As of January 2020, 51 people in Connecticut have been hospitalized due to lung injury from vaping. 23 of which were under the age of 25!

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE FACTS!

The brain continues to develop until your mid twenties. Nicotine is highly addictive and can affect or impair the brain’s development. 

One Juul pod can contain as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes.
 

In addition to Nicotine, other chemicals found in the vapor of tobacco delivery systems include:

• Heavy metals (such as nickel, tin, and/or lead)

• Diacetyl (a flavoring compound linked to serious lung disease)

• Acrolein (an herbicide used to kill weeds)

• Formaldehyde (a product of the degradation of propylene glycol and glycerol vapor and is a carcinogen)

27.5%
More than 1 in 4 high schoolers vaped in 2019, an increase of 32% from 2018.

52.9%
More than half of students in middle and high school that used e-cigarettes said they had tried to quit in the past.

90,000
More than 90,000 Teens and young adults have enrolled in the “This is Quitting” program, an e-cigarette quitting program from Truth Initiative.

Vapes and Marijuana

Brands, like Pax Era, produce devices that resemble USB drives and are used to deliver marijuana products. There are others designed to look like metered dose inhalers, the type of inhaler often carried by people with asthma.
 

 What Can You Do To Help Your Child?

• Talk to your child. Talk to them about the risks associated with all tobacco products

• Start an open dialogue. Try to keep it a conversation, not a lecture

• Set clear expectations that you expect them to remain tobacco free

• Set the example by also remaining tobacco free

• Answer their questions honestly

• If you child verbalizes a desire to quit, try to provide non judgemental support.. Help your child set a date to be nicotine free and celebrate that decision. Help them research reliable resources to support them.

Resources for Teens and Parents

Smoke Free Teen-this is a teen and parent friendly website loaded with information on how to quit, apps that can help, and how to deal with cravings.  https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping

American Lung Association-information on teen smoking.

https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/helping-teens-quit

 

Vaping. (n.d.). Retrieved from 

https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Health-Education-Management--Surveillance/Tobacco/Vaping

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/tobacco/index.htm

https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf

 

 Sports physicals are required every 13 months. Sports physicals are required for students to try out for a sport.  Please make sure your athlete’s physical is up to date so they do not miss valuable playing time. Athletes who have asthma may self administer their inhalers on the field if the appropriate documentation in on file with the nurse. It is encouraged that an extra inhaler be kept with their coach during their sports seasons. Additionally, students with life threatening food or bee sting allergies should have their epipen with the coach at all times (with physician permission). If you need forms or information, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse at 860-379-8521 x1431 or gilbertk@gilbertschool.org.

The State of Connecticut requires that all students have a physical examination performed with their primary care physician in 9th grade. If you have not scheduled your 9th grader for an examination, please do so. Physical Examinations are also required for any new student prior to school entry, including 7th graders. Health Assessment Forms are on the website www.gilbertschool.org, Health Office section. Dental assessment forms can also be found right here.

No medications are given in school without written authorization from a physician and parent/guardian. This includes over the counter medication. Medication administration forms are available on the website or from the school nurse. With the appropriate authorizations from the physician and parent, students may carry and self administer emergency medications such as asthma inhalers, Epipens for life threatening allergies, and insulin. Students may carry and self administer cough drops.

If your son/daughter has a medical issue that is new to the school, please contact the nurse so arrangements can be made to make your child’s school experience a healthy and safe one.

Husky insurance is available through the state of Connecticut if you meet certain income guidelines. Anyone with questions about eligibility should contact 1-877-CT-HUSKY or www.huskyhealth.com.

Annual flu shots are recommended and are provided by your child's primary care physician. Reminding your child to cover their cough and the importance of good handwashing goes a long way in preventing colds and viruses from spreading. Proper nutrition and a good nights sleep also help in maintaining our immune systems.

Authorization Form for Administration of Medication  

Food Allergy Action Plan

Health Assessment Record Form

Dental Assessment Record Form

Asthma Action Plan