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
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.