It’s Lifestyle Medicine Week and today’s pillar is…Avoiding Risky Substances!
Ah yes, this can be a tricky topic to discuss with patients. You have had a long day, your boss was really riding you, so naturally you “deserve” those 2 drinks at the end of the day.
I have been there. Working in traditional medicine, I was burned out and found myself looking forward to that beer at the end of the day. Then one became two and then just on the weekends became 3-4 days a week and so on.
On my 40th birthday, my husband threw an amazing surprise birthday party at a winery and I celebrated a little too much. So I decided to take a break from alcohol. That break turned into almost 3 years alcohol free and I am not looking back!
After the first two weeks, I noticed my annoying eye twitch had finally went away.
After 1 month, I noticed I started dreaming again and my sleep was actually restorative.
After 2 months, I felt like my mood was more stable. I had more patience with my kids, my husband, patients…really everything.
After 2.5 months, my son told me that we are “super fun parents and he has been having the most fun fall ever” since we had been more motivated to do fun things in the evenings.
After 3 months, my weight stabilized and didn’t ebb and flow from bloating or my cycle. And for the ladies, good bye night sweats!
After 4 months, I realized that drinking alcohol was just not worth the effort anymore because at 40, I felt like “high school Farah.”
After 6 months and being at several events alcohol free, I finally felt that I can be confident without the liquid courage.
After 9 months, I had my annual labs done and my A1C, fasting sugars and cholesterol all dropped significantly!
Yes it has its challenges, especially in a social environment that has alcohol so ingrained in its culture. At first I felt like I needed to explain to everyone that “Oh I don’t drink alcohol and here is why…” But now, I don’t owe anyone an explanation.
It is a choice and a choice I have realized makes me a better and a healthier person.
I share my story with my patients often to inspire them to try it to feel their best and more importantly to highlight how this can affect their health. And now, I share with you because this was a choice I made even before the lifestyle medicine movement and just further proves that we have more control over our health than we think we do!
Per ACLM, “Use of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to increase the risk of chronic diseases and death. Treatments often take time, different approaches and many attempts. Patience and support are an important part of breaking risky substance habits.”
If you are interested in learning more, I suggest the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) site as an excellent resource.
Farah Myers is a family nurse practitioner with Cool Creek Family Health in Carmel, Indiana. At Cool Creek Family Health, we’re not just another healthcare office. We’re your dedicated healthcare partner. With our direct primary care model, you really get to know your healthcare provider and they you. Designed for easy 2-way communication and follow-up, together, we’ll prioritize your health journey and work towards your best self. Say goodbye to the confusion of self-diagnosis and conflicting advice. Contact us today for a meet and greet and let’s make your health a priority again.
