SWEDISH SNUS

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Snus and Health

In recent years, a number of Swedish studies have been published on the effects of snus on health, based on Swedish conditions. Previously published research on oral tobacco products has mainly dealt with product types used in other parts of the world, such as India, meaning the results have not been representative. The information given here is a summary of current research on snus of the type used in Sweden and the rest of the Nordic region.

200 Years of Swedish Snus

Snus of the type used in the Nordic region has a history stretching back nearly 200 years. In Sweden, snus has been one of the dominant tobacco products for an entire century. Its health effects have now been well elucidated in a large number of Swedish scientific studies.

Snus is Fun



Current Research Findings

According to three Swedish studies (of which, two were conducted within the framework of the World Health Organizations MONICA project), the use of snus does not increase the risk of heart attack. However, there are contradictory results regarding the use of snus and other cardiovascular diseases. But snus does not appear to contribute to hardening of the arteries. The use of snus has a direct effect on heart rate and blood pressure. However, it is unclear whether snus causes chronic high blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure has been observed in some studies but not in others.

A Swedish study (within the framework of the World Health Organizations MONICA project) showed that the use of snus does not increase the risk of cerebral hemorrhage (stroke).

Results are contradictory regarding whether snus contributes to an increased risk of age-related diabetes (type-2 diabetes). The largest and most recent Swedish study (Eliason et al, Journal of Internal Medicine 2004) found no verifiably increased risk of age-related diabetes among snus users, although it did find this among smokers.

An expert panel has conducted a risk assessment (published in Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers 2004) of snus and other products. Choosing snus instead of smoking reduces the risk of death from a tobacco-related disease (defined as lung cancer, oral cancer, coronary diseases and premature death) by 90 percent, according to the assessment.

Bachelorhood Complete

...well, almost. It's been a little over a month now since the lady friend and I parted ways, so the peculiar behavior of bachelorhood is beginning to come back to me: things like making your own schedule, taking risks, and developing new/old habits. With all the extra cash and energy not spent on trying to keep one step ahead of the next conflict, I decided to stop by Diebel's Sportsman's Gallery on my way home from work yesterday and pick up a pipe.

I've owned a pipe before back when I was freshman in college, until I lost it and found it several months later broken and thrown behind my bed. Jones, do you know anything about that? Anyway, this time, instead of picking out a $25 random pipe out of the basket, I actually decided to do some research, chat up the salesperson, and find a hand-crafted pipe located in the display case. In other words, I was primed and ready to hear all the reasons why I should spend the extra dough on a good pipe.

Without much arm-twisting and about 45 minutes later, I walked out of Diebel's with an Italian-made Savinelli Hercules series. So far so good. It's taking some getting used to but overall it's been a pleasurable experience. And besides, I figure if I'm going to write for a blog called "The Meerschaum Canteen", meerschaum being a mineral that pipes are carved from, I at least should have a pipe myself.

Padron 1964 Anniversary...or the 1926 Serie

Padron 1964 Anniversary
Originally uploaded by v2or

Today on my way to work I reflected a bit on my love affair with tobacco over the years. It's not that I'm proud of my addiction, just that I'd never taken the time to actually admit to myself that I love tobacco - in all its forms. Pictured here is my latest infatuation or preferred conduit for nicotine - the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series...or the 1926 Serie - any size.

I'm not necessarily gifted with a golden palate (although I did win a whiskey tasting/guessing contest in Ireland several years ago), but when something is perfect I think everyone knows it when they taste or see it. I'll skip over all the pretentious talk about the various subtleties connoisseurs speak of when critiquing a particular cigar and briefly mention a few things that any layperson might note when smoking a Padron 1926 or 1964.

1. The aroma of the smoke tastes similar to the way the tobacco smells. Not that all good cigars should be like this, just that I find this unique to Padrons. If you like the sent of fine tobacco, and want to taste it in the smoke. Have a Padron 1926/64.

2. While smoking this cigar I didn't experience much acridity, even down to the last two inches or so. This is pretty rare in my cigar smoking experience.

3. The ash is always white and solid. No need to use an ashtray till at least an inch and a half.

4. The construction is simultaneously solid and light, which is a odd combination to me. Regardless, it always has an easy draw.

Well, I said I'd be brief so I'll wrap it up. The above are four things that I love about both the Padron 1926 Serie or the 1964 Anniversary. If you've got the cash I recommend buying the Maduro Cigar Sampler which comes with eight cigars in all sizes and shapes - including a Padron 4000 and a 6000 Series. I spent over $120 at a cigar shop w/ tax. You can find it cheaper online at the Tobacco Locker for $105.