New campaigns educate residents about the dangers of nicotine and tobacco use
According to the state Department of Health, tobacco addiction still plagues residents here. Now, with the rise in popularity of vaping, Hawaii’s keiki are at risk of becoming the next generation of addicted tobacco users.
That’s why the department is launching two new campaigns with innovative messaging to reach, educate and help adults and youth who are at-risk for tobacco addiction.
In 2021 — the latest data available — almost 15 percent of teens used e-cigarettes, with that number rising to 20 percent for high school seniors.
The Escape The Vape “Weaker Inside” Campaign educates youth about how the chemicals in vapor can damage airways, making it harder for lungs to clear out pollution, allergens and germs that they breathe in. It also informs teens that the damage caused by the vapor they inhale can lead to diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia.
“Being active and outdoors is important to our keiki, and we know that breathing can be impacted by vaping, especially when it comes to participating in their favorite sports,” said Lola Irvin, Department of Health Administrator of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
“Through the ‘Weaker Inside’ campaign, we’re able to highlight the dangers of vaping in a way that resonates with teens and shows them how vaping can impact their ability to perform in their favorite activities.”
Next, many kama’aina are already taking steps to live a healthier life, but quitting nicotine is often the last step people take. “Your Quit Smoking Sponsor” shows adult smokers how the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline can help them on their path to an addiction-free future.
“Through our research and conversations with tobacco users, they’ve told us that cigarettes are often a crutch they rely on for everything from stress relief to avoiding other addictive substances,” Irvin said.
“We want smokers to know that the friendly, supportive coaches at the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline understand quitting is hard. The quitline is a free resource to help guide and support them throughout their quit journey.”
The Hawaii Tobacco Quitline provides free, confidential and customized support for those ready to take the first step toward quitting tobacco and nicotine addiction.
To speak with a trained coach and receive free patches, gum or lozenges, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784- 8669) or visit hawaiiquitline.org.
For more information on Escape The Vape Hawaii, visit www.EscapeTheVapeHI.com. Additionally, for Hawaii teens who would like to quit smoking or vaping, the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline continues to offer “My Life, My Quit,” a free program with trained coaches to help youth up to 17 years old quit smoking or vaping. Teens can sign up by texting “Start My Quit” to 36072.
Teens, parents, guardians and healthcare providers can also visit www.MyLifeMyQuit.com for more information.
Resources are available! Reach out for support and guidance if you need help.