The Chief Public Health Office and the Liquor Control Commission are encouraging Islanders to follow the Canadian Centre of Substance Abuse’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.
The guidelines were developed to help Canadians moderate their alcohol consumption and reduce immediate and long-term alcohol-related harm. The guidelines recommend that adults of legal drinking age do not consume more than two drinks a day or 10 per week for women, and three drinks a day or 15 per week for men.
“Consuming alcohol is a personal choice, and if you are choosing to drink these guidelines help to promote a culture of moderation,” said Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
At least half of all alcohol consumed in Canada is consumed in excess of Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines. If Canadian drinkers were drinking alcohol within the guidelines, it is estimated that alcohol-related deaths would be reduced by approximately 4,600 each year.
The campaign includes infographics shared on Facebook and Twitter highlighting safe drinking tips with the hashtag #safedrinkingtips, including:
• What is a drink? 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of spirits are all equal amounts of alcohol.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, eat before and while you drink.
• Zero is the limit when it comes to drinking alcohol during pregnancy, when taking medications, or participating in sports or dangerous physical activity.
• For every drink of alcohol, have one non-alcoholic drink.
• If you choose to drink on special occasions, reduce your risk of injury and harm by drinking no more than 3 drinks for women and 4 drinks for men.
• Discuss with your son or daughter the benefits of delayed drinking.
For more information on Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines visit www.ccsa.ca.