Alcohol - Safe and Responsible Use

Introduction

In 2002, the World Health Organization identified alcohol as a leading risk factor for chronic disease.

According to Babor (2003) alcohol has been associated with over 60 different diseases or conditions including cancers, stroke, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, gall bladder disease and neuropsychiatric conditions such as organic brain disease, anxiety disorder and depression.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (2007) there is sufficient evidence that alcohol consumption increases the risk of the following: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cancer of the esophagus, liver cancer, larynx cancer, mouth and pharynx cancer.

Women who drink an average of 3 or more alcoholic drinks/day increase their risk of breast cancer by 50% and those drinking 1-2 drinks/day raise their risk by 10%.

44.3% of Simcoe Muskoka residents age 20+, reported heavy episodes of drinking in the past 12 months (CCHS, 2007).  This would indicate that many residents are not following the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines.

(A heavy drinking episode is defined by Statistics Canada as having 5 or more drinks on one occasion at least once in the past 12 months) 

We spend a considerable portion of our day at work, so the workplace is the ideal setting to provide opportunities to make healthier choices.

Be Aware – safe and responsible use of alcohol 

Resources that will inform employers and employees how to integrate healthy choices regarding alcohol into everyday life. Including posters, brochures and other educational materials. This information could be included in monthly e-bulletins, newsletters, and/or inclusion with pay cheques.

Make It Easy – healthy choices about alcohol

Resources include quizzes and surveys to evaluate drinking behaviours as well as information on low risk drinking guidelines, drug and alcohol registry of treatment and the Canadian centre on substance abuse.

Be Involved – in making a healthier workplace

Information on how to develop and sustain a wellness program in the workplace. There are also links to Smart Serve training and mocktail recipes and ideas.

Speak Out – making your workplace and community a safer place

Information to help you develop workplace alcohol policies that fit with your workplace, including a policy template.