E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular over the past 15 or so years. These small, handheld electronic devices simulate the feeling of smoking by heating a liquid to generate an aerosol -- this is commonly called "vaping." The liquid in e-cigarettes often contains nicotine, but not always. According to health officials the use of e-cigarettes among teenagers has reached epidemic numbers, and school districts have been holding sessions to inform parents and teachers about these devices, and their health effects.
The School District of Lee County recently announced it’s going to be hiring 11 safety and security attendants for the next school year to monitor restrooms at high schools to deter students from hiding out in bathrooms to vape. There are 14 high schools in the district, but three of them have staff already in place to monitor restrooms.
Because the issue of teen vaping appears to only be getting worse at this point, we’re re-airing a show we did late last year on this subject. We were joined by three guests who helped us learn more about these devices: Sara Thompson is a Prevention Specialist with the School District of Lee County; Kurt Goerke is Director of Health Promotions for the American Lung Association in Florida; and Dr. Steve Delisi is the Assistant Dean and an Assistant Professor at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Graduate School of Addiction Studies.
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