Earlier this month, the TSET Board of Directors appointed Public Information and Outreach Director Julie Bisbee to serve as interim executive director following John Woods’ resignation.

For more than six years, Julie has overseen efforts to communicate with grantees and the public about TSET’s impact on the health of Oklahoma.

“It’s an honor to serve in this role,” Bisbee said. “Our work at every level is making a difference in the lives of Oklahomans. From cutting-edge cancer research and treatment, community-based grants and incentives that create healthy environments for Oklahoma kids, and programs that help place doctors in rural areas, TSET is creating a healthier future for Oklahoma.”

The TSET Board of Directors is expected to address a timeline and hiring process for a full-time executive director at its regularly scheduled board meeting in January.

E-cigarette use among youth in middle school and high school is increasing at an alarming rate. Flavors in products and sleek, modern design make e-cigarette devices attractive to young people. Youth don’t associate these products with tobacco, and don’t realize e-cigarettes contain nicotine and can be highly addictive and harmful. Exposing the developing brain to nicotine physically changes the brain and it can be even harder for them to stop in the future.

To learn more, check out the article here and for the whole suite of TSET stories on tobacco control and prevention click here. 

Just this week, the United States Surgeon General issued an advisory on the importance of protecting our children from a lifetime of addiction and associated health risks by immediately addressing the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use. Here in Oklahoma, Tobacco Stops With Me is taking action by highlighting the numerous hidden dangers associated with e-cigarettes and by providing resources to Oklahoma parents on how to spot warning signs that their kid could be vaping. Some of these signs include artificially sweet smells, increased thirst and caffeine sensitivity. If you think your child may be vaping, be sure to approach the conversation in a judgment-free way, and be patient and ready to listen to their thoughts and questions.

Flavored tobacco products are posing even more of a threat to youth today because they are often disguised as every day household products. JUUL, a popular e-cigarette, looks just like a flash drive, their pods look like harmless game pieces and vape juice packaging can look similar to candy. Although these products may seem harmless, tobacco companies are using them to target kids, and they are still highly addictive and easy for kids to get ahold of. In fact, kids successfully buy vape products online 94 percent of the time. Website age gates are easily bypassed, and kids can use a parent’s name for shipping.

For more tips on how to spot vape products and how to talk to your children about vaping visit the Tobacco Stops With Me website.

Shape Your Future is making it easier for Oklahomans to work in 30 minutes of daily exercise. This five-day workout plan includes fun, quick workouts that make it easy to get your 30 minutes of exercise for the day.

To start your week, begin with the Turn ‘N Burn Workout. This workout begins with doing three sets of 10 squats, then three sets of 20 crunches and ends with three sets of 10 lunges on each side.

These energizing exercises will have you refreshed and ready for a day of work. Then, end your week by relaxing and getting your “om” on by doing the soothing yoga workout. This workout begins with three sets of crescent lunges, then three sets of pigeon pose, three sets of glute bridges, and three sets of chair pose, 30 seconds each.

Find full instructions on this five day workout plan at ShapeYourFutureOK.com and learn more about easy ways to get your 30 minutes of physical activity (or 60 for kids). 

Looking to incorporate these exercises into your New Year’s resolution to get healthier in 2019? Keep an eye on the TSET newsletter in January for more ideas from Shape Your Future on how to make small, healthy changes in the New Year.