WASHINGTON: People who use e-cigarettes are more likely to have heart problems than those who don’t, says a study released on Thursday in the US.
The rate of heart attacks among those who vape was 34 percent higher than among those who don’t, once corrections were made for risk factors such as age, gender, body mass index, cholesterol level, blood pressure and tobacco use.
E-cigarette users were 25 percent more likely to have coronary artery disease and 55 percent more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety, the study says.
“Until now, little has been known about cardiovascular events relative to e-cigarette use,” said Mohinder Vindhyal, assistant professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and the study’s lead author.
“These data are a real wake-up call and should prompt more action and awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes.”
The report does not however identify a cause and effect relationship for this observation.
Studies of people who vape are relatively new because the devices only came onto the US market in the last decade or so.
US health authorities are alarmed by the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, battery-powered devices which enable users to inhale nicotine liquids that are often fruit flavored.
Among US teens, use of vaping devices rose 78 percent in 2018 compared to the previous year.
E-cigarettes do not contain the cancer-causing products found in tobacco.
But beside the well-known addictive consequences of consuming nicotine, public health experts are focusing on the effect of heating the liquid nicotine cartridges to high temperatures.
For the study, which will be presented next week at the American College of Cardiology, researchers examined the responses of nearly 100,000 people in 2014, 2016 and 2017.
This kind of study is a preliminary one that does not go so far as to say vaping causes heart trouble, or suggest a biological mechanism as to how this might happen.
Longer-term studies of people who vape are needed to reach any such conclusion.
E-cigarette use linked to heart trouble: study
E-cigarette use linked to heart trouble: study
- The rate of heart attacks among those who vape was 34 percent higher than among those who do not
- ‘These data are a real wake-up call and should prompt more action and awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes’
Renowned London restaurant and Emirati fashion label launch t-shirt collection
DUBAI: Acclaimed Persian restaurant Berenjak Dubai, hailing from London, has joined forces with Shabab Intl. to launch a range of stylish t-shirts.
In sleek black, the t-shirts – now on sale at the restaurant – feature a Berenjak-inspired print on the back. The logos of both the restaurant and Shabab Intl. are depicted on the front.
Images for the launch campaign were shot by Dubai creative Cheb Moha, who leads the fashion label.
“We’re thrilled to be at Berenjak,” he told Arab News. “Personally, I am a huge fan and make it a point to dine there at least once especially when I’m in London.”
Moha’s deep appreciation for Berenjak stems from an enduring passion for Persian cuisine and cultural heritage, he said.
“Having Shabab there is particularly special for us, and I am confident that it will open doors for more collaborations. With our Shabab community present, it is exciting for them to witness this crossover between our origins and the spaces we inhabit at the restaurant. We are thrilled to stand alongside Berenjak and to have Shabab represented there.”
Moha added his t-shirt designs aimed for simplicity and clarity.
“I wanted to incorporate our identity with Berenjak’s identity and the identity of (the) city we are in, which is Dubai,” he said.
“If you notice, the graphic on the back of the t-shirt is sort of sun shaped. That is part of the Shabab spirit, the sunrise. And if you look in the windows, Berenjak also has a sun motif in the glass. I wanted to incorporate that and feel like there is a nice synergy between both brands.”
Moha also feels there is a crossover between fashion and food. “I feel like there’s always been a pipeline between both. They do complement each other in some way,” he said.
Berenjak, founded by chef Kian Samyani and award-winning London restaurant group JKS Restaurants, is a renowned Persian restaurant that has made its mark by bringing a contemporary twist to classic dishes.
Where We Are Going Today: Kaak Al-Farah
Kaak Al-Farah — which translates as “the cookie of joy” — is an Instagram shop that offers kaak, a traditional date-filled treat enjoyed in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.
A cherished part of celebrations such as Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, weddings and baby showers, kaak are similar to maamoul cookies, which include semolina.
Kaak Al-Farah makes each cookie with care, using ornate molds to shape the date-stuffed dough. After baking, the cookies are packed in a beautiful reusable box.
Made from locally sourced ingredients, including wheat, dates and traditional Saudi flavors such as cardamom and cloves, each bite is a celebration of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
What makes Kaak Al-Farah stand out is not just the delightful taste of the cookies but also the thoughtful packaging which reflects the essence of Saudi culture.
The round box features designs redolent of the joyful spirit found in Saudi communities, including a cheerful ring of colorful flowers symbolizing happiness and beauty and a portrait of a lady representing peace and love. Added to each box is a personalized greeting card.
Kaak Al-Farah delivers to various cities throughout the Kingdom and can be found on delivery apps including The Chefz and Hayak.
For more information, visit their Instagram profile — @kaak.alfarah.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Dave’s Hot Chicken’ in Riyadh
- The dishes come in six heat options, with the most intense level named the “reaper,” which is served with a waiver that must be signed before consumption
Dave’s Hot Chicken — a parking-lot food truck in East Hollywood before becoming internationally renowned — can be found in Riyadh on Tahliah Street.
They are famous for their iconic Nashville-style hot chicken, a sweet and spicy concoction of flavorful spices including cayenne pepper, paprika, salt and pepper.
The balance of sweet and spicy along with the irresistible crunch makes their chicken tenders one of the best in the city.
Each order is served with sliced bread, tangy pickles, and Dave’s special sauce.
The dishes come in six heat options, with the most intense level named the “reaper,” which is served with a waiver that must be signed before consumption.
The waiver reads: “I acknowledge that eating the reaper can cause me harm, including, but not limited to, bodily injury, property damage, emotional stress, and even death.”
For customers who prefer it, their chicken tenders are also available with no spice.
The menu has a selection of Nashville-inspired sides including fries, cheese fries, mac and cheese, and kale slaw.
The eatery is known for its attention to detail and is the ideal spot for those craving succulent fried chicken with a kick.
Their story began in 2017 with four friends — Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganeshyan, Tommy Rubenyan and Gary Rubenyan — who used $900 to create an Instagram page showcasing their offerings.
In 2021, Canadian rapper Drake, actor Samuel L. Jackson and Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner invested in the company to become major shareholders.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is now an international food chain with over 100 locations.
For updates and more information check @daveshotchickengcc.
CDC says it’s identified 1st documented cases of HIV transmitted through cosmetic needles
- Many popular cosmetic treatments are delivered with needles, such as Botox to iron out wrinkles and fillers to plump lips
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: Three women who were diagnosed with HIV after getting “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed New Mexico medical spa are believed to be the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure using needles, federal health officials said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its Morbidity and Mortality Report last week that an investigation into the clinic from 2018 through 2023 showed it apparently reused disposable equipment intended for one-time use.
Although HIV transmission from contaminated blood through unsterile injection is a well-known risk, the report said this is the first documentation of probable infections involving cosmetic services.
Many popular cosmetic treatments are delivered with needles, such as Botox to iron out wrinkles and fillers to plump lips. A “vampire facial,” or platelet-rich plasma microneedling procedure, involves drawing a client’s own blood, separating its components, then using tiny needles to inject plasma into the face to rejuvenate the skin. Tattoos also require needles.
The New Mexico Department of Health began investigating the spa in the summer of 2018 after it was notified that a woman in her 40s had tested positive for HIV even though she had no known risk factors. The woman reported exposure to needles through the procedure at the clinic that spring.
The spa closed in fall 2018 after the investigation was launched, and its owner was prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license.
The report said the investigation showed how important it is to require infection control practices at businesses that offer cosmetic procedures involving needles.
It also noted that the investigation was slowed by poor record keeping and said businesses providing such services should keep better records in case clients need to be contacted later.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Tikka Khan’ delicious grilled chicken in Jeddah
- This place specializes in Indian street food, with more than a nod to the classic dish from which it takes its name
As soon as you step inside Tikka Khan on Qassem Zeinah Street in Jeddah’s Rawdah district your senses will be treated to the unmistakable aroma of South Asian spices and grilled chicken.
This place specializes in Indian street food, with more than a nod to the classic dish from which it takes its name.
The marinated chicken, infused with a blend of yogurt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garlic and ginger, is grilled or roasted to perfection. Each bite bursts with rich aromatic flavors.
I tried two sandwiches — the tikka khan and the butter khan — and while both were delicious, the former was a clear winner.
The fresh naan bread loaded with succulent grilled chicken was simply delicious. It was also small enough that I was tempted to order a second.
The butter khan — unsurprisingly featuring butter chicken — is available in regular or spicy variations.
All of the wraps are made to order but the service is quick service so you will never have to wait long.
Besides wraps, Tikka Khan serves several other dishes, including tikka fries topped with grilled tandoori chicken and a tasty sauce, a tikka samosa stuffed with meat and served with chutney and tamarind sauce, and tandoori noodles with grilled chicken tikka, vegetables and a special sauce.
For more information, visit Tikka Khan on Instagram @tikkakhansa.
