Fort Worth Students Gain Insight into Smoking and Vaping Risks

FORT WORTH -A recent educational session at the Young Women's Leadership Academy in Fort Worth provided students with a critical lesson regarding the health dangers associated with smoking and vaping. 

‍

‍

Students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades were presented with the stark realities of vaping, which included the potential repercussions of using e-cigarettes.

‍

The session was informed by Gallup's annual Consumption Habits poll, which surveyed 1,010 adults throughout the United States. 

‍

The poll revealed a concerning trend: e-cigarette use is on the increase despite the significant decline in cigarette smoking among adults. Among young adults aged 18 to 29, the rate of vaping was notably high, with an estimated 7% of respondents reporting having done so in the past week at a rate of 18%.

‍

Despite the growing prevalence of e-cigarettes, a significant number of Americans are aware of their potential hazards. 57% of adults hold the same view about e-cigarettes, while 79% of adults believe that conventional cigarettes are "very harmful," according to Gallup.

‍

During the session, students were informed that the West Nile virus, which is predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes, has become a significant public health concern, comparable to the increase in health issues associated with vaping. 

‍

Health professionals underscore that the long-term consequences of nicotine and other harmful substances present in e-cigarettes can be severe despite the fact that many youthful individuals may not experience immediate symptoms.

‍

The educators at the Young Women's Leadership Academy encourage students to make informed decisions about their health and strive to provide them with information about the hazards of smoking and vaping. 

‍

Schools are increasingly emphasizing prevention and education as a means of combating the escalating epidemic of vaping among adolescents.

‍