No laughing matter

FOR many Irish women, excessive drinking is the norm.

It’s not just the hangover the follow morning that should concern them — it’s the long-term health implications, affecting fertility and increasing susceptibility to diseases such as cancer.

The Department of Health recommends that women consume less than 14 units of alcohol per week, with alcohol-free days. An alcohol binge is six or more units in one session. A unit of alcohol is defined as 10mls of pure ethanol.