary widely between products.

Garry Sigman, professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Loyola University said that e-cigarettes’ marketing has the potential of hooking a whole new generation on nicotine, that tends the body to crave more and more and this generates health issues including lung disease, heart disease, hypertension as well as effects on the nervous system.

Sigman explained that parents need to ensure their children know the use of e-cigarettes should be viewed the same as other addictive substances and they should also work together to create rules and boundaries.

Sigman concluded that parents cannot completely counteract the advertising and marketing campaigns targeted to youth, but they can arm themselves and their kids with knowledge.

More Proof Required to Deem Usefulness, Efficacy and Safety of E-Cigarettes
There are several other smoking cessation aids available that had more robust evidence base supporting their efficacy and safety, than e-cigarettes.

Source-Medindia

E-Cigarettes Have Become Increasingly Popular Among Canadian Teens in High Schools
In total, more than 2.5 million Canadians have tried e-cigarettes, with smokers and young people making up the largest demographic of ongoing users.

Flavoring Chemicals Used In E-Cigarettes Could Lead To Respiratory Irritants
E-cigarettes contain artificial flavorings similar to those used in food manufacture. But, this safety relates to exposure through eating, and not inhalation.