Hookah Smoking

Hookah and US Society







Hookah smoking is a popular growing trend among young Americans. It is a market that is offered in Hookah Lounges and Cafes throughout the United States. Popularity of Hookah smoking has captured the interest of health organizations and legislators.

Health organizations are focused on creating awareness about health related risks of hookah smoking that includes various forms of cancer and lung disease. Health organizations are actively conducting research to reveal the so called myth “hookah smoking is less harmful than tobacco use”. More research needs to be conducted to actually determine whether cigarette smoking or hookah smoking is more harmful. Some health organizations are conveniently claiming that the hookah smoking myth is true. Fair and impartial research must be conducted so the public at large is exposed to the truth about health related issues of smoking cigarettes compared to smoking tobacco via a hookah.

Local and state legislators across the nation have targeted hookah cafes and lounges imposing sanctions that burden these businesses. I believe that such sanctioning is not motivated by the well being of the public. My conspiracy theory is that the notorious Tobacco Industry feels threatened by the booming Hookah business thus resulting in sanctions by so called elected officials who are just the Tobacco Companies Puppets.

Brief History
The exact origin of hookah cannot be limited to one country. The origin is attributed to India, Persia, and African southern countries. Hookah smoking has been practiced for a minimum of 500 years. Hookah was introduced to the Middle East and North Africa beginning in the 14^th Century. Today hookah smoking is practiced in the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, North Africa, South Africa, United Kingdom, Mexico, USA, and Canada. Hookah smoking is a practice of smoking flavored tobacco using a water pipe. Hookah smoking is referred to as water pipe, nargile, shisha, okka, kalyan, and Ghalyan. Hookah lounges and cafes are increasingly popular locations near college campuses.

Hookah Popularity
Hookah is an inexpensive group activity. Patrons of hookah bars and cafes spend an average of $5 to $25 per smoking session. A smoking session last about 60 minutes which turns out to be less expensive than social activities including bowling, laser tag, a film at a local theater, and bar hopping. Owning a hookah is inexpensive. A hookah ranges from $25 to over a hundred dollars depending on how ornate the hookah is. Flavored tobacco (shisha) is less than ten dollars. Charcoal ranges under $15 depending on the quantity.

Hookah smoking is a group activity that enhances social dynamics. While people in a group take turns puffing the hookah people are in a relaxed state and engaged in conversation. The experience is enhanced by the hookah lounges ambience and friendly atmosphere. Hookah smoking does not cause dangerous side effects of social drinking alcohol such as inhibition or hangovers. However studies indicate that tobacco causes cancer and lung related diseases.

Hookah smoking is a pleasurable experience. Hookah smoking is enhanced by the tobacco flavors including apple, mint, peach, raspberry, mango, strawberry, jasmine, coconut, rose, and many more. The smoke is cooled, softened, and aromatic. Hookah smoking infuses the senses and encourages slow meditative breathing.

Weight Loss Struggle

Several college students experience weight gain. I personally have gained 15 pounds during my college years. This weight gain has had an impact on me physically and mentally. I am extremely conscious of how I look in clothes and prefer to wear sweaters and jeans. Some people gain weight in different regions of their body. Unfortunately all my weight gain is in my abdominal area. Having excess fat in this region is primarily dangerous for women. Studies indicate excess weight in the abdominal region is related to various forms of cancer and other pathology.
The struggle to lose the weight has been challenging. My initial attempts were choosing avenues that did not require much effort. These efforts included herbal life shakes to supplement meals and a carbohydrate free diet. These efforts ended in failure. During this period I exercised occasionally with friends by running the track at a local park. Occasional exercise does not provide results either.
In 2003, my mother died of a massive heart attack which influenced a different approach of fitness and wellness. I decided that my number one priority would be heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of women worldwide. My second priority is eliminating the excess weight in my abdominal region.
My approach for fitness and wellness is consistently working out. At the gym, at least four times a week, I do cardio for a minimum of 40 minutes on the tread climber or the elliptical (these burn the most calories). In addition, I do some weight training as an attempt to tone up my challenging zones. To prevent getting bored with the same routine I attend various classes including yoga and cycling. I also use cardio kickboxing videos at home. My workout efforts are reinforced by having a workout buddy. We keep each other motivated and consistent with working out on the days that we are tired from school or work. In addition to physical fitness I modified my food intake.
My food intake was modified by meeting with the Nutritionist at the UCI Student Health Center. She provided a list of information about foods to avoid, portions, and reading food labels. This meeting was beneficial because I learned how to modify my meals in order to improve my health and also help me achieve my goal of weight loss. The most beneficial aspect was becoming aware of common ingredients in food products such as salad dressings, breakfast bars, yogurt, and juice that need to be avoided. In addition, I am currently taking the UCI Freshman Nutrition Seminar class so I can learn more about nutrition in order to improve my health. This class focuses on various aspects of nutrition including vitamin deficiencies, weight control, and sleep.
I have managed to lose half of the weight that I gained. My successful effort is attributed to consistently working out at the gym and modifying my food intake. For those struggling to lose weight here are my personal recommendations:

First: Visit the UCI Student Health Center and set up an appointment with the Nutritionist (the appointment is free). The Nutritionist will ask you about your typical meals. In addition the Nutritionist will go over foods to avoid, portions, and food labels. The Nutritionist is friendly and willingly embraces questions. This information will help you modify your diet.

Second: Visit your physician to determine what level of cardio exercise your body can handle according to your weight, height, and blood pressure. This is important to prevent strain on your heart. Your doctor can also order lab test to determine other factors that may challenge weight control.

Third: Take the Freshman Seminar Nutrition Class. You don’t have to be a freshman (this is my last quarter at UCI and I am currently taking the class). The class focuses on various nutrition topics. Professor Jurnak is a valuable resource and offers a wealth of knowledge. Book recommendation: The Smart Students Guide to Healthy Living by
MJ Smith & F. Smith.


Fourth: Have a consistent work out routine. Try different workout classes at the ARC or your gym, get a workout buddy, and try exercise videos for those days with time constraints.

Children's State Health Insurance

There are currently no updates on bush's anticipated veto.

Contact your Legislators

Some people express criticism about various political issues including Iraq, health insurance, gas prices, education, crime, and taxes. People use various forms of communication to express their political opinions including blogging, editorials, casual conversations, bulletins, and radio broadcasts. These are excellent forms of free speech however people need to consider a progressive avenue. I strongly encourage individuals who take the time to criticise such issues to invest some time by contacting legislators. This is a direct approach that has the ability to cause change. Currently big businesses use lobbying which has had a major impact on legislation that has not benefited society, but big business. Now is the time that people progressively lobby legislators by contacting them via e-mail, telephone, letters, and office visits. I foresee that if Americans progressively communicate with legislators concerns will be addressed. Take action now and influence change. Please utilize the links provided for contacting state and federal legislators.

The fat check to veto the State Children's Health Insurance

My prediction that the Tobacco Companies were writing fat checks to insure that the State Children's Health Insurance would get vetoed has been confirmed. An estimated 12 million dollars has been spent by the tobacco industry. The money should have been donated to the Children's Health Insurance program rather than bribing the so-called elected officials. If the tobacco company contributed funds directly to the Insurance program the amount of taxes on tobacco products may have been reduced. However the tobacco company clearly will pay any cost to prevent an increase on their products. In addition payment to insure the veto reveals that the tobacco company has an upper hand over elected officials.

Disclosure

george w. bush
Note: It is not an error that bush is not capitalized. His violations and terror against humanity has resulted in my refusal to demonstrate any form of respect thus I refuse to capitalize his name and use his so called title of president.

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