RSA Course Online

Tag: rsa

  • Push to Ban $1.50 Alcohol via Afterpay

    The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) says at risk people are being  lured into purchasing alcohol by the extremely low upfront costs made possible by the growth of “buy now pay later” services.

    FARE and other health groups are calling for government intervention on  the issue and want a ban on the sale of alcohol through services like zipPay and Afterpay. These services allow people to buy alcohol and receive the purchase immediately but only make payment for the purchase over time.

    In a submission to a Senate inquiry into credit and financial services targeting Australians that are battling financially, the health group said these services were becoming increasingly available and making it easier to access alcohol products.

    The risk is even greater to these consumers because it will simultaneously increase their alcohol dependency and credit dependency.

    Source: https://www.smh.com.au/national/increased-harm-the-push-to-ban-sales-of-1-50-alcohol-via-afterpay-20181219-p50nab.html

  • The 5 Types of Problem Alcohol Drinkers

    According to new research from Penn State University, there isn’t just one type of problem drinker. In fact  there are as many as 5 distinct types of problem drinker profiles.

    Researchers found that disordered drinking can vary from person to person.

    For one drinker, problem drinking may involve falling over and getting themselves in dangerous situations while for others it may not seem to interfere with their lives at all.

    Scientists also found that certain drinking profiles were more common at different life stages, for example young adults may be more likely to experience adverse effects such as hangovers and withdrawal symptoms while older drinkers may struggle with alcohol-related injuries more often.

    Researchers outlined the following 5 problem drinking profiles, which may help you identify a problem drinker among your friends, family or patrons,

    1. Alcohol-induced injury: In addition to drinking too much, people in this profile reported getting into risky situations during or after drinking that may have resulted in injury.

    2. Difficulty cutting back: People in this group struggled with wanting to cut back on their problematic drinking but being unable to.

    3. Highly problematic, low perceived life interference: While people in this group reported experiencing many symptoms, they said their drinking did not interfere with their family, friends, work or hobbies.

    4. Adverse effects only: People who fit this profile reported experiencing hangovers or withdrawal symptoms in addition to drinking too much.

    5. Highly problematic: People in this group reported experiencing every symptom of alcohol use disorder.

    Read more at https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/five-types-problem-alcohol-drinkers-one-151748286.html

    According to an assistant research professor at the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Ashley Linden-Carmichael, author of the groundbreaking study, the findings may have crucial implications for how alcoholism is understood and treated in the future.

    Linden-Carmichael says the research shows that we should think beyond whether a person has an alcohol use disorder and look specifically at what they’re struggling with and whether they’re in a particularly risky category.

    Alcoholism can affect many aspects of a person’s wellbeing, including their physical and mental health.

    According to statistics, the number of people admitted to hospital with alcohol-related behavioural disorders has grown over the past decade by a staggering 94% for people between 15-50 years and by 150% for people over 60 years old.

     

  • Summer Responsible Alcohol Consumption Warning

    Australians are being reminded to be responsible when drinking this summer especially given the mix of holidays, celebrations, hot weather and in many cases the beach, pool or some other body of water.

    While Australia’s alcohol consumption rates are declining, especially among the youth, older Australians are continuing to drink at high levels and put themselves at risk.

    We all know the immediate dangers of drinking too much, alcohol poisoning, risky behaviour etc. but what about the long term effects and risk of injuries.

    Cancer and heart disease are just 2 of the diseases linked to alcohol and particularly in Australia alcohol has been linked to drowning deaths.

    According to statistics around 40% of drownings in Australia can be linked to alcohol as we continue to mix alcohol and swimming.

  • Studies Claim Alcohol Helps You Live Longer

    According to studies, drinking a couple of glasses of beer or wine a night could actually help you live longer, as long as you’re drinking moderately and sticking to the recommended daily limits.

    Researchers examined the lives of people who lived passed the age of 90 and found that there were 5 factors linked to longer life including modest consumption of alcohol.

    Researchers found that people who had consumed 2 glasses of beer or wine every day had a 18 per cent reduced risk of premature death compared to people who didn’t drink at all.

    The study included 1700 people who were in their 90s by 2003.

    So if you want to live longer, reach for that glass of wine or beer.

    Source: https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/studies-claim-drinking-alcohol-key-longer-life-220051809.html

  • Doctors Warn About Problematic Drinking in Over Fifties

    According to a New Zealand Massey University study, an alarmingly large number of older people are drinking to dangerous levels, causing concern among Australian and overseas doctors.

    Up to 40 per cent of older people are drinking 5 or more times weekly and binge drinking, increasing the likelihood of sickness and disease. Sadly this age group is overlooked when it comes to responsible drinking messages.

    And the problem isn’t limited to New Zealand, in Australia women over 50 are leading the harmful trend of binge drinking, according to GP and addiction specialist Dr Hester Wilson.

    The doctor added that at this age our bodies don’t bounce back in the same way, particularly our livers. As we get older we feel the effects of alcohol more.

    Also people of this age group are more likely to be on medication – which shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol.

    See more at: https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/wellbeing/2018/10/12/doctors-alarm-older-people-drinking/

     

  • How Much is Too Much when it comes to Alcohol?

    We’ll probably be reaching for that alcoholic drink more than usual over the holidays to help us relax, socialise and even enjoy our meals but these drinks are mostly high in calories and lacking nutrients. Too much alcohol can contribute to chronic diseases.

    The recommended daily limit is 2 standard drinks and it’s also recommended that we have at least 2 days a week that we abstain from alcohol completely.

    If you’d like to avoid weight gain this holiday season and avoid conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, increased inflammation, cancers, liver disease, pancreatitis, mal-absorption of several nutrients and other conditions linked to excessive alcohol consumption, stick to the recommended limits.

    Drinking moderately is crucial to your health, as is drinking responsibly. That includes ensuring you have a safe way of getting home after a night out. Never drive yourself if you’ve been drinking and more importantly never endanger the lives of other people by getting behind the wheel intoxicated.

    Another wise move would be to ensure your mobile phone is sufficiently charged so you can call for a ride home or in case of emergencies.

    Also make sure you alternate one alcoholic drink with one non-alcoholic drink, preferably water.

    Have a snack or meal before drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol.

    Read more at: https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/food-drink/safe-drinking-tips-for-the-festive-season-18268371

  • Mums Message After Daughters Lethal Vodka Experiment

    Paris Kamper was a vibrant 15 year old teen who died after experimenting with alcohol. Her heartbroken mother has a message after the tragic death, warning other parents of the risks of social media and it’s influence, and excessive drinking.

    The tragedy occurred in June when Paris went outside to play with the family dogs and wasn’t heard from for a while, so her family looked for her and found her lifeless in the paddock.

    She had discovered a recipe online using vodka, sweetened with a common household ingredient. She consumed at least 500ml of the mix over the course of 1 hour and suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed.

    Paramedics revived Paris and rushed her to hospital but she was left brain dead. Her life support was switched off 3 days later.

    The mum warned parents that children are “under assault” and are being swamped by social media and seeing things they shouldn’t. Read more at: https://www.9news.com.au/2018/10/29/18/04/paris-kamper-kenthurst-death-vodka-mum-sandy-warning-for-parents

  • The Illegal Drink Replacing Alcohol in Canada

    A new drink that also happens to be illegal is replacing alcohol in Canada, in shot sized bottles with a fancy label. The single serving bottles look similar to the small bottles of rum or vodka we’re used to seeing but the clearish-yellow liquid is far from it. According to Health Canada the substance called Pace is a controlled substance and is illegal in the country.

    The company manufacturing the drink have branded it as an alternative to alcohol and providing a similar buzz but without the alcohol, calories and subsequent hangover.

    The active ingredient in Pace is MEAI, which is a new synthetic ingredient that delivers a mild inebriation and a similar feeling to being intoxicated. The manufacturers claim this “feeling of contentness” curbs excessive drinking. They also claim the drink is legal.

    See more at https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/pace-drink-alcohol-alternative-binge-drinking-canada-1.4933533

  • Drinking Moderately Over the Summer Holidays

    The Summer holidays are what we wait all year for but many people have a tendency to over-indulge especially when it comes to alcohol consumption.

    Schoolies is one of those days when things get really out of hand.

    While many young people are shunning alcohol at rates never before seen in the country, due to health, economic and social reasons, others such as the Baby Boomers and Generation Xers are drinking at dangerous levels, placing their health and safety at risk.

    Among young people, irresponsible and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to injury, death or damage to your health in the long run.For example alcohol has been blamed for more than 200 disease conditions among older adults, including cancer and heart disease.

    Guidelines suggest no more than 2 standard drinks per day and no more than 10 a week. It is also recommended that we have at least 2 days per week when we do not drink.

    This summer, remember to stick to these guidelines and always drink responsibly.

    Source: https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/5728319/take-it-easy-with-the-booze-this-summer/?cs=13479

  • Don’t Try Freezing Your Vodka

    Apparently freezing your vodka isn’t such a good idea after all.

    While we’ve been placing our vodka in the freezer for years, an expert now says putting your vodka in the freezer only dulls its flavour.

    Grey Goose creator Francois Thibault, sticking vodka in the freezer is the number one mistake people make with vodka. He suggests adding ice to it instead to achieve the ideal temperature between 0-4c.

    Source: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/drink/according-to-experts-you-should-never-store-your-vodka-in-the-freezer/news-story/3765d7b6c9f538213f2f80fd537778b1