Somewhat eclipsed by a competing national event, this week marks Alcohol Awareness Week! And whilst many may be tempted to toast the start of the weekend with a 'Friday Fizz', we party-poopers are reminding people it should be in moderation.
Alcohol Awareness Week runs from 1st to 7th July and this year's theme is ‘Understanding Alcohol Harm’.
The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 days or more. The ONS (2018) reported that 24% of people in Great Britain drink over the recommended limits. As well as drinking within the recommended 14 units per week it’s also important to have a few alcohol-free days in each week.
There is lots of help and advice on cutting down alcohol intake, the NHS have developed an app, ‘Drink Free Days’ and there are lots of useful tips on their website.
Excessive alcohol intake can impact all aspects of life and reducing weekly intake can have lots of short- and long-term benefits which include:
| Short Term | Long Term |
| Feel better in the morning More energy Feel less tired Save money Better skin | Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol - Lower risk of some cancers, liver disease - Improved mood - Improved quality of sleep Weight loss |
Reducing alcohol intake is a lifestyle change that everyone can make to positively impact their health.
Resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/alcohol-awareness-week-1
