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Electronic cigarette use is rising globally. Although it may represent a potential smoking cessation tool, amidst misinformation and social media promotion, there is a growing concern regarding the health risks associated with its usage. These risks include adverse effects on the genitourinary system. This commentary investigates the genitourinary effects of approved smoking cessation tools versus electronic cigarettes, urging urologists to prioritize established methods over electronic cigarettes due to their potential for multisystem toxicity and uncertain long-term health implications. Further research is warranted to evaluate comprehensively the genitourinary effects of these interventions.

The aim of this study was to present a framework for clinicians to use when discussing electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and its association with pre-diabetes. A communication tool was designed using evidence-based strategies from the academic literature. A four-step framework is presented, which includes: step (1) helping patients to understand the association between e-cigarette use and pre-diabetes; step (2) the synergistic health impacts of e-cigarette use and pre-diabetes; step (3) management of diabetes-related lifestyle factors; and step (4) stages of change assessment related to e-cigarette reduction. This communication tool provides support for clinicians to discuss the risk of pre-diabetes associated with e-cigarette use. Moving forward, implementation and evaluation of this model are needed.

The use of electronic cigarettes among young people has been increasing in recent years. Electronic cigarettes are marketed in ways that attract young people and downplay the risks of these products. For example, electronic cigarettes are available in a variety of flavours, such as mint or chocolate, and it can be quite challenging for young people to understand the potential harms of these products when they are marketed through enticing advertisements under the veil of harmless flavours. Moreover, recent research has shown that electronic cigarette usage may be disproportionately higher for youth with lower socioeconomic status. It is well documented in the literature that electronic cigarettes can have a multitude of negative health impacts on young people. Electronic cigarette use affects all biopsychosocial domains, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, renal disease, mental health, substance use, and interpersonal relationships. Given the increase in electronic cigarette use and lower levels of understanding of the harms these products can have on health, it is essential to develop additional strategies to ensure that young people are made aware of the risks associated with the use of electronic cigarettes. We propose a five factor model that aims to provide support to policymakers, educators, health care professionals, families, and youth. For policymakers, it is necessary to develop policies that limit the access the youth have to electronic cigarettes. In educational settings, educators can incorporate education on electronic cigarettes in the classroom. Health care professionals should have access to tools to ensure they feel comfortable discussing the risks of electronic cigarettes with their young patients. Additionally, families should have access to evidence-based information on the risks associated with electronic cigarettes and on how to communicate with their children about electronic cigarettes. Finally, we should aim to directly reach youth and communicate the potential risks of electronic cigarette use through the social media platforms that they frequent. Ultimately, this paper provides a model that can be used by various stakeholders involved in the public health system. Moving forward, implementing and conducting short, intermediate and long-term evaluation of this model can provide insight into its effectiveness in communicating the risks associated with electronic cigarette use for young people.