People (young people) are dying as a result of vaping. Many hospitals and health institutions are offering lectures to educate the public (especially parents) on the deadly danger of this epidemic. Below please find helpful information, contact numbers for assistance, and health advisory information.

What You Need to Know About the Vape Outbreak

Last updated: 1/29/20

A sudden and severe lung illness from vaping has affected over a thousand people in the US¹, becoming a public health crisis. Nearly all patients have been hospitalized, receiving treatments including medically induced coma² ³ ⁴ breathing machines⁵, and other life support measures.⁶ ⁷ ⁸

Patients experience a range of warning signs before going to the hospital. Doctors have treated patients with many different symptoms, from trouble breathing⁹ to lung damage that looks like chemical burns.¹⁰ The exact cause of the outbreak is unknown,¹¹ but here’s what we do know:

2,711 cases of vaping lung illnesses are reported so far, across 50 states¹², including more than 170 cases in California.¹³
60 vaping deaths have been confirmed nationwide, including four in California.¹⁴ ¹⁵
Products containing THC, especially those obtained off the street or from other informal sources (for example, friends, family members, or illegal dealers) are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak. However, the liquids in vape devices associated with the lung illness include nicotine, THC, and CBD. Many people say they vape both cannabis and nicotine. ¹⁶ ¹⁷
A third of the patients need breathing machines to keep them alive.¹⁸
Two-thirds are between 18-34 years old. ¹⁵
Most are men.²⁰

For an updated weekly report on California outbreak information, visit California Department of Public Health and download the EVALI Weekly Update Report.

People with lung damage from vaping usually show signs that start a few days to a few weeks before they go see a doctor.21 All people hospitalized had some type of breathing problem, but many people also have other symptoms. The warning signs reported by those affected are:

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Nausea, throwing up, stomach pain, or diarrhea
Fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight loss

If you vape and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor. Keep in mind, you don’t have to be a long-time user in order to develop the lung illness. New users have been affected as well. ²² ²³

Need help quitting? Call 1-844-8-NO-VAPE or CHAT NOW. For additional resources go to NoButts.org.

CDPH strongly recommends that you stop vaping until the cause of the lung illness is known. For those who choose to vape THC, only buy products from a licensed cannabis store. Never buy any type of e-cigarette or vaping product off the street, especially those that have THC. Never modify a vape product.

CDC additionally recommends Vitamin E acetate should not be added to any e-cigarette, or vaping, products. People should not add any other substances not intended by the manufacturer to products, including products purchased through retail establishments

Officials are concerned about whether the vaping illness increases the risk of the flu or other illnesses during or following treatment. CDC recommends everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year by the end of October, including people who use e-cigarette, or vaping, products.²⁴

Get more outbreak information from the CDC.

Additional resources:

References

Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html. Accessed October 17, 2019.
Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html. Accessed October 17, 2019.

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Arthritis Foundation 2020 Chinese New Year Dinner

Arthritis Foundation Staff and Board of Directors 2020, (back) Darby Schwartz, William Gallivan, MD, Juli ASkew, Bob Price, Timothy M. Spiegel, MD, MPH, (front) Karen Gallivan, RN, Amye Leong, MBA Chair, Mary Ellen Kullman, MPH Photo Bonnie Carroll

By Bonnie Carroll

Gung Hay Fat Choy “Wishing you Prosperity and Health” was the word during the Arthritis Foundation Central Coast 2020 Chinese New Year Dinner at China Pavilion Restaurant in Santa Barbara to benefit kids with arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation. “The Chinese New Year Dinner is the official kick-off for the Arthritis Foundation' Central Coast Taste of the Town to be held this year on September 13.

Co-Chairs for the dinner included Timothy M. Spiegel, MD, MPH & Mary Ellen Kullman, MPH, William Gallivan, MD & Karen Gallivan, RN, Amye Leong, MBA & Bob Price Msc. Juli Askew, new Development Manager for Arthritis Foundation Central Coast welcomed guests as they arrived at the door with the assistance from Darby Schwartz, Arthritis Foundation Interim Senior Executive Director.

Event Co-Chair Timothy M. Spiegel, MD and Anne Towbes Photo: Bonnie Carroll

2020 Leadership Board members included Amye Leong, MBA Chair, Karen Anderson, RN, Deborah Deneault, William Gallivan, MD, Julianna Mailis, Miriam Parsa, MD, Douglas Tucker, L. Mae Chandler, DPM, Thomas D. Ferro, MD, Susan Lemon, DO, John Muller, PT, Pam Tanase, and C.J. Ward. Sponsors for the event included Calabasas Country Club, Enterprise Fish Company, Karen Gallivan, RN, Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, Wine Cask, John O'Neill, Beverly Jackson, China Pavilion, Peter Chen, Foley Family Wines, Moxi Museum, Westerlt Orchids, Arthritis Foundation.

Amye Leong, MBA, board member lead the “Gung Hay Fat Choy” toast featuring Hooch (Chinese moonshine) served in delicate keepsake glasses. Red, an an auspicious and popular color in the Chinese culture symbolizing luck, happiness and joy was the recommended color of the evening and the majority of attendees arrived at the China Pavilion for the feast wearing their best red couture. Auction sponsors included orchids, a foursome of golf at Calabasas Country Club, cookies of your choice baked and delivered by Karen Gallivan, night out for the performance of American in Paris and dinner at the Wine Cask, tickets to area museums with Enterprise Fish Co. lunch and dinner with legendary author and historian Beverley Jackson.

Chef Peter Chen, China Pavilion Restaurant

China Pavilion Chef Peter Chen and his staff skillfully prepared and served the traditional ten-course dinner that included chicken or vegetable pot stickers, Asian style honey-roasted crispy duck with five spices, steamed whole fish with ginger & scallion sauce, lotus root vegetable dish, orange peel chicken, spicy ginger beef, Singapore noodles with veggies, shrimp with pecans and sliced Cara oranges, almond cookies & fortune cookies for dessert. Foley 2016 Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay and Firestone 2016 Chairman Series Merlot was served with dinner.

This year the Walk to Cure Arthritis will be held on May 16 at Meadow Park in San Luis Obispo and on Saturday June 6 at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara (Contact Central Coast Office for details 805-563-4685) or visit: www.walktocurearthritis.org/SantaBarbara. The 2020 Connoisseurs' Circle Dinner will be held at the Hilton Santa Barbara Resort on September 11, and the Taste of the Town at Riviera Park will be held Sunday, September 13.

According to the mission statement of the Arthritis Foundation “The Arthritis Foundation is boldly pursuing a cure for America's #1 cause of disability, while championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections.”

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The Finest in Independent Living

Do what you love.

Without the hassles of mundane chores, you’re free to enjoy the things you really want to do. At Vista del Monte, you’ll have time to engage in what’s most meaningful to you: pick up a new skill or hobby, travel, discover an interesting sport, or make more time to socialize. Whatever it is, we can help. With our Independent Living services, we take care of all the practical tasks, including transportation, housekeeping, and maintenance. Our culinary staff prepares delicious meals, handles all the day-to-day chores, and your wellbeing needs are attended to—all in one place. For information visit: www.vistadelmonte.org. Vista Del Monte – Santa Barbara, California – 805-687-0793

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