RSA Course Online

Author: Peter Cutforth

  • Women Barred from Buying Alcohol in Sri Lanka

    The Sri Lankan president has sparked outrage after re-instating a  law banning women from buying alcohol and serving alcohol in bars.

    The 39 year old law was originally revoked by the finance ministry however the president ordered the ban be reinstated, despite concerns that laws were sexist.

    When the law was revoked, the finance minister was accused of encouraging drinking and some groups urged the president to have the law re-invoked.

    The measures include a ban on women working in bars, distilleries and breweries.

    The government also reduced the operating times for bars.

    The decision came as the president believed women buying alcohol would contribute to the breakdown of families.

     

    Read more https://www.sbs.com.au/news/sri-lanka-president-restores-ban-on-women-buying-alcohol

  • Four Percent of English Drink A Third of The Nation’s Alcohol

    According to the latest data, a minuscule 4 per cent of the English population consumes almost one third of all the alcohol sold in England.

    The data follows a debate currently going on in the British parliament about a 50 pence (Aus .87c) minimum unit price on alcohol.

    It was recently revealed that 4.4 per cent of the English population consumed just under a third of the alcohol consumed in the nation.

    Just 2 million people are drinking more than 30 per cent of the alcohol being consumed, and most are drinking the very cheap, high strength alcohol.

    See more at https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/europe/4-per-cent-of-english-drink-almost-1-3-of-england-s-alcohol-20180123-p4yyqv.html

  • A Guide to Hangover Cures

    There is so much debate around which hangover cures are best, which ones work and which one’s are just old wives tales.

    In our opinion the best cure is prevention, so drink in moderation and alternate one alcoholic drink with one glass of water and you can probably avoid getting a hangover altogether.

    If this isn’t an option, try one of these,

    • Ibuprofen washed down with grape fruit juice. The juice limits the activity of the enzyme that breaks down drugs and avoiding aspirin will be better for your stomach.
    • Pickle juice. Russians and Eastern Europeans swear by this method. It is believed to replenish electrolytes in your body.
    • Go for a run. To speed your metabolism and release endorphins.

    For more visit https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/heres-how-to-cure-your-festive-hangover/3301264/

     

  • Should You Reach for that Pint or Take a Shot Instead?

    Usually during this time of the year most people make resolutions regarding their health and fitness. If you are one of them, you may have wondered which drink to order at the bar that would be better for your health – beer or hard liquor?

    It’s important to understand that drinking should always be done in moderation and that means sticking to the daily recommended amount, however if calories and content are more of a concern, then you may want to know this.

    1. A regular serving of beer contains 150 calories and light beer 105. A shot of hard liquor contains around 96 calories.
    2. Don’t add mixers to your hard liquor because this will pack on the calories. For example a shot of hard liquor in a glass of orange juice is 216 calories. Opt for seltzer, water and ice instead.
    3. Hard liquor such as gin and vodka is carb and protein free. Regular beer contains carbs and a small amount of protein.
    4. Beer has a small amount of vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium while hard liquor has none.

    Read more at https://www.livestrong.com/article/465239-which-is-healthier-beer-or-hard-alcohol/

  • Online Help for Teens That Drink

    With many young people using alcohol to cope with mental health issues like anxiety and nervousness, a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program has been developed by the experts at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.

    Research has shown that only 1 in 4 youths seek professional help for their mental health issues but many of them instead turn to excessive drinking, leading experts to develop the program called INROADS.

    The free program is available through the internet, and aims to support 17 to 24 year olds deal with this problem.

    INROADS is available discreetly for young people on their mobile phone, tablet or computer. Read more at http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-05/online-program-aims-to-help-youth-who-drink-due-to-anxiety/9307470

  • Keep Liquor Away from Your Pets.

    Although the festive season is over, the message of keeping your alcohol away from your pets is one that we need to adhere to throughout the year.

    Pets and alcohol don’t mix, no matter how “funny” it may sound to see your dog intoxicated.

    Although most animals aren’t too tempted by alcohol itself, they may be lured by eggnog, brandy soaked puddings or cream liqueurs.

    Without you even realising it, your pets could get alcohol poisoning and for domesticated animals like cats and dogs, alcohol is toxic.

    Poisoning can cause depression of the central nervous system which can lead to respiratory failure and death. If your pet has somehow made it into your stash, look out for signs of drowsiness and loss of consciousness.

     

    Find out more http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-28/dont-let-your-pet-accidentally-get-drunk-this-silly-season/9289528

  • Should You Line Your Stomach Before Drinking?

    There are many theories about whether or not lining your stomach before a  night out will help you avoid a hangover, but is it true.

    Some people opt for milk while some Mediterranean countries opt for a spoon full of olive oil but are these real remedies or simply myths?

    Scientists say lining your stomach doesn’t really work because most of the alcohol is absorbed by the intestine. Only 20 per cent of alcohol is absorbed through the stomach, so lining your stomach would barely make an impact.

    Other remedies such as having a hearty breakfast to “mop up” the alcohol and drinking coffee to sober up have also proven to be minimally effective. Read more at https://theconversation.com/lining-your-stomach-with-milk-before-a-big-night-out-and-other-alcohol-myths-88116

  • St Kilda Foreshore could Get Alcohol Ban

    A popular Melbourne public space may face a permanent alcohol ban.

    The local council is considering permanent action after a Christmas party got out of hand with people also getting injured on St Kilda’s foreshore.

    The City of Port Phillip released a statement where it explained the unexpected road closures and the massive clean-up bill of $23,000.

    An alcohol ban was introduced which will continue until February 15th.

    Source: https://www.hit.com.au/news/melbourne/st-kilda-s-foreshore-could-face-an-alcohol-ban

  • Look Out for these Signs of Alcohol Dependence

    There’s a difference between someone to appreciates a good glass of their favourite tipple and someone who depends on it to function. Knowing which of the 2 categories you fall in to is important  because as one writer explains, you don’t have to hit rock bottom before seeking help. If you have an unhealthy dependence on alcohol, you can get help before it gets worse.

    Some of the signs to look out for include drinking alcohol and sneaking in a drink here and there. Another tell tale sign is once you start, you can’t stop.

    If you drink to feel normal and make excuses to the people in your life for your drinking, this may indicate a problem.

    Find out more at http://www.health.com/alcoholism/signs-of-alcohol-dependence

  • Study Claims Male Scent Makes Women Drink

    According to researchers from the University of South Florida, the scent of a man can actually prompt a woman to drink more alcohol than usual.

    The study by the university’s Department of Psychology previously found that a woman’s scent at the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle can prompt a man to drink more. This time around researchers reversed the study to find out how men could influence a woman’s drinking.

    The study revealed that women who were exposed to a  male pheromone consumed more alcohol than those women who weren’t.

    Read more at http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/man-scent-women-drink-more-alcohol-study-claims-a8138416.html