mobileu.co.uk

Mobile app for Apple iPhone launched by NHS

A new mobile app for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch has been released by Britain's own NHS, and it's designed to help people avoid drinking too much over the festive season and beyond.

Called the Drinks Tracker, the mobile app is available for free on iTunes, while the health service is also providing Windows and Mac versions for anyone prone to drinking at their desktop. That means owners of smartphones other than the iPhone have to miss out on the booze monitor for now, though this free Bluetooth alternative may be worth a look.

The release of the mobile app forms part of the government's £9 million Know Your Limits campaign. To use it, revellers must enter the number of drinks they consume each day, then personalised graphs will show how and by how much they need to cut down.

Chris Sorek, chief executive of the charity Drinkaware, says avoiding excess drinking will help ward off the "January slump", as well as generally helping people stay healthy.

"Sticking within the recommended limits means you reduce the risk of serious conditions such as mouth cancer and strokes," adds public health minister Gillian Merron.