Diet, Food & Fitness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention men are more likely than women to drink excessively. Drinking excessively puts people at risk for emotional damage (including depression and suicide) and physical injuries (from car accidents, fighting, sexual assault and domestic violence), and unsafe sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex.
The long-term health risks of excessive alcohol use can lead to chronic disease and other serious problems, including high blood pressure, liver disease, digestive problems, mental health issues, cancer, and dementia.
Luke Bergmann, PhD MSW, Assistant Vice President, Office of Behavioral Health, outlines these 6 tips to cut back on alcohol use.

• Know how much you drink. Know the standard drink sizes so you can accurately count your drinks. Measure drinks at home and at social occasions. Do not drink more than the recommended amount.
• Set goals. The National Institute of Health has set the following low-risk drinking limits for men: no more than four drinks a day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
• Don’t drink every day.
• Drink slowly. Sip your drink and have no more than one standard drink with alcohol per hour. Drink a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.
• Eat while drinking. Never drink on an empty stomach. Food will help the alcohol be absorbed into your system more slowly.
• Take up a healthy activity. Try a new hobby, like walking, biking or swimming. Fill your free time with healthy habits that do not involve drinking.

If you feel that you have a problem with drinking, we can help. Click here to find a family doctor near you.