The Fairfield Health Department and Fairfield CARES have teamed up to launch a series of five anti-vape videos created by local students as part of an effort to persuade students to avoid the dangers of vaping. The first of the “Don’t Start Now” videos was posted on Monday, and stars a Notre Dame High School of Fairfield student, Pedro Espada.

Espada discusses trying to play basketball with vaping keeping him up at night and sapping his energy when the game is on the line. He regretfully states, “What if I don’t have the energy, because of this bad habit that I could have broken if I put my mind to it?” Espada urges others to not make the same mistake he did by starting vaping and warns them of the effects it can have, both on health and athletic performance.

The videos were shot by local video producer Alex Vishno of A2V Media with a $5,000 grant from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. In addition to Notre Dame Fairfield, students from Fairfield Ludlowe, Fairfield Warde, and Fairfield Prep also created videos, which will debut on Mondays on the health department’s website and social media profiles.

Youths and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the health risks from vaping, and in the 2021 Fairfield CARES’ student survey, 7 percent of a sample of Fairfield’s high school students had vaped nicotine in the last 30 days. Officials believe that the actual percentage could be higher. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost all E-cigarettes or “vapes” contain nicotine which is addictive and found in other tobacco products, making them unsafe to use.

“We encourage all of our community members to view these videos on our social media and to share them, so we can further inform the dangers of vaping,” says Santina Jaronko, Assistant Director of Health for Community Health.

Why Are Anti-Vaping Videos Important?

Healthcare professionals have been urging people to quit smoking for years, and nicotine vaping is no exception. Vaping is tearing through school-age populations, with people under 18 and those in their early 20s more likely to become regular vapers than any other age group. Anti-vaping videos are a popular way of catching people’s attention and urging them to kick the habit before it becomes addictive.

How To Quit Vaping?

Taking steps towards quitting vaping can be challenging, but it starts with wanting to quit and then taking small steps in the right direction. Here are some simple steps you can take:

Start with a support system. Talk to your friends and family about your decision to quit vaping and ask for their support in helping you achieve your goal. You can also look for support groups like Nicotine Anonymous.
Identify your triggers. Make a list of situations, places, or people that make you want to vape, and avoid them if possible. Knowing your triggers will help you stay away from vaping when you’re feeling vulnerable.
Replace smoking with something else. When you feel like vaping, try taking deep breaths or going for a walk instead. You could also try chewing gum or snacking on healthy foods to keep your mouth and hands busy.
Stay positive. Quitting vaping is a difficult process, so it’s important to stay positive and keep a can-do attitude. Celebrate small victories like going one day without vaping or resisting an urge to use your e-cigarette.
Consult a healthcare professional. If you’re finding it challenging to quit vaping on your own, consider seeking help from a healthcare professional. There are several options available, including nicotine-replacement therapies and support groups.

In Conclusion

The dangers of vaping are a growing concern for both individuals and society as a whole. Anti-vaping videos are an effective way to raise awareness of these risks and encourage people to quit vaping. By working together, healthcare experts, educators, and local authorities can help young people avoid the perils of vaping and achieve better health and well-being in the process.

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