Alcohol problem areas in the bush

When it comes to liking their alcohol, males living in the bush top the list.

New figures contained in the NSW Population Health Survey show almost one in two males living in a rural area consumed more than six drinks on any given day.

More than one men in 10 admitted to downing over 11 alcohol beverages during any one session.

The report showed the biggest concentration of drinkers were found in the State's south, west and on the North Coast.

The areas also accounted for the highest rates of asthma, diabetes and high blood glucose and the worst oral health but, when asked to rate their own health, all but males on the North Coast thought they were in pretty good shape.

The greatest concentration of female drinkers resided in the Hunter-New England area, where just under one in 10 admitted to having had more than seven drinks in one day in the past four weeks.

Women in the bush also tended to drink more than their city counterparts.

Hunter-New England men were shown to be the fittest group of adults in the State, with almost 70 per cent doing the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Women who exercised the most tended to live in northern Sydney.

Sunday Telegraph