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health & wellness Health news for the whole familyAs students return to school this fall, it%u2019s important for families and educators to remind the young people in their life about the realities of tobacco and nicotine use. With persistent misinformation about these products circulating, especially on social media, many teens and parents are left wondering: Is vaping really safer than smoking? What%u2019s actually inside a vape pen? And how are yowung people engaging with these products today? Here, the American Heart Association-Alaska helps bust some common myths with science-backed facts.Myth #1: %u201cVaping is just flavored water vapor. It%u2019s harmless.%u201dVape pens, or e-cigarettes, are far from harmless. These devices heat a liquid, commonly called %u201ce-liquid%u201d or %u201cvape juice,%u201d to create an aerosol that users inhale. These liquids contain chemicals including things like nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavoring agents, and heavy metals like nickel and lead, substances you don%u2019t want in your body.According to the American Heart Association, nicotine is not only highly addictive, but it also raises blood pressure, spikes adrenaline and increases the risk of heart disease. The aerosol can also irritate the lungs and may contain cancer-causing chemicals.Myth #2: %u201cVaping helps people quit smoking.%u201dWhile some adults turn to vaping as a smoking cessation tool, there is limited long-term data on the safety and effectiveness of vaping as a smoking cessation aid. If you are trying to quit smoking or support someone in their desire to stop, the American Heart Association recommends only FDA-approved cessation methods like nicotine patches, gum and behavioral therapy. Smoking remains the top preventable cause of disease and death in Alaska, so it%u2019s best to not start the habit in any form.12 alaska parent fall 2025 AlaskaParent.com