this week's discussion

so last week, things were stressed over the cafe table as accusations were made about the evil of alcohol. drinking was lumped along side the well-recognised nasty tobacco (and yet i struggle...), and over-eating/obesity (mutually BMI sits >25). there was tension at the table... as the active drinker stared down the puritanical abstinent one. topic change, i believe, saved the day from ruination.

so subsequent discussion has seen some ground given in both directions. evidence has been sort from both sides, and concessions have been made, thus:

1. moderate alcohol consumption (1 std drink for women, 2 std for men) has health benefits in reduction of cardiovascular disease

problem - who drinks reasonably? its a challenge for us. and perhaps those who can achieve
moderate alcohol consuption have the personality type associated with reduced
cardiovascular death... (CONFOUNDING?)

2. excessive alcohol consuption has been linked to several significant evils including some cancers, liver disease, heart disease and neurological problems.

note - many of the serious adverse effects of alcohol are thought to relate to vitamin
deficiency - serious alcoholic = poor diet = thiamine deficiency =
sub-acute-degeneration-spinal cord (numb legs and funny walking)

this was the best reasoned summary i could find:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol/SC00024


so it seems to come down to questions of risk/benefit balance, and i can see an answer that involves happiness/pleasure/success with short-long term awareness...

this clearly, needs some work...