The Austin Times

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Alcohol at holiday parties, be careful

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During the holiday season, gatherings and parties are a part of the festivities. Unfortunately, so are alcohol-related accidents and deaths. Many people who attend seasonal parties seldom drink alcohol, making them more vulnerable to its effects, according to experts at UC Davis Health System in California. Meanwhile, heavy drinkers may use holiday gatherings as an opportunity to let loose and drink too much, the experts cautioned. Drinking in moderation can help prevent alcohol-related … [Read more...]

A little daily alcohol may cut stroke risk

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Light or moderate drinking may reduce the risk of one type of stroke but not another, while heavy drinking increases the risk of both types, a new study suggests. A research team from England and Sweden reviewed 25 studies as well as national data from Sweden. The investigators reported that consumption of up to two drinks a day was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke (blocked blood flow to the brain), but appeared to have no effect on the risk of bleeding (hemorrhagic) … [Read more...]

Does marijuana weaken heart muscles?

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Just last week, five more states voted to legalize recreational marijuana, but users may want to be cautious. A study released Sunday suggests that marijuana use can weaken heart muscles, particularly in young men. The study was presented at the annual scientific conference of the American Heart Association in New Orleans. Recognizing the possible adverse health effects of smoking pot to get high, the researchers examined the link between marijuana use and heart health. The researchers, … [Read more...]

Meal replacements vs. real food: What you gain and what you lose

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The meal replacement company Soylent offers grab-and-go drinks and bars designed to be consumed in place of sitting down for a meal -- but, for now, the company is urging customers to throw out its Soylent Bars. Meanwhile, the rest of the world might be wondering: Why were people eating a single bar for dinner to begin with? The company aims to give customers a convenient way to consume the same sustenance and nutrition found in a balanced meal. Many meal replacement brands -- such as … [Read more...]

Is it time to change how we label ‘healthy’ food?

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Ever find yourself zipping through the aisles of a grocery store, crunched for time, and grabbing whatever highlights itself as "healthy," "nutritious" or "wholesome"? Your strategy could be flawed. Experts warn that these labels do not really mean very much and can even be misleading in some cases. But changes could be in motion to make things better. Several weeks ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration started discussing plans "to amend its 'healthy' nutrient content claim … [Read more...]

Alcohol Disorders: Nearly 1 in 3 Adults Are Problem Drinkers

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About 30 percent of adults in the United States misuse alcohol at some point in their lives, but the large majority don't seek treatment, a new study suggests. Researchers also found that in a given year, about 14 percent of American adults misuse alcohol, which researchers refer to as having "alcohol use disorder." This yearly rate translates to an estimated 32.6 million Americans with drinking problems during a 12-month period. "The study found that the risk of alcohol use disorders … [Read more...]

Americans eager to sup up Cuba’s ‘forbidden fruits’

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Call it rum and cigar diplomacy: The few Americans allowed to visit Cuba are eager to finally legally bring home the communist island's once forbidden fruits. While Washington and Havana seek to normalize ties, US President Barack Obama added rum and cigars to the diplomatic mix in January by allowing Americans to fly back with $100 worth of Cuban tobacco and alcohol. "This was huge news. To have this opening after so many years is a giant step for both nations," said Alexis Batista, a … [Read more...]

Alcohol poisoning kills 6 people a day

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By the end of today, an average of six people will have died from alcohol poisoning, and it's a "surprising group" that's dying more than any other, according to new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That adds up to an average of 2,221 people in the United States -- a conservative estimate, according to the CDC — dying annually, making it one of the leading preventable causes of death. The numbers come from death certificate data collected from 2010 to … [Read more...]

US to assign 3,000 from US military to fight Ebola

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The Obama administration is ramping up its response to West Africa's Ebola crisis, preparing to assign 3,000 U.S. military personnel to the afflicted region to supply medical and logistical support to overwhelmed local health care systems and to boost the number of beds needed to isolate and treat victims of the epidemic. President Barack Obama planned to announce the stepped up effort Tuesday during a visit to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta amid alarm that … [Read more...]

Soda sales in US decline at faster pace

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Americans cut back on soda at an accelerated pace last year, extending a slow retreat from the category that began nearly a decade ago. U.S. sales volume of carbonated soft drinks fell 3 percent in 2013, according to a report released Monday by Beverage Digest, an industry tracker. That represents a steeper drop than the 1.2 percent decline in 2012 and brings total soda volume to the lowest level since 1995. The latest numbers underscore the daunting challenge Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo … [Read more...]

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