Working women's wine 'timebomb'

Okay, so you've had a stressful day at the office, the kids are in bed and the husband's well-fed.

For many working mums there's nothing better than ending a busy day with a relaxing glass of wine.But according to scientists, it may now be wine rather than gin that should be known as 'mother's ruin', as women who regularly turn to the grape for relaxation are priming a health "timebomb".

A recent survey revealed that half of all British mums enjoy a tipple at least three or four nights of the week as the pressures of work and family life leave many in need of some "wind-down wine".

Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, told the Daily Mail: "Women in their role as mother or carer use alcohol to cope with exhaustion, anxiety, isolation and with stressful life events.

"Alcohol is a sedative and a relaxant but used on a regular basis can really put people at high risk. Women are storing up a health timebomb by drinking this regularly.

"My fear is that such women are at risk of developing liver disease or becoming alcohol-dependent."

And his fears are not unfounded. The NHS recently released figures showing that the number of women being admitted to hospital with alcohol-related issues jumped by 23 per cent in just two years.

It may not be binge-drinking ladies, but it could be time to put down the Pinot and opt for a cuppa instead.