Ring In The New Year By Drinking Responsibly

RALEIGH, N.C. — During the holidays, people drink more than any other time of the year, and New Year's Eve is the granddaddy of them all. If you are planning on toasting in 2002, WRAL's Health Team has some ways to safely ring in the new year.

This weekend, the New Year's festivities are sure to start and flow right into 2002. If your celebration includes alcohol, stay safe and smart.

Pace your drinking and allow time between drinks.

Do not drink on an empty stomach. Foods with fat or proteins slow alcohol absorption.

Keep track of how much you drink and know how much alcohol is poured into every glass.

Dilute distilled beverages. Do not drink them straight.

Avoid possible interactions between alcohol and other drugs including certain foods and over-the-counter medications.

Keep moving. Do not just sit down and drink all night. On average, the body metabolizes one drink per hour.

No matter what anyone tells you, after the alcohol is in your body, nothing can reverse its effects.

The calories from those drinks also add up. Twelve ounces of regular beer contains 150 calories. Five ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits both weigh in at 100 calories. A few drinks over the course of an evening can add up to 500 calories or more.

Men tend to absorb alcohol faster than women, but no matter how cautious you try to be, if you are going to drink, it is best to line up a designated driver.

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