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hvparent.com n Hudson Valley Parent 13 has heard from several school principals and superintendents that vaping has moved from experimental to a regular habit for many students. In describing the situation, Reinhard references to the JUUL brand, the most popular e-cigarette in the United States at the end of 2017 according to the Food and Drug Administration. "Schools are finding students as young as middle school age vaping during school hours in bathrooms, on the bus and in the school yard," Reinhard says. Some high schoolers are vaping an entire JUUL pod per day which contains the rough equivalent of the nicotine in one pack of cigarettes." These experiences are not unique. Reinhard says, the local scene reflects national trends. The latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows more than 60 percent of students in the U.S. will try vaping by twelfth grade and 35 percent of twelfth graders have vaped in the past month. "Many schools have recently updated their smoking policy to include vaping, as a result," Reinhard says. "This action alone clearly indicates that vape use has expanded among youth." Pick up on the clues As part of her work Groenewegen manages Blindspots, a program designed to help parents pick up clues to teen substance abuse. The program goes into schools or other community venues and creates a mock teen bedroom stocked with items that may indicate a child is using or experimenting with alcohol, drugs or tobacco - and recently vaping has been added to the list. During the program, parents are invited to search the room to see if they can identify telltale signs of substance use. Afterwards, a Powerpoint presentation and discussion helps parents continue to explore their concerns. A recent Blindspots program in Wappingers Falls drew over 100 parents searching for answers and support. There was a similar turnout at a Dover Union Free School District event. "It's hard to know what to do," says Groenewegen, adding that at these meetings she often encounters parents in tears about their teens' unhealthy behaviors. "We don't have all the answers, but we try to get the facts out." Reinhard warns parents of clues that could mean their child is vaping. She says, "A change in behavior, increased thirst, sensitivity to caffeine, and increased coughing, are just some of the signs. You may also notice some unfamiliar sweet smells in the air, see unexplained cotton balls, batteries, and springs laying around." Parents should also check on items that look like a zip drive - this ...We take care of kids... 104 Fulton Avenue (Main oce) Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 845.452.1700 www.childrensmedgroup.com THE PEDIATRICIANS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY SM 'JTILJMMt)PQFXFMM+DUt)ZEF1BSL ,JOHTUPOt.PEFOBt/FXCVSHI 1PVHILFFQTJFt3IJOFCFDL We Know Kids. Get to Know Us. Visit our website or call our main number to schedule an appointment with your Favorite Doc in our Fishkill and Hopewell Junction offices. Always accepting new patients. Open 365 days a year. 24-hour availability. Over 70 insurance plans accepted. Follow us on facebook & twitter Find out why Hudson Valley Parent magazine readers voted so many of our Providers as their "FAVORITE DOCS!" Make an appointment with your favorite doc, and find them on our website. And also check out our site for helpful health tips for kids of all ages. The Children's Medical Group is all about kids, and all our Providers and staff members excel at what they do. Caring for kids is our life. And we wouldn't have it any other way. Eight "local" offices offer comprehensive medical services from birth through adolescence. Dr. Marc Habert Fishkill Office Dr. James Sulzer Fishkill Office Dr. Natasha Tzagoloff Fishkill Office Dr. Sejal Dalwadi Hopewell Junction Office Dr. Herschel R. Lessin Hopewell Junction Office Dr. Christine Verna Hopewell Junction Office Help Your Kids Stay Healthy with an Annual Physical Call today to schedule a visit at your Local CMG office. (Continued on Page 14)