5 July 2018

Throughout July, Whanganui District Health Board is running a DrinkCheck Month campaign to remind Whanganui residents about appropriate alcohol use and how people can empower themselves to make informed choices for better health.

Four events have been organised throughout the month – the first being the 5 July FASD-Informed Practice Workshop which looked at Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. This was completely booked out says WDHB health promotion officer Chester Penaflor who was delighted with the turnout.

The second event is the Relapse Prevention Group Open Day on 10 July at Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority (TOIHA), 57 Campbell St from 10am to 12 pm.

Hosted by Te Oranganui, the Open Day is for the general public (clients, family members and health professionals) to learn about the Relapse Prevention Group, how it works and why it works.

Attendees can experience group interventions, ask questions, learn about coping strategies from people with ‘lived-experience’ of addictions, share success stories and learn about other support groups in the community.

Later in the month, Mr Penaflor is setting up two stalls in Trafalgar Square. The Effects of Alcohol stall, 18 July from 10am – 2pm is where he will discuss the effects of alcohol on body parts, the health effects of acute alcohol use, the health conditions related to chronic alcohol use, and the effects of alcohol on other people and populations. Low-risk drinking advice is also outlined with information about where to find support and further information.

Is your drinking OK? is the topic for the second stall in Trafalgar Square, 25 July from 10am – 2pm where Mr Penaflor will provide those who stop by with appropriate information about their alcohol use including opportunities to empower themselves to make informed choices for better health.

The DrinkCheck includes:

▪ the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test

▪ interpretation of score.

▪ low-risk drinking advice for adults.

▪ coping strategies. What can you do now?

▪ contra-indications. When should you not drink?

▪ understanding Standard Drinks (SD).

▪ contacts for help.

Anyone interested in familiarising themselves with the DrinkCheck or wanting training on how to use it as a brief intervention tool, is welcome to contact Mr Penaflor on 06 348 3150.

To access the Health Promotion Agency’s DrinkCheck drink quiz please click on the following link: https://www.alcohol.org.nz/quiz