Sometimes I can't believe we are celebrating the year 2009. It seems like only yesterday when I was leaving home,joining the corps, getting married and having a kid, the first of four. Yet here it is, 2009! Well, I'm glad to be here to celebrate with my family, for there are too many whom are not and for them I pray for peace and a safe holiday season. There's a lot of celebrating going on over the next few days which is why I decided to post this message tonight. For some it might come a little late, but for those of you who plan to party any time over the next few days and through the weekend, this message might come in handy. Please be responsible when you drink, stay safe, and have a happy and fantastic New Year's celebration!
Stay well,
A message from Amber McCracken:
As we approach New Year’s Eve, many Americans will be enjoying a spirit or two. Because there is no form of alcohol labeling required by the government, understanding how much is too much is difficult. According to a recent release by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Federation of America, National Consumers League and Shape Up America!, Americans should have these facts as they countdown to 2009:
· When it comes to drinking alcohol, the old adage is true: It doesn’t matter what you drink, it’s really how much that counts. Don’t kid yourself into thinking beer or wine is “safer” or less “potent” than the “hard stuff.”
· One of the most important tips about responsible drinking is to know how much you are drinking. So, remember, 12 ounces of regular beer has the same amount of alcohol as five ounces of wine and an ounce and a half of distilled spirits.
· Alcohol affects women differently than men. Besides producing less of the enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol, women generally have a lower percentage of natural body water than men, which means alcohol levels are more concentrated and women are likely to feel the effects (including the onset of alcohol-related diseases) sooner. In light of these differences, the Dietary Guidelines recommends that women consume less alcohol -- up to one standard drink a day while men are advised to limit their consumption to two alcohol drinks a day.
· Sometimes the wisest decision is not to drink. This is the case if you are younger than the minimum legal drinking age, pregnant, driving or operating machinery, or simply cannot control your drinking.
· In many cases, alcohol and medications don’t mix. Always read the label to determine if the prescription medicine or over-the-counter drug carries a specific warning about consuming alcohol.
· If you are hosting a party, don’t over-serve alcohol and keep an eye out for anyone who may have had too much to drink and is planning to drive home. If necessary, take their keys and call a taxi. Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverage choices available.
· The obvious tip that everybody knows but sometimes forgets: before you go out, plan how you are going to get home. Designate a driver, have a taxi number, and have money ready to pay the taxi. Whatever you do, don’t drink and drive and plan on staying sober.
· Whether you are a parent, family member or a friend, don’t serve to or buy alcohol for people under 21.
Click here to read the complete release on this issue.
Other resources:
http://www.shapeup.org/
http://www.shapeup.org/about/arch_pr/121208.pdf
www.nclnet.org.
Happy New Year! Thanks for getting the awareness out on being responsible. I also suggest being careful for other drivers on the roads and to steer clear of drifting cars or even call them in if they are endangering others on the road. In the long run, and truthfully, you could save their life, and other innocent lives.
Posted by: Fitness Surfer | January 01, 2009 at 22:44