Pilbara Health

Go on, own up ... when was the last time you enjoyed an Alcohol Free Day or AFD?

Many people sheepishly raise their hands claiming they have an AFD after a big night out, but in terms of health benefits and managing your drinking, this really doesn't cut it.

Alcohol Free Days are an important circuit breaker for habitual drinkers, especially those who drink above recommended healthy guidelines.

According to the Federal Government's Department of Health and Ageing, to keep between the tram lines for safe drinking, men should limit themselves to no more than four standard drinks and women should consume no more than two standard drinks per day.

Although it seems women get the rough end of the stick this is by no means a hard and fast rule. Weight, fitness, fatigue levels and metabolic rate all play significant roles in how your body processes alcohol.

Sadly, statistics show men have higher rates of hospitalisation from alcohol related consumption with a staggering four per cent of deaths attributed to alcohol in areas ranging from liver cirrhosis, road injury, stroke, suicide and alcohol dependency. For women, the story is just as sobering. Those who regularly consume twice the suggested safe drinking guideline increase their risk of death by up to 40 per cent higher than non-drinkers.

Alcohol is there to be enjoyed but you owe it to your self and others to include a regular AFD to help you moderate your intake and improve your health. By incorporating at least one planned AFD and building towards a target of two per week, you're on your way to minimise harm to your body from overindulgence of alcohol.

Check out this month's calendar for more information on alcohol and what measures up to being a standard drink. It makes for sobering reading.