FRIDAY, 13 NOVEMBER, 2015

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – WELLGATE CENTRE, 10AM, MONDAY, 16 NOVEMBER, 10AM AND MAIN CONCOURSE, NINEWELLS HOSPITAL, 10AM, THURSDAY, 19 NOVEMBER.

What impact does alcohol have? Alcohol Awareness Week 2015

People are being asked to consider what impact alcohol has on health and society as part of Alcohol Awareness Week (16–22 November).

Staff from the Focus on Alcohol project, which is part of the Dundee and Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP), will be taking parts in events across the city to mark the annual campaign.

The theme for Alcohol Awareness Week this year is ‘The Impact of Alcohol on Health and Society.’

During the week the Focus on Alcohol team, in partnership with Tayside Council on Alcohol, will be highlighting the small changes individuals can make to help them drink more responsibly and get more out of their day, week and weekend.

Stalls are being held in the Wellgate Centre on Monday, 16 November between 9am and 4pm and on the main concourse of Ninewells Hospital on Thursday, 19 November between 9am and 4pm, to provide information and advice about the safe consumption of alcohol.

People will be encouraged to consider the effects of regularly drinking above the recommended alcohol guidelines. Information will also be available on how making small changes, such as alternating alcohol with soft drinks or water and having two alcohol-free days a week, can lead to health improvements.

NHS Tayside Director of Public Health Drew Walker said, “It is important to know the number of units of alcohol in your drinks. Many people are unaware how many units of alcohol they are drinking and how looking out for information on units can keep them healthier. Try not to exceed the recommended daily guidelines of two to three units for women and three to four units for men and try to keep two consecutive days alcohol-free, each week.”

The Alcohol Awareness Week campaign provides people with hints and tips on how to drink responsibly, giving them ideas for small changes that can help them manage the amount they drink.

Top tips for responsible drinking include:

• Stick to your limits – no more than 3-4 units a day for men and 2-3 units a day for women

• Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water

• Cut down – have at least two alcohol-free days every week

• Eat before and while you drink – food helps absorb alcohol

• Keep a drinking diary, noting how much you drink and where – for a better idea of your alcohol intake.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134