Alcohol has long been a part of social life in the United States. From celebratory champagne to casual beers over the weekend, drinking is woven into the fabric of American culture. But while moderate consumption may be normalized and even encouraged in certain settings, excessive alcohol use remains a critical public health concern. A new report by Drug Helpline reveals stark disparities in alcohol consumption across US states—highlighting regions with particularly high usage rates, and raising pressing questions about the health implications of these patterns.

Alcohol consumption in the US is both widespread and deeply ingrained. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), over 85% of adults have consumed alcohol at some point, and more than half of all adults report drinking in the past month. But it’s not just about frequency—binge drinking and high-intensity consumption have become alarmingly common.

Approximately 1 in 4 adults binge drink at least once a month, and those engaging in “high-intensity drinking” (twice the binge threshold) are 70 times more likely to need emergency healthcare. As a result, alcohol is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 ER visits and claims over 140,000 lives annually. The ripple effect isn’t just health-related—the economic cost of alcohol misuse was estimated at $249 billion in 2010, with 75% of that tied to binge drinking.

Why Where You Live Matters for Longevity?

While alcohol is accessible nationwide, some states drink far more than others. Geography influences access, social norms, climate, tourism, and legislation around alcohol—all of which affect consumption patterns.

1. New Hampshire

Despite being one of the smallest and least populated states, New Hampshire consistently tops the list for alcohol consumption. According to data from the NIAAA, residents consume more than 4 gallons of ethanol (pure alcohol) per capita annually—nearly double the national average.

One key reason is tax policy. New Hampshire has no sales tax and minimal excise taxes on alcohol, making it a magnet for out-of-state buyers from neighboring Massachusetts and Vermont. In fact, a significant chunk of alcohol sold in New Hampshire isn’t consumed by residents at all—but it still skews the per capita figures.

However, public health experts warn that easy access combined with low prices can still encourage higher in-state consumption, potentially contributing to increased alcohol-related harm over time.

2. Delaware

With a modest population of under a million, Delaware might seem like an unexpected entry on this list—but its residents drink over 3.5 gallons of alcohol per capita annually.

The state also has a high prevalence of binge drinking, particularly among young adults. Proximity to major urban centers like Philadelphia and Baltimore makes Delaware a hub for weekend tourism, which adds to local alcohol sales. Moreover, the state reports concerning rates of alcohol-related driving fatalities, signaling a growing need for intervention.

3. Nevada

Home to Las Vegas, Nevada’s position on this list comes as no surprise. The state’s vibrant nightlife, relaxed alcohol laws, and 24/7 availability contribute to an environment where drinking is not only accepted but encouraged.

But beyond the casinos and neon lights, Nevada faces real health consequences. High alcohol consumption is linked to above-average rates of alcohol-related deaths and emergency room visits. The state also struggles with alcohol use disorders (AUD), especially in its more remote rural areas where access to treatment is limited.

4. North Dakota

In North Dakota, the long winters and sparse population have contributed to a drinking culture that’s rooted in social tradition. Whether it’s beer at a hockey game or whiskey on a snowy evening, alcohol is often part of community gatherings.

Yet, this culture comes at a cost. North Dakota sees elevated rates of binge drinking, especially among college-age individuals. The state also experiences higher-than-average alcohol-impaired driving deaths, and its rural setting complicates access to mental health and substance abuse services.

5. Montana

Rounding out the top five is Montana, a state known for its natural beauty—and, increasingly, its high rates of alcohol consumption. Like North Dakota, Montana’s rural landscape and weather conditions may play a role in shaping drinking behaviors.

Montana’s per capita alcohol consumption exceeds 3 gallons annually, and the state records frequent alcohol-related fatalities, both on and off the road. Its widespread rural communities often lack the healthcare infrastructure needed to support those with alcohol use disorders, creating a silent public health burden.

It’s easy to reduce alcohol consumption statistics to curiosities or state pride, but these figures reflect broader health, social, and economic challenges. States that rank highest in alcohol consumption are also more likely to face:

• Higher rates of liver disease, certain cancers, and heart conditions
• Increased emergency department visits
• A heavier economic burden on healthcare systems
• Strained family and workplace dynamics

Public health experts continue to call for greater awareness, better alcohol education, and increased access to treatment for alcohol use disorder, especially in high-consumption states.

The numbers don’t lie—America has a drinking problem, and where you live can influence just how serious that problem is. While some states are beginning to roll out initiatives aimed at responsible drinking, there's a long way to go in addressing the deeper health crisis at play.

Health is not linear for everyone. Many people have skewed perception about health; they think a person who is thin is naturally healthy, while a person who is overweight is inherently unhealthy.

A recent study published in the Annals of Family Medicine suggests that BMI, a measure of body fat based on height and weight, is a poor predictor of a person's risk of death. Instead, the study highlights body fat percentage (BF%) as a more effective and easily assessed measurement during routine checkups.

Shortcomings of BMI

Doctors have traditionally used BMI to check a person's fat, bone, and muscle health, especially since body composition is linked to a higher risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight by their height squared.

While a higher BMI can sometimes suggest a greater chance of developing certain health problems, there's growing evidence that it's an imperfect measure. It doesn't consider important factors like a person's age, biological sex, or how their fat and muscle are distributed.

For example, top athletes often have a lot of muscle, which can give them a high BMI. Even though these athletes are very healthy, focusing only on their BMI might incorrectly label them as having obesity.

On the other hand, some people with a "normal" BMI might still be at a higher risk for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease. These individuals are sometimes referred to as having "normal weight obesity" or, in simpler terms, being "skinny fat."

Why Body Fat Percentage Might Be Superior

With the limitations of BMI in mind, researchers looked into how strongly BMI is connected to the risk of death. They also wanted to see if body fat percentage, which they described as "an easy, reliable, and inexpensive measure," could do a better job of predicting this risk.

The research team analyzed health information from thousands of adults. This data included height, weight, waist size, and body fat percentage. They calculated BMI for these individuals and then tracked who passed away over many years. After considering various factors, the scientists made some key discoveries:

There was no significant link between having a BMI categorized as obese (meaning a BMI of 25 or higher) and a greater risk of dying from any cause when compared to those with a "healthy" BMI.

Body fat percentage, however, provided clear insights into mortality risk. Individuals with a high body fat percentage (27% or more for men and 44% or more for women) were significantly more likely to die from any cause.

Waist size was less accurate than body fat percentage but still showed some connection to a higher risk of death.

The Future of Health Assessments

The study suggests that directly measuring body fat percentage, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to do in a doctor's office, is better at predicting future mortality risk than using BMI.

This doesn't mean doctors should stop using BMI entirely. It can still be a simple starting point to help determine if a patient needs to lose weight or gain muscle to prevent chronic diseases. But it should be seen as just that—"an easy first step."

Ideally, other measurements should also be taken. The more information doctors have—including BMI, waist size, body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol—the more complete a picture they'll have of a patient's health. Modern devices can measure body fat percentage quickly, often in under a minute. It's hoped that more doctors will start using body fat percentage measurements, as a direct measure of body fat can be a valuable tool for preventing disease.

A recent independent review suggests that staff who help doctors in hospitals and GP offices, who are called Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs), should be renamed "assistants." The review that has been in work since the past year has finally presented its findings and results. The Leng review has been looking into the various aspects of AAs and PAs to understand where there are shortcomings and why must there be changes.

One of the biggest issues that people have with PAs and AAs is confusing them with doctors. The review also recommends that these assistants wear specific uniforms and badges to clearly tell them apart from doctors. Crucially, it states that these assistants should not be the ones to diagnose patients' illnesses.

The UK Department of Health & Social Care called for this review last year due to ongoing debates about the exact roles and duties of these healthcare professionals. When PAs and AAs were first brought into the NHS in the early 2000s, there wasn't a clear plan for how they would fit into existing medical teams. This led to a lot of confusion about what they were supposed to do. Sometimes, when there weren't enough doctors, PAs filled in, even without the extensive training doctors receive, and without proper guidance from supervisors.

The report gives a full picture of the role of Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) in UK healthcare.

Tragic Cases Highlight Confusion

The review heard from families who lost loved ones after they were treated by PAs, mistakenly believing they were qualified doctors. For example, a young woman died from a blood clot after being seen twice by a Physician Associate who thought her calf pain was just a sprain.

Another family shared how their elderly mother died from an infection after a PA treated her in hospital. While these families do not blame the assistants, they stress the need for much clearer identification and roles. They believe that in stressful hospital situations, patients and families might not fully grasp who is treating them.

Scrutiny And Problems Faced By MAPs

However, the College of Medical Associate Professionals also present the value of MAPs and how the public views them needs to get better. News and social media have sometimes created misunderstandings about what MAPs do and how they fit into healthcare teams. Patients sometimes get confused, thinking a PA is a doctor, even when efforts are made to explain the role. There's a need for clear public education campaigns to help people understand and accept MAPs in the NHS.

The report also highlights that MAPs are facing significant stress and negative feelings because of the current environment, which many call an "anti-MAP campaign." This negativity affects their mental health both at work and at home. They point to media stories, social media attacks, and strict new rules as major causes of distress.

Worryingly, bullying and harassment at work are common. Over a third of qualified MAPs reported being bullied, and many experienced online harassments. A large number of student MAPs also faced bullying during their training. These experiences have led many MAPs to consider leaving their jobs or actually leaving. Women MAPs and those from minority ethnic backgrounds were more affected, making up a larger share of those who left their jobs despite being a smaller group overall in the workforce.

The British Medical Association responds to the review highlighted that the report reveals how NHS England allowed these new roles to grow without properly checking if they were safe. They point to a lack of strong national leadership, no clear accountability, and a failure to listen to concerns raised by doctors, patients, and even coroners (who investigate deaths).

The BMA argues that allowing the roles of doctors and non-doctors to become unclear, even with the help of the General Medical Council (GMC), has been a serious problem. Many doctors, they say, will feel that their earlier warnings were justified.

Key Steps Taken to Improve Medical Assistant Roles

While the proposed name change is a positive step, many in the medical community believe more needs to be done to clearly define what these assistants can and cannot do to ensure safe teamwork in the NHS.

This report makes several important recommendations for Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs), like Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs), to make their roles clearer and more effective.

Clearer Rules and More Power

The report strongly suggests creating official rules and standards for MAPs. This will help make sure they are held accountable and that the public trusts them more. Since new rules are already being put in place, this should bring more trust and stability to their roles.

It also recommends giving MAPs the ability to prescribe medicine and order certain X-rays. This change would allow them to do their jobs more efficiently and use their skills better. There should also be national standards for their training after they qualify and for how they can move up in their careers. This will ensure that MAPs across the country receive consistent training and development.

Better Teamwork and Support

The report advises putting more money into planning the healthcare workforce. This will allow for the smart growth of MAP roles, making sure there are enough of them to meet the needs of the NHS. MAPs can actually help improve the training of junior doctors, rather than hindering it.

Better teamwork and strong leadership will help MAPs fit in well, creating a unified healthcare team that benefits both medical staff and patients. The report also suggests doing regular checks using anonymous feedback from patients to keep track of how MAPs are performing and their overall impact.

Supporting MAPs' Well-being

Finally, the report highlights that the well-being of MAPs is a widespread issue within the healthcare system, not just about individual toughness. The rules set by medical groups must be made with the input of MAP leaders and checked carefully to ensure they don't unfairly exclude anyone. Feeling respected and safe at work is extremely important for keeping staff, ensuring patients are safe, and providing good care.

As summers progress in the UK, people are planning out vacations, and a restful summer evening as the long days give plenty of room to do things you wish to even after you finish your work. However, these plans can very well come to an end if you do not take the correct precautions.

The NHS has sent out an important alert because cases of norovirus, also known as the "winter vomiting bug," are higher than usual. Although norovirus, seasonally, is a bigger issue in winter, the rising number of cases prompted the NHS to warn people. In a social media post on platform X, they explained that this highly contagious illness is causing widespread concern, and the NHS is urging people to be aware of its symptoms. They've noted that while norovirus can spread all year round, current numbers are particularly elevated.

Norovirus: Symptoms and Self-Care

Norovirus typically causes diarrhea and vomiting. While these symptoms are very uncomfortable, they usually get better within a couple of days. The NHS advises that for most people, treating themselves at home is the best approach, emphasizing the importance of drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Common symptoms of norovirus include:

• Sudden nausea (feeling sick)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sometimes a fever, headaches, stomach cramps, and aching limbs

Recent Case Numbers

Recent data from the UK shows a significant increase in reported norovirus cases. Between May 26 and June 29 this year, there were over 16,600 cases, which is much higher than the average for the same period over the past five years.

However, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also reported that norovirus cases are now starting to decline and are returning to expected levels after a seasonal peak. Even with this decline, the number of reports in recent weeks was still higher than the five-year average for that same time frame, mainly due to a high number of cases reported earlier in the period.

How Norovirus Spreads

Due to the contagious nature of the virus, one must remember to take correct precautions not to spread them. Even a small, seemingly insignificant move could cause you to become a carrier.

• Don't wash your hands properly after using the toilet.
• Are in close contact with someone who has the virus.
• Touch surfaces or objects that have the virus and then touch your mouth.
• Eat food prepared by someone with norovirus.
• Consume contaminated water or food.

Preventing the Spread

To help stop norovirus from spreading, the NHS recommends some important steps. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, or before preparing or eating food. It's also important to remember that alcohol-based hand gels don't kill norovirus, so soap and water are essential.

If your clothes or bedding get soiled with vomit or feces, wash them at 60°C (140°F) and separately from other laundry. One must remember to regularly clean shared surfaces like toilet seats, flush handles, taps, and bathroom door handles. You must also try to avoid contact with others as much as possible if you feel unwell.

When to Stay Home and When to Seek Help

If you or your child start showing symptoms of norovirus, it's really important to stay home. Do not go to school, nursery, or work until you haven't thrown up or had diarrhea for two full days (48 hours). This helps prevent the virus from spreading further. Similarly, avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes during this time. If you or your child have diarrhea that lasts for more than seven days, or if vomiting continues for more than two days, seek medical help.