Enjoy the festive season safely

HOSPITAL chiefs are handing out advise on how to enjoy the festive season safety without having too much to drink.
Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Alcohol Awareness Team are advising adults on how to make sure they don’t ruin their big night out, or even end up in hospital, after having too much to drink.
Katie Dagnall, alcohol liaison nurse at Warrington Hospital, said: “It’s all about drinking safely. There’s a range of simple tips that people can follow which can help make sure they enjoy their night out and make sure it’s not one they’ll want to forget.
“When heading on a night out make sure you start the evening with a soft drink. You will drink much faster if you are thirsty, so have a non-alcoholic drink to quench your thirst before you start drinking alcohol.”
The team says that keeping track of consumption is important. New technology to keep track with the new NHS unit’s iPhone application launched by the Department of Health.
It is available to download from iTunes or www.nhs.uk. The new app gives users the options of tracking their drinks, working out the units in each drink and also gives feedback on drinking habits of the user. It also provides the locations of local NHS clinics and advice centres.
Katie said: “Drink slowly, take sips of your drink and not gulps. It might sound silly, but keep active on a night out by dancing or playing pool in a bar, don’t just sit and drink as when you go to stand up, you may find that the alcohol has gone to your head and you’re unsteady on your feet. It is always sensible to eat before or while you are drinking.
“If you have a full stomach then the alcohol will be absorbed more slowly. Another handy tip is to avoid salty snacks, such as chips or nuts as they make you thirst and you will drink more.
“Also try to avoid getting in ’rounds’, or top ups, as it is easy to lose track of how much you have drunk. Try pacing yourself with a non-alcoholic drink every second or third drink. It is not a race to get drunk – don’t feel pressured in to drinking.”
The team also advise having some days when you don’t drink at all.
“Our final bit of advice is to have alcohol-free days at least two days a week when you don’t drink at all,” said Katie.
“We want everyone to enjoy Christmas and not ruin it by ending up in hospital or so drunk that you do not remember it. You may think that that is something that won’t happen to you but we see people in hospital each and every year who have thought the same thing and it’s ruined their night out and Christmas for them and their families.”
Anyone with concerns about the amount they are drinking can call ADS (Addiction Dependency Solutions) on 01925 428 465 for advice.