Ejercicio Option 1 - Question 3 · Inglés PAU Cantabria Ordinaria 2024

South African students using vaping to cope with exam stress

1 In South Africa, where academic success is highly valued, vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes) has gained popularity as a mechanism to deal with exam stress.

2 While the intentions behind turning to vaping might initially seem harmless, it's essential to understand the potential risks and consequences associated with it. Vaping involves inhaling vaporized liquids containing nicotine and other chemicals, which can negatively affect various cognitive functions, such as attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

3 During exams, vaping may seem attractive due to the misconception that it offers a quick stress relief solution and is healthier than cigarettes. Dr Catherine Egbe of the South African Medical Research Council said there's no study available to prove the popular belief that vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes and highlights healthier alternatives for stress management, such as mindfulness, getting adequate sleep, and a balanced diet.

4 Diverse studies have found that nicotine also predisposes teen brains to other kinds of addictions, meaning they are at a higher risk of developing an addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Recognizing the severity of this problem, the country has tried to reduce vaping among teenagers. For instance, there are strict rules against selling vaping products to minors, aiming to keep these products away from young people. Additionally, there have been efforts to limit advertising about vaping in places where teenagers often see them. Deborah Arnott, chief executive of the charity Action on Smoking and Health, has expressed her concern about the promotion of e-cigarettes to children on social media platforms including TikTok. Furthermore, some schools have implemented stress-reduction programs, providing students with effective tools to cope with academic pressures without turning to harmful habits.

5 The economic implications are vast, with substantial costs for the nation's healthcare system. Nicotine increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart attack, reproductive disorders, and many types of cancers. This results in higher healthcare spending, as treating health issues linked to vaping requires a significant amount of funds. Hospitals must invest in specialized treatments and medical professionals to address the diverse health consequences of vaping. As a result, the overall cost of healthcare rises. Furthermore, when people become unwell, it affects their ability to work effectively, impacting the country's economic productivity. Additionally, as health issues related to vaping become more widespread, the demand for disability benefits and rehabilitation programs rises, putting an extra financial burden on the social support system of the country.

6 Health experts are worried that e-cigarettes might lead young people to start smoking tobacco. A study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that young e-cigarette users were three times more likely to start smoking cigarettes. The association Cancer Research calls for strict rules to make sure e-cigarettes are only used by smokers trying to quit and emphasizes that non-smokers should never use them.

Adapted from IOL, 3 November 2023

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words given. You only need to have five correct answers to get 1.5 points.

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