New Year alert for liver month
Wednesday January 2nd, 2013
Campaigners are urging the public to make dramatic cuts in their alcohol consumption this year.
After the
excesses of the holiday season, one charity wants people to make January
a dry month.
And second charity, the British Liver Trust says people should ensure they are "dry" at least three days a week.
The Trust has been running a "Love your Liver" campaign - and urges the public also keep fit and cut down on fatty food to prevent liver disease.
It is launching a national roadshow this month, designated as "Liver Awareness Month."
Trust chief executive Andrew Langford said: "It's not about a quick fix in January, to repair the liver and keep it healthy, people need to follow our three-step plan all-year round: 1) Take two to three days off alcohol every week; 2) get regular exercise; 3) cut down on sugar and fat."
Alcohol Concern on the other hand has launched a "Dry January" campaign - urging the public to take a break from the heavy drinking they may have undertaken over Christmas and the New Year.
The campaigns were backed by health minister Dr Dan Poulter.
He said: "Early identification of diseases such as liver disease will be a key priority for the NHS commissioning board.
"All three major causes of liver disease: obesity, undiagnosed infection, and harmful drinking are preventable, which is why the government is taking comprehensive action to tackle the issue, through the introduction of minimum unit pricing, and we will be introducing an alcohol consumption level check into the NHS Healthcheck for patients this year."
Tags: Diet & Food | Drug & Alcohol Abuse | Internal Medicine | UK News
Printer friendly page