Island Health is observing Movember by encouraging men to cut down on their drinking. 

Canada's low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines state that men should have a consumption limit of zero to three drinks per day or no more than 15 per week, while women should have zero to two drinks a day or no more than 10 per week.

In a press release, Island Health said alcohol-related hospital admissions are higher for men compared to women in the region, and overall admissions are higher in Island Health compared to provincial and national levels.

Dr. R茅ka Gustafson, Island Health鈥檚 chief medical health officer and vice-president of population and public health, encouraged people to learn more about how to reduce their risk through Canada's updated drinking guidance at . 

鈥淲e encourage men who drink alcohol to drink less during Movember and beyond,鈥� Gustafson said in the release. 鈥淒rinking less alcohol improves your health."

Some tips shared by Island Health include matching every alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic drink, choosing low-alcohol or non-alcoholic alternatives, eating and drinking water before and during drinking, and having an alcohol-free day, week or month.

The health authority also drew attention to alcohol serving as a depressant that can contribute to mental health conditions including depression and anxiety, as well as aggressive behaviour.

Island Health's mental health and substance use service link can be reached by calling 1-888-885-8824 for additional information or help navigating services.

Movember is a charity started in 2003 that encourages men to grow out their moustaches during November to raise awareness and funds for health issues that disproportionately affect men. In the past, these have been mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. 

More information can be found online at .