Because e-cigarettes don't burn tobacco, most experts agree that they're likely to cause fewer harmful effects than traditional cigarettes. But some e-cigarettes may contain harmful substances, such as carcinogens; toxic chemicals; and THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. E-cigarettes containing nicotine aren't considered safe for children, young adults or pregnant women. Nicotine can harm brain development in children and adults into their early 20s, and it is toxic to developing fetuses. In youth and adult nonsmokers, e-cigarette use also poses the risk of a nicotine addiction, which could lead to long-term use of e-cigarettes — the effects of which aren't known — or the use of traditional cigarettes. 

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Jon Ebbert, associate director of the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center, will talk about smoking cessation, nicotine addiction and e-cigarettes. Also on the program, John Konfala, a Mayo Clinic patient, will share his story. Konfala had an aortic valve replacement done by surgeon Dr. Juan Crestanello, at Ohio State University Hospital. When Konfala needed a second surgery, he followed Dr. Crestanello to his new location — Mayo Clinic. Skip Sturtz, another Mayo Clinic patient, will share why he chose to become an altruistic kidney donor.

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Miss the show? Here's your Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

Use the hashtag #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Access archived shows or subscribe to the podcast.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Electronic cigarettes / aortic valve patient story / altruistic kidney donation appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Here's the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

The post Nicotine Addiction/Food Diaries/Healthy Holiday Meals: Mayo Clinic Radio appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.