Should Vaping Among Teens Be Banned? And the Promise of Precision Medicine
May 29, 2019
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Debate on FDA crackdown on teen vaping and the validity of precision medicine. Recommendations on books, TV shows like Chernobyl, Dark, and Fleabag, and an organization app Trello. Discussion on contributing data to research projects, hand-writing thank-you notes, and the best green salad recipe.
Teen vaping debate centers on health risks vs. smoking cessation benefits.
Precision medicine holds promise for tailored treatments based on genetic and lifestyle factors.
Deep dives
Teen Vaping: Epidemic or Public Health Benefit?
Teen vaping, particularly with products like Juul, has raised concerns about addiction and health risks. While tobacco smoking among teenagers has decreased significantly, vaping has become more popular, surpassing traditional smoking. The debate revolves around whether teen vaping should be seen as a dangerous epidemic or a potential public health benefit. Some argue that vaping can help smokers switch from tobacco, potentially saving lives. However, concerns remain about addiction in young people and the long-term health consequences.
Regulation and FDA Oversight on Vaping
The FDA considers teen vaping a dangerous epidemic and is exploring regulations for the industry. In contrast, the UK promotes vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, emphasizing a 95% safety compared to cigarettes. The debate questions the age limits for vaping, with discussions on the impact of regulations on reducing addiction in teens while supporting adults seeking to quit smoking.
Precision Medicine and All of Us Initiative
Precision medicine, focusing on personalized treatments based on genetic and lifestyle factors, is gaining interest through initiatives like the NIH's 'All of Us'. This database aims to revolutionize healthcare by tailoring treatments to individual characteristics, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes. Discussions highlight the need for precision in treatment segmentation and the potential benefits of data-driven approaches in medical research.
The Power of Handwritten Thank-You Notes
Writing handwritten thank-you notes, a seemingly simple act, can have profound impacts on personal well-being. While encouraging children to write thank-you notes, the hosts rediscover the importance and positivity of expressing gratitude through handwritten messages. This recommendation encourages individuals to engage in this thoughtful practice for personal fulfillment and connection.
Youngme Moon, Felix Oberholzer-Gee, and Mihir Desai debate whether the FDA should crack down on teen vaping. They then discuss whether the promise of precision medicine is real or hype.
You can email your comments and ideas for future episodes to: harvardafterhours@gmail.com. You can follow Youngme and Mihir on Twitter at: @YoungmeMoon and @DesaiMihirA.