One bottle of wine a week

[moomoomummy]

I have just registered with a new GP , having recently moved abroad. She took a detailed medical history which included her asking me how much alcohol I drank. I proudly told her that I drink a bottle of wine a week, over four nights. Always having three alcohol days per week.Making my intake around 8 units per week. I was feeling pretty smug until she talked to me for 5 minutes about how I needed to reduce it to drinking only 2 days per week, 2 units per day, reducing down to 1 unit per day ie having a total of 2 units per week. Then I should think about cutting it out completely. She supported this advice with facts like - your body doesn't need alcohol, it affects your sleep, ages you and increases your risk of stroke. All of which I accept is true. I am in the medical profession and appreciate this advice but cannot stop thinking about it. I am otherwise healthy, good weight and eat very well. So your thoughts please as to whether you think its too heavy handed and this approach is likely to just alienate patients or whether you think I have my head in the sand and don't want to change my habits because I don't like what I am hearing.

[timeforabrewnow]

You're well within the recommended limits. I would ignore and enjoy.

[Kleptronic]

Perhaps she's going on the assumption that many people minimise the amount they're drinking, and advising on the basis of that assumption.

[VulcanWoman]

I do the same as you. When I had my health check, they asked but didn't make a comment. I thought a bottle a week was fine, I drink with my meal, I think the nurse is advising an unrealistic target, wonder if she drinks at all or if this is a new thing they are advising at health checks.

[SanityClause]

I do similar to you. I drink on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, unless there is some special occasion.

I thought that was quite good!

[SanityClause]

(I mean, I have my one bottle over those three days.)

[moomoomummy]

I thought I was doing so well.... About to crack open a bottle of red to console myself. Its evening here, so don't be alarmed!

[eurochick]

Well that's not following the official guidelines. I'm sure we would all live longer if we had no vices at all but Christ wouldn't it be dull?! A bottle a week sounds fine to me.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

You are abroad different countries have widely different recommendations so she may be following the recommended protocol where you are.
Or you could be somewhere the level is drinking is very low, but each GP is supposed to advise even lower.

[SanityClause]

Ooh, where are you moomoo? I'm currently in Australia, visiting elderly parents, and it's evening here, too.

[moomoomummy]

Yes I am in Aus, Sunshine Coast. Guidelines are the same as UK - checked them as soon as I got home. I am not going to give up as life would be too boring. I swear I saw her swigging from a can of Fosters as I left the surgery...

[Bonkerz]

My drinking habits have changed recently. I used to be a dreaded binge drinker. Once a month having excessive amount on a night out (easily 30+ units) and then nothing till next binge.
I'm not bi gong anymore but I do have a drink maybe 5/7 nights. Just one bottle of cider (2 units) per night.
Recent check with nurse and I explained my change and she said that it was preferable to not binge drink