Drinking Age

Patricia Hammond asked:


Tea drinking has been an on-going tradition in the several Asian cultures for centuries, especially in China and in Japan. Due to green tea’s observed benefits, it’s popularity, however, has reached beyond Asian cultures and into the homes in the U.S. Now, tea drinking has become not only a tradition among eastern countries but a health trend among westerns countries as well, prompting the successive studies on the benefits of drinking green tea.

These studies have shown that there are more that a few benefits to be had in drinking green tea. When taken regularly in doses of two to three cups daily, green tea detoxifies the body and impedes aging. One major benefit of green tea, however, is its ability to prevent certain types of cancers and to remedy its symptoms. A study conducted on cancer patients have shown that cancer patients who have been drinking green tea are more able to cope with the physical stress and attacks of pain that comes with the illness.

Green tea can also lower the bad cholesterol in the body. People who are fighting with keeping their good cholesterol up and bad cholesterol down have found green tea to be a good health supplement for this purpose.

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease patients have long battled with the effect of these diseases on their memory as well as its damaging effect on their daily routine. However, a recent study conducted on patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases shows that instead of their memory regressing further and the tremors increasing, some patient’s tremors are alleviated memory are retained - even at a minimum - while some improved generally after drinking green tea over a considerable amount of time, and on a regular basis.

The good thing about green tea is that it is not exclusive to a particular group of drinkers. Drinking green tea is not only beneficial to the aged and the sick. Even the young generation are developing a taste for green tea as well as for the health benefits that come along with it. Green tea contains anti-oxidants which speeds up the body’s metabolism, making green tea an ideal drink for young adults who wish to shed off those few extra pounds. Green tea does not only aid you in your weight loss program, it also prevents certain gum and periodontal disease.

Green tea is found to be endowed with many benefits especially when taken regularly or as part of your daily nutritional health diet. And when taken 2 to 3 cups daily, who knows what other unknown benefits green tea has to offer?



Erik

Liam G asked:


Driving in France can be an equally daunting and pleasurable experience, depending greatly on the location.

Whether you find yourself cruising down the endless country roads or flying around Nice or Paris during rush hour, it’s vital that you’re clued up on a number of factors.

To begin with the minimum driving age is 18 and insurance coverage isn’t usually a problem as any motorists who have motor insurance within the UK will automatically have third party cover in France.

It’s important to ensure that the tank is always kept relatively full as finding a petrol station in the country can be difficult. Also, a great deal of stations close at 6 pm and on Sundays.

It is a legal requirement to have all of the cars paperwork and a valid driving licence to hand when driving in France, as it must be produced if stopped and requested by the police. When hiring, a passport is also required.

Hiring a car in France is generally quite easy, with a number of large car hire firms having a well established network of outlets throughout the country. This means it’s often possible to pick up a car at one location, and drop it off at another – making cross country travel a breeze.

Once on the road, there a few important things to remember

Its compulsory to stop at STOP signs, failure to do so can result in a fine

Fines for drink driving and speeding are both large and instant

Clamping within “pay and display” areas is becoming increasingly common for motorists that fail to pay

Last but not least, don’t forget to drive on the right!



Cory

Brue Baker asked:


As we get older we get smarter and wiser, but one downside to aging is that as you approach your forties, fifties, and beyond your outer appearance starts to fade. For some people this becomes a nightmare as they get unhappy with what they see in the mirror everyday.

Ironically, however, if you are concerned about the effects of aging you need to be focusing on what you put “into” your body, not “onto” your skin. You also need to make sure that you exercise regularly so you keep in shape and sweat out any harmful toxins that are in your body. On top of that use your favorite natural aging cream and you should have great results.

Information on Anti aging That Could Keep You Beautiful Forever

Maybe the word “forever” is a little exaggeration, but aging could be kept away for a very long time with the help of a few very simple steps that need to be incorporated in your daily routine. The first and most important one would be hydration of the body and the skin.

You must be aware of the fact that you need to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to provide the body and skin with the necessary hydration. Yet, most people drink only about three to four glasses at best.

Organic fruits and vegetables should be a staple in your diet, not something you eat as a side dish with dinner. Also cut down on your intake of meat and dairy products. Most meat and dairy product contain harmful toxins that show up on your skin. Take protein and calcium supplements instead.

Learn to relax. Stress is one of the most harmful factors when it comes to aging signs. Not only does it keep the facial muscles tense creating wrinkles, but also influences digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals by the body and other functions negatively which cause deterioration of the system in general.

You need to learn to let go of things that stress you. If you have a lot of stress you need to clear up in your life learning and using meditation, spirituality, or laughter therapy could help add some “ease” to your life.

The information on anti aging also points to prevention methods such as protecting yourself from the harm of the UV rays and the burning effects of the direct sunlight which damages the skin very fast. Your skin’s elasticity is the first thing that is destroyed when it is exposed to sun.

Therefore, you would need to wear a good natural sunscreen when you go out even if it is winter time. You can use virgin, unrefined organic coconut oil as natural sun protection or you can find other natural sunscreens at your local health food store.

To reduce the effects of aging you need to make sure that you also stay away from:

* Smoking

* Eating junk food (processed food)

* Sleeping late

* Abusing alcohol

* Consuming a lot of sugar

* Poor air quality

If you want to look good, you need to be disciplined with your life, with your sleep, food and other social habits. You are where you are in life because of the decisions you have made for yourself.

Anti aging isn’t any different. Just wishing to look good and using creams is not enough. You will only get results from making consistent, healthy, lifestyle choices that are good for you and your skin. Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!



ARAGORN

Christin Shire asked:


Alcohol abuse amongst seniors is a hidden epidemic, and few people outside of the immediate family ever even know when a senior is having problems with drugs or alcohol.

Older people are at an increased risk for alcohol abuse and addiction, and unfortunately, as old age brings greater rates of alcohol abuse, so too does that abuse cause greater health and cognitive problems.

Seniors abusing alcohol achieve intoxication far more readily than do younger people, and a few drinks in an older person can equal a great many in a younger adult. With intoxication comes a loss of coordination and a greater risk for falls and injuries, and because the bones become far more brittle with age, these falls more often end up in mobility compromising broken bones.

But it’s not just the acute risks of alcohol that are worrisome; and the chronic effects of alcohol abuse in seniors are wide ranging and very detrimental. As the body ages and loses some efficiency, cells can no longer regenerate as readily, and the organs lose the ability to effectively metabolize the toxins in alcoholic drinks. The risks of cancers, of heart disease, of cirrhosis and of mental declines are all elevated amongst older alcohol abusers.

Why they so rarely get help

Older women particularly report great shame when confronted with problems with alcohol abuse or alcoholism, and from this embarrassment comes a great reluctance to admit to a problem and initiate treatment.

And because seniors are less visible in the community, outside intervention is also far less common. Seniors are less likely to get noticed for drinking at work, to get into a fight or to get arrested for drunk driving. Senior alcohol abuse is a very often hidden and in the home problem.

Families often know, but they either don’t believe that anything can be done for adults abusing so late in life, or they feel that allowing them to drink is a kindness for old age. Seniors start drinking for any number of reasons, but the trials and stresses of aging (such as the loss of a spouse, declining health or declining mobility) can often spark a problem, and families remain hesitant to intervene when the abuse is considered justified.

Letting them drink is never a kindness

No reason is a good enough reason for substance abuse and addiction. The reasons for the drinking may be understandable, but drinking is never an effective solution to the trials of life, and especially so in old age. Drinking very rarely makes anyone feel better in the long run, and alcohol induced depression and anxiety often worsens the problems alcohol was initially used to control.

Drinking prematurely ages seniors into very old age, and robs them of sometimes decades of otherwise health and well being. Seniors do very well in all forms of alcohol and drug treatment, and have a better than average success rate when they are encouraged to get help.

You would ever let a younger person continue to abuse alcohol, and your older relatives deserve the same compassion and care.



Johnny

Sarah Othman asked:


According to a survey by price comparison site moneysupermarket.com 1 in 7 British drivers admit to driving without car insurance. Other surprising findings by the website include the revelation that 15% of motorists said they have driven a car in the past which they were not insured to drive and a further 6% of those questioned had driven their own vehicle without insurance.

“Anyone who drives without car insurance, no matter how short the distance and whether it’s their car or someone else’s is breaking the law.” Richard Mason, the director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com has warned. The study also revealed that men were twice more likely to break the law by driving without insurance than women. If any of these people had been caught driving without car insurance they would have faced a £200 fine, might have had their car confiscated and would have got 6 points on their license.

The Fair Investment Company have published statistics from the Motor Insurer’s Bureau which say that uninsured drivers are: “More than 10 times more likely to have a drink driving conviction, six times more likely to drive an unsafe vehicle and account for 160 deaths on UK roads each year.” A whopping 22 % of all the people questioned admitted to driving their cars while uninsured. Younger drivers were also revealed to be more likely to risk driving without car insurance according to statistics.

Claims made by uninsured drivers cost the industry over £500 million every year and this means law-abiding consumers must pay more on their premiums as a result. The maximum penalty for driving without a license is £5,000. In an article which featured on the website of the Department for Transport Road Safety, Minister David Jamieson said: “We’re proposing to give the police powers to seize vehicles being used by uninsured drivers. Getting these vehicles off the road will improve road safety for everyone and reduce the nuisance people experience when they try to make a claim off someone who turns out to be uninsured.” He added: “Honest motorists are fed up with the menace of uninsured driving. Not only do they add about £30 to every insurance policy, they are also more likely to break other traffic law - such as driving dangerous vehicles. We’re already making progress in reducing the number of people who drive uninsured, but these measures will bring that number down further.”

Furthermore, according to other studies which were performed on behalf of The RAC

Foundation uninsured drivers now account for 5% of all motorists. 13% of young drivers think that driving without car insurance is a victimless crime, but accident statistics involving uninsured cars show that their health could be at risk.

According to www.RACfoundation.org: “The Foundation is calling for a police crackdown on uninsured drivers. As databases are improved there will be an important role for Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras (ANPR) to help the police target uninsured drivers. It would also help to have more traffic police on the roads as a visual deterrent.”

The website also says: “The Foundation supports new police powers that will allow them to seize and in appropriate cases destroy vehicles that are being driven uninsured. If drivers do get stopped for driving without insurance, many of them will gamble that they will be given a £200 fine which is often a fraction of what they would have had to pay for insurance. If offenders cannot afford to pay fines then other appropriate punishments such as community service should be demanded.”



Joel

Nick C asked:


What is a safe amount to drink and still be under the legal limit?

The simple answer is that there is no way in knowing for sure. There are so many factors that affect the amount someone can drink and still remain under the legal limit. The amount and type of drink consumed as well as age, sex, weight and metabolism all play a part in how well someone can cope with alcohol.

Knowing you are over the limit on the night you are drinking is one thing, but it’s far more difficult to know if you are safe to drive the next day. According to the Department for Transport (DfT), one in five drivers found to be over the limit are caught the morning after they consumed alcohol.

Because the amount of time that alcohol stays in the body will vary from person to person, it’s impossible to know for certain if you are safe to drive the following morning.

The Penalties of Drink Driving

• Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol carries a maximum of 6 months imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a 12 month driving ban. If you are caught re-offending within 10 years then you could face a mandatory 3 year driving disqualification.

• Causing a death whilst driving under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment and a minimum 2 year driving ban.

• A drink driving offence will remain on your licence for 11 years

• If you have a drink driving conviction then expect to see a dramatic increase in the amount you pay for your car insurance. Finding competitive car insurance quotes will be difficult. Many car insurance companies will be unwilling to take the risk of insuring a driver with previous drink driving convictions.



Michael Velasquetz

Gaizka Pujana asked:


Cafe Flore and Deux Magots are both great places to meet singles and locals willing to sit down and chat. Buy a fancy coffee and the newspaper and sit down for a bit. This is definitley not some hot pick-up spot, for that you’ll need to try a bar. However, if you are either new to the area or just hanging out for a week or so, you are likely to get a good line on what you should see and do while you’re in town.

Most people will tell you that wine and France go together like peanut butter and jelly. The legal drinking age in France is 18, yet you don’t see many out tying on a buzz. The citizens of France typically drink as a social activity, not to get drunk. Wine and tapas bars are great places to to socialize and meet new people.

If you want a truly unique experience, try Lo Sushi, which has a rotating sushi bar where diners get to help themselves to the delectable sushi and sashimi. Try Bel Canto, a chain restaurant devoted to Opera songs. Each quarter hour, one or several waiters or waitresses stop what they’re doing to sing an opera tune while accompanied by a pianist.

There are a few things to remember when dining out in Paris, or anywhere in France for that matter. As with most European countries, the tip is included in your tab. If you order food at the bar, stay at the bar because there is a difference in prices. If you sit at a table, you will not find yourself rushed through dinner as you are in America. Your meal may not come in what you consider the correct order; drinks, appetizers, main course, dessert, but you will get all your food.

The waitstaff at the restaurants can tend to be what Americans consider slow as they only worry about doing one thing at a time. However, this helps you to enjoy your meal and your social time with your friends and family. When you’re finished eating you can say, “J’ai fini. L’ addition, sil vous plait,” which means “I’m finished. The check, please.” You will not be expected to leave your table after your check is paid, it is yours for as long as you want it.

Remember, standard custom is to round up to the nearest euro since the gratuity is included in the check. Also, if you do not finish your food, do NOT ask to take it home. There are no ‘doggy bags’ in Paris and culturaly, it is considered rude to ask.

So, there you have it. A few great places to eat and a few tips to keep you fluent in the culture of dining and drinking in Paris. Enjoy your trip and enjoy the food!



Daniel

Michael Lyon asked:


Prosecutions under s.5(1)(a) and (b) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 are complicated and it would be impossible to detail all the possible angles and defences that may require to be investigated. This article will attempt to highlight some of the more common issues that should be addressed if you are facing a charge of drink driving in Scotland.

Under s.5(1)(a) it is an offence if a person drives or attempts to drive a motor vehicle on a road or other public place after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit. The “prescribed limit” is defined by s.11(2) as 35ug of alcohol in 100ml of breath, 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood or 107mg of alcohol in 100ml of urine.

The first issue I would like to point out is that the Crown will not initiate proceedings on the basis of breath-alcohol readings of less than 40ug. Although technically the police are entitled to proceed, the Crown are personally prosecuting the case by virtue of an agreement between the Crown Agent and the Law Society of Scotland. Rather unfairly in my view, there is no similar agreement for specimens of blood or urine. So if you are charged with drink driving in Scotland with a blood-alcohol reading of 81mg, then you better get some good advice from a road traffic expert because the Crown, in all probability, be will initiate proceedings.

The Intoximeter EC/IR is the main device used in Scots law for the analysis of breath samples. It has full type approval under section 7(1)(a) and is recognised as such as a matter of judicial knowledge. It very rarely, however, produces identical readings which will be of a concern to the person accused of drink driving.

Type approval dictates that if the variation between the two samples of breath vary in excess of 15% then the readings are inadmissible and some other procedure will presumably be invoked. Furthermore if an accused’s reading is less than 50ug/100ml or less then s.8(2)ug then the police will require to explain that the person may claim that specimen should be replaced by either blood or urine. This provision takes into account the variations that can be produced by the Intoximeter EC/IR and again will no give the public a great deal of confidence in the prosecution of drink driving cases in Scotland.

My advice is that an alternative sample should always be provided. There are a number of technical reasons for this although, to put it very simply, an accused person has nothing to lose at this stage by doing so. Interestingly, it has been suggested to me by clients I have defended that the police have tried to dissuade them from the alternative sample route. Please be aware that where improper pressure is exerted on an accused not to exercise his option to provide a specimen for laboratory analysis then this will result in an acquittal. Again the services of an expert motoring lawyer are essential in these circumstances.

I would also advise that the independent analysis of samples is undertaken. There are strict time limits that apply due to the degradation principle and, again, advice should be sought at the earliest opportunity. Clearly a degree of expense will be incurred by instructing an independent analysis although it could be the best money you have ever spent.

It is also essential to look at the constituent elements of the charge: namely the concepts of driving/in charge and public place/road. There is a vast amount of legal authority on these subjects and these lines of defence should be investigated.

There is also the defence of “post-incident” drinking. This is loosely referred to as the “hip-flask” defence and means that the alcohol that has lead the prescribed limit to be exceeded was consumed after the act of driving. This is a statutory defence and will require to be properly stated in Court with a toxicology report detailing an expert’s view on the expected alcohol reading at the time of driving. These cases can be complicated and detailed instruction from the client is essential.

These are the very basics and I hope I have given at least a starting point to those who are facing charges of drink driving in Scotland. Expert advice should be sought on this highly technical and specialised area of law. Even in cases where you may think there is no hope, there can be unexpected technical defences and it is imperative that the case is properly examined to ensure a plea of guilty is not tendered to a charge that will never prove.

Michael Lyon is a specialist motoring lawyer based in Glasgow. The Firm undertakes the defence of all types of Road Traffic Cases in Scotland. Expert representation provided in all Courts including Glasgow, Perth, Dumfries, Selkirk, Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Paisley.



Vincent

Valerie Nay asked:


Every year during the holiday season TV, radio, newspapers and others talk a lot about the hazards of drunk driving and remind us to be careful. Extra police are on the streets and many cities set up sobriety checkpoints to catch drunk drivers on nights when there are likely to be more parties.

This extra focus reduces the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents and makes all of us safer on the road during the holidays.

Drunk drivers aren’t the only hazard on the road during the holidays, though. While most of us would never dream of getting behind the wheel drunk, we could still be creating serious dangers without thinking about it.

Holiday Madness

Juggling normal responsibilities with shopping, parties, and extra school events can make a normally safe driver a literal wreck. Even if you are always calm and collected, remember that other drivers may be more on edge than usual and take these precautions.

*Be extra patient and make allowances for other people and the mistakes they make. Don’t forget to watch out for pedestrians as well as other drivers.

*Try to keep your attention on what you are doing. Not only could they cause you to make a mistake, but cell phones, eating and other distractions keep you from paying attention to other people and the silly errors they can make.

*Be especially careful in parking lots crammed with cars and pedestrians at this time of year. Take it a little slower than normal to avoid fender benders or worse.

*Take note of your emotions and consider taking a break if you get too stressed out, irritated or emotional. Get a cup of coffee or tea and relax for 10 minutes before you dive back in to the frenzy.

Holiday Fatigue

Another danger that is often forgotten, but also a huge problem during this hectic time of year, is driving while drowsy. Falling asleep at the wheel is obviously the most dangerous result, but tired drivers also tend to be more irritable and impatient.

This year like normal there will no doubt be many people who leave work on Friday and start out on long-distance trips to be with family or friends. College students whose holiday break begin after classes on Friday may be headed home as well.

Here are some recommendations you should consider and pass along to family members and friends who may be traveling by car during the holidays:

*Don’t start your journey tired. Be aware of the risks if you get up unusually early to start your trip or leave directly from work or school when you are tired.

*Plan your trip to include a 15-minute break every two hours.

*Make sure that you and everyone on your trip is carrying emergency contact information and valid identification.

*Share the driving if possible. Safety experts recommend switching off every three hours.

*You’re too tired to drive if you start drifting from your lane, hitting rumble strips, yawning repeatedly, having difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open, missing road signs or tailgating. Pull over to a safe place as soon as possible, drink a high caffeine drink and take a 15-minute nap.



Corey

Bill Urell asked:


em drinkers or alcohol abusers back up and continue with controlled drinking? It depends on what point in a time line we are looking at.

To answer this, we have to be very careful of terms used, let’s follow the progression of use and consequences:

Social Drinker:

A social drinker drinks alcohol on occasion, but drinking does not occupy their thoughts. They can enjoy a drink, or take it or leave it. Leaving a half finished drink does not bother them in the least. There are no negative consequences as a result of their drinking, it does not cause any problems. There is no loss of control concerning actions or consequences relate to drinking. Neither family nor friends express concern about the drinking. It really is a non-issue.

Problem Drinker or Substance Abuser:

Usage has progressed to the point where some negative consequences occur. A prime example is getting a DUI, or tangled up in other legal problems like assault. There is no question that alcohol was abused and a bad consequence occurred because of the decision to risk lives drinking while impaired. Drinking in any situation where judgment and reflexes are needed for safety is abusing alcohol.

Drinking may start to occupy thoughts more frequently now, looking forward to and planning drinking. Use is more for effect. Drinking is starting to interfere with obligations of family, and work.

The substance abuser or problem drinker still has the ability to set limits and stick to them. This different from the social user who needs no limits and the alcoholic who cannot set limits and stick to them.

Negative consequences occur but are not repeated. Complaints by family and friends are heard and dealt with.

A good example is someone getting their first DUI, being properly embarrassed, and vowing to never drink and drive again; and they don’t. There is no question drinking caused a problem but they dealt with it. They have not yet ‘crossed the line’ into alcohol addiction or alcoholism.

Therefore it is possible for a problem drinker to back off into social use. However, if there is a progression noted, almost always the progression will get worse.

Alcoholism, Alcohol Addiction:

A primary characteristic of alcoholism is the loss of control over drinking. By definition, an alcoholic cannot return to controlled drinking.

We now know that changes in the brain occur at the neuron level which is not reversible. The old Alcoholics Anonymous concept of ‘crossing the line and not going back’ has now been proven true. They state the great delusion of every alcoholic is to once again drink like a normal person.

In addition to loss of control, we start to see tolerance, withdrawal, and drinking more over longer periods than we had intended. A prime characteristic is that an alcoholic cannot quit despite efforts to do so, and they continue to drink despite knowing there are negative consequences.

Can a problem drinker control their drinking? That really depends on how far down the road they are.

Bonus Tip:

And now for a statement of the blindingly obvious, the only safe solution to end problems associated with drinking is to stop drinking completely.



Phyllis