Editorial: Hear us out — let’s do Dry Feb

A recent survey commissioned by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) found that seven in 10 Canadians who drink alcohol say their health is a top priority.

Our guess is that number is much higher in health-conscious Squamish.

The Sea to Sky is full of folks who care about the vessel they use to recreate with.

Many of us eat organic, forgo fast food and limit our meat intake.

We read labels, would never smoke and even watch the amount of plastic we eat out of.

We work out on the hills or in the water, on rock faces, trails, and at the gym.

And yet many of us also cap off a hard played or worked day with booze.

In fact, we are doing it more now than before the pandemic.

One in three Canadians reports drinking more alcohol than usual since the onset of COVID-19.

But here’s the thing — there’s no healthy amount of alcohol.

One out of seven of all new cancer cases in 2020 were in people who just drink light to moderately — one or two drinks a day.

The ComPARe study found that if more Canadians limit their alcohol intake, about 44,300 cancer cases could be prevented by 2042.

In the short term, reducing alcohol intake can increase energy levels, improve sleep and promote weight loss.

Next month marks the seventh annual Canadian Cancer Society Dry Feb campaign, which raises funds to support those affected by cancer.

So why not use this Dry Feb campaign as an excuse to give an alcohol-free life a whirl?

“This challenge might even bring about a lasting life change — 72% of surveyed participants from the 2021 challenge said they would drink less in the future after participating in Dry Feb,” says a Cancer Society news release.

We know being told you can’t do one more thing at a time when stress is high, and it seems like we are being restricted at every turn is likely the last thing Squamish folks want to hear.

But participating in Dry Feb doesn’t mean you have to go a whole four weeks without a sip. There is also an option to participate in a “Dry(ish) Feb,” where you can choose to get involved in a way that suits your life. Participants can choose to participate for the whole month, 21 days, 14 days, or customize a timeframe that works best.

If we truly are as hardwired for adventure as we profess to be, let’s make sure we are as healthy as we can be for those outdoor escapades.

Go to www.dryfeb.ca to sign up.