WHY A TIPPLE MAY BE GOOD FOR YOU...
Diabetes and longevity expert PROFESSOR MERLIN THOMAS explains why moderate drinkers may live longer
Many studies have documented that individuals who regularly consume a small amount of alcohol every day (one or two drinks for a man, and half this for a woman) have significantly better health. Regular moderate drinkers have a lower risk of all sorts of major diseases, including heart attacks, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.
MODERATE BEHAVIOUR
It’s all about the type of person who can pull this kind of (moderate) drinking off. It takes real self-control, sobriety, discipline and self-awareness. It’s hardly surprising that these are exactly the kind of people who have better health and also live longer.
A glass before or during the largest meal of the day is often said to be the most beneficial for our health. Possibly, because this is what moderate drinkers usually do, this observation may have simply come about because it captures their healthier, angelic parameters. Or it could be the other way round – that moderate drinkers seem to have health benefits simply because they drink at mealtimes.
Drinking at mealtimes is certainly less intoxicating, and is easier to regulate and habituate. A little alcohol also helps to slow the emptying of our stomach, which helps to promote a sense of fullness and reduces overeating. The right drink can also add significantly to the experience, flavour and social-bonding aspects of a meal.
IS WINE BEST?
It’s long been thought that red wine is the only tipple that provides any health benefits. This myth is widely promoted by wine-loving physicians and wine merchants but has little basis in fact. Actually, the overall health outcomes in moderate wine drinkers are much the same as those in moderate beer drinkers or those who have a glass of scotch or gin every night – equally moderate, equally healthy. However, in the end it is the people and their behaviour – not the beverage – that allows for moderation.
Is your medicine cabinet and first-aid kit full of half-empty potions, lotions and pills? If so, it might be time to reboot your medical supplies. While you don’t need a hospital-grade kit at home, it’s important to have a few essentials on hand for when you need them most.
ACHES & PAINS
Keep a good muscle rub cream on hand for any muscle soreness your family might experience. This is especially useful if you’re a fit and active family. If you have suffered a more serious injury or deal with chronic pain, like backaches, it might be a good idea to also have an antiinflammatory cream, too.
CUTS, SCRAPES & WOUNDS
All first-aid kits should be well stocked with a good selection of regular bandaids, dressing pads, gauze and larger bandaids. Ensure you
also have sterile wipes and antiseptic wash or cream to prevent any cuts from becoming infected.
BURNS
The first step in treating a burn is to run it under cold, running water for 20 minutes. If the burn requires medical attention, make sure you head to your doctor or the nearest hospital as soon as possible. If it’s a minor burn and you’re happy to treat it at home, make sure you have a good burn cream in your first-aid kit to help prevent blistering and infection.
ITCHY BITES & SCRATCHES
Mosquitoes, sand flies and insect bites are a common part of spending time outdoors. To soothe the itch, make sure you have a good stop-itch cream. Aloe vera is also a great natural alternative and doubles as sunburn relief, too. If you suffer from allergies and allergic reactions, it’s also a good idea to have a stockpile of antihistamines on hand. Chat to your doctor about the best one for you and your family.
GENERAL MEDICATIONS
To help keep your first-aid kit tidy, it’s important not to stock many different versions of the same thing. As far as common painkillers go, there are two types – paracetamol and antiinflammatory medications known as NSAIDS (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs). Paracetamol is essential for quick pain relief and fevers associated with colds and flu, while anti-inflammatories will help ease inflammation caused by aches, pains and injuries.
WHAT TO DITCH
Many of us are guilty of hanging on to old antiobiotics, half a tube of cream and eye wash from that one time we had conjunctivitis, but there’s no use in holding on to products that are past their expiry date. Set a reminder in your phone to check the expiry dates of your first-aid kit annually.
And while supplements and vitamins may have their place in your routine, the first-aid kit is not where you should be storing these. Vitamins are best kept in the kitchen, where you’re more likely to remember to take them in the first place.