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5 DRY JANUARY DOS AND DON'TS  Taking a break from alcohol — even for one month — can come with some health perks. A study published in the medical journal _BMJ_ found that participants

who gave up alcohol for 30 days saw improvements in their weight, blood pressure, insulin resistance levels and cancer-related growth factors. Other research has found that people who stop

drinking for a month experience more energy and better sleep. Interested in giving the month-long “Dry January” challenge a try? Here are five tips: _DO_ FIND A GOOD NONALCOHOLIC

SUBSTITUTION. Gone are the days when water, soda or a sugary mocktail were the only options. The nonalcoholic market is booming, and more and more companies are bringing alcohol-free beers,

wines, spirits and spritzes to the market. Explore the alternatives and find something you like, the health care providers at Massachusetts General Hospital suggest. _DO_ IDENTIFY WHY YOU

DRINK ALCOHOL. Is it social? Is it to unwind? Think about why you drink in the first place and how you could accomplish these goals without alcohol, says the National Institute on Alcohol

Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Maybe a yoga session can replace your nightly wine, or a game night with friends could sub in for happy hour. _DON’T_ 

KEEP IT A SECRET. Let your friends and family know you’re participating in Dry January, the NIH says. They can help hold you accountable, and they may even decide to join you. _DON’T_ KEEP

ALCOHOL AT HOME. According to the folks at Harvard Health Publishing, it’s best to not have the temptation around. _DO_ GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK IF YOU SLIP UP. Don’t quit; just start again the

next day, health experts say.    _— Rachel Nania_