<>_<>Is Dry July really that good for you?''' <>_<>
Is laying off the booze for a month that good for you in the long run? Source: Supplied
LEADING alcohol experts have questioned whether Dry July's all-or-nothing approach to alcohol is better for our health in the long term.
Dry July is charity fundraiser that challenges participants to go booze-free for a month, to support adults living with cancer.
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education's chief executive, Michael Thorn, says people are better off abstaining from drinking alcohol a few days a week, every week of the year.
"[Dry July] gives the impression you can rectify a long term problem by taking a month off the booze," he said.
Some drinkers tend to overcompensate for their sober month by drinking lots in August, he said.
"Taking a month off and thinking you can reward yourself later is wrong, because these are problems that accumulate over time."
Dr Stephen Parnis, vice president of the Australian Medical Association, did FebFast earlier this year and has signed up for Ocsober.
He says while these events aren't for everyone, "from first hand experience, they demonstrate that alcohol isn't essential to having fun and having a balanced, enjoyable lifestyle."
"Before, I might have had half a bottle of wine with a meal when out, and now I'll order a glass of wine, or just a beer," he said.
The number of Australians who binge drink has increased. Source: Supplied
Mr Thorn says Australia's alcohol consumption per capita is declining and the number of people abstaining from alcohol (either giving up drinking or delaying when they first start drinking) is increasing.
But there has been a significant increase in binge drinking — approximately one in five young people regularly consume more than 10 standard drinks in one sitting.
Sydney-based professional Angela Mifsud is doing Dry July for the sixth year in a row.
The 34-year-old says our heavy drinking culture initially made it difficult to give up booze.
"When Dry July comes along people would say, 'Why aren't you drinking? What's wrong with you?'" she said.
"You have to teach people, 'No I'm going to do this', and just be strong."
Ms Mifsud said some of her friends find the challenge really tough.
"We do trivia every Monday and they just won't come to the pub. They need to exclude themselves from social situations."
Doing Dry July has made Ms Mifsud more health conscious. She says her drinking has decreased, she eats far less sugar and exercises more frequently.
And while celebrations during July are the hardest, Ms Mifsud says the cause is worth it.
"At the end of the day I'm raising money for charity. It shouldn't really be that hard not to drink for a month.
"I was at the cancer ward at Westmead Hospital just last week and I thought, 'If all I have to do is give up alcohol for a month for them to have an easier experience then why not?'
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Posted by: Vipan <iamvipan@yahoo.com>
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