Grey-Bruce Boomers Fall 2023

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS by Bailey Ressler Guidance provides evidence-based information on alcohol to support individuals in making informed decisions about their alcohol use and, ultimately, their health. A key factor to consider when discussing alcohol and associated risks involves understanding what a “standard” drink is. Standard drinks include the following: • One beer (341 ml or 12 oz of 5% alcohol). • One cooler, cider, or ready-to-drink beverage (341 ml or 12 oz of 5% alcohol). • Wine (142 ml or 5 oz of 12% alcohol). • Spirits, such as whiskey, vodka, or gin (43 ml or 1.5 oz of 40% alcohol). Understanding what a standard drink is and how to measure one will help you to understand Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health. Continuum of risk The new guidance highlights a continuum of risk for consuming alcohol and shines a light on the link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk for cancer and other negative health outcomes. This continuum is associated with an average weekly consumption of standard alcoholic drinks: • No risk (zero drinks per week) – Associated with better health and better sleep. • Low risk (one to two standard drinks per week) – Individuals are likely to avoid alcohol-related harms. • Moderate risk (three to six standard drinks per week) – The risk of developing several types of cancer increases. • Increasingly high risk (seven or more standard drinks per week) – The risk of heart disease and stroke increases. • For each additional standard drink, your risk of alcohol-related consequences notably increases. The guidance notes that no matter where you are on the continuum, for your health, less alcohol is better. It also states that consuming more than two standard drinks per occasion is associated with an increased risk of harm to self and others, including injuries and violence. Alcohol and aging As we age, the body goes through a variety of changes that can influence the way substances may affect you and the magnitude of their effects. These changes can include: • Your body may break down substances more slowly, causing them to remain in your body longer. • You may have more body fat and less muscle. • You may have lower water content in your body than when you were younger. • Due to changes like these, older adults tend to have a lower tolerance for substances. This may mean that you require less of any substance to get the desired effect. It also means you may be more likely to encounter negative effects from alcohol consumption, such as: o Increased risk for injuries because of falls due to loss of muscle strength, poor balance, and coordination. o New or worsening mental health issues, including depression, confusion, and memory loss. o Worsening of health issues such as diabetes, liver damage, blood pressure or stomach ailments. • Interactions with medications. Many medications don’t have the desired effect when taken with alcohol; this includes more, or less, intense effects. Some medications should not be taken with alcohol at all. • In addition to the physical changes we experience as we age, many older adults deal with loss in a multitude of ways. This can include the loss of a loved one, mobility, a job, independence, and health. • Due to these life-altering circumstances, some older adults increase their alcohol consumption to cope. 28 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM
y Bailey Ressler HEALTH AND WELLNESS Signs of an alcohol problem Many older adults are able to drink without developing any problems, but this isn’t the case for some. Older adults who feel like they are unable to stop drinking may be alcohol dependent. Individuals who are alcohol dependent may experience withdrawal if they were to suddenly stop drinking alcohol. Signs of alcohol problems can include: • Problems sleeping. • Poor coordination, falls, and slurred speech. • Lack of self care – not bathing, eating, or taking care of other health issues. • Alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, a racing pulse or irritation. • Tension between the individual and friends or family. • Lack of interest in usual activities. • Irritability, confusion, or depression. • Dishonesty in an effort to hide their drinking. alcohol use has benefits for your health and wellness. Sources Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health. Jan 2023 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Alcohol Use in Older Adults. N.d. Public Health Agency of Canada. Using substances as an older adult. Aug 2 2022 Bailey Ressler is a Health Promoter at Grey Bruce Public Health and a member of the organization’s Chronic Disease/ Injury Prevention Team. Bailey joined GBPH in March 2021. In her free time, Bailey enjoys being outdoors, at the beach, and spending time with friends and family. Learn more at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca. How to address your drinking While the most effective method of reducing the harm associated with your drinking would be to not drink at all, this isn’t always feasible or preferable for many people. If you do choose to drink, following Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health can help you keep your drinking at a level that is considered low risk. The guidance contains tips to help you stay on target: • Drink slowly. • Drink lots of water. • For every drink of alcohol you have, ensure you have a non-alcoholic one. • Eat before and while you’re drinking. • Set a limit for yourself and stick to it. • Enjoy alcohol-free weeks or activities. Regardless of how much you drink now, it’s important to remember that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of alcohol-related harms. Drinking less is always better and note that any reduction in your L I V E M U S I C L O C A L F O O D F U N & G A M E S LIVING HISTORY FREE FOR MEMBERS & KIDS UNDER 5 F A M I L Y : $ 2 7 . 5 0 + T A X greyroots.com FALL 2023 • 29
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Grey-Bruce Boomers Fall 2023

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