The Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County will host a forum on E-Cigarettes and vape pens and the increasing use among youth. An expert panel including educators, health officials, youth organizations and employers will address the rising popularity of E-cigs and the health risks associated with them.
E-Hookahs and Our Teens community forum. Despite the debate surrounding e-cigarettes, there is a broad consensus that these products should not be sold or marketed to youth, with even the leading brands and manufacturers taking this position. Recent studies by the Legacy Foundation indicate that the marketing is indeed reaching our youth and the uses of e-cigarettes has increased among youth 3-fold since 2011.
Panelists:
Dr. Maria Stamp, health officer for the Porter County Health Department
Dr. Ric Frataccia, Superintendent, Valparaiso Community Schools
Todd Willis, Director of Children’s Services, Porter Starke Services and TEPC Coalition Chairperson
Joe Juarez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County Duneland Unit Supervisor
Caroline Shook, CEO, Housing Opportunities
Where: Valparaiso Community Schools, Administrative Board Room, 3801 N. Campbell St, Valparaiso
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 3:30 PM
Why: One fact about e-cigarettes is undisputed: their popularity is exploding. Studies indicate a doubling of e-cigarette use from 2011 to 2012 among U.S. young adults ages 18-34 as well as among U.S. middle and high school students. A survey about American trends found that among “vices,” such as alcohol and tobacco products, one of the only items to “trend up” from July 2012 to July 2013 was e-cigarettes. In 2013, 41% of teens and 61% of young adults reported that e-cigarettes were “in” or “on the way in.” In contrast, the percentage of teens and young adults saying that traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco were “in” or “on the way in” declined from 2012 to 2013, as did the rates for alcohol and marijuana.