Live Nicotine Free
Break free from nicotine and embrace a healthier, more vibrant life. Improve your well-being, boost your energy, and protect your heart and lungs.
*Barry County data is compiled from the 2023-2024 MiPHY data.
Nicotine Prevention
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in cigarettes, vaping products, and other tobacco items, posing serious health risks to users, especially youth and young adults. Despite its legal status, nicotine can harm nearly every part of the body, leading to heart disease, lung problems, and an increased risk of addiction. Nicotine exposure in youth can harm brain development, affecting learning, memory, and attention.
More than 80% of adults who smoke began smoking before 18 years old. Additionally, youth who use vaping devices are more likely than those that do not to transition to traditional nicotine use as adults. At Be The Change, we are committed to educating Barry County about the dangers of nicotine and promoting a nicotine-free lifestyle. By raising awareness and providing resources, we aim to prevent nicotine addiction and empower individuals to make healthier choices for themselves and their loved ones.
Breathe Better, Live Better
Nicotine use is the leading cause of preventable illness and deaths in the United States. It causes many different cancers as well as chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis, heart disease, pregnancy-related problems, and many other serious health problems. According to the CDC, cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year. Cigarette smoking cost the United States more than $600 billion in 2018, including more than $240 billion in healthcare spending and nearly $372 billion in lost productivity.
Currently, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used nicotine product among middle and high school students in the United States; 87.6% use flavored e-cigarettes, 15.6% use prefilled or refillable pods or cartridges, and 7.0% use tanks or mod systems.
Parents Are Prevention
Talk to your youth about the dangers of smoking, using tobacco and vaping. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, hookahs (water pipes), smokeless and spit tobacco. Explain that tobacco use can lead to nicotine addition, oral cancer, gum disease, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.
We know that youth can be drawn to smoking for any number of reasons — to try and look cool, seem tough, look older or feel independent. But as a parent, you can combat these reasons by establishing a foundation of clear rules and communication. Talk and they will hear you.
Did you know? Nicotine and other toxic substances found in e-cigarettes, vape pens, batteries, and cartridges are not just harmful to your health—they're also considered hazardous waste. These items cannot be thrown in the trash or recycling because they can leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
To help keep our community safe, Be The Change distributes free vape disposal boxes to local schools, providing a secure and responsible way to dispose of these dangerous materials. By properly disposing of vaping products, we can protect our environment, reduce pollution, and prevent hazardous chemicals from ending up in the wrong places. Join us in making a difference by requesting a free vape disposal box and spread the word about safe disposal practices!
