It is again that time of the season when people indulge themselves. While it is natural to merry during festivities it is absolutely necessary to do so with caution. As we move around town rejoicing in ‘’Rice and Stew Very Plenty’’ (R.S.V.P) it would be good to take action or remain inactive to preserve our health!
1. Binge drinking aka heavy episodic drinking
Binge drinking, is consumption of alcoholic beverages with an intention of becoming intoxicated by heavy consumption in a single session. Binge drinking is not just about the number of drinks you have – it’s about drinking with the specific intention of ‘getting drunk’. It is a style of drinking that overlaps somewhat with social drinking since it is often done in groups. The degree of intoxication, however, varies between and within various cultures that engage in this practice. A binge on alcohol may however occur over hours, last up to several days, or in the event of extended abuse, even weeks. Due to the long-term effects of alcohol misuse, binge drinking is considered to be a major public health issue. Binge drinking is associated with a profound social harm, economic costs as well as increased disease burden. It is more common among young persons who either are under peer influence or motivate their peers to drink. Binge drinking during adolescence is associated with traffic accidents and other types of accidents, violent behavior as well as suicide. The more often a child or adolescent binge drinks and the younger they are the more likely that they will develop an alcohol use disorder including alcoholism. A large number of adolescents who binge-drink also consume other psychotropic substances. In this environment Binge drinking is especially common during festivities. People who binge drink: don’t necessarily drink every day, may not know their own limits, may not mean to drink a lot and might feel peer pressured to drink large amounts.
Why binge drinking is bad for you
Binge drinking, even one night a week, can have some pretty nasty consequences. Short-term effects include: hangovers (bad ones), nausea while drinking and the next day, shakes, vomiting, memory loss, injury, anti social behaviours (eg violence and rape). Other potential risks include: problems with self-esteem, feeling regretful all the time, getting involved with unsafe activities, having unprotected sex with attendant risks. Alcohol is also a major cause of injury and death among young people. When you’re drunk, you’re more likely to put yourself in risky situations, such as getting into a car with a driver who’s been drinking, or ending up in a physical fight. Long-term effects include: problems at school, at work and with relationships , risk of emotional and mental health problems developing, such as depression and anxiety, physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, significant damage to the brain and liver, risk of cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum and breasts, possible increased risk of neurological disorders or heart problems and sexual problems (especially male impotency). Alcohol affects brain development quite significantly especially during adolescence when the brain is still developing. The main lobes that are involved in decision making and complex thought processes are undergoing their final development phase during adolescence and binge drinking can negatively stunt the growth of these parts. Binge drinking has been associated with high odds of divorce and spousal abuse.
Advice
Please seek the help of a GP/Psychiatrist as soon as possible.
2. Food poisoning
Food poisoning, also called food borne illness, is illness caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms — including bacteria, viruses and parasites — or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning. Infectious organisms or their toxins can contaminate food at any point of processing or production. Contamination can also occur at home if food is incorrectly handled or cooked. The same food can affect people differently. Some may feel unwell after just a few bites. Others can eat a lot and have no reaction at all. Food poisoning is not application of ‘’juju’’ to meals!
What causes food poisoning?
Most food poisoning can be traced to one of the following three major causes; bacteria, viruses and parasites
How does food become contaminated?
Pathogens can be found on almost all of the food that humans eat. However, heat from cooking usually kills pathogens on food before it reaches our plate. Foods eaten raw are common sources of food poisoning because they don’t go through the cooking process. Occasionally, food will come in contact with the organisms in fecal matter. This most commonly happens when a person preparing food doesn’t wash their hands before cooking. Any type of food or drink can be contaminated.
The symptoms
Most types of food poisoning cause one or more of the following: Nausea (the urge to vomit), Vomiting, Watery or bloody diarrhea, Abdominal pain and cramps, Fever. Kidney failure may result in some cases. Manifestations are within hours after eating the contaminated food, or they may begin days or even weeks later depending on the toxin involved.
What’s bad to eat during food poisoning?
To prevent the stomach from getting more upset, try to avoid the following; the suspected contaminant, dairy products; especially milk and cheeses, fatty food, highly seasoned foods, food with high sugar content, spicy foods, fried foods.
What’s good?
Lots of water/fluids (especially ORS) plus any other meal as tolerated. Please visit the hospital as soon as symptom starts.
Prevention
Ensure good hygiene habits This is wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
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