The results: Hesitation, Confusion, Anger, and also consideration of me being stupid. Not to mention disappointment, and hurt on my part.
It is quiet evident to me that people are aware of the risks of smoking hookah, however in that social environment the allure of it is so enticing that it just doesn't seem to matter. With more and more hookah bars popping up in more and more places providing opportunities to smoke hookah with your friends, it doesn't seem very likely that my friends, or for that matter anyone reading this note is going to stop smoking hookah anytime soon.
What is so curious about it, is that growing up I saw a rise in disgust for cigarette smoking. People around me seemed to be more and more aware of the huge risks of tobacco, and how it affected themselves, and their immediate families. They wowed to not touch cigarettes because of that matter, and a lot of the people I have talked to still stay true to those values.
Yet, hookah somehow is Ok? 'On average, 45 - 60 minutes of hookah smoking is the equivalent of chain smoking 15 cigarettes. Hookah tobacco also contains 36 times more tar, 15 times more carbon monoxide and 70 percent more nicotine than cigarette tobacco. ' (Maroon)
The same article raises concerns about the amount of deaths caused by tobacco related diseases in Louisiana. Where as another article, by the Harvard Health Publication rises concerns on the addictive effects of hookah, and the lack of means to regulate this addiction.
I still can't accept the lack of intelligence in this practice. I really can't understand the justification for it. Have we not seen our elders crumble and health bills rise over the years? Risks of heart disease, lung disorders, oral and throat related cancers and other deadly illnesses should be enough to stop you from smoking.
With the constant rise in hookah bars, and people smoking hookah all over the world (Virginia common wealth university reported that in 2009, 47% of the incoming freshmen had smoked hookah at least once, and 20% were active smokers. ) it is hard to not think of this as leading to a health crisis.
Cigarette smoking has been considerably controlled in first world nations, and the huge health risks and concerns of the 70s-80s-90s seem to be subsiding. I fear it is in false pretense though. And for the sake of the friends I care about, I would hate to be right.
Please stop smoking. For the environment, For your better health, for me.
http://www.loyolamaroon.co
http://www.bing.com/health
http://www.udreview.com/2.
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