LET’S KICK THE VAPES!

Future Baller has teamed up with the Australian Government to raise awareness about the harms of vaping and nicotine addiction.

At Future Baller we recognise the significant health risks associated with vaping so we’ve partnered with the Australian Government on the Youth Vaping Education Campaign to raise awareness of the impact of vaping among young people.

Co-owner of Future Baller and 52 cap Matilda, Emily Gielnik, emphasised the importance of this partnership and of athletes, like her, speaking out against vaping in a recent video.

‘As full-time athletes we live and breathe health, fitness, and wellness. It’s something that we definitely don’t condone – we want everybody to feel as good as we feel, to give them the opportunity to be fit and healthy.

‘If you can stay away from these vapes, I guarantee you you'll live such a better life. It's crucial not to be vaping when you're an athlete because not only does it affect your lungs massively, in order to be at the top of your game, you need to be fit and healthy, and aerobic capacity and lung capacity is your key instrument.

‘I know right now it might be the "cool" thing to do, but in all honesty, the cool thing right now is to live a long, fulfilled life, be fit, healthy, and happy,’ Emily said.

What are the facts about vaping?

Short- and long-term vaping is dangerous to your health. 

You may experience:

  • lung inflammation and throat irritation

  • persistent coughing 

  • breathing problems

  • shortness of breath

  • permanent lung damage

  • nausea

  • nicotine poisoning and

  • nicotine dependence.

The nicotine in vapes is highly addictive and may also affect your mental health.

You may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms that include:

  • mood changes

  • difficulty concentrating

  • feeling nervous, restless, irritable and/or anxious.

What are some alternatives?

Some great alternatives to taking up vaping to help reduce stress, anxiety, or anything that's not making you feel good, can be as simple as:

  • taking your dog for a walk

  • kicking a footy

  • going out to a park

  • going for a long slow run

  • catching up with friends at a café

  • going out for lunch

  • reading a book or 

  • listening to a podcast.

Get support to quit

If you’re vaping and thinking about quitting, there are lots of options and resources to support and motivate you.

  • The My QuitBuddy app provides personalised information and advice to support you on your quit journey. Age restrictions may apply – check the app store for more details. 

  • Quitline (13 7848) is a confidential phone service. You can talk to a professional counsellor about ways to quit. In some states and territories, you can chat to a counsellor online. 

  • Your GP or a trusted health professional can give you helpful advice 

  • Share your quitting journey with friends who support your decision.

More information

For more information and help to quit visit health.gov.au/vaping, download the My QuitBuddy App (iPhone, Android) or talk to your healthcare professional.