Adults

Say No to Vaping

The use of e-cigarettes among young people is becoming a growing concern on the Central Coast and indeed across all of Australia. That’s why we’ve launched our Say No to Vaping campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the health risks young people are exposing themselves to by using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

E-cigarettes are not only addictive, but also contain or produce harmful chemicals and toxins that can cause some of the same serious health problems as smoking tobacco. The nicotine found in them is highly addictive and can affect brain development in teens, impacting their learning, concentration and mood, causing anxiety and depression. Despite this, data on teenage vaping in Australia in 2017 indicated one in five students aged 16 to 17 had used an e-cigarette, while nearly one in 10 students aged 12 to 15 had used one. Our work with schools and community groups across the Central Coast tells us that this is a growing concern for them.

Say No to Vaping aims to debunk some of the myths around vaping and empower teens to make informed decisions about whether they should vape. We have produced a number of materials you can use, including animations, social media tiles and printable posters, as well as FAQs and mythbusters. You can download the resources below.

Read the launch media release here.

Say no to addiction, say no to anxiety and depression, say no to being exploited, and say no to the serious health risks. Say No to Vaping.

Downloadable resources
Mythbusters
FAQs

Downloadable resources

Say No to Vaping infographic

social tile | poster

Health risks social tile | poster | animation

Addiction social tile | poster | animation

Anxiety and depression social tile | poster | animation

Smoking social tile | poster | animation

Pollution social tile | poster | animation

Exploitation social tile | poster

Mythbusters

MYTH: Vaping is not bad for your health.

FACT: Despite their appealing flavours, many e-cigarettes contain or produce chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde and heavy metals that can cause DNA damage, serious lung damage and cancer. They also contain other chemicals not found in tobacco smoke, and it is not yet known what effects these will have on your health in the long-term – so why take the risk?

What’s more, they can cause physical harm too; there are now thousands of cases of people being injured by faulty e-cigarette batteries exploding.

MYTH: You can’t get addicted to vaping like you can to smoking.

FACT: Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine – the same highly-addictive chemical that’s in regular cigarettes. What’s more, because you can buy extra-strength cartridges or increase the e-cigarette’s voltage to get a greater hit, many e-cigarette users get even more nicotine than they would from a tobacco product.

This is not good for you. Nicotine can affect brain development in teens, impacting their learning, concentration and mood, causing anxiety and depression. Putting nicotine into your body also increases your risk of other types of addiction in later life. Emerging evidence suggests non-smokers who vape are three times more likely to take up tobacco smoking than those who do not vape.

MYTH: E-cigarettes contain less nicotine than regular cigarettes.

FACT: One STIG or Cuvie device contains as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes!

MYTH: Using a STIG or Cuvie is not as bad for you as using traditional e-cigarettes.

FACT: Using a STIG or Cuvie to vape is just as bad for you as using any other size or shape e-cigarette.

MYTH: Vaping will help you stop smoking.

FACT: There is not enough evidence to prove e-cigarettes are effective at helping smokers quit. That is why they are not an approved product for helping people to quit. Worse, studies have shown high school students who start using e-cigarettes are much more likely to begin smoking regular cigarettes as well.

If you are trying to quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a better choice. If you would like help to quit, call the Quitline on 13 7848, visit the I Can Quit website or talk to your parent or guardian, or a health professional.

MYTH: E-cigarettes are not bad for the environment like regular cigarettes.

FACT: Vapes waste is especially bad for the environment for three reasons.

Many vape devices, pods and cartridges are made of single-use plastic.
They introduce hazardous and toxic chemicals like nicotine into the environment when used and discarded.
They produce electronic waste as they contain lithium-ion batteries and a heating element.

MYTH: All vaping is legal.

FACT: In NSW, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories to a person under 18 years of age, while it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes containing nicotine to all ages. It is also illegal to use e-cigarettes in places where smoking is illegal, including:

Within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places
Public swimming pools
Spectator areas at sports grounds or other recreational areas used for organised sporting events
Public transport stops and platforms, including ferry wharves and taxi ranks
Within 4 metres of a pedestrian access point to a public building
Commercial outdoor dining areas

From October 2021, you will need a doctor’s prescription to access liquid nicotine for use in e-cigarettes.

FAQs

What is vaping?

Vaping is inhaling a vapour produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette).

E-cigarettes are battery-powered and may look like traditional cigarettes, cigars or pipes, as well as everyday items like pens, highlighters or USB memory sticks. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavourings and chemicals. This liquid is heated by the battery, producing a vapour that the user inhales, hence the term “vaping”.

Is vaping safe?

No. Despite their appealing flavours, many e-cigarettes contain or produce chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde and heavy metals that can cause DNA damage, serious lung damage and cancer. They also contain other chemicals not found in tobacco smoke, and it is not yet known what effects these will have on your health in the long-term – so why take the risk?

What’s more, they can cause physical harm too; there are now thousands of cases of people being injured by faulty e-cigarette batteries exploding.

What’s in an e-cigarette?

Hazardous substances have been found in e-cigarette liquids and in the vapour produced by e-cigarettes, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein, which are known to cause cancer.

The vapour could also be delivering metal particles like chromium, nickel, lead, tin and aluminium into your lungs, and some of these metals are toxic.

I’ve heard the terms STIG and Cuvie. Is this different from an e-cigarette?

No, a STIG or HQD Cuvie refers to vaping using a particular brand of e-cigarette. Both STIGs and Cuvies are shaped like USB sticks and do not look like a traditional e-cigarette. Unlike traditional e-cigarettes that require a battery or charger, many STIGs and Cuvies can be charged by being plugged into a USB drive or any electronic device.

Can I get addicted to vaping?

Yes. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine – the same highly-addictive chemical that’s in regular cigarettes. In fact, just one STIG or Cuvie device can contain the same amount of nicotine as an entire packet of cigarettes!

Can e-cigarettes help you quit smoking?

When e-cigarettes were first available, it was thought they could be used to help smokers cut down and eventually quit smoking regular cigarettes. Since then, evidence has shown they are not more effective, and that is why they are not an approved product for helping people to quit. Even more concerning, studies have shown high school students who start using e-cigarettes are much more likely to begin smoking regular cigarettes as well.

If they’re not safe, why is vaping legal?

The sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine is illegal in NSW. It is also illegal to use e-cigarettes in places where smoking is illegal, including:

Within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places
Public swimming pools
Spectator areas at sports grounds or other recreational areas used for organised sporting events
Public transport stops and platforms, including ferry wharves and taxi ranks
Within 4 metres of a pedestrian access point to a public building
Commercial outdoor dining areas

Additionally, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories to a person under 18 years of age whether the device contains nicotine or not. There is a reason for this: they’re not safe.

Read more about e-cigarettes – the major trends, research and hot topics – on our e-cigarettes page.

Breastfeeding

By Health Promotion

UPDATE – Thursday 8th July: Due to the current stay-at-home orders, the drop-off period for our breastfeeding artwork competition has been postponed until further notice.

New dates and times will be announced here, once the restrictions have been lifted.

Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2021

Following the success of the inaugural World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) Art Competition last year, the Central Coast Local Health District Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Reference Group has launched another community art competition to celebrate WBW 2021!

Protecting Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility is the theme for WBW 2021. WBW highlights the benefits that breastfeeding can bring to both the health and welfare of babies and their mothers. Breastfeeding supports good nutrition, protection against infection, poverty reduction and food security.

We encourage our Central Coast community to take part and show case their artistic talents.

Artworks must be related to breastfeeding and how it improves the health, development and wellbeing of infants and children as well as mothers, both in the short and long-term.

Entries can be created in one of four categories: painting, drawing, photography and digital art, or mixed media.

Finalists will have their artwork displayed in the exhibition space in the main corridor, level 4 of Gosford Hospital. Competition winners will be offered the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in health services within Central Coast Local Health District for community members to appreciate long term.

Artworks must be submitted in hard copy. Due to current stay-at-home orders, the drop-off period for artworks has been postponed until further notice. New dates and times will be announced here, once the restrictions have been lifted.

So, download the entry form here, get your camera, paints or pencils out and start today.

The entry form can be completed electronically before printing, or completed by handwriting responses after printing.

The following virtual gallery is a presentation of the selected entries from 2020 along with comments from the artists and judges.

Why breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is important for mother and baby health. Any amount of breast milk offered to your baby is good.

In Australia, it is recommended that infants are exclusively* breastfed until around six months of age when solid foods are introduced, and that breastfeeding is continued until 12 months of age and beyond, for as long as the mother and child desire.¹

*Infant receives only breast milk. No other liquids or solids are given, not even water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines.

Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that infants need for around the first six months of life. From six to 12 months breastmilk continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs and up to one third of a child’s nutritional needs between 12 months and two years.

Breastfed children are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Need help with breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a learned skill, which needs practice. The more you feed your baby, the easier it will get. More information and support is available from the following:

Breastfeeding Education Live – online sessions

Interactive breastfeeding education webinar sessions for expectant parents. Learn and practice how breastfeeding works. Click here for more information

CCLHD breastfeeding support clinics

These breastfeeding support sessions for Central Coast residents are run by child and family health nurses to support, protect and promote breastfeeding. Click here for community health centre locations and times.

Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)

Call the Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268. This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and staffed by trained, volunteer counsellors.

The ABA website provides a range of resources to support, educate and advocate for a breastfeeding inclusive society. You can hire a breast pump through ABA.

The mum2mum app provides breastfeeding information and support based on your baby or child’s age.

Raising Children Network

An Australian parenting website that provides articles, videos and interactive resources tailored to different ages and stages. Breastfeeding information can be found in the ‘newborn’ and ‘babies’ tabs.

MotherSafe

For women and healthcare providers concerned about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. more information, click here or call 1800 647 848.

Other support for breastfeeding

Five ways family and friends can support a mother to breastfeed

Offer encouragement.
Help with the baby between feeds, and older children in the family, to allow the mother to rest or nap.
Make nutritious meals and snacks to help increase her energy.
Help with cleaning and other jobs around the house to decrease these responsibilities.
Find breastfeeding friendly meeting places.

Dads can sign up to SMS4dads and receive free text messages sent straight to their phone containing tips, information and links to other services to help fathers understand and connect with their baby and support their partner.

Grandparents play an important part in the encouragement and support of breastfeeding. More information for grandparents can be found here.

There are no benefits to starting solid foods before around six months. Starting too early can contribute to a decrease in breast milk production. Starting Family Foods provides current advice on introducing your baby to solid foods.

Support for breastfeeding in public

Look for the ‘We Are Breastfeeding Friendly’ sticker in Central Coast businesses and facilities that are supportive of mothers’ breastfeeding on their premises. There are more than 300 on the Central Coast helping to promote a positive attitude towards breastfeeding in the community.

If you have a business or know of a business that is breastfeeding friendly and would like to participate, contact Nutrition Services, Central Coast Local Health District for free breastfeeding friendly stickers and kit. Call 4320 2251.

References

¹National health and Medical Research Council 2012, Infant Feeding Guidelines, Canberra. National Health and Medical Research Council.

Quick Meals for Kooris

By Health Promotion

Quick Meals for Kooris is a ‘hands-on’ cooking program, developed to assist Aboriginal people prepare easy, low-cost family meals using available ingredients. Allowing time to cook, eat and share ideas and knowledge is an important part of this program.

Check out this short video to find out more about the Quick Meals for Kooris program and how it can be adopted in your organisation.

“I’ve used the training to show other people how to cook inexpensive meals.”

Lynne Clarke, volunteer, San Remo Neighbourhood Centre.

“What I love about Quick Meals for Kooris is the recipes are simple and easy to make in your home, the ingredients are available in all shops, and honestly, some of the standard ingredients are in your cupboard today, right now.”

Kerry Groves, volunteer, San Remo Neighbourhood Centre

Quick Meals for Kooris is designed to be run by Aboriginal health workers or Aboriginal community members. This versatile program can be adapted to suit participant needs, resources and capacity of leaders. Program ‘leaders’ will not need extensive nutrition knowledge or food preparation skills as the Quick Meals for Kooris – Trainers Manual provides detailed guidance. Recipes included in the program are in the Quick Meals for Kooris – At Home book. It is intended that all group participants are given a copy of this book. This book is also a stand-alone resource and can be provided to people who do not attend a program.

NEW Quick Meals for Kooris recipe videos

You can watch how to prepare four of the quick, easy and low-cost recipes from the Quick Meals for Kooris at Home book.

Watch the videos below and download the recipes and methods.

Hawaiian Chicken Pasta | Quick Meals for Kooris

Vegetable Slice | Quick Meals for Kooris

Fruit Crumble | Quick Meals for Kooris

Family Mince | Quick Meals for Kooris

Thank you to Mitch Ella, Steve Ella, Tyra McEwen and Jenni McEwen for featuring in the videos.

Tell us what you think of these videos here!

Download the video recipes below:

Family Mince

Chicken Pasta

Vegetable Slice

Fruit Crumble

For more information, hard copy resources or support with nutrition training contact Lesley Marshall on (02) 4320 3691 or email [email protected].

E-cigarettes

By Health Promotion

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices that produce a vapour which is breathed in. The process, also known as vaping, is similar to smoking, except you don’t have to burn the tobacco.

E-cigarettes are often promoted as a healthier option, but this may not be the case. Many e-cigarettes still contain nicotine as well as other potentially harmful chemicals such as ammonia that are breathed into your lungs and very quickly absorbed into your body. Smokers inhale so much and so frequently that we just don’t know what the impacts of these chemicals will be. However, we do know e-cigarettes containing nicotine are addictive, just like tobacco.

Smoking e-cigarettes is not recommended as a means to quit tobacco smoking. If you are trying to quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a better choice. NRT is designed to gradually release nicotine into your body to help relieve symptoms you may get when you are trying to quit. However, NRT avoids the surge of nicotine that enhances addiction. It’s that surge of nicotine from a cigarette or an e-cigarette that provides the reward and keeps you addicted. NRT avoids this, while buffering withdrawal symptoms.

Quitting smoking can improve your quality of life by having a positive impact on your physical health. What’s more, research shows that, after the nicotine withdrawal has been overcome, there are substantial long-lasting improvements to your mental health with reduced levels of anxiety and depression. Swapping to e-cigarettes won’t give you the same result.

If you would like help to quit, or you would like to refer someone to get help, call the Quitline on 13 7848, or talk to a health professional.

Watch this short video in which Dr Lyndon Bauer, a GP on the Central Coast and the Health Promotion Service’s research and evaluation officer, answers the burning questions around e-cigarettes and vaping – including the risks associated with COVID-19 – and debunks some myths along the way.

E-cigarettes – the top 5 issues

1. Availability and take-up is increasing

The rate of e-cigarette use in Australia is growing. In 2019, more than one in 10 Australians aged 14 or over reported having used an e-cigarette, an increase of more than a quarter since 2016, and 2.5 times the rate in 2013. The highest usage is amongst young adults aged 18–24, where more than a quarter had used an e-cigarette, an increase of more than a third since 2016.

2. They are a gateway to smoking tobacco and other drugs

Studies around the world (such as these from the USA, Canada and Germany) have found high school students who have never smoked, but start using e-cigarettes, are much more likely to end up smoking tobacco.

3. No one can be sure they’re safe

E-cigarettes have the potential to be addictive, which means people are at risk of exposure to large amounts of nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. Some of these chemicals are not in tobacco smoke, so it is unknown what long-term health consequences they will have. However, evidence is growing, and some studies have linked them to issues such as blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness. Both the Australian Government and World Health Organization have recently issued warnings on the health implications of inhaling harmful toxics in e-cigarettes.

4. They don’t help people quit

When e-cigarettes were first available, it was thought they could be used to help smokers cut down and eventually quit smoking tobacco. Since then, more evidence has come to light. E-cigarettes aren’t any more effective at helping people quit. Worse, they often result in smokers using both e-cigarettes and tobacco.

5. They are not regulated in many countries

Even though restrictions on tobacco advertising and product placement have been in place for many years, e-cigarettes are not as tightly governed… yet. Like tobacco companies before them, e-cigarettes have snuck their way into Hollywood movies because it’s a tried and tested way of getting people to smoke.

NSW Health has been careful in regulating the use of e-cigarettes. Click here to read more about the regulations in place.

On World No Tobacco Day 2021, we launched our Say No to Vaping campaign to help raise awareness of the health risks young people are exposing themselves to by using e-cigarettes. You can read more about the campaign and download resources including posters, social media tiles and animations from our Say No to Vaping campaign webpage.

Central Coast Munch & Move newsletters

By Health Promotion

Our Central Coast Munch & Move newsletters are loaded with valuable healthy development information and resources for educators in early childhood education and care services.

To find out more about the Munch & Move program, which promotes a fun and play-based approach to supporting healthy eating and physical activity habits in young children, click here.

Current Central Coast Munch & Move newsletter

Check out the latest edition of the Central Coast Munch & Move newsletter, which includes upcoming professional development, new resources and programs.

Term 3 2021

Previous editions

Read our previous Central Coast Munch & Move newsletters for loads more useful material for your early childhood service.

Good Bite fact sheets

You might also be interested in our Good Bite fact sheets from the Central Coast Public Health and Community Nutrition team. They contain recipes and advice for parents and carers of children ages 0–5 years old. There’s also a dedicated version for childcare staff as well. Download the latest editions below.

Good Bite at home

Good Bite for childcare staff

Refresh 6- Kids & Families

By Health Promotion

Making healthy choices easier choices

Parents and carers are pivotal, but who supports the families? We do! Refresh – kids & families is here to provide information and resources for making healthy choices easier choices.

In the modern environment, where processed foods are plentiful and screens are surplus, families are faced with many challenges when reinforcing healthy choices for life. Nurturing children’s health is a community effort.

Our Service works within different community settings making it easier for healthy choices to be easier choices.

Please click on images below for more information . . .

New year – is your goal to get healthy?

Your free NSW Health service can help provide you with the support and motivation you need to reach your goals – eat healthy, get active, achieve a healthy weight, reduce alcohol, be healthy in pregnancy. We also provide tools and calculators to help you on your Get Healthy journey to plan and track your progress.