Holiday booze plea to help keep healthy

People in South Staffordshire are being urged to drink sensibly over the festive season to avoid any further increase in alcohol-related hospital admissions.

Ambulance crews and accident and emergency departments are already under enormous pressure due to accidents and ill-health brought on by the cold weather and this is further increased by alcohol-related cases. More than a quarter of the population in the West Midlands drink above the guidelines which have been issued for lower-risk drinking.

Dr Aliko Ahmed, interim director of public health at South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust, said: "We would urge people to think about the amount of alcohol they drink during the festive season and follow tips on how to stay safe and healthy.

"The PCT is working to reduce the number of alcohol related harm cases and promote what negative effects alcohol can have not only on an individual's health and well-being but also on that of their family."

Drinking above those levels can increase the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, liver disease, stroke and other diseases.

It can also impact on sleep and affect general day-to-day health. The advice to men is to drink no more than three to four units per day, two pints or two cans of normal-strength lager or beer. And the advice for women is no more than two to three units daily, a large glass of wine or three single measures of spirits.

Dr Ahmed advised people to alternate drinks so they have water or juice in between the alcoholic drinks and drank plenty of water before going to bed.

The trust is one of the largest in the country, serving a population of approximately 615,000, and is located within the geographical boundaries of Staffordshire County Council.