King's Daughters' Health

Often viewed as a safer alternative to smoking, e-cigarettes are increasingly popular – and that could spell trouble over the long term. Blowing Smoke? THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF VAPING Diseases that were once nearly gone, such as measles, mumps and pertussis, are making a comeback. Your child's next wellness visit is a great place to start keeping him or her safe. "IN RECENT YEARS, we've seen a lot of misplaced worries about vaccines from parents with incomplete information," says Susan Berns, APN, pediatric nurse practitioner with King's Daughters' Health. "There is no evidence linking vaccinations to health issues such as autism, and many of these concerns have made people forget that a lot of the diseases we're vaccinating children against are severe." Vaccinations are 90- to 100-percent effective at preventing disease, and Susan adds that parents should view them as just as important to a child's safety and well-being as car seats, baby gates and electrical-outlet covers. Schedule a Q&A Session If you do have questions about vaccine safety, your child's wellness visits are perfect opportunities to discuss those with a healthcare provider. "Well-child visits give you a chance to talk about vaccine-related concerns and what you can do about them," Susan says. "In addition, these visits help us find out how your child is developing physically, socially and intellectually. They keep families informed and up-to-date on important milestones and help us identify problems early." ■ If you need a new provider for your child, the KDH Patient Access Line can help. Call (812) 801-8995 for a referral. We-Being Begins at Well-Child Visits Susan Berns, APN, pediatric nurse practitioner "WE DON'T KNOW the short- or long-term effects of e-cigarettes," says Stephanie Bear, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coordinator at King's Daughters' Health. "Therefore, we can't say they are safer than traditional cigarettes." E-cigarettes have been linked to: • Exposure to dangerous chemicals. When e-cigarette liquid is heated, it creates an aerosol that passes into the lungs. That aerosol contains chemicals, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, that harm the user as well as others who can be exposed when the aerosol is exhaled. Liquid flavorings and other chemicals used in e-cigarettes have also been linked to respiratory problems and lung disease. • Nicotine poisoning. In 2014, a 1-year-old boy in New York died from nicotine poisoning after opening a refill container and drinking its contents. Nicotine can also be fatal to children if absorbed through skin, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. • Explosions. Vaping devices are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and explode if they get damaged. • Continued nicotine addiction. Many of those who vape continue smoking cigarettes. In fact, vaping as a means of giving up tobacco has been found to be less successful than other methods of smoking cessation. ■ Trying to quit? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to speak with an Indiana Tobacco Quitline counselor. Vital Signs a publication of King's Daughters' Health 7 Vital Signs a publication of King's Daughters' Health 7

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