War on Vapes

UK to Ban Single-Use Vapes Amid Growing Child Addiction Concerns

Ministers Respond to Calls from Various Quarters to Tackle Health and Environmental Issues.

In a move set to be unveiled as early as next week, the UK government is reportedly gearing up to ban single-use vapes. This decision comes on the heels of mounting concerns expressed by councils, leading paediatricians, and environmental campaigners about the proliferation of disposable nicotine products primarily aimed at under-18s.

The impending ban, anticipated to be part of a consultation to be issued by the Department of Health and Social Care, follows a stark realisation by the government. They have finally come to the conclusion that these disposable vaping products are predominantly targeted at children, potentially leading to a troubling rise in nicotine addiction among young people.

The alarm bells rang louder last week when The Guardian reported that a staggering 5 million single-use vapes are discarded in the UK every week, marking a fourfold increase from the previous year. Research conducted by the not-for-profit organization Material Focus revealed the alarming statistic of eight vapes being disposed of every second. Even more concerning is the fact that the lithium found in these products could be used to create 5,000 electric car batteries annually.

Child respiratory experts had previously criticised the government for ignoring warnings about the risks associated with e-cigarettes being sold in child-friendly packaging, featuring names reminiscent of popular sweets, some containing 2% nicotine, the highest concentration allowed in the UK.

Professor Andrew Bush, a consultant pediatric chest physician at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, voiced his concern last year, saying, "I am concerned that we are sleepwalking into a public health catastrophe with a generation of children hooked on nicotine."

Scott Butler, the executive director at Material Focus, expressed his apprehension, stating, "The problem with single-use vapes has gotten further out of control over the past year. Single-use vapes are a strong contender for being the most environmentally wasteful, damaging, and dangerous consumer product ever made."

This decision by the UK government is in line with growing international concerns. Australia has already banned all vaping without a prescription, Germany prohibited flavoured e-cigarettes, New Zealand outlawed most disposable vapes and introduced marketing restrictions targeting children. Recently, France also announced its intention to ban all disposable e-cigarettes.

However, the UK government is opting to tread cautiously, stopping short of a complete ban on vaping without a prescription. They view vaping as a safer alternative for adults who currently smoke, aiming to strike a balance between protecting young people and offering harm-reduction options to adult smokers.

Professor Sir Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, emphasised the importance of responsible marketing, stating, "If you smoke, vaping is much safer; if you don

't smoke, don't vape, and marketing to children is utterly unacceptable."

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) shared their concerns, "We are concerned about the rise in youth vaping and the environmental impacts of disposable vapes. That is why we launched a call for evidence to identify opportunities to reduce the number of children accessing and using vaping products – and explore where the government can go further. We will set out our response in due course."

As the UK grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by single-use vapes, the impending ban signals a significant step towards protecting the health of the nation's youth and addressing environmental concerns associated with disposable vaping products.

Harnessing Hypnotherapy to Overcome Vaping Addiction and Counter Its Side Effects

Vaping, once marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking, has revealed a dark side with a slew of adverse effects. From addiction to a host of health concerns, including acne, dry skin, hormone imbalances, gum diseases, bad breath, dehydration, and premature ageing, the need to quit vaping has never been more pressing. Hypnotherapy offers a comprehensive solution, addressing both the addiction and its troubling consequences.

1. Acne and Dry Skin:

- Vaping can disrupt your skin's balance, leading to acne breakouts and dryness. In a private hypnotherapy session, you can address the emotional triggers behind vaping, which may be contributing to your skin issues. By breaking the vaping habit,

you can begin to restore your skin's health and appearance.

2. Hormone Imbalance:

- Vaping has been linked to hormone imbalances, including disruptions in estrogen levels. Hypnotherapy can help regulate hormonal responses by reducing stress and anxiety, which are often triggers for vaping. A balanced hormonal system can lead to better overall health.

3. Gum Diseases and Bad Breath:

- The chemicals in vape products can contribute to gum diseases and bad breath. Quitting vaping can be challenging, but hypnotherapy can reinforce your commitment to better oral health. By addressing the root causes of your addiction, you can reduce the risk of gum diseases and eliminate the foul breath associated with vaping.

4. Dehydration:

- Vaping can lead to dehydration, which, in turn, affects your skin, making it dry and lacklustre. Hypnotherapy can empower you to break the cycle of vaping-induced dehydration by reinforcing the importance of staying hydrated with pure water instead.

5. Premature Ageing:

- Vaping has been linked to premature ageing due to its impact on the skin. Hypnotherapy sessions can help you visualize a future without vaping, with healthier, more youthful skin. This mental shift can motivate you to quit vaping and embrace a rejuvenated appearance.

6. Popcorn Lung (Bronchiolitis Obliterans):

Popcorn lung, scientifically termed bronchiolitis obliterans, is a respiratory condition affecting the lung's smallest airways, called bronchioles. It got its name from workers in microwave popcorn factories exposed to diacetyl, a chemical used for buttery flavourings. Popcorn lung involves inflammation, damage, and scarring of bronchioles, leading to narrowed airways and breathing difficulties. It's primarily caused by exposure to toxic substances, notably diacetyl, which has raised concerns about flavoured e-cigarettes. Symptoms include chronic coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort, worsening over time. Long-term effects include chronic respiratory issues, reduced lung function, and a higher risk of respiratory infections. While there's no cure, treatment focuses on symptom management with medications and lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and avoiding irritants.

Hypnotherapy's strength lies in its ability to work on the subconscious level, where habits and emotions are deeply ingrained. By identifying and addressing the emotional triggers that drive your vaping addiction, hypnotherapy can help you break free from the habit and mitigate the side effects that have taken a toll on your health and well-being.

It's important to remember that quitting vaping is a journey, and hypnotherapy is a valuable tool to assist you along the way. The dedicated support and personalised approach provided in private 1-1 hypnotherapy sessions can empower you to regain control over your life, health, and appearance.

If you're ready to take the step towards quitting vaping and reclaiming your health, consider seeking out a certified hypnotherapist with expertise in addiction treatment. Together, you can work towards a future free from vaping addiction and the side effects that have held you back.

In closing, remember that your decision to quit vaping is a positive one, and hypnotherapy can be your partner in achieving a healthier, happier life.