Information about ALCAP/TAIES (Taiwan Alcohol Intolerance Education Society)
My classmates and I participated in the Alcohol Intolerance and Cancer Awareness Program ( ALCAP). Alcohol intolerance happens due to genetic mutation, where the enzyme in human to digest called alcohol aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) malfunctions, which the individual often digests the Acetaldehyde slower than others. This, in turn, would accumulate many Acetaldehyde molecules in the human body. This would result in a high risk of cancer. Something noteworthy is that Taiwan currently has the highest alcohol intolerance rate worldwide, which is why the organization tries to spread this knowledge to raise awareness of Alcohol Intolerance and thee negative effects of alcohol.
Aims of TAIES
TAIES wishes to raise awareness of the consumption of alcohol. Many Taiwaneses do not have alcohol intolerance but do not seem to know the risks of alcohol consumption. In that last ten years, oral cavity cancer and esophageal cancer have been one of the top ten reasons for deaths in Taiwan. These are largely due to the mass consumption. A red face after drinking may be a sign of your body resisting the alcohol consumed in your body. Hence, the organization aims to spread awareness of not only alcohol intolerance but also the risks of alcohol consumption to prevent risks of cancer.
Learning About TAIES
I learned about the organization in my school when the professor of TAIES came to our school to introduce Alcohol Intolerance. By collecting our saliva samples, the professor put our samples in machines to process. It was apparent that I had Alcohol Intolerance after the test. Your parents' genes often determine whether you have Alcohol Intolerance. If one of your parents has it, it is likely that you have it. too. I was intrigued about the topic, so I decide to volunteer for service, where I received a T-shirt from ALCAP.
My First Experience in ALCAP
We were instructed to introduce what alcohol intolerance is and to give theme tests to whether they had alcohol intolerance. I would usually give them a booklet and explain briefly what Alcohol Intolerance is. Since many people were unfamiliar with Alcohol, I first introduce the concept off lactose intolerance which they were familiar with, then started addressing Alcohol Intolerance. The test procedure is simple. Begin by placing a cotton pad soaked in alcohol on the skin. After 15 t0 20 minutes, remove the pad. If your skin reddens, there is a high likelihood off lactose intolerance, with approximately 70% accuracy. However, we also had a limited humber of spots available for those who wish to use a machine to test for alcohol intolerance with 99% accuracy.
I then wore an alcohol prohibition costume on stage, while the professor gave a presentation on Alcohol Intolerance. The costume was a beer bottle with a big red tape cross on it. It was a delightful experience to meet new people and expand our knowledge. We had to simplify very complicated knowledge to a more digestible and simple format for people to comprehend. I would gladly participate again. It is especially fun with your classmates around you.
Comentários