What Parents Need to Know about Vaping and JUULing

vape pens and e-cigarettes

What is vaping and JUULing?

Vaping, also known as JUULing, is becoming more popular with youth in middle school and high school. Vaping means using an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. It is referred to as vaping because tiny puffs or clouds of vapor are produced when using the devices. E-cigarettes are battery powered and deliver nicotine through a liquid (called e-juice), which turns into a vapor when using the devices. The liquid comes in flavors, such as mint, fruit, and bubble gum, which appeal to kids. Youth often believe that the liquid used in vaping only contains water and flavoring and are unaware that it contains nicotine. Therefore, they may think vaping is less dangerous than using other tobacco products, such as cigarettes. The amount of nicotine in the liquid can be the same or even more than the amount found in cigarettes.

Many types of e-cigarettes are available, but one popular brand is JUUL. JUUL is becoming more prevalent with youth in middle and high school because of its small size, and it looks like a USB device. When using a JUUL it is often referred to as JUULing.

Vaping and JUULing are not safe for kids.

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and no amount of nicotine is safe. Nicotine is very addictive and can harm children and teens’ developing brains. Using nicotine can cause problems with learning and attention and can lead to addiction. Even being around others who use e-cigarettes and breathing the cloud they exhale can expose youth to nicotine and chemicals that can be dangerous to their health. Studies have also shown that kids who vape are more likely to use cigarettes or other tobacco products later in life.

What can parents do?

It is important to talk with kids about the dangers of vaping. Youth see e-cigarette advertisements from many sources, including retail stores, the internet, TV, movies, magazines, and newspapers. They can also see posts or photos about vaping on social media. Parents should monitor screen time use and talk to their youth about what they may have seen or heard about vaping. Parents can also be role models and set a positive example by being tobacco free.

Resources for Parents:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Office on Smoking and Health. (n.d.) Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents. Retrieved from
https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf

CATCH My Breath Program. (n.d.) Parent Resources. Retrieved from https://catch.org/lessons/catch-my-breath-middle-school-parent-resources

Additional References:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018) Youth Tobacco Use: Results from the 2016 National Youth Tobacco Survey. Retrieved from
https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/PublicHealthEducation/ProtectingKidsfromTobacco/ucm405173.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017) E-cigarette Ads and Youth. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/ecigarette-ads/index.html

5210 DoDEA Artist Spotlight

In April 2018, to celebrate the Month of the Military Child, the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) will partner with The Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State to host an Artist Spotlight competition on DoDEA’s Facebook page based on the 5210 Healthy Military Children campaign. DoDEA students are eligible to participate. Submission deadline is April 19th. Voting will occur on the DoDEA Facebook Page from April 20th to April 30th. Winners will be announced on May 1st, with artwork displayed on the DoDEA Artist Spotlight page.

Are Canned and Frozen Fruits and Veggies as Healthy as Fresh?

 

Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are a healthy choice! All forms of fruits and vegetables count toward your daily goal of 5 or more servings each day. Using canned and frozen produce provides more variety and convenient packaging and requires little preparation, which makes them easy to serve!

Facts About Canned and Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

  • Most canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are processed within hours after harvesting, so their flavor is preserved and nutrient losses are minimal. The nutrient content is comparable to fresh.
  • Depending on the produce item, canning and freezing may actually preserve the nutrient value and even increase the availability of some nutrients to the body.
  • Studies show that recipes prepared with canned foods had similar nutritional values to those prepared with fresh or frozen ingredients.

Benefits of Using Canned and Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

  • Canned foods are cooked prior to packaging, so they are recipe-ready.
  • Canning locks in the nutrients at their peak of freshness, and, consequently, they have a long shelf life.
  • Frozen foods require little preparation – the washing and slicing is already done.
  • Including frozen and canned fruits and vegetables in your diet can increase variety, especially when some items may not be widely available as fresh.
  • Depending on the time of year and the specific type of produce, purchasing canned and frozen fruits and vegetables can save you money, especially when they are not in season or if you find your fresh produce spoiling before you can eat it.

Remember to Check Sodium and Sugar on the Nutrition Facts Label

  • Sodium is usually added to canned foods to preserve them so look for low-sodium, reduced-sodium, or no-salt-added labeled foods. Compare the sodium content on the Nutrition Facts label, and choose the product with the lowest amount.
  • Drain and rinse canned veggies to reduce sodium even more.
  • Frozen vegetables with sauces and seasonings can have excess salt and added calories.
  • Look for fruit that is canned in water, its own juice, or light syrup. If the fruit is canned in light syrup, drain and rinse before use.
  • Make sure frozen fruits are 100% frozen fruits – no added sugars.