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Alcoholics Can Help Reverse Bone Loss by Exercising and Quitting Drinking

19175812 Alcoholics can help reverse bone loss that results from their addiction by quitting drinking and engaging in exercise, a new study suggests.

Excessive consumption of alcohol disrupts the process of bone renewal, called remodeling, according to HealthDay. This can lead to osteoporosis.

The study found that stopping drinking for just eight weeks can help reduce this disruption.

Synthetic Drug Packages with Cartoon Character Attract Kids, Minister Warns

41831015 Synthetic drug packages featuring Scooby Doo are attracting youth in the Baltimore area, warns a local minister.

He is trying to get these “Scooby Snax” out of the hands of the city’s young people.

Cortly “C.D.” Witherspoon notes a sticker on the package says the contents have a blueberry flavor, although the packages contains dried herbs, not candy.

Marijuana and Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutics Have Highest Rates of Past Year Abuse or Dependence Among U.S. Residents

MJ Bag An estimated 7.1 million persons aged 12 or older met the criteria for past year illicit drug abuse or dependence in 2010, according to data from the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

Of these, 63.0%—more than 4.4 million—were classified with marijuana or hashish abuse or dependence, 33.5% met the criteria for abuse or dependence on psychotherapeutics used nonmedically (primarily pain relievers), and 14.1% abused or were dependent on cocaine.

Cutting Down on Drinking May Reduce Risk of Esophageal Cancer

LA SS 1450435 The increased risk of esophageal cancer that is related to alcohol is reversible after a person gives up drinking, but it can take up to 16 years to return to the risk level for non-drinkers, a new study concludes.

About one-half of the reduction in risk of the cancer can occur within about four or five years of quitting drinking, HealthDay reports.

Having Three or More Drinks a Day May Increase Risk of Earlier Stroke

19175653 People who have three or more alcoholic drinks a day may have a higher risk of stroke at a much younger age, compared with those who don't drink heavily, a new study suggests.

The French study included 540 people who had suffered a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, HealthDay reports.

One-quarter of participants had three or more drinks a day. These heavy drinkers had a stroke at an average age of 60. In contrast, those who didn't drink heavily had a stroke at an average age of 74.

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