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Drink safely this festive season
23 December 2007
Victorians are being urged to consume alcohol responsibly this festive season to avoid risking become another statistic of alcohol-related injury or disease.
“It is going to be a long, hot summer and we just want to remind people to drink responsibly,” the President of AMA Victoria, Dr Doug Travis, said today.
“It should be a happy time,” Dr Travis said. “But from Christmas Eve onwards hospital emergency departments see all sorts of injuries.
“These injures are sometimes a result of alcohol-fuelled violence, as well as tragic accidents on the road, in pools and at beaches, and less severe fractures and sprains from falls,” he said.
“If you do decide to drink, make sure you eat first and have a glass of water between alcoholic beverages. Use taxis and designated drivers, and avoid swimming or driving while under the influence of alcohol. Always drink in moderation.
“Take note of standard drink sizes and alcohol content. Wine and beer have varying levels of alcohol and there is a big difference between a glass or two of full-bodied 16 per cent wine compared with lighter 11 per cent varieties.
Dr Travis said it was important for adults to keep in mind that they are setting standards of behaviour for younger Victorians.
“We need to teach our children that binge drinking is unacceptable and carry health risks - and the best way to do this is by consuming alcohol responsibly.
“Alcohol abuse is a major public health concern and contributes to a range of health harms including injury, diabetes, overweight and liver damage.”
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