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Heavy drinking of vodka is a large part of the explanation why the typical Russian male dies at age 59.  In vodka-sodden Russia most people don't even consider beer an alcoholic drink.

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A59369-2001Aug24.html

Lifestyles Risk to Male Mortality in Russia

By Sharon LaFraniere

At 59 years, the life expectancy of Russian men ranks among the lowest in the industrial world, a dilemma experts say could cripple the nation's economy - and its hopes of major power status - for decades to come.