Latest news with #PaulSacco
CNA
4 days ago
- Health
- CNA
How the risks of drinking increase in older age – even for light or occasional drinkers
Drinking is harmful to your health at any age. But as you get older, the risks become greater – even with the same amount of drinks. Alcohol affects 'virtually every organ system in the body,' including the muscles and blood vessels, digestive system, heart and brain, said Sara Jo Nixon, the director of the Center for Addiction Research & Education at the University of Florida. 'It particularly impacts older adults, because there's already some decline or impact in those areas.' 'There's a whole different set' of health risk factors for older drinkers, said Paul Sacco, a professor of social work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore who studies substance use and aging. People might not realise that the drinks they used to tolerate well are now affecting their brains and bodies differently, he said. Alcohol can present new problems in older age – particularly at 65 and up – for even light or occasional drinkers. Older adults tend to have less muscle mass and retain less water in their tissues compared with younger people, which can increase blood alcohol concentration, said Aaron White, a senior advisor at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This means it takes fewer drinks for older people to feel intoxicated, and heightens the risk of severe injury from falls. According to Dr Nixon's research, older people also show deficits in working memory at lower blood alcohol concentrations than younger drinkers. In another study Dr Nixon worked on, some older adults in driving simulations showed signs of impairment after less than one drink. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions like dementia, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and heart disease. But it can also worsen outcomes for the majority of older adults already living with chronic disease, said Aryn Phillips, an assistant professor of health policy and administration at the University of Illinois Chicago who studies alcohol and ageing. Drug interactions also come into play. Mixing alcohol with prescription medicines that older adults commonly take, such as those for treating diabetes or hypertension, can make the medications less effective or cause harmful side effects, like ulcers or an irregular heart beat. Benzodiazepines, when combined with alcohol, can slow breathing and act as a powerful sedative. Even over-the-counter medication can be dangerous. Aspirin, which some older people take to reduce cardiovascular disease risk (despite the potential side effects), can lead to severe gastrointestinal bleeding, which older people are already at higher risk for, said Michael Wheeler, a professor of nutrition science at East Carolina University who researches alcohol-induced liver disease. Some older adults also contend that hangovers worsen with age. While there's no strong scientific evidence supporting this, the hangovers may seem worse because alcohol can exacerbate other symptoms of aging, like poor sleep, Dr White said. HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK Experts said alcohol use among older adults appears to have risen in recent years, though national trends are difficult to track outside of self-reported surveys. A US federal survey from 2023 found that 12 percent of adults 65 and older – about seven million people – reported drinking at least four or five drinks in a sitting in the previous month. After decades of mixed messaging around alcohol's health harms and benefits, recent studies have made it clear that no amount of alcohol is good for you. Still, Dr Sacco acknowledged that 'drinking has meaning for people,' and whether to moderate or quit altogether 'is a call that you have to make in consultation with your doctor and your loved ones.' But what is a 'safe' amount of drinking for the older set? That's difficult to say. The available studies attempting to establish exactly how much alcohol it takes to drive up health risks in older populations use different benchmarks for moderate drinking, making it tricky to draw a consensus. 'Even as an expert in this field, I understand the confusion,' Dr Wheeler said. Dr Nixon advised that adults 65 and older should consume no more than one drink per day and no more than seven per week. (The NIAAA does not establish guidelines around alcohol consumption, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines moderate drinking for adults of all ages as two drinks or less per day for men, and one drink or less per day for women.) All the experts emphasised that older people should pay close attention to their bodies' response to alcohol, and to stop drinking or cut back if they feel like it's affecting them more physically or cognitively. 'If you're not currently drinking, don't start,' Dr Phillips said. And if you do drink, be honest with your doctor about your consumption, and do it in a safe environment, knowing that your tolerance may not be what it used to be, she added. 'The answer doesn't have to be abstinence,' Dr Nixon said. But healthy ageing 'probably does not include multiple drinks a day for most people.'
New York Times
03-07-2025
- Health
- New York Times
How the Risks of Drinking Increase in Older Age
Drinking is harmful to your health at any age. But as you get older, the risks become greater — even with the same amount of drinks. Alcohol affects 'virtually every organ system in the body,' including the muscles and blood vessels, digestive system, heart and brain, said Sara Jo Nixon, the director of the Center for Addiction Research & Education at the University of Florida. 'It particularly impacts older adults, because there's already some decline or impact in those areas.' 'There's a whole different set' of health risk factors for older drinkers, said Paul Sacco, a professor of social work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore who studies substance use and aging. People might not realize that the drinks they used to tolerate well are now affecting their brains and bodies differently, he said. Alcohol can present new problems in older age — particularly at 65 and up — for even light or occasional drinkers. Older adults tend to have less muscle mass and retain less water in their tissues compared with younger people, which can increase blood alcohol concentration, said Aaron White, a senior advisor at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This means it takes fewer drinks for older people to feel intoxicated, and heightens the risk of severe injury from falls. According to Dr. Nixon's research, older people also show deficits in working memory at lower blood alcohol concentrations than younger drinkers. In another study Dr. Nixon worked on, some older adults in driving simulations showed signs of impairment after less than one drink. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions like dementia, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and heart disease. But it can also worsen outcomes for the majority of older adults already living with chronic disease, said Aryn Phillips, an assistant professor of health policy and administration at the University of Illinois Chicago who studies alcohol and aging. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Travel Daily News
30-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
PM Hotel Group: Scott Harrell is VP of Development & Feasibility
PM Hotel Group appoints Scott Harrell as Vice President of Development, Feasibility & Analytics, strengthening strategic growth and portfolio expansion efforts. CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND – PM Hotel Group, an industry leader in hospitality management, announce the appointment of Scott Harrell as Vice President of Development, Feasibility & Analytics. Harrell brings nearly 25 years of experience in commercial real estate and hospitality investment to the organization, with a proven track record of evaluating and executing high-value transactions, conducting rigorous market analysis, and delivering results that drive long-term portfolio growth. 'Scott's depth of experience in investment strategy, valuation, and deal execution across the hospitality sector positions him as a strong addition to our team,' Paul Sacco, Chief Growth and Development Officer, PM Hotel Group. 'As we continue to expand into new markets, his expertise will help ensure we make informed, strategic decisions that support our owners and our future.' Prior to joining PM Hotel Group, Harrell served as Director at Hodges Ward Elliott, where he contributed to over $5 billion in hospitality transactions across the U.S. He also held roles as Director of Acquisitions at TPG Hotels & Resorts and Senior Underwriter at CWCapital, building a well-rounded foundation in real estate finance, underwriting, and asset management. Over the course of his career, Harrell has cultivated deep industry connections and a reputation for analytical rigor and collaborative leadership. In this new role, Harrell will help lead the sourcing of new third-party management contracts, including existing hotel assets and new development opportunities, while building and maintaining a robust business development pipeline. He will also oversee operational analytics, as well as feasibility studies across branded and independent properties, applying his data-driven approach and deep industry knowledge to drive long-term portfolio growth. PM Hotel Group is a Top-15 hotel management company with a portfolio of 92 hotels nationwide, including properties operated under its lifestyle division, Modus by PM Hotel Group. The company continues to prioritize sustainable growth, innovation, and performance excellence across all segments of its portfolio.
Hospitality Net
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
PM Hotel Group Expands Virginia Portfolio with Addition of Hotel Burg in Loudoun County
PM Hotel Group, a leading hospitality management company, today announced its selection to manage Hotel Burg, a new luxury boutique hotel opening in August 2025 in the heart of Virginia's renowned wine and hunt country. Located on King Street in downtown Leesburg, Hotel Burg is poised to redefine upscale hospitality in Northern Virginia. "Hotel Burg exemplifies the type of lifestyle-driven, experiential property that aligns with our vision for strategic growth," said Paul Sacco, Chief Growth and Development Officer, PM Hotel Group. "With its refined design, strong sense of place, and exceptional culinary program, this hotel is an exciting addition to our expanding portfolio in the Mid-Atlantic region." Spanning three architecturally distinct structures, the 39-room Hotel Burg blends modern sophistication with Loudoun County's equestrian and vinicultural heritage. Interiors are inspired by Ralph Lauren's classic aesthetic and feature antique-rich details, layered textures, and original works by regional artists. The hotel's eight suites—each named for native trees—reinforce its deep connection to place. At the center of the guest experience is The Huntōn, a signature dining destination helmed by Michelin-starred chef Vincent Badiee. The restaurant showcases Virginia's seasonal bounty through open-fire cooking, game meats, foraged herbs, and locally sourced produce. Complementing the culinary program is The Diana Lounge, a communal venue serving bold bites and craft cocktails, and a rooftop bar reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Extending beyond traditional hotel offerings, Hotel Burg also introduces The Chase, a private members' club offering curated programming, a speakeasy, workspaces, and wellness amenities including an infrared sauna. Just outside town, guests can access The Manor 1858, a scenic 22-acre event venue anchored by a restored 19th-century stone barn—ideal for weddings, retreats, and private gatherings. The hotel marks a strategic addition to PM Hotel Group's growing presence in Virginia, where the company continues to develop a diverse portfolio of distinctive properties. With deep expertise across independent, lifestyle, and branded hospitality, PM Hotel Group will bring its operational capabilities and service-driven ethos to this new landmark in Leesburg. Hotel website
Travel Daily News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
PM Hotel Group Further expands Modus by PM Hotel Group
PM Hotel Group expands its lifestyle division, Modus, adding unique, experience-driven properties in top U.S. destinations to meet evolving traveler demand. CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND – PM Hotel Group, a Top-15 hotel management company with a proven track record of delivering extraordinary guest experiences and strong owner returns, has experienced continued strategic growth across its overall portfolio, including its lifestyle and unconventional hospitality division Modus by PM Hotel Group. With a focus on authentic and immersive destinations, the company has significantly expanded its presence in key markets, targeting today's independent-minded travelers seeking hotel stays that connect people and place. 'At PM Hotel Group, we're not just growing our portfolio – we're carving out a unique space in the lifestyle segment through our Modus by PM Hotel Group division by developing and operating properties that deliver bold and authentic hospitality experiences,' said Paul Sacco, Chief Growth & Development Officer, PM Hotel Group. 'From nature-centric escapes to city adventure hubs, we're curating a collection of hotels that are anything but ordinary. These destinations compliment PM Hotel Group's overall portfolio of 92 hotels nationwide, both branded and independent properties.' A Dynamic Roster of New Additions to the Lifestyle Portfolio Over the past year, PM Hotel Group has thoughtfully expanded its distinctive lifestyle portfolio with properties that reflect deep expertise in experiential hospitality. The division has strategically expanded into high-demand outdoor destinations with evo Hotel Salt Lake City and evo Hotel Tahoe City – urban basecamps for adventure seekers looking to explore the surrounding landscapes without compromising on comfort or design. On the shores of Honolulu, the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel delivers vibrant, locally inspired hospitality just steps from Waikiki Beach, offering breathtaking Diamond Head views. In Northern California's wine country, Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs in Calistoga offers a reimagined take on wellness, blending mid-century charm with healing mineral waters and spa rituals. In the Southern California entertainment corridor, The Lum Hotel Los Angeles Stadium District is converting into a Tapestry by Hilton. With rooftop dining, resort-style amenities, and its prime location steps from SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome, The Lum Hotel captures the energy of LA's sports and entertainment scene. Set to open in 2025, a new wave of hospitality experiences will further showcase PM Hotel Group's ability to deliver on lifestyle and unconventional hotel management. These projects embrace bold concepts, from regenerative hospitality to introducing a membership-club hotel concept in an untapped destination: RESET Joshua Tree , opening May 2025, is a desert retreat built from custom shipping containers, focused on high design and wellness inspired by its natural surroundings. , opening May 2025, is a desert retreat built from custom shipping containers, focused on high design and wellness inspired by its natural surroundings. Hotel Burg , opening summer 2025, offers a members' hotel experience, inviting locals and DC visitors to a modern hunt country destination in one of America's most celebrated small towns, Leesburg, Virginia. , opening summer 2025, offers a members' hotel experience, inviting locals and DC visitors to a modern hunt country destination in one of America's most celebrated small towns, Leesburg, Virginia. Nightsky San Luis Obispo, opening late fall 2025, is a glamping retreat with 35 design-forward tents, rooted in experiences that foster community building and connection to nature. The growth of PM Hotel Group's lifestyle portfolio is driven by shifting guest preferences, visionary ownership groups, and a commitment to delivering standout, experiential hospitality properties across a range of markets. Redefining Lifestyle Hospitality Management Through its Modus by PM Hotel Group division, the company offers a specialized platform that pushes hospitality boundaries while combining strategic commercial leadership with operational excellence. Backed by PM Hotel Group's scale and expertise, Modus delivers distinctive guest experiences in high-demand destinations where culture, wellness, and outdoor access drive guest satisfaction. 'In today's hospitality landscape, travelers are looking for meaning, not just amenities,' said Adam Gollance, President, Modus by PM Hotel Group. 'We're meeting this demand by cultivating a portfolio of hotels that offer discovery, design, and a deep sense of place – properties that connect guests with new experiences through wellness, fitness, dining, and entertainment to make each stay unforgettable.' With a national footprint now spanning from the beaches of Honolulu to the red rocks of the desert Southwest and the peaks of Lake Tahoe and wine country Virginia, PM Hotel Group is not only expanding geographically – it's setting the pace for what comes next in lifestyle hospitality by combining spirited individuality with proven management expertise.
