Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Health Tips for September 27

Health Tip: Binge Drinking's Risks

Binge drinking occurs when the number of alcoholic drinks consumed in a short period raises a person's blood alcohol level to 0.08 grams percent or above, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This works out to consuming in two hours about five drinks for the average man and four drinks for the average woman, the agency said.

The CDC cites these dangers of binge drinking:

  • Increased risk of car accidents, burns, drowning and falls.
  • Increased risk of involvement in assault, domestic violence or other forms of intentional injury.
  • Increased risk of alcohol poisoning, and having a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.
  • Increased risk of getting pregnant unintentionally or contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, liver disease and neurological damage.
  • Increased risk of poorly managed diabetes.

Health Tip: How to Spot Underage Drinking

Besides being illegal, underage drinking can endanger a young person's physical and emotional health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The CDC says underage drinkers are more likely than other peers to have:

  • Problems at school, including more absences and poor grades.
  • Problems maintaining friendships and relationships.
  • Problems with the legal system.
  • Frequent hangovers or illnesses, drug abuse and problems with memory.
  • Cases of alcohol poisoning.
  • Car accidents.
  • Increased risk of sexual or physical assault, suicide or homicide, or unplanned pregnancy.
  • Problems affecting brain development.

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