Enjoy Nightlife by Living Well: Part 2

In part one I discussed the importance of preparation when it comes to going out. Now that you've gotten to the front of the line, been skiffed down by the huge bouncer in all black, paid your cover and have gotten to the bar, let's speak on what to do once in the club to keep the night flowing. (I realize that is not the VIP experience, but this is a blog for everyone.)

Photo taken by Christine Zenino

The most important thing to do while drinking alcohol is to also drink lots of water. Alcohol is a diuretic (makes you pee), and it causes major dehydration, which accounts for most of the dreaded hangover symptoms. Ever notice that once you start drinking for the night, you end up urinating more than you drank? Well that is the reason we must hydrate our bodies appropriately before during and after our binge. Alcohol steals water from our cells causing them to shrink, even slightly shrinking our brain. I'm not kidding.
Take it slow. When we are going shot for shot, or chugging down beers, we don't immediately feel alcohols effects. Do not "chase" the buzz with one drink after the other. You will be doomed to have the liquor "catch up to you" and your night will be ruined. One drink (one shot 40 proof, 8 oz glass of wine, 12 oz beer) per hour is a good pace. Also stick to the Goose and Belvie, or any other top shelf spirits. Light alcohol has less cogeners, or impurities and toxins, that can lead to a definite hang over. Sorry Cognac lovers. Top shelf, pricier beverages also tend to have a better distillation process which also clears cogeners from the beverage.

Mixing different alcoholic beverages is a common mistake many drinkers make. The body takes more time to recognize and then metabolize (break-down) the different types of beverages and this extra time in your body can cause you to begin feeling sick. Pick a drink type and stick with it.

Just a few other pointers.
Photo taken by Daniel Riquelme
*Carry condoms. That means you too ladies. Our best decisions are not usually made at the club, and while I'm no advocate of the "one-night stand", I know it does happen often. Not everyone's sexcapade has the "Knocked Up" happy ending and with STDs being more common than ever, not to mention HIV cases rising in African American women at unprecedented rates, its worth having a condom and not needing it, rather than needing it and not having it.

*Be selective of where you choose to party. A bar fight can break out anywhere, but usually certain night spots have made a name for themselves with lax security and outbursts of violence. Don't be the innocent bystander in a bar-room brawl. Stay aware and be as selective as the doorman.

Photo taken by DeusXFlorida

*Traveling alone is unwise, especially to the ladies. There are many desperate creeps that prey on women traveling alone at ungodly hours of the night. Let someone know you will be coming in late and make sure you can be reached. Charge your cell phone in advance and be smart.

*Use wisdom and select a responsible designated driver. One drink is enough to alter judgment and a motor vehicle accident is no way for young people with so much promise to end the night, or end their lives. If you had a buzz, don't get behind the wheel. And if you are the designated driver, don't drink. I don't know how many times I've heard the person driving just saying, "I won't get drunk, but I'm still drinking."

Photo taken by Andrew Dallos

The final portion of Enjoying Nightlife by Living Well will be posted before you hit the club this weekend. Do check back by Friday for more good info, in the meantime, would someone please teach me how to Dougie.

Comments are welcome and appreciated. Ask questions, argue, whatever, just interact. Thanks for reading.

One Love.

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