Alcohol consumption is a part of many social and cultural traditions. However, it’s crucial to understand the potential health risks associated with excessive alcohol use.
Short-Term Effects:
- Impaired judgment and coordination: Alcohol affects your brain’s ability to function properly, leading to impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, and decreased coordination.
- Increased risk of accidents: Drunk driving, falls, and other accidents are major concerns.
- Dehydration: Alcohol can dehydrate your body, leading to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Long-Term Effects:
- Liver damage: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Heart problems: Alcohol can increase blood pressure, weaken the heart muscle, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Cancer: Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon cancer.
- Mental health issues: Excessive alcohol use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
- Brain damage: Long-term alcohol abuse can damage brain cells, leading to cognitive decline and memory problems.
Promoting Responsible Consumption:
- Know your limits: Be aware of your own tolerance for alcohol and drink responsibly.
- Pace yourself: Avoid drinking too much too quickly.
- Eat before and while drinking: Food can help slow down the absorption of alcohol.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the evening.
- Never drink and drive: Designate a driver or use public transportation.
- Seek help if needed: If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, seek professional help from a healthcare provider or a substance abuse treatment program.
Remember: Moderate alcohol consumption, if any, is key.
For more information on the effects of alcohol and resources for those seeking help, visit www.doctorkre.com #AlcoholAwareness
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
