Roper St. Francis Healthcare shares a study on alcohol to consider as we celebrate the holidays. | Photo via Pexels
It’s the holidays — enter: gift exchanges, company parties, and family dinners. Along with holiday cheer, something that is often featured at these festivities? Alcohol.
It’s said that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, alcohol consumption rises (with some people drinking as much as double as usual). In our recent poll, the majority of CHSwellness readers said they drink an average of 4-7 alcoholic beverages per week during the holidays (a “moderate” level). The next most popular answers were “12+" and “0.”
While everyone should enjoy themselves during this season however they’d like — cheers to cocktails, mocktails, or a combo of both — Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s Addiction Medicine Specialist, Dr. Samuel Parish, has some info for revelers to be armed with before they overimbibe (including alarming statistics about rising health issues due to alcohol use, most significantly in women).
Study says...
A recent study showed that alcohol-related deaths among women are rising at a faster rate than those among men. Additionally, researchers have seen a 240% increase in alcohol-induced liver disease among women, compared to a 90% increase for men, since the early 1990s.
During that same period, statistics showed the ratio of men to women who misuse alcohol to be 5-to-1, meaning there were five men for every one woman who abused alcohol. Today, the ratio is closer to 2-to-1.
Beginning with biology
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests different definitions of “heavy drinking” for men vs. women:
For men: 5+ drinks/day or 15+ drinks/week
For women: 4+ drinks/day or 8+ drinks/week
Though the guidelines may seem unfair, they’re rooted in biologic factors such as body fat, hormones, and body water composition.
“Women have higher body fat, lower total body water, and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme involved in metabolizing alcohol, which leads to higher blood alcohol concentrations,” explains Dr. Parish. And that’s not all.
Stingrays Hockey Holiday Extravaganza | Saturday, December 23 | 6:05-9:05 p.m. | North Charleston Coliseum | $19-$40+ | Festive attire is encouraged (think: tacky sweaters) + Santa sightings are guaranteed.
Community
Farmer’s Market at Jedburg Junction | Saturdays | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Jedburg Junction, 850 E. Butternut Rd., Summerville | Free | Shop fresh, locally-grown produce and goods at this weekly farmers market.
Active
Rooftop Yoga at Hotel Bennett | Saturday, December 30 | 10-11 a.m. | Hotel Bennett | $0-$25 | Start your weekend with a vinyasa yoga flow overlooking downtown Charleston.
New Years Day Pajama Run | Monday, January 1, 2024 | 8:30-11 a.m. | Charles Towne Landing | $15-$30 | Wear your coziest pajamas and kick off the new year strong at this competitive 5K race + kid’s fun run, followed by soup and cornbread.
Off-Road Duathlon | Saturday, January 13, 2024 | 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Laurel Hill County Park, 1400 SC-41, Mount Pleasant | $55 | Registration is still open for this duathlon, featuring two 2-mile runs + a 7-mile bike ride along a scenic, beginner-friendly course.
Family
Daniel Island Soccer Academy Holiday Soccer Camp | December 27-29 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Daniel Island School Gymnasium, 2365 Daniel Island Dr. | $150 | A camp led by coach Patrick Khouri for kids ages 8-12 to improve their tactical + technical soccer skills, practice teamwork, and more.
Green Thumbs Class | Wednesday, January 17, 2024 | 4 p.m. | Bees Ferry West Ashley Library, 3035 Sanders Rd. | Free | Kids ages 5-11 are invited to learn about nature with the Clemson Tri-County Master Gardeners.
Wellness
New Year’s Eve Meditation | Sunday, December 31 | 8:45-9:45 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Reflect, unwind, and set intentions for 2024 during this guided meditation session with Sahaja Yoga Meditation.
New Year Bullet Journal Creation | Thursday, January 18, 2024 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Bees Ferry West Ashley Library, 3035 Sanders Rd. | Free | Ages 18+ are invited to create a bullet journal to help get organized for the new year; call 843-805-6892 to register.
These healthy habits can positively impact how you feel inside and out. | Photo by Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Whether you set New Year’s resolutions for yourself or not, studies show that incorporating certain healthier lifestyle choices can increase one’s overall life expectancy by up to 24 years. (Whoa.)
With the right mindset and motivation, here are a few healthy habits that can set you up for success in 2024:
Eat more whole foods, and less processed food.
Practice a healthy sleep schedule. (Seven to eight hours per night is ideal.)
Make a splash into 2024… dressed up as Bill Murray? Folly Beach is hosting its annual polar bear plunge + themed costume contest on New Year’s Day beachside at the Tides Hotel. Dress up as your favorite Bill Murray character and join a community cold plunge in celebration of the new year.
Announced
SC Biz News recently announced its inaugural 2023 Health Care Heroes honorees across six categories, from nurses to volunteers, including many Roper St. Francis Healthcare physicians and staff. The honorees were recognized at a luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 6. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Active
Calling all runners: Sprint over to our roundup of running clubs across the Lowcountry. It’s the perfect way to find organized running opportunities + chances to make friends with other local runners.
List
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital hasbeen recognized as a Top General Hospital by The Leapfrog Group — the only facility in the Charleston region (and one of only two in SC) to receive the honor for achievements in patient safety and quality.
Don’t let the shorter days and colder weather get you down.Check out this list of local indoor winter activities, featuring ways to get active, get crafty, or to just have a little fun in the Holy City when the beach or boat isn’t an option.
