Demi Moore was rushed to the hospital earlier this week for “exhaustion issues." However, Fox News and ABC report that whip-its, a dangerous teen trend, was the cause of Moore’s seizure. Unfortunately, today’s news about whip-its may spur even more teens to try the cheap high, but Demi Moore's medical emergency sheds light on how inhaling whip-its can be dangerous and isn’t worth the quick thrill.
So, what do parents in Atlanta and America need to know about this popular and dangerous teen trend? Quite simply, using whip-its involves inhaling nitrous oxide from small compressed canisters or compressed cans of whipped cream. Whip-it canisters and handy, portable cartridges are very easy to buy. In fact, Amazon is currently selling both! Here is the product description from Amazon…
The Whip-It! chargers work with any brand cream whipper in the market. Each charger is filled with 8 grams of the highest quality medical-grade N2O and made out of 100-percent recyclable steel. Chargers are cleaned numerous times with a solvent. Each charger should be used at a ratio of 1 charger per pint and is available in handy 10- 24- and 50-packs.
You’ve got to be kidding! How did this dangerous trend become so popular and why is it so readily available to teenagers? According to local police, nitrous oxide is the new teen drug of choice. Sgt. Steve Pena says, “Parents need to be on the lookout and be aware. Abuse of nitrous oxide clearly is on the rise.”
Dentists routinely use nitrous oxide for its pain-numbing effects. Teens and young adults are embracing it for an intense but brief high that lasts 2-3 minutes. Once inhaled, nitrous oxide triggers a quick jump in heart rate, a drop in blood pressure and relaxes smooth muscle tissue. At the same time, it shuts off oxygen to the inner brain, producing a sudden, intense weakness and dizziness. Sweating, flushing, and hallucinations may also occur. Repeated use can cause loss of consciousness, which is reportedly what happened to Demi Moore.
Just last year, parents in Phoenix were planning a high school graduation party for their 18-year-old daughter, Melissa Gastelum. However, the teen never graduated. She died after attending a rave party where whip-its were readily available. This is just one story that proves nothing good can come from inhaling nitrous oxide.
To watch a video about how easily it is to obtain whip-its, click KIRO TV link. For more news about Demi Moore, click on this ABC link.
Parents, take the time to talk about the dangers of whip-its and nitrous oxide inhalation with your own teenager. Regular talks help everyone stay connected and maintain open communication.
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