Parent: Talk to your kids. E-CIGS are not Cool. They are just as addictive and deadly as cigarettes!
The new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that use of conventional cigarettes has decreased, but the use of e-cigarettes among middle and high school students made a huge jump in just four years between 2011 and 2015. While regular cigarette use dropped during that time from 15.3% to 9.3% of students, use of e-cigarettes climbed from 1.5% to 16%. If current smoking rates continue, 5.6 million Americans under age 18 who are alive today are projected to die prematurely from smoking-related diseases.
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
