The Vaping Epidemic

[FollowTheSun]

This is a bit off topic but since we are talking about vaping-related deaths and regulations I just wanted to offer my perspective.

I wonder why "they" (the powers that be) do more to address the alcohol problem? As a hospice nurse I see Far More people die from alcohol-related liver disease than I ever would have imagined before I work where I do (and it's an awful death, too). My partner is a former alcoholic who has a damaged liver. I have lost 2 dear friends to liver failure due to alcoholism.

People joke about "Mommy needs wine" and can't seem to have a good time without drinking to "loosen up." I don't drink-- and I don't judge those who do, but it makes *them* feel awkward when I ask for soda instead, and there are social events where partner and I are not invited because there's drinking. It's not something people talk about-- the toll that alcohol use takes-- and how pervasive it is because it's acceptable, but it's something we should talk more about.

Anyway . . . I do see lung cancer/COPD patients too, but most of them are older.

I have only ever had a handful of drug-related deaths on our unit.

I have never had a patient yet die from marijuana. In fact many of my cancer patients find medical marijuana helpful. (Why it is illegal I have no idea, it seems the least harmful of all of them)

Most of my alcoholic liver patients are 30's to 50's, and from all walks of life, socio-economic, religious backgrounds. Way too young to be facing end of life, and totally preventable.

On a given day on my 12-bed unit, I will have about 6 old people dying of natural causes (including Alzheimers, heart disease, etc), 2 COPD patients (smokers), 2-3 cancer patients, and 1-2 alcoholic liver patients.

Anyway, something to think about.