Drink Alcohol Sensibly

During festive seasons such as Christmas and the New Year, some of us may take a drink or two with friends or family to celebrate these festive occasions. However, overdrinking, instead of bringing us a good time, may actually ruin these supposedly enjoyable occasions, not to mention doing harm to our health.

So guys, if you do drink, drink sensibly. Here are a few helpful tips for those of you who may drink.

When start drinking

• Take your drink with food so as to slow down alcohol absorption. Do not drink on an empty stomach.
• Your first drink during meal should preferably be a non-alcoholic one.
• Choose drinks of lower alcohol content, or dilute the drinks with water or ice.
• Know the alcohol content of your drinks. For example, the alcohol content of a regular beer is about 5%, that of red/white wine is 10-15%, and that of whisky is 30-40%.

When drinking

• Sip and enjoy your drink. Do not gulp.
• Take a non-alcoholic drink between alcoholic drinks.
• It is not a competition. The rules of thumb should be drinking less and drinking sensibly.
• Set an upper limit for yourself, say two alcoholic beverages, every time you drink and stick to it.
• Besides drinking sensibly yourself, pay attention to how those around you drink. Do not let your friends continue drinking if you think they get drunk.

General guidelines

• Have at least 2 alcohol-free days per week.
• After binge drinking, no alcoholic drink for at least 48 hours.

Drink smart and sensibly. Not only that you will have a good time, but you will also enjoy better health. Remember, less is best.

Please visit the "Drink Smart" section of our website for more information on sensible drinking.


 

(Last Updated on 21-12-2004)