Let's Talk Newsletter
Download a print-friendly version of the Spring 2023 Newsletter in English and Spanish.
Practice the Pause
Spring Break is just around the corner! Spring sports, school conferences, vacations and more can make this time more stressful. This is your reminder to
Practice the Pause. When our emotions are high, like in times of stress, unhappiness, or fear, we tend to react without thinking. We don’t take the time to consider what we’re feeling or why. We let our emotions determine how we think, act, or engage with the world around us and that can make us feel even worse. By practicing the pause, we are encouraging ourselves to stop in the moment between a feeling and a reaction to think about what we’re feeling and why. This pause allows us to understand what may be causing our reaction and choose how we want to respond. Visit
greaterhealthnow.org/practice-the-pause to find out more! (English and Spanish Resources are available on their Resources link.)
Program Updates
“Share Your Art” Contest Winners
We had many amazing art submissions. Thank you to all who participated! Winners have been notified and will be featured on the ESD 123 website when the coloring book and Teenlink stickers have been produced.
Find the most recent upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid at www.esd123.org/learn.
Health Facts
E-Cigarettes and Vaping - What Parents Need to Know
E-cigarettes have become very popular. These devices (also called e-cigs, vape pens, e-hookah, e-cigars, mechanical mods, and pod systems) are not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports actions to prevent children and youth from using or being exposed to the vapor from e-cigarettes. The fact list below offers facts and tips for parents to help address e-cigarette use and exposure.
Health Harms
- The solution and vapor from ecigarettes contain harmful chemicals, some of which cause cancer
- The nicotine in e-cigarettes is addictive and can harm brain development
- E-cigarettes are not recommended as a way to quit smoking
- In some cases, e-cigarettes have exploded, causing burns or fires
- Exposure to secondhand vapor from e-cigarettes is harmful to growing lungs
- Long-term health effects on users and bystanders are still unknown
- E-cigarettes can be used to smoke or “vape” marijuana, herbs, waxes, and oils
Dangers to Youth
- E-cigarettes are the most commonly-used tobacco product among teens: in 2019, over 25% of high school students reported having used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days
- Youth are uniquely vulnerable to the nicotine in e-cigarettes because their brains are still developing
- Youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke traditional cigarettes in the future
- Children are exposed to e-cigarette advertising in the media, online, and in magazines and billboards
- E-cigarettes come in flavors, which are appealing to children
- Although it is illegal for e-cigarettes to be sold to youth under age 21, they can be ordered online
Risk of Poisoning
- E-cigarette solutions can poison children and adults through swallowing or skin contact
- A young child can be killed by very small amounts of nicotine: less than half a teaspoon. Because of this, liquid nicotine is required to be sold in childproof packaging
- Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, dizziness, vomiting, and increased heart rate
- Calls to poison control centers related to e-cigarettes have skyrocketed in the last 5 years
- If exposure to liquid nicotine occurs, call the local poison center at 1-800-222-1222
Recommendations for Parents
The best way to protect your children is to never smoke or vape in the house, in the car, or in places where children spend time. Talk to your children about the dangers of ecigarettes, and make sure you can identify them. If you are an e-cigarette user, always keep e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine locked and out of the reach of children. Talk with your doctor about ways to help you quit tobacco products. Protect your skin if handling e-liquid.
Featured Local Resource
United Family Center offers services in both the Lower Yakima Valley and the Tri-Cities. They are committed to continuously search for new ways to improve their quality of service and make their agency an ideal place for children, adolescents, and families to receive behavioral health care. United Family Center strives to provide the community with the treatment and resources needed to successfully live as healthier and productive individuals.
Services Offered:
- Mental Health
- Substance Use Program
- School-based Services (Grandview, Sunnyside, Wahluke, Bickleton)
- Family Services (including parent-child visitation and family preservation)
- Youth Summer Program (After school program coming soon)
https://www.unitedfamilycenter.com/
Kennewick Office
333 W Canal Dr., Kennewick
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8AM-5PM
Phone: 509.581.0303
Grandview Office
106 N Elm St., Grandview
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8AM-5PM
Phone: 509.402.9090
Spokane Office
221 N. Argonne Rd., Spokane
Hours: Monday - Friday
Phone: 509.309.7797
Save the Date
April 28
Join United Family Center for their Spring Community Resource Fair. Come learn about all of the community resources available to you and your family. If you would like to participate as a community resource, please call 509.581.0303.
This newsletter is a product of the ESD 123 Student Support Department. For more information or access to additional resources please visit
www.esd123.org/services/student-support