Dry January isn’t just for patients!
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 16th December 2021
Usually when we speak about lifestyle changes and events like Dry January we are linking these to our patients and highlighting how they can impact oral health. But what about the benefits of professionals taking the same route?
As you are probably already aware, Dry January is a challenge created by Alcohol Change UK that encourages people to give up alcohol for the whole month of January to help inspire a healthier start to the year.
But what are the benefits of giving up alcohol for professionals?
Working in dentistry can be very stressful. In fact, a survey that assessed stress levels among dental hygienists found that more than half of individuals in this profession felt stressed on a daily basis.[i]
In light of this, it’s easy to see why curling up on the sofa with a glass of wine after a tough day in practice can seem the way forward, especially if the day has left you feeling tired, unhappy and needing a pick me up. However, research suggests that drinking alcohol may actually make stress worse, especially in the long run. This is because alcohol is a natural depressant and can impact the delicate balance of chemicals and processes in your brain, sometimes resulting in long-term mental health problems.[ii]
It’s also worth considering the impact that alcohol has on health beyond the oral cavity. There are multiple conditions that may be caused or exacerbated by alcohol consumption. These include; mouth, breast and throat cancer, stroke, heart disease, liver disease and brain damage. The further effects of alcohol on mental health can also be severe, and those who drink alcohol regularly are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, perform self-harm and have suicidal thoughts.[iii]
Trouble sleeping? Alcohol can also impact the quality and length of sleep you get. This links in with decline of mental health and the development of certain physical illnesses, all of which can be made worse through lack of or poor-quality sleep.[iv]
So, as you can see, giving up alcohol is a positive step for everyone. But how can you get involved with Dry January? In 2022, Alcohol Change UK is offering people who want to take part the chance to download a free app. This app lets you set your own goals, meaning you can extend your period of no drinking far beyond January or use it to track your current alcohol consumption and formulate a programme that will work for you. It’s a fast, easy way to take on the challenge in your own way, helping you to take control over your alcohol consumption moving forward.
You can also encourage your friends and colleagues to get involved and embark on the alcohol-free life together – this is a great way to support one another and stick to your goals, especially as doing it solo can often be more challenging.
Ultimately, cutting down our alcohol consumption is something that we should all consider. It’s a great way to reduce the risk of multiple health problems, feel refreshed and keep at the top of the game – plus, we can encourage our patients to do the same, helping everyone to achieve a better, healthier lifestyle.
DIANE ROCHFORD – PRESIDENT BSDHT
CEB DIP DENT HYGIENE 1996, BSC (HONS) 2016
DENTAL HYGIENIST
For more information about the BSDHT, please visit www.bsdht.org.uk
call 01788 575050 or email enquiries@bsdht.org.uk
[i] Dentistry IQ. Career Satisfaction Survey. Coping With Stress. Link: https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-hygiene/salaries/article/16350568/career-satisfaction-survey-coping-with-stress [Last accessed October 21].
[ii] Drinkaware. Alcohol and Stress. Link: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/lifestyle/is-alcohol-a-cure-for-stress?gclid=CjwKCAjwzaSLBhBJEiwAJSRokt5N-TwXoUMnu8pV96lm3jAZq8xNhwZT9QJNAAxCxFSGPybdnnD_fhoCnmIQAvD_BwE [Last accessed October 21].
[iii] NHS. The Risks Of Drinking Too Much. Link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/the-risks-of-drinking-too-much/ [Last accessed October 21].
[iv] Sleep Foundation. Alcohol and Sleep. Link: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/alcohol-and-sleep [Last accessed October 21].
