LOCAL health professionals are encouraging people to think about how much alcohol they drink a week, and advising on the best ways to cut down or give up the booze this January.
Whether you’re giving up alcohol for the month by taking part in Dry January or Dryathalon, or simply looking at the number of units you consume, there is plenty of support and help available.
The challenge to stop drinking for one month can help people to feel healthier, lose weight, sleep better and save money but cutting down on alcohol longer term can provide lasting health and wealth benefits.
On average, 38% (Carmarthenshire 38%, Ceredigion 39%, Pembrokeshire 37%) of adults living in Hywel Dda have reported drinking above guidelines on at least one day in the past week, and 21% (Carmarthenshire 22%, Ceredigion 22%, Pembrokeshire 20%) have reported binge-drinking on at least one day in the past week.
Alcohol is a major preventable cause of death and illness with around 1,500 deaths in Wales related to alcohol each year. Alcohol can also have a major negative impact on our communities; alcohol fuelled crime, domestic violence, vandalism and anti social behaviour can lead to unemployment, loss of driving licence and higher car insurance costs.
Rhys Sinnett, Principal Public Health Practitioner for Hywel Dda Public Health Team said: “Whilst most people enjoy a tipple from time to time, many are not aware of the health impacts of consistently drinking over the weekly recommended limits.
“It’s a lot easier than people think to develop a habit of using alcohol as a means of reducing stress or as a reward. One glass can sometimes turn into two or three and if that happens regularly you could be putting your health at risk.
“The good news is that there are lots of ways you can cut back on alcohol, without cutting it out. Look at the number of units in what you are drinking, stick to the weekly sensible guidelines and have at least two alcohol free days a week.
“And if you are taking part in an alcohol free January, enjoy the benefits you’ll find to your health and wellbeing.”
If you are concerned about your level of alcohol consumption or someone else’s, help and advice is available from the Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 0808 808 2232.
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