Is Dry July good for men’s health?
Dry July is almost here again. It’s a fundraising campaign to challenge social drinkers to change their habits for a month and make healthy lifestyle changes.
According to the Ten to Men Study, around one-third of Australian men engage in alcohol consumption at levels associated with medium or high risk of experiencing related harms, which include accidents, injuries and alcohol-related cancers.
Men also account for 7 in 10, alcohol-related deaths, with close to 25 men dying each week from alcohol-induced deaths according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
So, is Dry July a good way for men to improve their health by taking a short, 4-week break from the booze?
The power of reciprocity
Dry July is certainly a great example of how men can help others and help themselves at the same time, a process known as reciprocity. It all began in July 2008 when three mates, Brett, Kenny, and Phil, decided to take a break from alcohol for a month. They had the modest goal of raising $3,000 to buy a TV for their local hospital’s waiting room. They raised $250,000, thanks to the support of comedian Adam Spencer, now Dry July’s patron.
Raising money for men’s health
Since then, Dry July has gone from strength to strength, and now you can choose to raise money for a male-focused charity such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) if you want to. So, taking part in Dry July really can be good for men’s health.
Over 25,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Money raised for the PCFA during Dry July helps ensure that men and families who need it have the support of a PCFA nurse.
Is stopping drinking good for you?
The team at Dry July says that going alcohol-free for a month has great health benefits, with participants reporting better sleep, more energy and productivity, and, of course, no hangovers!
Here are some of the benefits you could experience by going dry this July:
Clearer Head
More Energy
Sleeping Better
Weight Loss
Healthier Skin
Sense of Achievement
The long-term benefits of a short break
Dry July claims that taking part in the annual fundraiser can have long-lasting benefits, with the month-long event a catalyst for positive change. They say it's not just about giving up alcohol - there's a sense of purpose and achievement that comes from raising funds for a worthy cause.
74% changed their outlook on alcohol
97% had a positive experience
92% have considered going alcohol-free permanently
79% will drink less
Dry July Health Warning
Of course, moderating your intake of alcohol is a healthy idea all year round. While the focus of the campaign is to stop drinking, Dry July also encourages people to drink responsibly and stick to the recommended daily guidelines for the rest of the year. They also advise heavy drinkers or people dependent on alcohol to speak with their GP before signing up to the event.
FIND OUT MORE: https://www.dryjuly.com/