Hookah bars, which have become commonplace in big cities, apparently have arrived in the North State. Shasta County health officials issued a warning this week, alerting the public to the dangers of tobacco smoked through hookahs.
“Contrary to what many beginning users may think, hookah tobacco smoking carries many of the same risks as cigarette smoking, including being linked to lung cancer and other lung diseases,” said Nathan Read of the Shasta County Public Health Tobacco Education Program. “Hookah tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.”
Hookahs are water pipes that have been used in Asia for centuries. Specially prepared tobacco is put into a central bowl, and users draw the water-cooled smoke through long hoses. In recent years, hookah bars have become popular hangouts for young adults in urban areas and college towns.
Health officials say a session of smoking a hookah for 45 minutes to an hour is equivalent to chain-smoking 15 cigarettes. Cough, cough, gag.
For more info about hookahs and the dangers of tobacco smoke, click here.
- With Shasta County’s unemployment rate still in double digits, it’s nice to hear that they’re hiring up at the Hatchet Ridge Wind Farm. Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Inc., is holding a job fair from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Burney Chamber of Commerce. There will be an open forum to discuss jobs with RES subcontractors in painting, plumbing, electrical, structural, building finish, rebar and concrete placement. Applicants should dress professionally and bring resumes. For more info, click here.
- From Our Inbox: “Attached is a News Press Release for dissemination to the public at your earliest convenience.” Sounds sticky.
- Though you can make a good argument that it’s too soon, I still was delighted to hear that President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Maybe the prize will give him more “street cred” with the zanies in the Middle East, and we can finally find some peace over there. Plus, he’s one of ours. I always root for the Americans, like those guys who won the physics prize the other day. Don’t get me started on how the literature prize judges pass over great American authors like Philip Roth in favor of writers no one has ever heard of.
- Fellow tall guy John N. Stewart drops a line to say his artwork is on display this month at Tapas Downtown as part of 2nd Saturday ArtHop. John’s an interesting guy — an artist and musician who has a gallery and studio in Lake California, he spent 25 years doing art for Hollywood films, including portraits of such notables as Bette Davis.
Tips appreciated: Send news tidbits to steveb.anewscafe@gmail.com.
