Once again alcohol is in the news – which is how I started the thread a year ago. http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....in-moderation-!


Facts are less easily available in the Philippines, but beer and now wine consumption are still increasing. There is lax monitoring of sales. The minimum legal age is 18, but underage drinking is common. Many Filipinos don’t consider excessive drinking might be a health problem, and don’t seek – or can’t afford - early treatment when they do get problems.
Now our Prime Minister David Cameron is attacking the “ scandal of society “ caused by the UK’s drinking culture which costs the NHS over £2.7 billion ( £1 billion on A + E services ) and society ( crime and lost work ) £17 – 22 billion annually. Solutions include “ drunk tanks “ ( to let people sober up overnight ), more police in A + E departments, and “ booze buses “ with paramedics. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17036826
Most doctors support minimum pricing per unit of alcohol. In Scotland 45p / unit has been suggested. That would increase the cost of a 2 litre bottle of cider from £1.20 to £3.75. Not everyone agrees because it would punish all drinkers, not just those with problems. Overall alcohol consumption is down – binge drinking is the problem.
Members may wish an update on last year’s advice:-
• If you don’t drink, don’t start for health benefits.
• If you drink, do so moderately : - no more than 3-4 units / day for males and 2-3 units / day for females ( more susceptible to alcohol ). Try to have 2 “ dry “ days / week.
• A unit is about half a pint of ordinary strength beer, lager or cider, 25ml ( small measure ) of spirits, and there are 1.5 units in a 125ml ( small glass ) of wine.
• Light – moderate drinking reduces heart disease risk, and increases life expectancy.
• Moderate drinking increases risk of various cancers ( breast in women; bowel in men; mouth, throat, voicebox and gullet in both sexes ).
• Heavy drinking raises blood pressure, causes liver disease, obesity, and other problems.
• Avoid drinking in pregnancy if possible ( possible harm to unborn baby ).