Why going dry after tonight can give you a New Year boost
CAMPAIGN TO GIVE UP BOOZE FOR JANUARY
COUNCILS across the North East are encouraging residents to go booze-free in January.
The Dry January push comes as part of a campaign with Balance North East – which strives to encourage people to reduce their alcohol consumption – and reduce the impact that alcohol is having on the region as a whole.
And residents across the North East are also being encouraged by local authorities to download a free Try Dry app to improve their chances of success.
Bosses from Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council,
North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council, Durham County Council, Sunderland City Council and Northumberland County Council have all backed the campaign.
The New Year is always a chance for a fresh start – and a month away from drinking alcohol can deliver an abundance of health benefits including lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes and lower cholesterol to name a few.
An intervention with alcoholic consumption can also help participating parties lose weight.
A standard glass of red wine comes in at around 160 calories according to British charity Alcohol Change – which equates to roughly four Jaffa Cakes.
A pint of lager can contain around 220 calories, the same as a Mars Bar.
Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy City, Coun Kelly Chequer, said: “Starting the new year with a month off alcohol by taking part in Dry Janu
ary is a great way to start 2022.
“It helps to break habits, form new ones and can help to reset our relationship with alcohol.
“Alcohol is linked to seven different types of cancer, so cutting down reduces our risks and can help us to lose weight, get fitter and feel more alert.
“Dry January can give our bodies a chance to recover but can also have unexpected benefits like helping you sleep better and save money.”
Head of Alcohol Policy for Balance, Susan Taylor, added: “It can be hard to break drinking habits but millions of people will be doing Dry January and hoping to feel the benefits.
“Taking a month off alcohol can give you more energy, make you feel more positive, sleep better and help you lose weight. People who take part often say they feel invigorated and don’t miss a night drinking.
“Equally important is that taking time off alcohol can help reset your
relationship with alcohol and help you cut down your drinking longer term. However stressful things might feel, alcohol is never the answer and never going to make us feel better.
“Too much alcohol raises the risks of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
“It is fantastic to see how many people took part last January and we hope thousands of people give it a go again this year.”
She contined: “As well as supporting Dry January, this year Balance will also be launching an alcohol health harms campaign from December 27.
“This to counter the worrying numbers of people drinking at risky levels in our region.
“We know people who are more aware of the risks are more likely to take a break from drinking – just like tobacco, alcohol causes cancer and people have a right to know this.”
This comes after a successful campaign launched by Balance in November – targeting alcohol-related cancer.
The campaign highlighted that alcohol is known to cause at least seven types of cancer including breast, bowel, mouth and throat cancer.
The North East also has the country’s highest rates with regards to alcohol-related hospitalisations and even deaths across the country.
For anyone dependent on alcohol, stopping drinking can be dangerous. Speak to a GP who will be able to get help for you to reduce your drinking safely, call Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 or speak to a GP who will be able to get help for you to reduce your drinking safely.