Better Lung Health Begins at “I Quit”

Reading Time: 3 minutes

For over 40 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November. This is an opportunity for people who smoke to commit to healthy, smoke-free lives. According to recent data, about 34 million American adults still smoke cigarettes. It remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths each year, representing about 1 in every 5 deaths.

While the rates of cigarette smoking have declined over the past several decades (from 42% of the population in 1965 to 14% in 2019), the gains have been inconsistent. Some groups smoke more heavily or at higher rates and suffer disproportionately from smoking-related cancer and other diseases. These populations tend to be those who experience inequities in multiple areas of their lives, including those at lower socioeconomic levels, those without college degrees, American Indians/Alaska natives, African American/Black communities, LGBTQ+ communities, those in the military, and those with behavioral health conditions.

Addiction to nicotine in cigarettes is one of the strongest and most deadly addictions out there. Thankfully, no matter your age or how long you’ve been smoking, quitting can improve your health both immediately and over time. People who use tobacco products are strongly advised to use proven cessation methods to quit, such as prescription medications and counseling. Also, research shows that people who smoke are most successful in their efforts to stop smoking when they have support, including getting advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

And if you’ve heard that switching to vaping can help in your cessation journey, know this: vaping, or use of e-cigarettes, is not a proven way to quit tobacco. In fact, e-cigarettes with nicotine are tobacco products, so if you vape nicotine, you are still using tobacco. Most people who try to quit smoking by vaping are not able to completely switch, which—according to the U.S. Surgeon General—is the only way to achieve the health benefits of quitting smoking.

Giving up smoking is a journey. It can be hard, but you can increase your chances of success with a good plan and support. Getting help through counseling and medications doubles or even triples your chances of quitting successfully. Thankfully, there are many resources available to Washingtonians when it comes to tobacco cessation. Here are some helpful resources to get you started on your cessation journey:

  • Quitline: Washingtonians age 13+ can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to speak confidentially with a Quit Coach in English, Spanish, or receive support in more than 200 other languages.
  • This is Quitting (TIQ), from Truth Initiative: This is an innovative text-to-quit vaping program for young people ages 13-24. TIQ helps motivate, inspire, and support young people throughout the quitting process. When young people join TIQ, they will receive proven tips and strategies to quit and stay off e-cigarettes and vapor products from other young people just like themselves who tried to quit. To enroll, teens and young adults can text VAPEFREEWA to 88709.
  • 2Morrow Health: This is a smartphone app that helps participants learn new ways to deal with unhelpful thoughts, urges, and cravings caused by nicotine. Participants receive notifications and can track their progress along the way in order to move toward their goal of quitting. The app is available in English and Spanish. Depending on your age and the tobacco product you are trying to quit, you can register for either of the smartphone apps below:
    • Smoking & Tobacco: A program for people who want to quit smoking and/or other tobacco use. A special program for pregnant women is included in this version.
    • Vaping (age 13+): A program for teens and young adults who want to quit vaping. Older adults who want to quit vaping, but who do not smoke, can also use this program.

It can take several tries to quit for good, but the more times you try to quit, the more likely you are to succeed on your next try. So, remember: Never quit quitting.

For more information on how to quite, go to: https://www.doh.wa.gov/youandyourfamily/tobacco/howtoquit.

Make Health Your Priority: Tobacco Cessation in 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

By now, it is becoming clear that current and former smokers are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. A recent study has shown that people who smoked were nearly two times more likely to have negative outcomes from COVID-19. While more studies need to be conducted in order to understand the associated between nicotine users and COVID-19 infection rates, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the available evidence suggests that smoking is associated with increased severity of disease and death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Given the well-established harms associated with tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, medical experts are recommending that tobacco users stop using tobacco as soon as possible. By quitting these products (cigarettes, vaping devices, or smokeless products), your lungs and your immune system begin to improve quickly. Healthier lungs and a healthier immune system can help fight against COVID-19 infection and can protect individuals from becoming seriously ill.

There is no better time than the present. And with New Year’s just around the corner, there is no better way to begin 2021!

Thankfully, there are many resources available to Washingtonians when it comes to tobacco cessation. Here are some helpful resources to get you started on your cessation journey:

  • Quitline: Washingtonians age 13+ can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to speak confidentially with a Quit Coach in English, Spanish, or receive support in more than 200 other languages.
  • This is Quitting (TIQ), from Truth Initiative: This is an innovative text-to-quit vaping program for young people ages 13-24. TIQ helps motivate, inspire, and support young people throughout the quitting process. When young people join TIQ, they will receive proven tips and strategies to quit and stay off e-cigarettes and vapor products from other young people just like themselves who tried to quit. To enroll, teens and young adults can text VAPEFREEWA to 88709.
  • 2Morrow Health: This is a smartphone app that helps participants learn new ways to deal with unhelpful thoughts, urges, and cravings caused by nicotine. Participants receive notifications and can track their progress along the way in order to move toward their goal of quitting. The app is available in English and Spanish. Depending on your age and the tobacco product you are trying to quit, you can register for either of the smartphone apps below:
    • Smoking & Tobacco – A program for people who want to quit smoking and/or other tobacco use. A special program for pregnant women is included in this version.
    • Vaping (age 13+) – A program for teens and young adults who want to quit vaping. Older adults who want to quit vaping, but who do not smoke, can also use this program.

It may take many tries to quit. The important thing is not to give up. If 2020 has shown us anything, its that Washingtonians are a strong and capable bunch. Find your team, lean on your resources, and make a plan. You can do this!  

Red Ribbon Week & Youth Substance Use

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Red Ribbon Week is dedicated to spreading awareness about youth substance use prevention and the mission of keeping all kids drug-free. It takes place every year from October 23 through October 31st, and this year is no exception. Your student’s health teacher or prevention specialist may be touching on some prevention messaging right now, so it could be a prime opportunity to continue this conversation with your child (if you aren’t doing so already). So let’s talk prevention!

Why is it important?

Ninety percent of people with addictions started using substances in their teen years. Beginning at age 10 through the mid- to late-20s, massive changes are underway in the brain. This includes the development of capabilities related to impulse control, managing emotions, problem-solving and anticipating consequences. Substance use during this time period can cause the brain to be more susceptible to addiction and other mental health disorders, especially for kids who are vulnerable.

Substance use and COVID-19

Some early research is coming out that shows that youth substance use rates are being negatively impacted by COVID-19 and social distancing measures. An article written in the Journal for Adolescent Health noted that, of those adolescents surveyed, “the percentage of users decreased [since the beginning of COVID-19]; however, the frequency of both alcohol and cannabis use increased.” Perhaps of more concern is that, while the majority of those using substances were engaging in solitary substance use (49.3%), “many were still using substances with peers via technology (31.6%) and, shockingly, even face to face (23.6%).” For parents who are actively working to keep their kids COVID-free, this added information may be worrisome.

Risks of use and COVID-19

We do not know yet if the occurrence of COVID-19 is higher for people who use drugs or have substance use disorder than for those who don’t use drugs, however some underlying medical conditions seem to increase risk of severe illness from COVID-19. For example, vaping may harm lung health, and emerging evidence suggests that exposure to aerosols from e-cigarettes harms the cells of the lung and diminishes the ability to respond to infection. For this reason, it is possible that drug use could make COVID-19 illness more severe, but more evidence is needed.

Can parents really make a difference?

Absolutely! Parents are the biggest influence in a teen’s life. Even though it may not appear to be true at times, deep down they still want you involved. A strong parent/child bond, especially during the teen years, helps reduce the chances of them engaging in unhealthy behavior and helps set the stage for preventing nicotine, alcohol, and drug use.

When and how to talk about substance use?

These conversations should happen frequently, and typically work best when a parent and child are already engaging in some type of activity together. It is important to listen, show empathy, and be understanding. Connecting often, communicating about your expectations and setting boundaries, and even encouraging healthy risk taking are all things that parents can do to set their children up for success.

Parents can begin talking with their children about drug prevention at a surprisingly young age! These early conversations may not sound exactly like “drug prevention;” instead, the focus should be on laying a strong foundation of trust and openness, while also teaching (and demonstrating) healthy habits. For tips on how to talk to your child at any age, visit: https://drugfree.org/article/prevention-tips-for-every-age/.

What should parents be looking out for?

Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging; many of the signs and symptoms are typical teen or young adult behavior. However, sometimes they can be attributed to underlying issues.  Mental health concerns like depression and anxiety, as well as traumatic events or periods of transition, can create a greater risk for the development of problematic substance use. Children and teens are dealing with a lot of changes right now, making it all the more important that parents be looking out for concerning behavior.

If you have reason to suspect use, don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution. Prepare to take action and have a conversation during which you can ask direct questions like “Have you been drinking, vaping or using drugs?” No parent wants to hear “yes,” but being prepared for how you would respond can be the starting point for a more positive outcome.

Where do I go for help?

There is help available if you are concerned that your child may be using substances—or even if you’re struggling with how to begin a conversation! Drugfree.org has one-on-one help available for parents: visit https://drugfree.org/article/get-one-on-one-help/ for ways to connect.

Want to get involved in your community?

Between now and December 15th, our three prevention community coalitions are collecting information from Skagit County adults (18+) about their perceptions regarding local youth substance use. Do you live or work in one of these communities? Consider filing out the survey! Your feedback has direct influence on prevention programming available for youth and families.

Mount Vernon
English- https://www.research.net/r/SKMTVEEN2020
Spanish- https://es.research.net/r/SKMTVESP2020

Sedro-Woolley
English- https://www.research.net/r/SKSEWOEN2020
Spanish- https://es.research.net/r/SKSEWOSP2020

Concrete
English- https://www.research.net/r/SKCOEN2020

For more information about prevention in Skagit County, visit: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/Health/preventionmain.htm

Person using Nicotine

Tobacco & Vapor Products “Talking Points” : COVID-19 Edition

Reading Time: 4 minutes

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL

People who smoke may be more likely to develop serious health complications from COVID-19. Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off viral infections – especially those attacking the lungs, like COVID-19. Additionally, initial findings suggest that vaping may increase lung inflammation and exacerbate lung infections. Need help quitting? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit doh.wa.gov/quit

INFORMATION FOR YOUTH OR PARENTS OF YOUTH

To say that our kids are dealing with a lot right now would be a grave understatement. Between figuring out remote schooling, the uncertainty of schedules and daily life at home, and the rising anxieties over health and safety, the mental well-being of our youth is of pressing concern. And while our inboxes are full of tips and tricks for keeping youth occupied, there are other—perhaps more troubling—issues that may not be getting as much attention.

While it may seem like decades ago, one of the most concerning trends we were seeing at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 was the youth vaping epidemic. Washington Healthy Youth Survey results were showing a dramatic spike in youth usage between 2016 and 2018, and the perceived risk associated with frequent use was alarmingly low among 8th and 10th graders in Skagit County.

In the fall of 2019, national media sources began reporting on the growing number of cases of vaping-associated lung disease, and these reports were causing many lawmakers to pursue legislation that would place stricter enforcements on vapor products. On January 1, 2020, Washington State officially raised the legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 years of age.

The seriousness of youth tobacco usage has not waned, though we now are living in much different times. If anything, our efforts to push forward with prevention efforts is all the more important now during the COVID-19 pandemic, while youth are grappling with so many new and unprecedented struggles, and may be relying on substances, like tobacco, to cope. Experts are still trying to gauge the impacts of COVID-19 on people using tobacco, but we do know that there is conclusive evidence that smoking weakens the immune system, increases the risk of infectious diseases and respiratory infections, and is a major cause of chronic health conditions and cancer. We also know that there is growing evidence that vaping can harm lung health, and nicotine can be extremely harmful for the brain development of teens and young adults.

For these reasons, parents must be extra vigilant about monitoring the mental health and substance use of their kids. Talking to children about tobacco use can be overwhelming—even without a global crisis taking place! It is best to begin the conversation early on, and continue these messages as they grow up. Expect that your child will have questions, and be prepared to answer these with facts, not fear-driven responses. Remember that parents can have a positive influence on youth’s behavior, so long as the conversation is honest, open and understanding. In order to help guide the conversation, we have created a list of helpful information that can inform your conversations:

  • Smoking/vaping and COVID-19

Currently, experts do not yet know if there is a direct correlation between COVID-19 infection and tobacco smoking/vaping. However, this is what the World Health Organization (WHO) has to say:

“Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and death. … There is no evidence about the relationship between e-cigarette use and COVID-19. However, existing evidence indicates that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), more commonly referred to as e-cigarettes, are harmful and increase the risk of heart disease and lung disorders. Given that the COVID-19 virus affects the respiratory tract, the hand-to-mouth action of e-cigarette use may increase the risk of infection.”

  • Signs of nicotine poisoning and withdrawal in youth

With school campuses closing abruptly and families at home practicing social distancing, some kids may have increased their tobacco use in order to deal with stress, while others may be dealing with withdrawal if they can no longer get access to tobacco products. It is important to be familiar with the signs of both nicotine poisoning (if someone is consuming too much), as well as nicotine withdrawal.

Nicotine poisoning (a.k.a. “Nic-Sick”)

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomachache and loss of appetite
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Mouth watering
  • Quick, heavy breathing
  • Dizziness or tremors
  • Confusion and anxiety

Nicotine withdrawal

  • Having cravings for tobacco products
  • Feeling down or sad
  • Having trouble sleeping
  • Feeling irritable‚ on edge‚ or grouchy
  • Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating
  • Feeling restless and jumpy
  • Having a slower heart rate
  • Feeling more hungry or gaining weight

To find out more about the above symptoms, visit resources such as the American Lung Association or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

  • Next steps: Cessation resources

If your child is using tobacco products, the best thing to do is to encourage them to quit, and support them throughout their journey. There are a host of resources available to youth dealing with tobacco dependence, many of which are free and easy to use without having to leave the house! Here are some great resources:

  • WA DOH 2Morrow: a free app to help teens and young adults quit vaping or smoking. There is also free cessation counseling for tobacco and vaping or marijuana dependency available
  • SmokeFreeTeen: free app services and texting services available for smoking, vaping, smokeless tobacco cessation
  • The Truth Initiative’s This Is Quitting program: text DitchJUUL to 88709 for free vape cessation support

Lastly, it is important to take care of yourself if you or your child smokes or vapes and is trying to quit.

  • Parents can text QUIT to (202) 899-7550 to sign up to receive text messages designed specifically for parents of vapers, and can find a community of support at BecomeAnEX.org.
  • Visit Smokefree.gov for a list of specialized free programs to help you quit smoking. Programs include: Veterans, Women, Moms,Teens, 60+, Spanish and others. Text, chat, and and a variety of other free supports available.

Want other “Talking Points” from Skagit County Public Health? Visit our webpage here!