IF a research team created a pharmacological-based therapeutic programme to improve liver function, reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of diabetes developing, reduce weight and improve concentration, their success would be greeted with great acclaim and headlines.
When a team from University College London demonstrated that similar results can actually be achieved now by a simple change in living habits, the report ended up in an insignificant corner of The Herald (“A month off alcohol lessens health risks”, October 27). The University College results were obtained by persuading participants in the trial to drink no alcohol for a month. This is about as low-tech as you can get; it is not only free but money-saving both for those involved and the NHS.
I wonder how much else of the ill health the NHS deals with is caused by our controllable habits and conscious life choices?
Hugh Boyd,
65 Antonine Road, Bearsden.
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