Health unit reminds the community of safe drinking habits as the holiday season gets underway

Wine is poured into a wineglass. (skynesher/E+/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

With the holiday season upon us and festivities already underway, that can create ripe conditions for people to indulge in a beverage or two. But the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding the public to practice moderation this holiday season.

According to Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, the more someone drinks, the more they are at risk of short and long-term negative health effects, including several cancer types like breast and colorectal, heart disease, liver damage, alcohol dependence, and injuries from violence or car accidents.

Hosting a holiday celebration? The health unit suggests centering the get-together on something other than drinking like fun activities or entertainment. It also recommends offering guests non-alcoholic beverages as an alternative and to serve food.

The health unit says the choice to drink in moderation helps not just personal well-being but it can have an impact other positively as well, in particular young people.

The manager of the health unit’s Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction program Mia Brown says, “For adults who drink, modelling responsible drinking or choosing not to drink at all can make a real difference.”

“Young people are influenced by the adults around them, and positive examples can help delay their alcohol use and support a healthier relationship with alcohol later in life,” she continues.

Some tips the SMDHU recommends for how to model safe drinking habits is to set limits, prevent overpouring, avoid getting intoxicated, show that events can be fun without alcohol, and practice a healthy lifestyle.

For more resources on safer drinking choices, go to smdhu.org/LetsTalkOverDrinks.