Health News For South West

Send to a Friend

Friday, May 15, 2015
Grey Bruce Health Unit
Reduce your alcohol-related risks - We’ve got an App for that!

The Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season. Many people may be planning a party or a trip to the cottage with family and friends. If there is alcohol involved, a new app can help reduce the risk by helping you to say when. The new Saying When iOS app helps you think about why, when and how much you drink.

Developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in collaboration with the Ontario’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines Public Health Working Group, the new Saying When iOS app tracks the user’s drinks and urges to drink, sets weekly personal goals, reviews progress and provides helpful tips and strategies to reduce alcohol consumption. Details and a free download of the app are available at:
http://www.camheducation.ca/2014/09/29/sayingwhen_press-vimeo/.

For those who choose to drink, Canada’s Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines helps with ways that support a healthy lifestyle. Keep these guidelines in mind if you drink alcohol this weekend.

Consider these tips to reduce your alcohol-related risk:

  • As host, don't drink too much yourself!
  • Stop serving alcohol mid-way through the evening. 
  • Know how guests will be going home. Know your designated drivers. Have cash and phone numbers ready for taxis.
  • Have a plan to deal with guests who drink too much. Have someone ready to help.
  • Serve drinks yourself instead of having an open bar. Avoid doubles.
  • Be prepared for overnight guests. Have extra blankets and sleeping bags ready.
  • Serve snacks! Veggies, cheeses and light dips don't make your guests thirsty, as salty, sweet, or greasy foods do.
  • Have low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks available.
  • Don't plan physical activities, like swimming or water-skiing, when you serve alcohol. People are more prone to injury when they've been drinking.

For more information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Media Contact:

Sarah Milne
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext 1528
S.Milne@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Local Health Care News   Top

Stroke Resources Rehabilitative Care in Ontario South West Healthy Aging