Drinking too much alcohol can have countless negative impacts on your life that include, but are not limited to injuries, violence, liver disease, heart disease and cancer. What defines “too much alcohol”? According to the CDC U.S Dietary Guidelines, moderate drinking is defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Too many Americans exceed this limit and partake in frequent binge drinking activities, thereby putting their health at risk. It is important to note that the risk of some cancers is highly dependent upon the amount of alcohol intake. The more alcohol that is consumed, the higher the risk. Specifically, reducing alcohol consumption can lower the risk of liver, colon, rectal, and breast cancer.
This month, we want to help individuals become aware of the negative health effects of excessive alcohol. Alcohol awareness is especially important during the COVID-19 crisis as some people may inappropriately cope with stress and anxiety by drinking in excess. Also, the majority of the population is working from home, which makes it easier to drink. Despite the uncertainty of where things are headed in our country, and around the globe, choosing healthy ways to cope with stress during this difficult time such as exercise, meditation, eating healthy, and spending quality time with your family is paramount. Alcohol is very addicting and overconsumption will only make one feel worse. Alcohol also interferes with the sleep cycle. Restful sleep is important for the immune system. Drinking in moderation or not drinking at all is key to improving overall health and reducing cancer risk.