April 4, 2019
We hope you enjoy this monthly newsletter fr om the Training & Education Program at the Center for Tobacco Independence.
What's the Research?
E-Cigarettes Linked to Heart Attacks, Coronary Artery Disease and Depression

Electronic Nicotine Delivery System devices (ENDS) – also called vapes, e-cigarettes and JUULs© - present complex questions for providers. Debate continues regarding the effectiveness of ENDS as a method for quitting combustible cigarettes. Many are concerned about the epidemic of youth taking up ENDS products and developing a nicotine addiction. Furthermore, information continues to emerge about the health effects of ENDS.

According to research recently presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 68th Annual Scientific Session, adults who report using e-cigarettes (also called “vaping”) are significantly more likely to have a heart attack, coronary artery disease and depression compared with those who don’t use them or any tobacco products.

The study included data from over 96,000 respondents from the National Health Interview Survey, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-fielded survey of Americans, from 2014, 2016 and 2017. After adjusting for other known cardiovascular risk factors, e-cigarette users were 34 percent more likely to have a heart attack, 25 percent more likely to have coronary artery disease and 55 percent more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety.

To access the full press release from the American College of Cardiology, CLICK HERE .
Meet a Tobacco Treatment Specialist: Sada
Occasionally we like to introduce our readers to people who are providing direct tobacco treatment. Please enjoy this profile of Sada!

What is your professional background?

I have been working on the Maine Tobacco HelpLine for 6 years. I started as a Referral Resource Specialist 5 years ago before transitioning to the role of Tobacco Treatment Specialist less than a year ago. I am working towards my Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification. Prior to joining MaineHealth I was a Collection and Recovery Specialist with Wright Express for a period of 5 years.

When I came to the United States 15 years ago, I did not speak any English nor did I have any knowledge on how the immigration system works in this country. I had help from people at the Immigration Advocacy Project, so as a way of giving back and paying forward, I started volunteering with the organization to help new immigrants to interpret and translate documents for asylum applications. This volunteer work has inspired me to work towards attending law school in the future.

What do you most enjoy about your work on the HelpLine?

What I enjoy the most about my work are the interactions with our participants. Knowing that they trust us enough to share their most personal thoughts. Being part of helping someone with their quit process is gratifying and fulfilling.

What words of wisdom can you share for providers treating people who use tobacco?

Most tobacco users already know that tobacco is not good for their health - they have been told over and over again that it's killing them. Sometimes just being there to listen and validate, without judging, can be enough for someone who is trying to quit.

Thank you, Sada!
Selected Resource
Your Pet Breathes What You Breathe

Did you know that pets can get sick when exposed to secondhand smoke?

Everyone's motivators are different. Some patients and clients may not be aware of the risks to their pets - this information might be just what they need to consider making a change.

To download the poster CLICK HERE or on the image.

Note: there are many other resources available on our new website, under Provider Tools and Patient Tools.
Upcoming Events

Please click on the titles for more information or to register.


TWO-DAY TRAINING

April 24 & 25, 2019 ~ South Portland

WEBINARS

Thursday, May 2, 2019 ~ 12 - 1pm (rescheduled from Nov.)

Tuesday, May 7, 2019 ~ 12 - 1pm

ONE-DAY TRAINING

Thursday, May 16, 2019 ~ Presque Isle

ANNUAL TOBACCO TREATMENT & PREVENTION CONFERENCE

June 17 & 18, 2019 ~ DoubleTree by Hilton, South P ortland

POST CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

Teen Vaping, JUULing and
E‐Cigarette Use:
What's the Buzz?


We are excited to announce our speaker, Dr. Nicholas Chadi

Dr. Chadi is a pediatrician and researcher specializing in adolescent health and addiction. He is currently a Pediatric Addiction Medicine Fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital (Harvard Medical School).

June 19, 2019 ~ 8:30 am – 12:00 pm (approx.)
DoubleTree by Hilton, South Portland

Registration opens soon!

For more information about the Training & Education Program, visit:

MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence (CTI)
Tobacco Treatment Training and Education Program
CTI provides education and training on evidence-based tobacco treatment to healthcare and behavioral health professionals in Maine on behalf of the Maine CDC, DHHS. Our goal is to improve access to high quality, best practice tobacco treatment and create a network of tobacco treatment specialists across the state.