Heart link to chewing tobacco

Indian cardiologists have produced what they say is the first evidence to show that chewing tobacco can constrict the blood vessels of the heart within minutes and possibly raise the risk of heart attacks.

Their study on men who volunteered to chew a single gram of tobacco while having their hearts monitored has revealed significant reductions in the diameters of coronary arteries within 10 minutes after they began chewing.

The cardiologists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, say their findings highlight the rapidity with which a habit long associated with mouth cancer can also put the heart in danger by constricting coronary arteries.

I know it’s bad but love it anyway, say teenagers

ABU DHABI: Even during extreme hot weather in the country, business at shisha outlets in the capital never runs dry.

Haris Abdul Kader from the Brazilian Trading Establishment, Abu Dhabi, said that the shisha or hookah is very much “in vogue” in the UAE and is a popular cultural practice. “Because of its social aspects, hookah or shisha will continue to gain loyal smokers because it is also traditional.”

Senate panel, Shumlin at odds over cigarette tax hike

MONTPELIER -- The Senate Finance Committee set up a potential showdown with the Shumlin administration Friday when the panel voted to support a $24 million tax package that included a $1 increase in the tax on cigarettes.

Gov. Peter Shumlin objects to any increase in the cigarette tax because he predicts sales and, thus, tax revenues would drop if Vermont's tax rate exceeds that in neighboring states. Lawmakers expect a $1 increase would raise $9 million in new revenue.

The Shumlin administration also argues the cigarette tax is regressive, meaning it has a higher impact on low-income Vermonters.

Group urges smokeless-tobacco ban for MLB teams

Televisions on Thursday will broadcast the usual iconic images of baseball's opening day: fans cheering from the stands, umpires making close calls at the plate, and players in the thick of the game, spitting tobacco juice.

With smokeless tobacco use spiking among high school boys - a reported 36% increase since 2003 - public health officials are targeting their role models to set a healthy example, and calling for a ban on tobacco at major league ballparks.