We're in the middle of Alcohol Awareness Week (7-14 April). Wait, don't click away! There might be something here you want to (or let's face it, should) read.

We all know that excessive drinking is bad for us, though paradoxically, evidence suggests that the daily, moderate alcohol consumption can help in preventing  both heart disease and stroke. Question is: what is 'moderate' and when does it become a 'problem'?

Don't confuse 'moderate' with 'social' drinking. The weekly drinking of a City worker would probably exceed the yearly intake of a nunnery.

In the UK, the maximum recommendations are 21 units for men and 14 units for women a week. That's each week!

So then, what is a unit?

• 25ml of spirit (pubs generally serve 35ml)
• Half pint of normal strength lager (pint of Guinness is 2.2 units)
• A small glass of wine

 
It's a good idea to have two or to three alcohol-free days each week but be warned - abstaining and then drinking a large quantity of alcohol in a very small span of time (binge drinking) is actually a common symptom of alcohol abuse.

So before you pop out for that 'quick one' after work here are some sobering thoughts:

• Heavy drinking is blamed for up to 33,000 deaths a year in the UK
• It affects memory. You know those photos with the girl from accounts?
• It affects your looks. Ever seen a good-looking tramp?
• Effects of alcohol increase with age - strange but true. As you get older, less water is retained in your body thus increasing the concentration of alcohol. So don't try to keep up with the office juniors.
• Alcohol can increases oestrogen levels, and man boobs are never a good thing.
• It can cause deadly diseases. Alcohol is the second biggest cause of mouth and throat cancer, and let's not forget about cirrhosis of the liver.
• It causes beer goggles, because the more that goes in, less discretion comes out when approaching potential sexual partners. But don't worry, because it also interferes with the nerve endings that control erections.

So, to skip a hangover, stay svelte and good-looking, keep your dignity in tact - oh, and stay healthy, stick within your recommended weekly units.

Not easy, but definitely worthwhile.


To highlight the potential damaging effects of drinking, Alcohol Concern have launched an awareness week. If you are concerned about the level of your alcohol intake visit their website.

And while you're educating yourself, check your alcohol consumption against the recommended levels here.

Here Is The Writer : Martin Gallagher

Martin Gallagher has never played for West Ham or England, nor had a number one hit single, but he has worked in the City for many years (for what that's worth). A life-long Londoner, he made the migration from east to west a few years back and is still trying to get used to the absence of fried chicken takeaways and the over abdundance of coffee shops. Martin is married, has two daughters, and is also interested in travelling, football and writing. He hopes to publish his first novel 'sometime in the future'.

view more articles by Martin Gallagher

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