(WTVF) — The Tennessee Department of Health and Center for Disease Control has released new numbers on the vaping epidemic and how it's taking a toll on Tennesseans. 49 people report suffering from vaping related illnesses in Tennessee.
Nationwide, The Centers for Disease Control shows nearly 1,300 cases of vaping related lung injuries. A majority of the patients are males and under 35 years old.
What's making this so dangerous is the CDC doesn't know the specific chemical causing the injuries. So far 26 people have died because of lung injuries connected to e-cigarettes or vaping.
Now, the CDC has started collecting and testing samples to learn more about this lung injury.
Until the issue has been identified and corrected, the CDC recommends everyone to stop using the products.
A recent article shared four ways for parents to step in to prevent teens from vaping. Those strategies are reasoning with them, scare them, make it worth their while, and knowing them.
When you talk with your teen, be prepared to have more than one non-judgmental conversation.
Start with the facts behind the dangers of vaping.
Many young people think they're invincible. So parents should let teens know vaping can hurt them.
Parents could also give an incentive for teens not to vape...
like offering them money or a higher allowance to stay away from it.
Keep in mind there's no right way to get through to your kids and to keep the conversation ongoing.
