Best not to overindulge at New Year

Lanarkshire health chiefs are reminding people to be mindful of their alcohol intake this New Year.

In particular, people aged over 65 are being told, amid the coronavirus outbreak, that it’s more important than ever to look after their own health and wellbeing

North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership says drinking alcohol can impact people’s health in so many ways.

It says regularly over-indulging can lead to problems for people over 65 such as:

● Alcohol can interfere with medication. GPS and pharmacists can advise whether it’s safe to drink alcohol when taking medication.

● Memory, balance or coordination difficulties can be made worse when drinking alcohol. This can lead to falls and accidents.

● Drinking alcohol actually leads to heat loss in the body, increasing the risk of hypothermia when a lot is consumed.

Paul Campbell, development officer at the partnership, said:“it’s been a very difficult year for everyone and it’s important people enjoy the New Year as much as possible. However, it’s important do that as safely as possible, especially as we get older.

“We know that as the festive season continues, so too does the rise in alcohol consumption. Around one in three men and nearly one in six women aged over 65 drink more than the low-risk guidelines of 14 units of alcohol in a normal week.

“While over-65s tend to drink less alcohol than younger people, there is a significant minority drinking in a way that’s harmful to their health.

“We recognise the coronavirus outbreak means people may be feeling more stressed or worried than usual, but choosing to cut back on how much you drink may help reduce related health risks and complications linked to coronavirus.”

For more tips and information about alcohol, visit www. alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/ alcohol-information