Health Briefs Trends in Non-Alcoholic Drinking Habits


A 2023 Gallup Poll found that 62 percent of adults aged 18 to 35 say they drink alcoholic beverages, down from 72 percent two decades ago. Te poll noted that young adults also drink less frequently and are less likely to drink to excess. As a result, bars like Happy Accidents, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are increasing non- alcoholic options to cater to young consumers. Te bar offers five mocktails that use ingredients such as matcha, garam masala and capsaicin oils to create complex and flavorful alcohol-free alternatives. Mingle Mocktails was created by a recovering alcoholic looking for a way to feel


included during social outings while choosing not to drink alcohol. Mingle offers flavors such as Key Lime Margarita and Cucumber Melon Mojito that are available in ready-to-drink cans, as well as in bottles for more premium mixing. NielsenIQ reports consistent double-digit growth in the non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits market. Te movement toward non-boozy alternatives is praised by experts for its positive impact on health and well-being, including improved sleep, energy, mental clarity, immunity and mood.


A Rise in Adult Seasonal Allergies


Seasonal allergies are not just a concern for children and can develop or worsen as we age. According to Dr. Gailen Marshall, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the prevalence of seasonal allergies among adults has increased, with about a quarter of U.S. adults reporting allergies compared to 19 percent of children. Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless


substances such as pollen or grass as threats, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Moving to a different region with different pollen seasons can also trigger adult-onset allergies. Societal and environmental shiſts such


as climate change, globalization and air pollution have contributed to the increased prevalence of allergies among individuals of all ages. While it is possible for children to outgrow their allergies, it is more challenging for adults to do so. Lifestyle changes, such


as spending more time indoors or moving to another region, may help some individuals see improvement in their symptoms. Immunotherapy, which involves gradually exposing the person to small amounts of their allergen, is known to be an effective treatment for allergies regardless of when symptoms start.


Nature Lowers Risk of Osteoporosis


In a study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, scientists investigated the effects of green spaces on osteoporosis and bone mineral density by analyzing data held in the UK Biobank of almost 400,000 people with an average age of 56, just over half of whom were women. In addition to the participants’ bone mineral density, the researchers calculated annual average exposures to air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide and particulate matter, based on residential postal codes. Tose living closer to green spaces, natural environments and domestic gardens had greater bone mineral density and a five percent lower risk of developing osteoporosis. In addition to air pollution, the scientists noted that psychological stress and physical activity levels appeared to influence the impact of green spaces on osteoporosis risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of low


bone mass, a precursor of osteoporosis in adults 50 and older, is 51.5 percent in women and 33.5 percent in men. Osteoporosis weakens bones; increases the risk of fractures, chronic pain, reduced mobility and disability; and reduces quality of life. It affects nearly 20 percent of women and 4.4 percent of men.


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