Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Pediatric Health

Vaping and E-Cigarettes: What Parents Need to Know

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E-cigarettes are a common health concern affecting kids. These devices are often promoted or perceived as being less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but vaping is not safe for children, teens, or young adults. Understanding what e-cigarettes contain, why nicotine is especially concerning during adolescence, and how to talk with your child about vaping can help you protect their health.

Quick answer: Vaping is not safe for children, teens, or young adults. E-cigarette aerosol can contain nicotine and other harmful substances, and nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the developing brain. Rockaway parents can start talking with their kids early, listen, set a vape-free example, and call us for support.

What are e-cigarettes and what do they contain?

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol that the user inhales. You may hear them being called vapes, vape pens, e-cigs, or mods. Some are designed to resemble cigarettes, while others can look like pens or USB drives. E-cigarettes can also be used to deliver marijuana and other substances. The aerosol produced by these devices isn’t harmless water vapor. It can contain nicotine along with other potentially harmful substances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these can include cancer-causing chemicals, volatile organic compounds, ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead. Flavorings can also make vaping products more appealing to young people. While federal regulations have restricted certain flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes, flavored vaping products remain available in different forms.

Why is nicotine a concern for teens?

Nicotine, which is found in most e-cigarettes, is a highly addictive substance. Some products marketed as containing zero percent nicotine have even been found to still contain it. This substance is especially concerning for young people because the brain continues developing until about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm parts of the brain involved in attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

How can young people become addicted to nicotine?

Young people can become addicted to nicotine more easily than they may realize. As the brain adapts to the substance, a teen may need more of it to experience the same effects. When they stop using it, withdrawal can cause symptoms that make quitting difficult. Additionally, the effects of nicotine addiction can create a cycle. A young person may use nicotine because they feel anxious, stressed, or depressed, while nicotine addiction and withdrawal can contribute to those same feelings.

Are there other health risks besides nicotine?

Nicotine isn’t the only concern associated with e-cigarettes. The substances contained in e-cigarette aerosol can expose the lungs to harmful chemicals and particles, and the e-cigarette liquid can also be dangerous. Children and adults have been poisoned after swallowing, breathing, or absorbing the liquid through their skin or eyes. There is also evidence connecting vaping with later cigarette use. According to the CDC, young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

How can parents talk with their child about vaping?

Parents play an important role in preventing nicotine use. We recommend starting conversations about vaping before you suspect your child is using e-cigarettes. Instead of focusing on a one-time discussion, look for multiple opportunities to talk about what your child sees among their friends, at school, online, or in advertising. Let them know that vaping isn’t harmless and how nicotine can affect their developing brain and lead to addiction. Listening is important as well. Giving your teen room to ask questions or talk about what they’re seeing among their peers can make these conversations more productive. You can also set an example by maintaining a tobacco-free and vape-free home. Avoiding tobacco products yourself helps reinforce the healthy behaviors you’re encouraging in your child while also protecting your family from exposure.

What should I do if my child is vaping?

If you discover that your child is vaping, approach the conversation with the goal of helping them quit rather than punishing them. Nicotine addiction can make stopping difficult, and teens may need support. Your pediatrician can be an important resource, too. They can talk privately with your teen about tobacco and nicotine use, answer questions about health risks, and help your family find appropriate support for quitting.

Frequently asked questions

Is vaping safe for kids and teens?

No. Vaping is not safe for children, teens, or young adults, even though e-cigarettes are often promoted or perceived as being less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Is e-cigarette aerosol just water vapor?

No. The aerosol isn’t harmless water vapor. It can contain nicotine along with other potentially harmful substances, including cancer-causing chemicals, volatile organic compounds, ultrafine particles, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead.

Why is nicotine especially concerning for teens?

The brain continues developing until about age 25, and nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm parts of the brain involved in attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

What should I do if I find out my child is vaping?

Approach the conversation with the goal of helping them quit rather than punishing them. Your pediatrician can talk privately with your teen and help your family find appropriate support for quitting.

If you’re concerned that your child is vaping or have questions about nicotine use, please call or contact our office. We’re here to support your child’s health and help your family find the resources you need. Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways, including Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach, Arverne, and Far Rockaway.

Playground Safety for Children

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Playgrounds are fun places for children to play outside and build strength, coordination, balance, confidence, and social skills while encouraging creativity and physical activity. Although playgrounds are designed for fun, they can also be a common place for childhood injuries. Fortunately, many playground injuries can be prevented with proper supervision, age-appropriate equipment, and safety habits.

Quick answer: Many playground injuries can be prevented. Stay nearby and supervise, choose equipment that fits your child’s age, look for soft surfaces such as wood chips, mulch, or sand, check for broken or hot equipment, and teach safe habits. Rockaway parents can use these steps at any local playground.

Why does adult supervision matter on the playground?

One of the best ways to keep children safe is through constant adult supervision. While it’s important to let kids explore and play independently, parents and caregivers should stay nearby and pay attention to what children are doing. Young children, in particular, may not recognize hazards or understand their own physical limits. Being present allows you to step in if a situation becomes unsafe and provide guidance when needed.

How do I choose age-appropriate playground equipment?

Choosing a playground that matches your child’s age is another important safety precaution. Many playgrounds have separate play areas designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers versus older school-aged children. Equipment that is too large or challenging for younger children can increase the risk of falls and injuries. Encourage your child to use equipment that is appropriate for their age, size, and developmental abilities.

What kind of surface is safest under playground equipment?

The surface underneath playground equipment is just as important as the equipment itself. Falls are the leading cause of playground injuries, but a soft, shock-absorbing surface can help reduce the risk of serious injuries. Materials such as wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, or safety-tested rubber surfaces are safer than concrete, asphalt, grass, or packed dirt. If you have playground equipment at home, make sure there is adequate protective surfacing extending around swings, slides, and climbing structures.

What should I check before my child starts playing?

Before your child begins playing, take a quick look around the playground. Check that the equipment appears sturdy and well maintained. Watch for broken parts, loose bolts, rust, splinters, sharp edges, or hot metal surfaces that could cause burns on sunny days. Home playground equipment should also be inspected regularly to ensure it remains safe and stable over time. If you’re installing playground equipment at home, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and anchoring. You’ll also want to make sure equipment is placed on level ground with adequate clearance around it.

What safe playground habits should kids learn?

Teaching children safe playground habits can help prevent injuries. Remind kids to use playground equipment as it is intended. They should slide down feet first instead of headfirst, avoid climbing up slides while others are coming down, and hold onto handrails or bars when climbing. Children should also avoid pushing, shoving, or roughhousing on playground equipment, as these behaviors can easily lead to falls or collisions.

How can children use swings safely?

Swings are often a favorite playground activity, but they require extra caution. Children should always sit on swings rather than stand or kneel on them. They should also hold on with both hands and wait until the swing has completely stopped before getting off. Additionally, it’s important to teach children never to walk or run in front of or behind moving swings, since being struck by one can cause serious injuries.

What should children wear to the playground?

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to playground safety is proper clothing. It’s always best to dress children in comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely and avoid clothing with drawstrings, long scarves, necklaces, or cords that could become caught on playground equipment, increasing the risk for strangulation. Bicycle helmets should also be removed before children play on the playground because the helmet can become caught in openings or structures.

What should I do if my child bumps their head?

Even with precautions, accidents can still happen. If your child bumps their head while playing, observe them closely. Many minor bumps cause only temporary pain or swelling. However, if your child loses consciousness or has repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, severe headaches, trouble walking and speaking, or seizures, seek medical attention right away. These symptoms could indicate a more serious head injury that requires prompt evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the leading cause of playground injuries?

Falls are the leading cause of playground injuries. A soft, shock-absorbing surface can help reduce the risk of serious injuries.

Which surfaces are safer under playground equipment?

Wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, or safety-tested rubber surfaces are safer than concrete, asphalt, grass, or packed dirt.

Should my child wear a bicycle helmet on the playground?

No. Bicycle helmets should be removed before children play on the playground because the helmet can become caught in openings or structures.

When should I seek medical attention after a head bump?

Seek medical attention right away if your child loses consciousness or has repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, severe headaches, trouble walking and speaking, or seizures.

For any questions about your child’s safety on playgrounds, please contact our office. We’re here to help keep your children safe and healthy. Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways, including Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach, Arverne, and Far Rockaway.

Heart-Healthy Habits for Kids

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When we think about the risk for heart disease, we often think about it as something for adults to be concerned about. But did you know that the risk for heart disease can start as young as the childhood years? To minimize future heart disease risk, it’s important to make sure that your child is following heart-healthy habits for lifelong wellness. Teaching children good health practices, like eating a well-balanced diet and staying active, helps lay the foundation for strong cardiovascular health into adulthood.

To start with, one of the most impactful ways to ensure heart health is a nutritious diet that is rich in nutrients and low in ingredients that can harm your child’s heart over time. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins helps nourish growing bodies while keeping cholesterol and blood pressure in check. Foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium, commonly found in ultra-processed foods, should be limited, as these can raise cholesterol levels and increase future heart disease risk. A good example of how to think of your children’s meals is to have a colorful plate half-filled with veggies and fruits, choose whole-grain bread over white bread, and serve water or milk instead of sugary beverages. 

In addition to eating healthy, kids should get daily exercise. It is recommended that children and teens get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days. Some ideas to keep kids active include taking a walk outside, running, riding a bike, dancing, playing sports, and swimming. Make sure to also limit sedentary screen time, like playing video games or watching TV, to encourage kids to stay active. 

Both eating a healthy diet and getting exercise helps kids manage weight so that their heart doesn’t have to work harder, which can contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are linked to heart disease. If you’re unsure or concerned about your child’s weight or growth, talk with your pediatrician as they can help you understand what a healthy range looks like for your child’s age and build and how best to support them. Regular well visits are also the perfect time to check on cardiovascular indicators like cholesterol and blood pressure.

Some heart-related risks can be inherited. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children with no family history of heart disease have cholesterol checks between the ages of 9 and 12. If close relatives have early heart disease or high cholesterol, it’s best to start screening as early as age 2. Early detection allows families and pediatricians to make changes that can dramatically reduce future risk. Understanding your family’s health history and sharing it with your child’s pediatrician can help guide personalized recommendations for screenings and lifestyle choices.

Beyond food and exercise, simple routines like ensuring good sleep, managing stress, and avoiding exposure to tobacco can also support heart health. A restful night helps regulate appetite and energy, while reducing stress keeps the body’s systems functioning well. Staying smoke-free and avoiding secondhand smoke protects children’s developing cardiovascular systems. 

Children learn best by watching the adults in their lives. If they see their parents choosing fruits and vegetables, being active, and valuing wellness, they are more likely to adopt these habits themselves. Making heart-healthy living a family effort, like cooking meals together or taking evening walks, makes it feel less like a chore and more like a fun part of daily life. 

If you have any questions about healthy lifestyle habits, screenings, or your family’s heart health, don’t hesitate to call our office. We’re here to support you in raising a healthy, thriving child!