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Escape the vape

Lungs are for Life!

An engaging, evidence-based resource for Ontario educators to help students learn more about about the dangers of smoking and vaping so they can make healthy and informed decisions.


Funded by the Government of Ontario

 

Thank you for your interest in Lungs are for Life!

Lungs are for Life! is a vaping and smoking prevention program for students in elementary and secondary schools, developed by the Canadian Lung Association and funded by the Government of Ontario Ministry of Education.

Although youth smoking rates across Canada continue to decline (4.2% of 15-to-19-year-olds), the number of youth who vape is on the rise (13.6% of 15-to-19-year-olds). Plus many youth who smoke begin with vaping. The aim of the program is to provide educators with an engaging, evidence-based resource to help students learn more about about smoking and vaping so they can make healthy and informed decisions about whether or not to vape or smoke.

This program covers a broad range of topics related to smoking, vaping and health. It was developed for grades 5 through 10. Educators may find some topics more or less suitable for different grades however, much of the material can be adapted to any of these grade levels.

Lungs are for Life! is just one part of a comprehensive effort to reduce nicotine use among youth in Canada. Lungs are for Life! will inspire questions and discussion and help students learn that life is better when they are nicotine-free!

Inside Lungs are for Life!

This program covers a broad range of topics related to smoking, vaping and health. It was developed for grades 5 through 10. Educators may find some topics more or less suitable for different grades however, much of the material can be adapted to any of these grade levels.

Sections 1 to 8 include a handout that can be printed and distributed to students in your class. The related activities are intended as a guide for educators and range in length from 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

Unit 1.

How the lungs work

Handout

Activities

Unit 3.

How smoking and vaping hurt the body

Handout

Activities

Unit 5.

How to handle peer pressure

Handout

Activities

Unit 6.

Second-hand and third-hand smoke and vape emissions

Handout

Activities

Unit 7.

How the tobacco and vaping industries target young people

Handout

Activities

Unit 8.

Nicotine and your mental health

Handout

Activities