Vaping has become a concern in the Tri-Cities, with Fraser Health and School District 43 hosting a meeting the topic in May.
Parents wanting to know how to talk to their kids about vaping will get some tips if they attend upcoming information meetings on the topic.
Fraser Health and Coquitlam School District 43 are hosting a presentation on the “Health and Social Implications of Vaping in School District 43”, with two meetings planned and another in the works if more are needed.
“A group at Fraser Health is really making this a priority. They are getting lots of inquiries and questions about it and thought it would be a great opportunity,” said Rob Zambrano, assistant superintendent with School District 43.
One presentation will be held Thursday, May 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the theatre at Heritage Woods secondary school, 1300 David Ave., Port Moody, and the second is planned for Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the theatre at Terry Fox secondary school, 1260 Riverwood Gate, Port Coquitlam.
Among the topics that will be discussed is the current evidence about the potential health consequences of vaping, strategies for talking to children and helping them make informed decisions about vaping, what vaping products are available, as well as federal and provincial legislation about vaping.
Vaping has been raised as an issue in the Tri-Cities, with Coquitlam council asking staff for advice on what to do to prevent youth from obtaining vaping products and devices and School District 43 sending home information to parents about the issue.
The local government actions come as the federal government is seeking comments on proposed measures to limit the advertising of vaping products because of increased use by youth and studies that show that e-cigarettes, a type of vaping product, can encourage dependence and increase the risk of cigarette smoking among youth and young adults.
A recent survey, Health Canada notes on its website, found 15% of youth in Grades 10-12 had used vape products in the previous 30 days in 2016-17, up from 9% in 2014-15.
