The Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) is appealing to adults to consider going ‘On The Dry' this January.

On The Dry is an annual campaign which aims to encourage people to give up alcohol for the entire month of January. People are asked to get sponsored for staying sober and the IHF then uses the money raised to help fight heart disease and stroke.

Over 100,000 new cases of stroke and heart disease are diagnosed in Ireland every year and these are responsible for the biggest loss of life in this country.

Aside from raising funds, there are also major benefits for those who remain sober throughout January. According to the IHF, a survey of last year's participants found that 82% felt a sense of achievement, 79% saved money and 62% said they had more energy and slept better after taking part.

"We all love the festive season - it's a month of celebrations and catching up with friends and family. As we know, it can also be a period of over-indulgence, with too many mince pies and tasty treats, often with alcohol.

"Giving your body a break after the party season is a great way to kick start a healthy new year, plus reducing your alcohol consumption will help you feel better all round. But it's not always easy to motivate yourself to take the plunge to a healthier you," commented Caroline Cullen of the IHF.

Anyone who wises to take part can sign up here and according to Ms Cullen, ‘by asking for sponsorship, you're much more likely to stick to it and get the health benefits you want'.

She pointed to the results of a survey of over 850 people in the UK who had taken part in ‘Dry January'. Six months later, those participants tended to consume alcohol less frequently, they were less likely to get drunk and they found it easier to refuse alcohol in social settings.

The IHF also pointed out that if people want to lose weight in 2016 - one of the most common New Year resolutions - they will be more successful if they cut out alcohol.

"To avoid regaining weight lost, gradually resume alcohol consumption and do not exceed 11 standard drinks per week if you are a woman and 17, if you are a man," the foundation said.

It added that every euro raised as part of On The Dry will be used to support the IHF's prevention programmes aimed at children, adults and local communities.

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