If I knew then
October 1, 2009 by Colleen Conant
Filed under If I Knew Then, Perspective
I was reading an article in a magazine in the waiting room at my doctor’s office the other day. The magazine is called “More” and is specifically targeted at women older than 50. It sure caught my attention.
The piece was a “both sides of the issues” essay on whether having a single drink of alcohol every day is a good thing or a bad thing for women, medically speaking.
The researchers made a compelling case for both sides of the argument, leaving the reader with a sort of “pick your poison” decision.
According to the research, even a single drink of alcohol on a daily basis significantly increases a woman’s risk for breast cancer, especially if she is genetically predisposed to the disease.
Conversely, having a single drink every day significantly decreases a woman’s risk of contracting heart disease or having heart attack. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in this country.
For purposes of the research, a single drink was described as a 5-ounce glass of wine, a bottle of beer or a 1.5-ounce shot of spirits. The researchers were very clear that one drink means one drink. No fudging.
I have been a long-time martini drinker. I like mine made with Grey Goose vodka, not stirred, but shaken so hard that ice crystals float in the glass. I like olives.
I rarely have more than one drink, which is good based on the research, but totally contrary to the age old wisdom of Hollywood legend Mae West, who once said “Martinis are like breasts; one is not enough and three is too many.”
I find that on the rare occasion when I have two martinis, I lose my sense of humor.
My mother was a martini drinker. She always said that two drinks made her mean. I don’t remember her ever being mean, but she sure got mellow and fairly philosophical if she had more than one drink.
One of my girlfriends shares my fondness for martinis, another steals my olives after they’ve been thoroughly soaked in the vodka; still another friend simply rolls her eyes at my beverage of choice and mixes herself a margarita.
Based on the medical history of the women in my family, I’m far more likely to succumb to a heart attack than breast cancer. So I figure my one-martini-a-day habit is good for my health. I hope my doctor agrees.
— By Colleen Conant
Conant, the former editor of the Camera in Boulder, retired after a 35-year career in newspaper journalism. She’s currently on the staff of the Community Foundation Serving Boulder County.
