A colourless, volatile, flammable liquid

Crikey. Not so appealing when you put it like that.

An industrial solvent and fuel

Woah. Okay. Yes I do not want to put this in my body. But here’s the thing…

We don’t have alcohol marketed to us as industrial solvents or volatile liquids. They are thirst-quenchers, the epitome of fun and relaxation and the absolute must-have hand cooler on the beach. This is the trickiest part to overcome. The marketeers for beer and wine are just so good at their job. But then again, they were excellent for cigarettes too. Until Public Health Authorities told us the truth.

Cigarette adverts are now banned in the UK. You cannot even see the product before you buy it as they are hidden behind locked cupboards. And yet, alcohol is everywhere. Literally, everywhere. The prices are high, but the glossy ads are still there. Drink Aware try their hardest, but, let’s be honest, the beer on the beach grabs our attention more than the guy passed out on the street. Sadly.

Know your limits people.

So, what’s the solution to tackle the power of marketing over the next 100 days? Keep throwing out the facts; the truth about alcohol that we don’t quite accept yet.

MYTH 1: Red wine is actually good for you!

FACT 1: Well, it is all about polyphenols (they open your arteries keeping your heart healthier) but you can get the same amount (or even more) from drinking a cup of tea. Or eating 8 blueberries. Or 5 walnuts. Go figure.

So I think I may go and have myself some iced tea with blueberries and a side order of walnuts. Take that, heart! Actually, I think the above picture looks yummier today than the beer on the beach.