And they appeal: Don't let it be an almayday. In theory, May Day begins on May 1, but this year the layout of the calendar means that by taking three days off we can have up to nine days to rest from our professional obligations. If we use this time for relaxation and physical activity it will have a positive impact on our mental health, for example. - Long weekends are characterized by the fact that we drink more than usual, which influences the fact that barbecues or family picnics cannot be imagined without beer, wine or stronger spirits, says psychologist Sebastian Kolanski. Psychiatrists are outraged that discounters and retail chains have not stopped promoting alcohol for May Day.
Alcohol promotions outrage doctors
Published April 29, 2024 09:32
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"If we have a long weekend we drink more because there are more days off," he said.
Statistically, up to 50% of the budget we have for May vacation will be spent on alcohol. These are frightening statistics that confirm the fears of doctors and experts of the District Medical Chamber in Szczecin. May Day is increasingly turning into an alcove, and this has a negative impact on what our leisure habits are.
- I have serious concerns about stimulants on May Day. Many people reach for alcohol because they only associate the use of stimulants with relaxation, rest and the ability to get off their feet after a hard time at work. Consuming alcohol, drugs or psychostimulants is not good for our health, on the contrary," says Teresa Zalewska, a psychiatrist.
- He observes that the number of people who consume alcohol on weekends is increasing. They think it's not a problem because they only drink on Fridays or Saturdays, but they look forward to that day, which means they are already somewhat used to alcoholism. If we have a long weekend we drink more, because there are more days off," adds Teresa Zalewska.
- The social connotation that alcohol is entertainment can cause us to lose vigilance against the dangers that excessive consumption can cause. It's hard to call the fact of unlimited alcohol consumption on long weekends, May Day, holidays or vacations a healthy habit. Many addictions begin with drinking "occasionally," adds psychologist Sebastian Kolanski.
Alcohol promotions outrage doctors. "A socially harmful marketing practice."
Alcohol promotion should be banned, and it is still taking place. We are talking about promotions: "buy 12 beers and receive 12 as a gift" or "the more beers you buy, the lower the price". This is an encouragement to consume more alcohol.
- We don't buy to stock up. What we take with us from the discount store before May Day will probably be consumed on May Day," says Teresa Zalewska, a psychiatrist.
- This is an incredibly harmful marketing practice. We cannot demand that the public be abstinent on May Day, but we also cannot allow practices that will contribute to the public consuming more alcohol. I am surprised by the slowness of the Government's action on this issue. Unfortunately, the Internet has become the most common medium in which alcohol promotion occurs, and regulations in this area have not kept up with the needs," says lek. Aleksander Matysiak, secretary of the Regional Medical Council in Szczecin.
- In Poland, the culture of alcohol consumption is still not at a satisfactory level. Many tragedies on May Day could have been avoided if alcohol consumption had been at a different level, Aleksander Matysiak adds.
The Regional Medical Council in Szczecin has already drawn attention to this problem in previous years. During May Day, we appeal to the public to be sensible and balanced in the use of alcoholic beverages.
Source: Regional Chamber of Physicians in Szczecin
