As nicotine is still prevalent in society, the trends among teenagers seem to be decreasing.

Dallas County Community Health Educator Natalie Del Vecchio shares that the overall rate of youth tobacco use is at its lowest point in the last 25 years. However, she explains that alternatives like e-cigarettes and vaping have acted as a replacement for tobacco. 

Del Vecchio emphasizes that vaping can damage lungs and even cause potential lung cancer. She offers advice to parents/guardians who are wanting to help or warn their children about the dangers of tobacco products.

“Just start having open-judgment free conversations about tobacco and nicotine use, and the more often you talk about it (and) normalize just having that conversation, the better. You can just ask ‘what they know about this topic,’ and listen to their perspective, share facts about what the risks are in a calm and respectful way, but focus on health and not so much punishment, so that way you can keep the door open for ongoing conversations.”

Del Vecchio also suggests speaking with your health care provider or resources available online at mylifemyquit.org to access a free confidential program. For more information, contact the Dallas County Health Department at (515)-993-3750.