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New ‘Vape Free Schools’ campaign aims to help parents get kids off vaping

There appears to be a bright spot when it comes to the ongoing problem of kids who vape: the most recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of kids who are vaping or using e-cigarettes has started to decline.

But that silver lining still exists around a dark cloud: every day nearly 8,000 kids start using those products even though by law they aren’t allowed to, according to numbers from the American Lung Association.

That’s why the ALA launched its Vape Free Schools Initiative, aimed at helping parents talk to their kids about using those products in a way that doesn’t backfire.

“The nicotine levels in the vaping devices and products many times is significantly higher than what is even stated on the label,” said Jennifer Folkenroth, National Senior Director of Tobacco Programs with the American Lung Association. “These are tobacco products. Don’t let the disguise fool you.”

She said younger people are especially vulnerable to the addictive properties of these products, which is why they’re offering tips for parents to help them have conversations, and not confrontations, about them.

“It is really important that parents are educated and aware,” said Folkenroth. “Before they even have the conversation with the teen, knowing the facts, putting themselves into their child’s shoes and taking an open and calm approach.”

She said parents need to acknowledge their teen’s independence and listen to their perspective and perception.

“Make sure that you are really putting the blame back on big tobacco,” said Folkenroth. “The tobacco industry is manipulating our kids into using these products each and every day. Don’t blame your child. Really put that blame back on big tobacco with their marketing tactics.”

Then you have to be willing to follow up in the future and be willing to help your kid manage the stress and peer pressure they may face when they aren’t at home.

“Research continues to prove the harmful impact of e-cigarettes and vaping products,” she said.

Fauci repeatedly invokes the Fifth Amendment in a contentious Senate committee hearing

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer dozens of questions from senators in a Republican-led committee hearing about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision, at least for now, shielded Fauci from answering questions that could expose him to accusations of lying under oath. Though he received a pardon in early 2025 from Democratic President Joe Biden, some Republicans pursuing a yearslong campaign for his arrest had suggested he could still face charges for any perjury committed during Wednesday’s hearing. The scientist, who helped lead the nation’s COVID-19 response, was subpoenaed to testify under oath by Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has long had an antagonistic relationship with Fauci. In response to angry, sometimes mocking questions from Republican senators, Fauci declined to answer more than 100 times, injecting new drama into partisan divides that have festered for years about the origins and handling of the pandemic. Fauci himself has become a polarizing figure, even receiving death threats that prompted him to seek security.
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