Simple steps to SAFER DRINKING

Is alcohol harming your health? Here's how to spot the signs and what you can do about it

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Do you like a glass of wine with your dinner? Or a gin and tonic to wind down after a busy day? Or is no celebration complete without breaking open a bottle of bubbly? You're not alone. Many of us like a drink - and in moderation that's not a problem. But it can be easy for a glass or two to slip into three or four and that can bring health issues.

Recent figures suggest a hidden epidemic of alcoholism among middle-aged and retired people, putting them at risk of a host of diseases, including cancer and depression.

Latest NHS figures show that 23% of women aged 55-64 drink more than the recommended number of units of alcohol a week (see right).

CUT BACK ON BOOZE

If you want to drink less, rather than cutting out alcohol completely, there are steps that you can take, says Michaela Weaver, founder of The Alcohol Coach*.

Stick to your tipple

Decide on one spirit, wine or beer to drink all night. You will be less tempted to mix and will know exactly what you are consuming.

Mix it up

Consider swigging water between drinks, or switch to shandy or white wine spritzers, advises Dr Deborah Lee from the Dr Fox Online Pharmacy**. This decreases the amount of alcohol you consume, hydrates you and curbs a hangover.