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The Health Risks of Vaping
When e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, first came onto the market they were promoted as a healthy alternative to cigarettes — a way to kick the tobacco habit. Instead, vapes have become a preferred source of nicotine, especially among adolescents and teens.
Talk with any middle or high school student, and it's clear that vapes are popular on campuses across the nation. Many kids view vapes as harmless, believing them to consist solely of flavored water, while some adults see them as a healthy alternative to smoking. In reality, vaping is a serious risk to the health of your children.
The Danger
"The lungs are engineered to inhale air, not smoke or chemicals," says AltaMed’s Chief Health Correspondent and Medical Affairs Officer Ilan Shapiro, MD, FAAP, and FACHE.
The problem with vaping starts at its core function – the delivery of nicotine and chemicals into the throat and lungs. Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant drug and is “the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products” per The Alcohol and Drug Foundation. When used regularly, it can hurt the parts of our brain that control attention and learning.
Aside from its addictiveness through nicotine, vaping also exposes users to harmful toxins including benzene (found in car exhaust) and diacetyl (a chemical tied to uncurable lung disease). What’s more, e-cigarettes have been found to deposit heavy metals like lead and nickel into our airways.
All of these risks can add up down the road. While more studies are needed to fully understand the lasting effects of vaping, research has shown an increased risk of lung scarring, organ damage, brain impairment, addiction, and even cancer.
The Youth Movement
According to the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), more than 2.5 million middle and high school students used vapes last year. Nearly half of high school students (46%) vape regularly — 20 or more times over the past 30 days — according to the survey. Slightly more than 30% vape daily.
These devices have evolved dramatically, designed to mimic highlighters, pens, and other common items. They even come in flavors that highly appeal to children. Cotton candy, bubblegum, and strawberry cheesecake are just a few scents enticing smokers as young as 12.
Vaping takes a toll on your body at any age, but the consequences for youth are especially dangerous. Due to their ongoing brain development, exposure to high doses of nicotine can rewire adolescents' brains, heightening the risk of addiction and use of other harmful substances. Studies show those who vape are four times more likely to later smoke cigarettes. Additionally, the harm from vaping goes beyond the lungs and brain, threatening the heart and cardiovascular system.
A Parent's Role
Parents continue to wield significant influence in shaping their children's choices. The following steps can help in safeguarding your teens:
- Lead by example — Avoid tobacco products yourself and seek assistance if you're looking to quit.
- Open dialogue — Foster open and honest conversations with your children, offering nonjudgmental listening and encouragement.
- Consistency is key — Make these discussions a routine occurrence, as your child is likely to face continuous vaping temptations.
- Equip yourself — Employing scare tactics rarely works; instead, empower yourself with accurate information from credible news sources.
Seeking Support
"We remain extremely worried that young, healthy adults are dying, related to their use of vaping products, and we need to avoid these chemicals and products to safeguard our community," Dr. Shapiro says.
If you or a loved one requires assistance in overcoming tobacco use or vaping, a lifeline is available through Kick It California. This program, available in multiple languages, extends free counseling and support services.
Remember that AltaMed is always here to support your family's health journey. From primary care and preventive screenings to dental services, see what we can do for you. Get started at 888-499-9303.
When e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, first came onto the market they were promoted as a healthy alternative to cigarettes — a way to kick the tobacco habit. Instead, vapes have become a preferred source of nicotine, especially among adolescents and teens.
Talk with any middle or high school student, and it's clear that vapes are popular on campuses across the nation. Many kids view vapes as harmless, believing them to consist solely of flavored water, while some adults see them as a healthy alternative to smoking. In reality, vaping is a serious risk to the health of your children.
The Danger
"The lungs are engineered to inhale air, not smoke or chemicals," says AltaMed’s Chief Health Correspondent and Medical Affairs Officer Ilan Shapiro, MD, FAAP, and FACHE.
The problem with vaping starts at its core function – the delivery of nicotine and chemicals into the throat and lungs. Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant drug and is “the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products” per The Alcohol and Drug Foundation. When used regularly, it can hurt the parts of our brain that control attention and learning.
Aside from its addictiveness through nicotine, vaping also exposes users to harmful toxins including benzene (found in car exhaust) and diacetyl (a chemical tied to uncurable lung disease). What’s more, e-cigarettes have been found to deposit heavy metals like lead and nickel into our airways.
All of these risks can add up down the road. While more studies are needed to fully understand the lasting effects of vaping, research has shown an increased risk of lung scarring, organ damage, brain impairment, addiction, and even cancer.
The Youth Movement
According to the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), more than 2.5 million middle and high school students used vapes last year. Nearly half of high school students (46%) vape regularly — 20 or more times over the past 30 days — according to the survey. Slightly more than 30% vape daily.
These devices have evolved dramatically, designed to mimic highlighters, pens, and other common items. They even come in flavors that highly appeal to children. Cotton candy, bubblegum, and strawberry cheesecake are just a few scents enticing smokers as young as 12.
Vaping takes a toll on your body at any age, but the consequences for youth are especially dangerous. Due to their ongoing brain development, exposure to high doses of nicotine can rewire adolescents' brains, heightening the risk of addiction and use of other harmful substances. Studies show those who vape are four times more likely to later smoke cigarettes. Additionally, the harm from vaping goes beyond the lungs and brain, threatening the heart and cardiovascular system.
A Parent's Role
Parents continue to wield significant influence in shaping their children's choices. The following steps can help in safeguarding your teens:
- Lead by example — Avoid tobacco products yourself and seek assistance if you're looking to quit.
- Open dialogue — Foster open and honest conversations with your children, offering nonjudgmental listening and encouragement.
- Consistency is key — Make these discussions a routine occurrence, as your child is likely to face continuous vaping temptations.
- Equip yourself — Employing scare tactics rarely works; instead, empower yourself with accurate information from credible news sources.
Seeking Support
"We remain extremely worried that young, healthy adults are dying, related to their use of vaping products, and we need to avoid these chemicals and products to safeguard our community," Dr. Shapiro says.
If you or a loved one requires assistance in overcoming tobacco use or vaping, a lifeline is available through Kick It California. This program, available in multiple languages, extends free counseling and support services.
Remember that AltaMed is always here to support your family's health journey. From primary care and preventive screenings to dental services, see what we can do for you. Get started at 888-499-9303.
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The Good and the Bad of Caffeine for Your Teen
It can be easy to forget that caffeine is a drug. It is specifically a stimulant. Just like other more dangerous stimulants — methamphetamine, cocaine, amphetamine, nicotine — it can be highly addictive.
That caffeine jolt is why some people can’t start their day without that first cup of coffee. They need the caffeine to help “get them going.”
People who try to eliminate caffeine from their routine can find themselves going through withdrawal. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Now, imagine that in your teen.
Marketing caffeinated sodas to adolescents and teens is common practice. Today there are so many more caffeinated options, including sugary coffees and energy drinks. Those may be fine to enjoy occasionally, but too much of a good thing is still too much.
What Is the Right Amount?
Numerous factors go into determining the “right” amount of caffeine to consume. Weight and other health conditions are the biggest determinants. Up to 400 milligrams a day — or four cups of brewed coffee — is safe for most healthy adults.
Adolescents aged 12 to 18 should not have more than 100 mg of caffeine a day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s a cup of coffee or two to three cans of soda. More than that and you risk:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Let’s Talk About Energy Drinks
These have become the go-to source of energy for busy students who are trying to stay on top of their studies while juggling so many different activities. They are branded with names like Amp, Bang, Monster, Venom, and Rockstar.
Some are sold as drinks with 70 to 240 mg of caffeine, and there are the “energy shots,” which can have 113 to 200 mg of caffeine. The drinks can also contain ingredients like sugars taurine, and guarana, which is another source of caffeine.
They can help increase alertness, energy, and attention. But the potential effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can be dangerous.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, energy drink-related emergency room visits doubled from 2007 to 2011. In 2011, 1 in 10 resulted in hospitalization. That year, 42% of all energy drink-related emergency room visits involved combining energy drinks with alcohol or drugs.
Potential Dangers
Nearly 1,500 kids aged 12 to 17 took a trip to the ER for an energy drink-related emergency in 2011. The dangers include:
- Dehydration
- Heart complications
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
The American Academy of Pediatrics says children and teens should avoid energy drinks entirely.
Other Caffeine Sources
Sodas, coffee, tea, and energy drinks are the big sources of caffeine. But it also shows up in other foods and even some personal-care products. They include:
- Chocolate
- Coffee-flavored foods
- Snack foods, like energy bars
- Lip balms
- Skincare products like some eye creams, scrubs, and moisturizers
- Weight-loss supplements
Find Alternatives
The best source of energy for adolescents and teens is sleep. Getting enough sleep is vital for the healthy development of young minds and bodies. Consuming caffeine only inhibits getting enough sleep.
Having a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help maintain a steady stream of energy without the peaks and crashes that come from consuming too much caffeine.
Having a relationship with your AltaMed pediatrician is a good first step in raising a healthy and energetic child. We also have a host of wellness programs to get the entire family on a path to physical fitness and healthy food choices.
Call AltaMed at (877) 462-2582 to get stared with us today.
It can be easy to forget that caffeine is a drug. It is specifically a stimulant. Just like other more dangerous stimulants — methamphetamine, cocaine, amphetamine, nicotine — it can be highly addictive.
That caffeine jolt is why some people can’t start their day without that first cup of coffee. They need the caffeine to help “get them going.”
People who try to eliminate caffeine from their routine can find themselves going through withdrawal. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Now, imagine that in your teen.
Marketing caffeinated sodas to adolescents and teens is common practice. Today there are so many more caffeinated options, including sugary coffees and energy drinks. Those may be fine to enjoy occasionally, but too much of a good thing is still too much.
What Is the Right Amount?
Numerous factors go into determining the “right” amount of caffeine to consume. Weight and other health conditions are the biggest determinants. Up to 400 milligrams a day — or four cups of brewed coffee — is safe for most healthy adults.
Adolescents aged 12 to 18 should not have more than 100 mg of caffeine a day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s a cup of coffee or two to three cans of soda. More than that and you risk:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Let’s Talk About Energy Drinks
These have become the go-to source of energy for busy students who are trying to stay on top of their studies while juggling so many different activities. They are branded with names like Amp, Bang, Monster, Venom, and Rockstar.
Some are sold as drinks with 70 to 240 mg of caffeine, and there are the “energy shots,” which can have 113 to 200 mg of caffeine. The drinks can also contain ingredients like sugars taurine, and guarana, which is another source of caffeine.
They can help increase alertness, energy, and attention. But the potential effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can be dangerous.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, energy drink-related emergency room visits doubled from 2007 to 2011. In 2011, 1 in 10 resulted in hospitalization. That year, 42% of all energy drink-related emergency room visits involved combining energy drinks with alcohol or drugs.
Potential Dangers
Nearly 1,500 kids aged 12 to 17 took a trip to the ER for an energy drink-related emergency in 2011. The dangers include:
- Dehydration
- Heart complications
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
The American Academy of Pediatrics says children and teens should avoid energy drinks entirely.
Other Caffeine Sources
Sodas, coffee, tea, and energy drinks are the big sources of caffeine. But it also shows up in other foods and even some personal-care products. They include:
- Chocolate
- Coffee-flavored foods
- Snack foods, like energy bars
- Lip balms
- Skincare products like some eye creams, scrubs, and moisturizers
- Weight-loss supplements
Find Alternatives
The best source of energy for adolescents and teens is sleep. Getting enough sleep is vital for the healthy development of young minds and bodies. Consuming caffeine only inhibits getting enough sleep.
Having a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help maintain a steady stream of energy without the peaks and crashes that come from consuming too much caffeine.
Having a relationship with your AltaMed pediatrician is a good first step in raising a healthy and energetic child. We also have a host of wellness programs to get the entire family on a path to physical fitness and healthy food choices.
Call AltaMed at (877) 462-2582 to get stared with us today.
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It’s Never Too Late to Stop Smoking
Most people know that smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your body. Still, quitting is really hard for anyone who has been smoking for a long time. The nicotine in tobacco is a drug and, like many drugs, it is addictive.
However, quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself, no matter how old you are. It’s always a good time to stop smoking.
Ending Decades of Damage
It seems the older someone is, the less likely they are to try to stop smoking. Not only is it a difficult addiction to manage, some people have the mindset that if the damage has been done, why bother quitting?
For one thing, you will live longer.
More than 160,000 people over the age of 70 completed a questionnaire about their smoking habits as part of a diet and health study from the National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health.
Those surveyed who didn’t smoke lived longer than those who did. However, those who had quit at some point, still lived longer than those who continued to smoke.
The longer they had gone without smoking as much as doubled their chances of living longer than someone who smoked.
Long-Term Hazards
Smoking dramatically increases your risk for many serious diseases, and it’s responsible for one in five deaths in the U.S. each year. It leads to:
- Lung disease — Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two conditions that make it hard to breathe.
- Heart disease — Smoking increases the chance of heart attack or stroke.
- Cancer — Smoking not only leads to lung cancer, it can also cause cancer of the bladder, cervix, esophagus, kidneys, larynx, liver, mouth, and pancreas.
- Respiratory problems — Smoking makes it harder to recover from COVID-19 and leaves you more susceptible to the flu, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.
- Osteoporosis — Smoking limits your body’s ability to absorb calcium which could lead to weaker bones.
- Eye disease — Smoking can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, an eye diseases that causes vision loss, and even blindness.
- Diabetes — Smoking increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and, if you already have diabetes, smoking makes it more difficult to manage. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.
Besides these very serious conditions, smoking can contribute to sagging skin – not only on your face but all over your body, age spots, stains and damage to your teeth, and accelerated hair loss.
Immediate Benefits
Stubbing out your last cigarette yields results almost immediately and the benefits add up the longer you remain tobacco free.
- 20 minutes later — Heart rate returns to normal
- 12 to 24 hours later — Carbon monoxide level in blood returns to normal. Heart attack risk drops.
- 2 weeks to 3 months later — Heart attack risk dramatically drops. Lung function starts to improve.
- 1 to 9 months later — Decrease in coughing and shortness of breath.
- 1 year later — Coronary heart disease risk drops up to 50%.
- 5 to 15 years later — Stroke risk reduced to that of someone who hasn’t smoked. Risk of mouth, throat, and esophagus cancer is half that of someone who still smokes.
- 10 years later —Risk decreases for cancer of cervix, larynx, kidney, or pancreas. Risk of dying from lung cancer or getting bladder cancer is half of those who still smoke.
- 15 years later — Risk of coronary heart disease is the same as someone who doesn’t smoke.
Don’t Give Up
One major hurdle to quitting is going through withdrawals: symptoms include restlessness, irritability, anxiousness, or tension. It might be hard to sleep or you may feel drowsy during the day. Even though withdrawal symptoms can be severe, they usually pass within two weeks.
As much as possible, avoid the situations or triggers that made you want to smoke, such as feeling stressed out or drinking alcohol or coffee.
To help deal with cravings, Smokefree.gov recommends the following:
- Drink water — Six to eight glasses a day
- Deep breaths — Take a few of these when you feel like smoking
- Delay smoking — The urge usually lasts a few minutes so meditate to resist the immediate urge
- Distract yourself — Suggestions include:
- Read
- Change your routine
- Try substitutes like carrots, sugarless gum, or breath mints
- Exercise
- Call a friend
Our Doctors Can Help
For many people, willpower alone is not enough. Your doctor can prescribe medications, offer advice, and provide support as you work to kick the smoking habit.
If you’re a caregiver or a senior who wants to stop smoking, or just live a healthier life, AltaMed offers coordinated care and services, including medical treatment, physical therapy, and social services.
For more information about services or eligibility, visit AltaMed.org or call (855) 252- (7223).
Most people know that smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your body. Still, quitting is really hard for anyone who has been smoking for a long time. The nicotine in tobacco is a drug and, like many drugs, it is addictive.
However, quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself, no matter how old you are. It’s always a good time to stop smoking.
Ending Decades of Damage
It seems the older someone is, the less likely they are to try to stop smoking. Not only is it a difficult addiction to manage, some people have the mindset that if the damage has been done, why bother quitting?
For one thing, you will live longer.
More than 160,000 people over the age of 70 completed a questionnaire about their smoking habits as part of a diet and health study from the National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health.
Those surveyed who didn’t smoke lived longer than those who did. However, those who had quit at some point, still lived longer than those who continued to smoke.
The longer they had gone without smoking as much as doubled their chances of living longer than someone who smoked.
Long-Term Hazards
Smoking dramatically increases your risk for many serious diseases, and it’s responsible for one in five deaths in the U.S. each year. It leads to:
- Lung disease — Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two conditions that make it hard to breathe.
- Heart disease — Smoking increases the chance of heart attack or stroke.
- Cancer — Smoking not only leads to lung cancer, it can also cause cancer of the bladder, cervix, esophagus, kidneys, larynx, liver, mouth, and pancreas.
- Respiratory problems — Smoking makes it harder to recover from COVID-19 and leaves you more susceptible to the flu, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.
- Osteoporosis — Smoking limits your body’s ability to absorb calcium which could lead to weaker bones.
- Eye disease — Smoking can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, an eye diseases that causes vision loss, and even blindness.
- Diabetes — Smoking increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and, if you already have diabetes, smoking makes it more difficult to manage. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.
Besides these very serious conditions, smoking can contribute to sagging skin – not only on your face but all over your body, age spots, stains and damage to your teeth, and accelerated hair loss.
Immediate Benefits
Stubbing out your last cigarette yields results almost immediately and the benefits add up the longer you remain tobacco free.
- 20 minutes later — Heart rate returns to normal
- 12 to 24 hours later — Carbon monoxide level in blood returns to normal. Heart attack risk drops.
- 2 weeks to 3 months later — Heart attack risk dramatically drops. Lung function starts to improve.
- 1 to 9 months later — Decrease in coughing and shortness of breath.
- 1 year later — Coronary heart disease risk drops up to 50%.
- 5 to 15 years later — Stroke risk reduced to that of someone who hasn’t smoked. Risk of mouth, throat, and esophagus cancer is half that of someone who still smokes.
- 10 years later —Risk decreases for cancer of cervix, larynx, kidney, or pancreas. Risk of dying from lung cancer or getting bladder cancer is half of those who still smoke.
- 15 years later — Risk of coronary heart disease is the same as someone who doesn’t smoke.
Don’t Give Up
One major hurdle to quitting is going through withdrawals: symptoms include restlessness, irritability, anxiousness, or tension. It might be hard to sleep or you may feel drowsy during the day. Even though withdrawal symptoms can be severe, they usually pass within two weeks.
As much as possible, avoid the situations or triggers that made you want to smoke, such as feeling stressed out or drinking alcohol or coffee.
To help deal with cravings, Smokefree.gov recommends the following:
- Drink water — Six to eight glasses a day
- Deep breaths — Take a few of these when you feel like smoking
- Delay smoking — The urge usually lasts a few minutes so meditate to resist the immediate urge
- Distract yourself — Suggestions include:
- Read
- Change your routine
- Try substitutes like carrots, sugarless gum, or breath mints
- Exercise
- Call a friend
Our Doctors Can Help
For many people, willpower alone is not enough. Your doctor can prescribe medications, offer advice, and provide support as you work to kick the smoking habit.
If you’re a caregiver or a senior who wants to stop smoking, or just live a healthier life, AltaMed offers coordinated care and services, including medical treatment, physical therapy, and social services.
For more information about services or eligibility, visit AltaMed.org or call (855) 252- (7223).