From Cleveland Clinic
Many of us are seasonal drinkers, and summer is our season.
It’s easy to do; we’re visiting more, the evenings are long and pleasant, and having a few cocktails on the patio seems like a great way to spend a few hours.
But don’t let summertime celebrations and casual get-togethers turn into an excuse to overindulge. Now’s the time to be mindful of how much you’re drinking.
“Drinking is really engrained in our culture, and we see a lot of it, especially in the summertime,” says Akhil Anand, MD, addiction psychiatrist for Cleveland Clinic. “I encourage everyone to try their best to reduce their drinking consumption because of the medical, mental and social consequences of it.”
Dr. Anand stresses alcohol has been found to contribute to more than 200 health conditions. It’s tied to an increased risk for several types of cancer and can lead to other chronic conditions like liver and heart disease as well as stroke.
Dr. Anand adds that drinking may make you feel good at the moment, but it can ultimately cause long-term mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Alcohol can also impact the quality of your sleep by disrupting your overall sleep cycle.
If you do decide to drink this patio season, Dr. Anand says moderation is key and recommends keeping a few things in mind.
“Alternate between drinking alcohol and water and make sure you have a good meal before because drinking on an empty stomach is very hazardous. There are also apps you can now use to track your drinking,” Dr. Anand says.
Although it’s safest to avoid alcohol altogether, it’s recommended men should not have more than two drinks in a day, and women should not have more than one drink in a day.
