Another day, another study proving that things like fun, merriment, laughter, all that good stuff—it's all bad for you, or whatever:

Alcohol carries significant health risks and no benefits for young people but some older adults may gain from drinking a small amount, according to the largest study of its kind.

The conclusion comes from the authors of the Global Burden of Diseases study, a rolling project based at the University of Washington in Seattle, which produces the most comprehensive data on the causes of illness and death in the world.

Four years ago the study said that even the occasional drink was harmful to health, and suggested governments should advise people to abstain entirely.

Uh huh. I gotta ask, who's writing these rules? 17th-century Mennonites?

Look, I'm not a medical doctor, so take this all with a grain of salt, but, if you want to responsibly enjoy a nice craft beer or a cocktail on the regular, you'll probably be, you know, just fine.

But these researchers are really going to go hard on this:

"Our message is simple: young people should not drink, but older people may benefit from drinking small amounts," said the senior author, Dr Emmanuela Gakidou, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington's School of Medicine. "While it may not be realistic to think young adults will abstain from drinking, we do think it's important to communicate the latest evidence so that everyone can make informed decisions about their health."

Thanks for the communication! Now if you'll excuse me...

At least I can't say my decision wasn't informed!

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