Tag Archives: teen health

15% of Maryland High Schoolers Vape – What Parents Should Know

Vaping among youth has declined in recent years, but it remains a significant health concern. Many parents believe that the worst of this trend has passed, but recent data is more complex. The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey reports that approximately 1.6 million middle and high school students currently use e-cigarettes, with 87.6% preferring flavored varieties like fruit, candy, and mint.

The Dangers of Vaping

  • Deceptive Appeal: Flavored vape products, often marketed to children, make it easy to underestimate the risks. These seemingly harmless devices can deliver as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.
  • Health Risks: Vaping introduces nicotine, a highly addictive substance, into the developing brains of adolescents, impairing memory and focus. Beyond addiction, vaping devices often contain harmful chemicals linked to lung damage and long-term respiratory issues.
  • Gateway Risks: Vaping can increase the likelihood of using other tobacco products, leading to a cycle of dependency.

The Latest Insights on Vaping in Maryland

While the percentage of students vaping has declined in Maryland, the rates remain concerning. Advocacy groups, like the Maryland Tobacco Prevention Coalition, stress the need for continued public education and stricter regulation. Even with declines, vaping persists in new and potentially more harmful ways, such as the emergence of disposable devices loaded with high nicotine levels​​.

How Parents Can Make a Difference

  • Start the Conversation: Begin with open, judgment-free discussions about vaping. Ask your child what they know or think about vaping, and share clear, factual information about its risks. Listen attentively to their concerns and experiences to build trust.
  • Communicate with School Officials: Connect with your child’s school to understand its policies on vaping. Advocate for educational programs that address the risks of vaping and promote a healthy school environment. 
  • Address Underlying Issues: If your child is vaping, look for underlying triggers like stress, anxiety, or peer pressure. Offer counseling or connect them with resources to address these challenges. Mental health support is a critical step in helping them quit. 
  • Provide Support: If your child is ready to stop vaping, guide them toward professional help. Programs like the American Lung Association cessation tools or a visit to your primary care provider can be invaluable. Remind them that quitting is a journey, and you’re with them every step of the way.
  • Set a Positive Example: Actions speak louder than words. Avoid tobacco and nicotine products yourself and demonstrate a healthy lifestyle that prioritizes well-being.
  • Stay Informed: Stay up to date on vaping trends and products, so you’re prepared to guide your child through this evolving issue. Being informed equips you to respond effectively to their questions and challenges.

Your Partner in Prevention

At Maryland Primary Care Physicians, we’re here to help you navigate these challenging conversations. Reach out to your provider if you have concerns about your child’s health or want to learn more about available resources. 

Teen Stress: Tips for Parents

By: Lisa Meade, PA-C

A recent study by the American Psychological Association (APA) confirms what I see weekly in my practice: Teens feel a great deal of stress and anxiety, but often don’t have the proper coping strategies to deal with these feelings.

The APA report “Stress in America” included data on American youth (teens ages 13-17) for the first time this year. The report found that teens feel higher levels of stress than they think is healthy, but don’t necessarily try to adopt healthy coping strategies, or don’t know what those strategies are.
When I talk to my teen patients, they say trying to juggle school, their social life, and home life can be overwhelming. Expectations and pressure about college are particularly tough for older teens. Plus, we can all remember how important friends and “fitting-in” are at this age– which makes all of the social media and online chatter an extra stressor.

Parents can be a huge help in teaching teens healthy coping strategies and how to keep things in perspective. Here are some suggestions:

1. Know the signs of stress overload in your child. Common results of teen stress can be: Increased physical illness (headaches, stomachaches, chronic fatigue, muscle pain); “shutting down” or withdraw from people and activities; increased anger or irritability; difficulty sleeping or eating; increased tearfulness or feelings of worry; difficulty concentrating.

2. Be willing to listen and model stress coping skills. It’s important for teens to know that stress is part of life and sometimes admitting you are “stressed out” helps. Try to help your child identify what’s really giving them anxiety and then come up with some coping strategies together.

3. Encourage healthy lifestyle habits and reinforce those at home. Here are the things I tell my teen patients to try:

– Get enough sleep! Teens still need 8-10 hours of sleep a night, especially during the school week. Prioritize homework, social or sports activities, phone/TV time. You may not be able to do it all.

– Focus on your strengths. Think about the things you are really good at- or that make you happy- and find ways to spend time doing those things. It will build your confidence and you will find people with like interests.

– Get some exercise. Physical activity is a proven stress reducer. If you’re not on a sports team, find any activity that you enjoy and try to do it at least 30 minutes a day.

– Eat right! Skipping meals or drinking energy drinks will make you feel more stressed in the long run. Try to eat three healthy meals a day and don’t rely on caffeine to keep you going.

– Don’t try to be perfect! Remember that we all make mistakes and a bad choice now and then. Try to keep things in perspective and not focus on the negative. The ability to learn from mistakes and move on is a sign of maturity.

– Talk to someone. It’s much easier to manage stress with a helping hand. Talk to a parent, teacher, doctor, or other trusted adult. They may be able to help you find a way to manage a problem, such as practicing a response to a social situation, getting a tutor in a class, or dealing with a difficult transition such as moving or divorce.

If you feel that your stress is making you depressed, or you find yourself using drugs or alcohol to cope, please tell someone. It might be time to talk to a psychologist or trained professional.

Helping your teen learn healthy ways to cope with stress now will prepare them for a healthier adulthood. Part of the great challenge- and reward- of parenting!

Lisa Meade, PAC
Lisa Meade, PA-C joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from Towson University. She received her Physician Assistant certification from Essex Community College in 1987. Ms. Meade has over 25 years of experience as a certified Physician Assistant in primary care medicine.