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Study Shows Alcohol May Be Good for You After All

I don’t drink a lot, or as much as I used to. I prefer beer and I have maybe three or four a week. If I’m at a weekend party…

Pint and a half of English ale on a pub table on 12th April 2023 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Beer prices in the UK have been on the rise with prices per pint increasing dramatically during the energy crisis and com[ounding the cost of living crisis. (photo by Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)

Pint and a half of English ale on a pub table on 12th April 2023 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

(photo by Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)

I don't drink a lot, or as much as I used to. I prefer beer and I have maybe three or four a week. If I'm at a weekend party I may have a couple more. So I don't get concerned about whether it's good or bad for me, however, I never thought that it could possibly be good for my heart.

It turns out that sipping alcohol in moderation might actually do wonders for your heart. According to StudyFinds.org, the latest research has uncovered a surprising link between light-to-moderate drinking and improved heart health.

It seems that consuming alcohol in moderation has the amazing and beneficial ability to reduce stress signaling in our brains over a long period of time. And there's more good news, this brain-boosting effect appears to be the main reason why those who indulge in a few drinks every once in a while experience fewer cardiovascular issues.

But before you run out to your local neighborhood liquor store to start benefitting your cardiovascular system, the authors of the study want to make it crystal clear that they're not advocating for alcohol as a magical cure-all.

Dr. Ahmed Tawakol, the doctor who led the research, says, "Listen up, folks, we're not saying you should be downing bottles of alcohol to keep heart attacks and strokes at bay."

"Alcohol has some serious downsides that we can't ignore. What we really wanted to uncover was how light to moderate drinking works its cardiovascular wonders, which has been hinted at by previous studies," he added. "And once we've cracked that code, we can go on a quest to find other, less risky ways to reap those protective benefits without the pesky drawbacks of alcohol."

So, to recap, moderate drinking could be good for your heart, but don't start drinking more because you think it's a way to a more healthy lifestyle.

Roadside Frustrations: 8 Most Annoying Habits Of Other Drivers

You're cruising down the road, wind in your hair, and the stereo cranked up to your favorite song. Life couldn't be better, right? Well, hold on, because here come those annoying drivers determined to ruin your joyride. From the oblivious ones who think turn signals are optional, to the speedsters weaving through traffic like they're in a Fast and Furious movie. There's no shortage of infuriating things they do. It's like they have a secret handbook on how to push our buttons.

You've probably dealt with tons of annoying drivers over the years. While the list of annoying drivers could go on, there are eight examples that stand out as the worst of the worst. The next time you find yourself near an annoying driver, take a deep breath, and remember that patience is a virtue.

Is it the person or the car brand?

Does the car's brand make a driver more annoying? A 2021 survey conducted by Moneybarn in the United Kingdom found that BMW owners were widely regarded as the most disliked drivers on the road, with nearly 40 percent of respondents identifying them as the worst and most prone to causing accidents. Audi came in a distant second at 14 percent.

In the United States, Insurify, a car insurance comparison website, released a report on the Rudest Drivers in 2021. To compile the data, their team analyzed over four million applications, where applicants disclosed their car make and model and any driving violations over the past seven years. The results showed that in 2020, BMW drivers were considered the rudest. In 2021, it was Kia Stinger drivers who took the top spot. Audi A4 Allroad drivers ranked as the second rudest, followed by BMW 4-Series drivers.

Ultimately, it is the driver, not the brand of the car, that determines their behavior on the road. While these findings may suggest certain trends, it would be unfair to make blanket assumptions about all drivers of a particular car brand.

Annoying drivers can really test our patience, but it's important to stay cool and drive responsibly. Remember, we're all just trying to get from point A to point B in one piece.

Here are 7 seriously annoying things that other drivers do on the road.

The Lane Hogger

You know the type. They leisurely cruise along in the left lane, seemingly oblivious to the growing line of cars behind them. They show no intention of moving over, despite signs clearly indicating slower traffic should keep right. It's as if they believe they own that lane and everyone else is just passing through.

Angry woman driving a car. The girl with an expression of displeasure is actively gesticulating behind the wheel of the car.

The Indecisive Merge Master

Woman drives her car for the first time, tries to avoid a car accident, is very nervous and scared, worries, clings tightly to the wheel. Inexperienced driver in stress and confusion after an accident

You're approaching a merging lane, diligently signaling your intention to merge, when suddenly you spot them—the driver who can't seem to commit to either accelerating to merge or slowing down to let you in. They teeter on the edge of indecision, causing a chaotic dance of hesitant maneuvering that disrupts the flow of traffic.

The Tailgater

old yellow car with message stenciled on the rear deck

We've all encountered the driver who seemingly has a vendetta against personal space. They ride your bumper with an intensity that could rival a race car driver. Whether they're running late or simply have a persistent need to assert dominance, their tailgating antics create an anxiety-inducing experience.

The Incessant Honker

Closeup photo of annoyed woman driving car and honking

Honking is meant to be a communication tool, a gentle reminder to draw attention to potential dangers or to express gratitude. However, a special breed of drivers wield their horns like a weapon of mass annoyance. They honk at the slightest inconvenience, from a fraction-of-a-second delay at a green light to a cautious pedestrian exercising their right of way.

The Distracted Doodler

forbidden and perilous with close-up of woman's hand, holding burger and coffee, engaged in reckless eating and drinking While driving car

We're all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, yet some individuals choose to engage in activities outside the confines of a moving vehicle. From applying makeup and eating full meals to scrolling through social media or engaging in animated conversations, these drivers treat their cars as mobile living rooms. Their lack of focus puts us all at risk, and we can't help but wonder if they have forgotten that driving requires undivided attention.

The Fast Lane Snail

Cropped shot of a young woman looking stressed-out while sitting in her car. Stressed woman driver. Transportation concept. Sad businesswoman driver sitting in car

The left lane, aka the fast lane, is meant for, well, going fast. But there's always that one driver who decides to take a leisurely Sunday drive right there, blocking everyone else behind them. This forces other drivers to undertake risky maneuvers to overtake them, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous situations.

The Traffic Rule Ignorer

Driving car at motorway at high speed

Traffic rules exist for a reason. To maintain order, safety, and efficiency on the roads. However, some drivers seemingly view these rules as mere suggestions. They run red lights, ignore stop signs, and make illegal U-turns with complete disregard for the potential consequences. Their actions create chaos and put everyone around them at risk.

The Turn Signal Skippers

A man turns on the turn signal to the left on the lever in the car. Automotive panel close-up. 4k

It's like these drivers believe that turn signals are optional car accessories. They change lanes or make turns without a single blinker in sight, leaving the rest of us to play mind readers and guess their next move.