It is not uncommon for us to substitute one vice for another, thinking we are choosing the lesser of two evils. Take smoking, for example. With the introduction of the e-cigarette in 2004, smokers who were trying to quit had a new option. This new option gives them the best of both worlds, the sensation and effects of smoking without the harmful side effects. Or do they, because there still exists a habit?

In May of 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would begin extending its authority to include this previously unregulated market. This came about in large part due to the efforts of the American Lung Association. E-cigarettes still contain many of the cancer causing chemicals regular cigarettes do, although in smaller numbers. Carcinogens like formaldehyde and benzine. In addition, e-cigarettes give users the impression that it is safer than smoking. Let’s look at the facts:

• Almost all e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance.
• Nicotine is harmful to the developing fetus both for the developing brain and lung functions.
• Low birth weights and preterm births have been associated to nicotine exposure.
• Adolescent brain development is at risk with nicotine, especially with memory and attention.
• There are many unknown chemical in e-cigarettes, which alone is very concerning.
• Flavoring/taste are one of the major reasons adolescents try e-cigarettes for the first time.
• The Centers for Disease Control has reported an alarming increase in the number of e-cigarette exposure poisonings.
• Second-hand emissions contain carcinogens formaldehyde, benzine, plus nitrosamines.
• No one knows the long-term effects of e-cigarettes on our health.

There is no denying that smoking is bad on our health, it is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. So, does replacing smoking with e-cigarettes really a solution? Or is it merely a band-aid to cover up the addiction? Wellness is a state of mind where a bad habit is broken, not replaced by another one. A bad habit can run the gamut from smoking, to overeating, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and diet sodas. Truly changing means being honest with ourselves and what we are doing to our body. The field of chiropractic care takes that honest approach to health, without depending on medications or invasive procedures to cover up the problem. A chiropractor is your wellness partners for life by helping you to eliminate those bad habits and thrive.