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.
April is National Oral Health Month! Did you know? A healthy smile is more than just a cosmetic asset—it's a cornerstone of overall wellness! 🦷✨ From reducing the risk of heart disease to enhancing mental health, oral health plays a pivotal role in our wellness journey. Let's prioritize those dental check-ups and daily oral care routines for a happier, healthier you!
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. MS is unpredictable. Some people may be only mildly affected. Others may lose the ability to see, write, speak, or walk. It is important to note that no two individuals experience the same symptoms and these symptoms can also change or fluctuate over time.
With the days getting longer and the first signs of warmth returning to the air, we know spring is coming. Spring is typically associated with new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s the perfect time to tidy up, physically and mentally. Spring cleaning isn’t just about sprucing up your living space, it’s also about rejuvenating your body & mind. Check out the blog linked below for tips on how to declutter your mind and space! https://www.mymsmedicine.com/blog/revitalize-your-mind-and-body-the-ultimate-guide-to-spring-cleaning
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