Latest news with #FARE
SBS Australia
01-07-2025
- Health
- SBS Australia
How is alcohol regulated and consumed in Australia?
For young people, science supports delaying initiation to alcohol, to limit the possibility of heavy drinking in adulthood. Alcohol legislation includes age laws on consumption and purchase, secondary supply laws and restrictions on alcohol consumption in certain public areas. Australians expect you to 'Bring your own' (BYO) liquor when attending a house event, but in venues a culture of shouting drinks is common. They advise that healthy individuals should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. In Australia, a standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. This is roughly equivalent to a 285ml glass of full-strength beer, a 100ml glass of wine, or a 30ml shot of spirits. It's important to remember that many alcoholic beverages contain more than one standard drink. Every person has a different relationship to alcohol. Some choose to abstain altogether or drink less than their peers opting for non-alcoholic alternatives and drinks like mocktails. Credit:'Healthy adults who drink according to these guidelines have less than a one in a hundred chance of dying from a disease or injury caused by alcohol. 'But not zero risk,' Kristie Cocotis, Health Programs Director atthe Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, FARE, explains. Drinking less alcohol or not at all is a positive health decision that you can make. Kristie Cocotis But Ms Cocotis says that in a national poll conducted by FARE , 44 per cent of Australians interviewed stated they want to drink less or stop drinking altogether. 'Nearly 6,000 people lose their lives every year and more than 144,000 people are hospitalised for alcohol use,' Ms Cocotis highlights some of the numbers revealed for the year 2023–24. 'And we know alcohol use is causally linked to more than seven different types of cancers and more than 200 disease and injury conditions.' Alcohol is a teratogen, which means it can interrupt the normal development of an unborn baby. There's no safe amount of alcohol or safe time to drink during pregnancy. Credit:When and how do Australians drink alcohol? Latest ABS statistics reveal that one in four adults in Australia exceeds the official guideline on alcohol consumption. Amy Pennay is a Senior Research Fellow and the Deputy Director of the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research at La Trobe University. She says Australia is often referred to as a 'dry culture' in alcohol and drug research. Unlike 'wet cultures,' where alcohol is more readily available and typically consumed in smaller amounts more frequently, a dry culture is characterised by less frequent drinking—but in larger quantities when it does occur. It's typical for alcohol to be present at home barbeques, unless the host has specified it is an alcohol-free event. Source: Moment RF /Certain social occasions are associated with alcohol consumption. 'These might revolve around religious holidays and where you get periods of time off and especially in the summer, and around New Year's. Australia Day and Anzac Day are also big drinking days,' Dr Pennay explains. Sports watching is also linked to heavy drinking, she adds. 'When watching Australian rules football, cricket or the national rugby, alcohol is very much associated with attending those but also watching at home.' Alcohol etiquette If you're new to Australia, there are a few alcohol etiquette tips to keep in mind. One is BYO, which stands for 'Bring Your Own' alcohol—common at picnics or home gatherings. Another is the Aussie custom of buying someone a drink at a bar or pub, often called 'shouting' a round. Unless they explicitly said all alcohol is provided, typically if you're invited to someone's house for a BBQ, a picnic, you would bring your own alcohol. Dr Amy Pennay 'On the other hand, we have a very strong culture of shouting in licensed venues. So, if I were to go to a restaurant or a bar with my girlfriends, we would take it in turns to go to the bar and buy all the drinks for the group.' If you're invited to someone's home for an event, you are expected to bring your alcoholic beverage of choice if you're planning to drink. Credit: Jupiterimages/Getty Images Alcohol age laws and restrictions In Australia, the legal age for buying or drinking alcohol in a licensed venue, like a bar, is 18. Alcohol is not available in convenience stores or vending machines. It can only be purchased in licensed liquor stores, known colloquially as 'bottle-o' or a bottle shops. Kate Richardson is a senior solicitor at Youth Law Australia . She says young people may be asked for identification (ID) when trying to purchase alcohol. 'They're required to check an ID or evidence of age document to prove that someone's over 18, and then responsible Service of Alcohol certifications or policies will require venues to ask for your ID if you look under 25 years old.' Alcohol age laws are the same across Australia. But other laws—like those about drinking in public—can vary depending on which state or territory you're in. You might get asked for ID when purchasing alcohol at a bar or a liquor store. Credit:Your local council may also have rules about where you can drink, like setting up alcohol-free zones. So it's always a good idea to check what applies in your area. 'So, it is really important to check exactly what laws apply where you are,' Ms Richardson says. Secondary supply laws —those that cover giving alcohol to people under 18—also vary across Australia. In some states and territories, only a parent or guardian can legally give alcohol to a minor. In others, someone else can do it too, but only if they have permission from the child's parent or guardian. Even then, there are strict conditions to make sure the alcohol is given in a responsible way. These include: The age of the young person If the person who supplied the alcohol was intoxicated Whether the young person was consuming food at the time The quantity and type of alcohol supplied 'It can cause parents and guardians a lot of stress if their child is going to a party at a friend's house and they're worried about whether someone's going to supply alcohol. 'So that's really where these laws come in to say who a responsible adult is. It's not just your friend who's over 18. It does need to be a parent or guardian in most cases, or someone with parental responsibility,' Ms Richardson explains. It's not legal to supply a minor with alcohol if you are just their friend of adult age. Credit: Anchiy/Getty Images So, when is the right age to consume alcohol? Dr Pennay says research supports delaying the age of onset of alcohol use for young people at least until 18. 'The research evidence clearly shows that the longer you can delay initiation, the less likely it is that the young person will become a heavy drinker." If you or someone you know needs support in relation to their alcohol use, you can call the National 24/7 Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline on 1800 250 015, a confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service, free of charge. For crisis support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Subscribe to or follow the Australia Explained podcast for more valuable information and tips about settling into your new life in Australia. Do you have any questions or topic ideas? Send us an email to australiaexplained@
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
He had a late-night snack after graduating college. An allergic reaction killed him.
He had a late-night snack after graduating college. An allergic reaction killed him. Timmy Howard passed away just days after graduating from the University of Rhode Island. His parents want to save others' lives by bringing awareness to food allergies. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Timothy Howard had his whole life ahead of him. But that bright future was tragically cut short when he died just days later from a severe allergic reaction to a late-night snack — a chocolate bar — that was contaminated with peanuts, his mother, Patty Howard, told USA TODAY. Timmy's whole body went into shock. He went into his parents' bedroom, and they administered three EpiPens, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions, but the reaction was "very fast," and the EpiPen "didn't work." Now, his family is sharing their story to prevent other families from losing a loved one to food allergies. His sister, Julia, says manufacturers need to make food labels clearer instead of relying on "may contain" warnings. His dad, Tim, says that individuals also need to carefully read those labels. Timmy's college fraternity brothers are raising money for the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a nonprofit advocacy organization that spreads awareness and funds research for food allergies. They've raised nearly $28,000 as of June 10, according to his mother. "We don't want people to go through what we're going through after burying our child. This is hell," his mother says. How to check food labels for allergies Howard's story is frightening and not entirely uncommon. Food allergies impact more than 33 million people in the U.S. It's a 'growing, silent public health crisis,' said FARE CEO Sung Poblete. You can never assume a food or object is free of your allergen, experts say, as it can lurk in the most unexpected places. Fish and shellfish, for example, are sometimes dipped in milk to reduce their fishy odor, putting those with dairy allergies at risk. Cross-contamination – when an allergen is accidentally transferred from one food to another – can also expose you to an allergen. Federal laws require that the nine most common allergens – milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame – must be labeled on packaged foods sold in the U.S. However, there are no laws requiring manufacturers to say whether a product may have come into contact with a specific allergen, allowing potential cross-contamination to fly under the radar. The chocolate bar Timmy ate said "may contain" peanuts on the label, according to his parents. His mother wants other parents to tell their kids – regardless of their age – to "be aware of what they're eating." "If it does say 'may contain,' don't eat it," she added. How to treat anaphylactic reactions Anaphylactic reactions most commonly occur in response to foods, insect stings, medications and latex, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. In addition to EpiPens, the FDA approved a new nasal spray in August 2024 as the first needle-free emergency treatment for potentially fatal allergic reactions. Neffy FDA approval: First nasal spray for allergic reactions gets green light The spray, which is made by ARS Pharmaceuticals and sold under the brand name Neffy, is seen as an alternative to EpiPen and other autoinjectors that are filled with epinephrine, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions. However, these treatments don't always work. Epinephrine begins to work immediately after it is administered, but its full effect may take 5-10 minutes. And, the drug can begin to wear off within 20-30 minutes — sometimes before the allergic reaction has subsided. Timing is also crucial. For an epinephrine injection to work, it should be given at the first sign of an allergic reaction. "Let's come together in remembrance of Timmy and help build a safer future for all," Timmy's friends wrote on the fundraising page. Contributing: Katie Camero.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Harrisburg restaurants react to Food Allergy Safety Legislation
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Right now there is no legislation in Pennsylvania that requires menus to have food allergy disclaimers. A bill to change that already passed the House. Restaurants abc27 spoke with agree the changes it would make are needed. House Bill 77 would also require restaurants to display a poster for their employees and have food allergy safety training. Millworks menu items that contain nuts or gluten are labeled. Front of House Manager Freddy Arundel says more and more customers are coming in with food allergies, which already prompted the restaurant to take precautions. 'The staff is trained to alert the kitchen about the allergies,' Arundel says. 'It's also flagged in our system on every ticket, so everyone who sees what's going on anywhere in the process and it's prepared separately and taken to the guest separately as well. Sauce Boss owner Sheri Tolomeo says gluten would be the main concern at her restaurant and she wouldn't mind updating her menus to disclose that. 'We could educate the people on it and then people can feel more comfortable when they come in ordering things because they know exactly what they're getting,' Tolomeo says. 'We can mix and match and make something that accommodates someone with an allergy.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now More than 33 million Americans have food allergies. That includes over one million in Pennsylvania. Bill sponsors say restaurants and other food retail facilities are the source of nearly half of all food allergy deaths. In a press conference on Tuesday, Kathy Briden spoke about her son Matthew who had a peanut allergy and died at age 28 after an accidental exposure. 'With a practical law in place, individuals and families living with food allergy may be more willing to extend trust when dining out, allowing Pennsylvania restaurants reap the economic benefits,' says Sung Poblete, chief executive officer of FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). 'Ultimately, it is on the patron to inform the staff, but when the staff doesn't know what's in the food and just how deadly some of these reactions can be, we think that's the whole premise of House Bill 77,' says Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny and Washington Counties). House Bill 77 passed with bipartisan support in the House. Sen. Judith Schwank said in the Tuesday press conference that she's working on getting the Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee she co-chairs to get it on their agenda. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
22-Year-Old Dies from Peanut Allergy Days After Graduation: 'Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him'
A 22-year-old has died from a peanut allergy just days after graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in communication studies, per NBC-affiliated station WJAR Timothy "Timmy" Howard suffered a severe anaphylactic reaction, his family confirmed, sharing an emotional tribute "We just celebrated his college graduation and he had his whole life ahead of him," Timmy's mom, Patty Howard, wrote on FacebookA 22-year-old's family has shared a heartbreaking tribute after he died from a peanut allergy just days after his graduation. Timothy "Timmy" Howard died on May 24 after suffering a severe anaphylactic reaction, just days after he graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in communication studies, per NBC-affiliated station WJAR. Timmy's mom, Patty Howard, told the outlet, 'A positive, upbeat, kind, quiet soul. He was on the cusp of living his life.' Patty added of her son in a Facebook post on May 25, "We just celebrated his college graduation and he had his whole life ahead of him. Our hearts are broken and we now have joined a club no one wants to be apart of." "Please hug your children a little tighter today, don't sweat the small stuff and spread kindness to this world," she wrote, alongside multiple photos. Timmy's family revealed he had eaten a late-night snack at home that had been contaminated, per WJAR. His father, Tim Howard, said, 'He came in and woke us up and said that he couldn't breathe. At that point, it unfolded very quickly,' the outlet reported. The family administered Timmy's EpiPen and called 911, but it was too late, the station stated. In a Facebook post, Patty confirmed Timmy's college frat brothers had "started a in loving memory fundraiser page to spread education, food allergy awareness and advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment options," sharing a link to the Give A Hand page, which is raising money for the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization. "Timmy was just beginning what promised to be a remarkable journey in life," a description on the page read. "He was driven, kind, and deeply loved by family, friends, and everyone who had the joy of knowing him. He had so much ahead of him, and he approached life with a rare kind of kindness and light." "He truly was one of the good ones—gentle, thoughtful, and full of love for others. His unexpected passing has left a profound void, but we are committed to honoring his memory in a way that brings purpose and change," the post continued. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Loved ones insisted that raising money for FARE, would "help prevent other families from facing similar tragedies, and to make the world safer for those living with life-threatening allergies," saying it's what they believe, "Timmy would have wanted." "It is not goodbye forever it is until we meet again! We will always love our Timmy," Patty concluded in her Facebook post. The page had raised over $25,500 as of Thursday, June 5. PEOPLE has reached out to Patty Howard for a tribute but did not immediately hear back. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FARE Announces Support of the American Center for Cures
Following its Mind Meld Innovation Summit, FARE CEO Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, issues statement of support for bipartisan effort to advance prevention and accelerate cures for major diseases, including food allergy MCLEAN, Va., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) today announces its support for the American Center for Cures, a bipartisan effort to prevent and cure major diseases. Following FARE's inaugural Mind Meld Innovation Summit, which convened leading scientific minds toward a cure for food allergy, CEO Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, underscores the urgency of aligning with national bipartisan efforts to advance prevention and accelerate cures with a statement of support. "As both a clinician and someone living with food allergy, I've seen the impact of a serious, chronic disease on the patient community and their caregivers and loved ones," said Dr. Poblete. "Food allergy is emblematic of a broader crisis where millions of Americans suffer from chronic disease with no cure and in the case of food allergy, few options. That's why bold, bipartisan initiatives like the American Center for Cures are not just timely, they're essential. We need national leadership that creates the opportunity for real solutions for patients." Food allergy is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease of the immune system. Facts and statistics that highlight the breadth and impact of food allergy, illustrating the importance of this concerted effort, include: A growing community of more than 33 million people in the U.S. with food allergy, including nearly 6 million children. Every 10 seconds in the U.S., a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room. More than 170 foods have been reported to cause food allergy reactions in the U.S. A 2011-2012 analysis showed that caring for children with food allergies cost U.S. families nearly $25 billion annually. In CPI-adjusted dollars, this equates to $33 billion in 2024. Research has shown that food allergy has a significant impact on caregivers and families as well. As an example, one study shows that mothers of food-allergic children under age five have significantly higher blood-pressure measurements and report significantly greater levels of psychosocial stress than mothers whose preschool-aged children do not have food allergies. Dr. Poblete continued, "The effects of serious, chronic disease on families and caregivers are far reaching and part of the reason the American Center for Cures' efforts are critical. FARE is proud to support these key objectives." For more information visit and About FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education)FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is the leading nonprofit organization that empowers the food allergy patient across their journey of managing the disease. FARE delivers innovation by focusing on three strategic pillars—advocacy, research, and education. FARE's initiatives accelerate the future of food allergy through effective policies and legislation, novel strategies toward prevention, diagnosis, treatment and a cure, while building awareness and community. To learn more, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
