World No Tobacco Day this Saturday is a perfect time to remind young Corangamite residents that vaping can cause inflammation and permanent scarring of the lungs and airways.
"You can say goodbye to sports, skating, bushwalking and just enjoying an active life if you are always coughing, wheezing, and short of breath," Mayor Kate Makin said.
"Vaping contains loads of harmful chemicals that can cause a range of health problems.
"A lot of people think 'Yeah, at least it's not as bad as smoking,' but that's not really true.
"People who start on vapes are about three times as likely to take up smoking. And the stats don't lie. Smoking causes all sorts of illnesses and not just in old people who have been smoking for years.
"We're calling on everyone to tell your mates it's not as harmless as you might think and don't let yourself get hooked."
If you or someone you know needs help to stop, go to quit.org.au. or uncloud.org to get the facts about vaping.
Since 1987, World No Tobacco Day every 31 May informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, and how people can stay healthy.
Corangamite Shire − in partnership with City of Greater Geelong Vaping Prevention Program and the South West Barwon Public Health Unit, including the Timboon District Health team − has joined other councils, universities, sporting bodies and teams, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Quit Victoria and the State Government in the program.
Delivered by VicHealth, Vape-Free Victoria will see councils, universities, sporting bodies and teams, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Quit Victoria and the State Government support 14 to 25-year-olds understand the harms of vaping.
