This afternoon we both had appointments with the local GP Practice Nurse for our "New Patient Check" in order to register with the surgery.
There followed the usual blood pressure, weight, height measurements then the standard health questions.
When it came to the "How much alcohol do you consume?" question, P lied but I 'fessed up.
The nurse gently reminded me that my consumption is above the recommended levels and that perhaps I should think about cutting down.
We are both booked in for routine blood tests next week so I shall be interested to see if anything shows up to scare me.
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL How much alcohol do you consume?
ReplyDeletePATIENT Oh about three thimble fulls of beer a month.
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL You do know that that amount is way in access of the recommended intake.
PATIENT How much can I drink safely?
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL 14 units a week.
PATIENT But I don't drink units, I drink thimblefuls.
But how big are your thimbles?
DeleteThe size of a hogshead. The tell you how many "units" you are allowed but not how many hogsheads.
DeleteYour post reminded me I haven't had a checkup in a couple of years. I was due for one the week everything closed down last March (2020) and my doctor is still only seeing people virtually. I have had my blood pressure checked once since then by my dental hygienist. Luckily it was just a bit above normal.
ReplyDeleteI am supposed to have my thyroid levels checked annually but that hasn't happened since April 2019. Next week's tests should cover everything.
DeleteI can tell you now what your Doc' will say. "East less fat, eat less salt, drink less alcohol, exercise more, and loose weight". It's always the same.
ReplyDeleteWell, 4 out of those 5 are ticked off my list then!
DeleteAs I have said to you before, one of the easiest ways to reduce cholesterol is to give up alcohol.
ReplyDeleteAt my last check up the GP told me that the thyroid medication and a reduction in fat consumption had brought my cholesterol levels back to within the normal range. I have continued to keep my fat consumption down as I lost a lot of weight that I have no wish to regain. I am in no doubt though that cutting down on alcohol will also help.
DeleteTurn the questions round JayCee and ask them how much they drink or eat.
ReplyDeleteThe nurse did tell me that she never drinks alcohol at all!
DeleteProbably smokes crack cocaine instead.
DeleteGood grief. What a horribly personal question. They wouldn't dare ask that around here, but Greek doctors already know the answer.
ReplyDeleteI've given up, mostly, alcohol, for the moment. It's too damn hot. A very cold no alcohol beer does the trick, at the moment
Alcohol consumption is reported to cause a lot of the medical issues that the NHS have to deal with on a regular basis. They are fighting a losing battle to try to reduce the nation's drinking.
DeleteMind you Linda - Greeks in my experience drink a lot less than their British (or Kiwi) counter-parts. They might be LOUD but they are sober LOUD. The Greeks around here are not, in my experience, leery drunks. We never see weekend night crowds of binge drinking 18-30's - unless they have been binging on cold coffee!
DeleteI'm of the opinion that if you enjoy it then carry on. Tom did everything right all through his life and ended up with lung disease and heart problems. He has never smoked or liked alcohol and has been fit otherwise throughout. The medical profession have boxes to tick. If one thing doesn't kill you another will. Enjoy your drinks and don't worry.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
Yeah - it's about accumulating risk factors - weight, diet, exercise, smoking, family history, alcohol intake.....etc If you only have one (risk factor) then to hell with it, live. You only get one go at it.
DeleteI think you may both be right there. I have never smoked, I exercise daily and my weight is normal for my age and height. I never drink to excess or get drunk but I do enjoy my couple of glasses of wine every evening.
DeleteI aim to enjoy my remaining 20 years on this planet if I can!
Luckily i have never liked alcohol much so don't even give it a go.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to have worked well for you so far xx
DeleteWell as Billy Connoly once said, your extra years from living a healthy life are likely to prolong your life in an old folks home so why bother!! Everything in moderation I suppose!
ReplyDeleteShort and sweet so they say!
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