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Amy Winehouse death 'must prompt honest alcohol discussion'

Thursday, 10 November 2011 12:10 PM

Next week, November 14-18, is Alcohol Awareness Week and charities are hoping that the recent high-profile death of Amy Winehouse will "prompt some honest discussion". There are currently two million heavy drinkers in the UK, according to Alcohol Concern. There are 36 million people in the UK who are regular drinkers and one million men and women in Britain who have, or have had, a serious drinking problem. Of those, 200,000 are dependent on alcohol each day of their lives.

Family Doctor Books publish a health information book called Alcohol & Drinking by Jonathan Chick, a Professor from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. The book covers all aspects from alcohol and health, to how to recognise a drinking problem, to advice for family, friends and colleagues.

Dr Chick said: “Every single death from alcohol is a tragedy. Even when people’s lifestyles and opportunities are at polar opposites, like cancer, alcoholism can affect anyone and you can become dependent whoever you are.” 

Charity wants alcohol advertising limits

Children as young as 10 'recognise alcohol advertising'

More advertising regulation is needed to stop young children getting familiar with alcoholic brands, a charity report warns. A poll of 400 10-11 year olds found that 79% correctly recognised Carlsberg and Smirnoff as brands of alcoholic drink.

 Youth drinking is a problem in the UK

Children must be protected from alcohol ads, say experts

Medical experts have warned that the UK government needs to act to protect children from alcohol advertising. In an editorial published on bmj.com, Professor Gerard Hastings and Dr Nick Sheron claim that excessive drinking among British youths is directly linked to the amount alcohol advertisements they are exposed to.

Alcohol in moderation has health benefits

Can alcohol reduce asthma risk?

Moderate consumption of alcohol has been linked to a healthy heart and brain and now Danish researchers believe drinking alcohol in moderate quantities can reduce the risk of asthma, too, based on drinking one to six units per week.

 Alcohol increases risk of unsafe sex

Alcohol 'directly affects the decision process'

Alcohol consumption, especially heavy drinking, has long been associated with global HIV incidence. However, there have been doubts about the cause-and-effect relationship. The results are published in the journal Addiction.
Keep count of your alcohol units

'2-2-2-1' campaign to help you track alcohol units

A new retail campaign aims to help Brits keep track of alcohol units on a night out. The '2-2-2-1' message, which ties in with that currently on display in pubs and bars, shows the number of units in the most popular drinks, such as wine and beer.

 Alcohol may help prevent heart disease

Modest alcohol consumption may prevent heart disease

A new study by has claimed that individuals who drink alcohol in moderation are less likely to develop heart disease than those who drink no alcohol at all. Modest amounts of alcohol significantly increase the levels of 'good' cholesterol circulating in the body, the researchers claim.

Plans for a minimum price of 40p per unit

Are stronger alcoholic drinks to blame for binging?

As experts debate new Government plans for a minimum price on alcohol, it seems we may be sipping stronger drinks than in days gone by. Removing a billion units of alcohol is 'a step in the right direction' in tackling the harms caused by alcohol.

Wine labels are 'too full of jargon'

Less jargon and clearer labels for wine campaign

New research shows Brits are behind the growing campaign for better alcohol labelling, with nine in ten wine drinkers supporting more clear labels. A survey has found 90% of wine drinkers think labels are too full of 'meaningless' jargon.

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Broccoli helps kill cancer cells

Broccoli helps kill cancer cells

We have long been told about the health benefits of superfoods but now Sulforaphane, one of the primary phytochemicals in broccoli has been proved to selectively target and kill prostate cancer cells, leaving normal prostate cells healthy and unaffected.

Over half of Brits want to shed 'at least a stone'

weight loss

The study commissioned by diet aid manufacturer Slimsticks, also discovered that a worrying one in five people have followed an ‘eating is cheating’ starvation diet and one in ten have tried a liquid diet.

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