or view it here.

Wesleyan students…if you can create a better video than these guys, contact WesWELL!

A new study finds that the use of water pipes may be on the rise among college students. Some believe that smoking tobacco this way is less dangerous than smoking cigarettes —which is not the case, the researchers say.

The study, which appears in the May issue of The Journal of Adolescent Health, looked at water-pipe use among students at Virginia Commonwealth University. It found that of more than 700 students surveyed, more than 40 percent reported having used a water pipe in the previous year.

The pipes, often called hookahs or shishas, are perhaps best known in the Middle East and are used to smoke flavored and sweetened tobacco. The tobacco is heated over charcoal, and then is cooled as it passes through a bowl of water and is inhaled from a hose.

Despite the belief of some students, water pipes may expose users to more toxic materials than cigarettes. Each puff has as much as 100 times the smoke as a puff from a cigarette, the study said. And smokers are also inhaling fumes from the charcoal.

“There is every reason to believe that this adds to the problem,” said the lead author of the study, Thomas Eissenberg.

Most of the smoking takes place in water-pipe cafes, and one reason they are becoming more popular, the study said, is that unlike bars, they are open to students.

Water-pipe users were most likely to be men, many of whom told the researchers they thought it made them look cool.

Let’s say you have a friend who wants to quit smoking and you’re wondering just what you can do to help. You can make a big difference and here are a few ideas how.

Be Understanding — Hardly any smoker says they’re ready to quit “first thing tomorrow.” In fact, there are actually several stages a smoker goes through. And in most cases there’s a lot of time between “getting used to the idea,” “getting ready to do it” and actually “getting serious.” Just let them know you care, whatever stage they’re in. But don’t nag or pressure them – it could backfire.

Be Proactive – Keep in mind that your friend is the one who needs to make the decision – but that doesn’t mean you can’t do a little homework. Scope out some of the cessation programs available on-line or on your campus. Do some research on quitting. Then, when the subject comes up, you’ll be ready, willing and able to lend a hand.

read full article…