13 Comments

VP. Points well taken, yet I sometimes feel that not every question is answered by what can only be an imperfect study. You ask doctors and scientists to stay out of the debate, yet you place yourself smack in the middle of it. As a doctor I’m entitled to my opinion based on the data I see plus my individual observations. Your approach should also include tobacco. The health hazards of smoking did not reveal themselves from a randomized study, yet one can also conclude that many people enjoy smoking and do not get sick or live less. Finally, the missing piece in your proposed study is individual genetic variance in how we metabolize alcohol, likely a defining factor for how our diets affect us.

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I agree. So many of our recommendations do not factor in the quality of life component. Most patients do better, I think, with a more nuanced approach that doesn’t shame them into compliance.

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If I have a few glasses of a Glenfiddich with friends, I get funnier, some say wittier. For sure I get better looking. My points on literature and art and music and films become more insightful, my personal stories much deeper and lucid. My friends, and any women in the room want to know more about me. A few whiskies with ice in a proper crystal tumbler are the perfect social lubricant.

Now about that study on drinking. What are you trying to uncover? I'm sorry, your point is?

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Thank you for your wise perspective. A good life is better than a long life but, I suspect that chances are, a long life will often be the result of a good one.

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What about alcohol impact on HRV and RHR. Huge on Whoop. Does it impact ability to exercise the next day? May be short-term, but could have cumulative impacts. Or are those measure not significant?

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Using a FitBit to monitor my sleep, drinking after 3 pm has material negative effect on my sleep quality.

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Evidence based gutter…I laughed aloud.

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This is the most sensible thing I’ve read on this subject in a long time (possibly ever)

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As Samuel Clemons said, to paraphrase, if you can’t get to 70 by a pleasant route, don’t go.

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Years ago we watched the Marlboro Man, Joe Camel, etc. And then people, I don't know who, decided advertising cigarettes is not good for children or adults because it looks like cigarettes are being promoted. Later on the 'people' decided advertising alcohol isn't bad (lobbyists?) but drinking it is. So they decided to reduce its influence by showing people not actually drinking it. Not sure who thought that idea was beneficial. I have noticed lately on TV shows and movies and books that the-go-to-thing is wine. Olivia on Law & Order SVU drinks at least one, sometimes 3 glasses of wine at night. Game of Thrones. Walking Dead. The Simpsons. The list is endless. I don't know what the effect was taking smoking commercials off and I don't know that taking alcohol out of commercials and TV series and movies would help. Does this information require an RCT?

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