Alcohol Review

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#Lifehack health advice | philcain.com

It is surprisingly easy to miss public health information on bottles and cans, like: “The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend adults do not regularly drink more than 14 units per week.” ■

Note: Read here why the label used in the demonstration is currently set to be a rare sight in the UK. ■

[summary] UK liver disease report: Budget to reverse declines in England

Key points

  • The recent decreases in liver mortality in England will not persist after the removal of the duty escalator and the reduction in alcohol duty in the most recent budget, according to the Lancet Commission on liver disease
  • The commission says it continues to strongly support the introduction of minimum unit pricing which is “exquisitely targeted” at the heaviest drinkers. It is being introduced in Scotland and is currently being considered in Wales and Ireland
  • Voluntary agreements with the food and drinks industry have been shown to be ineffective
  • On a positive note, a recent study showed universal screening for alcohol consumption and related liver disease is feasible

Background

  • Between 1980 and 2013, liver deaths from known causes increased by four times, with 84% of the increase due to alcohol-related liver disease
  • The most important factor in this was the increasing affordability of alcohol, says the commission
  • It made ten major recommendations in 2014, including: “Scaling up of national action to reduce the country’s overall consumption of alcohol”
  • The high mortality in adults has continued since then

Source: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)00680-7/fulltext

DIY alcohol label

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We should not drink alcohol to ward off any condition. Its many hazards, including cancer, outweigh any benefits. Alternatives like regular moderate exercise, a balanced diet, stress reduction and health care improve health without bringing any added risk. Please join Alcohol Review‘s supporters. ■

Orkney’s link in nascent alcohol-free hotel chain

The owner of Orkney’s Stromness Hotel confirmed it will not sell alcohol as part of a nascent socially-engaged hotel chain.

Jersey-based Payman Investment already owns a dozen hotels and has three more in the pipeline, says CEO Na’im Anis Payman, on a call from Albania.

“There is no huge money pot,” says Payman, saying the chain’s expansion is funded from bank financing.

Its eclectic portfolio already offers stays in locations from Stoke-on-Trent to Ulaanbaatar and points between.

Payman follows baha’i, a faith barring the consumption and sale of alcohol, but he notes his view also fits with science.

The company’s alcohol-free approach is best seen as part of a human and women’s rights agenda, says chief impact officer Tahirih Danesh.

The details of Stromness’s offer are still being finalised, but a common feature of all the hotels will be strong ties with local communities, Danesh says.

It will definitely include serving soothing alcohol-free drinks in the public Flattie Bar. Other possible options will include a spa, massage, yoga and tai chi.

The hotel will not be entirely alcohol-free either, because guests at events like weddings will be allowed to bring their own supply.

Payman says the clarified alcohol-free plan now has significant public and private support, having caused a rumpus when first floated in August. ■