If you drink alcohol, do so mindfully

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to think about your alcohol consumption to ensure you are enjoying alcohol responsibly and in moderation. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this means limiting alcohol to two drinks or fewer a day for men and one drink or fewer for women.

While any alcohol abuse is too much, the good news is federal data indicate harmful drinking in the U.S. is declining. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows binge drinking among adults ages 21 and older decreased 11 percent from 2018 to 2022, and 9 out of 10 (89 percent) say they drink the same amount or less than they did pre-pandemic.

Adults who choose to drink should commit to mindful drinking year-round. There are some people who should not drink alcohol at all, and talking with health care providers can help determine what is best, based on individual factors and family history.

Amanda Berger

Distilled Spirits Council

Washington, D.C.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Aug. 31

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Senator Maria Cantrell shake hands as they board the 12:30 pm train during the Lynnwood 1 Line extension opening celebrations on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Light rail reshaping the future of Snohomish County

The arrival of service to Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood brings changes for travel, housing and more.

Comment: Joint effort to hit cancer in state with a CAPOW!

Cancer Action Plan of Washington is a team effort to help state residents prevent, treat and survive cancer.

Comment; Congress considers change to open primaries in states

States now use many types of primaries. A bill would open primaries to all voters, regardless of party.

Comment: Protect state’s strength in drug research, development

Life sciences are a leading employer in the state and are must continue work on life-saving therapies.

Forum: Hear what’s said and how, whether candidate or defendant

My recent experience on a jury offered a lesson in the value of listening for a person’s character.

Forum: News consumers must demand ethics from news outlets

A century ago, newspapers lived by a code of ethics. The drive for profit has compromised that standard.

RGB version
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Aug. 30

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Schwab: A tale of two national conventions

From the two parties’ conventions, voters have a clear picture of the best of choices and worse of choices.

Stephens: Plenty of global outrage for college crowd to protest

Don’t stop with Gaza and Ukraine; rage against atrocities in Venezuela, Ethiopia, Sudan and more.

Collins: Is Trump considering RFK Jr. for taxidermy post?

Now backing Trump — and angling for a job — Kennedy’s resume includes the wrangling of dead animals.

Comment: Beside chain owners, who likes switch to self-checkout?

The machines take workers jobs, are avoid by customers and increase the losses from shoplifting.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.