Medical News Report Raises Awareness of U.S. Dietary Guidance on Drinking Alcohol in Moderation

WELLINGTON, Fla., Sept. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new two-minute medical video encouraging healthcare professionals to talk with patients who drink alcohol about the importance of moderation will begin airing this month in thousands of physicians' offices, acute care hospitals and military facilities across the country, according to David Holden, Senior Producer for Mission Critical Health.

The news report, hosted by American Medical Women's Association President Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla and produced by Mission Critical Health (MCH), provides healthcare professionals and their patients with important science-based information on alcohol and health from the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthcare professionals can play an important role in educating patients about moderate drinking. In fact, according to the CDC, alcohol screening and counseling is an effective health service but it is often underutilized by healthcare providers.  

In the news video, Dr. Haffizulla provides the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommendation for alcohol consumption which is: "If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation."  The Dietary Guidelines define moderation as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men—and only by adults of legal drinking age.

In addition, the news report educates viewers about the Guidelines' definition of a drink: 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol), 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol) or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof (40% alcohol) distilled spirits.  Dr. Haffizulla underscores that each of these standard drinks contain the same amount of alcohol, 0.6 fluid ounces, and each has the same effect on the body.

"Simply put, doctors and healthcare providers from all disciplines of medicine should conscientiously consider the alcohol consumption of their patients and the implications for their health. We must include patient discussion and education on responsible alcohol consumption as part of our routine medical assessments," said Dr. Haffizulla. "Knowing the definition of moderation and how much alcohol is contained in a standard drink of beer, wine or distilled spirits can help adults understand and practice moderation."

The video news report can be viewed at the following link: http://youtu.be/RgV2BZHGHxQ

Mission Critical Health is a dynamic healthcare media company providing award winning health and medical video content to point of care TV platforms inside health care facilities, online and on TV channels nationwide. Mission Critical Health's goal is to empower healthcare professionals through the delivery of peer reviewed science news reports addressing important patient care issues.

SOURCE Mission Critical Health