Gerber Memorial Hospital

Spectrum Health physician, tobacco expert to spotlight vaping harm, ways to fight back

February 24, 2020

FREMONT, Mich. (Feb. 19, 2020) – Spectrum Health is helping shine a spotlight on vaping.

E-cigarettes and vaping devices come in all sizes and shapes, including masquerading as a wrist watch.

Spectrum Health physician Shelley Schmidt, M.D., and Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial tobacco treatment specialist Caitlin Mitchell-Schucker, along with Karen Ripke of District Health Department #10 and a tobacco treatment specialist, will discuss vaping March 10 at 5479 W. 72nd St. in Fremont. Attendees to “Vaping 101” will enjoy a free dinner. Free childcare is available. Participants will be entered for door prizes.

The event is free, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. and dinner served at 5:30 p.m.

Schmidt will highlight treatments for nicotine addiction and resources for youth, and Mitchell-Schucker will share information to help parents and schools identify signs of vaping, recognize equipment and take steps to help address vaping.

Using an e-cigarette is commonly called vaping and works by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaping liquid can contain nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances, flavorings, and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the “high.”

“Vaping is just as addictive as traditional cigarettes and research shows that the ingredients in e-cigarettes are linked to asthma, lung diseases and heart diseases,” Mitchell-Schucker said. “As people – including many youth – get hooked on nicotine, we want to spread the message that e-cigarettes and vaping are not substitutes for effective and sustainable smoking and tobacco cessation methods. Our presentation aims to shed as much light as we can to families and schools, so we have the facts to address and reduce vaping.”

To reserve a seat, register at http://bit.ly/vapingfreenewaygo or call 231.245.3015.

In addition to Spectrum Health, cosponsors include District Health Department #10, NCRESA, Headway and Great Start.

Contact:
Azlan Ibrahim
Communications Manager
Office: 231.924.1264
Mobile: 616.227-1940
Email: azlan.ibrahim@spectrumhealth.org