"Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand."
– Baruch Spinoza
– Baruch Spinoza
Although the philosopher Spinoza wrote this a long time ago, his brilliance is simplicity. Understanding is so powerful, because it allows the perceiver to think and reflect before action. If there was more understanding in the world, the world would be a better place. So much of what goes on is related to half-truths, ignorance, and prejudice. Those that can understand are in a much better position than those who cannot.
Today, my dog Digger and I ran a short 5 mile or so trail run. I felt more energy today than I did yesterday, which is a good thing. I am going to rest on Friday since I am planning on doing a longer run Saturday with our running group. All told, I boosted up my mileage this week to about 50. It has been at least 4 to 6 weeks since I have done that amount and it feels good to get back in running shape.
Has alcohol become a health food? Is alcohol, good for the heart? Is red wine good for you? An article in the Wall Street Journal, November 1, 2011 talked about the benefits vs. the risk of drinking alcohol. To illustrate: benefits of drinking, one drink a day for women and two for men: 1.Increases HDL or good cholesterol. 2. Prevents platelets from sticking together, reducing blood clots, and lowers the risk. 3. Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 30 to 35%, and congestive heart failure. 4. Cuts the risk of heart attack by 40% to 50% in healthy men. 5. Reduces the risk of stroke and dementia.
On the other hand, cancer risk linked to drinking are as follows: 1.Raises the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer by 20% and risk of breast cancer by 8% among people who have one or fewer drinks a day .2. Raises risk of oral cancer 73%, risk of liver cancer 20% and risk of breast cancer 31% among people who have two to three drinks per day. 3. Associated with a fivefold increase in risk of oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancers in people who have four or more drinks per day. 4. Raises the risk of colorectal cancer by 52%, pancreatic cancer by 22%, and breast cancer by 46%.
In other words, chronic alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health even if you are not a binge drinker. Also, not every regular drinker gets cancer, and not everyone who gets cancer drinks. About 3.5% of cancer deaths worldwide ( 230,000 people year) are attributable to alcohol, according to 2006 analysis of World Health Organization data. What should you do about your drinking? Spinoza said “Understand.”
My take on this data is simply moderation. For me, moderation, as far as drinking alcohol is less than two drinks per day. Many days it is zero or no drinks. Hopefully, with my exercise regime, healthy eating habits, and moderate drinking my heart will last a long time and I will not die of cancer. I am not in a position to say, what is best for you.
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