Posted On: April 20, 2023
By Eileen West, MD, FACP, NCMP, CCD
Times have been stressful lately. Political and racial tensions, economic ups and downs, and the after effects of the pandemic have changed our daily routines. For many of us, the anxiety, prolonged uncertainty, loss and isolation have turned a glass of wine to unwind after work or on the weekend into a daily habit. Alcohol sales and consumption have increased. Many people are turning to alcohol to soothe and numb their anxiety. In 2020, excessive drinking (such as binge drinking) increased by 21%.
Yet, this may not be without potential harm. High alcohol intake boosts your risk for a host of physical and mental health problems, including liver disease, hypertension, stroke, suicidal ideation and alcohol dependence. National survey results published in the journal Hepatology suggest longer term issues as a result. The scientists simulated the drinking trajectories and liver disease trends in all U.S. adults. They estimated that a one-year increase in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic would result in 8,000 additional deaths from alcohol-related liver disease, 18,700 cases of liver failure, and 1,000 cases of liver cancer by 2040.
Knowing your limits
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults limit their alcohol use to two drinks or fewer in a day for men and one drink or fewer a day for women. Many people think light-to-moderate drinking (no more than one drink a day) is safe. But research now shows that seven drinks in a week for women is certainly too much, and in fact, research now indicates that lower limits are more appropriate. For example, for breast cancer risk reduction, the limit is lower- at just three drinks per week, meaning that women who consume more than that are increasing their chance of developing breast cancer.
Drinking excessively doesn’t always mean you have a problem or must quit entirely. Small steps can make cutting back seem less overwhelming—and move drinking into a healthier range for some. To reset your routine, consider the following:
There are other time-honored approaches one can take to help with stress reduction. Lynne Maloney, the owner of Breathe Body and Mind Studio in Springfield encourages bodywork and deep breathing as a part of an overall wellness strategy.
Regular exercise, yoga and meditation practices can release circulating endorphins, elevate mood, and improve sleep.
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation. And almost anyone can do it.
The potential health benefits of yoga include:
So, if you are one of those people who slipped into a more consistent alcohol routine during the pandemic, what new commitments will you make to yourself in 2023?
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Evaluating stress and alcohol consumption are just two of the ways Dr. West takes a holistic approach to working with members of her concierge internal medicine practice. Give us a call at 571-999-9378 if you are a current member and would like help with these issues and more, or are interested in becoming a member.
At Eileen West, MD and Associates, we pride ourselves on being accessible to our patients. Whether you prefer to communicate via text, video conference, phone calls, or in-person visits, we will always respond to you promptly and work around your schedule to meet your needs. We even offer same-day appointments and after-hours care so you can get the care you need when you need it. Schedule a meet and greet with us today and get direct access to your provider! https://calendly.com/monawest/membership-consultation-phone-call
Self-care isn’t selfish. Whether it’s scheduling that overdue check-up or taking a 15-minute walk, small steps make a big difference. Let’s make January a month of prioritizing YOU. Read more in this blog post from our affiliate Ms.Medicine here: https://www.msmedicine.com/blog/self-care-for-busy-women-strategies-to-keep-your-sanity
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