​Well, most of us in the healthcare field have some knowledge of the long term effects of alcohol consumption including weight gain and fatty liver disease. Drinking alcoholic beverages also disrupts your gut microbes and this can take a toll on your health, physically and mentally. Your immune system is also weakened by this making you more prone to disease and other issues.

Alcohol causes your central nervous system to be depressed slowing down brain cell communication. Emotions are also affected since they are control by the limbic system and it can therefore lower your inhibitions, as most everyone is aware I'm sure.

Then of course there is Alcohol Poisoning, resulting from high doses and this can even lead to death. Women are more susceptible to poisoning from alcohol than men due to biology.

Recent studies have shown that about 57% of Americans drink alcohol once a month or more. Some people claim any amount of alcohol is too much while others proclaim the health benefits of drinking daily. I say, listen to your body. You are the one in charge of your health and longevity.

It has also been show in many studies that regular exercise helps decrease the negative effects of the alcohol consumption. We all know regular exercise should be part of our healthy lifestyle. It's important to keep yourself healthy so that you can give your patients the care they deserve.

Drink or not to drink….the choice is always yours!

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network