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Drink safely this Christmas
23 December 2009.
Doctors today urged Victorians to consume alcohol responsibly this festive season to avoid the risk of becoming 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,” said AMA Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley.
"It should be a happy time, but from Christmas Eve onwards hospital emergency departments see all sorts of injuries," he said.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"When you consume more than four standard drinks on one occasion, the risk of alcohol-related injury increases. Have fun, but always drink in moderation."
Dr Hemley said it was important for adults to keep in mind that they were setting standards of behaviour for younger Victorians.
"We need to teach our children that binge drinking is unacceptable and carries 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."
Dr Hemley said consuming alcohol responsibly did not equate to being a wowser.
"There is nothing that doctors would like more than quiet and peaceful emergency departments this season," he said. "We want every Victorian to be mindful of the risks of becoming another statistic of alcohol-related injury or disease."
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