Vaping May Increase Injury Risk for Athletes

At the Lakota Nation Invitational, the Next Legends booth is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of vaping on youth and athletes.

Vaping not only increases the risk of injury, but can also cause dangerous respiratory symptoms for athletes. The nicotine contained in vaping products may raise blood pressure and heart rate while constricting the arteries. Under extreme physical stress, this becomes even more dangerous.

Lakota rapper Supa-man is actively promoting a campaign aimed at discouraging youth from vaping.

"We interviewed some athletes and they shared their views, talking about how they see vaping. Young people look up to these athletes, see them as community superheroes and role models. So when they see these people choosing not to vape, that itself is a choice," said Next Legends sports ambassador Christian "Supa-man" Parrish.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among middle and high school students who currently use e-cigarettes, 25% vape every day and about 80% use flavored e-cigarettes.