September 2006

 

Best watched through beer goggles

On Aug. 25th, Warner Bros. released a new movie, Beerfest, in most major theatres throughout Ontario. This film is concerning because of its appeal to youth and how it encourages excessive drinking.

Alcohol is a common substance used most often by youth. Unfortunately, students perceive there is little risk associated with binge drinking — drinking 5 or more standard drinks on one occasion. Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with physical injuries, sexual assault, dependence, and disease (e.g., cancer). Also, binge drinking is a large problem at colleges and universities — with reduced academic performance, violence, and property damage.

Provincial guidelines are in place to act as controls on the promotion of alcohol in the media. Advertisements (including all radio, print, and TV commercials) made in Ontario must follow the Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) Liquor Advertising Guidelines.

In the case of the Beerfest movie, the effectiveness of these guidelines is limited by the fact that the movie originated outside Ontario. As a result, the guidelines cannot control the alcohol content in movies. You can write to the AGCO (www.agco.on.ca) or Advertising Standards Canada (www.adstandards.ca) about the inappropriate use of alcohol in movies or other alcohol advertisements you see.

As concerned parents, grandparents, or guardians, you can help to monitor alcohol advertising. When you watch movies, TV, or see print ads about alcohol and alcohol products, talk with your children. Have a discussion about what is risky drinking and what might happen if they drink too much. Also, children and youth look up to the adults in their life for direction — be an example, drink responsibly. Familiarize yourself with the low-risk drinking guidelines.

WHO wants your views on alcohol consumption

The World Health Organization has invited academic institutions, research departments, professional associations, non-governmental organizations, and representatives of the industry, and trade/agricultural sectors to express views and opinions to the WHO Secretariat on problems related to alcohol consumption by September 15, 2006.

WHO asks for the stakeholders' views on health problems related to alcohol consumption and their opinions on what kinds of interventions are needed at national, regional, and global levels to reduce such problems.

The purpose of this survey is to provide the WHO Secretariat with more information about how some of the main stakeholders perceive the magnitude of alcohol related problems, and what, in their opinions, are the best ways to deal with these problems. The information collected is not intended to develop norms and standards as such, but may be used by WHO to analyze and report on the views and opinions of stakeholders on health problems related to alcohol consumption.

Please visit the WHO website for further details.

Last Long Weekend

This summer has seen the introduction of a private member's bill being signed into law, increasing consequences to boaters who use alcohol. As well, as per usual, the Ontario Provincial Police has been a great presence on the highways each and every long weekend issuing tickets for excessive speed, improper lane changes, improper passing, losing control, and alcohol consumption.

Unfortunately, despite these measures to increase public safety, numerous fatalities still occur on Ontario's roads. The OPP is reminding people to be patient and be prepared this holiday long weekend. Labour Day Weekend is typically one of the busiest long weekends of the year as students head back to school, there are many special events planned across the province, and cottagers will be making end of season trips.

From August 1 through August 23 of this year, 41 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions on Ontario's highways. MADD Canada is encouraging a fatality-free holiday weekend by reminding people to:

1. Plan ahead.
2. Arrange for alternative transportation when drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
3. Avoid drinking and driving when on the roads, off-road trails or waterways.
4. Talk your friends and family members out of getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
5. Be an example.

For further details visit the MADD Canada website.