Royal Greenwich Says Going Dry In January Can Help Your Health

by Nancy Weirh | Woolwich

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is backing Dry January, a campaign designed to encourage people to give their bodies a break after Christmas by drinking less alcohol during the first 31 days of 2016.

Alcohol consumption is the leading cause of preventable ill health and death in 15 to 49 year olds and is a factor in more than 60 medical conditions, including liver disease, a number of cancers and depression.

Cutting the amount of alcohol you consume is a good start to 2016 and a whole month off alcohol has a lot of health benefits too, say health advisers. It boosts energy levels and improves sleep, can help if you want to shed a few pounds, but it also gives a sense of achievement and can save money too. Even six months later, evidence shows that two-thirds of participants are still drinking less, so there are long term benefits too.

Dry January is an annual campaign run by Alcohol Concern and supported by Public Health England and the Royal Borough, with over two million adults taking part last year. The campaign is not about never drinking again, it’s about giving your body a break from alcohol.

Cllr David Gardner, the Royal Borough’s Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Public Health said: “I’m sure that many of our residents will be make resolutions to get that bit fitter and healthier and the Council is backing Dry January to encourage local people to cut back on drinking alcohol as part of their efforts.

“There are so many health benefits to cutting out alcohol, even for just one month. Dry January is a really worthwhile challenge for residents to consider as they aim to make it a healthier New Year after Christmas.”

For further information on how to go Dry in January visit:

www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/campaigns.