Kearns – Following up on the recent story published by the Cougar Claw written about a Utah man in coma, and the 18-year-old teen who was rushed to the hospital. Doctors have related both of these cases to vaping nicotine.

Since then, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) has been further investigating the vaping cases, it is now reported as a nationwide outbreak. As of September 3rd, the UDOH had 28 confirmed cases associated with the outbreak, and an additional 14 cases being investigated.

Misty Morrow, Kearns High School health teacher stated, “There wasn’t many clinical studies on this stuff, but now that people are getting sick, now they’re going to start investigating why it’s happening.” So now, as cases are being further investigated, doctors and scientists are seeing continuous detrimental effects of vaping nicotine.

According to an article on Science Magazine, Nicotine can lead to insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance, as well as an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It affects thyroid hormones, pituitary hormones, sex hormones and adrenal hormones.

Misty Morrow had some advice for individuals who choose to ignore the evidence against vaping nicotine, “It’s your body, you get to make the choice, but with every choice, comes a consequence, so if you knowingly put your body in harms way, then you’re going to have to accept the consequences later.”

According to Hopkins Medicine, nearly seven out of 10 smokers say they want to stop. Quitting smoking is one of the best things anybody can do to better their health. One-third of deaths from heart disease are the result of smoking and secondhand smoke.

If anyone needs help quitting, Smokefree Teen has free text message programs that give you 24/7 tips, advice, and encouragement to help you become—and stay—nicotine free.