1. Reduce Your Risk Cancer Prevention messages Alcohol & sporting performance Anne Devlin Ulster Cancer Foundation For BGAC Feb 2012

2. Cancer in Northern Ireland 1 in 3 people will develop cancer Many cancers can be prevented…

3. Causes of cancer

4. Good news: This means that changes to our lifestyle can help us prevent cancer

5. Key messages 1)Increase physical activity 2)Improve diet 3)Maintain healthy body weight 4)Reduced alcohol intake

6. Healthy body weight

7. Overweight and cancer Extra fat around the waist acts like a hormone 'pump' releasing substances which increase cancer risk. Being overweight can also cause inflammation, another risk factor for cancer.

8. Physical activity Reduces body fat Boosts immunity Aids digestion 60 mins/moderate (walking, swimming, gardening) 30 mins/vigorous (hurling, football, camogie, aerobics) Limit sedentary habits such as watching TV

9. Diet 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily High fibre / low ‘energy density’ Cut out / minimise junk food Drink water Watch portion sizes

10. Further benefits Heart disease Stroke Osteoporosis Arthritis Type 2 diabetes Depression Cognitive decline and dementia Obesity

11. Women - breast self examination Men - testicular self-examination Other general changes – Loss of appetite – Tiredness – Unexplained weight loss – Persistent cough – Change in bowel habits Be body aware

12. Freephone helpline 0800 783 3339

13. Alcohol intake Cancer prevention – do not drink alcohol Men: 2 drinks/day Women: 1 drink/day One drink = Half pint beer/cider 1 measure spirit 1 small glass wine

14. Associated cancers Mouth Pharynx Larynx Oesophagus Breast Bowel (men) Probably: Liver cancer Bowel (women)

15. Alcohol and Sporting Performance Social side of GAA very important Tradition Sensible alcohol intake important Main effects of alcohol on performance Social side of GAA very important Tradition Sensible alcohol intake important Main effects of alcohol on performance

16. 1.Muscle Cramps Muscles Sugar Lactic Acid Fatigue & cramps Alcohol in previous 24 hours = excess lactic acid Muscles Sugar Lactic Acid Fatigue & cramps Alcohol in previous 24 hours = excess lactic acid

17. 2.Increases injuries Also masks pain…..delay in treatment Sprains Bruises Cuts Bleeding and swelling Longer recovery

18. 3.Heat loss VasodilationHeat loss Body temp falls

19. 4.Reduced endurance Liver Glucose Blood 48 hours following alcohol intake Liver busy Limits glucose Less energy and endurance Liver Glucose Blood 48 hours following alcohol intake Liver busy Limits glucose Less energy and endurance

20. 5.Slower reactions 72 hours following alcohol intake: Sedative effects Hand-eye Responses Accuracy Balance 72 hours following alcohol intake: Sedative effects Hand-eye Responses Accuracy Balance

21. 6.Dehydration Alcohol Diuretic effects Dehydration Alcohol Diuretic effects Dehydration

22. Summary Increased cramps Serious injuries Heat loss Reduced endurance Slower reactions Dehydration Increased cramps Serious injuries Heat loss Reduced endurance Slower reactions Dehydration

23. In conclusion Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation Know your limits Plan social events at least 4 days before training/match Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation Know your limits Plan social events at least 4 days before training/match