TV chef Shane Rigney has issued a stark warning to fans after undergoing a £20,000 medical procedure, telling them to 'f**k the vapes' and prioritise their health. The popular Irish star shared a photo from his hospital bed at St James's Hospital in Dublin, where he was seen wearing a gown and connected to machines following an angiogram—a procedure that uses X-rays and dye to check blood flow and detect blockages in arteries and veins.
Health Scare and Wake-Up Call
Rigney, known for his vibrant cooking content, revealed the procedure went well and expressed gratitude to medical staff. In an Instagram post, he wrote: 'So grateful to the staff at St James’s Hospital, wee procedure done and dusted, went very well and under control now thank God.' He specifically thanked Dr Anthony Buckley from Blackrock, noting that the doctor saved him about £20,000 because he had let his insurance lapse. In Ireland, the healthcare system is not fully free; residents can access public services but often pay subsidised fees for certain treatments.
The chef described the experience as a 'huge wake up call' regarding his lifestyle choices. He acknowledged that despite periods of healthy living and considering genetics, there were many things he could have done better to protect his body. He added: 'Men and friends, look after yourselves! Cut down the boozing, watch the diet, even if you don’t cut out then add in the right stuff, get moving and for the love of Christ f**k the vapes in the bin! Never again with those yokes!'
Vaping Risks Highlighted by Recent Study
Rigney's warning comes amid growing scrutiny of vaping, particularly fruit-flavoured products. A recent study published in Frontiers in Oncology found that regular vapers who use fruity flavours such as berry, mango, and watermelon showed altered activity in 3,124 genes across the genome compared to non-vapers and non-smokers. These gene activity changes can be early biological signals linked to disease pathways, including cancer, heart conditions, immune disorders, and respiratory diseases.
According to the NHS Better Health Guide, vaping poses only a small fraction of the risks of smoking because it does not produce tar, tobacco, or carbon monoxide. However, experts advise adult smokers who use vapes to quit cigarettes to stick to legal, regulated products and avoid anything with unclear ingredients, suspiciously high nicotine claims, or non-compliant packaging. The new study underscores potential long-term risks, especially for those using flavoured e-liquids.
Impact and Advice
Rigney's candid post has resonated with fans, many of whom praised his honesty and wished him a speedy recovery. His message serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health checks and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The chef, who is known for his energetic on-screen presence, is now looking forward to the 'next chapter' of his life with renewed focus on health and well-being.
