Responsible alcohol consumption

How much is too much? We offer some guidelines on when to say when with regards to drinking alcohol.

Let's face it: at one point in your life, you may have overindulged in the drinking department. Though you regretted it the next day, you may have joked about it. But drinking alcohol is serious business that can lead to potentially dangerous consequences - for you and for others. A 2008 study by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 79,000 deaths in the United States annually can be attributed to excessive alcohol use. There is, however, such thing as responsible alcohol consumption.

Drinking responsibly means, in part:

• being aware of when you can drink and when you should not;
• how much alcohol is standard in one beverage;
• how much it takes for you to feel the effects of alcohol; and
• what can happen to your body if you drink too much, both at one time and over a lifetime.

Source: Mother Nature Network

SPRINGFIELD - Beer should not be sold at the Clark County Fair, according to a recent survey of Clark County Agricultural Society members.

A total of 673 members of the group participated a survey conducted at the fair last week that asked members if they would support the sale of alcohol to raise additional revenue and an overwhelming majority - 60.5 percent - rejected the proposal.

Clark County Commissioners John Detrick, Rick Lohnes and David Hartley said Tuesday they supported the Agricultural Society's decision.

"I didn't get one positive comment about it," said Hartley, who is a member of the Agricultural Society and voted against beer sales. "The fair is for kids, for 4-H. They've got plenty of time to drink somewhere else. We don't need to be selling drugs at the fair."

The Clark County Agricultural Society Board of Directors proposed the idea to its members at a time when Ohio fairs have been affected by state funding cuts and when a growing number of fairs have begun selling alcohol to boost revenue.

To view the full story, click on this link: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/springfield-news/officials-fair-no-place-for-beer-1221340.html 

Source: Springfield News-Sun

Many have heard the phrase, "Parents who host lose the most."

But not everyone knows that parents can be held responsible - even if they are not present hosting parties - under a new local ordinance termed "social host."

Social host ordinances recently were adopted by the City of Fond du Lac and Village of North Fond du Lac.

"It's fairly strict," City Attorney Deb Hoffmann told the Fond du Lac City Council at a recent meeting. "It requires parents to take reasonable steps - even if they're not home - to make sure kids are not having a party."

She said besides a fine of up to $1,500, a parent could be sued in a civil action if something bad were to happen.

To view the full story, click on this link: http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20110731/FON0101/107310387/Strengthening-social-host-laws 

Source: fdlreporter.com

Alcohol consumption is climbing at a faster rate on Vancouver Island than in other regions in B.C., according to the Centre for Addictions Research of B.C. at UVic.

Centre director Tim Stockwell suggests the Island's higher rate, measured between 2002 and 2009, was fuelled by strong economic conditions prior to the recession, and by the growth of private liquor stores.

The amount of alcohol consumed is heavily influenced by price and physical availability, he said.

"As a community, we need to make decisions how we regulate this product because it is not like other products. It is not like milk and orange juice."

The centre carries out research and education on substance abuse, harm reduction and addiction. It was founded because of provincial concerns about health and social problems resulting from alcohol, drugs and tobacco in B.C. Alcohol has been linked to a wide range of medical issues.

To view the full story, click on this link:http://www.timescolonist.com/health/Alcohol+climbing+faster+Island/5185883/story.html 

Source: Times Colonist

Editorial: No minor accomplishment