Be Nicotine Free
Nicotine and tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. According to the CDC, 14.1% of Michigan high school youth reported currently using a tobacco product, including vapes. Among Michigan high school youth, 1.7% reported currently smoking cigarettes. Despite significant progress, nicotine use remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the US.
Are you ready to look past the smoke & mirrors of nicotine?
Breathe Life, Not Smoke: Choose a Nicotine-Free Future!
Reject the Vape, Protect Your Brain
Nicotine use among both youth and young adults has increased considerably in recent years. For many youth, they are turning to e-cigarettes, commonly called vapes.There is a common misconception that vaping is completely harmless. The truth is, vaping is not safe, especially for teens and young adults. Research shows that 66 percent of teens think their vaping instrument only contains flavored liquid. What many don’t understand is that these liquids may also contain toxic substances such as formaldehyde, diacetyl, and acrolein. Inhaling these chemicals can significantly harm their lungs.
In addition to harmful chemicals, vaping is also dangerous as it can lead to addiction. Addiction is a form of learning, adolescents can get addicted more easily than adults. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products can also prime the adolescent brain for addiction to other drugs such as cocaine. Nicotine use poses a significant – and avoidable – health risk to all individuals in the United States.
Are You An Educator?
You Can Empower Youth!
Are you an educator or a coach? You can help us teach youth in Calhoun County about the dangers of vaping and nicotine use. You can learn how to empower your students to quit or reject vaping. As an educator, you can encourage healthy coping skills for managing stress instead of vaping.
Educators play an important role in shaping students’ lives. Students are more receptive to learning about e-cigarette risks when adults share accurate, detailed information in respectful ways. Tell your students about how nicotine exposure can cause addiction and can harm learning, memory, and attention.
Talk, They Hear You
Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to having open and honest conversations about the dangers of nicotine use, especially when it comes to vaping. As teens age, they make more decisions on their own and face greater temptation and peer pressure. Though it may not seem like it, teens really do hear your concerns. It’s important you help them understand what e-cigarettes and other vaping products are, and why they shouldn’t use them.
Research suggests that one of the most influential factors when a teen is growing up is a strong, open relationship with a parent or caregiver. Parents Are Prevention!
Ready to Quit and Need Help?
Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a smoke-free life? Breaking free from nicotine addiction is a courageous decision, and we're here to provide the information and advice you need to get started! Below you will find both local and national resources to guide you. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and taking the first step is a powerful move toward a healthier, smoke-free you!
Michigan Tobacco QuitLink
This local, free, convenient, safe and secure resource helps you get started on your journey to live tobacco-free. To get started, call 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW) or visit https://michigan.quitlogix.org/en-US
National SmokeFree.gov
National, free, confidential resource tailored to help individuals live tobacco-free. This includes Veterans, Teens, Women, 60+ and more. To get started, visit https://smokefree.gov/
