Don't Overindulge Over Xmas Anthem Health

The Australia Medical Association said many Australians associated heavy drinking with the festive season, but urged people to have a good time without putting their health at risk.

"Alcohol abuse is the cause of many chronic health problems including cardiovascular disease, obesity, liver disease, and brain damage, and can lead to serious health risks such as acute alcohol poisoning.

Hunter New England oral health clinical director Dr Lanny Chor said people not only ate more sugar but ate it more frequently during the Christmas period."One of the problems with the Christmas cake, chocolate-coated peanuts, candy canes, glace cherries and champagne is that there is often a continual period of eating between Christmas and New Year, exposing teeth to continuous acid attacks."

Recent World Health Organisation data showed Australians eat an average 63 kilograms of sugar each year - more than a kilogram a week.