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Save A Sweetheart/Healthy Hearts Campaign Event

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Week 1 Lesson 1

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Week 1 Lesson 1

Group Check In- Share one thing that you did during winter break?

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Week 1 - Lesson Objectives

Students will be able to…

Students will identify the heart’s most important function.
Students will identify three major harmful effects of smoking on the heart.
Students will identify three major harmful effects of cannabis on the heart.
Research topics related to nicotine, cannabis, and vaping and how they affect the heart.

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The Heart’s Function

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Smoking’s Harmful Effects on the Heart

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What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Heart and blood vessel diseases are called cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
These include problems like heart disease, strokes, and artery disease.
The most common type of heart disease in the U.S. is called coronary heart disease (CHD).
CHD happens when a sticky substance called plaque builds up inside the walls of arteries. These arteries carry blood to the heart. Over time, this can make the arteries smaller and harder for blood to flow through.

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What is Cardiovascular Disease?

CHD can lead to:

Chest pain – Your chest might feel tight or hurt because your heart isn’t getting enough blood.
Heart attack – This happens when blood flow to the heart gets blocked, and part of the heart gets damaged or stops working.
Heart failure – The heart can’t pump enough blood to the rest of the body.
Arrhythmia – The heart beats too fast, too slow, or unevenly.

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Video and Discussion

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"Why is it important to know how substances affect our heart?"

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Cannabis’s Harmful Effects on the Heart

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How does cannabis affect the heart?

Cannabis can:

Increase the heart rate significantly (tachycardia).
Trigger heart rhythm irregularities.

Cannabis use is linked to higher risk of heart attack in some individuals.

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To summarize…

Smoking and/or vaping every day can increase the odds of having a heart attack.
People who smoke or vape every day have nearly double the odds of having a heart attack compared to those who never smoke or vape.

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Kahoot Game

The Heart and Nicotine/Cannabis

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Informational Flyer or Poster

Design a flyer or poster targeting peers,

highlighting one harmful effect of smoking on the heart and

one harmful effect of vaping cannabis on the heart.

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Flyer or Poster Criteria

Clear Message - Highlight one harmful effect of smoking and one harmful effect of cannabis on the heart in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Accurate Information - Include at least one fact or statistic for each harmful effect to make the flyer credible and informative. Include data.
Visual Appeal - Use eye-catching visuals, like images, drawings, or bold colors, to grab attention.
Organization - Arrange the information clearly, using headings, bullet points, or sections to make it easy to read.
Peer-Friendly Tone - Use language and a style that middle school students can relate to and understand

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Week 1

End of Lesson 1

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Week 2 Lesson 2

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Check-in

Share one way you like

to disconnect and relax.

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Week 2 - Lesson Objectives

Students will be able to…

Identify the difference between negative and positive stress.
Identify healthy alternatives to smoking and vaping.
Engage in activities that promote a healthy heart.

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What is Stress?

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STRESS IS A SET OF EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE

(E.G., THOUGHT)

REACTIONS TO A CHANGING, DEMANDING ENVIRONMENT.

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Types of Stress

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Eustress (Positive stress)

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DISTRESS (Negative stress)

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Your stress may make you feel like you are moving through a dark tunnel.

Move Through

Your Tunnel

While you may feel lost at first, it is important to take notice of what is taking your body into this stressful state.

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STRESS AND THE BODY

01.

Easy to feel upset

& irritable

03.

Getting sick more often

04.

02.

Changes in behavior

05.

Hard to pay attention

Trouble sleeping

Talking Points:

When you are stressed, the body responds.

You might notice feeling tired all the time because of sleep issues. You might sleep more than usual or have trouble falling asleep.

Your behavior changes. Others may notice that you are not as outgoing as you used to be or you want to be left alone. Sudden changes like these can be a sign of high stress levels.

You might be argumentative and irritable, more than usual.

Stress often shows up as physical symptoms. You might have more headaches or stomach aches. Additionally, your eating habits may change from eating too little to too much.

If a person suddenly forgets obligations like homework and other activities, or starts to procrastinate, stress could be a factor.

References:

https://www.apa.org/topics/child-development/stress#:~:text=Prolonged%20stress%20can%20cause%20high,becoming%20more%20common%20in%20youth.

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MENTAL

HEALTH & SELF-

MEDICATION

We may respond by choosing activities that we think will help us reduce the stress like using e-cigs or vapes.

Self-medication is when someone uses substances to repeatedly and Consistently deal with stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues

Talking Points:

It’s no surprise that some people use e-cigs, cannabis vapes, and other drugs to deal with stress and other mental health issues.

Drugs can change the chemistry in your brain. They can increase neurotransmitters that make us feel good. They can slow our brain activity and help decrease anxiety. For a short while, they can seem like great problem-solvers.

However, when someone starts using drugs to repeatedly and consistently deal with stress, anxiety or other mental health issues, this is called self-medication.

For example, a person may use e-cigs and/or cannabis vapes to try and make themselves feel better.

Who can tell me some of the risks involved for teens who are self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs?

(pause for responses).

Because it is illegal for teens to use many drugs, even drugs that are legal for adults, like cannabis and e-cigs with nicotine but illegal for youth under 21, youth who use drugs to self-medicate may be suspended or expelled from school when used on campus.

While self-medication may temporarily mask the symptoms of an issue, it doesn’t solve it. People, including youth who self-medicate, may not get help addressing the root of their problems and the problems could get worse.

If self-medication goes on long enough, physical dependence becomes a concern so new problems may arise such as tension with family or friends. That's why it's very important to learn how to identify stress and other mental health issues when they come up, and learn healthy ways to handle them.

Reference:

Safety First, Lesson 11, Mental Health and Coping

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WHAT MIGHT YOUTH STRESS ABOUT?

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Why might teens turn to e-cigs and cannabis vapes to cope with these stresses?

What stresses may cause people your age to consider self-medicating?

Why might a teen who uses e-cigs & cannabis vapes to self-medicate have a hard time asking for help?

SELF-MEDICATION AND STRESS

Think-Pair -Share

Talking Points:

In groups of two (think-pair-share), let's discuss this topic a little deeper using the following questions. After 10 minutes, we will share what some of you said in your groups.

(After 10 minutes, ask 1-2 students per questions what they came up. You can ask others to chime in if others had different responses in their groups).

What stresses may cause people your age to consider self-medicating?

(Possible answers: struggling with gender, sexuality, or racial identity; helping to take care of siblings; getting good grades; succeeding on a sports team; problems at home; living in a dangerous neighborhood; money troubles; fitting in socially).

Why might teens turn to e-cigs and cannabis vapes to help cope with these stresses?

(Possible answers: Because they are easy to access; because a friend suggested it; because it’s how their friends/families cope; because they don’t have access to other help.

Why might a teen who uses e-cigs and cannabis vapes to self-medicate have a hard time asking for help?

(Possible answers: They may be afraid of getting in trouble; they could be worried about what people think; they may think nothing else would help; etc.)

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DRUG USE, STIGMA, & MENTAL HEALTH

What are some examples of stigmas associated with people with mental health issues?

What are some of the negative views society has about people who use e-cigs and/or cannabis vapes?

What advice would you give a friend or classmate who was using e-cigs and/or cannabis vapes to self-medicate for stress?

Stigma: a mark of disgrace or shame associated with a person or group of people. Stigmas can lead to people being stereotyped and discriminated against.

Talking Points:

Youth may use e-cigs, cannabis vapes, or other drugs to cope with stress because they don’t have access to other resources or don’t know how to access other resources.

Because of the stigma related to mental health issues, some teens may see using drugs like tobacco or cannabis to cope with their problems as less shameful. Some teens may use drugs to fit in and be accepted.

A stigma is a mark of disgrace or shame associated with a person or group of people. Stigmas can lead to people being stereotyped and discriminated against.

When people who use drugs are stigmatized, they may try to hide their drug use. This makes it difficult for them to ask for help and puts them more at risk for harm. It’s important to remember that using tobacco, cannabis and other drugs doesn’t make someone a bad person. If people who use drugs are treated like bad and undesirable people, they may be too ashamed to get help even if they want it.

What are some examples of stigmas associated with people with mental health issues?”

(Possible answers: They are crazy; dangerous; they are hard or uninteresting to talk to; they are stupid; they are lazy, weak; they are bad people; etc.)

What are some of the negative views society has about people who use e-cigs and/or cannabis vapes?

(Possible answers: They are lazy; they are weak; they are bad people; they are stupid; they are dangerous; etc).

What advice would you give a friend or classmate who was using e-cigs and/or cannabis vapes to self-medicate for stress?

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF A FRIEND YOU KNOW VAPES…AND OFFERED YOU A VAPE?

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What did you see here?
What is really happening?
How relatable is this situation to you?
The teacher thought about two ways to address the young boy. Which of the two messages would you find most helpful if you were the young boy? Why is that?
What can you do about the situation with the young boy if he was your friend?

littlext

RESPONDING WITH COMPASSION & EMPATHY (ACTIVITY)

Talking Points:

Let's talk first what the difference is between compassion and empathy.

Empathy is the ability to feel for someone, "I understand what you're going through. I've been there."

Compassion is feeling for someone and with a desire to help. "I can understand your distress and I want to help"

We want to let the other person (for example, the person who is using e-cigs and/or cannabis vapes) that they are not alone. Basically, you're creating a connection with the other person.

We are going to watch a short roleplay (video) that shows one of the characters, Natasha, responding with compassion and empathy. (Click on video)

We are going to break up into small groups now. (Teacher note: once they are in groups): Each group will write up the answers to the questions you see on the slide. We will then do a large group share-out for each question. Please have one representative be the group spokesperson, one take notes, and everyone share in the discussion.

(After watching video and completing assignment, teacher will ask each question and everyone shares their findings).

References:

https://www.betterup.com/blog/compassion-vs-empathy

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/empathy

https://www.drstevesilvestro.com/teaching-kids-empathy-and-compassion

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Walk

HEALTHY OPTIONS FOR COPING WITH STRESS

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COMBINING COPING METHODS

Having multiple coping methods can help you feel confident about handling your stress. Different coping methods may be specific to the situation.

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When do I seek professional help?

If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Stress is a part of everyone's Life

Using e-cigs and/or cannabis vapes are unhealthy ways to cope with stress

There are healthy ways to cope with stress

Stigma of substance use may worsen mental health and underlying stressors

KEY TAKEAWAYS

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Group Collaboration

In groups of 3-4, brainstorm a list of 5 fun, healthy activities you can do instead of smoking or vaping.

Think about activities that are easy, affordable, and realistic.
Each group will share one idea with the class, and together we will create a class list.

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Week 2

End of Lesson 2

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Week 3 Lesson 3

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Week 3 - Lesson Objectives

Students will be able to…

Identify what is advocacy.
Identify Key facts on nicotine use among teens.
Identify how Nicotine affects your heart.

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What is Advocacy?

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Data from the American Lung Association

Key Facts about Tobacco Use among Adolescents

Daily, almost 2,500 children under 18 try their first cigarette.
More than 400 children will become new, daily smokers.
200 of 400 will ultimately die from their habit.
People who start smoking at an early age are more likely to develop a severe addiction to nicotine.

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What are harmful effects of nicotine use?

Dangers and Risks Associated with Adolescent Nicotine Use

Anxiety
Irritability
Mood disorders
Poor impulse control
Learning difficulties
Vulnerable to using other drugs

Positive Choices:

https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/tobacco-factsheet

Truth Initiative:

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/harmful-effects-tobacco/nicotine-and-young-brain

Talking Points:

You have learned that nicotine has harmful effects on the body and the adolescent brain.

Nicotine use will cause anxiety, irritability, mood disorders, poor impulse control, learning difficulties, and can make a person vulnerable to using other drugs.

I need a volunteer to read the immediate side effects from the infographic, the green part.

I need a volunteer to read the long term side effects from the inforgraphic, the gray area.

Positive Choices:

https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/tobacco-factsheet

Know the Risks E-cigarettes and Young People

https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/knowtherisks.html#:~:text=Youth%20and%20young%20adults%20are,permanent%20lowering%20of%20impulse%20control.

Truth Initiative:

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/harmful-effects-tobacco/nicotine-and-young-brain

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What are the harmful effects

of consuming cannabis for teens?

Dangers and Risks Associated with Teenager and Young Adult Cannabis Use

Affects the brain, specifically memory, learning, attention, decision-making, coordination, emotion, and reaction time
Increased risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, psychosis*, schizophenia*
Issues at school or work
Greater chances of dropping out
Relationship problems

Positive Choices

https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/cannabis-factsheet

American Addiction Centers

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/effects-of-marijuana-on-teenage-brain

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How does cannabis affect the heart?

Cannabis can:

Increase the heart rate significantly (tachycardia).
Trigger heart rhythm irregularities.

Cannabis use is linked to higher risk of heart attack in some individuals.

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Youth Testimonials

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Brainstorm short slogans or messages that encourage avoiding tobacco and cannabis
Select one message and design a simple poster or social media post idea
Present slogans to the class

Activity:

Creating Advocacy Messages

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Role Play

A friend offers you a vape.
A peer says smoking helps them deal with stress.

Refusal Skills

Talking Points:

(This activity will take approximately 10 minutes.)

In the video we watched, some of the youth said their friends or someone offered them a vape. That is common amongst different groups.

If you are ever in a situation where peers are vaping and/or someone offers you a vape, it’s important to have refusal skills.

Refusal skills are strategies you can use to stand up to pressure and influences that want you to engage in unhealthy behaviors.

(Read the strategies from the slide.)

Next, you will practice responding with assertive and supportive messages (e.g., “I care about my health, and I can help you find better ways to handle stress.”).

When responding, you must be a confident advocate, for example, stay calm, use facts, and show care for others.

Let’s try it.

(Place students in pairs. Give students two minutes to role play each situation. Ensure students switch roles.)

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Five Assertive and Supportive Messages to Refuse Vaping

"No thanks, I care about my health, and vaping isn’t good for me."

Assertive and clear about personal values.

"I’m not into that, but we can still hang out and do something else."

Sets boundaries while offering an alternative.

"I’ve read that vaping can hurt your lungs. I’d rather stay safe."

Uses facts to back up the decision.

"I’m trying to stay active for sports, so I don’t want to mess up my breathing."

Relates to personal goals or priorities.

"I don’t need to vape to have fun. Let’s find something better to do."

Reframes the situation with a positive and confident tone.

Refusal Skills

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Heart-Healthy Advertisement

Let’s experience fun ways to promote heart health!

Advertisement 1

Exercise Challenge

Advertisement 2

Relaxation Station

Advertisement 3

Nutrition Match-up

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“How can you use what you learned today

to make a difference in someone’s life or in your school or community?”

Call to Action

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Week 4 Lesson 4

Work on Campaign

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Campaign Time

Use the remaining time to work on the following:

Campaign event banner, pledge banner
Creating informational flyers or infographics
Display board with facts or data about the following:

Harmful effects of smoking/vaping, nicotine/cannabis, other substances
Big Tobacco and Big Cannabis tactics to attract youth
Big Tobacco and Big Cannabis targets
Cost of purchasing tobacco and cannabis products, short-term and long-term
Skits, PSA announcements, videos, etc.

Display board with healthy alternatives to smoking/vaping

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