Dear Editor,
On May 20th this year CNN reported on a ground breaking study to do with alcohol and its effect on the brain. According to the report there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. The Oxford study also states that the consumption of alcohol also reduces the grey matter of the brain and increased consumption is associated with poorer brain health.
In the past I have heard of the beneficial effects of a glass of wine on the longevity of life. This new report points out that independent of the type of alcohol, whether it be wine, beer or spirits (e.g. rum and vodka), the largest muscle in the body, which is known to be the brain is reduced in size due to alcohol consumption. Our society is a small one, with many indiscretions currently affecting the peace and safety of our citizens. This added negative aspect of alcohol does shine additional light on the importance of responsible consumption if any at all. Many beverage alcohol market leaders have undertaken a campaign promoting responsible drinking. Guyana has recently seen many incidents of drinking buddies killing each other while under the influence.
Given the empirical evidence from this new study which concludes that brain damage is caused by the consumption of even small amounts of alcohol, the Government should seriously consider putting in place a limit on the sale of alcoholic beverages. Most societies have restrictions on the consumption and sale of alcohol on premise locations such as rum shops and bars to prevent drunk driving. Guyana can adopt similar measures to help reduce the accidents and violence due to over consumption. It appears that we may also need to head into a similar marketing campaign as seen in the tobacco industry, where it is clearly stated on the product the damage that it causes to your physical health. To date, neurodegenerative diseases do not have a cure, so all precautions should be taken. As many say in the beverage alcohol industry “Please Drink Responsibly”
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of
Guyana
