Alcohol: Truth & Consequence

Diseases & Conditions: Health Topics

Alcohol: Truth & Consequences

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by Rich Maloof for MSN Health & Fitness

Drinking responsibly can be a fun part of your social life. But do you know the truth about alcohol risks, and what consequences they can bring? Take our quiz to find out.

1. Alcohol is nearly as addictive as which drug?
   Cocaine
   Heroin
   Marijuana
   Nicotine
2. Which of the following is NOT a factor in alcohol’s effect?
   Body weight
   Gender
   Ethnicity
   Age
   Genetics
   None is a factor
   They are all factors
3. By consuming no more than one drink per hour, you can stay under the legal limit for driving.
   True
   False
4. It’s best to treat a hangover with acetaminophen (Tylenol).
   True
   False
5. Women get drunk faster than men do.
   True
   False
6. Drinking tends to enhance sexual experiences.
   True
   False
7. Claiming that one is drunk, and therefore out of control, is a legitimate defense against an accusation of sexual assault.
   True
   False
8. Alcohol and pot are relatively safe to mix, since the effect of one balances out the other.
   True
   False
9. According to a 2005 study of colleges, how many students per year were injured under the influence of alcohol?
   199,000
   299,000
   599,000
   999,000
10. The number of alcohol-related fatalities in motor vehicle crashes appears to be going:
    Up
    Down

Results

Your Score is: 4 of 10

1. Alcohol is nearly as addictive as which drug?
   The Correct Answer: Cocaine
   Your Answer: Marijuana

   An estimated 17 percent of cocaine users become addicted to it, and drinkers follow closely at 15 percent. Of the other drugs: marijuana, 9 percent; heroin, 25 percent; nicotine, 32 percent.

2. Which of the following is NOT a factor in alcohol’s effect?
   The Correct Answer: They are all factors
   Your Answer: They are all factors

   Body weight: Fat, protein proportion, volume of blood and cardiovascular function all play roles in determining the impact of alcohol.Gender: Alcohol is generally more potent to women than men (see Question No. 5).Ethnicity: Based on genetic differences, there are direct and indirect alcohol effects by ethnicity. For example, Asians carry a gene that compromises liver function. More than other groups, Asians who drink tend to get flush, sweat and become nauseated.Age: A person’s age is represented in every system of the body, and alcohol works directly on the cardiologic, metabolic, excretory, digestive and neurological systems. Consider that dosage recommendations vary by age even on over-the-counter drugs.Genetics: One’s capacity to tolerate alcohol is partially dependent on genetic factors, so you may gain some insight about your own tolerance by studying other family members’. Geneticists have even gone so far as to determine that the ability to hold alcohol depends on an enzyme made on Chromosome 4.

3. By consuming no more than one drink per hour, you can stay under the legal limit for driving.
   The Correct Answer: False
   Your Answer: False

   The effects of one drink per hour will vary greatly from one person to the next. A 125-pound woman having just one glass of wine per hour over the course of three full hours can easily reach a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08—the legal limit in most states. Symptoms such as flushed face and difficulty with fine motor skills can be evident at a BAC level of just .02.The body metabolizes pure alcohol at only .25 or .30 ounces (about half a drink) per hour, so on average it takes two hours for the effects of a single drink to be eradicated. Metabolization simply can’t keep up with an hourly drink. Drinking has a cumulative effect.

4. It’s best to treat a hangover with acetaminophen (Tylenol).
   The Correct Answer: False
   Your Answer: False

   Current evidence suggests there is little if any danger in using proper dosages of acetaminophen the morning after a night of drinking. Physicians do acknowledge, however, that research on the subject is lacking. The risk sometimes cited is liver toxicity, which is a realistic concern for alcoholics who overdose on acetaminophen to the tune of 26 extra-strength pills in 24 hours.

5. Women get drunk faster than men do.
   The Correct Answer: True
   Your Answer: False

   Alcohol mixes with water in the body, and because men have more body water, there is more dilution of alcohol. Less body water makes for a meaner hangover as well.

6. Drinking tends to enhance sexual experiences.
   The Correct Answer: False
   Your Answer: True

   Going by the numbers, the drawbacks of combining alcohol with sex outweigh the benefits. Women with impaired judgment are more likely to engage in sexual behaviors they later regret, especially regarding whom they slept with or what they consented to. Worse yet, compromised judgment can put a woman in a dangerous sexual situation. For both men and women, the likelihood of unprotected sex also rises with alcohol use, increasing incidences of unwanted pregnancy and STDs, including, of course, HIVOn the upside, alcohol does relax social and sexual inhibitions, and can increase amorous feelings. But these benefits could easily backfire as well since alcohol interferes with a man’s ability to sustain an erection and with a woman’s ability to reach orgasm.

7. Claiming that one is drunk, and therefore out of control, is a legitimate defense against an accusation of sexual assault.
   The Correct Answer: False
   Your Answer: True

   Being drunk is not a valid legal defense against a charge of rape or sexual assault. It is estimated that 75 percent of men who perpetrate sexual assault are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A significant percentage of sexual-assault victims also tend to be under the influence; however, a victim who is drunk may be incapable of giving consent. Sex with an intoxicated person can constitute rape.

8. Alcohol and pot are relatively safe to mix, since the effect of one balances out the other.
   The Correct Answer: False
   Your Answer: False

   Alcohol and pot are both depressants. The risk of slowing one’s body down or passing out increases significantly when they’re combined. Marijuana also inhibits the gag reflex, which can be a problem when you want or need to throw up—and a fatal malfunction if you vomit while unconscious.Some drug combinations are additive, meaning that the effect produced is equal to the sum of the drugs combined. The effect of mixing alcohol and marijuana, however, is hyper-additive or synergistic: The two are multiplied rather than added. Many additional factors have influence (weight, tolerance, age, type of alcohol and pot), so the outcome is always difficult to predict.

9. According to a 2005 study of colleges, how many students per year were injured under the influence of alcohol?
   The Correct Answer: 599,000
   Your Answer: 999,000

   And that’s just the 18- to 24-year-olds enrolled in college.

10. The number of alcohol-related fatalities in motor vehicle crashes appears to be going:
    The Correct Answer: Down
    Your Answer: Up

    Americans may be getting smarter. Between 2003 and 2004, there was a 2.4 percent reduction in alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities: 17,105 in 2003 compared to 16,694 in 2004. While that’s good news, alcohol still plays a role in 39 percent of all traffic fatalities.

Thank you for taking our quiz!
Click here to take the quiz again
Last Updated: December 21, 2006

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/quiz.aspx?cp-documentid=100116088 

Healthy-Hair Strategies

Healthy-Hair Strategies from Cosmopolitan

 

Getting hot locks can be a catch-22: You assault your mane with blow-dryers, brushes, and styling tools to make it look great. But over time, all that primping can leave hair dull and brittle. What’s a girl to do? Follow this advice from our book Cosmo’s Sexiest Beauty Secrets for preventing tress distress.

Suds up less often. Wash your mane every two days with a gentle shampoo to avoid stripping it of its natural oils.

Condition with care. Daily wear and tear saps hair of moisture. In addition to using a regular conditioner, treat your locks (especially your ends, which are driest) to a weekly intensive mask.

Keep tools in top shape. Old, worn bristles on your brush can rough up your hair’s cuticle. When shopping for a new one, run it down your arm. If the bristles feel abrasive, skip it. And while you already know that it’s best to detangle wet strands with a wide-tooth comb, African-American babes should do it in the shower, right after applying conditioner, to protect your fragile tresses.

Blow-dry, don’t blowtorch, your hair. Before you even as much as look at your blow-dryer, apply a thermal protective styling product (pick one that calls this out on the bottle). Dry your locks at least 50 percent with your dryer on the low-heat setting. Then you can crank up the heat and wield a brush. Once you get going, hold the dryer 3 inches away from your hair, point it downward, and keep it in constant motion to prevent fried sections.

Move on from metal. Go for a ceramic flatiron or curling iron. Unlike metal models, ceramic heats up evenly, so there are no strand-scorching hot spots. Another rule of thumb: Don’t heat any one section of hair longer than three counts of “Mississippi.”

You Should Know…

Scrub your scalp: A head massage not only feels amazing, but all that rubbing removes product buildup and boosts circulation so more nutrients can get to the hair follicle. So beg your stylist for an extra-long scrub session or do it yourself at home using your fingertips.

TLC for African-American strands: Blot, don’t rub, damp hair when you get out of the shower and always apply a leave-in conditioner when styling your hair with heat. Also, when you’re using a blow-dryer, keep it on the lowest setting the whole time.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/makeup-skin-care-hair/articlecosmo.aspx?cp-documentid=14291232&gt1=32002

New work bill to impact on migrants

http://www.emigrate2.co.uk/Emigrate_Now_9.htm

A new bill passed by the New Zealand government could have consequences for Skilled Migrants and those entering New Zealand under a Work Permit.

The Employment Relations Amendment Act provides businesses with the right to dismiss an employee within the first 90 days of employment without the employee having the right to lodge a complaint against the employer for unfair dismissal. While this is intended to balance the effects of the present economic environment on small businesses, it could have potentially detrimental consequences for migrants.

Mark Williams of Lane Neave Lawyers explains: “Concern has been raised that employers may use the legislation to dismiss an overseas migrant on minor performance related issues or if they simply change their mind if the migrant is having difficulty adjusting to the work place environment during the initial period of their employment.”

He continues: “Difficulty will arise in the event the employer decides not to continue to offer employment to the migrant before residency is granted, or in the alternative before the employee has completed the three months of full-time employment following the grant of New Zealand residence that is required as per immigration regulations. The loss of a position could ultimately lead to not only the revocation of the migrant’s work visa, but also the decline of the residence application. This (understandably) would create serious issues for migrants who are unlucky enough to find themselves already settled in New Zealand.”

However, the legislation could also impact on migrant in a positive way. Many small businesses are currently reluctant to take the risk of hiring a migrant in case the arrangement fails; the new bill removes the risk of this arrangement.

“As a result of the legislation, it is possible that many New Zealand employers who are having difficulty recruiting may take a chance on a skilled migrant from overseas, knowing that if it does not work out well within 90 days they have an option to dismiss,” says Williams.

Research shows that UK migrants find it easier to adjust and perform in New Zealand than many other nationalities, so in theory the new legislation should be a positive development for Brits.

For more information visit:
www.liveinnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand acronyms

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# Acronyms you want to know but were afraid to ask #
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AKL Auckland
CHCH Christchurch
CO, Case Officer
EOI Expression of Interest
IO Immigration Officer
ITA Invitation to Apply
LORQ List of Recognized Qualifications
LPV Limited Purpose Visa
LTSSL Long Term Skill Shortage List, previously called Priority Occupations List (POL)
NZIS New Zealand Immigration Service
NZQA New Zealand Qualifications Authority
PAR Pre-Assessment Result – http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-international/qual-eval/preassessment-result/index.html
POL Priority Occupations List
PR Residence Permit
QAR Qualifications Assessment Report – http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-international/qual-eval/preassessment-result/index.html
RRV Returning Resident’s Visa
SMC Skilled Migrant Category
STW Study to Work
TEV Temporary Entry Visa
VO Visa Officer
VV Visitor’s Visa
WLG Wellington
WTR Work to Residence

New Zealand IRD

 

http://www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers/#ir595 

IRD number applications

What is an IRD number?

An IRD number is a unique number issued to you by Inland Revenue. Your number will be in the range of 10-000-000 to 999-999-999, so some people will have an 8 digit number and others a 9 digit number. Your number will never change, even if you move to another country and then return to New Zealand some time in the future. We do not reallocate old numbers or issue every number in the range. This ensures the uniqueness of every individual or organisation’s number.

Do I need an IRD number?

You should apply for an IRD number if:

• you are earning an income
• you are starting a business
• you are registering for Working for Families Tax Credits
• you are registering for a student loan
• your child has a part-time job
• you file tax returns
• you ask us about your tax
• you apply for child support.

It is not compulsory for every individual (eg baby, child) to have an IRD number, but if you or your children are earning income you have to pay tax. If you do not have an IRD number, tax will be deducted at a no-declaration rate, which is higher than the normal deduction rate. You can also apply for an IRD number for your child so a lower rate of withholding tax is deducted from interest earned on their bank balance.

Who should I give my IRD number to?

You should only provide it to:

• Inland Revenue
• your employer
• your bank or financial institution
• your KiwiSaver scheme provider
• Work and Income
• StudyLink
• your tax agent (accountant).

If other groups ask for your IRD number, ask them why they need it. If you are not sure that you should give them your number, call us for advice.

Keep your number confidential and have it handy when you contact us.

What if I forget or lose my IRD number?

If you cannot remember your IRD number, check any correspondence you have from us – your IRD number should be on this.

If you cannot find any correspondence from us, call us on 0800 377 774 and we will tell you what your IRD number is and confirm this with a follow-up letter.

How do I apply for an IRD number?

You can apply for an IRD number for yourself, your children or your organisation, using one of the following forms. We will send your IRD number within 8-10 working days of receiving your application.

• IR595 (individual) – adult and children
• IR596 (non-individual) – company, partnership, estate, trust, club, society, superannuation scheme and Maori authority

IR595 – Individual (adults and children)

Please print, complete and sign your IR595. You can also complete this form onscreen by typing onto the PDF document. Take the form with your identification documents to an Inland Revenue appointed verifier. Further details can be found on the form.

If you are applying for an IRD number…	then you need to complete the…	and you must provide…
for an individual  (adult or child)	IR595	one original and one legible photocopy of a Category A document and one original and one legible photocopy of a Category B document.
for a child who is in your care and they are under 16	IR595	one original and one legible photocopy of a Category A or a Category B document for the child and one original and one legible photocopy of a document which shows the relationship between you and the child, if not already shown in the Category A or Category B document (if you do not have a document which shows the relationship between you and the child, you can use the statutory declaration IR595D) and full proof of your own identity as parent or guardian by providing: one original and one legible photocopy of a Category A document and one original and one legible photocopy of a Category B document.

Category A documents

You must provide one original and one legible photocopy of one of the following documents:

• Full New Zealand birth certificate issued on or after 1 January 1998. Birth certificates issued after 1 January 1998 carry a unique identification number. If you hold a birth certificate issued before 1 January 1998, and wish to hold a birth certificate with a unique identification number, contact the Department of Internal Affairs
• New Zealand passport (please photocopy the pages showing photo, name and specimen signature)
• Overseas passport with New Zealand immigration visa / permit (please photocopy the pages showing photo, name, any pages showing current work, visitor permits, or residency documentation and a specimen signature) or call Inland Revenue on 0800 227 774 for exempt list
• New Zealand emergency travel document
• New Zealand firearm or dealer’s licence
• New Zealand refugee travel document
• New Zealand certificate of identity (issued by Department of Labour or Department of Internal Affairs)
• New Zealand citizenship certificate

Category B documents

You must provide one original and one legible photocopy of one of the following documents:

• New Zealand driver licence
• New Zealand 18+ card
• New Zealand student photo identification card
• A letter confirming registration as a student in New Zealand (if this document is used you must provide a document from category A that contains a photo)
• An “offer of employment” letter from your employer, on their company letterhead (if this document is used you must provide a document from category A that contains a photo)

Statutory declaration

If you are applying for an IRD number for a child but you don’t have a document which shows your relationship with the child (like a birth certificate), you must fill in a Statutory declaration IR595D, found under Forms and guides.

Note

If the documents you provide are in another name, you must provide an original document that confirms how your name was changed eg. Marriage certificate, deed poll, change of name certificate, civil union certificate, and a photocopy of that document.

Submitting the completed application form (IR595)

Once you have completed the IR595 and collated the required supporting documents, follow the instructions on this page.

Step	Role	What they do
1	You	Take the completed application form, with current supporting documents to an Inland Revenue appointed verifier. These are: Automobile Association (AA) Driver Licensing Agents PostShops and selected New Zealand Post retail outlets
2	Verifier	Verifies your supporting documentation and returns the originals to you.
3	Verifier	Forwards your application form and photocopies to Inland Revenue.
4	Inland Revenue	Sends your Inland Revenue number to you, usually within 8-10 working days.

IR596 – Non-individual (company, partnership, estate, trust, club, society, superannuation scheme, Maori authority)

If you are incorporating a new company online through the Companies Office website, you can apply for an IRD number at the same time. Or, you can complete this form online, print, sign and send it to us. You will need to provide a photocopy of one of the following:

• certificate of incorporation
• deed of trust
• certificate of registration.

Note:

All organisations should complete Question 15 on page 2 of the IR596.

I won a bag

It has been almost a year that I wanted the Samsonite Oberthur Laptop Backback.

A secret raffle was held and guess who won…………

I won! The prize was a Samsonite Oberthur Laptop Messenger. But wait, Lenart wanted to swap his Samsonite Oberthur Laptop Backback. So I happily agreed.

Thank you Oberthur. Thank you Anne.