Think before you pick up that drink! While tobacco products get most of the attention, experts warn that alcohol is just as dangerous to your health. A new study published in the British medical journal 'Lancet' indicates that alcohol is responsible for four percent of the global health problems while tobacco is the cause of 4.1 percent.

Among the diseases that are connected to excessive use of alcohol are oral, liver and breast cancers, heart disease, stroke and cirrhosis of the liver. It also increases the risk of accidental deaths such as automobile crashes, drowning, falls and homicides.

Ironically, just as second hand smoke is damaging to the health of nonsmokers, nondrinkers can be injured or killed because of excessive alcohol abuse by another person. Car accidents, for example, can kill not only the drinker but an innocent driver.

A team of Swedish experts led by Professor Robin Room, of the Center for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs at Stockholm University, suggested that international policy makers raise the price of alcohol in order to reduce consumption. Thus far, no nation has taken them up on their policy recommendation. The study also suggested an international agreement to limit and regulate alcohol marketing.

So, here's to your health. Just hold off on that drinkt this time.