Series provides info on alcohol

By Michelle D. Isaacson

A series of classes that provide alcohol information are being offered by NIU’s Health Enhancement Services.

Health Educator Marie Kaemmerlen said the university is sponsoring these classes because of concerns of high alcohol consumption and alcohol-related injuries.

The series, which is in progress now, has one more session for this semester. The remaining session will be today from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the University Health Service in Room 400.

The first session on Nov. 21 featured blood alcohol content, what types of people would be at high risk for alcohol abuse, how alcohol is absorbed through the system and tips for not becoming intoxicated.

The following session on Monday focused on sex and alcohol, alcohol and its effects on inhibitions, alcohol as a depressant, types of alcohol, how alcohol is metabolized through the system and information on hangovers.

The final part of the series will explain NIU’s alcohol policies, receive views about the policy, provide a profile of a healthy drinker, show how people can help their friends deal with alcohol and provide a summary of the entire program.

Kaemmerlen said the series will be offered about four times next semester. Although preregistraton is not required, students are encouraged to participate in the entire series.

“We’re not advocating that students drink. We want to be sure that students are educated,” she said.