Monash Health is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of our people and community. In line with this commitment, our Health Promotion and Smoke-Free Committee recently partnered with Quit Victoria to host a webinar on vaping and the associated risks.
The webinar featured Co-founder and Director of Drug Education Australia, Sharon Torpey and panellists who provided valuable insights to empower individuals to make informed choices about vaping. You can watch the recorded session and share it with anyone who may benefit.
The 90-minute webinar featured a comprehensive discussion on vaping, its impact on respiratory health, and effective communication strategies to guide young people towards informed decision-making.
The panel featured Adj Clin A/Prof Robert Roseby, Pediatric Respiratory Physician from Monash Children’s Hospital; Amanda Low, Healthy Communities Coordinator from Quit Victoria; and Kayla Croft, Environmental Health Officer from the City of Casey.
According to preliminary data from early 2023, a concerning increase has been observed in e-cigarette use among 14-17 year olds. While smoking rates remain a significant concern, with 12.8% of surveyed adolescents reporting smoking, e-cigarette use has risen from less than 1% in 2018 to 14.5% in early 2023. Of particular concern is the finding that young people who vape are three times more likely to take up smoking, underscoring the need for effective prevention strategies.
In response to these trends, Quit and the Victorian Government have launched a new public health campaign targeting vaping. This campaign aims to dispel the misconception that e-cigarettes are harmless and to raise awareness of the actual risks associated with their use, as e-cigarette liquids often contain over 200 chemicals, some of which are known to cause cancer.
Furthermore, recent federal reforms have been implemented to address the use of non-prescription e-cigarette products. These reforms include prohibiting the importation of non-prescription e-cigarettes and banning disposable devices.
By watching the recorded webinar, you will gain crucial knowledge about vaping trends, associated risks, and effective communication strategies. This knowledge equips you to address the growing issue of vaping among young people and contribute to a healthier environment for our community.
Click the link to access the recorded webinar: Understanding Vaping Webinar.
In addition, we offer a wide range of resources to assist you in addressing the challenging topic of vaping in young people. These resources are designed to equip you with the necessary tools to navigate conversations, provide support, and promote healthier choices.
Monash Health can support you in your quit journey. Accessing the Quitline (QUIT) is free, please call 13 QUIT or 13 7848 or visit quit.org.au. Referrals are not needed; anyone can access Quitline.
All Monash Health employees have access to the Employee Assist Program (EAP), where an expert consultant can help you to set clear goals for any lifestyle issues, including addictions. Call 1300 687 327.
Approved by Sharyn Donald.