More young people are using e-cigarettes

The American Press

Some regular smokers may consider vaping a better alternative to cigarettes and a way to eventually lower nicotine levels and quit the habit altogether.

However, the long-term effects of vaping aren’t known yet. What’s also troubling is more young people are using e-cigarettes, according to recent data.

Some youth who smoke regularly said they switched from cigarettes to vaping because it didn’t have the same side effects or withdrawal symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said cigarette use among high school students has dropped considerably, going from 21.8 percent in 2011, to 13.5 percent in 2017. Meanwhile, the Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey reported that regular e-cigarette use among high school students increased dramatically over the same time frame. It went from one in 50 students in 2011, to one in eight in 2017.

The trend of more young people vaping is evident throughout the country. The National Youth Tobacco Survey reported e-cigarette use rose by 78 percent among high school students from 2017 to 2018. During the same time period, 48 percent more middle school students reported vaping.

These numbers have officials worried, and with good reason. Scott Gottlieb, U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner, went so far as to call teen vaping an “epidemic.”

What makes vaping so attractive to teens? For starters, you’re less likely to cough or get headaches as you would from cigarettes. Also, e-cigarettes offer smokers a variety of flavors to choose from, such as strawberry or graham cracker.

Juul is one of the most popular e-cigarettes out there right now. Shaped like a USB flash drive, it’s difficult for teachers to spot them at school. They’ve come under fire because critics, including Gottlieb, have accused the company of marketing to youth with its packaging.

What’s concerning is some young people who get introduced to vaping may be unaware they are being exposed to nicotine at all. They may not realize just how addictive of a habit it can be.

Vaping may help long-time adult smokers finally ditch cigarettes for good, but the fact that more young people are doing it is alarming. More should be done to keep e-cigarettes out of the hands of teens in Louisiana and nationwide.””Kids & Vaping

SportsPlus

Crime

3/21: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

life

Grab hope by the reins: Fundraiser benefits ailing horses

Local News

McNeese’s NCAA Tournament game win about more than just basketball

Local News

Jim Gazzolo Notebook: Breed back in old stomping grounds

Local News

Detained Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil appears in immigration case

Local News

Higgins letter says he will not run for Senate

life

Touch A Truck returns: Free, family-friendly fun set for Saturday

Local News

Kevin Lambert teaches history as a guide to living

Local News

Jennings mayoral candidates Guinn, Adams outline visions for city

McNeese Sports

Cowboys make history

Jim Gazzolo

Gazzolo column: Look who’s dancing

Local News

BREAKING: McNeese earns first March Madness victory

life

PHOTO GALLERY: Sneak peek at Port Wonder

Local News

Port Wonder ‘a glorious triumph’ for city

Local News

Trump signs orders to dismantle Education Department while keeping some core functions

Crime

3/20: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

City: Collapsed sidewalk due sewer line damaged during dig

Local News

Historic day for McNeese basketball

Local News

Fire danger risk in SW La. today

Local News

Louisiana school districts wonder about future of federal funding

Local News

Iowa Festival returns to Burton Coliseum tonight

Business

Eleven arrested in ICE raid at the Port of Lake Charles

McNeese Sports

A final ride?

Local News

Heavily damaged Purple Heart Recreation Center to be rebuilt in new location