Health Unit serves up smart drinking advice

While the holidays are a time to celebrate, consideration should be given to just how much cheer is consumed.

Brenda Stankiewicz, a public health nurse from the Sudbury and District Health Unit, recently spoke about Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, and how hosts can ensure their guests remain safe while having a good time.

According to the guidelines, “a drink” means 12 ounces of five per cent alcohol like beer, cider or coolers, five ounces of wine with 12 per cent alcohol and one-and-a-half ounces of 40 per cent liquor.

Women should not consume more than 10 a week, with no more than two drinks a day most days, and men should not consume more than 15 a week, with no more than three most days. Even on special occasions, women should not consume more than three drinks a day, and men should not consume more than four.

Anyone who is driving or using machinery, taking medication that interact with alcohol, doing dangerous physical activity, living with mental or physical health problems, living with alcohol dependence, planning to become pregnant, are responsible for the safety of others or making important decisions should refrain entirely. Pregnant women should also abstain completely.

For more information about the guidelines, visit www.sdhu.com.