Watch the drinking and practise safe sex this Christmas, Isle residents told

Statistics show that Britons drink 41 per cent more in December than any other month. Drink driving rates and accidents in the home such as falls and fires also rise sharply.

The NHS recommends a daily alcohol intake for men as three to four units and two to three units for women. Visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/alcohol-units to find out how many units are in your favourite drink and plan ahead for celebrations. Always have a designated driver, says the Council, and if you’re cooking, take care with your alcohol intake.

To avoid STIs or unintended pregnancy, be prepared, warns the Council, by following these tips:

Stock up on condoms, and know where to get emergency contraception, know how to find a clinic, and realise that if necessary, emergency contraception can be taken within three (72 hours) or five days (120 hours) depending on the pill you take, after you’ve had unprotected sex.

For further information about local sexual health services www.sexualhealthnorthlincs.gov.uk or for advice call the NHS support line on 111.

To avoid festive food poisoning, make sure frozen turkeys are thoroughly defrosted and follow these guidelines provided by NHS Choices:

Defrost in a fridge at 4°C (39°F), allow about 10 to 12 hours per kg, or in a cool room (below 17.5°C or 64°F) for approximately three to four hours per kg, if room temperature (about 20°C or 68°F) then allow approximately two hours per kg.

Do not wash the bird, cooks are warned. This significantly increases the risk of food poisoning by splashing germs around the kitchen.

Finally, keep exercising through the winter as this improves your health and can drastically improve your mood, continues the advice.

For details of what’s available at the council’s leisure centres, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/leisure

Walking the Way to Health (all ages) – 01724 297631 or 07717586380

Active Together (beginners and family friendly) – 01724 297270

Exercise referral through GP/health professional – 01724 291905

Do Something Different, a range of sports and physical activities for adults 16 plus with a disability – 01724 297270

For social bike rides, visit www.goskyride.com/North-Lincolnshire

For chair-based activities, visit www.bhf.org.uk

For more details on any of the above, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/winterhealth.

Coun Rob Waltham, chair of the health and wellbeing board at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We want people to enjoy Christmas and remain well. By taking a few simple steps such as taking regular exercise and knowing your limits when you drink, you are on your way to remaining illness free, fit and well.

“Christmas and the winter months can be a lonely time for many, so please spare a thought and keep an eye out on your neighbours, friends and loved ones.”

Frances Cunning, director of public health at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It is all too easy to get caught up in the moment, but the consequences can be devastating. Christmas time can see unwanted pregnancies, people caught for drinking and driving, or becoming ill through not preparing food properly or washing hands regularly.

“There are lots of opportunities to stay fit indoors and outdoors. Our leisure centres offer a fantastic range of exercises to suit most people and for those less able, simply doing chair-based exercises can help. While our advice may seem obvious, to many people, it isn’t. So be prepared.”