FILE - In this April 16, 2019 file photo, a woman exhales while vaping from a Juul pen e-cigarette in Vancouver, Wash. Schools have been wrestling with how to balance discipline with treatment in their response to the soaring numbers of vaping students. Using e-cigarettes, often called vaping, has now overtaken smoking traditional cigarettes in popularity among students, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last year, one in five U.S. high school students reported vaping the previous month, according to a CDC survey. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)
Brett Sholtis was a health reporter for WITF/Transforming Health until early 2023. Sholtis is the 2021-2022 Reveal Benjamin von Sternenfels Rosenthal Grantee for Mental Health Investigative Journalism with the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. His award-winning work on problem areas in mental health policy and policing helped to get a woman moved from a county jail to a psychiatric facility. Sholtis is a University of Pittsburgh graduate and a Pennsylvania Army National Guard Kosovo campaign veteran.
FILE - In this April 16, 2019 file photo, a woman exhales while vaping from a Juul pen e-cigarette in Vancouver, Wash. Schools have been wrestling with how to balance discipline with treatment in their response to the soaring numbers of vaping students. Using e-cigarettes, often called vaping, has now overtaken smoking traditional cigarettes in popularity among students, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last year, one in five U.S. high school students reported vaping the previous month, according to a CDC survey. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)
Health officials across the country are sounding the alarm over E-cigarette use, which is also known as vaping.
Seventeen people across the state are believed to have “lung diseases associated with vaping,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Nationwide, the CDC reports six deaths and more than 450 cases of the disease.
The department is looking into another 20 cases that may also be tied to the electronic tobacco-and cannabis delivery systems.
What is causing the apparent increase in lung disease?
Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s investigation is WITF Transforming Health reporter Brett Sholtis.
Justin Kocis
WITF Transforming Health reporter, Brett Sholtis, appearing on Smart Talk, September 13, 2019.
Also, in 1953, a group of parents decided they wanted a better life for their intellectual and developmental challenged family members. The Arc of Dauphin County was born and has thrived for over 65 years in the Central Pennsylvania area.
The non-profit advocates for people with disabilities, consults for their employment needs, and provides programs to improve quality of life
For the entire month of October, artwork created by clients from The Arc of Dauphin County will be on exhibit at the WITF’s Public Media Center in Harrisburg Art in the Atrium showcase.
Joining Smart Talk to discuss the importance The Arc of Dauphin County plays in our communityis the Education and Community Advocate, Kathy Gingerich, and the Director of Consumer Programs, Ken Seeger.
Justin Kocis
Director of Consumer Programs, Ken Seeger, and Education and Community Advocate, Kathy Gingerich. Appeared on Smart Talk, September 13, 2019.
‘Poppy’ by Cayden Howell (acrylic on paper)
‘Spring’ by Matthew Guerrisi (acrylic on canvas)
‘Untitled’ by Anthony McKinnon
‘School’s Out’ by Harry Spilker (digital photography)
