7 Tips For Drinking Safely On St. Patty’s Day

There is nothing wrong with having a good time on St. Patrick's Day. Everyone that is of age deserves to unwind and enjoy a drink or two...or maybe more. If you're going to drink on this great holiday it's so important to remember to do so responsibly.

Here Are Seven Tips To Ensure That Your St. Patty's Day Is Safe And Fun!

1. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!

IT IS NEVER OKAY TO DRINK AND DRIVE EVER! BE SURE TO DESIGNATE A DRIVER

Nobody Wants Anything Like This To Happen!

2. Drink Lots And Lots Of Water

I know this may seem like common sense, but as we humans begin to drink, it's easy to forget this simple solution. Water is of key importance to keep hydrated as alcohol tends to dehydrate us.

3. Be Sure To Take Any Opportunity To Replenish Electrolytes

To piggy-back my point about drinking lots of fluid for hydration, electrolytes are important to the body because they help give you energy. Electrolytes are minerals in your blood that carry an electric charge. Good beverages for helping to restore electrolytes lost from excessive drinking include Gatorade, Powerade, and believe it or not Pedialyte. Even though it sounds crazy, pedialyte is the best for preventing and curing hangovers. It's perfect for restoring any lost minerals or nutrients. It's not just for babies!

4. Have A Nice Big Meal BEFORE You Start Drinking

BEFORE you being to drink, make sure you have a full stomach. Don't try to make up on your eating after you start drinking. The bottom of your stomach needs to have food in it to absorb any alcohol you drink. If you wait to eat, all the booze will travel into your digestive track and right into the blood getting you drunker quicker. Just get yourself a nice serving of Corned Beef and Cabbage!

5. Count Your Drinks!!! This Is One Of The Most Important Tips
Your liver metabolizes one drink per hour. This is something I learned when I took my ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission) certification class. Because I was a bartender in Nashville, I had to take this course by law. Now let me explain what "one drink" is. One drink is not just any drink you order. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website, the following equal "one drink:"

• 1 12 oz. Beer = 1 drink
• 1 8 oz. Glass of Malt Liquor = 1 drink
• 1 5 oz. Glass of Wine = 1 drink
• 1.5 oz of any Liquor = 1 drink

So to review, if you're liver metabolizes "one drink" per hour, then try and limit yourself to one of the 4 options above per hour to make sure you don't get out of control. You'll still knock the edge off and have a good time without getting too inebriated.

6. Just Remember Liquor Before Beer, You're In The Clear!
Another thing to remember is if you're going to have an assortment of different alcoholic beverages, make sure that you drink all your liquor drinks before switching to beer. You may not believe me when it comes to the old saying, "Beer before liquor, you've never been sicker," there is some truth to it. I know from experience. If you don't believe me ask this young man:

7. Follow Pre-Bed Hangover Prevention Measures

Finally, to ensure that you have the best night sleep it's important to take preventative measures. One of my favorite pre-bed hangover remedies is to take two Alka-Seltzer, Oh what a relief that is. Also as I said before in tip #3, drink some pedialyte. Again, it's not just for babies and it's actually quite good. Of course water is good, but just make sure you eat another quick snack. Just in case, keep a bucket or big bowl next to your bed. Hopefully you have sweet dreams of leprechaun's and gold coins.