The Irish Heart Foundation’s second annual On The Dry campaign supported by 2FM has attracted nearly 3,000 registrants over the Christmas period so far from people looking to make a fresh, alcohol-free start in 2016.
In a survey of last year’s participants, 62 per cent said they had better sleep and more energy after taking part, 49 per cent reported losing weight, 79 per cent saved money, and 82 per cent said they felt a sense of achievement.
According to organisers the campaign is on target to more than double its participation on last year, aiming to top 4,000 sign-ups from individuals, teams, and workplaces. January 2015 was the first time a ‘Dry January’ style campaign ran in Ireland. Already Dublin, Cork, and Galway are the counties topping the registrations to give up alcohol this January and raise money for a good cause.
With the new year upon us, the national charity continues to encourage the nation to join the revolution in resolutions at onthedry.ie and get sponsored by friends to give up alcohol for 31 days in January to make a healthy kick-start in the new year.
2FM’s Keith Walsh is ready to go On The Dry. He said: “I like a drink but I also like to have periods where I don’t drink. Not drinking in January is a great way to start the year with a clear head. I got involved with Dry January hoping to encourage others to take down time out from drinking, because not drinking is the new drinking!”
According to the Irish Heart Foundation, if you are serious about losing weight in the new year, you will be more successful if you cut out alcohol altogether until you reach your target weight which makes On The Dry an ideal launch pad to a healthier body weight, along with a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity. To avoid regaining weight lost, gradually resume alcohol consumption and do not exceed 11 standard drinks per week if you are a woman and 17, if you are a man.
Caroline Cullen from the Irish Heart Foundation said: “Giving your body a break after the party season is a great way to kick-start a healthy new year, plus reducing your alcohol consumption will help you feel better all round. It’s not always easy to motivate yourself to take the plunge to a healthier you.
“The act of physically signing up now to www.onthedry.ie will help you feel committed to your new year’s resolution but the real magic is making it known to your family and friends. By asking for sponsorship, you’re much more likely to stick to it and get the health benefits you want.
Funds from On the Dry will go directly to help prevent heart disease and stroke which is responsible for the biggest loss of life in Ireland annually. Monies raised from On The Dry will support the Irish Heart Foundation’s prevention programmes for children, adults, and local communities which are vital to keep more hearts beating around Ireland.
