CITY centre shoppers were urged to keep a check on how much booze they drink as part of an alcohol awareness campaign.
Wearing colourful Lycra suits, freerunners were in the city centre to represent characters from the Government’s Change4Life programme, promoting the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle.
The action comes as it was revealed that just 16 per cent of people in the North East keep a check on their alcohol consumption by the unit.
Colin Shevills, director of Balance, who are campaigning for a minimum price of 50p to be set per unit of alcohol, called on Wearsiders to be more aware of how much they are drinking each week.
Alcohol abuse costs the Sunderland economy more than £54million a year.
Mr Shevills said: “Alcohol is costing us dearly and is damaging the health, wealth and safety of people and communities in the North East.
“Too many people are drinking too much, but may not even be aware. Our region already has the highest number of alcohol–related hospital admissions in England and this needs to change.”
Shoppers had the opportunity to make their own alcohol-related pledge, such as having two non-drinking days each week, always use an alcohol measure when pouring or log alcoholic drinks on their drinks tracker app.
Coun John Kelly, portfolio holder for public health at Sunderland City Council, said: “Encouraging people to think more about how much they drink and helping them to monitor their weekly intake can help to prevent long-term problems from developing.”
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