THINK TWICE BEFORE VAPING

BY THE BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD COMMUNITY COALITION

According to Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition’s (BBCC)

December 2022 Substance Use and Mental Health survey of over 4,000 7th12th students in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills Public Schools, by 12th grade 1 in 5 students reported using vapes over the past year A couple other key points include:

Vaping nicotine or THC is one of the top 3 substances used by our 9th-12th grade students ·From a mental health standpoint, students who reported feeling sad or depressed; irritated or easily annoyed; angry or lost their temper; and/or felt nervous, anxious or scared most of the time or all of the time during the past 30 days were more likely to turn to vaping as a way to cope with these uncomfortable feelings.

Risks

So, what are the risks? Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive Nicotine exposure during adolescence can:

Harm brain development, which continues until about age 25

Impact learning, memory, and attention

Increase risk for future addiction to other drugs

Vape and E-cigarette aerosol is NOT harmless, even though it is marketed this way – directly to young people. As a result, many teens believe that vaping is not harmful, and that it is just water vapor. In fact, this aerosol can contain harmful substances including:

Nicotine

Cancer-causing chemicals

Volatile organic compounds

Ultrafine particles

Flavorings that have been linked to lung disease

Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead

Physical effects are not the only concern. Many studies have shown a direct correlation between vaping and mental health Specifically, nicotine, which is in most vapes, can worsen anxiety symptoms, and amplify feelings of depression.

To learn more, BBCC’s two most recent e-news editions include:

1) Vaping facts/trends/tips/resources and insights from our YAB teens.

2) Vaping tips/resources to support you and your teen, and more YAB teen insights.

BBCC has brought the powerful story of Daniel Ament, 20-year-old Wayne State University student from Grosse Pointe, who received a double lung transplant when he was just 16 as a result of his vaping So far over 700 students and staff have heard Daniel in 2023 at various Birmingham and Bloomfield schools

March News From The Library

This month, join us to learn more Birmingham history with the museum staff, how you can Be SMART about firearm storage, and hear the history of Impressionists and/or Warrior Women. Find all of these, plus book clubs, computer classes, and more at baldwinlib.org/calendar.

Programs For Kids

In addition to story times, you’re invited to join our new Video Gaming Club, make new art from old cereal boxes, and pick up your Spring Break Surprise Craft kit. Find all of these and more at baldwinlib org/youth

TEENS, STUDY WITH THERAPY DOGS

Study late with us on Saturday, March 4! We’re keeping the library open late just for students in grades 9-12. We’re even bringing in dogs and providing pizza to help with stress! You can also pick up your kit for the Teen Tiny Art Show, starting March 1. And don’t miss the first installment of our college prep series, on choosing the right school for you! Find these and more at baldwinlib.org/teen.

Join Next as we continue our cultural series in March and April with an in depth look at the Middle East Look for amazing speakers, entertainers, movies, food and travel opportunities throughout the newsletter and on the website at www.BirminghamNext.org.

THE MUSIC OF THE MIDDLE EAST!

Special Concert with Ara Topouzian on Tuesday, March 21 at 6 p.m.

Ara Topouzian is an Armenian-American musician whose proficiency at the Kanun, a Middle Eastern harp with 78 strings, has made him a nationally recognized artist for over thirty years. He has performed across the US at many celebrated venues with other top musicians. Ara’s traditional music style honors his Armenian heritage and includes music from the Middle East with world music influences. A professional percussionist will join Ara to enhance this musical experience Please click here to register

History Of Belly Dancing

Special Performance with Ziva Lynn on Tuesday, March 28 at 1:30 p.m.

Take a journey into the world of Raks Sharqi, known as Belly Dance Join us for a brief historical seminar on this amazing dance form and then witness its beauty, as Ziva performs a traditional set We will end with an audience participation exercise that will be sure to put a smile on every face. Please click here to register.

IRAN'S CULTURE

Professor Setareh Ghoreishi, Oakland University on March 30 at 6:00 p.m.

Persia, today’s Iran, has one of the oldest, richest and most influential art histories in the world. Dating back to 550 BCE, about 2500 years ago, this country’s rich and distinctive cultural and social lineage has influenced literature, music, dance, architecture and so much more. Few countries enjoy as long of a cultural heritage as Iran, and despite political, religious and historic changes, Iranians maintain a deep connection to their traditions and festivals. Join Professor and artist Setareh Ghoreishi as she introduces you to Persian cultural history and current Iran. Presented through her own work, she explores the cross cultural relationship of language interactions and Persian visual elements Please click here to register

Next proudly serves the growing 50 plus population in our community. Next is located at 2121 Midvale Street in Birmingham. Contact Next at (248) 2035270, visit www.BirminghamNext.org or like Next on Facebook

As a reminder, Next also offers support services that focus on allowing older adults to live independently and age in place. Our comprehensive Support Service Department provides transportation services, nutritional support, minor home repair and yard maintenance service to qualified residents, information and referrals, and much, much more. We are here to help!