Low
risk
Drinking small amounts of alcohol can be a pleasant
social activity for many people. Indeed drinking small
quantities of alcohol can reduce the risk of heart
disease for older people if it does not conflict with
any medication being taken.
The following information is based on units of alcohol.
One unit of alcohol contains about 10g of alcohol
and is roughly equivalent to:
1 bottle (250ml) of ordinary strength beer (4 - 5
% alcohol)
1 glass (100ml) of wine
1 small glass of vodka (25mg of vodka)
But beware: Drinks often contain two or more units
in a single glass!
If you drink up to two units a day of alcohol free
from impurities there is little chance of any risk
to your health.
If you regularly drink more than two units a day there
is an increasing risk to your health.
If you drink more than four units in any one day there
is an increased risk of injury and accidents as well
as an increasing risk to your health.
High risk
As the amount we drink and the number of times we
drink increases, then so do the risks.
The risks to you:
Raised blood pressure which increases the risk of
Stroke; stomach disorders; depression and emotional
disorders; cancers, particularly of the mouth, throat
and gullet; hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver;
malnutrition; accidents, at home, at work and on the
roads; suicide.
The
risks to your family:
Violence, accidents (perhaps influenced by you); less
to spend on food; poor role model for children; increased
risk of divorce. If you are pregnant you can damage
your baby by drinking alcohol.
Advice
If you don't drink alcohol don't start!
If you do drink alcohol you can lower your health
risks by cutting down or even stopping now.
If you drink less you will be less at risk from major
illnesses, you will be less at risk from violence
and accidents, you will feel more healthy, and you
will influence your family's healthy lifestyle.
