Latest news with #Drinkaware
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders star shows off weight loss transformation after diet swap
The former BBC soap star looked almost unrecognisable in the social media post An ex-EastEnders star has said that making one significant life change has helped her feel like herself again. This lifestyle adjustment may help others lose weight and reduce their risk of serious health problems like heart and liver disease. Lorraine Stanley, known best for her role on EastEnders as Karen Taylor between 2017 and 2024, posted a picture on her Instagram feed from an event last night (June 2). In it, she can be seen wearing a kaftan she bought in Barcelona airport for "less than £30". She added: "[This is the] first time I've worn it, I love it! Thanks for all the beautiful comments." The 48-year-old received a wave of positive comments on how well she looked, including her former EastEnders co-star Diane Parish, known for playing Denise Fox, who commented: "You look incredible!" And James Bye, who played Martin Fowler until recently in the soap, posted: "Look at you skinny minny!" According to reports, Lorraine managed to achieve her five-stone weight loss since leaving the soap with help from a gastric sleeve operation. But another lifestyle change has also contributed to the mum-of-one's new lease of life. She's banished alcohol from her diet and has swapped booze for non-alcoholic options. Taking to her Instagram story to upload the same image posted onto her main feed, she added: "I'm five months sober and still had a good night dancing! #Sobriety." Lorraine publicly shared her journey toward sobriety. She has said that being sober has not stopped her from having fun and enjoying social events. What can avoiding alcohol do for your health and weight? According to Drinkaware, cutting out alcohol completely has many health benefits. These include reducing blood pressure and improving sleep in the short term, as well as many other important, longer-term health benefits. Cutting alcohol from your life reduces the risk of developing serious alcohol-related diseases. Giving up drinking could help your liver and should reduce the chances of developing liver disease, as long hasn'thasn't already been irreversibly damaged. Drinkaware also claims that stopping your alcohol intake could lower the risk of: Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure Liver disease Sexual dysfunction Gut problems If you're overweight and regularly drink alcohol, you will likely find that you lose weight if you stop drinking. And, not drinking at all will make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Alcoholic drinks contain lots of 'empty' calories, Drinkaware says, meaning your body doesn't get any nutritional value from alcohol. Drinkaware gave the example that "a typical pint of lager or a large glass of wine contains the same number of calories as more than half a cheeseburger". If you're worried about your drinking, Drinkaware has a list of support networks and resources to help. There are dedicated phone lines or online chat rooms that can provide people with the help they need.
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Britons are more likely to spend a first date on a RUN than in a bar as sober Gen Z ditch boozy meetups, research reveals
When picking a date location in times gone by, a bar or a pub was likely the first port of call. However, preferences appeared to have since shifted because Britons are now choosing to spend a first date running rather than in a bar, a new survey has found. In a poll completed by UK Amazon workers as part of Amazon's Chatterbox series, one in four participants would prefer to exercise on a first date, twice the number of those preferring to visit a bar or pub. Meanwhile, one in ten claimed they'd rather go on a run or visit the gym for a first date, while nine per cent said they'd pick an activity to get to know the other person, like bowling. A fitness focus in dating was even more prevalent among Generation Z, with one in ten 18-24-year-olds agreeing that a run would be their perfect first date. It comes as an increasing number of Gen Z are turning their backs on alcohol, with 21 per cent of under-25s saying last year that they did not drink – up from 14 per cent in 2017, according to the latest annual survey in the UK by the Drinkaware charity. Avid runner and Amazon worker Stephen Hathaway, 26, from Bristol, runs four times a week and said he would be happy to take a date for a run. He said: 'The hardest thing about dating is the anxiety around it, especially on how you're going to break the ice - and on a run, you don't need to worry about that. 'You might be sweaty and fighting for breath at times, but that is going to break down the tension a lot quicker than if you were in a bar on your best behaviour, trying to make small talk - which can feel robotic and tense. 'Plus, you get a high after about half an hour of running, which makes you feel naturally more confident. So, if you go for a drink afterwards, [the] conversation is going to flow. 'I think it's important to show your real self on a date and not take yourself too seriously. 'If you go in knowing full well you're not going to look your best, then you'll break down those walls between you much more quickly.' However, 21-year-old Farida Rizk, who works at Amazon's Fulfilment Centre in Coalville, challenged Stephen's viewpoint. She said: 'If I went on a jogging date, I'd be sweating, panting, and fully focussed on not tripping over. [It's] not exactly the first impression I'm aiming for. 'A first date should be a nice meal or a couple of drinks somewhere where you can actually talk and get to know the person. You want to come across as charming - not gasping for air. 'Sure, gym couples are having their moment - it's definitely a trend. But if we're being real, most people would secretly rather be on the sofa with a takeaway. That's the kind of love language I can get behind. 'One of my friends actually met her boyfriend through a running club, and I was genuinely baffled. How do you even flirt mid-run? I'd be too focused on not dying to make conversation.' She concluded: 'Honestly, if I'm lacing up my runners for a first date, I must really like you.' Discussing the findings, dating expert Millie Shields said: 'Dating apps can be a struggle, especially when conversations fizzle out, messages are vague or inconsistent, and no one seems serious about meeting up. 'That's why more people are ditching the pub and opting for something more intentional - like going for a run on a first date. 'It's no surprise people are saying they're most likely to meet a future partner at the gym or a running club, as seen in a recent poll of Amazon workers as part of its Chatterbox series. 'People are moving away from the swipe-and-chat culture and gravitating toward more meaningful, in-person connections. 'That's why running dates are on the rise - they allow for real conversations, shared interests, and actual chemistry. 'Dating apps can feel performative, with people curating versions of themselves. Now, it's less about swiping and more about meeting through shared values. How to ditch the bar and go on a more active first date, according to dating expert Millie Shields 'Number one is definitely deodorant. Don't forget that. 2. Don't worry about hair and makeup When it comes to hair and makeup, focus on what makes you feel comfortable. If you're heading to a bar or club, you might go all out, but it's not essential. Amazon's Chatterbox survey shows only 25 per cent of Gen Z say looks were a top priority - and sometimes pulling your hair back and going barefaced shows confidence, which is more attractive than trying too hard. 3. Wear what's comfortable When it comes to running gear, wear what feels right for you. If someone judges you based on your trainers, they're not the right person. But if you've been dying to wear those new trainers, now is the perfect time - don't leave them gathering dust in your cupboard. 4. Leave your tunes at home Why have you gone to a run club if you're going to wear headphones? It's about socialising. So leave the AirPods at home. The Chatterbox survey by Amazon shows the third most common reason people join a running club is to meet a potential partner, so leave the AirPods at home. 5. Fake it until you make it If you're not feeling confident about striking up conversations, fake it until you make it. It can be uncomfortable at first, but that's where the growth happens. Even if no connections are made, you've stepped out of your comfort zone, which is an important win.'
Dublin Live
05-05-2025
- Health
- Dublin Live
Ireland drink drive calculator: How long to wait if you've had beer, gin or wine over bank holiday
Ireland's May bank holiday is in full swing, with loads of people taking advantage of the extra day off. But amidst all the fun, there's a serious message for drivers - beware of driving the morning after a night of drinking. Morning time can be risky for those who've had a few drinks the night before, and An Garda Síochána's increase in early-morning checkpoints across the country reflects this danger. The guards are making their presence known this bank holiday, cracking down hard on the big four "lifesaver offences" - being under the influence at the wheel, speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving. Drinkaware - Ireland's leading charity tackling alcohol misuse - warns that only time will sober you up, reports the Irish Mirror. No amount of food, coffee or sleep will speed up the process of alcohol leaving your body. The charity's CEO, Dearbhla O'Brien, notes that boozing at home, which has spiked because it's cheaper given the cost-of-living crisis, could make it tougher to judge how much you're necking. She explains: "As the cost of living rises, consumer habits are changing and more of us are drinking at home than in pubs and restaurants, and this comes with additional challenges in moderating our drinking. When drinking at home, it becomes easier to over-pour and lose track of how much we're drinking. At home, there's less restraint, and people may not be as aware of the quantity of alcohol they're consuming, leading to overconsumption." Drinkaware is issuing a call to action for increased awareness around the dangers of drink-driving. Dearbhla emphasised: "Just because you've stayed in doesn't mean you're safe to drive the next morning. Alcohol can stay in your system longer than you might think. Drinkaware's online drink-driving calculator can help you assess when it's safe to drive after drinking." Based on Drinkaware data, processing one standard drink takes no less than an hour. A half pint of beer, a 100ml glass of wine, or a standard shot of spirits are each considered one standard drink. Notably, a typical pint of beer counts as two standard drinks, meaning the body requires approximately two hours to metabolise a single pint. The calculation begins the moment you have your last drink. So, should someone down three pints of beer by midnight – that's six standard drinks – they must wait six hours from that point before sobering up sufficiently to drive, making 6am the earliest advisable time to hop into the driver's seat. If you're concerned about potentially being over the limit post-May bank holiday, look no further because Drinkaware offers an alcohol calculator designed to estimate the necessary duration for your body to clear the drinks you've had. 6 pints of lager/stout If you end up having 6 pints of Guinness, Heineken, Carlsberg or some other lager or stout in and around 4.5%, according to Drinkaware you can't drive for 12 hours after you finish your last drink. So if you head to bed at midnight, you can't drive until noon the following day. 1 bottle of wine If you polish off one bottle of red or white wine you will have to stay off the road for eight hours after you finish, according to Drinkaware. 8 gin and tonics Drinking eight gin and tonics would mean no driving for 8 hours after your final drink. 5 pints and 5 vodkas with mixers Some people going for a proper wild night could be drinking pints in the house for the day before going to the pub and switching to vodka. This one could have you feeling particularly bad the next day and that is reflected in how long you have to stay off the road. According to Drinkaware, you will have to avoid driving for 15 hours after your last drink. Calculate your own Some of the examples above involve very harmful levels of drinking. These figures above are estimates. The only way to remove alcohol from your system is time, no amount of food or water will speed up the process, say Drinkaware. If you want to calculate your own, head over to this page. Binge drinking is defined as consuming 60 grams of pure alcohol - six or more standard drinks - in one sitting. This is the equivalent of three pints of cider (568ml), six bottles of lager (330ml) or four glasses of prosecco (150ml). You can find further information, advice and useful resources on Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
Irish Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish drink calculator tells when you can drive again after beer, gin or wine
The May bank holiday is in full swing, with many people across Ireland enjoying a well-earned extra day off work today. But as the celebrations continue, drivers are being reminded of a serious risk - getting behind the wheel the morning after drinking alcohol. The morning after drinking can be particularly dangerous for drivers, and gardai say this is reflected in the number of early-morning checkpoints they will be conducting. Gardai have been out in force this bank holiday weekend, on the lookout for four "lifesaver offences" - Driving under the influence, speed, non-wearing of seatbelts and mobile phone use. Drinkaware, the national independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse in Ireland, is stressing that time is the only way to sober up. No amount of food, coffee or sleep will speed up the process of alcohol leaving your body. CEO Dearbhla O'Brien said the shift toward drinking at home - now more common due to rising living costs - can make it harder to monitor intake. She said: "As the cost of living rises, consumer habits are changing and more of us are drinking at home than in pubs and restaurants, and this comes with additional challenges in moderating our drinking. When drinking at home, it becomes easier to over-pour and lose track of how much we're drinking. At home, there's less restraint, and people may not be as aware of the quantity of alcohol they're consuming, leading to overconsumption." Drinkaware is urging people to be mindful of drink-driving risks. Dearbhla continued: "Just because you've stayed in doesn't mean you're safe to drive the next morning. Alcohol can stay in your system longer than you might think. Drinkaware's online drink-driving calculator can help you assess when it's safe to drive after drinking." According to Drinkaware, it takes at least one hour to process one standard drink. Examples of a standard drink are half a pint of beer, 100ml glass of wine, or a standard measure of spirits. An average pint of beer equals two standard drinks. This means it will take your body two hours to process one pint of beer. Drinkaware says the time starts from when the last drink is finished. For example, if a person finished three pints of beer at midnight, they will have consumed six standard drinks. This means they need six hours from midnight when they stopped drinking before their body will have processed the alcohol and they should not get behind the wheel of a car until 6am at the earliest. Worried you could be over the limit after the May bank holiday weekend? Drinkaware has an alcohol calculator that will tell you how long it will take to process the amount of drink you have. If you end up having 6 pints of Guinness, Heineken, Carlsberg or some other lager or stout in and around 4.5%, according to Drinkaware you can't drive for 12 hours after you finish your last drink. So if you head to bed at midnight, you can't drive until noon the following day. If you polish off one bottle of red or white wine you will have to stay off the road for eight hours after you finish, according to Drinkaware. Drinking eight gin and tonics would mean no driving for 8 hours after your final drink. Some people going for a proper wild night could be drinking pints in the house for the day before going to the pub and switching to vodka. This one could have you feeling particularly bad the next day and that is reflected in how long you have to stay off the road. According to Drinkaware, you will have to avoid driving for 15 hours after your last drink. Some of the examples above involve very harmful levels of drinking. These figures above are estimates. The only way to remove alcohol from your system is time, no amount of food or water will speed up the process, say Drinkaware. If you want to calculate your own, head over to this page. Binge drinking is defined as consuming 60 grams of pure alcohol - six or more standard drinks - in one sitting. This is the equivalent of three pints of cider (568ml), six bottles of lager (330ml) or four glasses of prosecco (150ml). You can find further information, advice and useful resources on
The Independent
31-01-2025
- Health
- The Independent
How to stay dry(ish) post January
Dry January may be over, but the focus on mindful drinking shouldn't be. For those who participated, the past month offered a chance to reset and reflect on our relationship with alcohol. But how do we maintain these healthier habits throughout the year? Here are ten tips to help you keep the momentum going: 1. Reflect The most important part of the Dry January challenge is the personal insight we can gain about our own relationship with alcohol. 'If you've had a fully alcohol-free 31 days, taking stock of all the benefits you've experienced, the money you've saved, the hobbies and activities you've enjoyed sans-booze, hurdles faced and more importantly, how you overcame them will help you make decisions about if, when and how much alcohol you drink in future,' says Dr Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK. 2. Set a goal Big goals like 'cutting down' are great, but often it's the small changes that make the most impact. 'Your first step could be having an extra drink-free day in the week, only having one drink after dinner, or having soft drinks on a visit to the pub,' suggests Graeme Callander, policy lead at WithYou, a charity that provides support and advice for people struggling with drug, alcohol and mental health issues. 3. Keep a diary Before you start making any drastic changes, it's helpful to know exactly how you usually drink on a weekly basis. 'I suggest keeping a drinks diary to understand what you are drinking, in what quantity, where and when. After a week or two, you'll have a picture of your habits,' advises Callander. 'This will help you understand where to cut down, as well as allowing you to measure your progress.' 4. Buy less at the shops 'It can be tempting to buy in bulk when we're at the shops, but this makes it easy to drink more than you planned,' says Callander. 'For that reason, think about your goals and only buy what you're planning to drink.' 5. Plan non-drinking activities 'If you know you're prone to drinking a lot on the weekend, think about how you can limit that,' says Piper. 'This might be picking up a new hobby, doing activities that don't revolve around alcohol or connecting with others who are trying to cut back to share the experience.' 6. Choose no and low-alternatives 'Alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks can be a fantastic option if you're looking for a way to cut down on your drinking,' says Karen Tyrell, CEO at Drinkaware. 'There's now a wider selection and better tasting options available than ever before.' 7. Download the MyDrinkaware app 'To help support your commitment to reducing your drinking, the MyDrinkaware app can help you set personalised targets, send reminders for drink-free days when you want them, and build a tailored action plan to keep you on track,' says Tyrell. 8. Make your intentions known 'Whether you are taking a break completely, or just having some time off, it's a good idea to tell your family and friends,' recommends Tyrell. 'Frequently reminding yourself and the people close to you why you want to stop or cut back your drinking can help keep you on track, and may even encourage someone else to cut down.' 9. Identify your triggers 'Identify the triggers which make you want to drink,' advises Dr David McLaughlan, consultant psychiatrist and addictions specialist from Priory and co-founder of the Curb Health app. 'Then develop a plan to manage or avoid those triggers.' 10. Have a support network 'You could even make a joint plan with your partner, friends or colleagues,' suggests McLaughlan. 'Last year, Curb undertook a study funded by the government's research and innovation body, InnovateUK. 'We found that when users gave up alcohol in groups or told others that they were giving us alcohol, they experienced an increase in their will power. It was almost as if they were able to selectively harness the power of peer pressure as they didn't want to let others down by drinking.'
