Hallo und Willkommen auf Wasserpfeifen-Blog

Wie ihr, als erfahrene, fachkundigste Raucher der orientalischen Wasserpfeife (Shisha, Anm. d.R) sicherlich festgestellt habt, ist selbiges Rauchgerät in letzer Zeit einem ziemliche, nunja, lasst es mich "HYPE" nennen, unterworfen.

Dieses führt zwangsläufig dazu, das auch Individuen, die selber eigentlich nicht den blassesten Schimmer der Materie haben, meinen sie müssen diesem Hype folgend und mit ihrem angeblichem "Fachwissen" posen.
Und genau das ist die Motivation, solch eine Plattform wie diese zu starten. Ihr werdet hier,ich hoffe es doch zumindest stark, in der nächsten Zeit einige mehr oder weniger scherzhafte Tatsachen über die Shisha zu hören bekommen, wie zum Beispiel das ganz gewitze Raucher es schaffen, an einem Wocheende ca 70 Köpfe zu rauchen (bei 5g Tabak/Kopf entspricht das der hirnverbrannten Menge von 350 g).

DAS muss man als erfahrener Raucher können ;)

Nunja, ich hoffe ihr versteht, was ich mit diesem mehr oder weniger verständlichen Willkommenspost sagen will und wünsche euch hiermit viel Spaß

Buying a Hookah

Since the culture of hookah shisha is one of relaxation, it's best to approach the process of hookah buying with patience. Research the subject, become familiar with the best materials and products, consider the aesthetics--what pleases most and will most enhance the smoking experience for you? Quality, beauty, and price are the broad parameters to consider when you set out to buy hookahs.

While it's a good idea to have checked out any local retail outlets where hookahs are available, and to have tried various hookah pipes at a lounge, your best bet in meeting the above criteria is probably going to be buying online. There's simply a much broader range of hookahs available online, without the markup a brick-and-mortar store is forced to charge.

For the hookah body, also called the vase, or govde, Pyrex glass or ceramic, or some other non-porous, tempered material, are the best. Avoid wood or copper. Bases come in sizes from small to large and a multihued array of colors and designs. Stems will generally be stainless steel or another solid metal, fluted and, again, in a range of heights. Hoses also come in a variety of styles and lengths. The tobacco bowl should be ceramic, clay, or metal. You can get a hookah with one hose fitting or multiple hose fittings. There are a number of sites where you can build your own hookah from a selection of parts, and others where you can order custom hookahs. There is a wide selection of high quality hookahs available ready-made, however.

Egyptian hookahs generally have hand-blown glass bases in jewel and opal-toned colors, while Syrian hookahs have exquisitely ornamented ceramic or glass bases. Beyond these traditional styles there are a plethora of modern interpretations, animal shaped hookahs, mod hookahs, mini hookahs, traveling hookahs complete with carrying case, and rotating hookahs. Prices range from about $35 for a mini, quality, single-hose hookah, with a mid-range for medium hookahs at $60 to $100, and from about $115 to $135 or more for a large hookah. For a custom hookah, you can spend from around $225 for crystal to as much as $1,000 for a hookah made of silver.

Most hookah purchases will come with individual bowl, stem, plate, base, and hose or hoses, in separable parts for ease of cleaning, and will include tongs for coals, screens, brushes for cleaning, and instructions. Some will also come with a carrying case and extra rubber stoppers, some hookah tobacco and charcoal.

Hookahs Info provides detailed information on hookah smoking, tobacco, pipes, and lounges, and advice on where to buy retail and wholesale hookahs. Hookahs Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Smoking and Dental Problems

Most of us know how bad Smoking is for our health, but did you know that smoking is a major contributor to many of our dental problems? Cigarettes are not the only form of tobacco to blame. Smoking Cigars, smokeless tobacco and hookah water pipes, also pose dental health concerns.

Some of the Dental Problems associated with the use of tobacco are:

• Increases the risk of Oral Cancer, some signs of Oral Cancer include white or red patches inside the mouth or the lips, a sore or blister in the mouth or on the lip that won't heal. Symptoms may include difficulty chewing, moving the jaw, speaking, or moving the tongue. Frequent or persistent earaches (an earache is usually indicative of an infection). Report any oral bleeding to your dentist and doctor. Bleeding from the mouth can be caused by many things, but it is still a symptom of oral cancer and needs to be checked out. This is a disease that progresses rapidly and if not diagnosed on time can be deadly.
• An increase in gum disease, common symptoms are Red, swollen or tender gums, Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food, Loose or separating teeth, Pus between your gums and teeth, sores in your mouth, persistent bad breath, a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite is also a sign of this disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
• Smoking can also damage gum tissue, it causes receding gums which is not reversible and when gums recede they expose the roots of the tooth which eventually leads to tooth decay. Receding gums can also cause tooth sensitivity.
• Can cause bad breath, also known as "Halitosis".
• Also causes stain that cannot be removed with regular brushing.
• Can cause build up and tartar which requires a dental cleaning in order to be removed.

Some myths about the use of tobacco are that if not inhaled it reduces the risks of dental and overall health. The truth is that the use of any type of tobacco whether it be chewing or smoked is still hazardous, because it contains several toxins that are associated with cancer.

Were you aware that smokeless tobacco such as chew and dip contain more nicotine than cigarettes and cigars? According to the American Dental Association, "at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco products.

Hookah and water pipe smoking has become incredibly popular these days. Unfortunately, the water in the pipes does not filter out all of the harmful toxins. So, you are still at risk of oral cancer and all the other risk associated with the use of tobacco.

Quitting smoking and all other forms of tobacco use can provide long term health benefits. If you would like to quit but your not sure how to, one option would be to talk to your Physician or Dentist about how he or she can help.

At Dr. Luckey's office we know that your smile consists of more than just beautiful teeth and healthy gums. We commit to provide our care for you in a pain free manner with lots of TLC, so you will have a reason to smile. You make a difference to us! Visit us at http://www.drluckey.com or call us at 951-676-4556.

Wholesale Hookahs

Given the growing popularity of hookah smoking and hookah lounges, wholesale hookahs represent a tremendous value -- if you can get your hands on one (or more). . For someone who is considering starting a retail hookah shop or smoking lounge, or who wants to add variety to an existing restaurant, tobacco shop, or bar, researching the options is among the first necessary steps.

Buying wholesale hookahs doesn't mean buying cheaply made or unattractive product. Hand-blown glass in shimmering colors, elegantly traced in 21 karat gold, crystal, highly glazed ceramics, cloisonné-decorated brass, stainless steel worked into graceful curves, and carved wooden pieces all go into the making of a hookah. Since part of the joy of hookah smoking is the beauty and aesthetic pleasure of the hookah itself, wholesale hookahs come in a variety of lovely designs only surpassed by expensive custom models. In addition, styles range from traditional Egyptian and Syrian to modern and neo-exotic interpretations of the classic hookah, rotating hookahs, and more.

Things to look for in wholesale hookahs are quality of craftsmanship and durability of materials used. Stainless steel, Pyrex glass, and stone or ceramic are the best materials, the ones which can take repeated use while continuing to provide a pleasurable, smoking experience. Some metals, like copper, should be avoided (smoking from copper is actually poisonous). Wholesale hookahs are available in wood and brass and other materials, but these materials will not stand up terribly well to the test of time and use.

The base, or vase, of the hookah, is generally where the most artistic effort is expended, as it sets the tone for the whole piece. Hoses should be durable and include replaceable, disposable mouthpieces for individual smokers; hoses come in a variety of styles, from the basic to those covered in soft velvety fabric in lush colors, with carved and dyed wooden ends. The stem between the body and the tobacco bowl can vary widely in height, and is most often a gracefully wrought stainless steel in today's hookahs. The tobacco bowl will be stone, glazed or unglazed clay, metal, or beautifully colored and shaped Pyrex, and can range in design from simple to ornamental.

Wholesalers will generally require a minimum purchase of $250 to $400, though some will have a higher first-time minimum. Wholesale hookah prices range from $30 to $60 per pipe. A number of accessories must be considered when looking at wholesale hookahs, among them the metal tongs, or pincers, for the hookah charcoal, screens for holding the coal, the hookah charcoal itself, disposable mouthpieces, cleaning brushes, rubber stoppers, and replacement bases, hoses, grommets, and other parts.

Hookahs Info provides detailed information on hookah smoking, tobacco, pipes, and lounges, and advice on where to buy retail and wholesale hookahs. Hookahs Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Introduction to Hookah Diving

Where did the name Hookah come from? It's a strange name for diving equipment, possibly derived from it's similarities to the old Middle-Eastern smoking device. The American Heritage Dictionary defines Hookah as, "An Eastern smoking pipe designed with a long tube passing through an urn of water that cools the smoke as it is drawn through. Also called hubble-bubble, narghile." Hookahs are water pipes resembling bongs. It has a base, or smoke chamber partially filled with water, a bowl containing the tobacco, a pipe connected to the bowl and a hose, which connects to a second tube in the pipe which draws the air out of the smoke chamber. Hookah diving has been around since the mid 1600's, when Von Guericke developed the first effective surface air pump.

The hookah system delivers air to divers below via hoses from a surface-supplied air compressor, rather than from scuba tanks. Another term for this technique is SSSA, which stands for Sport Surface-Supplied Compressed Air. It's not considered "scuba" because the air source is separate from the diver, instead of self-contained. The system uses a small gasoline (some electric) powered air compressor that sits on a dock, boat or floating inner tube and supplies air via hoses with regulators at the end, to the diver. Old systems were very large and bulky. Now, modern hookah systems are small, relatively lightweight and float above the divers for the ultimate experience in recreational diving. Reputable dive shops carry and service the units and many offer classes for novice divers. When purchasing your unit, make sure the shop's staff is knowledgeable and that they carry the extra parts and supplies you may need to get the most out of your system.

Author is based in Florida and writes on www.KeysFishing101.com providing resources, tips and information for visiting anglers and divers.

What Exactly is a Hookah?

The hookah has a long and storied history. Also known variously as a hubble-bubble, narghile, shisha, or water pipe, among other names, hookahs have been used for a mellow tobacco smoking experience in Asia and the Middle East for centuries. Coming to the Middle East from India, the hookah started out as a humble coconut shell. In Turkey, it evolved into the true hookah, becoming a mainstay of coffee house life during the 17th century. Hookah smoking is still very common in cafes and restaurants throughout the Middle East.

Many rituals, of preparation, lighting, and smoking etiquette, surround the use of the hookah. People gathered in the coffee houses to smoke together, exchanging news and stories--or simply sharing quiet, meditative time. Recalling a more relaxed and unhurried past, hookahs conjure tales of journeys along the Nile, long nights in exotically scented gardens, the spice of the bazaar, and the sinuous music of the belly dance.

Hookahs were smoked by women gathered for tea, by students engaging in intellectual discussion, men playing games of chance, and simple gatherings of friends for enjoyment and relaxation. Offering a guest a puff at the house hookah, or narghile, was a sign of welcome and hospitality. Rather than a habit of nervousness, as many might classify the cigarette, the hookah is an entry to tranquility and reflection. It is a connection to the past and an oasis of civilized fellowship in the frenetic present.

With such a long history, it's not surprising that the craftsmanship in a hookah approaches the level of art; most hookahs are exquisitely detailed and beautiful. At one time, each part of the hookah was produced by a craftsman specifically trained to produce just that piece. Materials used included silver, crystal, and amber. When you add in the centuries of tradition and ritual in which the hookah is steeped, it's easy to see that this ancient water pipe represents the nexus of a singular and luxuriant experience in smoke and social interaction--and why it's becoming so popular in the West.

Hookahs Info provides detailed information on hookah smoking, tobacco, pipes, and lounges, and advice on where to buy retail and wholesale hookahs. Hookahs Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink

Are Hookahs the New Cigar?

More than likely, you've seen a hookah in your lifetime. However, unless you're a regular at a hookah bar, you've probably forgotten all about it. Do you still think you've never heard of a hookah? Think back. Way back. There you are, lying on your bed, while your Mother is reading the fantastic tale of a little girl in a land of pure imagination. If you guessed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you'd be wrong. No, this book was written nearly 100 years before Roald Dahl's tale of Charlie. The book (and later movie) that gives children their first glimpse of this curious device is Alice in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, wrote about an inquisitive, smoking caterpillar. You may remember Sammy Davis, Jr., perched atop a giant mushroom, asking young Alice, "Who ... Are ... You?" The device the caterpillar was smoking is called a hookah!

Hookahs have been around, in one form or another, for several centuries with their origins generally traced back to what is modern day Turkey. Needing a way to cool the smoke that leaves a tobacco pipe, the Turkish developed a way for the smoke to first pass through water before being inhaled. This cooled the smoke and gave the hookah its trademark bubbling sound.

Modern hookahs have evolved in design but still perform the same, simplistic function as the hookahs of old. The tobacco that is smoked in the hookah has also seen evolution and change. Originally, tobaccos would be mixed with molasses or honey and placed in the bowl-like apparatus atop the hookah. Coals would be directly-applied to this mixture and, instead of burning, the tobacco would be heated to the appropriate temperature to create smoke. Today's hookah tobacco, commonly referred to as 'shisha,' is made with modern components. Tobacco, glycerin and sugar are combined with countless flavors to produce a truly unique smoking experience. The flavors range from fruity apples and oranges to cultural favorites like bubble gum and cola. In fact, there are over 50 flavors available to today's hookah smokers!

As mentioned before, the tobacco is heated rather than burned. The hookah tobacco is generally void of the chemical additives found in cigarettes. In fact, hookah tobacco is usually composed of only tobacco, glycerin, sugar and flavoring. This is a far cry from the nearly 600 additives that can legally be added to cigarettes. These additives also transform into other chemicals when burned - a process that happens every time a cigarette is lit and smoked.

Cigars, another 'natural smoke,' have long been the gourmet smoke among smokers and socialites. They have a "good ol' boy" reputation that makes it socially unwelcome for women to smoke and are usually found in cigar bars and private clubs. For years, cigars have had no real competition and the hookah stands poised to edge out a serious piece of the gourmet smoking market.

Hookahs come in all sizes, makes and colors. They are crafting of everything from acrylic to crystal, which allows them to traverse the social lines. People can spend anywhere from $20 to $5,000 to find the hookah of their dreams. There are even custom hookah producers who, if you cannot find the hookah you are seeking, will build a hookah that is completely personalized and truly yours.

The cigar bars of yesteryear are finding themselves in direct competition with a new type of business that is sprouting up everywhere. From college towns to bustling metropolises, hookah bars and cafes are becoming the new, trendy place to hang out and smoke. Patrons can rent a hookah (or bring their own) and smoke for anywhere from $7.00 to $20.00 per bowl of tobacco. Each bowl of tobacco can be smoked for nearly an hour, making this an inexpensive alternative to cigars and other smokes.

More than anything, the hookah provides its participants with a wholly-unique, intimate environment that has no boundaries or rules. Everyone is allowed and dreams, thoughts and opinions fly, completely unabated.

Business entrepreneurs are recognizing the curious draw that the hookah has over customers. The investment to open a hookah bar or cafe pails in comparison to the funds required to open a cigar bar. There's no need for an elaborate humidor and, in fact, one could even get away with just offering hookahs. It's no wonder that hookah bars are one of the fastest growing concepts among modern day bars and cafes. As simplistic as the hookah's design, a hookah business is incredibly easy for first-time business owners to own and operate and requires a minimum in upfront capital investments.

So, from a hookah-smoking caterpillar to the day's newest craze, hookahs have come a long way. Only time will tell if they have a chance against cigars and other gourmet smokes but one thing's for sure: hookahs are here to stay.

Ethan Frost is a hookah evangelist, hookah smoker and editor of Hookah Hoopla! [http://www.hookahhoopla.com/], the Web's premier hookah news and information site!

Hookah Lounges: An Overview

As prevalent in parts of the Middle East and India as delis or Starbucks are in the United States, with one on every corner, hookah lounges and hookah bars, once quite rare in the West, have lately been seeing a rise in popularity here. From the friendly ambience of many of these establishments to the uniquely relaxed mood of hookah smoking and the kid-in-a-candy store variety of flavorful tobaccos available, hookah lounges and bars have a lot on offer.

Much of this upsurge in popularity is due to college and university populations, who find hookah lounges an attractive way to spend quality time with friends in a sober, but socially easy, environment. Hookah lounges are big with sororities and fraternities, but there are older sets of patrons on the scene as well, and a multiplicity of ethnicities and people from all walks of life can be found in various hookah lounges.

Different hookah bars and lounges offer different things to go with the smoking experience. At some lounges, an older clientele comes to play cards, backgammon, or chess, while pool tables, video games, and big screen TVs are on offer for the younger crowd. Many lounges serve food and drink, from Turkish coffee, spicy chai, and honey-drenched bamieh fritters to foie gras and Moroccan spiced lamb, while hookah bars offer everything from wine and cocktails to package deals--including private booth or lounge, hookah, drinks, and appetizers--which run about $125 for four. Rental prices for hookahs in lounges generally run from $5 to $20 an hour, with tobacco prices from $4 to $9 per bowl. Whatever's on offer, people feel comfortable enough to linger, gathered round the hookah pipe. You can find directories of hookah lounges in the U.S., Canada, and Europe at http://www.hookahforum.com or http://www.hookahculture.com, and other sites online.

Someone on staff--often the proprietor--is always happy to help those new to the experience of hookah smoking and guide them through it. Pipes are generally prepared for the patrons with whatever exotic flavor of tobacco they choose. There's usually a hookah coal carrier, circulating through the lounge with coals and tongs to replenish any waning hookah coals.

Music ranges from jazz to hip hop to tablah-backed Middle Eastern pop music, décor from re-interpretations of a Cairo café to tiki hut to sophisticated bar. Whether the people come to play games, drink cardamom-infused coffee, sip cocktails, or just kick back and relax, hookah lounges and bars offer a unique multicultural take on an age-old tradition.

Hookahs Info provides detailed information on hookah smoking, tobacco, pipes, and lounges, and advice on where to buy retail and wholesale hookahs. Hookahs Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

A Brief History of Hookah Pipes

For centuries, Hookah smoking has been looked upon as an art form that's been passed down from generation to generation throughout the Middle East. These water pipes were quite common during the 17th century, frequently found in coffee shops along the narrow streets of the region. Since this time, the Hookah Pipe, also known as a Narghile or Narghila, Shisha or Sheesha, Water-Pipe and/or a Hubbly Bubbly (all depending on your location on the globe), has inspired many great discussions. Such topics included politics, religion and everyday common events as the pipe was set in the center of a gathered group and the attached hose is passed from smoker to smoker, all while partaking in some interesting conversation and sharing some all-around good times.

It's believed that the very first Hookah Pipe design was crafted out of a coconut shell in either India or Persia, and then quickly spread through the rest of the Arab world. But it was in Turkey that the Hookah was given some finishing touches and found its final form, not really changing at all in the 350+ years since. When the 20th century arrived, the Hookah Pipe was such a fashion icon that upper-class Turkish women were photographed with their pipe, making it a significant status symbol in the process. Western artists captured the Hookah essence by adding its exotic image in their Oriental paintings.

The Hookah uses all five senses. First, it's visually appealing as a collectable piece of art. Touch is obvious through operation of the pipe. Taste and smell are satisfied through smoking, and the audible component is found in the gurgling water. Such a combination is nothing short of pleasing and relaxing to the masses that gather around the world to partake in Hookah smoking.

What did they Smoke in Hookah Pipes?

Shisha (also referred to as Tombac, Gouza, Moassel or Sheesha) was and still is the premier choice of Hookah smokers around the globe. This special blend of dark Shisha leaves, fruit pulp, molasses or honey, and glycerin contains only 0.5% nicotine and no tar. Shisha flavors have grown to include some interesting blends like Banana Split, Cherry Cola, Double Apple, and Pina Colada. Classic favorites like melon, Mango, French Vanilla and Tropical Pine will always have a loyal following. Many Hookah smokers will occasionally opt to add ice, fruit juice, milk, or even wine to the water in the glass base to alter the texture, taste or effect of the smoke.

Recent years have seen a growing demand for Hookah Pipes in the US, as a new restaurant at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas features a Hookah smoking lounge for gamblers who simply want a break. Both coasts have seen an increase in demand for Hookah Pipes, as clusters of hookah smokers can now be seen in Chicago and South Beach nightclubs, as well as outdoor California coastal cafes.

John Wallace recommends that you visit http://www.customhookahs.com for more information on Hookah.

Health Effects Of Using A Shisha Water Pipe

Does it have the same effects of smoking shisha than smoking an ordinary cigarette? Most Arab countries have their own version of a tobacco water pipe. It is most commonly called as a Shisha or a Hookah. It has been part of the tradition, oldest and popular in Middle East countries and is also seen in India, Turkey and Egypt. It is a tall pipe with glass bottom where some cooled water is filled in. At the top most, it is where the tobacco is placed covered by a thin foil. On top of the foil is the heated coal. The Shisha or Sheesha usually operates by filtering the water and heating up the tobacco indirectly. It has gained popularity in most Arab countries. Some used it to smoke marijuana, herbal fruits or tobacco. It is usually smoke in various flavors namely, strawberry, apple, peach, pistachio, mint, coconut, mango and a lot more.

There's a saying that Shisha are less dangerous than smoking cigarette or pipe smoking. How true is that? Maybe it is because it is indirectly done when smoking? According to the WHO, analysis have reached to the point that it is far more dangerous than smoking cigarettes or pipe smoking. One is getting more smoke from the hookah than smoking a stick of a cigarette thus exposing to smoke in a longer period of time. Inhaling that smoke from the hookah is like inhaling toxic gases and compounds and also some heavy metals thus leading to pulmonary and cardiac problems. It means water in the pipe doesn't filter the smoke but does absorb nicotine.

There's a fact that leads to saying, Shisha is just equal to and the same with smoking cigarettes. But it is just that like smoking 100 to 200 times cigarettes in a 60-minute Hookah session. Thus saying that it is more dangerous than smoking a cigarette. Another thing is that it is unhygienic and unhealthy when there are more than 2 sharing the pipe. One could acquire respiratory or pulmonary problems by passing the pipe to another and another. Going to cafes that has Sheesha for everyone is unhealthy. Inhaling the smoke from those who are doing a session is still considered as a passive smoker. And come to think of it, passive smokers acquires fatal health complications than active smokers.

Thus, Shisha is noted that it is more dangerous than smoking a cigarette. It is noted as more hazardous to health and can lead to numerous complications to the human body's vital organs just the same with smoking an ordinary cigarette.

Looking for more facts about Shisha, go to 4 Facts and Myths About Shisha [http://www.healthyodigy.com/2010/04/4-facts-and-myths-about-shisha.html]

A Peek Into Shisha Smoking - Is It More Harmful Than Cigarette Addiction?

You have obviously heard about cigarette smoking and the other smoking procedures and some of you even might have a little knowledge on shisha (hookah) smoking but nevertheless I assume that there must be at least a few in your midst who are not aware of the terrific disasters that shisha smoking unleashes in the life of a smoker. Across the world, shisha smoking is not as prevalent as cigarette smoking, but the inevitable harm from shisha smoke is far greater in comparison to the hazardous effects of cigarette smoking!

Just at the mention of shisha, a large number of ladies and gentlemen are struck with utter perplexity for the reason that they are unable to decipher the meaning of this phenomenon and also the rationale that explains that quit smoking is an immediate necessity for a shisha smoker? If you are in the same predicament and the term "shisha smoking" appears utterly mysterious to you then let me inform that shisha is nothing but an oriental tobacco pipe. The shisha pipe is attached to a flexible tube which is considerably long and it is further connected to a container where the tobacco is kept and cooled by passing through water.

Coming back to the probable harm from shisha smoking, I would like to make it clear that in a single session, the smokers inhale a considerable range of tobacco smoke which is 200 times more in comparison to the smoke that a smoker consumes by lighting up a cigarette. Now just imagine the inevitable destruction from shisha smoking! Studies have made it clear that a large amount of disastrous chemical is present in shisha smoke which is capable of inducing cancer and heart diseases in people. Taking stock of the disastrous consequences of shisha smoking, around the world the health enthusiasts are increasingly demanding an immediate ban on shisha smoking.

But whether you smoke shisha or cigarettes, quit smoking is a necessity and for that matter you have to pull up your socks and carve out an effective smoking cessation regimen in accordance with the advices of the physician!

The author writes articles on smoking related issues, especially on the causes, consequences and cure of smoking addiction. For more tidbits on these matters, visit the website http://www.chantixhome.com

Hookah Pipes

The body, or govde, of a hookah pipe consists of a curved vessel which holds water. A graceful stem rises from the body and at the top of the stem is a bowl, or lle, which holds the tobacco. From one to several flexible hoses, the marpuc, with a mouthpiece, or agizlik, at the end, are used to draw the hookah smoke down through the water. The hookah tobacco is heated by charcoal and the water filters and cools the smoke. The water gurgles gently, like a woodland stream, and, in the process, makes the smoke smooth and cool.

The word shisha, which is often another word for hookah, comes from the Persian meaning glass or bottle. Hookahs and the culture of hookah smoking is often referred to as hookah shisha. Somewhat confusingly, at first, people also refer to hookah tobacco as shisha, or hookah shisha--and there is a Shisha brand of hookah shisha!

Hookah pipes today come in many styles, from Egyptian to Syrian, traveling, mini and mod models to specialty and custom designs. There is a world of history in the craftsmanship of hookah pipes. Traditional materials used in making hookahs were blown glass, often highly decorated in gold or enamel painting, brass, aluminum, silver, porcelain, clay, carved stone and wood, and leather. All these same materials are used today, with the addition of stainless steel, Pyrex glass, plastic, rubber, and high quality acrylics, among others.

In restaurants and smoking lounges, individually wrapped, disposable plastic mouthpieces are provided for each smoker. Other accoutrements of the hookah pipe and tobacco include the hookah charcoal and metal tongs. The charcoal is typically in coin-sized pieces and each lasts for about 30 minutes in the slow smoking tobacco mixture.

Certain etiquette applies to the smoking of hookah pipes: the water pipes are meant to be on the ground, rather than on a high table or shelf, with the smokers seated on cushions or low seats around it--though in modern hookah lounges, they often appear on tables. Shared hookah pipes are not supposed to be passed, but rather set down after smoking so that the next smoker can take up the pipe at their leisure.

Hookahs Info provides detailed information on hookah smoking, tobacco, pipes, and lounges, and advice on where to buy retail and wholesale hookahs. Hookahs Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Hookah Bars: The Next Big Thing?

You've probably seen a hookah. Most children who grew up in the United States have almost certainly seen a hookah. But, like most people, you've likely forgotten what one looks like and what they're used for. Think back. Recall the tale of a girl named Alice who seemingly stranded in a strange, imaginative world. In Lewis Carroll's story, Alice in Wonderland, Alice stumbles upon an arrogant and inquisitive caterpillar. Perched atop a giant mushroom, and smoking what appears to be a strange musical instrument, the caterpillar asks Alice a quite memorable question-- "Who are YOU?" The musical instrument is not really a musical instrument at all. It is, in fact, a hookah and this hookah-smoking caterpillar is how most children get their first glimpse of this curiously strange smoking device.

When Lewis Carroll wrote the story of Alice in 1865, hookahs had been in existence and in use for several centuries. Though never really popular in European countries, the hookah was and is still very popular in Eastern cultures like Egypt and India. So, how is it that this mysterious thing called hookah has never seen its day in Europe or, in more recent times, the United States? Perhaps the time is upon us!

In the past, cigars have been the 'gourmet smoke' for those wishing to break out of the conventional, cigarette-smoking mold. Crafted from higher-grade tobaccos and hand-rolled in exotic lands, cigars have become a true contender to the additive-infused cigarettes of modern day. Cigars have become so popular, in fact, that they have cropped up an entire industry that is based around their existence. Cigar and specialty tobacco shops are evidence of the profit to be made from selling tobacco in a different form factor than that of the cigarette. In addition to cigar shops, cigar bars have proven that smoking-tailored establishments can be both socially-acceptable and huge profit centers for their owners. It is society's acceptance of the cigar bar that makes hookah bars and hookah cafes a possibility!

There is no doubt that the tobacco industry has seen better days and, from the aftermath of the Big Tobacco lawsuits, it's a wonder that these companies are still around. Did you know that there are over 600 legally-allowed additives that tobacco companies can add to their cigarettes? That's an amazing cocktail of chemicals that cigarette smokers are putting into their bodies every time they choose to light up! In comparison, today's hookah tobacco, commonly referred to as shisha (pronounced: shee-shuh), is comprised only of a handful of natural ingredients. These ingredients are typically tobacco, all-natural glycerin or honey, sugar and natural flavorings. That's 596 additives short of what could be in a normal, run-of-the-pack cigarette! It's facts like these that bring most people to believe that hookah smoking is a less-harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, no major study has been performed to evaluate the health effects of smoking hookah. So, we'll have to wait for a definitive answer to that question.

When the Turkish invented the hookah centuries ago, they did so with one goal in mind. Up to that time, tobacco had been smoked in pipes that are reminiscent of American Indian peace pipes. When smoking from these pipes, the smoke was at a temperature very close to the burning tobacco itself. Someone came up with the idea of filtering the smoke through water to cool the smoke to an enjoyable temperature. The simplicity of the hookah made it an instant hit and has been a major reason why hookahs are still prevalent in so many Eastern cultures. Though not originally planned when the hookah was invented, the water that the smoke passes through actually acts as a natural filter that helps filter tar and other impurities created when tobacco is smoked. Many years after the hookah was invented, someone would accidentally drop their tobacco into some molasses, thus paving the way for modern hookah shisha. It was the addition of molasses, now substituted by all-natural glycerin, which slowed the rate at which the tobacco burned and actually made it possible to heat the tobacco rather than burning it. Heating tobacco results in greater flavor potential and lowers the amount of nicotine that is released while smoking.

The hookahs of today, while being modernized and updated, have remained true to their creator's initial goal. Traditionally made of glass and brass, hookahs are now being produced of materials such as acrylic, crystal and steel. Also, the once hand-crafted art has transformed into a full-blown industry that is selling record numbers of hookahs. Hookah shisha has come of age, as well. Production of hookah shisha is at an all-time high and major manufacturers are creating more and more flavors to be consumed by customers worldwide. Flavors include everything from fruity apples and oranges to regional favorites like bubble gum and vanilla. In all, there are more than 50 different flavors to choose from and more are being added all the time. The precise mixture of ingredients has also yielded a tobacco with flavor that lasts longer. In fact, one person can smoke can smoke a bowl of tobacco for nearly an hour without having to change the tobacco.

A small number of entrepreneurs have recognized the potential of the hookah and have begun to open bars and cafes that are specifically-tailored toward the rental and sales of hookahs. In just a short period of time, they've proven that there is some serious money to be made in the hookah service industry for those willing to venture into seemingly unchartered territories. Most surprising is the low initial investment required to open a hookah establishment. For most locations, as little as 10 to 15 hookahs per 1,000 square feet of customer seating area is sufficient and will virtually guarantee that there are enough hookahs to go around. When purchased in larger lots, the cost of each hookah can run anywhere from $20 to $80 dollars and some wholesalers will even provide the hookahs for free if the bar or cafe agrees to purchase their hookah tobacco from the company. Rental fees for hookahs run anywhere from $10 in a hookah cafe to $25 in hookah bars! Of course, the rental plan is entirely up to the business owner and usually includes a single bowl of hookah shisha to smoke. Lower-priced refills of hookah tobacco encourage customers to stick around and socialize in the intimate environment. Most customers do not smoke by themselves, opting instead for groups of 3 to 4 people. This will reduce the longevity of each bowl of tobacco and increase the number of refills purchased by each group.

Before you can begin renting hookahs, you must first check with local, state and federal governments to ensure that you will not be breaking any laws or regulations. For most areas, a tobacco sales tax permit or license is all that is required to begin renting hookahs. Of course, this is supplemental to the typical state sales tax permit or license. You will also need to check local zoning requirements and determine the best location for your bar or cafe. There are a number of wholesalers available to get your cafe or bar up and running in the shortest amount of time possible. It is recommended that you opt for customer service and support over pennies saved, as it is often difficult to find companies that are in-tune with the American way of doing business.

In addition to hookahs, you will need to choose between a bar or cafe concept. Cafes are generally easier to open and require a minimal amount of additional capital. The largest expenditure will be the espresso machine and this will run anywhere from $2,000 to $14,000 depending upon the brand, model and, if used, the age of the machine. If you plan the cafe route, it is recommended that you pick up a copy of "Start and Run a Coffee Bar" (Matzen & Harrison, Self Counsel Press 2002). Although not hookah-oriented, it's filled with the ins-and-outs of running a cafe and what is required to operate all of the various cafe machines. If you want to open a hookah bar that serves alcoholic beverages, it is definitely recommended that you open near a college or university campus. This will give you a steady flow of new, fresh bodies that will save your bar from going stale with the locals. The hookah bar concept, when coupled with college towns, has proven to be the most successful and profitable hookah business ventures. There are, of course, caveats to opening a bar of any type. You will have to cut through significantly more 'red tape' but the payoff should definitely be worth the time and effort. Hookah bars are one of the fastest growing concepts for college towns and offer a fresh, new environment for 20-somethings to hang out.

As you can see, hookahs have edged their way into the European and American lifestyle. The cigar bars of yesteryear have paved the way for a unique opportunity for the entrepreneurs of today. Hookah cafes and hookah bars stand to make millions by providing the public with something that they've been looking for and haven't been able to find in the countless other cafes and bars. Hookahs bring back the social, intimate gatherings of friends that have long been lost to the hustle and bustle of modern life. Oh, and who knows? Your hookah bar or cafe could be the next big thing!

Ethan Frost is a hookah evangelist and managing editor for Hookah Hoopla! [http://www.hookahhoopla.com/], the Web's premier hookah news site.

Hookah Smoking In Public Places Will Be Prohibited In The UAE

Hookah smoking has been prohibited in public places, including parks and quays, on the territory of one of the UAE administrative units, the emirate Ras al-Khaimah. The hookah will be allowed in the coffee houses that have the corresponding license.

Severe measures are caused by the fact that municipal authorities receive many complaints from the population which are indignant with wide circulation of tobacco smoking in their city. The infringer of this prohibition will be punished financially. The sizes of penalties are not known yet.

The hookah - a tube with the water filter and long flexible chibouk - is traditionally very popular in the Arabian world and some other Muslim countries. Its Arabian name has the Persian origin and in the old days it meant a small pot, in which east women stored their jewelry and aromas.

They use special tobacco (usually flavored) for a hookah and instead of water (as a cooler) quite often various nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks are used.

The most popular tobacco is mu' essel. This tobacco differs from the cigarette one, as well as from any other tobacco. Very strong black tobacco is used for its manufacturing. It passes complex processing to become hookah tobacco. They soak it many times, sweeten, and add fruit chips, honey, treacle, aromatic oils.The secret of preparation lies exactly in the order of laying and exact dosage of its components.

The resulted tobacco differs from all other tobacco and suits only for a hookah. It consists of 30 % of tobacco, 50 % of treacle and 20 % of fruit and spices on average. Hookah tobacco should be damp. Sometimes it is even not damp, but juicy. Externally good hookah tobacco looks like jam - large leaves of tobacco, translucent and sticky, are stuck together in one continuous mass.

Recently hookah extends worldwide like a shot - in parallel with tourism increase. So, according to the observations of some Polish travel company, each tenth tourist coming back from Egypt brings this smoking set together with other souvenirs.

Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His Travel offers site is http://www.travelime.com

The Hookah Experience

A hookah is basically a water pipe intended for the smoking of tobacco. It is often made of glass with two or more flexible stems drawing the water cooled smoke from the pipe. It originated in India many centuries ago, and moved from there into the Middle East. Although tobacco was the original substance burned in the hookah, others are also used. Some of these others have been illegal substances such as Cannabis or Opium, and this has tended to give hookahs a bad name in Western Culture. In recent years, the hookah has been making some headway in dispelling this bad reputation. One of the attractions of hookah smoking in the East was the manner in which the activity induced relaxation, and stimulated conversation.

The Online market has allowed hookahs to be purchased in larger numbers, and the merchants generally sell a large variety of flavored and low nicotine tobacco. The nicotine level is furthered reduced by the action of the water inside the pipe, and the result is a smoking experience that is ultimately less expensive and a lot less messy than sharing a couple of Marlboros. If a couple were smokers, it is easy to envision the hookah on the coffee table for a private evening of movies or conservation.

This is exactly the thought of some enterprising businessmen who have begun to open Hookah bars around the country. These would be regular bars with the exception of a hookah in the middle of every table. That large selection of fragrant tobacco would be available for purchase along with your drinks. The hookah smoking would supposedly have a calming effect on the patrons, encourage good talk, and enhance the entertainment. A Hookah Café would be similar except that perhaps food and coffee would be served with the tobacco rather than alcohol. Which ever approach suits you better, a trip to a Hookah smoking establishment would make a novel and very interesting group activity.

Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2006. He is currently the Co-Founder of PlanJam – where you can find information on hookah bars and things to do.

Hookah: A Smoking New Trend Among College Students

For centuries, Eastern cultures have embraced this simple, yet curious device known as the hookah. Though the designs and materials have changed through the years, the hookah's social function is still intact. Too few things exist that are able to bring people - sometimes complete strangers - together in such an intimate fashion. Struggling for a place in the United States and European countries, the hookah has found its place in college and university towns.

Hookahs have seemingly always had a place in Eastern cultures. The hookah has, however, only recently begun to grab footing in the United States and European countries. Less than 10 years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find a hookah bar or cafe outside of the cultural areas of larger cities. These days, if you survey the land around large university campuses, you will find a strange, new type of business cropping up. Though some offer exotic coffees and others offer alcoholic beverages, hookah cafes and bars are giving today's college students a much-needed place to unwind after a day full of studies. Drawn by curiosity, students find themselves in a world of sheer imagination that is truly unique among the countless hangouts that abound around colleges and universities.

Hookahs were created to solve a problem among tobacco smokers. When heated, tobacco creates a smoke that, without cooling, is harsh and nearly unbearable. The hookah introduced a simple, yet novel way to cool the hot, harsh smoke. When a smoker inhales, the smoke first travels through water and is cooled before it ever reaches the smoker's mouth. This smooth experience is quite different from smoking cigarettes or cigars and is almost always commented upon by first-time hookah smokers.

In addition to being a cooler smoke, the tobaccos used in hookahs are generally flavored. These flavors range from fruits like apples and oranges, to modern-day flavors like bubble gum and cola. It's this flavored smoke that has really made hookahs the preferred smoke among college students.

Look around a hookah bar or cafe and you will see tightly-huddled masses sitting around a dozen or so hookahs, talking about everything from this week's exams to next year's newest cars. This simple device has an extraordinary power to bring together people of all backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. It knows no boundaries and performs its social function with relative ease.

Business owners recognize the power of college towns. They provide businesses with a constant flow of fresh customers from semester to semester. New students arrive and seasoned students bring the new students to the cafes and bars. It's a process that repeats itself over and over again.

So, if you're looking for a new, fresh place to meet new friends, go on a hunt for your local hookah establishment. You'll be glad you did!

Ethan Frost is an editor for Hookah Hoopla!, the Web's premier hookah education site. For more information about hookahs, visit Hookah Hoopla! [http://www.hookahhoopla.com/]

Are Smoking, Drugs Or Drinking a No-No For Singers? How a Singer's Vocal Health is Affected

A singer uses their human body as a musical instrument & thus it is crucial for a singer to stay in the best health possible.

Smoking, marijuana, drugs and alcohol are all known to affect the human body.

For singers, these factors have a very huge impact upon their vocal cords, singing voice & musical ability. The impact is mostly negative...

Let's first cover smoking cigarettes, cigars, hookah, those new-trendy electric vaporized cigarettes & marijuana.

Before we do that, it is important to understand that ANY type of smoke is harmful to the vocal cords, the lungs & the body. Smoke dehydrates the body which eventually dehydrates the vocal cords themselves, it also reduces the flexibility of the vocal cords which makes it harder to coordinate the vocal cords. In addition, smoke from ANY type of smoking- whether it's hookah or marijuana damages the tissues of the vocal cords gradually.

Now that we've established the fact that any type of smoking is harmful to the voice. Lets cover how each different type of smoking affects the voice.

Cigarettes- Optimal lung function is crucial in singers. Tobacco, nicotine & tar are all known to harm the lungs. In addition, there are over 300 different types of chemicals which are poisonous, toxic & carcinogenic to the body found in cigarettes. These chemicals affect every little CELL in the body which includes the vocal cords, voice box & the lungs of a singer.

Cigars- Are not meant to be inhaled but the large amount of unfiltered smoke produced & tobacco found in cigars cancels out any "protection" from not inhaling the smoke. The smoke definitely reaches the lungs & causes significant harm due to the large amount of unfiltered smoke. The vocal cords are most affected from cigars. Ever notice why most cigar smokers have a very raspy & beat up voice?

Hookah- This smoking trend has gained popularity among the young generation of college students & high school students. If you are a singer, hookah is extremely harmful. Despite the never-ending myth that hookah is completely harmless since it has no tobacco, hookah IS harmful. I've looked up all the scientific studies & research into this, a hookah produces large amounts of toxic substances which gradually ruins health BUT... for singers it is very harsh on the voice & quickly stiffens, dehydrates & toughens the vocal cords. The amount of smoke & chemicals produced from hookah are all very harmful to the vocal cords, even more so than cigars & cigarettes.

Electric Vaporized Cigarettes, Cigars, & Pipes- This new technology uses vaporized smoke produced by either food additives & contains nicotine with no tobacco. So far the health effects of this type of smoking are unknown & not studied. However nicotine is harmful to the body. My advice is to simply avoid this type of smoking even if you use no nicotine to smoke because the food additives used to produce the vaporized smoke could be harmful to the lungs & vocal cords. In other words, better stay safe than sorry.

Smoking is not an option for singers, especially for those looking for a career in singing, it IS deadly. It will age you quicker, ruin your voice gradually, halt any improvement you might have seen from vocal lessons, & cause a loads of problems to your health.

But...

What about marijuana? Many singers, musicians & entertainers use all types of drugs including marijuana to "enhance" their creativity. They certainly DO enhance their creativity & their talents skyrocket- different drug substances effect each person differently. However this positive effects are SHORT-TERM. Gradually a higher drug dose will be needed to sustain the amount of creativity in music & singing before attained from a smaller dose.

In addition, side effects will occur to the health physically & mentally.

Singers, Musicians & Entertainers can accomplish the amount of creativity & talent they get from drugs use, long term by learning how to meditate.

This is another topic & subject on its own.

But getting back to drugs...

For serious singers it is not an option at all! I can understand why many famous singers have done drugs. I won't point any names but you must understand that these effects are only obtained when you are on the drugs & you will need more drugs to sustain the positive creative effects. Your mental, physical & emotional health will start taking a toll.

If you are looking at a career, you may have a few hit singles from the result of your drug-induced creativity but that does NOT seem all very impressive...When you realize that you CAN accomplish the same amount of creativity by learning how to do it naturally without the use of drugs.

Moving on to alcohol...this again has the same side effect & consequences as drugs if abused. Alcohol drunk responsibly & in reasonable amounts will not harm a singer.

Coming to the conclusion, is smoking, drugs or drinking irresponsibly acceptable for singers?

From a subjective point of view you can certainly argue it to your favor BUT....from a OBJECTIVE point of view it defiantly is not recommended for the serious singer, performer, entertainer and/or musician.

I hope any singers may take this piece of advice for their own good.

Kelly Keller is dedicated to helping struggling singers deal with problems they have with their singing, vocal range, musical ability & singing performance.

Kelly currently runs a website to help singers here http://www.SingingMiracle.com.

Sheesha/Shisha Smoking - Harmful Effects on Health

Sheesha or Shihsa is also known as water pipe or Hookah is basically smocking device in which smock cooled and filtered by water.

A recent study shows that sheesha or shisha is serious threat to the health of teenagers, especially the girls. This habit was found to be most prevalent in the 16-25 years age group with 70% sheesha smokers being male and 30% females. There is another dangerous thing about sheesha and that is the use of prohibited and additive substances in more than 30% of sheesha outlets by owners or by smokers.

Sheesha smocking may result in low fertility rates among girls and increase the chances of fetal abnormalities, posing a major threat to their health. Other harmful impacts of sheesha smocking includes heart disease, stroke, muscle and joints ailments, headache, and may also lead to cancers of lips, tongue, mouth, lungs and stomach. Besides posing a serious threat to teenager's mental and physical health the sheesha smoke also affected those sitting in the vicinity of the smokers, which is called second-hand or passive smoking.

One puff of the sheesha smoke contains more than 5000 active chemicals out of which at least more than 100 are carcinogenic and more than 25% have serious addictive potential. Another big risk with sheesha smoking is that addictive drugs like cocaine, marijuana and heroine are being added to the flavoured tobacco either by the managements of these outlets or by the customers themselves.

The trend of Sheesha smoking in Pakistan is rapidly increasing with the passage of time and especially in young boys and girls. Sheesha outlets are not only mushrooming in big cities like Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faiselabad but also in small cities and towns. Government should need to check the outlets and should discourage such trends.

Hookah Tobacco

The tobacco used in hookahs is different than that associated with cigarettes, or, indeed, any other form of smoking. It is, traditionally, a damp blend--called tobamel or maassel--of fresh tobacco leaves with molasses or honey and semi-dried fruit or fruit pulp. Some smokers would add pomegranate juice or perhaps rose oil to the water, which added flavor to the smoke. Later, hookah tobacco was also mixed with fruit extracts, and in the 1980s tobacconists began experimenting with various flavors, so that now a virtual smorgasbord of highly aromatic hookah tobacco is widely available.

While some hookah smokers still prefer a strong Turkish tobacco, many delight in the large assortment of flavored tobaccos, often called shisha. The dark, wet mixture comes in flavors ranging from apple, cherry, apricot, and watermelon, to rose, jasmine, vanilla, honey, and licorice, with more exotic blends beyond that, such as lemon-cola, cappuccino, apple-mint, and a list of custom blends that is nigh on infinite.

Prices for packaged tobacco range anywhere from $4 to $17 depending on quality, and a variety pack of flavors might cost about $30. The price in most lounges for a bowl of hookah tobacco ranges from $4 to $9 for slower burning leaf or custom blends.

Since hookah tobacco is very wet it must be smoked using a hookah charcoal. Rather than being lit directly, the tobacco is heated with a coal placed on tinfoil or wire mesh above or in the bowl holding the damp mixture. Each bowl of this wet tobacco lasts a long time, usually requiring several replenishments of the charcoal. In the past, among those rituals and traditions surrounding the lighting and smoking of the hookah, or narghile, were strict prohibitions against lighting the tobacco incorrectly--or even allowing a cigarette smoker to light their cigarette off of the hookah coal.

Hookah tobacco is generally only 30 percent tobacco and 70 percent fruit flavoring and molasses or honey. It contains .05 percent nicotine and most types contain no tar. Because the tobacco is heated, rather than actually burned, studies have shown that there are fewer carcinogens produced in hookah smoke than in other forms of smoking. However, concerns about the length of time smokers generally spend around a bowl of hookah tobacco do warrant consideration, and studies have shown that carbon dioxide intake is actually higher in hookah smoking. Though mellower and less carcinogenic, hookah tobacco is still tobacco and the health risks remain. Hookah tobacco should only be smoked by adults over 18 years of age, and then smoked in moderation.

Hookahs Info provides detailed information on hookah smoking, tobacco, pipes, and lounges, and advice on where to buy retail and wholesale hookahs. Hookahs Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

What Is the Truth About Hookah?

The use of tobacco is centuries old. It is smoked, eaten, chewed and sniffed. We are obviously talking about drug use here, and addiction. One way it is smoked is with a device called a hookah. Smoking tobacco in a hookah is a practice that dates back to the early 16th century in the Middle East.

A hookah is a device that super-heats flavored tobacco and passes the resulting smoke through water and it is then inhaled by the smoker by means of a tube.

Nicotine is the drug in tobacco and it is delivered in greater amounts in hookah smoke than in cigarette smoke. Hookah smoke also contains high levels of toxic compounds, including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and other cancer-causing chemicals

Because of how it is done, smoking tobacco by hookah can deliver more toxins than smoking cigarettes. In fact, a one-hour long hookah session involves inhaling 100-200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from just one cigarette.

Another important factor in the toxicity of smoking hookah is the charcoal used to heat the tobacco. Made from cherry wood, or coconut shells and various other materials, chemicals from the burning charcoal are inhaled by the smoker along with the smoke from the tobacco. Few studies have been done on the chemicals these charcoals produce, let alone their effects on the smoker's health.

As would be expected, because of the greater amounts of smoke delivered by the hookah than the cigarette, the smoker also receives:

· Higher amounts of carbon-monoxide, a poisonous gas that is also produced in gasoline engines.
· Greater amounts of carcinogenic materials like heavy metals
· More tar than in cigarette smoke

According to the Centers for Disease Control, hookah smokers are at risk for the same kinds of diseases as are caused by cigarette smoking, including oral cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, cancer of the esophagus, reduced lung function, and decreased fertility.

The CDC also states that numerous toxic chemicals that are known to cause clogged arteries and heart disease are contained in hookah smoke as well.

Hookah smoking is NOT a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes.

Thanks to years of research and advertisement regarding the dangers of smoking tobacco, it is pretty common knowledge that smoking cigarettes or cigars is dangerous. Unfortunately, there haven't been many public awareness campaigns on the similar dangers of using hookahs. We are seeing the popularity of hookah bars or shisha cafés going right through the roof. This is also pulling in a new following with younger people.

But the addiction potential of hookah is very real. Using nicotine is dangerous in any form and regardless of whether the route onto nicotine addiction is through smoking cigars, cigarettes or hookah, in the end, we have the same problem.

The addict can't carry a pack of hookahs around in a shirt pocket, so for sheer convenience, switching to cigarettes is an obvious choice.

Hookah smoking as a social event.

The routes onto addiction to nicotine are many, but there is always some social component that attracts the new users. Some of the attractions of hookah smoking are exactly the same as those that have been used to attract young people to cigarettes, cigars and pipes for many, many years.

· The older kids are doing it
· It looks cool
· The group is into it
· It looks like fun
· It shows up on TV or in the movies (And now on the internet.)
· The parents probably don't approve (rebel factor)
· It looks grown-up

One more liability of indulging in hookah parties or cafes is that the hose that delivers the smoke is usually passed from smoker to smoker. This increases the chances of contracting communicable diseases for everyone who passes the hose.

In the end, our responsibility to spread the truth about the dangers presented by hookah smoking is the same as with any other public threat. The more people understand, the better their choices are going to be.

Tony Bylsma is a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, and a drug abuse prevention speaker in Los Angeles, CA

http://www.TheRoadOut.org