Thinking about your drinking...and your health

Having a few drinks most evenings or drinking a bit too much every weekend causes damage to your body that builds up over time.

There is no safe limit....

but if you want to keep the health risks low:

- Drink less than 14 units a week

- Spread your drinking out over three or more days

If you are pregnant or there's a chance you could be, it is safest not to drink at all.

NEW RESEARCH means that we know more about the link between alcohol and some diseases. Drinking increases the risk of a range of illnesses, including breast and bowel cancer. We also know now that drinking has no health benefits for most people.

14 units a week looks like...

- 10x 35ml single measure of spirits

or

- 6x 568ml pints of 4% beer

or

- 1 and a half 75cl bottles of 12.5% wine

Check how much you are really drinking

- it soon adds up.

Thinking about a change?

Having several 'drink free' days is a good way to cut down. Here are some tips that other people have found helpful....

- GO LOW - Choose lower alcohol drinks or have more soft drinks

- GO SLOW - Drink more slowly or with food

- GO SMALL - Choose smaller glasses, bottles rather than pints. Avoid multi-buy offers.

If you are concerned or have any questions about your drinking talk to your local GP.

Thank you for reading!