The dangers of having just one extra tipple
By Liz Lockhart
Last weekend saw the launch of a new nationwide campaign to expose the dangers of drinking slightly over the lower-risk alcohol 
guidelines. Change4Life suggests that this can seriously impact on long term health and people are being warned that they risk serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.
A campaign of television adverts, which started last weekend, hopes to bring home the dangers of regularly drinking about two large glasses of wine or two strong pints of beer a day can triple the risk of developing long-term health conditions such as mouth cancer and doubles the risk of high blood pressure. The adverts are aimed at catching people who are getting over weekend binge drinking or others who are winding down with an extra glass of wine.
A press release from the Department of Health gives us the results of a survey which looks at the ignorance of the public when it comes to the illnesses that can be caused by drinking more than the guidelines. The figures suggest:
- 85% of people did not realise it increases the risk of developing breast cancer
- 66% did not realise it increases the risk of bowel cancer
- 63% did not realise it increases the chance of pancreatitis
- 59% did not realise it increases the risk of mouth, throat and neck cancer
- 30% did not realise it increases the risk of blood pressure
- 37% did not realise it reduces fertility
If you think that you may be in the ‘at risk’ category and would like to check whether your alcohol consumption falls safely within the guidelines you can check this out online on the Change4Life website where you will find a handy calculator. You will also find hints and tips on how to cut down. This include having booze-free days, not drinking at home before you go out, swapping to low-alcohol or alcohol free drinks and simply using smaller glasses.
