Temperance

Temperance and Health

Definition and Concept of Temperance

  • Temperance: Moderation in action, thought, or feeling; abstinence from intoxicating drink.

    • Webster’s Dictionary: Defines it as moderation or abstinence from intoxicating drink.

  • True temperance: Teaches to dispense entirely with everything harmful and to use judiciously what is healthful.

  • Temperance means abstinence from harmful substances and moderation in approved foods or drinks.

Case Study: Joe's Struggles

  • Joe lost his job, leading to family struggles.

    • Resulted in alcoholism in two of his three children.

  • Joe's health suffered, diagnosed with cancer, yet continued to smoke and drink.

    • He believed he could control these substances, despite the contrary evidence from his life story.

Alcohol Consumption

Risks and Dangers of Alcohol

  • Alcohol is legal yet highly addictive; it should be avoided completely.

  • Approximately 15% of alcohol users become problem drinkers or alcoholics.

Alcohol Composition and Effects

  • Ethyl alcohol (ethanol): The active ingredient in alcoholic drinks causing negative health impacts.

  • Typical servings:

    • 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor, 5 oz of wine, or 12 oz of beer each contain roughly half an ounce of pure ethanol.

Blood Alcohol Content

  • Measured in mg/dl; intoxication levels are as follows:

    • <10 mg/dl: no measurable intoxication

    • 20 mg/dl: mellow feeling

    • 50 mg/dl: social high

    • 80 mg/dl: legal intoxication level; reduced coordination

    • 200 mg/dl: confusion; >400 mg/dl: coma/death.

  • Alcohol directly affects the frontal lobe, impairing judgment and reasoning.

  • Women often become more intoxicated than men given the same alcohol amount.

Health Consequences of Alcohol

  • Damage to immune system; increased risk for infections and various cancers.

  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Major cause of preventable mental retardation in children.

Alcohol's Societal Impact

Prevalence and Addiction

  • Alcohol is a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. (over 100,000 deaths annually).

  • Economic costs: Estimated over $20 billion related to alcohol use yearly in the U.S.

  • Risks outweigh benefits; no reason for non-drinkers to start drinking based on incomplete health claims.

Substance Comparison

  • Statistics show that smokers are more likely to try illicit drugs compared to non-smokers.

  • Tobacco is responsible for nearly 5 million deaths per year worldwide and about one in five deaths in the U.S.

  • Smoking accounts for significant medical costs and cancer-related deaths.

Tobacco Use and Its Consequences

Chemical Composition and Health Risks

  • Tobacco smoke contains over 4,800 chemicals, 69 of which are carcinogenic.

  • Most harmful tobacco components include nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide.

  • Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure while damaging artery walls.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Issues

  • Chronic smoking leads to arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, and various cancers.

  • Smoking-related cancers: Lung (90%), larynx (84%), mouth (92%), esophagus (78%), etc.

  • Other health problems: headaches, higher rates of infection, infertility, and premature aging.

Holistic Approaches to Temperance

Balanced Living

  • Temperance also includes moderating healthful practices.

  • Excessive sleep, sunlight, or exercise can be detrimental; moderation is key.

Divine Guidance and Success

  • Following divine principles promotes a drug-free and healthy lifestyle.

  • Spiritual strength: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13, NKJV)."

  • Complete avoidance of harmful substances is crucial for health.

Conclusion

  • True temperance involves both avoiding harmful substances and practicing moderation with the good in life.