Peninsula Pediatrics

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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.

Keeping Young Athletes Healthy and Safe Throughout the Sports Season

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Sports can be a wonderful part of childhood and adolescence. They give kids opportunities to exercise, develop athletic skills, make friends, and learn teamwork. Whether your child is joining a school team or participating in a recreational league, staying healthy throughout the season requires more than showing up for practices. Sports physicals, injury prevention, proper nutrition and hydration, adequate recovery, and safe training all play a role.

Quick answer: Keeping young athletes healthy starts with a sports physical 6 to 8 weeks before the season, ideally with their regular pediatrician. Add gradual training, rest, balanced nutrition, hydration, properly fitted gear, and caution with supplements. Rockaway families can call us to schedule a well visit and sports physical.

When should my child get a sports physical?

Before a new sports season begins, schedule your child’s sports physical as part of their regular well-check visit at least 6 to 8 weeks before the season. This gives you time to follow up on any concerns before practices or competitions begin. Make sure to provide your pediatrician with an accurate health history, including any information you have about your family’s heart health. Your pediatrician can evaluate factors that may affect your child’s ability to participate safely, including heart health, previous injuries or concussions, nutrition, and mental health. Whenever possible, it’s best to have the evaluation performed by your child’s regular pediatrician instead of relying on an urgent care clinic or mass sports physical. Your pediatrician already knows your child’s medical history and can consider their overall health and development.

How can I reduce the risk of sports injuries?

Some injuries occur suddenly, but others develop gradually. Overuse injuries happen when repetitive activity continually stresses muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments without giving the body enough time to recover. Growing athletes can be particularly vulnerable. Instead of specializing in one sport too early, encourage your kids to try a variety of age-appropriate activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting training or competition to 5 to 6 days per week and taking 2 to 3 months away from a specific sport each year. Additionally, it’s important that training intensity increases gradually. Young athletes also need sufficient sleep, nutritious food, and recovery time. If your child experiences persistent pain during or after activity, don’t encourage them to push through it. Pain may be an early warning of an injury that requires attention.

What should young athletes eat and drink?

Adequate nutrition gives kids the energy they need for activity and supports recovery. Athletes may require additional calories and fluids depending on how much they’re exercising. Encourage three balanced meals each day with snacks in between and make sure your child eats before and after physical activity. A young athlete’s diet should include carbohydrates for energy, protein to support the body, and healthy fats, along with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, tofu and other soy foods, nuts, seeds, fish, lean meats, eggs, dairy products, avocados, and olive oil can all contribute important nutrients. Iron and calcium are especially essential for athletes. If you’re concerned that your child isn’t getting the nutrition they need, talk with your pediatrician before adding supplements. Hydration is also crucial. Kids should drink water before, during, and after sports and take regular water breaks during vigorous activity, especially in hot weather.

What equipment and technique do young athletes need?

It’s important that your child’s protective gear is appropriate for their sport and fits correctly. Depending on the activity, this might include a helmet, mouth guard, pads, protective eyewear, face protection, or a protective cup. But remember that equipment alone can’t prevent every injury. Children also need to follow the rules, learn proper techniques, strengthen their muscles, stretch to support flexibility, and take breaks during practices and games. If pain develops while your child is exercising, they should stop the activity. Tenderness directly over a bone in a growing athlete should be evaluated by a healthcare provider even when there isn’t significant swelling or difficulty with movement.

Are performance-enhancing products safe for kids?

Young athletes may encounter ads, social media posts, or teammates promoting supplements and substances that claim to increase strength, speed, or athletic performance. These products aren’t a replacement for proper nutrition and training, and some of them can be harmful. Help your child understand that good nutrition, appropriate training, and sufficient rest are what’s important for athletic performance. Talk with your pediatrician before your child takes any supplements or other performance-enhancing products. Finally, remember that sports should be a positive experience. Too much pressure to perform or win can create emotional stress. Praise your child’s effort and sportsmanship instead of focusing only on the final score.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I schedule a sports physical?

Schedule your child’s sports physical as part of their regular well-check visit at least 6 to 8 weeks before the season so there is time to follow up on any concerns.

What does the AAP recommend to prevent overuse injuries?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting training or competition to 5 to 6 days per week and taking 2 to 3 months away from a specific sport each year.

Should my child push through pain during sports?

No. If your child experiences persistent pain during or after activity, don’t encourage them to push through it. Pain may be an early warning of an injury that requires attention.

Should my child take supplements to improve performance?

Talk with your pediatrician before your child takes any supplements or other performance-enhancing products. Good nutrition, appropriate training, and sufficient rest are what’s important for athletic performance.

If your child is participating in sports this year, please call or contact our office to schedule their well visit and sports physical. We can help make sure they’re healthy and ready for a safe season! Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways, including Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach, Arverne, and Far Rockaway.

How to Help Your Kids Have a Safe and Healthy School Year

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A new school year brings new teachers, friends, activities, and opportunities to learn. It also means children are returning to busy schedules and spending much of their day around other classmates. Establishing healthy routines and taking safety precautions can help ensure your child grows and thrives during the new year.

Quick answer: A safe and healthy school year starts with an annual checkup, up-to-date immunizations, enough sleep, healthy meals, and regular activity. Review commute and backpack safety, and keep communication open about mental and emotional health. Rockaway parents can schedule a back-to-school well visit with us.

Why is the annual checkup a good place to start?

If your child hasn’t had their well visit yet, the back-to-school season is a good time to schedule one. Annual visits give your pediatrician an opportunity to monitor your child’s growth and development and screen for potential concerns involving vision, hearing, heart function, mental and emotional health, and more. A checkup may also identify concerns, such as an injury, food allergy, or difficulty sleeping. Additionally, your pediatrician can complete required school or sports forms and discuss any medications your child may need during the school day. If your child has a health condition that could require treatment or emergency care at school, communicate with the school health team so everyone knows how to respond.

Why do immunizations matter when school starts?

As schools bring children together in close contact, it can be easy for contagious illnesses to spread. Make sure your child is current on recommended immunizations before returning to the classroom. Vaccinations help protect your child from serious illnesses while also making it harder for diseases to spread throughout schools and communities.

How do sleep, nutrition, and activity affect school?

It’s also important to ensure that your child gets adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. Getting enough sleep supports memory, concentration, creativity, and learning, while insufficient sleep is associated with poorer academic performance, absences, and tardiness. Help your child adjust to their school schedule by gradually returning to an earlier bedtime a week or two before classes begin. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and encourage kids to turn off electronic devices well before going to sleep. Avoid skipping breakfast in the morning, as eating a healthy breakfast helps with concentration and energy at school. Regular physical activity can also further support children’s physical and emotional well-being while providing a healthy balance to time spent using electronic devices.

How can I keep my child’s commute to school safe?

Whether they walk, bike, ride the bus, or travel by car, review transportation safety at the beginning of the year. Children taking the bus should wait until it has stopped before approaching and should cross streets carefully where the bus driver can see them. Kids biking to school should always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet and understand basic traffic rules. If your child walks, practice their route together and reinforce safe street-crossing habits. Younger children may not yet have the judgment needed to navigate traffic independently. When driving, make sure everyone is appropriately restrained with a seat belt, car seat, or booster seat. Children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat.

What should I know about backpack safety?

Books, school supplies, and other belongings can quickly turn a backpack into a heavy load. Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Encourage your child to use both straps and place heavier items near the center of their back. A backpack should weigh no more than 10% to 20% of your child’s body weight. Check it together each week and remove items that don’t need to be carried back and forth.

How can I support my child’s mental and emotional health at school?

A healthy school year isn’t only about physical health, but also about mental and emotional health. Changes in behavior, problems sleeping, physical complaints, difficulties at school, or frequent absences can sometimes signal that a child is struggling emotionally. Keep communication open and remind your child that they can come to you when something is bothering them. Because bullying can occur in the classroom, on the playground or bus, in the neighborhood, or through digital devices, it’s important that your child feels they have trusted adults they can approach for help. Your pediatrician is another source of support and can talk with you and your child about mental health concerns and help determine whether additional care is needed.

Frequently asked questions

How much should a backpack weigh?

A backpack should weigh no more than 10% to 20% of your child’s body weight. Check it together each week and remove items that don’t need to be carried back and forth.

How can I help my child adjust their sleep schedule for school?

Gradually return to an earlier bedtime a week or two before classes begin, establish a consistent bedtime routine, and encourage kids to turn off electronic devices well before going to sleep.

Where should children younger than 13 ride in the car?

Children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat, and everyone should be appropriately restrained with a seat belt, car seat, or booster seat.

What can signal that a child is struggling emotionally?

Changes in behavior, problems sleeping, physical complaints, difficulties at school, or frequent absences can sometimes signal that a child is struggling emotionally.

If you have questions about your child’s health or need to schedule their annual well visit, please contact our office. We’re here to help your child have a safe, healthy, and successful school year! Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways, including Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach, Arverne, and Far Rockaway.