In this episode, Unfiltered — The Truth About Teen Vaping and Substance Use: Round Up on Adolescent Health PT5, we explore the realities of teen vaping, substance use and why both remain a critical issue for clinicians and caregivers. While youth vaping rates have slightly declined, it is still the most common form of tobacco use among adolescents, with evolving products and social influences making prevention and intervention increasingly complex. This conversation dives into the science behind adolescent risk-taking; the powerful influence of marketing and social media; and the neurological factors that make teens particularly vulnerable to substance use. Most importantly, the episode highlights how nurse practitioners can identify early warning signs, start meaningful conversations with teens and support healthier coping strategies.

Today’s guest on NP Pulse is Donna Willenbrock, an obesity specialist and expert in nutrition. Willenbrock begins by discussing the many connections between a healthy gut and a healthy menopause, and then guides us through hot topics related to staying well at any age — including hydration, physical activity and the many benefits of foods like raw broccoli and even dark chocolate.

Experts in hypercortisolism and clinicians curious to learn more will find today’s episode of NP Pulse both enriching and relevant. Kathleen “KC” Arnold and Breanna Shenk join the podcast to explore how hypercortisolism manifests and share what NPs should always keep in mind when it comes to the disorder.

This podcast is made possible by Corcept Therapeutics.