This time of year, many festivities involve alcohol. And with social events sometimes around every corner, it's easy to let our alcohol consumption increase. January is a common time of year for people to report recently increased amounts of alcohol consumption together with renewed (or new ) resolutions to cut back on drinking.
This holiday season, try to reduce your drinking ahead of time and beat the January rush. While at parties, it's a good idea to pace your drinks. You've probably heard it before, but remember to wait for an hour between drinks, and make sure you have something to eat so that you are not drinking on an empty stomach (having food in your stomach will help slow the effects of alcohol intoxication ). Try to alternate between an alcoholic beverage and one that does not contain alcohol. And watch out for that bowl of holiday punch, which may pack more punch than you expect.
Keep in mind that men and women metabolise alcohol at different rates - women have a slower metabolism. This, combined with a smaller size, means that women will reach a higher blood alcohol concentration than men for the same number of drinks. Limit your drinks accordingly. Maximum is 14 units per week for women and 21 units per week for men - and not all in one or two nights but spread over the week. One unit equals half glass beer/ ale/ small glass of wine. Remember one short is equal to one and a half units.
Always use your good judgment and try to moderate those ‘glasses of good cheer’. Your body will thank you for it…and you might gain a head start on that New Year's resolution!
