All youth and adult smokers, including those who use electronic nicotine delivery systems or vaping devices, are encouraged to make the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 18 their quit date.
Quitting smoking, vaping and other tobacco use is one of the most important things you can do to improve your physical and mental health. Because your brain doesn’t fully develop until age 26, youth are particularly susceptible to the affect’s nicotine has on the brain.
In a recent survey conducted by Truth Initiative, “a large majority of young people who have used e-cigarettes or vapes started using the products to decrease feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Research has found that nicotine can worsen symptoms of anxiety and increase feelings of depression.”
In North Dakota 33% of teens vape and when compared to other states North Dakota ranks in the top five states with one of the highest youth vaping rates. “During tobacco free holidays like “The Great American Smokeout,” it is especially important to take the opportunity to educate youth on the dangers of tobacco use and where they can go to get help with quitting,” said Jordyn Schaefbauer, Tobacco prevention Specialist with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health.
This year Bismarck middle and high school students are stepping up and using the day to educate their peers about the dangers of tobacco use, where they can go to get help with quit, and ways their peers can get more out of life by not smoking or vaping.
Youth tobacco users can get help with quitting by signing up for “My Life My Quit,” North Dakota’s FREE youth cessation program. By signing up online at https://nd.mylifemyquit.org/Enroll_Now or texting Text "Start My Quit" to 36072.
To learn about tobacco prevention activities going on in our community, contact Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health at 701.355.1595.