As of October 8, 2019, there have been 1299 confirmed cases of vaping-related pulmonary impairment and 26 reported deaths in the United States. Two-thirds of cases are between the ages of 18-34 years old. The exact cause of these illnesses is unknown and still under investigation.
The CDC currently recommends to avoid vaping any substances. Additionally, do NOT purchase vaping products off the streets as formulations may have been altered.
Interested in quitting? Follow these steps:
Set A Quit Date
✅ Make sure it’s realistic. Give yourself time to prepare. You must be physically and mentally ready. Set yourself up for success by establishing a goal and determining WHY quitting is important to you.
Learn Your Triggers/Resist Temptations
✅ This may consist of feelings, people, situations, etc. that tempt you to vape. Attempt to avoid until temptations have disappeared. This may include modifying your normal routine. If avoiding is not an option, prepare for handling triggers. Prepare for cravings and withdrawal.
Make The Mental Shift
✅ Think positive. Imagine your future healthy life without vaping. Make a list of all the benefits you will receive from quitting. It may take time to get used to your new life-style, but will soon become your new normal.
Surround Yourself With Supportive People
- Tell your friends and family. They are on your side!
- Make an appointment at Campus Health with one of our providers.
- Call QuitlineNC – telephone service is 24/7 at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or register online
- Access the QuitlineNC WebCoach available 24 hours a day online
- Text DITCHJUUL to 88709 to get support from Truth Initiative experts. This program has helped 800,000 people quit their vaping habits.
Details from this article were collected from the CDC website.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/s-1010-vaping-injury-update.html Published Oct. 10, 2019.
Written by Sarah Garfinkle, PharmD Candidate in the Eschelman School of Pharmacy
UNC Healthy Heels 