Temperance - The Problem with Sugar, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Teens and Vaping: The Real Health Consequences, Work-Life Balance
NEWSTART: “Temperance” - We all live in a modern society of “excess” and “self-indulgence,” where trying to maintain balance and make healthy lifestyle choices can be difficult. Temperance involves abstaining from harmful substances, food, drinks, and behaviours that can be harmful to your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
Moderation in all things is a founding principle of the NEWSTART program. The gospel calls us to exercise discipline and self-control in all areas of our lives, to prepare us for greater effectiveness in our mission to represent Christ.
Remember “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” Romans 12:1-2.
Further details to follow, if you have any queries or require any further information, please contact the Health Ministries Team by emailing: caz@mendel-it.co.uk.
The Problem With Sugar
These days it is no secret that too much sugar is not good for our health. A better understanding it’s early effects on our physical and mental health may encourage us to develop a healthier relationship with sugar.
Effects on the Body
Firstly, it is ‘refined’ or ‘free’ sugars that pose health concerns– sugars that have been stripped from their natural sources including fruit, some vegetables and milk. Excessive refined-sugar intake has multiple adverse effects on the body. Sugar-laden foods are often high in calories, contributing to weight gain and therefore metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Over-consumption of sugary foods also competes with nutrient-dense food choices which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and inadequate fibre intake. Additionally, sugar promotes the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of dental problems such as cavities.
High sugar intake can also affect mood and brain chemistry. The rapid spike and subsequent drop in blood glucose levels can lead to dramatic mood swings. Moreover, it impacts the gut microbiome, influencing overall health and well-being, including mental health.
Is Sugar Addictive?
This leads to the question of whether sugar can be considered addictive. A review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that refined sugar has effects on the brain similar to illegal drugs like cocaine. Studies on rats have shown significant similarities between eating sugar and drug-like effects, such as bingeing, craving, tolerance, withdrawal, dependence, and reward. These studies indicate that sugar triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, similar to the effects of drugs.
However, not all experts agree. An article in Clinical Nutrition in 2010 argued that there is no conclusive evidence from human studies that sugar is physically addictive. Some studies suggest that addiction-like behaviours in rats occur only when sugar intake is restricted, not when it is freely available. Critics argue that while sugar activates the brain's reward system, it does not hijack it like illegal drugs.
Regardless of the addiction debate, it is clear that sugar consumption is excessively high. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition recommends that only 5% of daily energy intake should come from refined-sugar, roughly 30 grams. However, Public Health England reports that people are consuming approximately three times this recommended limit.
How to Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Reducing sugar intake requires practical and sustainable changes:
- Understand that cravings will pass and resist the urge to consume sugary snacks.
- Find non-food-related ways to reward yourself, such as hobbies or physical activities.
- Gradually reduce sugar to help your taste buds adjust to less sweetness.
- Make realistic dietary changes that can be maintained long-term.
- Include more protein and fibre in your diet to feel fuller longer and reduce sugar cravings.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your sugar intake and improve your overall health.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Alcohol and drug misuse can have profound and wide-ranging impacts on individuals, families, and society. Here are some key areas affected:
Health Impacts
- Physical Health: Chronic use can lead to a variety of health issues, including liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, and an increased risk of infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C).
- Mental Health: Substance misuse is often associated with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and increased risk of suicide.
- Addiction: Dependency on alcohol or drugs can develop, leading to substance use disorders that are challenging to treat.
Social Impacts
- Relationships: Substance misuse can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, often leading to social isolation.
- Work and Education: Productivity and performance can decline, increasing absenteeism and the risk of job loss or academic failure.
- Crime and Legal Issues: There is a higher incidence of criminal behaviour, including driving under the influence (DUI), theft, and other illegal activities.
Economic Impacts
- Healthcare Costs: Increased medical expenses for treatment of health issues related to substance misuse, emergency room visits, and rehabilitation services.
- Productivity Losses: Economic productivity can be severely affected by decreased performance at work or school, absenteeism, and disability.
- Law Enforcement and Legal System: Costs associated with law enforcement, legal proceedings, and incarceration related to substance-related offenses.
Psychological and Emotional Impacts
- Cognitive Impairment: Long-term misuse can lead to impaired cognitive function, affecting memory, decision-making, and learning.
- Emotional Distress: Individuals may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and mood swings.
Impact on Families
- Family Dynamics: Misuse can disrupt family life, creating an environment of instability, conflict, and neglect.
- Children: Children in households with substance misuse may experience neglect, abuse, and emotional trauma, leading to long-term developmental issues.
Community and Society
- Public Safety: Increased risks of accidents, violence, and injuries within communities.
- Resource Strain: Strain on social services, healthcare, and law enforcement resources.
Addressing alcohol and drug misuse requires comprehensive strategies, including prevention, education, treatment, and support services to mitigate these impacts.
The Bible addresses the topic of alcohol consumption and abuse in various verses, emphasizing moderation and warning against drunkenness. Here are some relevant verses:
Warnings Against Drunkenness
Ephesians 5:18; Proverbs 20:1; Isaiah 5:11; Galatians 5:19-21
Encouragement for Moderation
1 Timothy 5:23; Proverbs 23:20-21; 1 Peter 4:3
Examples and Consequences of Drunkenness
Genesis 9:20-21; Proverbs 23:29-35
These verses highlight the importance of self-control, the dangers of excessive drinking, and the negative consequences associated with alcohol abuse.
Teens and Vaping: The Real Health Consequences
What Is Vaping?
Vaping is the inhaling of an aerosol (mist) created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vaping device. Vapes are battery-operated vaping devices that heat a liquid until it becomes an aerosol (mist), which is inhaled. The aerosol is not just water vapor. It usually contains nicotine, other harmful chemicals, and flavourings.
Increased Use of Vapes Among Teens
In recent years, vapes have become a popular stop smoking aid in the UK. Vapes are perceived to be less harmful than cigarettes but are still not safe. Unfortunately, vaping has also grown in popularity among teenagers. In March/April 2023 the proportion of children in the UK. experimenting with vaping has grown by 50% year on year, from one in thirteen to one in nine. Children’s awareness of promotion of vapes has also grown, particularly in shops where more than half of all children report seeing vaping devices being sold, along with sweets and drinks.
Teen Perceptions and Attitudes to Vaping
Vaping is an attractive pastime to teens, who find it fun, cool and enjoy the social aspects. In addition, vapes are perceived as less harmful than conventional cigarettes, with the perception that vaping devices are cheap! Teens enjoy experimenting with a variety of flavours. The sensory appeal of vaping flavours may also extend beyond taste. Together with easy access through online sales and local shops, vaping is fast becoming a major health concern in the UK.
The Health Risks of Vaping
Vaping is not for young people. Teens are more susceptible to nicotine addiction than adults because their brains are still developing. Nicotine vaping is not risk-free. The health risks of vaping include:
- addiction: E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a drug that’s highly addictive. You don’t have to vape every day to get addicted.
- anxiety and depression: Nicotine makes anxiety and depression worse. It also affects memory, concentration, self-control, and attention, especially in developing brains.
- becoming a smoker: People who vape are more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes and may be more likely to develop other addictions in the future.
- sleep problems!
- exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
- chronic bronchitis and lung damage that can be life-threatening.
That's why there's a minimum age of sale for vaping products in the UK. It is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18 or for adults to buy them on behalf of under-18s.
Smart Exit Strategies to Say “no “to Vaping!
As parents it is important we educate and empower our teens to ensure they are aware of the possible effects of vaping on overall health, the development of the teen brain impacting memory, attention, and learning, plus the potential for addiction. Preparing our children say “no” to peer pressure is simple and easy. Smart Exit strategies include:
- Saying a simple "No, thanks," or "Nah, that's not my thing."
- Changing the topic ("Hey, are you going to football practice today?").
- Walking away and do something else.
- Giving reasons for not wanting to use a vape.
- Encourage your child to practice their response before it happens!
- Ensure your child knows that you are aways available for a chat.
Work-Life Balance
