Page 5 - MidWeek - Jan 12, 2022

By Lola Irvin, state Department of Health Administrator of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division
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facts that are relevant and motivat- ing for teens to shift their perception of vaping risks. Teens told us they want to know the exact health con- sequences of vaping, not just broad warnings of how dangerous it is.
Learn more about vaping risks at escapethevapehi.com or look for Es- cape The Vape Hawai‘i on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
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JANUARY 12, 2022 MIDWEEK 5
Hawai‘i is facing a youth vap- ing epidemic. Our teens and middle schoolers are vaping at an unprecedented rate, aligning with new nationwide data showing more than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students reporting e-cigarette use. According to the latest statewide data, almost half of Hawai‘i high school students and a third of middle school students have tried vaping. The state Department of Health believes education is in- strumental to combating this issue.
Education Key In The Fight Against Youth Vaping
Our Escape the Vape Hawai‘i campaign was launched in 2020 as an innovative way to correct vape misconceptions and prevent use among Hawai‘i’s teens. Developed with input from local teens, Escape the Vape Hawai‘i delivers scientific
Teens can sign up by texting “Start my Quit” to 36072 or calling 855- 891-9989. Anyone can also call or visit mylifemyquit.com for more information.
We found that teens often vape or are exposed to vaping when they are with friends or in other social set- tings. Hawai‘i’s strong value around community and socialization may offer more opportunities for vaping to be shared or offered among friend- ly or family circles. The Escape the Vape Hawai‘i campaign simply ex- ists because of the disturbing upward trend we are witnessing — not just locally, but nationally. The campaign shares information on TV, radio and social media to help engage teens in an effective and impactful way.
In addition, the Hawaiʻi Tobacco Quitline offers My Life, My Quit, a free program with trained coaches to help youth up to 17 years old quit smoking or vaping.
Vaping is threatening to create a generation of youth addicted to nic- otine and it is all of our responsibility to educate ourselves about the addic- tive nature and dangers of vaping to protect youth from harmful health consequences.
Valuable input from local teens was an integral part of the current Escape the Vape Hawai‘i campaign. PHOTOS COURTESY ESCAPE THE VAPE HAWAI‘I
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