Monday, May 2, 2011

BMA Scotland warning over alcohol risks

Cans of lager on sale  
Doctors said a significant proportion of the adult population was at risk of health problems
Doctors have warned that a "significant proportion" of adults are risking alcohol-related health problems.
A BMA Scotland survey suggested that on one day last month GPs saw more than 5,500 patients where alcohol had contributed to their ill health.
The study claimed that alcohol was a factor in 6% of all GP consultations.
The BMA urged politicians on the campaign trail to outline how they would tackle alcohol misuse in the next Scottish Parliament.
Dr Alan McDevitt, deputy chairman of the BMA's Scottish General Practitioners Committee, said: "Those who suffer from alcohol-related health problems are not just alcoholics or heavy binge drinkers.
"By regularly drinking over and above recommended limits, a significant proportion of the adult population is at risk of experiencing health problems that are linked to the alcohol they consume, whether it is high blood pressure, breast cancer or even domestic abuse."
Drink driving
The British Medical Association study was based on a sample of 31 practices from across Scotland.
It said that each day alcohol would cost Scotland £97.5m in terms of health, violence and crime.
On one day an average 98 people would be admitted to hospital with an alcohol-related condition, while 23 people would commit a drink driving offence, it said.
Other health organisations backed the BMA's call for action to tackle the country's alcohol problem.

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