alcohol

In small quantities, alcohol can actually be beneficial to health. In large quantities, on a regular basis, it can have a very serious negative effect on health. At one extreme it can kill. CIRRHOSIS of the liver, for instance, is killing an increasing number of people, as are drivers who are over the limit.

• An accepted safe limit is 28 units a week for men and 21 units for women, a unit being approximately a glass of wine, half a pint of beer or a single measure of spirit
• This recommended maximum presumes that the consumption is spread throughout the week and not consumed all at once in a ‘binge’
  
  For more information on alcohol and health visit the Department of Health Alcohol and Health website.

smoking

• Over 100,000 people die each year in the UK from smoking-related diseases
• Every cigarette you smoke can shorten your life by an average of five and a half minutes
• Babies of smokers are, on average, 200 grammes smaller than those of non smokers
• Smokers smell!

How to give up

• Stopping smoking is all about motivation. Without the real desire to give up you are unable to succeed. You must want to give up rather than feel you should give up.
• Set a date a week or so in the future when you intend to stop
• Tell all your friends, relations and work colleagues that you’re giving up on that day and ask for their support and encouragement. If at all possible, find someone to give up with you.
• When the big day comes, plan it carefully with plenty to keep you occupied. Avoid situations where the desire to smoke will be strongest such as whilst drinking.
• Finally, carefully put the money you would have spent on cigarettes on one side, each day, to save up for some special treat as a reward
  If you’ve tried everything and failed but are still keen to give up, seek help from your doctor.
  
    For more information on giving up smoking visit the NHS Giving Up Smoking website.

diet

• If your diet is lacking, your body has ways of letting you know, for example, you may be overweight or underweight or you may have a spotty complexion or constipation. Ultimately, a bad diet can lead to serious problems such as heart disease.
  
  A good diet helps fight off disease and makes you look and feel good.
  
  For more information on healthy living visit the BBC Healthy Living website.

holiday health

It is always a wise precaution to pack some essential items in case of illness on holiday.

Do choose medicines according to your needs and the country you are visiting.
If you take prescription medicines regularly remember to pack then too.

Holiday kit

• Paracetamol
• Travel sickness tablets
• Plasters
• Rehydration solutions such as Dioralyte
• Anti-diarrhoeal, eg Imodium
• High factor sunscreen; calamine lotion

Immunisation

• Always check whether you need any immunisations or malarial tablets before you travel
• Seek advice well in advance in case you need a course of injections

Other essentials to pack

• Anti-malarials
• Water purification tablets
• Insect repellent
• Condoms/other contraceptives

Medical insurance

• Arrange medical insurance
• Obtain a form E111 from the Post Office if you are travelling in Europe. This will entitle you to free or reduced cost medical care within the EU. Take the form with you on holiday. (Care can still be very expensive even with an E111 form.)
  
  For more information on travel health please visit the Department of Health Health Advice for Travellers website.

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