More than 23 per cent of the Bega Valley Shire residents are deemed risky drinkers and more than 20 per cent admit to smoking.
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The Mitchell Institute has revealed 23.3 per cent of people in the Bega Valley Local Government Area drink more than advised. That is people aged above 15 years who have reported average alcohol consumption of more than two standard drinks per day over the past year.
A similar rate of people admit to smoking, with 22.9 per cent of the population self-reported smokers. That is people aged above 14 years who, at the time of interview, said they were a current daily or at least once-a-week smoker.
The statistics are similar for Bombala, with 20.2 per cent of Snowy Monaro residents admitting to heavy drinking and 19.9 per cent admitting to smoking.
These rates are similar right across the South Coast. Eurobodalla has 21.9 per cent of people categorised as risky drinkers, compared to 18.8 per cent in the Shoalhaven. Kiama is in between, with 22.4 per cent of people reporting more than two standard drinks a day.
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About 20 per cent of South Coast people smoke. In Eurobodalla, 21.9 per cent of people smoke at least once a week, compared to 21.6 per cent in the Shoalhaven. Interestingly, the number is significantly lower in Kiama, with just 15.9 per cent admitting to smoking.
The institute reported 18.2 per cent of Australians were deemed "heavy" drinkers. The 2025 target is 16.1 per cent. The same data reports 16.1 per cent of the population are smokers, the 2025 target is five per cent.
The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends no more than two standard drinks a day and to avoid binge drinking. It is advised to have two-alcohol free days weekly and to choose low-alcohol drinks.
The Cancer Council advises the combined effects of smoking and alcohol greatly increase the risk of cancer. Up to 75 per cent of cancers of the upper airway and digestive tract can be related to alcohol and smoking.
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Grace Ryan
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
