Alcohol warning to Somerset drinkers (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Alcohol warning to Somerset drinkers

4:00pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News

DRINKERS in Somerset are being warned that ‘just one more’ on a regular basis could expose you to the risk of heart disease, stroke or cancer.

Dr Caroline Gamlin, the county’s director of public health, advises that a regular extra glass or two at the end of the day can damage your health.

She said: “Drinking too much is a major public health issue for the whole country.

“A new campaign highlights how easy it can be to use a glass of wine or beer to unwind at the end of a busy day, but these drinks stack up and can increase your risk of high blood pressure, cancer or liver disease.

“The campaign, with its new online calculator, is available on the Change4Life website.

“It’s hoped that the campaign will raise awareness and encourage many more people to check how much they’re drinking each day.

“If they find they’re drinking over the guidelines, there’s lots of helpful advice to health them cut down and reduce the risks to their health.”

The lower-risk alcohol guidelines published recently suggest men should not regularly drink more than three to four units daily - large medium strength pint - and women should not regularly drink more than two to three units a day – a large wine.

“Many people still believe that heavy drinking for just one or two nights a week won’t harm your health, but doctors warn that ‘ binge drinking’ can also be harmful to your health in the long term.”

If you want to talk to someone about drinking less, you can call one of Somerset’s Fresh Steps NHS Health Trainers.

They can offer information, advice and confidential support about alcohol, as well as effective ways to improve your health and lifestyle – call 0800-4125502.