Drinkers encouraged to measure up

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Measuring cups that allow people to monitor how much alcohol they are drinking are to be handed out at hospitals in Lanarkshire.

The move is part of Alcohol Awareness Week which runs from 5-11 October.

Specialist nurses will be on hand at stalls in the entrance areas of Wishaw General, Monklands and Hairmyres hospitals.

The number of people suffering alcohol-related health problems in Lanarkshire is increasing.

NHS Lanarkshire hoped the cups would help people pour more accurate measures when drinking at home.

Residents were also being encouraged to adopt a more responsible attitude to drinking by setting themselves individual challenges.

These include switching to a smaller glass of wine or a lower alcohol beer and having at least two alcohol free days a week.

Val Tallon, Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Action Team coordinator, said: "Most people enjoy alcohol responsibly, but alcohol-related health problems are on the increase in Lanarkshire and throughout Scotland.

"During Alcohol Awareness Week we are asking everyone in Lanarkshire to think about their own alcohol consumption and to try to make positive choices through a few simple and easy to follow steps."

She added: "The small changes you may make could have really big benefits."