April 2007
 
Spotlight

To Your Health!

It is a familiar toast, and for many, a fitting phrase to say before sipping a drink. Indeed, studies link small doses of alcohol to cardiovascular and other health benefits, but moderate consumption is the key. It is also the prevailing message in April - Alcohol Awareness Month.

If you think you might drink too much or know someone who does, you are not alone. Alcohol is among the most commonly used and widely abused drugs in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 60 percent of the United States population imbibes. Some don't - or can't - exercise control when it comes to fermented beverages. In fact, an estimated 14 million Americans meet the standard criteria for alcohol abuse or alcoholism.

Frequent over-indulgence can be followed by serious health-related consequences. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, heavy alcohol consumption can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver, damage heart muscle, and boost blood pressure. It also increases the risk of several cancers, including those of the throat, esophagus, mouth, colon, and breast.

Alcohol abuse can cause decreased brain function in adults and threaten brain development in adolescents. It harms more than the gray matter and flesh. In big doses, drinking can contribute to violence, interfere with relationships, and result in broken homes. A heavy drinker can affect the mental health of their entire family and have an economic impact on society. According to estimates from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alcohol-related problems cost Americans more than $180 billion dollars a year.

So the next time you raise a glass to mark a moment, keep moderation in mind. If you or someone you love can't stop drinking once the cork is popped, start looking for help. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, alcoholism is a treatable disease, not a moral weakness. Recovery is possible.

Take Time for Health Talk

Looking for a place to create dialog about alcohol addiction and abuse? Go to Health Talk, where respected medical professionals share their perspectives on health, medicine and wellness.

In a recent post, Healthline's JC Jones, MA, RN, a contributor to Health Observances, urged users to check out the documentary, ADDICTION. The NIH partnered with HBO to produce the program, which seeks to help Americans better understand addiction as a chronic but treatable brain disease. "The emotional, psychological, and social costs of addiction are a public health crisis," writes Jones. "Experts estimate that only 10 percent receive adequate treatment."

In Teen Health 411, Nancy Brown PhD wrote about Teens and Alcohol. She put the spotlight on a study about the consequences later in life for kids who become alcoholics during adolescence. Point, click, and post a relevant reply!

The Health Nudge
How much is too much of your favorite alcoholic beverage? If you have an affinity for fruity microbrews, robust red wines or single malt scotch, keep reading.

There is no single definition of moderate drinking. Generally, the term is used to describe low-risk or responsible drinking. The U.S. government is a bit more specific. The Department of Health and Human Services defines moderate drinking as no more than one drink a day for women, and no more than two drinks a day for men. A drink is defined as:

• 12 oz. of beer (one bottle)
• 5 oz. of wine (one glass)
• 1.5 oz. of hard liquor (one shot)

If you want to curb your alcohol consumption, check out NIAAA's publication, "How to Cut Down on Your Drinking." It's free and chock-full of tips that could help you slow down or stop altogether.

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