With the party season no more than a distant, hazy memory and our bank balances suffering the consequences, there is no better time than now to ditch the drink.

The new year is often a time for resolutions and reflection and improving health is usually high on the list.

Every year, around 15,000 people in England die from alcohol-related causes including liver disease, cancer, heart disease and strokes. Making the decision to drink sensibly and in moderation now can help to reduce the risk of serious health problems in the future.

Dr Sam Everington, chair of NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and a local GP, said:

“As GPs, we recommend setting achievable personal goals with incentives to keep you moving forward.

“Cutting down on your alcohol intake, stopping smoking or looking at your diet can help to reduce the risks of developing serious long term health problems.

“It’s also not too late to join Cancer Research UK’s ‘Dryathlon’ campaign, which sponsors people to go for the whole of January without drinking.”