Thurston Community College

 

Stop vaping now!

Even if you start small it may gradually lead to bigger problems and perhaps even issues in later life. Firstly, let's face it, if you are not taking vapes from family or friends, they are a lot of money to keep up. Especially as when you emerge into adult life, you begin to fend for yourself, start a job and you have to deal with your own wages, vaping and smoking etc. is a heavy expense.  

The transforming tastes along with vibrant packaging of vapes is extremely attractive to young people and children, who may be unaware of the severe consequences they could face. In fact, very tragically, quite a few young and old have died from vaping as some vapes, especially when you don't know what you're doing have caused fatal damage to their lungs. This doesn't mean you’re going to die, but it's worth remembering the risk will forever be there. And the more you vape, the quicker it increases. 

But it's not just your lungs being affected. It is also your brain. Did you know vaping can majorly affect your concentration and brain development? This means it may become harder to stay focused in lessons, and mentally grow. This may not seem that important but in the long run, this could affect your social life as well as your education.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind a lot of these severe consequences mainly originate from very frequent, high intake of vapes. It's not too late. There are things you can do, speak to your parents if they use vapes around the house, because you are taking in their air and this affects you. You can try gum. Not just mint, but bubblegum, or apple, or raspberry flavoured gum instead. Talk to someone, if you are struggling with peer pressure or addiction, you can seek life changing help from doctors, online forums or helplines, or even just talk to a friend or teacher. If a friend is vaping or smoking around you, it affects YOU and you are in charge of your wellbeing and health. YOU make the decision. 

Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Jessica - Student Leadership Reporter