Health Behaviour Issues - Essay Example

Alcohol consumption is one of the most popular health behaviours in the world with the majority of people drinking almost daily. Lewis (2005) noted in Australia for instance, people take drinking as part of their meals albeit many drink wine. While not everybody consumes alcohol in large quantities daily, it was noted that many people tend to drink a few bottles after work. In short, people take drinking alcohol as leisure some are oblivious to the dangers while others know very well the repercussions.

Sadly, many of the people who are involved in drinking are very much aware of the risks that accompany such behaviours yet continue. For instance, National Health Service (NHS, n.d.) states that alcohol affects very crucial parts of the body. Among them are the brain, heart, pancreas, liver and immune system. In addition, there is the likelihood of developing cancer of the mouth, oesophagus, throat, liver and even breast cancer for women who find pleasure in this habit. Therefore, the dangers associated with alcohol consumption are quite many, and efforts ought to be put in to overcome such habits.

Drinkers are normally classified into three; low-risk drinkers, increasing-risk drinkers and high-risk drinkers. For the lower-risk, it is understood that the signs may not be evident presently but in the future, the body will react. Normally, this category of people is thought and said to be safe drinkers but Turner (2009) states that alcohol consumption can never be safe. On the other hand, increasing-risk drinkers tend to drink between three and four units daily and usually damage many parts of the body. Finally, the higher-risk category of drinkers consumes around eight units, and many times suffer from several diseases due to the affected parts.

While the writer is very aware of the risks of alcohol consumption, the health behaviour is rampant but efforts have been made in the past to overcome it. Unlike the majority of people who belong to either the increasing-risk or higher-risk category, the writer is a low-risk drinker. Having said, this does not imply it is acceptable to drink. In terms of quantity of consumption, the writer takes between one and three units. Normally, it is not always that this habit is repeated but rather is only done when there is free time. Chawla (2012) states that one way to overcome this habit is by holding a strong perception that one can indeed do so. In that regard, the writer is confident enough of overcoming this behaviour.

Having clearly understood the dangers posed by this ominous behaviour, efforts shall be made to overcome them in totality. Unlike in the past, there will be a reduction of units consumed from five to three per week. This approach is in line with Petrie’s (2011) recommendation which states that reduction is the first step. Secondly, Lewis (2005) suggested that keeping a company of teetotalers is a wise move to avoid influence. Therefore, this will be an additional step. Overall, the goal is to completely stop alcohol consumption though it cannot happen overnight. Instead, consistent efforts will see the conquering of the said behaviour. Read More