High-intensity drinking is worse than binge drinking. But what exactly does it mean? High intensity is defined as consuming an excessive number of drinks in one session: eight or more for women and ten or more for men.

While binge drinking is characterized by having four or five drinks within two hours.

This distinction emerged as researchers noticed that many of the severe consequences associated with binge drinking—like blackouts and alcohol poisoning—were linked to much higher levels of alcohol intake.

Who are the most at risk?

Heavy drinking habits, formerly associated with youth, are changing. Recent studies show that, while high-intensity drinking has decreased among young adults, it is still common among those in their late twenties. Almost one out of every eight people aged 27 to 28 consume 10 or more drinks every session.

Middle-aged individuals are drinking more heavily. It is more prominent in males over 30 and women aged 18 to 64.

The trend can be seen where the middle-aged uses alcohol as a tool to cope with the day-to-day life, whereas for youth, it is to have fun and to explore the adult life.

Risks and Consequences

High-intensity drinking carries a greater risk than regular binge drinking. It is because when you consume such large volumes of alcohol in such a short period of time, it can boost blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to dangerous levels, usually exceeding 0.2%, as opposed to 0.08% for ordinary binge drinking.

This high BAC level increases the risk of disastrous effects, including:

• Injuries and Accidents
• Alcohol Poisoning
• Blackouts
• Hospitalizations

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Moreover, repeated high-intensity drinking significantly raises the risk of developing alcohol use disorder and contributes to broader societal harms such as relationship issues, property damage, and physical assaults.

Why is there a change in drinking patterns?

The reason why one opts for high-intensity drinking patterns varies by age. For youth, it is mostly peer pressure and seeking fun. However it does have its own downsides.

For middle-aged and older adults, stress, life pressures, and emotional coping mechanisms are more common drivers. However, studies have shown that alcohol does not help you cope with stress. These motivations highlight the evolving role of alcohol as a tool for both celebration and self-medication, depending on the stage of life.

The Need for Greater Awareness

The rise of high-intensity drinking underscores the importance of addressing its unique dangers. While binge drinking is risky, consuming eight or more drinks exponentially increases the likelihood of harm. Experts emphasize that the “dose makes the poison,” and this extreme form of alcohol use deserves heightened attention.

By understanding the motivations and risks associated with high-intensity drinking, individuals can make informed decisions and seek support if needed, particularly during festive seasons that often encourage overindulgence.

“It’s only because I use my phone so much” We all know the excuse. It’s true that texting too much or using your hand in a certain way when holding your phone can be irritating and temporary. But not all your symptoms are the screen’s fault! Symptoms like tingling, burning or pins-and-needles may be due to a pinched or irritated nerve.

When Tingling And Numbness May Point To A Nerve Problem

A familiar example of such a condition is carpal tunnel syndrome, wherein pressure gets on the median nerve at the wrist, causing finger and hand numbness and tingling of your thumb, index and middle finger as well as part of ring finger, which are usually felt mostly at nighttime, or when you’re using the phone for too long.

An alternative would be compression of the ulnar nerve leading to symptom production with the little and part of the ring finger. Remaining with a bent elbow for prolonged durations can lead to increased symptoms, for example if using a telephone.

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The Problem May Actually Start In The Neck

The pain doesn't always come from the hand. We could have some irritation of the nerve from a little higher up, right to from the neck. Problems with the cervical spine can be referred around the neck, and down the arm and into the hand as pain, and tingling or numbness or weakness.

That’s why just cutting back on screen time won’t help if an nerve issue is also going on. A second common error is to let your numbness progress so much that the cause becomes obvious before looking for medical care. Initial symptoms often come and go after the amount of time your nerves are compressed and can be worse if your nerves are compressed while you sleep or play an activity. Eventually, if nerve compression worsen, your symptoms may occur more often and may be paired with a weakness of the hand, or problems with the more precise dexterity manoeuvres.

Also read: Scientists Grow Human Brain Tissue Inside Mice: Could This Help Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy & Autism Research?

Dropping Objects Or Weak Grip Are Warning Signs

Warning signs People also need to be aware of early signs of damage like dropping objects; problems with buttoning a shirt; having weakened grip strength or feeling like your hand feels weak when you hold something tight; or an ongoing general weakness. Those should never be ignored. There can be a link with phones because you hold your hand in the one position when holding and looking at it for a while your wrist, your elbow, your neck. But the problem isn't necessarily the phone itself.

Whether it is a repetitive motion or it comes on from something that has already occurred such as finding out you have diabetes or even have an already injured and pinched nerve in your wrist or at your elbow or even at your shoulder. Some simple stretches, an altered grip, keeping your elbow bent at just about 90 degrees and trying not to bend your wrist way backward will all work to your benefit.

When Numbness Needs Medical Evaluation

If numbness continues or weakness is increasing, pain is intense, or the sensations spread from the neck into the arm, you may need to see a physician for further examination, including possible nerve conduction studies, imaging, or blood tests based on their findings.

Not all sensations or tingling in your hand are "phone related", although it might seem obvious. A perceived annoyance can occasionally be the start of significant nerve compression requiring evaluation.

By Dr. Nasli Icchaporia, Director Neurology, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Nagar Road, Pune - A network hospital of Manipal Hospital

When people hear about oral cancer, they often think first of smoking or chewing tobacco. However, several other risks deserve attention, especially because people who have never used tobacco can still develop the disease.

Alcohol And Its Often-Overlooked Link To Oral Cancer

One of the least understood risk factors is alcohol consumption. Although alcohol is commonly linked to liver disease, its impact on oral cancer risk is also important.

Alcohol can damage the tissue lining of the mouth through the production of acetaldehyde, a chemical compound that interferes with the cells' ability to repair themselves. It can also dry and irritate the lining of the mouth, making it more vulnerable to other carcinogens. This risk increases with consistent, regular alcohol use. In combination with tobacco, alcohol can further increase the absorption of carcinogens into oral tissues.

Also read: Indian Doctors Find Safer Chemotherapy Regimen For Penile Cancer: Why It Matters

Areca Nut, HPV And Other Risks To Know

Areca nut is another important risk factor and is considered carcinogenic. It may be consumed as supari, gutkha or paan. Regular chewing can cause oral submucous fibrosis, a condition that causes progressive stiffness of the mouth and significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly certain high-risk strains, is another recognised cause of throat and oropharyngeal cancers. Chronic irritation from sharp teeth, damaged dental crowns or ill-fitting dentures may also warrant attention.

Certain chronic inflammatory conditions of the mouth, such as oral lichen planus, can cause persistent lesions and require regular monitoring, particularly when symptoms or the appearance of the lesions change.

Why Sun Exposure Can Also Affect Oral Cancer Risk

Sun exposure is another lesser-known risk, particularly for lip cancer. People who work outdoors without adequate protection can accumulate significant UV exposure over many years.

Most importantly, the mouth should be monitored whenever something unusual appears. A mouth ulcer that persists for more than two weeks, red or white patches, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, numbness, or a lump in the mouth or neck should be evaluated by a doctor.

Quitting smoking remains crucial for cancer prevention, but protecting against oral cancer requires looking beyond tobacco and recognising the less obvious risks as well.

PMOS is often discussed mainly in connection with periods, hormonal changes and pregnancy. However, women’s health is much broader than fertility. Changes linked to hormonal health can also influence weight, energy levels, skin, hair, metabolism and emotional well-being.

This is why women should not focus only on whether their periods are regular or whether they are planning a pregnancy. Looking at overall health can help identify concerns early and support better long-term well-being.

PMOS can affect more than periods

Changes in the menstrual cycle may be one of the first signs that something needs attention, but they are not the only concern. Women may also notice changes in weight, acne, hair growth or hair thinning, tiredness and mood.

Persistent or unusual changes should not be ignored, even if a woman is not planning to have children. Speaking to a healthcare professional can help identify the possible cause and decide whether further evaluation is needed.

Also read: Ozempic, Wegovy & PMOS: How GLP-1 Drugs Are Changing PMOS Treatment?

Think beyond fertility

Fertility is an important part of women’s health, but it should not be the only focus. Women should also pay attention to their overall metabolic health, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight when appropriate.

A balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy weight can support better health. Medical care should also take into account age, lifestyle, family history and existing health conditions.

Mental health matters too

Hormonal and reproductive health concerns can affect emotional well-being. Worries about periods, weight, appearance or future fertility may contribute to stress, anxiety or low mood. Women should feel comfortable discussing these concerns with their doctor. Mental health is an important part of overall health and should be addressed along with physical symptoms.

How can women take better care of their health?

Women can start by tracking changes in their menstrual cycle and paying attention to other symptoms. Regular physical activity, nutritious food, adequate sleep and stress management can support overall well-being.

Those planning pregnancy should discuss their plans with a doctor in advance. However, even women who are not planning pregnancy should continue regular health monitoring.

Also read: From Insulin Resistance to Fertility: Understanding the Metabolic Side of PCOS

Tips for long-term health

• Keep track of menstrual changes and other symptoms.

• Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.

• Stay physically active.

• Prioritise good sleep and stress management.

• Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol when advised.

• Do not ignore persistent hormonal or menstrual changes.

• Discuss fertility plans early with a healthcare professional.

• Pay attention to mental and emotional health.

PMOS should not be viewed only through the lens of periods or pregnancy. Women’s health also includes metabolic, hormonal, physical and emotional well-being. By looking beyond fertility, monitoring health regularly and making healthy lifestyle choices, women can take better care of themselves at every stage of life.