MDA warns exaggerated use of alcohol, mixtures of alcohol and drugs can poison body and lead to road accidents and violence.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Excessive drinking on New Year’s Eve could result in injuries, illness or even death.Magen David Adom, which will raise its level of alert at 8 p.m. on Saturday and continue until Sunday at 3 p.m., warns that exaggerated use of alcohol and mixtures of alcohol and drugs can poison the body and lead to road accidents and violence.On the eve of 2011, MDA treated 62 cases of alcoholrelated overdoses, 38 road accidents, 34 incidents of violence, 30 fainting incidents, seven stabbings and three cases in which drugs and alcohol were dangerously combined.At parties, do not leave drinks uncovered, as there have been incidents in which hard drugs have been added by others without the drinker’s knowledge and had serious results.Young people who intend to party should take a look at the premises before staying so they can see if it’s too crowded. Minors should not be allowed to drink alcohol.Those without driving licenses must not drive, nor should those who have consumed too much alcohol.Adina Ben-Aharon, head of clinical nutrition at Beersheba’s Soroka University Medical Center, advises not to have more than two drinks on a single occasion. Eat a light meal before drinking alcohol, and prefer beer or wine to those with higher alcohol content. Avoid eating salty foods such as olives and pretzels, as they make people thirsty, inducing them to drink more alcohol.Avoid cocktails with sweeteners, sugar or cream for the same reason. Drink slowly!