Last October we looked at the ubiquitous nature of alcohol as a companion to celebration, commiseration, and pretty much anything we can come up with. This year our community alcohol survey demonstrated the positive impact of reduced alcohol intake on our health, with 100% of all age groups in our community showing improvement in physical and/or mental health when they reduced their consumption to within the Australian guidelines. That’s an impressive statistic. Mind you, not everyone reduced their consumption this year, with 20% of respondents reporting an increase in alcohol intake.
Of the people surveyed, 7.3% reported fear of getting hurt because of someone else’s drinking. That’s a sobering statistic. Or at least it should be.
Do people fear you when you drink? It’s possible they do but you don’t realise it.
People drink for a multitude of reasons, and sometimes for no reason at all. But statistically if you drink less, you will be more. More motivated, more energetic, more confident, more fit, more lean, more mentally stable, more the person you want to be. These are all quotes from community members.
I see the benefits of drinking less every day in my work as a local GP.
Sadly, I also see the harm of drinking more. It’s why we have a focus each October on alcohol, and this year’s theme is ‘Be More. Drink Less’ because we see the massive difference it makes in people’s lives and their families.
What do the Australian guidelines recommend? Drinking no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. (Remember a standard drink may be less than you think.) They also recommend not drinking if you’re under 18, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The availability of zero and low alcohol beers, wines and spirits is really taking off now, and an easy way to bring your intake in line with recommendations.
We have detailed information on our website: eqhc.com.au. If you’re having trouble cutting back but know you need to, ask for assistance.
Your GP is here to help you Be More.
