Research has shown that, for men over 40 and women after the menopause, having one or two small drinks a day can help prevent coronary heart disease. However, it is estimated that most of the people are risking their health by drinking more than the recommended daily amount of alcohol.

In the alcohol-related German-lanauge part of this blog, I have compiled the facts about standard drinking and “at risk” drinking. A standard drink of alcohol would mean one among the below:

• 0.5 to 0.6 ounces of alcohol
• 12 ounces of beer
• 5 ounces of wine
• 1 to 1.5 ounces of liquor

The actual “at risk” consumption level is calculated based on the standard drink. Considering once among the above as a standard drink, the following are the “at risk” levels for a male and female drinker.

The consumption level of a male drinker reaches “at risk” level if he crosses 13 standard drinks per week.

The consumption level of a female drinker reaches “at risk” level if she crosses 6 standard drinks per week.

Given the above levels, it is up to the individual to ensure sensible drinking.

(the poster above is part of a new advertising campaign by the Drug and Alcohol Service for London (DASL) to highlight the physical effects of binge drinking. Apart from a stinking hangover, it warns women they will also be more prone to wrinkles, bad skin, hair loss and weight gain if they knock back too much booze.)