A new report released by the Northwestern Health Unit highlights the concerns of alcohol use in our region.
The study shows just over 23% of our population has engaged in heavy drinking, compared to the provincial average of almost 18%.
Over half of the population between the ages of 12-18 are partaking in under-age drinking.
The study also found 7.2% of mothers in the northwest region drank while pregnant, compared to the provincial average of 2.5%.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young-Hoon stresses alcohol abuse can increase your risk of heart disease and cancer and is the second leading death in Canada.
Young-Hoon adds the harms of alcohol can result in increased criminal activity, higher rates of injury, risky decision making, family dysfunction, motor vehicle crashes and violence.
