Vaping is a common trend among college students and young adults. 34% of college students use E-cigarettes.  Smoking and vaping are a social habit with poor health consequences. Most people have a preconceived notion that vaping, or E-cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes. This is false. Vaping is a relatively new trend, therefore there isn’t a lot of information about the negative side effects that it can have.

Vaping is very popular because it is (slightly) healthier than cigarettes, and you can choose whatever flavor you want. The smoke from vaping doesn’t have a smell, therefore you can vape inside a building instead of going outside. In addition, vaping is much more convenient because you can simply vape and then put your E-cigarette in your pocket. All of these things make vaping very popular.

An E-cigarette is filled with nicotine and or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. These chemicals are highly addictive and can cause serious damage to your lungs. Early adaption of these substances can also harm the developing brain – potentially leading to both physical and mental health problems.

Over the past few months, there have been many emergency room admissions due to vaping-related chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. So far vaping has caused 530 cases of lung damage, disease, and 7 deaths in the USA.

College students are often under a lot of stress from tests and jobs. Vaping allows them to get a sense of release from their stress. However, most of these students don’t realize the damage they are causing themselves, not only in the long term but also in the short term.

In the long term, vaping can cause lung disease and cancer. But many cases have shown a decrease in your ability to breath within 30 days. It can also cause fatigue and chest pain.

Many countries around the world are trying to ban the use of E-cigarettes. Israel is trying to limit the number of people using E-cigarettes. In fact, this past week the Israeli Minister of Health announced that they are going to band selling flavored electric cigarettes. This is the first step in preventing people from harming themselves by vaping.

If you are vaping, or know someone who is, take these words of caution seriously.  EMA Care assists hundreds of students in Israel for the year. This would not be the first time we see a trend lead to ER visits.

EMA Care wishes you a wonderful and healthy week.