Damn this year is going fast, in fact over 10% of 2012 is now gone and for me that means I am over 10% of the way through my year without beer!
So with 10% of the year without beer done, here are 10 things I have learned so far (some of which I possibly knew already, but the last 37 days have made them clearer):
- Although I have been aware of Cystic Fibrosis since my childhood, many people still appear to be unaware of this genetically inherited, life-threatening condition despite the fact that about one in 25 people of us is a carrier of the Cystic Fibrosis gene. To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis please read my post – What is Cystic Fibrosis?
- People make great parties, not booze - Major Non-Drinking Challenge Number 2
- Beer is the world’s 3rd most popular drink after water and tea. I might not be drinking beer this year (or any other alcohol) but I am drinking plenty of tea, green tea. Not only do I really like this stuff it is also great for your health - Beer is the World’s Third Most Popular Drink
- The UK spends a LOT on booze - around £15 billion a year on the consumption of alcoholic drinks, which is around 18% of their total expenditure on all food and drink! Wow! We spend a lot on booze…
- Apparently you can drink three pints a day and still live longer than someone who regularly works late nights - Three Pints
- Newly diagnosed cancer cases cost the global economy $300 billion in 2010! Tobacco use, alcohol intake, obesity and decreased physical activity have grown in poorer countries, causing the rise of cancer and diabetes - Global Rise in Cancer Cost $300 Billion in 2010
- An apple a day really can keep the doctors away. A recent Dutch study found that every additional 25 grams of white fruit and vegetables eaten – mainly apples and pears – reduces the risk of a stroke by 9 percent - An Apple a day…
- Determination can make a difference. The determination of Lorraine Barnes (@BarnesBoysM – http://www.thebarnesboys.com/) managed to get #cysticfibrosisuk trending at number 2 on Twitter UK. Lorraine is a mother to 2 boys who both have Cystic Fibrosis – a genetically inherited life-threatening condition. While her son Joseph was in hospital for an operation, Lorraine successfully achieved her goal of getting more awareness for Cystic Fibrosis by making in trend on Twitter - #cysticfibrosisuk Trending on Twitter
- Too many people die from cancer. Global cancer statistics show that over thirteen million (13,276,700) people died from cancer in 2008 and over twenty two million (22,086,900) new cancer cases were diagnosed. These statistics exclude skin cancer! - Year Without Beer Day 35 – World Cancer Day
- I love juicing! Juicing has given me an alternative use for my pint glass (An Alternative Use for a Pint Glass), an alternative to red wine (Year Without Alcohol, Including Red Wine), helped me lose weight and gain more energy (Juicy Detox – Goodbye 12lbs!!) and now has even invaded my office (Juicy Office!)
For everyday juicing I use the Phillips HR1861 Juicer
In 2012 I was raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Cancer Research UK.
