At Wind of Change, we talk a lot about goal setting from the four elements of health (Nutrition, Fitness, Sleep and Stress) and work closely with Corporate Clients in the Public and Private sector in order to help chip away at improving Lifestyle and Mental health.

One area we have noticed that lacks due care and attention would be people’s alcohol intake. With December around the corner, this is something that needs to be at the top of your list to plan and prepare.

If you do consume alcohol, do you set weekly goals on limiting alcohol consumption within the set guidelines?

The Irish Health Service Executive have developed short and long term alcohol consumption guidelines to help individuals in the decisions they make about drinking habits.

Do you even know what the male and female standard alcohol consumption you can consume in any given week?

Alcohol seriously affects the body and we need to be responsible people when it comes down to our bodies and what we put into them. Drinking too much alcohol can take a serious toll on your Health and Wellbeing.

It affects your body in many ways and here are just some of them:- – Affects the Brain – Can damage the heart – Affects the Liver (Fatty Liver, Alcoholic Hepatitis, Fibrosis, Cirrhosis) – Can damage the pancreas – Cancer (Many types of cancer) – Alcohol can weaken the immune system

So here are the hard facts, Men can consume 17 standard drinks in a week whilst woman can only consume 11 standard drinks in a week. Accordingly to Drinkaware, a standard drink is about 10g or pure alcohol which equates to:- – Half Pint of Lager, Beer or Stout (284ml) – A small glass of Wine (100ml) – A pub measure of spirit (35.5ml)

Why not register through Drinkaware and obtain “get the facts Pack” which states it includes (Booklet, Standard Drink Measuring cup and a Drinks Calorie Calculator Wheel). Here is the website in which to do so:-

https://www.drinkaware.ie/tools-resources/order-resource

12 Tips to drink less alcohol:- – Set a weekly realistic goal of alcohol to consume and stick to it – Count your drinks – Measure your drinks, do not free pour – Pace yourself – Don’t forget to eat – Never drink for solace – Why not choose non alcoholic, you’ll be surprised how alike the actually taste to the real thing – Always drink water alongside the alcoholic beverage of choice – Switch drinks to a lower proof alcohol – Maybe swap wine for spirits with plenty of slimline tonics or opt for a wine spritzer instead – Don’t drink alone / Only buy what you want to drink at home for that day – Try other activities that don’t involve drink

Let’s Drink responsibly, and give Wind of Change some success stories to share.