Vaping among young people is on the rise
About 15 per cent of youth vape, according to a community health promoter with the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit.
“In fact, 84 per cent are using products that have nicotine in them,” said Alyssa Bedard.
Bedard said there are several reasons why young people are vaping.
“It could be peer influence, plus easy to access the products from peers and a lot of them just enjoy it because of the sensation, and gives them a buzz,” she said.
The health promoter said many youth are also vaping to cope with stress in their life.
“Many use it because of anxiety and a lot are grabbing them because a lot of others are doing it, so why not them,” Bedard said.
She said vaping products come in so many different flavours that appeal to youth.
“They come in different candy and fruit flavours," Bedard said.
"And it makes it really appealing for young people to really want to try this item ... So many vape products on the market contain nicotine. One vape pod can contain as many as 20 cigarettes."
The health promoter is also warning about the effect of vaping on a teenager’s brain.
“The brain develops about until the age of 25," she said.
"It is undergoing different and important changes during that time. Vaping can influence learning, memory, concentration and attention. All of which are important (for) success in school.”
Bedard said vaping can also worsen a student’s mental health and increase anxiety.
She added there is information about smoking and vaping cessation programs on the health unit’s website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
'Repetitive partisan conduct': Conservatives to force vote on ousting Speaker Greg Fergus
The federal Conservatives have advanced a motion that will force MPs to vote on whether to oust Greg Fergus as House of Commons Speaker, after MPs' deputy adjudicator ruled Monday that the Liberal member's allegedly errant partisan event invite required urgent attention.
Trial for B.C. man accused of killing, dismembering wife begins
The trial for a Langley man accused of killing his wife began Monday, with the prosecutor laying out a disturbing series of facts agreed upon by both Crown and defence.
Stars roar back to win Game 3 over Oilers
Jason Robertson's hat-trick goal midway through the third period broke a deadlock and proved to be the eventual winner as the Dallas Stars beat the host Edmonton Oilers 5-3 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final to take a 2-1 series lead.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
Severe thunderstorms, tornado watch in some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind, severe thunderstorms and even snowfall across some areas of Canada.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Israel close to approving Gaza reunification program before Rafah invasion: Miller
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says Israel seemed to be on the verge of approving a program to get Palestinian relatives of Canadians out of the Gaza Strip before the country's invasion of the town of Rafah.