Medical Minute with Dr. Rob Gillio
National Alcohol Awareness Month: Understanding the Real Effect

It’s April and it’s also a Alcohol Awareness Month.

Hi, I’m Dr. Rob, Dr. Rob Gillio, Chief Medical Officer of the Force for Health Network in April, Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to take a closer look at how alcohol affects our daily lives and health. 

Alcohol is widely accepted in our culture. It’s part of our culture, but excessive use can have serious consequences. Every year, 140,000 people die from preventable alcohol related causes. It can impact the brain, weakens the heart and liver, and increases risks of certain cancers.

It also takes tolls on families, communities and mental health and affects your ability to do things like drive or work or work with machinery. 

So what can you do individually? Know your limits. Take alcohol free days and reach out if you need help and model healthy behaviors for those around you. Especially our youth. I’m gonna say that again. Model healthy behaviors for those around you, especially our youth.

Small steps make a big difference. Cutting back can boost your mood, your sleep, and your long-term health. 

This month, take the opportunity to reflect and reset and support those around you and make it healthier choices.

You know, there is dry January. There’s nothing wrong with dry April or at least, in April where we are aware and very mindful of what we are drinking.

 I’m Dr. Rob. Stay informed, take action and be a Force for Health.