那健康的重要性_大学英语阅读_大学英语-查字典英语网

那健康的重要性

　　Beer doesnt make anyone sexier. Like all alcohol, it lowers the levels of male hormones in men and of female hormones in women even when taken in small amounts. In substantial amounts, alcohol can cause infertility in women and impotence in men. Some alcoholic men develop enlarged breasts, from their increased female hormones.

　　The alcohol myth also creates the illusion that beer and athletics are a perfect combination. One billboard features three high-action images: a baseball player running at top speed, a surfer riding a wave, and a basketball player leaping to make a dunk shot. A particular light beer, the billboard promises, wont slow you down.

　　Slow you down is exactly what alcohol does. Drinking plays a role in over six million injuries each year not counting automobile accidents. Even in small amounts, alcohol dulls the brain, reducing muscle coordination and slowing reaction time. It also interferes with the ability to focus the eyes and adjust to a sudden change in brightness such as the flash of a cars headlights. Drinking and driving, responsible for over half of all automobile deaths, is the leading cause of death among teenagers. Continued alcohol abuse can physically alter the brain, permanently damaging learning and memory. Long-term drinking is related to malnutrition, weakening of the bones, and ulcers. It increases the risk of liver failure, heart disease, and stomach cancer.

　　Finally, according to the myth fostered by the media in our culture, alcohol generates a warm glow of happiness that unifies the family. In one popular film, the only food visible at a wedding reception is an untouched wedding cake, but beer, whiskey, and vodka flow freely. Most of the guests are drunk. After shouting into the microphone to get everyones attention, the band leader asks the bride and groom to come forward. They are presented with two wine-filled silver drinking cups. If you can drink your cups without spilling any wine, the band leader tells them, you will have good luck for the rest of your lives. The couple drain their cups without taking a breath, and the crowd cheers.