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www.alkoholpolitik.ch Newsletter November 2010 (issued 11/30/10)

Dear English speaking reader, dear friends,

I am glad to send you examples of the new entries on my website. See the website for more entries.
After modernising the website we had to alter the look of this newsletter too. We have split the articles in two separate language newsletters, German and English. With a mouseclick on the titles you come to the original article where you find also the links to the source. We hope to meet your requirements. It is now much shorter and better to read. Anyhow we are willing to improve it when you give us a feedback with proposals. Please check, if you have included our address in your list of accepted addresses that your SPAM-filter doesn’t exclude our newsletter.

3460 articles in 122 categories and with 8818 main expressions (tags) since 1/1/2009.

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Kind regards
Yours Hermann T. Meyer
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Covering letter with the Newsletter November 2010

A lot of attention was brought this month in the USA to the combination of alcohol with energy drinks. Facing public pressure and a likely regulatory ban, the maker of Four Loko says it is dropping caffeine and two other ingredients from the alcoholic drink popular with students. Several states banned those alcoholic energy drinks.  But many of the comments on various news sites said, more or less, that such a decision would “do nothing” to stop binge drinking on college campuses. The real issues, as Derrick Z. Jackson wrote in the Boston Globe Nov. 20, are underage and binge drinking. Far from taking either one seriously, he argued, we encourage them both.

Alcohol is the most damaging drug to the drinker and others overall, heroin and crack are the second and third most harmful, Professor David Nutt and colleagues wrote in the medical journal The Lancet. When all factors related to self harm and harm to others are considered, alcohol comes out top. For many decades alcohol has been called the socio-medical problem No.1. This study is just an additional piece of proof. But a very valuable one, as it comes in a time when governments are not willing to implement the new alcohol strategy of the World Health Organization (May 2010), even if they signed it, because they are under permanent pressure of the global alcohol industry. This sort of corruption costs human tragedies and lives every day and the people is not able to protest as it is not informed.

Africa is coming into focus of the alcohol industry as in the industrialized countries the market is more or less complete. Kenya gets new alcohol laws, there was a first international meeting of the Kettil Bruun Society in  Kampala, Uganda and South Africa wants to take more care on the alcohol Problem.  But the strangest news comes today from the U.K.:  Giant multinational brewer SABMiller – the company that owns Grolsch, Peroni, Miller and Castle – is avoiding an estimated £20m of taxes in Africa and India every year, enough money to educate a quarter-of-a-million African children, according to a new report released today by the international anti-poverty agency ActionAid.

The report, ‘Calling Time: Why SABMiller should stop dodging taxes in Africa’ reveals for the first time how the company, the world’s second biggest brewer, uses a complex system of  tax havens to siphon profits out of subsidiaries in developing countries, depriving those governments of significant amounts of tax. They take it from the poorest. May be that is also our development aid we send to Africa. It comes back to Europe (Netherlands and Switzerland) as their profit. And it is legal!

Best regards, I wish you an advent free of stress and a Merry Christmas
Yours passive-drinker
Hermann T. Meyer
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TOP NEWS

USA: Four Loko Drops Caffeine Jolt From Alcohol Drinks – 17. November 2010
Facing public pressure and a likely regulatory ban, the maker of Four Loko says it is dropping caffeine and two other ingredients from the alcoholic drink popular with students.
Phusion Projects announced Tuesday night that it would reformulate its energy drinks to remove caffeine, guarana and taurine. The move comes as a federal government ruling against Four Loko and some 40 to 50 drinks like it is apparently imminent. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/17/10) aolnews.com, 11/17/10

Kenya: Alcohol dealers have nine months to play by the new strict law – 17. November 2010
The government is planning to raise the drinking age to 21, up from 18 years. The law also restricts sale of alcohol in supermarkets and other public premises.
Even Nacada is not clear on what happens on November 27 when the law is expected to come into effect.
The new law on alcoholic drinks, expected to come into effect next weekend, will be implemented in nine months but some aspects take immediate effect.
The National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Authority (Nacada) says the renewal or issuance of new liquor licences has been put on hold until the new Act comes into effect. Reacting to media reports last week claiming there was uncertainty and confusion on effecting of the new law, Nacada — in a Sunday advertisement — says the government will give the sector a transition period of nine months to adapt to the new law. The law will become effective as soon as the implementation date is gazetted by the Minister for Internal Security. (Source: Alcohol Report, 11/16/10) Daily Nation, 11/15/10

USA: Mich. Bans Alcoholic Energy Drinks – 5. November 2010
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (LCC) has banned the sale of alcoholic energy drinks, becoming the first state in the nation to do so.
The commission said in a Nov. 3 news release that they “are rescinding approval of all alcoholic energy drinks,” and, after official notification, distributors will have 30 days to pull the drinks from their shelves.
The commissioners’ actions come a week after the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s Oct. 27 letter asking beer distributors to voluntarily pull the high-alcohol, high-caffeine pre-mixed drinks from Penn. markets. (Source: Join Together, 11/04/10)

Alcohol Is Most Harmful Drug, Followed By Heroin And Crack – 2. November 2010
Alcohol is the most damaging drug to the drinker and others overall, heroin and crack are the second and third most harmful, Professor David Nutt and colleagues wrote in the medical journal The Lancet today. When all factors related to self harm and harm to others are considered, alcohol comes out top…. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/1/10) our online-comment: For many decades alcohol has been called the socio-medical problem No.1. This study is just an additional piece of proof. But a very valuable one, as it comes in a time when governments are not willing to implement the new alcohol strategy of the World Health Organization (May 2010), even if they signed it, because they are under permanent pressure of the global alcohol industry. This sort of corruption costs human tragedies and lives every day and the people is not able to protest as it is not informed. (see press release by Active, 11/03/10)

GLOBAL

USA: Beyond Four Loko: Tackling Alcohol Ads for Young Drinkers – 30. November 2010
On Nov. 17, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared that the makers of drinks like Four Loko and Joose were not allowed to mix caffeine and alcohol. Many of the comments on various news sites said, more or less, that such a decision would “do nothing” to stop binge drinking on college campuses.
They were right. While removing alcoholic energy drinks from the market may have been necessary, it doesn’t solve the larger problems.
The real issues, as Derrick Z. Jackson wrote in the Boston Globe Nov. 20, are underage and binge drinking. Far from taking either one seriously, he argued, we encourage them both. (Source: Join Together, 11/29/10)

USA: Alcohol-infused whipped cream popular in Massachusetts – 29. November 2010
The alcohol-infused whipped cream on the shelves of liquor stores in Massachusetts is 15 percent alcohol and it has health officials worried. It comes in flavors like chocolate, caramel, and vanilla. Each can costs $14. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/29/10) boston.cbslocal.com, 11/29/10

Kenya: Sobering fines for alcohol crimes – 29. November 2010
The most dramatic legislation in the new law is expected to be gazetted before the weekend, which will ban drinking in a bar during the day.
It is official; you will be arrested and fined Sh150,000 if found in a bar with a child, according to the new alcohol control law that has taken effect.
The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act was gazetted by Internal Security minister George Saitoti on Monday, meaning that manufacturers who package distilled alcohol in a plastic container risk being prosecuted and fined heavily as will be bars which sell such drinks. All supermarkets and petrol station shops selling alcohol in sections that it can be reached by minors will be breaking the new law. In addition, all previous licences for manufacturers, distributors and retailers have expired and businesses have to wait for further instructions from Nacada (the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse). (Source: Alcohol Reports, 11/29/10) nation.co.ke, 11/24/10

A new future for Manchester and alcohol? – 28. November 2010
Greater Manchester will be debating the imposition of a minimum price for alcohol this Friday.
If carried through it would create a bye-law requiring pubs, restaurants, supermarkets and off licences to price alcoholic drinks based on the number of units they contain,at the moment that would see a minimum price of 50p per unit.
Translated into relevant figures, Mancunians drinkers would find themselves paying at least £4.50 for a bottle of wine, £6 for a six-pack of lager and £14 for a 700ml bottle of whisky. … (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/28/10) insidethem60.journallocal.co.uk, 11/23/10 our Online-Comment: To avoid people travelling outside Manchester to get cheaper alcohol the Prime Minister could start with a national law which brings up prices. He has just put the responsibility to the local communities.
Everybody would have the profit from a lower alcohol consumption by reduced alcohol-related social costs. The meaning of the measure is to convince people to drink less. Also the poor. Than they can pay higher prices as well. Those who drink much less, have the most profit. Better than minimal prices would be to put taxes on the drinks which could be used for covering the social costs, prevention and rehabilitation.

California: Party + Alcohol + Minors = Violation of Law – 26. November 2010
A countywide Social Host Liability Ordinance was passed by the Board of Supervisors on June 15, 2010, and will go into effect on December 1, 2010.
The law makes it illegal for anyone hosting a party to knowingly allow minors to consume alcohol at that party. If cited, the host will face a civil penalty of $500 plus a required educational class for the first offense, $1,000 for a second offense and $2,000 for a third offense. …(Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/26/10) independent.com, 11/25/10

Marginalized in the headlines, major in society – 26. November 2010
Violence against women is huge problem in European lives.
November 25th was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and we have read several
press releases from different civil society organization. Yesterday. Many organizations, not least the United
Nations, have tried over the years to raise awareness about the problem that violence against women creates
for societies. After all already in 1999 did the General Assembly of the UN designate the 25th of November to
be this special day. … (Source: violenceagainst women PRESS RELEASE
Press contact: Maik Duennbier, alcoholpolicy@activeeurope.org, 26th of November 2010)

More US States Selling Liquor on Sundays – 25. November 2010
More states and local communities are allowing sales of hard liquor and other alcohol on Sunday, USA Today reported Nov. 18.
In 2002, 22 states allowed Sunday liquor sales. Now, only 14 states and the District of Columbia do not allow Sunday liquor sales.
Some communities that permitted Sunday alcohol sales already, have changed starting hours for selling alcohol to earlier in the day. Michigan made it legal this month to sell alcohol as early as 7 a.m., while Arizona in July pushed legal starting hours from 10 a.m. to 6 a.m. (Source: Join Together, 11/23/10) our Online-Comment: The state gets some little tax money and the Public has more social costs to pay. The balance is negative in most cases. The profit is at the alcohol industry.

South Africa draws the line on alcohol abuse – 23. November 2010
The South African government is taking a fresh approach in dealing with the scourge of alcohol abuse, especially amongst pregnant women. It has challenged the liquor industry to re-evaluate the type of advertisements that portray drinking alcohol as prestigious and the myth that excessive drinking is acceptable. …
(Source: Alcohol Reports, 11/21/10) buanews.gov.za, 11/18/10

Korea’s first voluntary Alcohol Advertising Self-Regulatory Code – 23. November 2010
The International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP) and the Korea Alcohol & Liquor Industry Association (KALIA) are pleased to jointly announce the landmark signing of at today’s second KALIA-ICAP Seminar.
Developed in consultation with public health officials and non-governmental organizations, the code outlines alcohol producers’ formal commitment to responsible marketing through guidelines that provide new standards for the content and placement of beverage alcohol marketing communications, including online media. … (Source: ICAP press release 11/15/10) Comment: Let’s hope it has some effect. Normally those self-regulations only give the governments an alibi not to implement real preventive measures. (ICAP is the international Institue of the leading alcohol industries.)

Austria observes German ‘drink and ride’ debate – 23. November 2010
Public transport officials in Austria are looking across the border as Germany has become entangled in a heated debate over the possible introduction of a “drink and ride” limit for passengers.
Criminologist Christian Pfeiffer told the Berliner Kurier newspaper today (Fri) the implementation of a legal limit for passengers may slash damage costs and the number of violent incidents.
Especially public transport operators in the country’s capital Berlin have registered a dramatic rise of costs caused by trams, buses and underground trains which are damaged and dirtied. Some officials linked the development to boozing passengers….(Source: Alcohol Reports, 23.11.10) austriantimes.at, 11/19/10

USA: NIH Director Outlines Reorganization Plan for ‘Substance Use, Abuse, and Addiction’ Research – 22. November 2010
The director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that a proposal to reorganize the federal government’s major research agencies on substance abuse and addictions into a single entity “makes scientific sense,” and has outlined a planning process to create a new Institute for “substance use, abuse, and addiction research and related public health initiatives.”
In a November 18 message sent to NIH employees and in a press release issued the same day, Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., said a new single Institute would “enhance NIH’s efforts to address the substance abuse and addiction problems that take such a terrible toll on our society.” … (Source: Join Together, 11/22/10)

USA: Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney on Alcohol Testing Accuracy – 22. November 2010
The accuracy of breathalyzer machines has been hotly disputed since states began to use them in the 1930s, according to Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer William Moore. Numerous factors can cause false positives or otherwise affect results, such as: * diabetes, * acid reflux disease, * cigarette smoking, * eating bread, * mouth alcohol, * breathing pattern or hyperventilation, * other reasons Breath testing is not the most reliable method of evaluating the amount of alcohol in someone’s body at a given time. … (Source: Google Alkohol, 11/22/10) floridaduilawyer.blog11/21/10

Turkey: No Raki For You – Another Massive Alcohol Tax – 20. November 2010
Islamic Gov’t Denies Religious Motivation
Turkey’s Islamist-rooted conservative government introduced another 30% tax hike on alcohol in late October, drawing protests from drinkers, cafe owners and beverage producers.
The price of alcoholic beverages has shot up 129% since the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power eight years ago. By contrast, the Consumer Price Index rose 79% during the same period.
A one-litre bottle of raki now costs about $35. That’s a lot to pay in a country where the minimum annual wage is around $400 and the average monthly income is around $1000. More and more Turks are opting for beer and wine, which are cheaper than the traditional raki.
“There has been a 34% decrease in alcohol consumption from 2003 to 2008,” reports a study by the Bahcesehir University’s research centre BETAM. …. (Source: Google Alcohol News,11/20/10) weaselzippers.us, 11/19/10 our Online-Comment: Most of the people commenting here didn’t understand the result of the tax rise: Consumption of alcoholic beverages went down 34%! We could have the same effect in Europe if our governments would have the courage to do the same. And we would also save a lot of money for alcohol-related social costs and enjoy more quality of life. But Europeans are not informed and cannot protest when the governments are under the pressure of the alcohol industry. That’s our “freedom”!

USA: FDA verbietet Energy-Drinks mit Alkohol – 20. November 2010
Die US-amerikanische Kontrollbehörde FDA hat dieser Tage vier Hersteller von sogenannten Energy-Drink aufgefordert, entweder das Koffein aus den hochprozentigen Alkopops zu entfernen oder die Produkte vom Markt zu nehmen. Andernfalls drohten Sanktionen.
Mit 12 Volumenprozent enthält eine typische Getränkedose des jetzt verbotenen Four Loko so viel Alkohol wie eine Flasche Wein. Hinzu kommen etwa 150 mg Koffein, was der Menge mehrerer Becher Kaffee entspricht. Beides ist für sich genommen in USA legal, doch die Kombination der beiden Inhaltsstoffe kann nach Ansicht der FDA nicht als sicher betrachtet werden. (Quelle: aerzteblatt.de, 19.11.10)

UK: Reduce the VAT on alcohol sold in pubs, says expert – 20. November 2010
Alcoholic drinks served in pubs should be taxed at a lower level than drinks bought from shops, says an expert in this week’s BMJ. This action would deliver the health benefits associated with introducing a minimum price on alcohol, increase tax revenue for the Treasury and save pubs says Dr Nick Sheron. The author is head of clinical hepatology at the University of Southampton, a member of the Alcohol Health Alliance and an advisor for the 2010 House of Commons Select Committee Report on Alcohol. If, argues Sheron, the VAT policy that exists on take-away and eat-in food and drink was applied to alcohol but in reverse, then the minimum price on alcohol could be increased to deliver public health benefits. This move would also increase revenue for the Treasury and prices on drinks would not increase in the local pub. (Source: Google Alcohol News) BMJ-British Medical Journal/sciencecodex.com, 11/19/10

EU: Commission eyes behaviour research to ´road-test´ consumer policy – 20. November 2010
On 22 November, top international researchers, EU policy makers and consumer advocates are gathering in Brussels for the conference “Behavioural Economics: So What? Should Policy Makers Care”. A major pilot study on consumer decision-making in retail investment serviceswill be presented and will feed into the debate.
The conference looks at possible concrete applications of behavioural consumer research in testing, optimising and streamlining consumer policies.
The key questions to be tackled include:….

USA: FDA Calls 7 Caffeine-Alcohol Drinks Unsafe – 20. November 2010
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration told the manufacturers of seven caffeinated alcoholic beverages Wednesday that their drinks are a “public health concern” and can’t stay on the market in their current form.
The move follows a year-long review by the FDA, which gave the companies 15 days to either reformulate their products or face possible seizure under federal law, said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, the agency’s principal deputy commissioner. Experts have said the caffeine used in the beverages can mask the effects of alcohol, leaving drinkers unaware of how intoxicated they are. … (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/18/10) ksfm.radio.com, 11/17/10

Big Alcohol Buys Sales Tax Repeal in Massachusetts – 20. November 2010
It took more than $2 million dollars in campaign donations, but Big Alcohol emerged victorious at the Massachusetts ballot box: 52% of voters approved Measure One to repeal the state’s 6.25% sales tax on alcoholic beverages. This narrow majority will cost the state of Massachusetts more than $100 million in revenue, while simultaneously increasing the costs of alcohol-related harm that the state must cover…Read More.

USA: Watchdog Calls for State Bans on Alcoholic Energy Drinks – 19. November 2010
While applauding expected actions by the Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission against dangerous alcoholic energy drinks, Marin Institute, the alcohol industry watchdog, called for strong state action as well.
In the wake of increased media attention to the grave risks of combining caffeine with high-alcohol content, states have taking swift stands. In the past 2 weeks alone, four states – Michigan, Oklahoma, Washington, and New York— have shown leadership by banning the products or suspending their sale, while many more states are planning similar actions. …
“State-level product bans will continue to be necessary to get the products off of store shelves,” explained Michele Simon, Marin Institute’s research and policy director and co-author of the 2007 report. “States are the primary regulators of alcoholic beverages and have full authority to ban alcoholic energy drinks whether by regulatory or legislative action, or through attorney general enforcement,” Simon added. (Source: Marin Institute, 11/17/10)

USA: Free The Bowl Contest Now Open! – 20. November 2010
Marin Institute has launched its third annual, countrywide, anti-alcohol-advertising contest at FreeTheBowl.com. This year’s theme – “Free the Bowl from Beer Ads” – seeks original, 30-60 seconds long, “performance art” counter-beer-ads from youth and young adults ages 10-20. Deadline for entry is January 24th, and the winners will receive cash prizes up to $1000! To learn more, watch the video.

USA: MADD Wants ‘DADSS’ to Stop Drunk Driving – 18. November 2010
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) can reasonably take the credit for halving the number of people killed by drunk driving each year from 21,000 in 1980 to about 11,000 in 2009.
To appreciate how big an accomplishment that is, it’s helpful to remember that when MADD was founded in 1980, “it was legal to get behind the wheel and drink a beer in most states,” and drunk drivers “rarely received more than a fine,” …
MADD celebrated its 30th anniversary in a big way: it launched an effort that will — it hopes — virtually eliminate drunk driving. First, it wants Congress to amend the Federal Highway Reauthorization Bill to require that people convicted of drunk driving must have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicles. This is already law in 12 states.
Second, MADD wants Congress to authorize $60 million over five years to pay for the development of a device that would lock the ignition for drivers with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. … (Source: Join Together, 11/17/10) our Online-Comment: The alternative would be to reduce the legal limit to .05% or lower and spend a lot of money more in controls and administration and prison costs.

USA: Caffeine Added To Alcoholic Drinks Is An Unsafe Food Additive – 18. November 2010
…FDA Tells Drinks Makers
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has told four drinks companies that adding caffeine to malt alcoholic drinks is an “unsafe food additive”. The FDA Warning Letters added that federal law allows for further action, including confiscation of malt alcoholic beverages with caffeine added. These drinks are a public health concern, the FDA wrote in a communiqué.
The FDA says it looked at studies and peer-reviewed documents about the consumption of alcohol mixed with caffeine, as well as talking to toxicologists, neuropharmacologists, emergency room doctors and epidemiologists. It also examined data provided by drinks makers. Laboratory analyses of alcoholic drinks with caffeine added were also carried out independently by the FDA. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/17/10)

Open Letter to Alcohol Industry EU-Open Forum Members – 17. November 2010
Alcohol industry called upon to take more effective action!
Ahead of the next Alcohol and Health Forum meetings, public health experts and NGOs in the Forum have issued an Open Letter to its members calling upon the alcohol industry to take responsibility for their share of the problems caused by their products in Europe.
The EU Alcohol and Health Forum (EAHF) will meet this Thursday and Friday under the auspices of the new Director General, Ms. Paola Testori Coggi. see Open Letter: eurocare_openforum20101117b

Active Newsflash #1 – 17. November 2010
This European Youth Organisation has started with a Newsflash, reporting on new developments in alcohol politics:
Newsflash of this week brings you updates on what’s the connection between alcohol and energy drinks. Besides that you can read about Active’s premier at Alcohol and Health Forum featuring Adrian Farner Rogne; you can take a short trip to the past and visit our seminar in Berlin held in the end of October 2010 and check out what’s going on in the field of Active’s press releases.

3rd Open European Alcohol and Health Forum – 17. November 2010
Draft Programme datet 11/05/10
Some headlines: WHO-Resolution, FASD-actions, The RAYPRO web resource, The (mystery) buyer, EU Alcohol Strategy implementation

USA: Startling Healthcare Costs for Drug and Alcohol Treatment – 17. November 2010
A statewide commission will urge legislators to create a drug czar to oversee drug and alcohol addiction programs.
Healthcare costs associated with alcohol and drug abuse amounted to $3.2 billion during 2006 in Oregon – while 70 percent of people who were incarcerated had a substance abuse problem. Attorney General John Kroger made this quite clear when he spoke to a legislative health policy committee recently. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/17/10) thelundreport.org, 11/15/10

Indian Diocese turns to rosary in fight against alcohol – 15. November 2010
A Catholic diocese in southern India has used a Marian rosary procession as an opportunity to campaign against alcohol abuse among its people.
Some 1,000 people attended the Nov. 13 convention and a procession at Kodencherry, a Catholic stronghold in Kozhikode district of Kerala state. They recited the rosary and carried placards urging people to quit alcohol in the major parish of Thamarassery diocese. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/15/10) ucanews.com, 11/15/10 our Online Comment: I think the Catholic Church all over the world should stand up against the power of the alcohol industry, which makes us “passive drinkers”, as the WHO said. There is a great need for political action, according to the global alcohol strategy of the WHO resolution in May.

Alcohol Reports – 15. November 2010
An international website dedicated to providing current information on news, reports, publications,and peer-reviewed research articles concerning alcoholism and alcohol-related problems throughout the world. Postings are provided by international contributors who monitor news, publications and research findings in their country, geographical region or program area of interest. All postings are entered without editorial or contributor opinion or comment.
Alcohol and HIV/AIDS Volume 33, Number 3, 2010 (11/14/10)

Europe’s Alcohol Belts – 15. November 2010
The map from Strange Maps, shows Europe’s three ‘alcohol belts.’ The northernmost belt is for distilled spirits, the middle belt is for beer, and the southernmost belt is for wine. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/15/10)

Wash. State Bans Alcoholic Energy Drinks – 12. November 2010
The state of Washingon’s Liquor Control Board outlawed alcoholic energy drinks beginning Nov. 18, The Seattle Times reported Nov. 10.
Regulators acted at the request of Washington governor Christine Gregoire in the wake of an October incident where nine Central Washington University students were hospitalized after consuming caffeinated alcohol drinks. (Source: Join Together, 11/12/10)

Americans Love Football…Why Push The Beer? – 12. November 2010
30 Million underage youth view beer ads on Super Bowl Sunday. 10.7 million underage youth drink; 7.2 million binge drink.
Help Marin Institute fight back against Big Alcohol advertising during TV Sports events with our Free The Bowl contest. Help us launch our 2011 Free The Bowl contest on November17th—and give youth video a voice.
Anheuser-Busch InBev spends over $14 million on Super Bowl beer ads. Your donation can help counter that power. (Source: Marin Institute, 11/11/10)

No Phoolin’: Four Loko’s Phusion Projects Wants ‘Responsible Drinking’ – 11. November 2010
Phusion Projects, LLC, which makes the alcoholic energy drink Four Loko — known to college students as “blackout in a can” — has suddenly gotten “serious” about alcohol abuse and underage drinking on college campuses.
On Nov. 4, company founders sent a letter to about 300 college presidents, deans, and alcohol counselors with information about its products. They offered to help subsidize alcohol education programming, and sought to work with college representatives to address alcohol abuse and underage drinking, which they described as “both a fundamental priority and an ultimate responsibility that we share with the entire alcoholic beverage industry.” … (Source: Join Together, 11/10/10)

Politicians Must ‘Vote With Their Conscience’ On Alcohol … – 11. November 2010
…Says BMA Scotland.
The BMA in Scotland today (Wednesday 10 November 2010) called on the Conservatives, Liberal Democrat and Labour MSPs to reconsider their opposition to minimum pricing as they prepared to debate the Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill for the final time. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/10/10)

EU: 3rd Open Forum on Alcohol and Health – 11. November 2010
Within the framework of the European Alcohol and Health Forum (EAHF) a 3rd Open Forum will be held in Brussels (Centre Albert Borschette) on 19 November 2010 from 10h00 till 17h00.
The Open Forum is an opportunity for exchange of information and discussion with a broader range of interested parties than the EAHF membership. It also provides networking possibilities among stakeholders who wish to contribute to the reduction of alcohol-related harm. (Source: EU-events update, 11/10/10)

Scotland: Politicking MSPs must follow doctor’s orders on alcohol pricing – 11. November 2010
Nicola Sturgeon is following the best medical advice in seeking a minimum unit price for alcohol. Improving Scotland’s unhappy association with booze should be based on that, not on petty party politics, writes Alan Cochrane. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/10/10) telegraph.co.uk, 11/10/10

Okla. Ousts Alcoholic Energy Drinks – 10. November 2010
Oklahoma — “the OK State” — has placed a moratorium on deliveries of alcoholic energy drink Four Loko and others like it, the Oklahoman reported Nov. 5. The state’s Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE) banned the delivery of the drinks into the state as of Dec. 3 — until their health risks can be studied by a scientific panel appointed by the commission. Four Loko has been dubbed “blackout in a can” by college students. “Package stores can sell it, and consumers, 21 and over, can consume Four Loko after Dec. 3, but there just won’t be any new product allowed into the state. Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” said John Masich, ABLE’s general counsel. (Source: Join Together, 11/08/10)

First State to Ban Alcoholic Energy Drinks? Utah – 10. November 2010
Four Loko Amid the buzz about Four Loko, recent tragedies on college campuses and new efforts by state regulators to ban alcoholic energy drinks (AEDs) have taken center stage. It turns out another state had already banned alcoholic energy drinks — by not permitting distribution of the products in the first place.
Utah — not Michigan, as we previously reported — was the first state to ban alcoholic energy drinks.
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control “listing committee” researched alcoholic energy drinks and elected to keep them off the list of acceptable products for sale, Deseret News reported Oct. 29. (Source: Join Together, 11/09/10)

ALERT! Tell FDA to Ban Dangerous Acoholic Energy Drinks Now! – 9. November 2010
This week, CNN, CBS, and NBC covered recent disturbing events involving partying teenagers getting sick after consuming alcoholic energy drinks: sweet, high-alcohol, caffeinated, beverages, now dubbed “black-out in a can.”
After throwing up and passing out, college students are winding up in hospital emergency rooms while the federal government delays action.
Meanwhile, the manufacturers refuse to take any responsibility and continue to aggressively market these dangerous products nationwide.
Last November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration launched an investigation into the safety of adding caffeine to alcohol. After nearly a year, what are they waiting for?
Tell the head of the FDA, Commissioner Margaret Hamburg (a medical doctor), and her boss, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that it’s time to ban these products once and for all. (Source: Marin Institute, 11/08/10) Take Action!

USA: Major Fundraising Fuels Mass. Alcohol Tax Repeal – 9. November 2010
Supporters of a successful Massachusetts ballot initiative to repeal the state’s year-old 6.25 percent sales tax on alcohol outspent opponents by more than 10 to 1, the Boston Globe reported Nov. 4.
The Beer Distributors of Massachusetts alone donated more for Question One on the state ballot than did opponents of the measure. In all, supporters of eliminating the tax raised more than $2 million, while the Committee Against Repeal of the Alcohol Tax raised not quite $200,000. (According to the No on 1 Campaign, the fundraising margin between supporters and opponents was 15 to 1.) The fundraising led to an ad blitz that helped narrowly win repeal; supporters garnered 52 percent of the votes on Nov. 2. (Source: Join Together, 11/05/10)

USA: Momentum Builds Against Alcohol Energy Drinks – 5. November 2010
Four Loko. The onslaught of national attention to Alcohol Energy Drinks (AEDs), dubbed “blackout in a can” by many, continues to pick up steam. After a series of national media reports from the New York Times, ABC, CBS and other major outlets about several recent alcohol poisoning cases linked to AEDs, the products are back in the news full-force.
In 2008, a group of state attorneys general, aided by The Center for Science in the Public Interest and other groups, successfully pressured Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors to drop premixed, sweetened alcohol energy drinks from their product lines.
Since then, AEDs with even higher alcohol concentrations, such as Joose and Four Loko, have gained popularity with college-age and younger youth as a cheap and easy way to get drunk. The sugary, fruit-flavored beverages mask the flavor of alcohol, and the caffeine fuels a dangerous perception of being able to “party all night” — that is, drink harder and longer. … (Source: Join Together, 11/05/10)

EU: Committee on National Alcohol Policy and Action – 5. November 2010
7th meeting of the Committee on National Alcohol Policy and Action; Luxembourg, 14-15 September 2010
Summary report pdf – 82 KB [82 KB] and Presentations

USA: Bold Board: Pa. Asks Distributors to Pull Alcoholic Energy Drinks – 5. November 2010
Citing numerous cases of alcohol poisoning in states across the country, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has formally asked the state’s 17,000 licensed beer distributors to stop selling high-alcohol energy drinks that are popular among college students. (Source: Join Together, 11/04/10)

USA: Latest in Hospital Care – Shots, of Booze? – 4. November 2010
Hospital_Booze. As competition among hospitals stiffens, some institutions are resorting to offering patients a few too many comforts of home— or of their local bar. Despite being known to weaken the immune system and prolong illness, hospitals are starting to serve patients alcohol in hopes of wooing more business. … (Source: Marin Institute, 11/03/10)

USA: Mich. Toughens Penalties for Most Severely Impaired Drivers – 3. November 2010
As of Oct. 31, first-time drunk-driving offenders in Michigan who register blood alcohol levels of at least 0.17 percent will face penalties similar to what second-time offenders have traditionally received in the state.
The Kalamazoo Gazette reported that sponsors of the new state law based their efforts on observations that many of the most severe motor vehicle accidents related to drunk driving involved drivers with a high blood alcohol content and a prior drunk-driving conviction. (Source: Join Together, 11/02/10)

USA: Alcohol taxes, privatization, and “charge for harm” – 3. November 2010
Massachusetts voted to repeal a 6.25 percent alcohol tax, and Washington has blocked at least one measure seeking to privatize liquor distribution. Meanwhile, California approved Prop. 26, possibly negating efforts to require the alcohol industry, among others, to pay for the harm caused by their products. (Source: Join Together, 11/03/10)

EUCAM Newsletter November 2010 No. 2 – 3. November 2010
First evidence-based model to evaluate alcohol marketing regulations. The FASE project (Focus on Alcohol Safe Environments) coordinated by the Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy (STAP), resulted in the development of an evidence based framework to evaluated existing alcohol marketing regulations from a public health perspective. (visit www.faseproject.eu)
Ireland: Renewed call for a total ban on alcohol marketing practices. The College of Psychiatry of Ireland repeats their call for a ban from 2008. They state that alcohol advertising and
sponsoring should be banned, because of multiple breaches of the self regulation codes, often found without consequences. (press release College of Psychiatry of Ireland, September 12th 2010)
Finland: Task Force against “alcohol-friendly culture” to ban alcohol advertising in Helsinki.
A working group of Helsinki is proposing radical measures to curtail what is seen as an “alcohol-friendly culture” that reigned in the city. “Alcohol has become a part of everyday living and on-drinkers tend to cause consternation” the working group says. (Helsinki Sanomat – October 22th 2010) (Source: EUCAM Newsletter November 2010 No. 2)

USA: Texas Rangers: A Class Act – 3. November 2010
We are, unfortunately, used to seeing booze ads during sports. (Baseball: the nation’s pasttime. Alcohol: the nation’s poison?) And, come October, we’re used to seeing baseball players celebrate playoff series’ wins with televised champagne sprays.
So, this playoff season when the Texas Rangers won the American League Divisional Series, and then the A.L. Championship Series (ALCS), the Ale of choice — Ginger Ale — was a welcome surprise.
The Rangers gave dual celebrations — one nonalcoholic — out of respect for their ALCS MVP center-fielder Josh Hamilton, who is sober and in ongoing recovery. They also gave a separate champagne party for players. (Source: Join Together, 11/02/10)

RESEARCH

Epidemiology of Alcohol Abuse Among US Immigrant Populations – 29. November 2010
Abstract: The knowledge of racial and ethnic variations in alcohol abuse among US immigrants is limited. We compared the prevalence and correlates of alcohol abuse among US foreign-born versus US-natives by race-ethnicity using data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Alcohol abuse outcomes included clinical diagnosis, excessive drinking, and intoxication. The foreign-born respondents had lower rates of alcohol abuse than the US-born, but some variations were noted by race-ethnicity. … (Source: Alcohol Reports, 11/29/10) springerlink.com, 11/28/10

D: Association of health behaviour with heart rate variability – 28. November 2010
Conclusion: We hypothesized that HRV is associated with behavioural factors and therefore might be a mediator of the effect of behavioural CVD risk factors on CVD events, but this hypothesis was not confirmed by our results. These findings support the interpretation that there may be no true causal association of behavioural factors with HRV, which is also compatible with the inconsistent literature. However, a final conclusion as to whether HRV is an intermediate on the causal path or a marker of subclinical or impending disease cannot be drawn on the basis of cross-sectional analyses. Fortunately, the ongoing follow-up investigation of the study subjects will give us the opportunity to examine the prospective associations of behavioural risk factors with HRV and incident events, and to assess correct temporal relations. (Source: biomedcentral.com, 11/25/10) Comment: Could this study open a new generation of alcohol / heart research?

First African KBS meeting for alcohol researchers held in Uganda – 27. November 2010
“The price we are paying for the drinking culture in Africa today is that we loose many of our young people”, said Professor Isidore Obot (Nigeria) in his overview of the African situation at the KBS meeting in Kampala, Uganda.
The Kettil Bruun Society (KBS) is an international network of scientists working on alcohol epidemiology and alcohol policy. When the KBS meeting was held in Kampala, Uganda 15-18 November 2010 it was the first time such a meeting was held on the African continent, a fact that was celebrated by several of the speakers.
Here is the website of the KBS meeting and here you can download presentations held at the meeting. (Source: ADD > Alcohol, Drugs and Development, 11/25/10)

UK: Whole Person Recovery – 26. November 2010
Problematic drug and alcohol use has a profound impact on society. From the personal and social harms to the financial costs of drug-related crime and medical treatment, this is a burden that is increasingly hard to bear not only economically, but morally and socially. Moreover it is one that may increase as we enter a period of economic hardship. There is a constant need for new insights, and … (Source: Alcohol Reports, 11/24/10) thersa.org, November 2010

Binge Drinking Tied To Double Risk Of Heart Disease – 26. November 2010
A study that compared the drinking patterns of middle aged men in France to counterparts in Belfast in Northern Ireland, found that binge drinking was linked to nearly double the risk of heart disease, suggesting that Belfast’s binge drinking culture, where there is a tendency to drink a lot of alcohol in one day at the weekend, could be fuelling the city’s high rate of heart disease.
Although other studies have already established a link between drinking alcohol and heart disease and premature death, the researchers wanted to look in more detail at the role of drinking patterns and type of alcohol. So they set up a study to investigate drinking habits in two culturally diverse countries. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/24/10)

Comparing sexual risks and patterns of alcohol and drug use in St. Petersburg, Russia – 24. November 2010
… between injection drug users (IDUs) and non-IDUs who report sexual partnerships with IDUs.
Conclusions: Greater prevalence of sexual risk behaviors among non-IDUs who report partnerships with IDUs, compared to IDUs themselves, suggests a potential mechanism for spread of HIV beyond the IDU population. Interventions to reduce HIV transmission should address alcohol consumption among non-IDUs who report sexual partnerships with IDUs, and methamphetamine use and the propensity of having sex when high among IDUs. (Source: BMC Public Health 2010), 10:676doi:10.1186/1471-2458-10-676 Published: 5 November 2010

Estimating alcohol-related premature mortality in San Francisco – 24. November 2010
Use of population-attributable fractions from the Global Burden of Disease Study.
Conclusions: Alcohol consumption is a major contributor to premature mortality in San Francisco, especially among males. Interventions to avert alcohol-related harm in San Francisco should be taken at the population level and deserve the same attention that is given to other major risk factors, such as smoking or obesity. (Source: BMC Public Health 2010), 10:682doi:10.1186/1471-2458-10-682, Published: 9 November 2010

Trends in alcohol consumption in Russia 1994-2004 – 24. November 2010
Conclusions: Sudden economic decline in late 1990s Russia was associated with a sharp, temporary fall in heavy drinking, and a gradual and persistent increase in home distilled spirit consumption, with the latter more common amongst disadvantaged groups. The correlation between heavy drinking and national mortality in lower educated men is interesting, but the timing of RLMS surveys late in the calendar year, and the absence of any correlation between drinking and the subsequent year’s mortality, makes these data hard to interpret conclusively. Potential study limitations include difficulty in measuring multiple beverages consumed per occasion, and not specifically recording “surrogate” (non-beverage) alcohols.
BMC Public Health 2010, 10:691doi:10.1186/1471-2458-10-691; Published: 11 November 2010

Movies with a tick – Inventory of alcohol portrayal in Europe’s most popular movies – 24. November 2010
New EUCAM trend report: alcohol portrayal in popular movies This trend report describes the size of alcohol portrayal in movies that have been most visited in cinemas in 27 European countries in 2009. Most of these movies are seen by numerous European adults as well as minors after release in Europe. The volume and content of alcohol portrayal in
these movies give a first indication of the importance of alcohol portrayal in movies as a marketing tool by the alcohol industry in Europe. (Source: EUCAM, 11/24/10)

Alcohol advertising volume in Estonian TV channels grows – 23. November 2010
The amount of alcohol commercials in Estonian TV channels has grown considerably over the past few years but still they form a small amount of all commercial, LETA/National Broadcasting cites a TNS Emor study. (Source: Alcohol Reports, 11/23/10) baltic-course.com, 11/23/10

Moderate Consumption Is Key To The Molecule ‘Notch’ – 23. November 2010
Many studies support the assertion that moderate drinking is beneficial when it comes to cardiovascular health, and for the first time scientists have discovered that a well-known molecule, called Notch, may be behind alcohol’s protective effects. Down the road, this finding could help scientists create a new treatment for heart disease that mimics the beneficial influence of modest alcohol consumption. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/22/10)

Risk Factors of Alcohol Problem Drinking Among Female Bar/Hotel Workers in Moshi, Tanzania – 21. November 2010
There is limited information on alcohol problem drinking, which has been associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among female bar/hotel workers in Africa. This paper aimed to identify the individual- and facility-level determinants of alcohol problem drinking in this setting. Problem drinking was defined based on the CAGE alcohol screening scale. (Source: Alcohol Reports, 11/20/10) springerlink.com

Effectiveness of Policies Restricting Hours of Alcohol Sales in Preventing Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Related Harms
Donnerstag 18. November 2010
Abstract: Local, state, and national policies that limit the hours that alcoholic beverages may be available for sale might be a means of reducing excessive alcohol consumption and related harms. The methods of the Guide to Community Preventive Services were used to synthesize scientific evidence on the effectiveness of such policies. All of the studies included in this review assessed the effects of increasing hours of sale in on-premises settings (in which alcoholic beverages are consumed where purchased) in high-income nations. None of the studies was conducted in the U.S. The review team’s initial assessment of this evidence suggested that changes of less than 2 hours were unlikely to significantly affect excessive alcohol consumption and related harms; to explore this hypothesis, studies assessing the effects of changing hours of sale by less than 2 hours and by 2 or more hours were assessed separately.
(Source: Alcohol Report, 11/17/10) sciencedirect.com

Effectiveness of Policies Maintaining or Restricting Days of Alcohol Sales on Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Related Harms – Donnerstag 18. November 2010
The evidence from these studies indicated that increasing days of sale leads to increases in excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harms and that reducing the number of days that alcoholic beverages are sold generally decreases alcohol-related harms.
Based on these findings, when the expansion of days of sale is being considered, laws and policies maintaining the number of days of the week that alcoholic beverages are sold at on- and off-premises outlets in local, state, and national jurisdictions are effective public health strategies for preventing excessive alcohol consumption and related harms. (Source: Alcohol Report, 11/16/10)

USA: Energy Drinks Linked to Alcohol Problems – 17. November 2010ated alcoholic beverages such as Four Loko have come under fire from lawmakers and public health officials in recent weeks, following reports of hospitalizations and even some deaths tied to the potent drinks.Now, a new study suggests that combining caffeine and alcohol can pose a risk to young people even when the substances aren’t mixed in the same can or cup. College students who consume nonalcoholic energy drinks such as Red Bull at least once a week are more than twice as likely as their peers to show signs of alcohol dependence, including withdrawal symptoms and an inability to cut back on drinking, according to the study. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/17/10) health.com, 11/16/10

Reduction of Family Violence in Aboriginal Communities – 17. November 2010
A Systematic Review of Interventions and Approaches. Many efforts to reduce family violence are documented in the published literature.
We conducted a systematic review of interventions intended to prevent family violence in Aboriginal communities. We retrieved studies published up to October 2009; 506 papers included one systematic review, two randomized controlled trials, and fourteen nonrandomized studies or reviews.
Read Full Article (PDF) (Source: Alcohol Report, 11/16/10)

Health Consequences of Alcohol Use in New York City – 17. November 2010
A new report from Health Department suggests the toll is large and, by some measures, growing.
Excessive drinking kills approximately 1,500 NYC adults each year, according to the new report, Health Consequences of Alcohol Use in New York City. Alcohol also contributes to a tenth of all hospitalizations in the city – nearly 100,000 each year – and prompts 78,000 visits to hospital emergency departments, with a rate that more than doubled between 2003 and 2009. Read Full Report (PDF)

USA: Binge-Drinking Teens May Risk Future Depression – 17. November 2010
Binge-drinking teenagers may be putting themselves at higher risk in adulthood for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, Loyola University Health System researchers report.
A new Loyola study has found that exposing adolescent rats to binge amounts of alcohol permanently altered the system that produces hormones in response to stress. This disruption in stress hormones “might lead to behavioral and/or mood disorders in adulthood,” researchers reported. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/16/10)

Sweden: ‘Alcolocks’ for all new cars: Social Democrats – 16. November 2010
The Social Democrats have proposed that all new cars sold in Sweden be equipped with ignition locks to prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver is intoxicated.
The proposal, presented in the Riksdag on Friday, also calls for buses and trucks to come with the devices as well. According to the party, one in four traffic fatalities could be prevented with mandatory ignition locks.
The party’s traffic committee chairman Anders Ygeman is in favour of the government’s proposal on ignition locks as an alternative to revoking driving privileges for drunk driving offenses.
However, the Social Democrats want to go one step further with even more stringent legislation, including seeking an exemption from the EU that would allow Sweden to introduce ignition locks in all new cars. (Source: Alcohol Report, 11/16/10) thelocal.se, 11/15/10

Italy: Light To Moderate Drinking Linked To Fewer Heart Problems In Male Bypass Patients – 16. November 2010
ight to moderate alcohol consumption (about two to three drinks daily) among male coronary artery bypass patients was associated with 25 percent fewer subsequent cardiovascular procedures, heart attacks, strokes and death compared to non-drinkers, in a study presented at the American Heart’s Association’s Scientific Sessions 2010.
However, bypass patients with left ventricular dysfunction who were moderate to heavy drinkers (more than six drinks daily) were twice as likely to have subsequent cardiovascular deaths compared to non-drinkers. … (Source: Medical News Today, 11/15/10) our Online-Comment: Always the same question comes up: Who are the abstainers? There is no explanation on that in this text. It is hard to believe that in Italy there are enough lifelong abstainers without any other health burden to build a correct control group for such a study. And who did finance this study? see presentation abstract, 11/15/10 Comment: Here they note lifelong abstainers. But no information about other risks. (Diabetes, smoking, social status)

USA: Berkeley Students Report High Drug and Alcohol Use – 15. November 2010
Disturbing trends in drug and alcohol use in the Berkeley Unified School District as well as low rates of violence, crime and physical and mental health issues were outlined in results from the 2010 California Healthy Kids Survey, presented Wednesday at a district Board of Education meeting.
The self-reported data – collected from students in grades five, seven, nine and 11 – showed that Berkeley students, except fifth graders, smoke marijuana on a regular basis at twice the national and state rates and have been high or drunk on school property at double or more than double the state rate. However, students binge drink and smoke cigarettes at levels less than or comparable to state and national rates. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 11/15/10) dailycal.org, 11/15/10

Alcohol Damages Much More Than The Liver – 15. November 2010
Alcohol does much more harm to the body than just damaging the liver. Drinking also can weaken the immune system, slow healing, impair bone formation, increase the risk of HIV transmission and hinder recovery from burns, trauma, bleeding and surgery.
Researchers will release the latest findings on such negative effects of alcohol during a meeting Nov. 19 of the Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group at Loyola University Medical Center. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/14/10)

USA: Participants Exposed To ‘Fan Cans’ Find Beer Consumption Less Dangerous – 14. November 2010
Underage and heavy drinking on college campuses continue to be issues for college administrators. While some campuses, such as the University of Missouri, have made strides in efforts to reduce heavy drinking on campus, administrators are continually trying to educate students about the risks of excessive drinking. Now, two MU psychologists have found that students who viewed images of beer cans packaged and displayed in university colors believed that drinking beer was less dangerous than those students who saw images of regular beer cans. …(Source: Medical News Today, 11/13/10)

Campus-Community Interventions Successful In Reducing College Drinking – 14. November 2010
Heavy drinking among college students results in over 1800 deaths each year, as well as 590,000 unintentional injuries, almost 700,000 assaults and more than 97,000 victims of sexual assaults. In a new study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers report on the results of the Safer California Universities study, a successful community-wide prevention strategy targeted at off-campus settings. This is one of the first studies to focus on the total environment rather than on prevention aimed at individuals. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/12/10)

UK: Children Unhappy At School Turn To Sex And Alcohol – 12. November 2010
Young children who don’t like school are more likely to be involved in underage drinking and sexual activity. A study reported in BioMed Central’s open access journal Substance Abuse, Treatment, Prevention and Policy, has found that pupils’ general wellbeing and specific satisfaction with school were both associated with the incidence of risky behaviors. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/11/10)

USA: Study Finds Funding For Substance Abuse In Indiana Lacking – 11. November 2010
An Indiana University study (APHA 2010) found that Indiana spends more on the health care consequences of substance abuse than on its prevention. Eric Wright, director of the Center for Health Policy at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, said that for every dollar Indiana spends on services dealing directly and indirectly with substance abuse, 66 cents are used for health care-related consequences while only 1 cent pays for prevention/intervention initiatives. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/10/10)

NZ: High Density of Alcohol Retailers Linked to Bingeing, Harms – 9. November 2010
A study conducted in New Zealand has found that a resident’s risk of binge drinking and alcohol-related harms increases with each alcohol-selling outlet located within convenient walking distance of home, the University of Otago reported Oct. 1. University researchers surveyed 1,925 adults in 2007 on their alcohol use and then compared the results with mapping of all outlets where alcohol is sold, such as supermarkets and convenience stores. …. (Source: Join Together, 11/05/10)

D: Association of health behaviour with heart rate variability – 28. November 2010
Conclusion: We hypothesized that HRV is associated with behavioural factors and therefore might be a mediator of the effect of behavioural CVD risk factors on CVD events, but this hypothesis was not confirmed by our results. These findings support the interpretation that there may be no true causal association of behavioural factors with HRV, which is also compatible with the inconsistent literature. However, a final conclusion as to whether HRV is an intermediate on the causal path or a marker of subclinical or impending disease cannot be drawn on the basis of cross-sectional analyses. Fortunately, the ongoing follow-up investigation of the study subjects will give us the opportunity to examine the prospective associations of behavioural risk factors with HRV and incident events, and to assess correct temporal relations. (Source: biomedcentral.com, 11/25/10) Comment: Could this study open a new generation of alcohol / heart research?
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Texts from third persons do not necessarily reflect our own opinion. If you use our texts for distribution, please state the source. Last entry: November 30, 2010