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    The Value of a Breath: Vaping and Our Youth- What it is, What it Does, and What Should Concern Us

    The Value of a Breath: Vaping and Our Youth- What it is, What it Does, and What Should Concern Us

    March 18, 2021 9PM ET/ 6PM PT

    This webinar will discuss youth use of nicotine and marijuana vaping products. Participants will learn which products youth are using, and the health ramifications that have been revealed. The presenter will demonstrate actual products, discuss the evolution of them, and the role vaping products play in the overall health in the community.

    The presentation will:
    • help adults to recognize when a youth is using, 
    • explain the different technologies, sales methods, and substances that youth use
    • explain youth use of vaped nicotine and marijuana and its impact on addiction
    • discuss why vaping is different from smoking and why it isn’t as safe as promoted 
    • discuss what these substances do to youth’s brains and bodies, 
    • explain the ramifications with COVID-19, EVALI, and what we know and don’t know about long term effects 
    • outlay current policies, controls and rules on sales and use. 

     

    Summary:

    • discussed why vaping is different from smoking and why it isn’t as safe as promoted
      • vaping is a misnomer- it is Aerosol
      • just because something is safer, does not mean it is safe
      • components in vape aerosol
      • Lungs are delicate and are the beginning of the respiratory and circulatory system
         
    • explained the different technologies, sales methods, and substances that  youth use
      • Evolution of Vaping technologies- E-cigarette (look alike), Vape/Hookah Pens used with Juice, “mod” rigs, Cartridge/Pod Pens  and systems (like JUUL and others), Disposables
      • Two most used substances- Nicotine and THC) Other not as prominent but possible- alcohol- dangerous because it goes right to  blood stream without body’s natural defense mechanism, and Fentanyl- SUPER RARE, NOT SEEN THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, but, it is chemically stable to be put in a liquid suspension, so we HOPE  we don’t see this happen
      • Nicotine free flavor juices are not as common, easy to get, and  “nicotine free” as claimed- Flavor bans in New Jersey make these very difficult  to come by
      • Culture! Cloud contests, concealability, product lines that exist to  further vape discretion and use.
         
    • helped adults to recognize when a youth is using
      •  Vape “Trash”
      • Different smells- Fruity, minty, sweet, skunky
      • dry mouth
      • sometimes caffeine aversion
      • Change in breath
      • Smells on clothes
      • products and ways to hide
         
    • explained  youth use of vaped nicotine and marijuana and its impact on addiction
      • Nicotine higher concentration than traditional cigarettes, easier to breathe in, less irritation, and flavors
      •  Juul’s role in increasing use rates- nearly a tobacco free generation, but not anymore
         
    • discuss what these substances do to youth’s brains and bodies
      • disruption of brain development
      • addiction pathways
      • Lead to other substances that are used in vaping- part of the culture
         
    • explained the ramifications with COVID-19, EVALI, and what we know and don’t know about long term effects
      • Evali- Electronic vaping associated Lung Illness- these are the deaths you saw in 2019- linked to vitamin e acetate
      • Covid-19 users even though they are young are much more suspetible to danges of COVID and facing severe symptoms
      • vaped marijuana poses even more risk
      • soft tissue is primed for fungal, bacterial and viral growth- Moisture
         
    • outlayed current policies, controls and rules on sales and use.
      • Flavor ban for nicotine solutions is in effect in NJ- only those with heavy licensure can sell it
      • Juul cartridges- and mimics are only supposed to be tobacco or mint flavored
      • In the US it is illegal to sell to anyone under the age of 21, but not to posses or use it. (to avoid a record being built)
      • Current marijuana legislation changes


    Guest Presenter: Malissa Arnold

    Malissa Arnold is the Program Coordinator for the Drug-Free Communities grant at Mercer Council which focuses on assisting communities with drug and alcohol misuse and focuses on families, students, and other individuals across the lifespan. She is certified as a Prevention Specialist, Nurtured Heart Trainer, TIPS Trainer, Laughter Yoga Leader, and in Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Adults. She holds a bachelor's degree in History/Political Science from Salem Women's College and a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from Rutgers University.


    VIEW ON DEMAND:





    Resources:
    Nictine and Vaping-
    New Jersey Legislation guidance on Cannabis:
    Marijuana-

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