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Saturday, December 28, 2013

Alcohol News in 2013 - main headlines

JANUARY
The Telegraph (UK) - Alcohol guidelines 'too high' say doctors
Government alcohol guidelines that were “plucked out of the air” wrongly suggest that we can drink almost daily with no ill-effects, say doctors.
LiveScience (Russia) - Russia in a Froth? Beer Now Labeled as Alcohol
In 2011, President Dmitry Medvedev, who called alcohol abuse a "national calamity," signed off on the tough new restrictions, which took effect Jan. 1. Beer is no longer available at bus stops, train stations or gas stations, and cannot be purchased between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.
The Baltic Course (Estonia) - The Economist places Estonia on top position in its alcohol sale top list
The pocket boom "Pocket World in Figures 2013", issued by the Economist, indicates that more alcohol is sold in Estonia per capita than in any other state in the world, LETA/Public Broadcasting reports.

FEBRUARY
THL (Finland) - Alcohol-related harm at a high level
The prevalence of alcohol-related harm remained high in 2011, according to the latest Yearbook of Alcohol and Drug Statistics.
Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Alcohol causes half of all drug fatalities
Deaths caused by alcohol are increasing and account for neary half of all drug fatalities, while fatalities from illegal drugs are dropping dramatically.
Prague Daily Monitor (Chech Republic) - Doctors have action plan to fight alcohol addiction
Experts in addiction treatment have worked out the National Action Plan to fight alcoholism in the Czech Republic, which traditionally leads international standings of alcohol consumption, doctor Petr Popov, head of the Society for Addictive Diseases, told reporters Wednesday.
Telegraph.co.uk - 'Moderate drinkers' underestimate alcohol use by 40 per cent, says health chief
A new official snapshot of the country’s drinking patterns found people are underestimating their consumption by up to 40 per cent.
Daily Mail - Alcohol is 'responsible for 4% of cancer deaths' but doctors are failing to emphasise the risks, warn experts
Alcohol is responsible for four per cent of all cancer deaths with the significant risk to drinkers 'hiding in plain sight', according to experts.
RT (Russia) - Alcohol production in Russia drops 30% in a year
An increase in tax is being blamed for the drop in alcohol production in Russia. According to Rosstat production of spirits has dropped by some 30% in the last year, and some manufacturers have cut production by as much as 80%.
GAPA - APPEAL TO GLOBAL HEALTH COMMUNITY
On October 8, 2012, thirteen of world’s largest alcohol producers issued a set of commitments to reduce the harmful use of alcohol worldwide. The commitments were issued in support of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.

MARCH
Vancouver Sun (Canada) - Worldwide cost of drinking alcohol during pregnancy could be far higher than expected
The true number of children exposed to alcohol before birth is so poorly understood that the World Health Organization has launched an international study to count them.
The Herald (Canada) - Unhealthy drinking widespread around the world, CAMH study shows
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) shows that alcohol is now the third leading cause of the global burden of disease and injury, despite the fact most adults worldwide abstain from drinking.
The Local.fr (France) - Alcohol report lays bare France's drink problem
The reputation of the French for drinking in moderation appears slightly misleading after a worrying report released on Monday revealed alcohol is responsible for around 49,000 deaths in France each year - around 134 each day.
The Guardian (UK) - Plans for minimum alcohol pricing reportedly dropped after cabinet revolt
Home Secretary Theresa May appears to have scored a victory by leading a cabinet revolt against minimum alcohol prices.

APRIL
BU Today - A Drink a Day Raises Cancer Risk, Study Says
How many of us enjoy a glass or two of wine at dinner? How many of us have read that moderate drinking of red wine is good for the heart? How many of us know that even moderate drinking might increase our cancer risk?
Finland Times (Finland) - Google stops alcohol ads
Search engine operator and online marketing company Google has decided to stop advertisements of alcohol and alcoholic beverages in Finland from Tuesday.
aidsmap (EU) - Liver disease a major cause of illness and death across the EU: action needed to save lives
Liver disease is the cause of a considerable burden of illness across the European Union (EU), investigators report in The Journal of Hepatology. The authors calculate that 170,000 deaths each year are attributable to liver cirrhosis, with 47,000 of these caused by liver cancer. The main causes of liver disease were excess alcohol consumption, viral infections and obesity, all of which are “amenable to prevention and treatment”.
www.worldbulletin.net - Int’l alcohol policy symposium discusses harms of alcohol
The harm that alcohol consumption causes to individuals, families and society as a whole and the possible policies that could be adopted by Turkey and other countries are being discussed at a global two-day symposium that started in İstanbul on Friday.

MAY
EurActiv (Scotland) - Scotland wins court case on minimum pricing of alcohol
The Scottish high court ruled on Friday (3 May) that the government has the right to introduce a legally binding minimum price on alcohol, the first of its kind in the EU. The spirits industry says it will appeal the court ruling.
Medical Daily (EU) - EU Report Warns Parents Against Giving Children Alcohol
A report commissioned by the EU cites research showing the long-term health effects of even moderate drinking among children.
New Europe (Turkey) - The law is placing curbs on consumption and advertising
On 24 May, the Turkish anti-alcohol law was adopted by the national Parliament. According to critics, the adoption of the law is a sign of increasing conservative policies followed by the Turkish government.

JUNE
AllAfrica.com - East Africa: Excessive Alcohol Consumption Could Hinder Mdgs, Says EAC Civil Society Platform
The East African Community Civil Society against alcohol abuse has warned that if nothing is done, alcohol abuse could hinder the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Wall Street Journal - Why She Drinks: Women and Alcohol Abuse
Women's growing predilection for wine has a darker side—and the only way to deal with it is to acknowledge the profound differences between how women and men abuse alcohol.
WHO Europe (Europe) - New publication: Status report on alcohol and health in 35 European countries 2013
WHO/Europe has produced a new publication called "Status report on alcohol and health in 35 European countries 2013".

JULY
ETSC (Lithuania) - Lithuanian Presidency makes road safety a priority
“We are in the unique situation where the two countries succeeding each other in holding the EU Presidency have been recognised for their respective efforts to improve road safety,” said Antonio Avenoso, ETSC Executive Director.
Toronto NewsFIX - Women Drinking Alcohol at Increased Risk of Numerous Cancers
Women who drink alcohol are unknowingly putting themselves at increased risk of cancer. This is the finding of a study performed by researchers from Britain’s University of Oxford, who studied more than 1.3 million women.
Scotsman (UK) - Alcohol pricing: SNP to press ahead on price law
THE Health Secretary Alex Neil yesterday underlined his determination to press ahead with alcohol minimum pricing, saying he is fully committed to the “life-saving” policy.

AUGUST
Health-e (South Africa) - Govt moves to stop alcohol ads
South Africans like to drink. In fact, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), we are some of the biggest drinkers in the world. But, alcohol kills around 130 South Africans every day and well over half of all road accidents are caused by drunk drivers.
Daily Mail (UK) - Over-65 drinkers in health alert: Doctors call for alcohol safety levels to be halved for pensioners
Doctors and public health experts said heavy drinking among the elderly was a ‘hidden problem’ and safe limit guidelines for over-65s should be halved.
Voice of America (USA) - Excessive Alcohol Drinking Has $223B Price Tag
Excessive alcohol drinking costs Americans more than $220 billion a year, or almost $2 a drink. And the biggest costs come from a loss of worker productivity.
International Business Times (USA) - 1 Out Of 3 ER Visits Are Alcohol Related: Here’s What The Patients Drank
Nearly one-third of all emergency-room visits for injuries in the U.S. are alcohol related. And a new study has found that certain types and brands of alcohol are more likely to be implicated.

SEPTEMBER
News of Iceland (Iceland) - The financial crash reduced smoking and alcohol consumption
The study aims to find out whether and how the economic crash influenced alcohol and tobacco consumption, specifically considering changes in the labour market, i.e. the reduction in the number of work hours and lowering of real income.
ABC Online (Australia) - Police Commissioner likens parents who give alcohol to kids 'drug dealers'
Western Australia's Police Commissioner has likened parents who supply alcohol to their children as drug dealers.

OCTOBER
Malta Independent Online (EU) - ALCOHOL STRATEGIES IN THE EU
The World Health Organization reported in 2012 that Europe currently holds the highest per-capita alcohol consumption in the world. Furthermore, it is reported that the average adult in the EU consumes nearly 3 drinks a day - more than twice the world average.
New York Post - Female alcohol abuse is a ‘global epidemic’
Alcohol abuse is rising in much of the developed world — and in many countries, female drinkers are driving that growth.
BreakingNews.ie (Ireland) - Ireland set to introduce minimum price for alcohol
Ireland will introduce a minimum price for alcohol - as long as it's cleared by authorities in Europe.
Scotsman (Scotland) - Destroying our health is big business
We should put the interests of the public before those of the companies who sell us drink, cigarettes and bad food, says Evelyn Gillan.

NOVEMBER
The Parliament (EU) - NGOs have 'high hopes' for EU action plan on alcohol
The European commission has made its intentions clear with recent proposed action plan to reduce alcohol related harm, writes Mariann Skar.
CCTV (Australia) - Patterns of alcohol consumption in Australia unhealthy: report
The Australian National Council on Drugs report (ANCD) confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that levels and patterns of alcohol consumption in Australia are frequently risky or unhealthy and alcohol consumption among young people is "a significant concern."

DECEMBER
MorningAdvertiser.co.uk (UK) - Introduction of 24-hour drinking 'failed to curb alcohol-related violence'
A new study has suggested that the introduction of so-called '24-hour drinking' has failed to have an impact on reducing alcohol-related street violence in town and city centres.
Telegraph.co.uk - Twitter bans underage followers from alcohol brands
Twitter has begun asking users who try to follow alcohol brands for their date of birth in order to check they are above the legal minimum drinking age.
The Guardian (UK) - There is evidence for effective alcohol policy – why isn't it taken seriously?
The Dr Foster report on hospital admissions linked to drink or drugs details the latest instalment in our troubled relationship with alcohol. More than half a million people have been admitted over three years with alcohol- and drug-related harm and the cost to the NHS is £607m a year.
The Independent (UK) - Revealed: Alcohol and drug abuse accounts for almost one in five hospital admissions among those in their 40s
Almost one in five hospital admissions for people in their 40s is related to alcohol and drug abuse, a new report has revealed. Analysis by data firm Dr Foster shows drug and alcohol dependence accounts for 19% of accident and emergency admissions among those aged 40 to 44 - the highest proportion of any age group.
Glasgow South and Eastwood Extra (Scotland) - Study shows the cost of alcohol pricing
AN NHS report has linked the affordability of alcohol to persistent high death rates in Scotland. A total of three fifths of off-sales alcohol is sold below the Scottish government’s proposed minimum price of 50 pence per unit.
Medical Xpress - Underage youth exposed to alcohol advertising through social media
Researchers from RAND Europe and the University of Cambridge investigated the marketing campaigns of five alcohol companies – Fosters, Magners, Carling, Stella Artois and Tia Maria – to assess their use of social media websites for advertising. The researchers tried to determine whether children and young adults could be exposed to these campaigns.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Alcohol News - 51/2013

The Local.se (Sweden) - Double the Swedes go alcohol-free for the holidays
Swedish sales of alcohol-free glögg have doubled in two years, new statistics from the state liquor monopoly Systembolaget reveal.
Medical Xpress - Underage youth exposed to alcohol advertising through social media
Researchers from RAND Europe and the University of Cambridge investigated the marketing campaigns of five alcohol companies – Fosters, Magners, Carling, Stella Artois and Tia Maria – to assess their use of social media websites for advertising. The researchers tried to determine whether children and young adults could be exposed to these campaigns.
Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) - New alcohol laws have noticeable effect
Police in Otago have already wielded new powers aimed at curbing alcohol-related disorder and at least three people in the region have been given infringement notices for breaching alcohol bans.
Philippine Star (Philippines) - Cigarette, alcohol taxes up 81.5%
Collection of taxes from makers of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks surged 81.5 percent in the 11 months of the year, due largely to the sin tax reform law which took effect in January.
Medscape (USA) - US Women Not Interested in Alcohol as Breast Cancer Risk
For the most part, American women are uninterested in learning how to cut their alcohol consumption to reduce breast cancer risk, according to a survey of a nationally representative sample of nearly 1700 women.
The Guardian (UK) - Alcohol consumption in UK adults continues to fall – ONS
Three in five adults say they drank alcohol in the past week, continuing a decline recorded by official figures over the past seven years.
SBS (Australia) - Curb on drinking hours mooted to cut alcohol-fulled violence
Police across Australia say they are becoming increasingly frustrated with the levels of alcohol-related violence on city streets each night - and there's talk of taking a leaf from New Zealand's.
Myiris.com (India) - Teens alcohol consumption triples during Christmas, New Year: Survey
Alcohol consumption among teenager's triples during the Christmas and New Year's Eve between ages of 14 to 19, especially in cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Chandigarh etc, reveals the Assocham survey conducted under its Assocham Social Development Foundation (ASDF).
Businessweek (USA) - New Year’s Tops Christmas in Share of Fatalities Tied to Alcohol
Deadly U.S. crashes tied to New Year’s are more likely to be alcohol-related than accidents during other holiday periods, with Christmas having the lowest share of fatalities linked to drinking, a safety group said.
ClaimsJournal.com (USA) - 1 in 5 Drinkers Say They Drove Near or Over Alcohol Limit
A fifth of U.S. motorists who drink say they’ve driven at least once in the past year when they thought their alcohol level might’ve been close to the legal limit or above it, a safety group said.
Scottish Daily Record (Scotland) - Scotland has one of highest death rates from chronic liver disease in Europe, say health bosses
SCOTLAND has one of the highest death rates from chronic liver disease in Europe, according to official figures published today.
New York Times (UK) - Partying Until Drunk and Disorderly in Britain
It was just after 4 a.m., the last clubs were closing and the police had three young men pinned against a brick wall and a fourth on the ground.
Scoop.co.nz - 4am closing may help reduce alcohol harm, say police after start of new law
Police say that last night they had a first indication that reducing trading hours for bars might help to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Alcohol News - 50/2013

Bangkok Post (Thailand) - Call for alcohol ban on trains
Anti-alcohol activists on Monday called for a ban on alcohol sales on trains arguing that passengers who drink irritate and sexually harass other travellers.
CNN - James Bond at risk of early death from alcohol, study says
The British spy James Bond may routinely get himself out of dangerous situations with skill and charm, but his body may be suffering all the while because of his drinking habits. British researchers predict he could die from alcohol-related causes, such as liver damage, by age 56.
The Guardian (Australia) - Getting drunk should be frowned on, police say after 1,000 weekend arrests
Drinking to get drunk in Australia needs to become as socially unacceptable as smoking and drink driving, police declared after arresting about 1,000 people over the weekend for alcohol-related offences.
Herald Scotland (Scotland) - Celtic captain Brown urges Scots to give up alcohol for cancer charity fundraiser
The footballer is sponsoring his brother Stewart to become a "dryathlete" for the whole of January in support of the Cancer Research UK Dryathlon campaign.
Massey News (New Zealand) - Re-thinking supplying alcohol to under-18s
New research released by Massey University urges friends and family supplying alcohol to under-18s to re-think their motives as new legislation comes into force.
thejournal.ie (Ireland) - Shoppers still going to Northern Ireland for cheap food and alcohol
THE DAYS OF long queues of cars from the Republic queuing outside border shopping centres may be gone, but travelling to Northern Ireland for bargains is still happening.
Trend.az (Uzbekistan) - Alcohol prices rise in Uzbekistan
From January 1, 2014 Uzbekistan will increase the minimum wholesale and retail prices of alcoholic beverages (except beer), a joint decree by the Finance Ministry and the State Tax Committee of the Republic said.
Fox News (USA) - Binge drinking rates lower in states with strong alcohol policies
States with lower rates of binge drinking have stronger policies toward alcohol, a new study suggests. This is the first study to relate alcohol policies within each U.S. state to the levels and likelihood of binge drinking in adults.
Salt Lake Tribune (USA) - Holiday campaign warns Utahns to keep alcohol away from children
Utahns who buy wine, beer and spirits for the holidays can expect to get an extra holiday greeting — signs and posters reminding them to keep kids alcohol-free.
Channel News Asia (Singapore) - Alcohol ban hits businesses in Little India
Businesses in Little India have taken a hit since the alcohol ban was implemented on Saturday. And it's not just affecting shops which sell liquor. Fruit and vegetable sellers are feeling the heat on the second day of the liquor ban in Little India.
Press-Enterprise - Alcohol during pregnancy changes brain anatomy
A UC Riverside researcher has shown that exposure to alcohol during pregnancy not only affects a baby’s birth weight and behavior but also changes the way the brain is wired.
International Business Time (Myanmar) - Myanmar Intensifies Crackdown On Imported Alcohol, Causes Shortage
Myanmar is clamping down on illegal alcohol imports, sparking unrest among retailers including the nation’s largest supermarket chain, City Mart.
Jakarta Post (Indonesia) - Tackling Indonesia’s black market alcohol problem
In August and September of this year, at least 52 people lost their lives after consuming illicit alcohol tainted with methanol in Indonesia.
The Guardian (Australia) - Alcohol and drug council’s financial difficulties ‘caused by government’
The government is itself responsible for the “financial difficulties” it cited when it axed funding for the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (Adca), according to the council’s chief executive.
Express.co.uk (UK) - Children of ’60s more likely to need alcohol and drugs treatment
Shock figures show drink or drugs can account for nearly one in five emergency cases involving 40-somethings.
The Voice of Russia (Russia) - Russia's alcohol consumption down by 13 percent
Russia's government has been trying to tackle the problem of excessive alcohol consumption among its population. And figures just out, show it is having considerable success. Due to policy measures by the government, overall consumption has gone down by 13 percent this year. VoR’s Dasha Chernyshova reports.
Medical Xpress (UK) - 17 million Brits set to cut down on alcohol following last year's Christmas hangovers
Over a third (35 per cent) of Brits, equating to over 17 million people, plan to cut down on alcohol this Christmas after regretting some of their drunken behaviour from last year's festive party season, according to a new poll from Cancer Research UK's Dryathlon.
MaltaToday (Malta) - Think before you drink and drive
The annual 'Don't drink and drive' campaign run by government and other agancies including Sedqa was launched today by the health minister Godfrey Farrugia and social affairs minister Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.
Hull Daily Mail (UK) - 24-hour drinking culture a 'colossal disaster' says Hull medical expert
A LEADING medical expert says the relaxation of licensing laws has been a "colossal disaster". Tom Phillips, a consultant nurse in addiction at the Humber NHS Foundation Trust, spoke out after new figures revealed a nine per cent increase in people being treated for alcohol problems in East Riding over the past 12 months.
Glasgow South and Eastwood Extra (Scotland) - Study shows the cost of alcohol pricing
AN NHS report has linked the affordability of alcohol to persistent high death rates in Scotland. A total of three fifths of off-sales alcohol is sold below the Scottish government’s proposed minimum price of 50 pence per unit.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

FASD News - 49/2013

NEWS and ARTICLES
Science Daily - Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol Disrupts Brain Circuitry: No Safe Level of Drinking During Pregnancy, Neuroscientist Says
Prenatal exposure to alcohol severely disrupts major features of brain development that potentially lead to increased anxiety and poor motor function, conditions typical in humans with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), according to neuroscientists at the University of California, Riverside.
CBC.ca (Canada) - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder focus of Sudbury conference
People from across the country affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are gathering in Sudbury this week.
Examiner.com - Alcohol during pregnancy is dangerous for kids
There appears to be a belief among many people that drinking some alcohol during pregnancy is harmless. This is not the prevailing opinion among experts, who feel staying away from alcohol completely during pregnancy is the wisest course of action to take.
ABC Online (Australia) - Pregnant women getting wrong message about alcohol
Doctors and health advocates say pregnant women are still getting mixed messages about drinking alcohol. The National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) guidelines advise a woman to avoid alcohol completely when pregnant in order to protect her baby.
Medical News Today - Lifestyle changes 'could reduce risk' of pregnancy complications
Researchers say they have identified a number of lifestyle factors that could be modified in order for a woman to have a healthy pregnancy. This is according to a study published in the BMJ.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
IHE (Canada) - Legal Issues of FASD (all presentations)
In September 2013, the Institute of Health Economics (IHE) held the first-ever Consensus Development Conference on Legal Issues of FASD in Edmonton, Alberta.
Public Health Association of Australia - Australasian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Conference
Univ. of California, Riverside - Kelly Huffman, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of California, Riverside
Neuroscientist Kelly Huffman explains her groundbreaking research that shows how a mother's consumption of alcohol during pregnancy disrupts development of complex networks of connections in the neocortex of mice, resulting in dramatic changes in behavior.
First Peoples Child & Family Review
An Interdisciplinary Journal Honoring the Voices, Perspectives and Knowledges of First Peoples through Research, Critical Analyses, Stories, Standpoints and Media Reviews.
Pregnant Pause TV - Australia's leading expert in FASD talks about alcohol and pregnancy
Elizabeth Elliott AM is Professor in Paediatrics and Child Health at The University of Sydney; Consultant Paediatrician at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney; and a National Health and Medical Council of Australia (NHMRC) Practitioner Fellow. She's also a Pregnant Pause Champion!
Managing Mentally Disordered Offenders with FASD in the Community
Dr. Mansfield Mela, Dept. Of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan
14th Annual Fetal Alcohol Canadian Expertise (FASD) Research Round Table

RESEARCH
Newswise - Laboratory Awarded NIAAA Funding to Investigate The Epigenetics of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
USDTL (United States Drug Testing Laboratory, Inc.) researchers will investigate the relationship between in utero alcohol exposure and epigenetics using Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research - Inhibition of cholinergic muscarinic signaling by ethanol: Potential mechanism of developmental neurotoxicity and biological plausibility for the beneficial effects of choline supplementation
Central nervous system dysfunctions are among the most significant effects of in utero exposure to ethanol. Ethanol has been shown to affect neurons and glial cells, causing cell loss and impaired cell migration and maturation. Multiple mechanisms have been suggested to underlie the effects of ethanol, including interference with growth factors, cytokines, cell adhesion molecules and neurotransmitters.
Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology - Alcohol Exposure Among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
The prevalence of general alcohol use in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is high. However, research examining alcohol use in among pregnant women within this population is limited. A review of the current status of research examining the prevalence of alcohol exposed pregnancies (AEP) is required to inform future research aiming to decrease this occurrence and its subsequent socio-economic complications.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
lequotidien.re (France) - Alcoolisation fœtale et justice
Nous remercions Le Quotidien d’avoir attiré l’attention de ses lecteurs sur la population carcérale souffrant de troubles mentaux. Nous voudrions également attirer l’attention sur une cause médicale de troubles du comportement et de délinquance.
Новостной проект INFOX.ru (Russia) - Безопасных доз алкоголя при беременности не существует, считают нейрофизиологи
Медики и ученые уже давно изучают, как употребление алкоголя во время беременности влияет на развитие плода.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Monday, December 9, 2013

Alcohol News - 49/2013

The Independent (UK) - Revealed: Alcohol and drug abuse accounts for almost one in five hospital admissions among those in their 40s
Almost one in five hospital admissions for people in their 40s is related to alcohol and drug abuse, a new report has revealed. Analysis by data firm Dr Foster shows drug and alcohol dependence accounts for 19% of accident and emergency admissions among those aged 40 to 44 - the highest proportion of any age group.
Hollywood Reporter - Study: PG-13 Films Combine as Much Violence, Sex and Alcohol as R-Rated Titles
Researchers find little difference between PG-13 and R-rated films when it comes to risky behavior. "Our findings raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of the MPAA rating system," they conclude.
Press TV (Scotland) - Alcohol kills 20 a week in Scotland: UK’s NHS
Alcohol causes the equivalent of 20 deaths a week in Scotland, according to a new report by Britain’s National Health Service (NHS).
The Star Online (Singapore) - Singapore riot: Residents support MPs call for alcohol-free zone in Little India
MPs from the wards in Little India are pushing for even tougher measures in response to the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) proposal to implement alcohol-free zones in the area.
National Post (Canada) - Public-health advocates pushing for graphic, cigarette-style health warnings on wine, beer and liquor containers
For millions of Canadians, alcohol in its various forms is one of life’s great pleasures, its appeal often enhanced by artful packaging.
STV Local (Scotland) - Report links affordability of alcohol with high death rates
The Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy said death rates are still twice what they were in the 1980s and persistently higher than in England and Wales. Here's the full story from our colleagues at STV News.
Science Daily - Alcohol in Pregnancy Causes Children to Have Impaired Social Skills
A recent study published in Child Neuropsychology has found that drinking alcohol while pregnant means your child is more likely to develop issues with social skills as they grow older.
Washington Post - A night cap may get you to sleep, but studies show it may also wake you up during the night
We’ve all heard about it. Many of us have experienced it. A few of us even swear by it — enough to partake in a glass or two of wine before crawling into bed.
Prague Post (Chech Republic) - Czechs eat less meat, drink more alcohol
Food consumption in the Czech Republic, particularly consumption of bread, beef, fruit, vegetables and potatoes, decreased last year, the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) said at a press conference today. Increase in consumption was registered mainly in the categories of pasta, fish, cheese, chocolate, beer and wine.
Onislam.net (Slovenia) - New Publication on Alcohol Policies in Slovenia
According to the Regional office for Europe of the World Health Organization, the Slovenian National Institute of Public Health has launched the new publication: 'Alcohol in Slovenia – trends in the way of drinking, health consequences of harmful drinking, the opinion of stakeholders and suggested measures for effective alcohol policy'.
The Guardian Nigeria (Nigeria) - Smoking, unsafe sex, alcohol 'pose growing threat in poorer countries'
“People need to eat to survive, while they can abstain from tobacco and alcohol without health consequences,” the report says.
Newswise - Combining Alcohol With Energy Drinks Can Lead to Heavier Drinking
Young people who mix alcohol with a caffeinated energy drink drank more heavily and reported more negative consequences of drinking than those who just drank alcohol.
The Guardian (UK) - There is evidence for effective alcohol policy – why isn't it taken seriously?
The Dr Foster report on hospital admissions linked to drink or drugs details the latest instalment in our troubled relationship with alcohol. More than half a million people have been admitted over three years with alcohol- and drug-related harm and the cost to the NHS is £607m a year.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Alcohol News - 48/2013

ArcaMax (France) - France battling bulging waistlines, alcohol abuse, survey shows
Despite having one of the best health systems in the world, only one in four people in France is truly healthy, according to a survey released Thursday that pointed to mounting levels of stress, obesity and alcohol abuse.
New Zealand Herald (New Zealand) - Western cultures 'besotted with alcohol'
Western cultures are "besotted with alcohol" and are failing to address the problems it causes, particularly in relation to women.
Mother Nature Network - How 8 common medications interact with alcohol
From the glasses of wine with Thanksgiving dinner to the champagne toast on New Year's, alcohol is often a familiar sight at holiday celebrations. But if you're taking one or more medications a day — whether they're over-the-counter or prescription — is it safe to raise a glass or two, or should you avoid drinking altogether?
stv.tv (Scotland) - Alcohol deaths higher in Scotland than comparable parts of England
People in central Scotland are more likely to die from alcohol-related causes than those in comparable parts of northern England, according to an NHS study.
Salon - Legalized pot could threaten the alcohol industry
As the legalization of recreational marijuana gains momentum across the United States with public support at an all-time high, many advocates eagerly await to see what effect legalization will have on big alcohol. Will it be forced to fight for market share?
Sierra Express Media (Sierra Leone) - Health Network Sierra Leone to wage war on alcohol
The Director of Health Network Sierra Leone, Mr. Robert Kondema Kargbo, has said that his organization is a civil society advocacy group on health issues and human rights as well promoting justice in the country.
ABC Online (Australia) - Health experts alarmed over boom in Facebook alcohol ads
Health experts have expressed alarm about the proliferation of Facebook pages promoting binge drinking, with a fanbase of tens of thousands of Australians.
Al Jazeera America (USA) - 1 in 6 unemployed Americans abuses drugs or alcohol
About 1 in 6 unemployed Americans suffers from drug or alcohol addiction — nearly twice the rate of substance abuse found in working Americans — according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, released Tuesday.
UC Riverside - Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol Disrupts Brain Circuitry
Prenatal exposure to alcohol severely disrupts major features of brain development that potentially lead to increased anxiety and poor motor function, conditions typical in humans with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), according to neuroscientists at the University of California, Riverside.
National Post (Canada) - Robert Fulford: Taking on the pro-alcohol lobby
The word came out of southern Manitoba this week that some of the residents of Winkler object to the creation of the first liquor store in their town’s 100-year history.
Toronto NewsFIX - One Drink With Alcohol Immediately Doubles Stroke Risk
A study has revealed that after you have your first drink with alcohol, your stroke risk nearly doubles. The study was conducted with 390 stroke patients and followed how much alcohol they consumed prior to them suffering a stroke.
Science Daily - Alcohol Use Disorders Linked to Death and Disability
Disorders related to the abuse of alcohol contribute significantly to the burden of disease in the U.S., finds a new study in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. Researchers estimated that in 2005, about 53,000 men and 12,000 women died from issues related to alcohol use disorders (AUD).
Irish Times (Ireland) - Drinking too much is in the blood
Christmas time, mistletoe and wine. The party season is upon us. Behind the scenes the health service is under pressure to cope with a surge in liver disease.
Telegraph.co.uk - Twitter bans underage followers from alcohol brands
Twitter has begun asking users who try to follow alcohol brands for their date of birth in order to check they are above the legal minimum drinking age.
Financial Times (UK) - UK government rules out U-turn on alcohol pricing
Downing Street said it has no plans to revive alcohol minimum pricing despite its surprise decision to press ahead with plain cigarette packets.
News-Medical.net - New Griffith research aims to reduce alcohol-related drownings in young men
Looking at the reasons why young men drink and swim is the focus of new Griffith research which aims to reduce the number of drownings. Drowning, a largely preventable problem, continues to be a serious issue worldwide, with young men particularly at risk.
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (Ghana) - Effects of Alcohol On Society
In one of Julius Caesar’s works, Calphunia, one of the characters stated and I quote " when beggars die there are no comets seen" unquote. This perhaps explains the less seriousness we pay to victims of alcohol who are mostly financially handicapped.
The Nelson Mail (New Zealand) - Women drinking more, and more often
Women are drinking more than ever and the level of harm associated with alcohol is getting worse, a policy briefing paper has found.
MorningAdvertiser.co.uk (UK) - Introduction of 24-hour drinking 'failed to curb alcohol-related violence'
A new study has suggested that the introduction of so-called '24-hour drinking' has failed to have an impact on reducing alcohol-related street violence in town and city centres.