The Dangers of Alcopops

ALCOPOPS the dangers of

By STAFF

Alcopops describes alcoholic beverages that are similar to sweet drinks like soda pop, sweetened tea, or lemonade. The sweetness appeals to younger drinkers and may be a contributing factor in underage binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks in a sitting by a male and four or more for a female. Basically, youth are drinking to get drunk.

The sweetness increases the allure by young people. Parents should be concerned about the very high alcohol content, which can range from 4-12% by volume. One supersize alcopop contains as much alcohol as a six pack of beer. Consuming three supersized alcopops within two hours is equivalent to drinking 17 standard drinks. Because the alcohol cannot be tasted, many inexperienced drinkers think they are harmless and not as dangerous as other forms of alcohol.

A study in Australia had 18- and 19-year-old volunteers blindly taste beverages to see if it tasted like alcohol. Almost a fourth of the participants did not think there was alcohol in the alcopops – and they had some experience drinking alcohol. It’s likely younger drinkers would find it even harder to tell.

The industry is targeting kids, even if they deny it. Studies show that the majority of the flavored malt beverages are consumed by those under the age of 21. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, minors see 65% more alcopop magazine advertisements than those over 21. The Marin Institute reports that in California 47% of the alcopops are consumed by underage drinkers.

Teenage girls are especially vulnerable to the dangers of consuming alcopops. An American Medical Association survey found of teen girls:

• Nearly one in six who have drunk alcopops in the past six months have been sexually active after drinking. • One in four have driven or ridden in a car with a driver who had been drinking. • Those who binge drink are at three times the risk of contemplating suicide than girls who never drink.

Research shows that parents are the number one reason youth decide not to drink. It’s important to educate kids on the dangers of these beverages and potential consequences if they do. ■

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Go-To Place has a new name Go-To Place has a new name

While our new name, MyMichigan Health, remains familiar, it is more reflective of who we are, where we’re going and how we serve our patients. What’s more, MyMichigan better matches our existing size and growth. We are getting bigger and better every day and are expanding our reach beyond the middle of Michigan to the middle of our patients’ hearts. We’ve evolved into a large health system now serving both the lower and upper peninsulas.

MyMichigan keeps you and your family at the center of all that we do. Additionally, it instills and reinforces a sense of pride and ownership among our employees, volunteers and providers. And, it truly emphasizes our people, their stories and the personal human touch and exceptional patient experience we strive to deliver.

During this transition period, you may see either MidMichigan Health or MyMichigan Health on patient communications and billing statements. With a health system our size, the changeover to our new name will take some time. We appreciate your understanding and support as we work through this transition.

As we enter this new chapter as MyMichigan Health, we look forward to continued growth and innovation, all while delivering the same trusted care you and our communities have come to know and appreciate.

What’s Not Changing?

While our name is changing, it’s important for you to know that the providers and staff who care for you and your family, the people who schedule your appointments, and the high-quality care you have come to expect from us is not.

Our partnership with University of Michigan

Health also remains unchanged. We have worked collaboratively with our partners at the University and they are in support of the change. We will continue to include the block

“M” in our logo and maintain the same maize and blue colors which visually connect all locations that are part of the

MyMichigan family.

And most importantly, our purpose of

“Creating Healthy Communities – Together” has not changed. Through our growth, we are bringing more providers and more services to create healthier, stronger, and more sustainable communities than ever before.

What Is Changing?

As part of our new brand, all MyMichigan facilities will receive new names including our urgent cares, physician offices and

Medical Centers, to name a few. Our signage will begin to be updated with the new logo and facility names over the next few months.