DAVIESS CO., Ky. (WFIE) – In Daviess County, the Green River District Health Department is bringing awareness to hopefully put a dent in the number of students who use e-cigarettes.
According to the CDC, more than one million students across the country smoke e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes are now taking a whole knew form that kids are able to easily hide.
“A student may have a highlighter that’s a vape and no one even knows it,” said Green River District Health Department educator, Gary Hall.
School officials want parents to be aware of the risk.
Health educator Gary Hall with Green River District Health Department, shared alarming statistics on vaping among middle schoolers.
“Jolly rancher, Dr. Pepper, Sun Drop, all of these are flavors that are no strangers to young people,” said Hall.
Highlighting the addictive nature of nicotine, the potential for long-term lung damage, and the increased risk of respiratory illnesses.
“It quick reacting in the sense a person feels a positive response from the nicotine, an increased heart rate, alert or awake, nicotine has that same type of response.”
The presentation also pointed out marketing tactics vaping companies use to target young people.
“With vaping, they invest in social media influencers that have the products,” said Hall. “So they are basically giving money for people to talk about their vape products. They may target young people because of TikTok, Instagram and other things they may be looking at.”
Health officials say it is vital for parents, educators and the community to work together to protect our youth.
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