Hookah Pollutes More than Cigarettes

A recent study showed that hookahs—water pipes used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors—produce at least twice as much indoor pollution as cigarettes. The study showed higher levels of carbon monoxide as well as tiny particles called PM 2.5 from
hookah than cigarette smoke. In fact, inside areas adjacent to hookah smokers contained higher levels of pollution that rooms with active cigarette smokers.

Many people have misconceptions that hookah is a safer alternative to smoking. According to the CDC, during one hookah session, the smoker can inhale the equivalent smoke of about 150 cigarettes. This new study shows that the secondhand effects of hookah are also detrimental.

Hookah use has been increasing in the U.S. and throughout the world and many people are unaware of the risks. Smoke that has passed through water is cooler and may be easier to inhale, but it still contains many of the same cancer-causing agents that are in cigarette smoke.

Image Credit: Thinkstock
 Resource: https://www.healthcentral.com/article/doctors-work-to-fix-wikipedia-health-info

Naperville council considers raising tobacco purchase age to 21

Naperville City Council members Tuesday night weighed the benefits of raising the minimum purchasing age for tobacco products from 18 to 21.

Most council members agreed that raising the age to buy tobacco products might help keep people from becoming addicted to nicotine as teenagers. Most also agreed the onus of a new regulation should fall on those selling the tobacco product, not those using it.

"I'm certainly not interested in punishing people who are trying to use it," Councilwoman Judith Brodhead said.

Raising the age for consumption or possession of tobacco, as the city's Liquor and Tobacco Control Commission unanimously recommended, would create a "huge enforcement problem," Councilman Kevin Gallaher said.

"We don't want out police walking up and down the streets questioning kids to see how old they are," Gallaher said.
Councilman Kevin Coyne said that while he likes being relatively bold, he thinks 18-year-olds should be able to make their own decisions when it comes to smoking or using alternative tobacco products.

"I'm very much against the government making health decisions for legal adults." Coyne said. "That is a health decision for them to make." Councilman Paul Hinterlong largely agreed with Coyne.

Naperville Police Department detective Dan Riggs said raising the age to purchase tobacco products wouldn't create any additional enforcement work for the department. Officers would simply have to ensure anyone under 21 isn't buying tobacco products, instead of anyone under 18.

Most violations for underage smoking are found at schools, where officers are generally aware of students' ages, Riggs said.

Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico and Councilman John Krummen asked that an exemption be made for hookah bars, which offer specialty pipes to smoke flavored tobacco, usually in groups.

More than 180 municipalities – including Chicago, Evanston and Oak Park – across the country have already raised the smoking age. Two states – California and Hawaii – have raised the age statewide.

The Naperville City Council will consider the new regulations again Dec. 5
Resource: http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/news/ct-nvs-naperville-smoking-age-21-st-1118-20161116-story.html

UK Celebrates Seven Years of Being Tobacco-free

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2016) — The University of Kentucky will celebrate UK’s tobacco-free policy for the seventh year. All students, faculty and staff members are encouraged to come help celebrate the anniversary of the tobacco-free policy along with the Great American Smokeout from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. The event will take place at the Rose Street Walkway, directly in front of the Mining and Minerals Resources Building, and is free and open to the public.

The UK Tobacco-free Task Force, the Tobacco-free Take Action! (TFTA!) Ambassadors, University Health Service, the UK College of Pharmacy, the Student Health Advisory Council, and UK Dining will host the annual Tobacco-free Tailgate: The Great American Smokeout celebration. The tailgate will give people the opportunity to learn more about the health hazards of tobacco as well as available tobacco treatment resources on campus. There will be games, prizes and free food (chili, hot chocolate and s’mores).

UK’s tobacco-free policy took effect in fall 2009 and the University is committed to promoting a healthy place to live, work, and learn for students, employees, patients and visitors. The use of all tobacco products is prohibited on any property that is owned, operated or occupied by UK within Fayette County, which includes buildings, parking structures and lots, sidewalks, streets and inside vehicles. Tobacco products are defined as all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah, smokeless tobacco and electronic smoking devices. Everyone on campus — employees, students, patients, visitors, and vendors — are asked to respect others and adhere to the policy.

Kentucky leads the nation in incidence of lung cancer and mortality from the disease and reports some of the highest rates of tobacco use across the nation, UK recognizes the importance of the tobacco-free campus policy and offers many options to help employees, students and sponsored dependents quit using tobacco. For more information on quitting, go to http://www.uky.edu/TobaccoFree/.

Jacyln Perryman, an tobacco-free ambassador, is proud of the ways the tobacco-free policy has influenced campus and the role she gets to play in making campus healthier for students, staff and visitors. “I love that my job has allowed me to make a lasting, positive impact on our campus and I truly believe that the Ambassador Program, along with our volunteers, have made a difference and are continuing to make UK a healthy place to live, work, and learn," Perryman said.

In order to improve policy effectiveness, TFTA! was developed in spring 2011. TFTA! Ambassadors promote compliance with the University’s policy on a daily basis. Individuals who would like to get involved with the TFTA! Volunteer program can sign up here: http://www.uky.edu/TobaccoFree/volunteersignup

Show your support for UK’s tobacco-free campus on social media by using the hashtags #seeclear #seeblue.

UKPR&M CONTACT: Olivia McCoy, olivia.mccoy1@uky.edu, 859-257-1076



UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue
Resource: http://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/uk-celebrates-seven-years-being-tobacco-free

Great American Smokeout: The latest on tobacco cessation research

Nov. 17 is the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout. The annual event, held on the third Thursday of each November, is geared towards getting smokers to plan to quit.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), quitting has both short- and long-term benefits, and those who quit — even for 1 day — take a key step toward a healthier life and lower their cancer risk.

Although the CDC recently reported that tobacco use is at an all-time low, cancers associated with it make up 40% of all United States cancer diagnoses. Tobacco use still results in 480,000 deaths and more than $300 billion in productivity losses and direct health care expenditures each year, and it costs $1,000 less per year to care for an ex-smoker than a smoker. According to the ACS, “tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the world.”

Cigarette smoking rates have declined, but other ways to smoke tobacco — such as hookahs, pipes and cigars — are on the rise. Efforts to curb tobacco use are also on the rise, but, according to the CDC, more work must be done.

Marking the Great American Smokeout, Healio Family Medicine presents some of the latest research on tobacco use and cessation.

CDC: Tobacco use linked to 40% of cancer diagnoses

The CDC also stated men have a higher rate of tobacco-related cancer deaths than women; blacks have a higher rate of tobacco-related cancer deaths than other race groups and that the burden of tobacco-related cancers is worse in areas with high poverty levels and low levels of education. Read more

Lack of cessation program knowledge may keep smokers from quitting

The extent of Medicaid coverage for smoking-cessation medications may be a major barrier in getting low-income people to stop smoking, according to research published in Preventing Chronic Disease. Read more

Interventions necessary  to make youth less receptive to smoking initiation

Persisting racial and ethnic disparities in smoking susceptibility were observed among young nonsmokers in the United States, prompting the need for intervention programs that target youth when they are most impressionable regarding smoking, according to recent findings published in Pediatrics. Read more

Cold turkey 'superior' method to quit smoking

Abrupt smoking cessation led to lasting abstinence more often than gradual smoking cessation, according to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Read more

Farther distance to tobacco store associated with quitting smoking

An increase in distance to a tobacco store from home was associated with increased odds of smoking cessation, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Read more

Financial incentives help low-income adults quit smoking

A group of low-income smokers that received incremental financial incentives up to a maximum equivalent of more than $1,000 was more likely to quit smoking than those who did not get the incentive,  according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Read more

Weight loss, smoking cessation reduce reflux symptoms in GERD

Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, smoking cessation, avoiding late evening meals and elevation at the head-of-the-bed for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were shown to be beneficial in a recent systematic review. Researchers also found evidence that awareness of possible adverse effects associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors has increased. Read more

FDA extends authority over e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco

Earlier this year, the extended its regulatory authority over all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, cigars and hookah tobacco, prohibiting retailers from selling these products to persons aged younger than 18 years, according to a press release. Read more

Rapid increase, misperceptions of hookah use jeopardizes health of young adults

Hookah use has increased among adults in the United States since 2011, according to a new study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research. Read more

Initiating HT may prompt transgender women to quit smoking

Transgender women may be more likely than transgender men or the general population to quit or decrease smoking when initiating hormone therapy, study data show. Read more
Resource: http://www.healio.com/family-medicine/addiction/news/online/%7B27241d04-4e07-4bfc-a797-98a7e74568e0%7D/great-american-smokeout-the-latest-on-tobacco-cessation-research

Recently reviewed Bill of Fare restaurants: 11-17

Summaries of recently reviewed area restaurants, in the order in which they were reviewed, with the most recent at the top. To see previous Bill of Fare reviews on the Web, go to toledoblade.com and type “Bill of Fare” into the search box and click enter.


● Nick & Jimmy’s Bar and Grill, 4956 Monroe St., Toledo, capitalizes on Americans' soft spot for neighborhood bars. It offers have good burgers, pizza, fries, and other assortments of unhealthy food options. Over many years, Nick & Jimmy’s has mastered the art of bar food. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Element 112 is a gem in the Toledo-area restaurant landscape. It's a truly fine-dining experience without the pretentiousness of a fine-dining experience. The food and service are top notch; we had not one out-of-focus dish and everyone — from the front of the house to the servers we met — was amicable and attentive. $$$$ 5 stars.

● Don't be fooled by the name, Amie's Pizza Factory, 6710 W. Central Ave., is not churning out cookie-cutter pies. It specializes in the specialty pizza, breaking the pizza-box mold with unlikely toppings that are inspired by some of America's greatest foods, such as the BLT Pizza or Coney Island Pizza with hot dogs. There are even versions that tell of our love of Mexican food, the Fajita Pizza and Taco Pizza. Amie's also does the classic pie right, and has a consistent thin crust that is thicker than your average thin with a soft top. We do suggest trying out a hot sub, but may caution you to choose wisely if you order form the pasta side of the menu. $, 3.5 stars.

● The 4 Seasons Cafe, 1208 N. Reynolds Rd., offers a unique Mediterranean dining experience in Toledo. Visitors can kick back, enjoy a feast, and smoke hookah in a decorative, comfy lounge. Sit for hours after a tasty dinner, melt into a couch, and listen to live music waft through the air. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Comfort food with a barbecue flair is the name of the game at Shorty's True American Roadhouse, 5111 Monroe St. The side dishes aren't much to speak of, but the meat portions are generous and flavorful. Ribs are the eatery's claim to fame, but you'll also find decent burgers and brisket, and delectable desserts. Sauces come both sweet and mild and sweet and spicy. Shorty's is the most affordable of the Mancy's restaurants, which helps explain its booming clientele, $$, 4 stars.

● Situated just inside the Grove Place entrance, the Toledo Museum Cafe, 2445 Monroe St., offers a limited menu of pasta, sandwiches, salads, and soups. But don’t expect run-of-the-mill fare. The cafe sets itself apart from similar attraction-related establishments with its fresh ingredients and surprising combinations. $$, 3.5 stars.

● Georgio's Cafe International, 426 N. Superior St., will make even a good culinary experience great with its customer service. Guests are greeted by servers who are well-educated on its menu of upscale Mediterranean, Italian and seafood dining items, and catered to on the small details. For the most part, the cuisine is exceptional as well, with a few hiccups during recent visits. $$$ 4 stars.

● Lena's Italian Restaurant at 214 E. Adrian St. in Blissfield, Mich., is not as far away from Sicily as its address indicates. Mama Lena's hearty, rich pasta dishes have only to envy their champion, the Carbonara (available with chicken, spicy, regular, or however you'd like it). Deep-dish Sicilian pizza outpaces the original pie, but each are outstanding. Homemade desserts, sandwiches, and more all best expectation. $$ 4.5 stars.

● For more than 25 years, Rumors Restaurant, 5205 Monore St., has served a menu of XXL-sized Mediterranean and American meals. The specialty sampler is a great introduction to the Mediterranean portion, including arguably the best grape leaves and gyro meat in town. For something American, try the Reuben platter with its mound of hand-cut fries. Also recommended: the succulent lamb shank and crispy-thin supreme pizza with feta cheese and gyro meat. $$ 3.5 stars.

● If it’s a nice day for a drive and you’re craving a good burger, head for Haskins, Ohio, and the Mail Pouch Saloon, 102 W. Main St., in the Wood County village. The burgers are superb and come in several varieties, from The Blazin’ Blues, with Cajun spices,blue cheese, and bacon, to the Chipotle Black Bean Burger, and the basic but delicious Pony Express Burger. The restaurant’s menu is large and varied, including steaks, salads, and chicken dishes. The atmosphere is fun, and the service is very good. $$ 3.5 stars.

● If you're really hungry and pressed for time, and happen to be in Point Place, you could visit River Diner at 2040 Ottawa River Drive. The service will probably be great but the food — whether you order a traditional diner-style item or something from the Mediterranean offerings — will do little to impress. Among our samplings we tried too-tough-to-tear pancakes, a decent eggs benedict, a tasty hummus that could have used way more vegetables on the side, and mac-n-cheese bites that were actually really great. $$ 2 stars.

● Nine, 9 N. Saint Clair St., opened in April and as part of Hensville, the entertainment district around Fifth Third Field. It serves American fare, such as meatloaf, braised beef, and crispy duck, with inventive twists -- BBQ Bacon Biscuit served with a slab of smokey bacon, Roasted Duck Pancake redesigned as mini-tacos, and a pierogi filled with a trout. However, the restaurant still has some kinks to iron out. At times, plates were served cold or skimped on a main ingredient. In all, considering its location, hip design, and open bar that puts as much emphasis on mocktails as it does cocktails, Nine has all the ingredients to be a downtown hot spot. $$$ 3 stars.

● The Executive Diner, 2516 W. Sylvania Ave., has been consistent in its fare for years. For the early birds, it's a great way to start your day. So enjoy the diner's American and Mexican food choices. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Macs N' Melts, 3330 W. Central Ave., wants to be the next big thing in fast casual, with a menu that boasts a variety of macaroni and cheese dishes and sumptuous melts. You get a lot for the money, even if the blending of cheeses sometimes renders the final flavoring a bit bland. A second location is open at 26520 N. Dixie Hwy., in Perrysburg. Some work is still needed on the temperature and spiciness of the dishes, but the prices and welcome atmosphere are a plus. $$ 3 stars.

● SamB's Restaurant, 163 S. Main St., Bowling Green, offers a diverse menu, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere. From sandwiches and salads to steaks and seafood, SamB's offers something for every taste. The steak and seafood dishes, in particular, make SamB's worth a visit. $$$ 4 stars.

● The Northwood oddity, Cabo Loco Mexi-Bar & Burgers, is in a category of its own serving outsized portions of unique Tex-Mex in an isolated structure at 2497 E. Broadway. Mild tomatillo verde salsa is among the best in town, and entrées predominantly feature a lightly fried “puffy” tortilla that is also outstanding. Hearty, cheese-stuffed burgers come in several Southwestern twists but can also be made to order. Despite underwhelming digs, dishes can overwhelm in a mostly satisfying way, even if traveling in the company of surfeit. $$ 3 stars.

● Fat Jack's, 120 W. South Boundary in Perrysburg, dishes some of the best bar food in town.The epic-sized Fat Jack Burger is a monstrosity of goodness — a double patty with cheese, special sauce and all the fixins — with a split side of homemade onion rings and fries. Also worth consideration: the tangy- sweet barbecue bacon burger, the Cajun chicken sandwich, and the grilled ham and cheese. Tasty appetizers include the Blazing Jack's Chunks — grilled all-white chicken tossed naked in Buffalo sauce — and the cheesy burrito bites. $-$$ 3.5 stars.

● The Upper Deck at the Boardwalk, 341 Bayview Ave., on the island of Put-in-Bay, is a great place to get great lobster in many different dishes. The restaurant offers lobster tail, a lobster BLT, lobster mac n'cheese and of course, its famous lobster bisque. Mixed in with its love for lobster is an ability to make other great seafood dishes, as well as burgers and appetizers. $$$ 3.5 stars.

● Jing Chuan, a family-owned restaurant with decades of service behind it, might have some of the best Chinese food in the region. The West Toledo restaurant, 4424 Secor Rd., is a little quirky, with traditional Chinese dishes (and a special back page for the most hardcore diners), tiki-style drinks, and house-made French macarons for desert. While the food — especially the sizzling rice soup and entrees, including the Jing Chuan chicken and Mongolian Stars — was delicious, the service stole the show. $$ 4 stars.

● No one in Toledo executes the art of pizza making like 5th Street Pub, 5577 Monroe St., Sylvania. The local restaurant is named after the street in Perrysburg where the original restaurant is located. Part of the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli, it practices the craft of pizza making that originated in Naples hundreds of years ago. Pies are hand-stretched, then fired in a wood-burning oven, direct from Italy. The restaurant also features hearty burgers, hoagies that will make your heart sing, and a variety of Italian inspired appetizers. $$ 4.5 stars.

● Webber's Waterfront Restaurant, 6339 Edgewater Drive, Erie Township, has been a big part of the southeast Michigan area for years. With many surf and turf options, eeeeee diners should not have any trouble finding something they like on the menu. Grab a glass of sangria and enjoy the summertime surroundings Webber's offers. $$$ 3.5 stars.

● Those who operate Blackberry Corner Tavern, 5975 N. Elliston-Trowbridge Rd., don't put on airs. They simply want to run a great pizza joint that keeps the pub food and cold drink flowing. Housed in an old school building in the middle of nowhere, the restaurant has been around for decades, and packs its bar and back room daily with customers who like pizzas heavy with toppings, sandwiches, and cold drinks. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Amango, 5228 Monroe St., Toledo, is an unpretentious restaurant that reminds us of the joys of Vietnamese food. Open again after being closed several months for remodeling, the eatery specializes in delicious pan Asian cuisine ranging from such standard dishes as beef broth pho and bahn mi sandwiches, to sumptuous noodle bowls dressed with a delectable fish sauce. Vietnamese cuisine lacks the denseness of Korean food and eschews the glazes of Chinese. It's lighter than its brethren, but no less satisfying. $$ 4 stars.

● Indian Jewel of Toledo is known well for two things: delicious, flavorful food and sloth-slow service. It's unfair to hold against the South Toledo restaurant, at 6711 Airport Hwy., the snail's pace because that's part of the experience. Although our food on two visits was not perfect, each dish received high marks for flavor. There's a buffet-only lunch option served during the afternoon and a full-menu dinner service. Take with you your patience and either a loquacious friend or a good book, and enjoy some of the best Indian food in the region. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Loma Linda's, 10400 Airport Highway, near Swanton, doubles as a mediocre Mexican restaurant and area watering hole. This establishment has been serving food for decades. Loyal followers swear by its drinks as much as its food, which is tasteless and low quality. The tortilla chips, not made in-house, are served with subpar salsa, an omen of what's to come. Many of its listless dishes are smothered in stiff American cheese. If you're looking for bright, fresh Mexican food, keep looking. But the drinks, especially the margaritas, are cheap and delightful. $ 2 stars.

● Pete's Piadina Grille, 10000 U.S. 20, Rossford, is much like a Chipotle or Subway with an Italian twist. The locally owned eatery offers flatbreads and pastas layered with ingredients of the diner's choice for a quick, filling meal. $ 3 stars.

● Arturo's Pizza Kitchen, 2507 Oregon Rd., Northwood, has been in the area since 1988. From its fresh dough to its savory sauce, an Arturo's pizza can be quite the treat if all of the ingredients are fresh. $$ 3 stars.

● La Scola Italian Grill, 5375 Airport Hwy., has an old-school feel with simply terrific cuisine. Whether you order traditional Italian dishes such as lasagna or fettucini alfredo, or weekly chef specials that range from short ribs to lamb, you will find it difficult to complain. Superior customer service and a welcoming environment complete the trifecta. $$$ 4.5 stars.

● Freeway Restaurant (formerly Freeway Drive-In), at 2665 Navarre Ave. in Oregon and open 24 hours a day, does good food well, particularly breakfast: plate-sized fluffy pancakes, killer cheesy omelets, piles of crispy bacon, and lip-smacking-good cinnamon-swirled French toast. Its lunch and dinner comfort-food meals were a bit less rewarding, with the country-fried steak dinner special and tried-and-true cheeseburger among the standouts. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Although Bangkok Cafe is easy to miss, the food is reason enough to seek out this tasty Thai restaurant at 3401 Woodville Rd., Northwood. Favorite dishes include chicken satay, beef jerky, pad sew ew, and cashew chicken (though almost everything was good). Don't dine in if you're in a hurry; plates are staggered in arriving at the table, and appetizers sometimes arrive after entrees. $$ 3 stars.

● Fusion Bistro, 3136 Markway, Toledo, boasts on its website of having staff sushi chefs, despite being nestled in a middle class West Toledo neighborhood. Yet sushi is the one thing it doesn't do so well; pedestrian is the best description for it. Instead, the eatery excels at pub food, especially its $8 12-inch pizzas which let you add on toppings for $1 each. You'll also find 19 beers and a cozy after-work atmosphere. $$ 3 stars.

● At Dégagé Jazz Café, in the historic Commercial Building at 301 River Rd., Maumee, Chef Joseph Jacobsen is committed to a rotating menu that introduces eaters to culinary delights outside the mundane food characters chicken, beef, or pork. He elevates rustic fare like catfish, duck, even the earthy, nutty beech mushrooms, and wild game to culinary characters that tango with homemade pickled onions and vegetables, velvety cheeses, bacon jams, collard greens, and a mash of bright pureed root vegetables. The menu aims to please all taste buds, vegan, and gluten free. The bonus is the relaxed atmosphere and jazz bands that perform every night after 7:30. You can sit up close in the lounge or be entertained by the music in the outdoor patio and main dinning room. $$$ 4.5 stars.

● Sidon Lebanese Grille & Bakery has found a new home in Toledo, and the community could not be happier. Finally, a new tenant calls 4625 Bancroft home. Sidon offers a great mix of breakfast, lunch, and dinner products piping hot off the grill or from its stone-fire oven. The adjacent market is great for shopping as well. $$ 4 stars.

● Kobe Bay, 18 Main St. (On the Docks), left us confused after two visits to the restaurant. Opened in October, Kobe Bay's fresh, Asian-influenced food options were good enough, but lack of a customer base and poor service had us worried for its future. $$$ 2.5 stars.

● Luckies Barn & Grill, 3319 Navarre Ave., Oregon, is the sort of place you go to take a load off or have a drink. It's a neighborhood roadhouse, with rustic décor and meat. Lots of meat. If you enjoy a good burger, fried chicken bombs, or rack of ribs, this is the place for you. It can get a tad loud with the open seating plan, and not all sandwiches are created equal. ( The French dip disappoints). The eatery makes no apologies for its down-home style, and its customers don't seem to mind in the least . $$ 3.5 stars.

● The Weaver family has been serving inventive pizza pies since they took over the restaurant side of Charlie Nyitray's business in 2011. Charlie's Homemade Pizza and Italian Cuisine at 6600 Sylvania Ave. in Sylvania serves up classic and specialty pizzas, from cheese to the Bluto, a festival of meats, on a fluffy dough or crisp thin crust, both champions in our eyes. Sometimes the overabundance of toppings does result in the pizza losing its edge. It also serves up Italian-inspired dishes that can be hit or miss. Overall, if you and your family are looking for a hearty meal on the cheap, you can't go wrong with Charlie's. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Steady as ever, the Avenue Bistro's delicious food, clean atmosphere, and live music will keep you coming back for more. The restaurant knows its base, and has found a nice niche in northwest Ohio . $$$ 4 stars.

● Sage Steak and Seafood, 8505 Secor Rd., Lambertville, is a welcome steakhouse addition to the greater Toledo area. It offers high-quality steaks and burgers, as well as a creative array of seafood and Michigan craft beers. $$-$$$ 3.5 stars.

● Tiger Bakery, with locations in West Toledo and Sylvania Township, has been serving up authentic and delicious Mediterranean food in a deli-style restaurant and shop for decades. With dozens of options daily, from individual pies and sandwiches to a variety of salads and sweets, you won't leave disappointed or hungry. $ 3.5 stars.

● Revolution Grille, 5333 Monroe St., is a gem tucked away in West Toledo that offers exceptional cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients and inventive craft drinks in a friendly atmosphere. Chef Rob Campbell boosts steaks, fish, chicken, and vegetables with sauces and spices that delight the palate. The menu changes constantly . $$$ 4.5 stars.

● Sunrise Skillet, 1855 S. Reynolds Rd., offers plenty of reason to wake up in the morning. The diner offers an array of omelets, skillets, Belgian waffles, pancakes, sandwiches, and more. Expect friendly service and delicious, yet affordable, food. $ 4 stars.

● Rockwell’s Steakhouse and Lounge, 27 Broadway. Housed in the historic Oliver House, its upscale roots as a premiere hotel are still visible in its clubby atmosphere. Yet, there is no snobbery here. You can dress up for an evening on the town or dress down. The steakhouse wet ages meats for two weeks and puts a straightforward emphasis on their preparation. From theatrical and pleasing hors d'oeuvres to captivating side dishes and desserts, this is a place to experience the best dining Toledo has to offer. $$$$ 4.5 stars.

● At Jim Shull’s Rib-Cage, 144 Chesterfield Lane, Maumee, you are sure to find something to enjoy with its eclectic menu of ribs, pastas, steaks, and seafood. The restaurant also caters to your tastes in atmosphere. As you enter to the left, there is a lounge to catch a sports game, sip a cocktail, or listen to the music. To the right is an emphasis on fine dining for the more intimate dining experience. $$$ 3.5 stars.

● Shawarmaholic, 3344 Secor Rd., is the latest addition to Toledo's thriving Middle Eastern food scene. In business just over a year, the cozy eatery boasts everything from gyro and grape leaves to full meals of beef, chicken, and vegetarian Mediterranean staples. The spit-roasted meat is sometimes a tad overcooked, but what you get for your money is amazing: heaping plates of halal-prepared food and pieces of pita bread the size of a small dinner plate. This place delivers the sort of value a budget-conscious diner will love. $$ 3.5 stars.

● The Maumee Bay Brew Pub, 27 Broadway, serves some of the best craft beer in northwest Ohio, and also some really good food. Start off with a giant pretzel. It's a pub favorite and you'll need a brew or two to wash it down. Pizzas and burgers are the pub's specialties, and they don't disappoint. Plus, the beer hall is a fun place to hang out with friends. $$ 4 stars.

● Thai Basil, 1855 S. Reynolds Rd., reminds diners that there is some great Thai food out there in Toledo — you just have to find it. The downfall was inconsistency in working with the less experienced Thai food connoisseur about spicing levels, but the food overall was exceptional in flavor and presentation. Highly recommended is the traditional Pad Thai and many of the establishment’s appetizers. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Tea Tree Asian Bistro, 4100 Chappel Dr., Perrysburg, offers an Asian dining experience. The food is good, but it's the atmosphere that drives the prices. Half-priced sushi from 5 p.m. to close on Tuesdays and Thursdays is a bargain that shouldn't be missed. $$$-$$$$ 3 stars.

● At Ideal Hot Dog, you know what you're getting into from the chili mac to the franks. With locations at Alexis and Heatherdowns, the restaurants have been in the city for years and will continue their tradition of serving up comfort food to Toledoans. $ 2.5 stars.

● Sabor Brazilian Grill & Desserts, 4751 Monroe St., charts new dining territory in Toledo with its modified Brazilian steakhouse theme, but don't expect food that celebrates the spice of life. Most dishes are tasty in a low key fashion, with minimal spiciness and an emphasis on steak, lamb, chicken, vegetarian, and rice, lots of rice. That said, it's likely to be a favorite with those who don't need their taste buds to do the samba. Think simple foods at a highly reasonable price. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Piada Italian Street Food, 3330 W. Central Ave., is Italian food fast, but not necessarily fast-food Italian. The assembly-line themed restaurant churns out piadas, bowls of pasta, Italian sandwiches, and salads using fresh, colorful ingredients in an on-the-spot environment similar to its Mexican food counterpart, Chipotle. This chain holds steady in its efforts to give its patrons a decent meal, quickly. $$ 3.5 stars.

● South Side 6, 737 S. Main St., Bowling Green, is more than the typical six-pack shop. It boasts the “best gyro in the world” and dishes out tasty, generously portioned Mediterranean and American entrees for takeout and delivery. The Hummus Heaven, a layered dip with sizable chunks of grilled chicken, parsley, tomatoes, onions, and then topped with crispy seasoned pita chips, shouldn't be missed. $-$$ 3.5 stars.

● Berger’s Olde Tyme Bar and Grill, 1742 W. Laskey Rd., is a neighborhood bar that places as much emphasis on its food and oversize burgers as its drinks. It serves good ol' American grub and specialty burgers as well as hot submarine sandwiches, salads, chicken wings, and all the fried food greats: onion rings, deep-fried green beans, and mozzarella sticks. Open since 1993, it has been known to cater to the factory and plant crowd, giving the working man and woman a place to unwind after a hard day's work. And we salute them for that. Unpretentious, warm, and inviting, you can find a spot among their giant booths to kick back, refresh in a cold brew, and nosh on some burgers and fries. $-$$ 3.5 stars.

● Los Dos Gallos, 5327 Dorr St., lacks in the décor you find at other restaurants. However, the inexpensive lunch/​brunch experience was a hit, only to be disappointed by the overcooked meat options at dinnertime. If you go on the right day, take advantage of Los Dos Gallos’ specials and it could make for a good night out in Toledo. $$ 3 stars.

● Poco Piatti, 3155 Chappel Dr. in Levis Commons, at times reminds you of an assembly line of food that has lost its individual touch. Despite this, the restaurant offers enough menu items for everyone to find their niche, and there was more great than not-so-great. Diners choose from a vast menu of small plates and entrees, including traditional hummus, tuna, lamb sliders, kafka, and kabobs. The pillowy bread is not to be missed. In the end, this Mediterranean eatery is worth visiting. $$-$$$. 3.5 stars.

● Treo, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, wouldn't be out of place in one of Manhattan's trendier neighborhoods, say Tribeca or SoHo. The delicious food spans Italian, American, and French-inspired dishes, and the atmosphere is amiably upscale and pleasantly low key. Your biggest challenge will be deciding what dish to order — pasta? beef Wellington? filet mignon? — or to skip dinner altogether and go for the decidedly af fordable Sunday brunch menu. $$-$$$. 4.5 stars.

● Kyoto Ka’s downtown location, 300 Madison Ave., is a scaled down version of the popular Sylvania Township original. For sushi and sashimi, freshness is key, and Kyoto Ka delivers while managing to stay budget-friendly. The menu offers a variety of rolls and several options for diners who choose to skip the raw fish. $$-$$$ 4 stars.

● Angelo’s Northwood Villa, 6630 S. Dixie Hwy., Erie, has not updated its décor probably since its speak-easy years, but that is half of its charm. Tucked away in Erie, it has several elegant eating rooms and honors the old reliables of supper clubs, which were once popular from the 1930s to the 1970s: seafood, steak, and glistening pastas. Opt for the house-made tiramisu to polish off your fine dinner. It also pays homage to some delicacies, such as frog legs and escargot. It has a convivial atmos phere on Friday and Saturday nights with live music. Be sure to check out the hidden cigar room. $$$ 5 stars.

● The Monroe Street Diner, 4514 Monroe St., is happy to serve omelets, hearty meals, soups, and salads to the early risers and a lunch crowd. But those looking for a bite to eat later in the evening will find the diner closed — even with a slogan “breakfast anytime.” In our two visits, we missed the boat with our orders and will chalk it up as the diner being off its game those days. $ 2 stars.

● Yala Kol, 3200 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd. You might breeze by if you don’t know any better, but the food at Yala Kol is worth checking out. From traditional Mediterranean fare that includes gyros, garlicky hummus, and chicken shawarma, to rich, savory dinners of succulent meats and fluffy rice, this newly established restaurant is worth checking out. Ask for the homemade garlic sauce on the side with everything. $$ 4 stars.

● Two Foxes Gastropub, 121 S. Main St., in Bowling Green has 11 burgers and a handful of pub sandwich favorites on the menu — we highly recommend the Poblano Pollo Loco and liked the burgers for the most part. It’s a friendly spot to enjoy a craft beer and an ever-changing menu. $$ 3.5 stars.

● Mancy’s Bluewater Grille, 461 W. Dussel Dr., Maumee, is the sort of place you go for special occasions, with its low-key lighting and upscale pricing. Although you can get delicious steaks and pork chops, the menu mostly stresses seafood, from mahi mahi and walleye to oysters, lobster, and everything in between. The made-from-scratch pizza dough rolls help make up for the occasional misstep, such as a bowl of soup served lukewarm instead of hot. A small quibble for an otherwise exceptional eatery. $$$ 4.5 stars

● Doc’s Food & Spirits, 18625 Main St., Tontogany, Ohio, is everything you might expect from a small-town restaurant bar. The tender fall-off-the-bone ribs, beef tips, and sirloin stand out on varied menu of traditional comfort foods and Americanized Mexican favorites. The welcoming and friendly service makes the 30-minute drive from Toledo well worth the trip. $$-$$$ 3.5 stars

● The extensive menu of the Flower Drum, 49 S. Byrne Rd., offers a variety of American-Chinese cuisine selections. However, with the long list of entrees, you will find hits and misses. So if you order right, the Flower Drum can be a pleasant dining experience in South Toledo. $ 2½ stars.

● Ventura’s, “the Original Mexican Restaurant and Cantina,” 7742 W. Bancroft St., has been serving enchiladas, burritos (including its own Adela’s Wet Burritos, a favorite), fajitas, and more since 1984, but it can also credit its margaritas for its success. In addition to its Tex-Mex-style fare, it serves a Heart Smart Chicken Enchilada made with fat-free cheese and sauce. 419-841-7523. $$ 3 stars.

● Authenticity is the name of the game at Rose Thai, 5333 Monroe St., which excels at the myriad flavors of the region ranging from sweet and sour to hot and salty. Whether your taste runs to pork and chicken or vegetarian and seafood, the fare here is delivered with ample flavor. Standouts include the Pad Thai and grilled shrimp fantasy. For something different, check out the duck curry. The serene, understated atmosphere is a bonus. $$ 4 stars.

● Chubby’s American Grill, 535 W. Alexis Rd., is a new West Toledo restaurant serving large portions of deliciousness that your doctor may not approve of, but your gullet most assuredly will. Highlights are the signature Reuben balls and pulled pork sliders; the Mac & Crack — mac & cheese with andouille sausage and nice-size shrimp in a five-cheese sauce — is comfort food on steroids; the gigantic Chubby’s Slammer, one of four plate-filling chicken chunk options, and the towering Ernie’s Chubby Double Decker cheeseburger, featuring two 8-ounce patties and plenty of fixings. $$ 4 stars.

● Kengo Sushi & Yakitori, 38 S. St. Clair St., has made its mark in the Warehouse District since its opening in February. Chef Kengo Kato serves up fresh sushi and grilled items daily to the cozy crowd that visits the 23-seat restaurant, including fresh raw fish and grilled chicken and vegetable items. The flavors cover all the taste-bud fronts and are a culinary experience not to be missed. $$$ 5 stars.

● POP Grille, 3309 Holland-Sylvania Rd., specializes in inventive Asian fusion dishes that pack plenty of POP, perfectly blending sweetness with a touch of heat. The salmon, smoked in house, is among the highlights in the Smoke Salmon Wrap ($14) and the Pagoda Salmon ($9). The wontons, available in pork or chicken ($11), also shouldn’t be missed. $$-$$$ 4 stars.

● The Flying Joe has found a home in the Levis Commons area. Come to the Perrysburg coffee house at 2130 Preston Pkwy, Perrysburg, to build your own custom fare, try a pretzel croissant sandwich, or venture in to try the plethora of caffeinated beverages The Flying Joe has to offer. The Flying Joe supports v eterans with a 10 percent discount on drinks and meals. $ 3 stars.

● BleakHouse Coffee serves downtown Toledo tasty treats, sandwiches, and fresh-brewed coffee in a petite shop at 612 Adams St. Named after the eponymous Charles Dickens novel, the coffee shop features tasty beans, a cozy setting, and a laid-back demeanor. It also features limited hours, so be sure to check when BleakHouse is open. $ 3 stars.

● Greg’s Grill, 3243 Sylvania Ave., serves up mom and pop classics with flair. The BBQ burger and Cuban sandwich won us over during lunch, and you can't miss with the breakfast menu. $$ 4 stars.

● Palacio Maya Bar & Grill, 5125 Monroe St., has changed names in the last year, but may also have dropped a notch or two in the quality of its food. The West Toledo Mexican restaurant is solid with traditional food and drink, but falls short when trying to dazzle its customers on entrees with a twist. $$ 2½ stars.

● M Osteria, 609 Monroe St., is situated a stone’s throw from Fifth Third Field and offers the swank atmosphere of a SoHo trattoria with its emphasis on Italian foods. Whether your taste runs to sublime beet salad, personal pizzas, or heftier entrees such as a bistro steak sandwich or Tagliatelle Carbonara, you’ll find it here, along with an expansive wine selection. The eatery sometimes stu mbles on the details — foods aren’t always delivered at the right temperature — but those growing pains should eventually dissipate, allowing this upstart to live up to its promise. $$-$$$ 3 stars.


● Public House, 138 N. Monroe St., is a risk-taking restaurant open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in downtown Monroe. The New American menu is full of locally made fare that dares you to try something different each visit. The Public House Burger, hangar steak, and mac & cheese are can’t-miss items. Most breakfast selections are top-notch as well. $$-$$$ 4 stars.

Resource:   http://www.toledoblade.com/Restaurant-Reviews/2016/11/17/Recently-reviewed-Bill-of-Fare-restaurants-11-17-2016.html

BAT to debut new tobacco device in Japan in challenge to Philip Morris

British American Tobacco will begin selling its heated tobacco product Glo in Japan next month, ratcheting up competition in a nation that’s become the foremost battleground for next-generation cigarettes.

Glo, a silver device that resembles an iPod and heats tobacco without burning it, will go on sale in around 600 stores in Sendai, London-based BAT said in a statement Tuesday. A starter kit will sell for ¥8,000 ($77), about 20 percent cheaper than Philip Morris International Inc.’s rival iQOS device.

“Japanese consumers are always hungry for innovation and we want to be the No. 1 in the Japanese market,” said Donato Del Vecchio, a spokesman for BAT’s next-generation products.

Gadget-loving Japan — the world’s fifth-biggest tobacco market — is the only country to have three heat-not-burn smoking alternatives on the market.

BAT will play catch-up with Japan Tobacco Inc. and Marlboro-maker Philip Morris, which have been the pacesetters.

With smoking on the decline around the world, tobacco companies are in a race to come up with safer products to feed nicotine addiction, even as the $770 billion industry leans on old-fashioned cigarettes to sustain profit. Philip Morris, which has been outspending BAT on such research, has already grabbed 5 percent of the Japanese cigarette market with iQOS since the device became available nationwide a year ago.

When Japan Tobacco started selling Ploom Tech, another alternative product using vapor and granulated tobacco in a capsule, in March in Fukuoka Prefecture, shipments were suspended in about a week as demand outstripped supply. The Tokyo-based company said in September it will expand sales of Ploom Tech to several major Japanese cities in early 2017, and boost production capacity of the capsules by 10 times next year.

“Of course we are learning from the supply issue that some of our competitors face,” said Roberta Palazzetti, president of BAT Japan, in a briefing held in Tokyo Tuesday. “We are not expecting to have a capacity issue — we have enough capacity to cover the Japanese market.”

Japan Tobacco shares, which have slumped 12 percent this year through Monday, rose as much as 2.2 percent in Tokyo trading Tuesday. BAT shares rose 0.6 percent by the close of trading in London on Monday, and are up by 21 percent this year.

In addition to relatively wealthy consumers, Japan has strict regulations on liquids containing nicotine, limiting competition from e-cigarettes. That makes the country an ideal testing ground for heated tobacco devices.

“If iQOS can replicate the demand it’s seen in Japan elsewhere, then it will really lock in first-mover advantage,” said Euromonitor analyst Shane MacGuill. “That could be a significant problem for BAT.”
Resource: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/09/business/corporate-business/bat-debut-new-tobacco-device-japan-challenge-philip-morris/#.WCL-4fSwnIV

70 percent of Filipinos favor vaping

By Lyn Resurreccion

TJ Villaruz placed a tube to his mouth, and a few seconds later a cloud of “smoke” billowed. But the smoke had no tobacco stench. It smells of cinnamon.

No, Villaruz, 27, was not smoking a conventional cigarette. He was using electronic cigarette (e-cigarette). And the cloud emitted was not smoke—it was vapor

A former cigarette smoker, Villaruz turned to vaping in 2012 when he experienced chest pains, which has since gone. Also, his appetite for food has improved.

4 percent Filipinos use e-cigarettes

Villaruz could be among the 4 percent of Filipinos who use e-cigarettes regularly or occasionally as alternative to conventional cigarettes that factasia.org, a consumer advocacy group, has found in a survey it commissioned recently.

The survey also found out that seven out of 10 Filipinos (70 percent) are in favor of e-cigarettes as alternative to tobacco products.

The survey was conducted by Ipsos research agency for factasia.org from July 26 to August 9. Surveyed were 600 respondents aged 18 and above in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.

Heneage Mitchell, cofounder of factasia.org, said at a recent news conference announcing the survey results that 70 percent of the respondents would consider switching to e-cigarette “if they were legal, met quality and safety standards and were conveniently available.”

He said almost nine out of 10 of adult smokers (86 percent) agree they should have the right to access information about less harmful alternatives to cigarettes, and almost eight out of 10 (76 percent) agree the government should encourage them to switch to less harmful products by easing fiscal and regulatory policies.

However, the Philippine government recently announced that President Duterte is set to sign an order banning smoking in public places—indoor or outdoor—including public vehicles. The ban will include e-cigarettes, news reports said.

Safe alternative to cigarettes

The survey was conducted to ask the consumers on their views on safer alternatives to cigarettes, such as e-cigarettes, that do not burn tobacco and do not produce the hazardous particulates, tar and smoke in conventional cigarettes. It was also done “in order to gain a better understanding of Asian consumers’ demand for less harmful alternative to tobacco.”

Michell said only 15 percent of the survey respondents have tried e-cigarettes. He said world public- health and tobacco-control experts encourage the use of e-cigarettes as a less harmful alternative for smokers who have difficulty to quit smoking or enjoy nicotine.

Global health experts, he added, describe e-cigarettes as “more than 95 percent safer than smoking” and “no more harmful than coffee.”

Mitchell said advocates of tobacco control have recognized that nicotine patches and gum are ineffective alternative to cigarette, making 64 percent of those who stopped smoking reverting to cigarettes.

He said in the United Kingdom e-cigarettes are “encouraged” by Public Health England, which recently reported that e-cigarettes are the most popular aid to quitting smoking, which has reached an all-time high.

What is e-cigarette?

E-cigarette was invented in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, according to Internet sources. Since e-cigarettes were brought to the market in 2004, their global use has risen exponentially. As of 2015 most e-cigarettes are made in China.

An e-cigarette is a handheld electronic device. It vaporizes a flavored liquid, popularly known in the Philippines as juice. The user inhales the vapor. The fluid in the e-cigarette is made of pharmacological-standard nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine and flavorings.

The components of e-cigarettes are e-liquids or e-juice, a glass or plastic vial container of e-liquid, cartridge, atomizer, battery, cartomizer and clearomizer, digital display or lights to adjust settings, tank systems, drip tips, flavorings and programable software.

E-cigarettes in the Philippines could be bought from stores in malls or in small shops.

Harmful effects of cigarettes

E-cigarettes became popular as people were searching for an alternative to cigarette that has become known to harm nearly every organ of the body and has caused many diseases.

Cigarette smoking causes lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and most cases of lung cancer.

Cigarette smoke contains 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known cancer-causing compounds and 400 other toxins.

Besides nicotine—which makes smoking addictive—cigarette ingredients include toxic ingredients as tar, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane.

Smokers-turned-vapers

Former cigarette smokers affirmed that their health problems related to smoking disappeared when they turned to e-cigarette.

Tom Pinlac, president of TheVapers.ph, a group of previous smokers, said before he turned to e-cigarette, he had experienced shortness of breath and high blood pressure. He started vaping two years ago and has since been having stable
blood pressure.

He said in the same news briefing that members of his group are “looking for truth on the use of e-cigarettes.” Despite limited information, he said at least they “have a choice.”

He agreed that vaping is a “good alternative” to cigarette smoking. Besides providing the vaper’s need for nicotine, it mimics the smoking motion of putting something in the mouth.

Alan Marciano, 39, secretary- general of ProVape, a 13,000-strong consumer group, told the same news conference he started smoking cigarettes when he was 15. He turned to vaping four years ago when his wife got pregnant.

He resorted to nicotine patch and gum alternatives but he later turned to vaping, like Pinlac, in order to satisfy his “physical addiction…and psychological addiction associated with smoking, which is the motion of puffing and blowing smoke.”

He told the BusinessMirror: “While other alternatives may deliver the nicotine fix we need, only vaping can address our psychological needs.”

Marciano said vaping has “a lot of advantages” as he currently feels “energetic” and “lighter”.

He encourages smokers to read up on vaping. “Don’t make assumptions based on unsubstantiated claims and anecdotal or testimonial evidences. There have been several scientific studies done in recent years, which show that vaping is a lot safer than smoking, and I’m quite confident that there will be a lot more in the coming years. And if you do decide to switch, please be a responsible vaper. Don’t vape where you can’t smoke, and use the device only as intended.”

Joey Dulay, president of Philippine E-cigarette Industry Association Inc. (Pecia), started vaping in 2010 and has been of better
health since.

Pecia, the largest association of e-cigarette and e-juice manufacturers and importers in the Philippines, has some 80 member stores employing an about 250 people. It accounts for more than 50 percent of e-cigarettes sold domestically.

Pecia members “strictly adhere to the highest standards of quality in the manufacture and selection of products that we import for sale to the public. We also employ self-regulation,” by being against the marketing to and sale of e-cigarette products to and by minors, the group said in a position paper sent to the BusinessMirror.

Dulay said e-cigarette units could not be used for illegal drugs.

Economical

Besides being beneficial to health, e-cigarette is more economical because a P150 to P200 of 30 milliliter (ml) of juice bottle is good for three to four days, or around P50 a day, compared to P70 for each pack of cigarettes.

Pinlac said he used to smoke two to three packs of cigarettes a day that cost him P210 daily.

An e-cigarette unit costs from P1,000 to P8,000, depending on the brand, but it is economical in the long run.

He said the e-cigarette technology in the country is improving and its use depends on the capacity of the unit’s battery. Some units even have computerized chips to enable the user to adjust the heat of the coil.

‘No’ side effects

Asked by reporters if e-cigarette has side effects, “No,” Marciano replied. “Besides stomach acidity or constipation, I did not experience any side effect,” he said.

Pinlac said, “[Talk of vaping] side effect is a laughing matter in our group. You smell a lot better than when you were smoking cigarette,” which emits foul tobacco stench.

Pinlac, who had sore throat when he started vaping, said one would only have an “adjustment period” of around one month, before one could settle to the amount of nicotine and flavor one requires.

Citing the World Health Organization, Mitchell said it has acknowledged that e-cigarette has no long-term side effect.

“Yes, it is addictive [because of the nicotine content], but it is just similar to caffeine addiction,” he told reporters.

Mitchell further clarified that “nicotine is not the cause of cancer. Carcinogen is found in burning cigarette.”

“In vaping, there is no smoke, no tar, no carginogen, no carbon monoxide,” he said

The level of nicotine of e-cigarette is 3 milligrams (mg) to 18 mg per bottle, Pinlac said.

Pinlac added that some vapers no longer crave for nicotine but would just want to have the motion of puffing and blowing vapor.

Regulation needed

Pinlac, Marciano, Dulay and Mitchell agreed that there is need for legislation and institutional support in the Philippines in order to regulate the technology and protect the users.

Pinlac said due to lack of government regulation and information on e-cigarette, vapers resort to inquiring among themselves online about the products available, their quality and safety, and the manufacturers.

“As consumers, we are trying to reach to each other to protect ourselves,” Pinlac said. “We need to inform and encourage the people to use e-cigarette, which has more benefits.”

Consumers have the right to know, Marciano said. “We need to let the people know [about e-cigarettes] and have it regulated so it would be more accessible [to consumers.]”

He added: “We need help.”

Marciano said his organization was formed primarily in order to self-regulate.

“Instead of waiting for government regulations, we took the initiative to police our ranks [vapers and retailers] and ensure that all local vapers are practicing safe vaping…. Starting as a community that simply shared our personal experiences with vaping, it gradually turned into a group that shared news and studies supporting our advocacy.

“Now we’re seeking to engage the government in reasonable discussions to outline regulations that both parties [vapers and government] are actually pushing for,” Marciano told the BusinessMirror.

Mitchell said owing to lack of regulation, some e-cigarette products in the market could be harmful to consumers. He cited Malaysia, which has thousands of e-cigarette flavors, but since they are unregulated, the consumers might be in danger.

factasia.org, an independent, not-for-profit, consumer-oriented advocate, recommends full retail availability of appropriately regulated e-cigarettes for product quality and safety, and with age-sale restrictions.

“There is a clear need for action in the Philippines to regularize the industry and establish quality standards, tax the products rationally and ensure they are made available only to adults, like many other consumer items,” Mitchell said.

“The government [in the Philippines] has a great opportunity to ensure there is no repeat of the situation that has arisen with conventional tobacco products, where 10 percent to 15 percent of total consumption is illicit—smuggled or counterfeit products,” he said.

Proposed principles

Pecia proposes the following principles to guide the approach on e-cigarettes in the country:

    Tobacco-harm reduction is aligned with good public-health policy and it is dangerous to hamper the choice of switching to e-cigarettes.
    E-cigarettes should only be sold or marketed to adult smokers. Their use by pregnant or lactating mothers should be prohibited.
    Any health claim should be evidence-based.
    Any form of regulation that will make e-cigarettes less available to adult smokers than conventional cigarettes is counterproductive and should be avoided.
    Only pharmaceutical grade nicotine should be used for e-cigarettes.
    Regulations should ensure that only quality products are used for e-cigarettes, through the form of Certificates of Analysis provided by suppliers that the Food and Drug Administration approved.
    Proper labeling for child-proof bottles of e-liquid that contain nicotine should also be implemented, that they should be used by smokers only, and that they should not be sold to minors.

“The potential for e-cigarettes to lower the incidence of smoking-related disease is huge. The knee-jerk impulse to suppress and dismiss them as regular cigarettes should be resisted. Regulations should, instead, be tailored to realize its full potential,” Pecia said in its position paper.

Vested interests against vaping

Some vested interests, Pinlac, Marciano, Dulay and Mitchell agreed, are against e-cigarette in order to protect the sales of other cigarette alternatives, which are not as effective.

They added that the other threats to vaping are misinformation and lack of information, which result in public fears and paranoia.

They said anti-e-cigarette campaign have adverse effect on reducing cigarette smoking.

Mitchell added: “E-cigarettes are here to stay and consumers deserve the protection of regulation and standards that they expect in other products and sectors. Our survey shows they are calling for positive government action.”

For now, vapers, like Villaruz, so far, have found their alternative to smoking.

Resource: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/70-percent-of-filipinos-favor-vaping/

Vaping causes lesser lungs damage than traditional cigs, feel most under-35 Americans

New Delhi [India]: Surveys have already stated that electronic cigarettes may not be that safe after all as emissions from e-cigarette can actually damage lung cells

But still most Americans under age 35 think that using e-cigarettes does not cause as much damage to lungs as compared to traditional cigarettes, says a study.

The results of a new national consumer survey, which included more than 2,000 people under the age of 35, showed that 44 percent of survey respondents reported believing that e-cigarettes are less harmful to the lungs than traditional cigarettes.

Among men specifically, that number jumped to 54 percent who think e-cigarettes are safer.

“The truth is there is just so much we don’t know about these new products,” said researcher Shields. “We have no idea where in the spectrum these are, in terms of safety. Are they like cigarettes, or nothing like cigarettes? Do they affect people the same if they’ve never smoked, or a lot worse? We need to figure this out.”

Ongoing Clinical Studies Evaluate Health Impact The OSUCCC – James is recruiting healthy volunteers who currently use tobacco products for two clinical studies underway to evaluate the health effects of electronic cigarettes, known as “e-cigs” or “vaping”, and other tobacco products.

“There is minimal data available regarding the direct health effects of e-cig use or vaping, but these products have gained rapid popularity among existing smokers and non-smokers alike, including young adults,” said Shields. “We are concerned that people assume these products have fewer negative health effects as compared with cigarettes and other tobacco products. The reality is that they are still a tobacco product and people are still inhaling potentially harmful chemicals. They should not be considered a ‘safer’ option until science has the opportunity to catch up with the consumer market.”

On May 5, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalised a rule extending its regulatory authority to all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco and pipe tobacco.

Prior to this, there was no federal law prohibiting retailers from selling e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco or cigars to people under age 18. The final FDA went into effect August 8, 2016.

The OSUCCC – James research is being done to provide the FDA with scientific data to guide consumer regulation of tobacco products.

The research is funded by the FDA and the National Cancer Institute.(ANI)
Resource: http://www.siasat.com/news/vaping-causes-lesser-lungs-damage-traditional-cigs-feel-35-americans-1056383/

Majority under 35 think e-cigs are safer, research studies aim to find out

Most Americans under age 35 think that using electronic cigarettes does not cause as much damage lung health as compared with traditional cigarettes, according to the results of a new national consumer survey.

The survey -- which included more than 2,000 people under the age of 35 -- showed that 44 percent of survey respondents reported believing that e-cigarettes are less harmful to the lungs than traditional cigarettes. Among men specifically, that number jumped to 54 percent who think e-cigarettes are safer.

"The truth is there is just so much we don't know about these new products," said Peter Shields, MD, a thoracic oncologist, cancer control researcher and deputy director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center -- Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. "We have no idea where in the spectrum these are, in terms of safety. Are they like cigarettes, or nothing like cigarettes? Do they affect people the same if they've never smoked, or a lot worse? We need to figure this out."

Ongoing Clinical Studies Evaluate Health Impact

The OSUCCC -- James is recruiting healthy volunteers who currently use tobacco products for two clinical studies underway to evaluate the health effects of electronic cigarettes (known as "e-cigs" or "vaping") and other tobacco products.

"There is minimal data available regarding the direct health effects of e-cig use or vaping, but these products have gained rapid popularity among existing smokers and non-smokers alike, including young adults," says Shields. "We are concerned that people assume these products have fewer negative health effects as compared with cigarettes and other tobacco products. The reality is that they are still a tobacco product and people are still inhaling potentially harmful chemicals. They should not be considered a 'safer' option until science has the opportunity to catch up with the consumer market."

On May 5, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule extending its regulatory authority to all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco and pipe tobacco. Prior to this, there was no federal law prohibiting retailers from selling e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco or cigars to people under age 18. The final FDA went into effect Aug. 8, 2016.

The OSUCCC -- James research is being done to provide the FDA with scientific data to guide consumer regulation of tobacco products. The research is funded by the FDA and the National Cancer Institute.
Resource: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161101101732.htm