Updated: Aug 9, 2019
According to the Surgeon General's 2018 estimate, 1 in 5 high schoolers and 1 in 20 junior high students vape.
Athletes are no exception.
Despite risk of suspension and/or eligibility, kids continue vaping.
Why? A few of the reasons...
They have a false sense of security that they're only exposed to water and flavoring.They feel an energy surge which they believe equates to faster skating.They think they can quit anytime.
In addition to a host of artificial flavors, VOC's, possible THC, and heavy metals, each Juul pod and vape pen can contain nearly the same amount of nicotine as an ENTIRE PACK of cigarettes.
And while kids may experience an initial surge in energy- other side-effects will have a detrimental affect on their game: nausea, headaches, dizziness, decreased endurance.
So why don't they just quit?
Unfortunately, addiction occurs much faster during brain development... which continues until approximately age 25.
During this phase, nicotine addiction not only manifests physical symptoms but may impair learning, focus, and impact mental health.
Furthermore, breaking addiction may necessitate medical or psychological intervention.
What about legality? Well, that varies from state to state.
Beyond legal concerns, the risks of vaping on health, performance, eligibility, and future health are dramatic enough to strongly advocate that our teens never start the habit.