Windsor Charter Academy is partnering with the Weld County Substance Use Prevention Program and is hosting an informational seminar to learn more about “The Impact of Vaping, Marijuana, Opioids, and Fentanyl on Young People.” This seminar was originally scheduled for March 28th but has been rescheduled to April 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Windsor Charter Academy Middle/High School Classroom #145/147. This event is open to parents and students! Please RSVP here.
During this 60-minute presentation, attendees will learn more about the dangers of vaping and using marijuana, opioids, and fentanyl. We will also discuss common signs of substance use, quit resources for young people, and the developmental impacts of substance abuse.
As we gear up for this event, we want to provide more information on vaping, which is popular with teens. Vapes are e-cigarettes that use batteries to heat a liquid into a gas that the user inhales, and this gas contains harmful ingredients. Vapes/e-cigarettes are also called e-cigs, vape pens, mods, or tank systems. Nationwide, 76% of middle and high schoolers have been exposed to vapes via social media or other advertising.
Vapes were initially invented in 2003 for nicotine delivery without the impacts of tobacco. Similar to smoking, vaping is linked to lung disease; it can cause lung scarring and inflammation, can raise blood pressure, and can damage blood vessels, among other effects. Also, similar to most substances, there are many adverse effects of vaping. It is highly addictive, the long-term effects are unknown, use alters the development of the prefrontal cortex, and vaping is now known as the gateway drug. There are many myths when it comes to vaping. For example, vaping is healthier than cigarettes. While vapes do not contain tobacco, they create dangerous aerosols containing harmful chemicals.
The Windsor Police Department sent this photo to Windsor Charter Academy, as they have seen a rise in the use of these vape pens in our community. Be aware of how well-disguised these vape pens are!
We would love to have you join us for more information during this session. Knowledge is power!
