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Author: Peter Cutforth

  • Here’s Some Perspective on Study That Claims All Drinking is A Risk

    A new study published in The Lancet says that there is no “safe” level of alcohol consumption and on a global scale, alcohol isn’t good for us. But as a post on Forbes.com points out, there’s more to the story.

    The study is helpful in changing the way recommendations are made, but doesn’t suggest that abstaining is the only healthy option.

    For the study, the team analysed data from 694 studies and created more accurate estimates of alcohol use patterns than past studies had. They re-examined 592 studies that included 28 million people around the world to look at 23 different health outcomes and linked alcohol consumption with these outcomes.

    Researchers found that alcohol use was responsible for more than 2% of all fatalities in women and just under 7% of deaths in men.

    Despite the health risks, alcohol isn’t without its benefits. For example for ischemic heart disease, there was a J-shaped curve. In other words risk fell slightly with a small amount of alcohol consumption compared to abstinence.

    People who drank also had less risk of developing heart disease and there were also benefits for stroke and diabetes risks but seems moderation is the key.

    Read more at https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2018/08/24/if-youre-worried-about-the-new-alcohol-study-heres-some-perspective/#4a9738da661c

  • Men Alcohol and Sugar Could be Driving Down Your Testosterone

    As a man you know the need for testosterone – it’s vital for a number of things including a lean physique, optimal cognitive function and healthy bones.

    In fact doctors say men with low levels of testosterone can suffer from issues such as loss of lean muscle, increased body fat, fatigue, osteoporosis, low drive and motivation, difficulty concentrating and memory loss.

    There are a few lifestyle factors that impact testosterone levels including chronic stress, lack of physical activity, certain foods and chemicals, as well as environmental factors.

    A recent post on MensHealth.com highlighted the 3 biggest slayers of testosterone ie. Sugar, Alcohol and lack of sleep.

    In fact a study was quoted which claimed that a man’s testosterone level before and after consumption showed a difference of 25%. When blood alcohol levels are high, testosterone is at its lowest.

    Read more at https://www.menshealth.com.au/what-causes-low-testosterone-blockers

  • What it Means to Be a Women in Hospitality The Focus of Round Table Series

    A new series of round table discussions were launched earlier this month by Women in Hospitality, covering a range of issues from immigration laws to what being a female bartender means.

    The series began on 5 November at Bloodwood in Newtown with a discussion led by chef and owner Clare Van Vuuren.

    It also included advice from bartenders Jemima MacDonald and Elle Charalamb from Earl’s Juke Joint around a banquet style meal.

    Organisers say it is hoped the event will start the discussion for business owners, office managers and recruiters.

    See more at https://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/women-in-hospitality-launch-round-table-series/

  • Cocktails for Christmas that You Can Make in The Slow-Cooker

    With the holidays approaching it’s time to start planning those festive shindigs and no party would be complete without amazing food and drinks.

    But instead of the old boring drinks we’re so used to and tired of, why not switch up the drinks menu this year with one of these unexpected but delicious cocktails that can be prepared in a slow cooker.

    Who said the slow cooker was just for soups and stews?Watch the video to learn how.

  • How to Make a Champagne Cocktail

    Here’s a delicious alternative to a plain glass of champagne, a Champagne cocktail..

    This easy to make cocktail is perfect for parties and large get-togethers because it has only 3 ingredients and is so simple to make.

  • Study Shows Middle Aged Drinkers Care about Image Than Health

    According to a study, middle-aged drinkers care more about whether their drinking habit harms their image than their health.

    Drinkers from older age groups believe as long as they aren’t vomiting, stumbling, slurring or suffering from hangovers, their health will remain unaffected by their drinking.

    The UK based study says many people disregard recommended drink limits and are rather influenced by factors such as respectability and “being sociable”.

    In other words, middle-aged drinkers care more about being social than they do about their health.

    The study found that gender also played a part in what people considered acceptable drinking. Drunk women were perceived more negatively than men.

    Read more about the study at https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/health/drinking-habits-all-about-image-not-health-new-study-ng-b88965425z

  • Here’s Your Guide to Ale Drinking

    Beer is the most loved alcoholic beverage in the world and although Oktoberfest is over, the beer drinking will probably only intensify over the holiday period.

    Here are some useful beer hacks that every beer lover should know,

    1. How to cool a beer quickly. One clever trick is to wet a dish towel or paper towels and wrap the beer in it. Then refrigerate.

    2. It you don’t have an opener, use a sturdy disposable lighter and use the end that doesn’t fire as a lever to open the bottle.

    3. You don’t need a fancy beer fridge for storage, just as long as the cans and bottles of beer can be stored upright and kept away from light, heat and oxygen.

    See more https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/drink/best-beer-hacks-poured-out-by-ben-robinson-in-special-guide-to-drinking-ale-well/news-story/af719575e5cc50b752a8d4e43e147227

  • Try This Anti-Hangover Cocktail

    Advertised as an “anti-hangover” cocktail, this low calorie tequila punch is great for those watching their weight and as a bonus you can avoid the nasty hangover effects the following morning. Watch the video on how its made and then give it a try yourself.

  • Online Tool Helps you Determine If You Have a Drinking Problem

    An online tool released in the United States helps people with drinking problems, particularly those with alcohol-use disorder (AUD) – a medical condition that can be severe or mild.

    The Alcohol Treatment Navigator, developed by the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for people who are concerned about their drinking but don’t know how to seek help or where to look for help.

    The website offers a questionnaire for problem drinkers and a quiz that assesses the drinker’s drinking patterns.

    The site also offers a description of the types of treatment for alcohol-use disorder from residential treatment programs, family counseling and even medication.

    The site also gives advice on how to find high-quality treatment and how to search.While it is tailored toward Americans, the advice given can be applied by anyone, anywhere.

    Source: https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/10/find-out-if-you-have-a-drinking-problem-with-this-online-tool/

  • Changes to Alcohol Bottle Labels Include Pregnancy Drinking Warning

    After seven years of lobbying by health ministers, soon every bottle of alcohol in Australia will carry a label warning pregnant women of the dangers of drinking while pregnant.

    Since 2011, alcohol companies have had a window to introduce the warning labels on their own but Australian and New Zealand ministers came to an agreement to have mandatory labels put on bottles.

    At the moment, 75 per cent of bottles feature the warning tags  but soon it will mandatory for all alcohol bottles.

    The warning labels must contain a pictogram and warning statement developed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

    Read more at: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/drink/it-has-taken-seven-years-of-lobbying-but-the-change-is-about-to-happen/news-story/b6f5236dab9f54fced40af5c3fef129b