“This April, we’re striving to reach more people and improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD) through greater awareness.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month is the perfect time to brush up on your Parkinson’s facts. Here are 5 fast facts about PD:

1. Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year.
2. Scientists believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors cause PD.
3. People with Parkinson’s experience both movement and non-movement related symptoms.
4. Symptoms can be managed through treatments like medications, lifestyle changes, exercise and in some cases, surgery.
5. Early-onset Parkinson’s disease occurs in people younger than 50 years of age.”

Parkinson’s Foundation

(Parkinson’s Awareness Month | Parkinson’s Foundation)

Parkinsonism is a term used to describe the collection of signs and movement symptoms associated with several conditions — including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Signs include slowness (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity) and resting tremor. Conditions other than Parkinson’s disease may have one or more of these symptoms, mimicking PD. Your neurologist should assess your symptoms when making a diagnosis. 

Below are the more common medical conditions that can present with Parkinsonian disorders (parkinsonism). Parkinsonism can be classified into two major groups: primary and secondary.

Parkinson’s disease is the most common primary cause of parkinsonism. It can be further subdivided into sporadic (most common) and familial (hereditary) PD.

Primary Parkinsonism

Primary parkinsonian disorders include Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonian disorders. Both can be misdiagnosed, however a neurologist with training in movement disorders can help make an accurate diagnosis and coordinate care.

Parkinson Disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the US are living with Parkinson’s disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.

Parkinson’s involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain, called neurons. Parkinson’s primarily affects neurons in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As PD progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement normally.

Secondary Parkinsonism

This type of parkinsonism includes neurological disorders commonly caused by brain tumors, toxins or medications. Symptoms are similar to those seen in Parkinson’s disease and may sometimes go away with treatment, depending on the disorder. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, the medication Levodopa does not improve symptoms.

There are many secondary or acquired causes of parkinsonism:

-Drug Induced Parkinsonism-Drug-induced parkinsonism can be difficult to distinguish from Parkinson’s, though the tremors and postural instability may be less severe. It is usually the side effect of drugs that affect dopamine levels in the brain, such as antipsychotics, some calcium channel blockers and stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine. If the affected person stops taking the drug(s), symptoms usually go away over time, but may take as long as 18 months.

-Vascular Parkinsonism -Vascular parkinsonism is usually caused by clotting in the brain from multiple small strokes. People with vascular parkinsonism tend to have more problems with gait than tremor and have more problems in the lower body. The disorder progresses very slowly in comparison to other types of parkinsonism. People might report an abrupt onset of symptoms or symptoms that get worse then plateau for a while. Symptoms in vascular parkinsonism may or may not respond to levodopa.

Other secondary causes of Parkinsonism:

• Metabolic diseases, such as Wilson’s disease
• Endocrine diseases, such as hypothyroidism
• Heavy metals, such as manganese
• Infectious diseases, such as Whipple’s disease
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus
• Toxins, such as MPTP
• Repetitive head trauma

Parkinsonism can also be categorized based on the abnormal proteins that accumulate in the brain, such as alpha synuclein.

Atypical Parkinson’s Conditions:

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB):

DLB is second only to Alzheimer’s as the most common cause of dementia in elderly people. It causes progressive intellectual and functional deterioration. In addition to the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, people with DLB tend to have frequent changes in thinking ability, level of attention or alertness and visual hallucinations.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP):

PSP is slightly more common than amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig disease. Symptoms usually begin in the early 60’s. Common early symptoms include loss of balance while walking that results in unexplained falls, forgetfulness and personality changes.

The visual problems associated with PSP generally occur three to five years after the walking problems and involve the inability to aim the eyes properly because of weakness or paralysis of the muscles that move the eyeballs.

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA):

MSA (also referred to as Shy-Drager syndrome) is the term for a group of disorders in which one or more systems in the body stop working. In MSA, the autonomic nervous system is often severely affected early in the course of the disease.

Symptoms include bladder problems resulting in urinary urgency, hesitancy or incontinence and orthostatic hypotension (nOH). In nOH the blood pressure drops so low when standing that fainting or near fainting can occur. When lying down, blood pressure can be quite high (called supine hypertension). For men, the earliest sign may be loss of erectile function. Other symptoms that may develop include impaired speech, difficulties with breathing and swallowing, and inability to sweat.

Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD):

CBD is the least common atypical parkinsonism. It usually develops after age 60. Symptoms include a loss of function on one side of the body, involuntary and jerky movements of a limb and speech problems. It may become difficult or impossible to use the affected limb although there is no weakness or sensory loss. People with CBD may feel as if their limb is not under his/her voluntary control. There is no specific treatment for CBD. Treatment is focused on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Parkinsonian disorders and Levodopa

Various parkinsonian disorders can be categorized based on how they respond to the medication called levodopa. PD tends to respond well to levodopa therapies, while most atypical parkinsonian disorders do not.

Sometimes people with parkinsonian symptoms who do not respond well to levodopa may be referred to as having parkinsonism. This can be confusing since parkinsonism technically refers to a set of movement symptoms, rather than a specific diagnosis.

Understanding about your diagnosis:

Despite recent research and diagnostic advances, the diagnosis of PD and types of atypical parkinsonian still relies primarily on a clinical evaluation. There are many overlapping signs and symptoms among PD, atypical parkinsonisms, and secondary parkinsonisms, making it difficult to diagnose. An accurate diagnosis can take months or even years to determine.

You may be diagnosed right away with “typical” or idiopathic Parkinson’s, or your doctor may tell you that you have parkinsonism. A “diagnosis” of parkinsonism may simply mean that you have movement symptoms, like slowness, rigidity and tremor. It might also mean that your doctor does not have enough information to know if your symptoms will respond well to levodopa.

Additionally, some doctors use the term parkinsonism interchangeably with atypical parkinsonism. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about what your diagnosis means.

There are three types of Parkinson’s disease and they are grouped by age of onset:

 1-Adult-Onset Parkinson’s Disease – This is the most common type of Parkinson’s disease. The average age of onset is approximately 60 years old. The incidence of adult onset PD rises noticeably as people advance in age into their 70’s and 80’s.

2-Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease – The age of onset is between 21-40 years old. Though the incidence of Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease is very high in Japan (approximately 40% of cases diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease), it is still relatively uncommon in the U.S., with estimates ranging from 5-10% of cases diagnosed.

3-Juvenile Parkinson’s Disease – The age of onset is before the age of 21. The incidence of Juvenile Parkinson’s Disease is very rare.

Parkinson’s disease can significantly impair quality of life not only for the patients but for their families as well, and especially for the primary caregivers. It is therefore important for caregivers and family members to educate themselves and become familiar with the course of Parkinson’s disease and the progression of symptoms so that they can be actively involved in communication with health care providers and in understanding all decisions regarding treatment of the patient.

According to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, there are approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. who suffer from Parkinson’s disease – approximately 1-2% of people over the age of 60 and 3-5% of the population over age 85. The incidence of PD ranges from 8.6-19 per 100,000 people. Approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. annually. That number is expected to rise as the general population in the U.S. ages. Onset of Parkinson’s disease before the age of 40 is rare. All races and ethnic groups are affected.

Knowledge is Critical when Dealing with a Life-Altering Condition such as Parkinson’s Disease and being able to make the changes to last longer and at your optimal level of functioning! First step is accept you have it!

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it’s critical to learn everything you possibly can about this condition so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment. That’s why the Medifocus Guidebook on Parkinson’s Disease was developed, a comprehensive 170 page patient Guidebook that contains vital information about Parkinson’s disease and is so helpful.

The Medifocus Guidebook on Parkinson’s Disease starts out with a detailed overview of the condition and quickly imparts fundamentally important information about Parkinson’s disease, including:

 The theories regarding the underlying causes of Parkinson’s disease.

What Are the Possible Risk factors that can be a cause of Parkinson’s Disease?

 The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation notes even after decades of intense study, the causes of Parkinson’s disease are not really understood. However, many experts believe that the disease is caused by several genetic and environmental factors, which can vary in each person.

1-Genetic Factors

For some patients, genetic factors could be the primary cause; but in others, there could be something in the environment that led to the disease. Scientists have noted that aging is a key risk factor. There is a 2-4% risk for developing the disease for people over 60. That is compared to 1-2% risk in the general population.

2-Environmental Factors

Some scientists believe that PD can result from overexposure to environmental toxins, or injury. Research by epidemiologists has identified several factors that may be linked to PD. Some of these include living in rural areas, drinking well water, pesticides and manganese.

Some studies have indicated that long term exposure to some chemicals could cause a higher risk of PD. These include the insecticides permethrin and beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH), the herbicides paraquat and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and the fungicide maneb. In 2009, the US Veterans Affairs Department stated that PD could be caused by exposure to Agent Orange.

We should remember that simple exposure to a single toxin in the environment is probably not enough to cause PD. Most people who are exposed to such toxins do not develop PD.

Last Reviewed 04/06/26 by Elizabeth Lynch RN BSN

“In 2024, distracted driving killed 3,208 people. April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices we make when we’re on the road. Follow these safety tips for a safe ride:

• Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location.
• Designate your passenger as your “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not scroll through apps while driving. Struggling not to text and drive? Put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

The Consequences

During a portion of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, from April 9 through 13, you may see increased law enforcement on the roadways as part of the national paid media campaign Put the Phone Away or Pay. This campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and the legal consequences – including fines – of texting behind the wheel.

Take Action

• Remind your friends and family: If you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s the only thing you should be doing. No distractions.
• If your driver is texting or otherwise distracted, tell them to stop and focus on the road.
• Ask your friends to join you in pledging not to drive distracted.”

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of transportation (April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month | NHTSA)

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, entering its fourth year. As with past years, it’s an event without an official sponsor, but law agencies are taking the opportunity to crack down on distracted drivers.

Distracted driving sweeps and educational campaigns were announced in several major states, including California, Wisconsin and Tennessee.

We should always drive with focus and to reach our destination safely.  Distracted Driving Awareness Month puts safety first and text messages, arriving on time, and friends under the influence in the back seat.

According to 2016 statistics, the National Safety Council estimates as many as 40,000 people died on U.S. roadways. That’s a 6% increase over 2015 statistics and 14% over 2014. The NDC says that’s the most dramatic two-year increase in 53 years.

What can you do? Turn off your phone. Designate a sober driver. Reduce your speed. Crying children can wait until you can pull over safely. Wear your seat belt.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take the pledge to stay focus and end distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Safety Council, state, county and local law enforcement support campaigns increasing awareness to end distracted driving. Throughout the month of April, visit www.nsc.org or www.nhtsa.gov to learn more about what’s causing crashes, how to prevent them and what else you can do.

Use #DistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

HISTORY

Distracted Driving Awareness Month is promoted by several safety organizations in the United States.

April is national Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the East Moline Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists that if they drive with a phone in one hand, they can expect a ticket in the other.

With traffic fatalities on the rise in Illinois and across the country, the East Moline Police Department is committed to reducing easily preventable crashes caused by distractions such as texting or talking on a cellphone.

“From the silly inside jokes we share with friends to the amusement of a live comedy show, laughter is often dismissed as a trivial part of life. However, research suggests that laughter can offer significant health benefits, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Research also shows that laughter can improve memory. As we age, the chronic release of the stress hormone cortisol can damage the hippocampus—the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Studies indicate that laughter reduces cortisol levels, leading to a healthier hippocampus and improved memory, which, in turn, enhances the quality of our lives.”

Stanford / Lifestyle Medicine (Brain Health Benefits of Laughter – Lifestyle Medicine)

EVER FEELING RUN DOWN?

Try laughing more. Some researchers think laughter just might be the best medicine, helping you feel better and putting that spring back in your step. “I believe that if people can get more laughter in their lives, they are a lot better off,” says Steve Wilson, MA, CSP, a psychologist and laugh therapist. “They might be healthier too.”

Recommended Related to Mind, Body, Spirit How to Get the Life You Want By Kristyn Kusek Lewis’s point of view she says:   You’ve been putting it off forever — that secret dream to start a business, write a book, run a marathon…. Whatever your desire, ignoring it means denying who you really are. And don’t you deserve better? Here, your no-excuses, no-regrets guide to answering the voice in your head that says, “I want more.” Ask yourself: Are you ready to finally tackle the burden or bad habit that’s been dragging you down? You’re many things—maybe a wife and mom, prized employee,… Read the How to Get the Life You Want article > > Yet researchers aren’t sure if it’s actually the act of laughing that makes people feel better. A good sense of humor, a positive attitude, and the support of friends and family might play a role, too.

“The definitive research into the potential health benefits of laughter just hasn’t been done yet,” says Robert R. Provine, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and author of Laughter: A Scientific Investigation. But while we don’t know for sure that laughter helps people feel better, it certainly isn’t hurting. Continue reading below…

Laughter Therapy: What Happens When We Laugh? We change physiologically when we laugh. We stretch muscles throughout our face and body, our pulse and blood pressure go up, and we breathe faster, sending more oxygen to our tissues. People who believe in the benefits of laughter say it can be like a mild workout — and may offer some of the same advantages as a workout. “The effects of laughter and exercise are very similar,” says Wilson. “Combining laughter and movement, like waving your arms, is a great way to boost your heart rate.”

One pioneer in laughter research, William Fry, claimed it took ten minutes on a rowing machine for his heart rate to reach the level it would after just one minute of hearty laughter. And laughter appears to burn calories, too.

Maciej Buchowski, a researcher from Vanderbilt University, conducted a small study in which he measured the amount of calories expended in laughing. It turned out that 10-15 minutes of laughter burned 50 calories. While the results are intriguing, don’t be too hasty in ditching that treadmill. One piece of chocolate has about 50 calories; at the rate of 50 calories per hour, losing one pound would require about 12 hours of concentrated laughter!

Laughter’s Effects on the Body In the last few decades, researchers have studied laughter’s effects on the body and turned up some potentially interesting information on how it affects us:

• Blood flow – Researchers at the University of Maryland studied the effects on blood vessels when people were shown either comedies or dramas. After the screening, the blood vessels of the group who watched the comedy behaved normally — expanding and contracting easily. But the blood vessels in people who watched the drama tended to tense up, restricting blood flow.
• Immune response – Increased stress is associated with decreased immune system response, says Provine. Some studies have shown that the ability to use humor may raise the level of infection-fighting antibodies in the body and boost the levels of immune cells, as well.
• Blood sugar levels – One study of 19 people with diabetes looked at the effects of laughter on blood sugar levels. After eating, the group attended a tedious lecture. On the next day, the group ate the same meal and then watched a comedy. After the comedy, the group had lower blood sugar levels than they did after the lecture.
• Relaxation and sleep – The focus on the benefits of laughter really began with Norman Cousin’s memoir, Anatomy of an Illness. Cousins, who was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a painful spine condition, found that a diet of comedies, like Marx Brothers films and episodes of Candid Camera, helped him feel better. He said that ten minutes of laughter allowed him two hours of pain-free sleep.
• Humor is infectious – The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.  Laughter is strong medicine for mind and body.
• Laughter – is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.  With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.
• Laughter – is good for your health.
• Laughter – relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
• Laughter boosts the immune system – Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.  Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
• Laughter protects the heart – Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Humor & Laughter with further Physiological Changes to our body:

• Laughter increases heart and respiratory rates as well as oxygen consumption over a short period. After these initial changes, a person moves into a state of relaxation.  While these effects may not be the equivalent to aerobic exercise, as some claim, that is not to say it is entirely without benefit as a physical activity. 10-15 minutes of laughter per day may burn 10-40 extra calories.
• Laughter affects heart function. It increases stroke volume and cardiac output, and it dilates blood vessels that increases your blood flow to all your tissues of the human body.
• After intense laughter, muscle tone relaxes.
• Watching humorous videos or television revs up the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). However, this does not increase blood pressure.
• Laughter lowers levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
• Laughter activates the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward system in the brain.
• Laughter increases serum immunoglobulins A and E. In most studies, it seems to increase natural killer cell activity as well.
• It raises levels of beta-endorphins (the feel-good chemicals of the body) and increases human growth hormone production.                                                       

Humor and Laughter with effects on specific illnesses or health conditions:

•There is an inverse association between coronary heart disease and propensity to laugh; laughing more means lower heart attack risk.                      • Watching a comedy show decreased overall rise in glucose levels after eating.
• Higher propensity to laugh correlates with fewer episodes of arrhythmias and recurrent MIs during cardiac rehabilitation.
• Laughter increases pain tolerance.
• Laughter therapy improves self-esteem and mood in cancer patients, according to a small 2015 trial.
• Watching a funny movie decreased bronchial responsiveness in people with asthma.
• Laughter and clowning reduced hyperinflation of the lungs in people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Hospital clowns reduce stress and anxiety levels in hospitalized children and their parents.
• “ElderClowns” reduced agitation and increased happiness in nursing home patients.                                                                                                                              • Humor therapy (watching a 20-minute humorous movie) led to improvements in cognitive function, including learning ability, delayed recall, and visual recognition in study that included 30 older adults.
• Comedy improv training led to subjective improvements in symptoms for people with Parkinson’s disease.
• A study of 30 people with schizophrenia found that 10 hours of humor skill training can improve rehabilitative outcomes and sense of humor (including change in negative symptoms).
• Laughter decreased inflammation (as measured by pro-inflammatory cytokine levels) in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Laughter and humor reduce wheal (skin swelling) reactions to allergens.

REFERENCES: 1.) Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Last updated: April 2014.  HELPGUIDE.ORG 2)  By R. Morgan Griffin   WebMD Feature  Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD             3.) UW Integrative Health Dept. of Family Medicine and Community Health (their references 1. Cousins N. Anatomy of an illness (as perceived by the patient). N Engl J Med. 1976;295(26):1458-1463.
2. Oczkowski S. Virtuous laughter: we should teach medical learners the art of humor. Crit Care.2015;19:222.
3. Bennett MP, Lengacher C. Humor and laughter may influence health IV. Humor and immune function.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009;6(2):159-164.
4. Mora-Ripoll R. The therapeutic value of laughter in medicine. Altern Ther Health Med. 2010;16(6):56-64. 

Last reviewed by Elizabeth Lynch RN BSN on 4/06/26

“Alcoholism can lead to a range of health complications, including cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and alcohol use disorder. The CDC and other health organizations emphasize the importance of moderation and the potential risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Treatments for alcohol use disorder include therapy, support groups, and in some cases, medication. It is crucial for individuals struggling with alcoholism to seek help and support to prevent further health complications and improve their overall well-being.”

NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism  (https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol)

Complications:

Alcohol depresses your central nervous system. In some people, the initial reaction may be stimulation. But as you continue to drink, you become sedated.

Too much alcohol affects your speech, muscle coordination and vital centers of your brain. A heavy drinking binge may even cause a life-threatening coma or death. This is of particular concern when you’re taking certain medications that also depress the brain’s function

Impacts on your safety:

Excessive drinking can reduce your judgment skills and lower inhibitions, leading to poor choices and dangerous situations or behaviors, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents and other types of accidental injury, such as drowning
• Relationship problems
• Poor performance at work or school
• Increased likelihood of committing violent crimes or being the victim of a crime
• Legal problems or problems with employment or finances
• Problems with other substance use
• Engaging in risky, unprotected sex, or becoming the victim of sexual abuse or date rape
• Increased risk of attempted or completed suicide

Drinking too much alcohol on a single occasion or over time impacts health problems:

• Liver disease. Heavy drinking can cause increased fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis), inflammation of the liver (alcoholic hepatitis), and over time, irreversible destruction and scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis).
• Digestive problems. Heavy drinking can result in inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), as well as stomach and esophageal ulcers. It also can interfere with absorption of B vitamins and other nutrients. Heavy drinking can damage your pancreas or lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Heart problems. Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure and increases your risk of an enlarged heart, heart failure or stroke. Even a single binge can cause a serious heart arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation.
• Diabetes complications. Alcohol interferes with the release of glucose from your liver and can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is dangerous if you have diabetes and are already taking insulin to lower your blood sugar level.
• Sexual function and menstruation issues. Excessive drinking can cause erectile dysfunction in men. In women, it can interrupt menstruation.
• Eye problems. Over time, heavy drinking can cause involuntary rapid eye movement (nystagmus) as well as weakness and paralysis of your eye muscles due to a deficiency of vitamin B-1 (thiamine). A thiamine deficiency also can be associated with other brain changes, such as irreversible dementia, if not promptly treated.
• Birth defects. Alcohol use during pregnancy may cause miscarriage. It also may cause fetal alcohol syndrome, resulting in giving birth to a child who has physical and developmental problems that last a lifetime.
• Bone damage. Alcohol may interfere with the production of new bone. This bone loss can lead to thinning bones (osteoporosis) and an increased risk of fractures. Alcohol can also damage bone marrow, which makes blood cells. This can cause a low platelet count, which may result in bruising and bleeding.
• Neurological complications. Excessive drinking can affect your nervous system, causing numbness and pain in your hands and feet, disordered thinking, dementia, and short-term memory loss.
• Weakened immune system. Excessive alcohol use can make it harder for your body to resist disease, increasing your risk of various illnesses, especially pneumonia.
• Increased risk of cancer. Long-term excessive alcohol use has been linked to a higher risk of many cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, colon and breast cancer. Even moderate drinking can increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Medication and alcohol interactions. Some medications interact with alcohol, increasing its toxic effects. Drinking while taking these medications can either increase or decrease their effectiveness, or make them dangerous.What to expect to report to your doctor.Before your appointment, make a list of: Consider your drinking habits, taking an honest look at how often and how much you drink. Be prepared to discuss any problems that alcohol may be causing. You may want to take a family member or friend along, if possible. If you want to stop drinking, there is help. Start by talking to your health care provider. Treatment may include medicines, counseling, and support groups.

Alcohol can damages our cells and this can stop cells repairing damage.  Alcohol effects chemical signals which can make cells more likely to divide this in turn increases the chance of cancer to develop.  Alcohol makes it easier for cell in our mouth and throat to absorb cancer causing chemicals.

There are many ways that alcohol can cause cancer. Some of the main ways are:

• Damage to cells. When we drink alcohol, our bodies turn it into a chemical, called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde can damage our cells and can also stop cells from repairing this damage.
• Changes to hormones. Alcohol can increase the levels of some hormones in our bodies such as oestrogen and insulin. Hormones are chemical messengers, and higher levels of oestrogen and insulin can make cells divide more often. This increases the chance that cancer will develop.
• Changes to cells in the mouth and throat. Alcohol can make it easier for cells in the mouth and throat to absorb harmful chemicals that cause damage.

Remember, it’s the alcohol itself that damages your body, even small amounts. It doesn’t matter whether you drink beer, wine or spirits. All types of alcohol can cause cancer.

There’s plenty of tricks that people claim ‘cure’ hangovers. But even if they work for your hangover, they don’t reverse the damage caused from drinking alcohol.

What types of cancer does alcohol cause?

Drinking alcohol causes 7 different types of cancer. This includes:

• Breast cancer and bowel cancer (two of the most common types)
• Mouth cancer
• Some types of throat cancer: oesophagus (food pipe), larynx (voice box) and pharynx (upper throat)
• Liver cancer
• Colon and Rectum

Treatments for alcoholism disorder may include:

• First know treatment for alcohol use disorder can vary, depending on your needs. Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay. Working to stop the use of alcohol to improve quality of life is the main treatment goal.
• Detox and withdrawal. Treatment may begin with a program of detoxification or detox — withdrawal that’s medically managed — which generally takes two to seven days. You may need to take sedating medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Detox is usually done at an inpatient treatment center or a hospital.
• Learning skills and establishing a treatment plan. This usually involves alcohol treatment specialists. It may include goal setting, behavior change techniques, use of self-help manuals, counseling and follow-up care at a treatment center.
• Psychological counseling. Counseling and therapy for groups and individuals help you better understand your problem with alcohol and support recovery from the psychological aspects of alcohol use. You may benefit from couples or family therapy — family support can be an important part of the recovery process.
• Oral medications. A drug called disulfiram (Antabuse) may help to prevent you from drinking, although it won’t cure alcohol use disorder or remove the compulsion to drink. If you drink alcohol, the drug produces a physical reaction that may include flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Naltrexone (Revia), a drug that blocks the good feelings alcohol causes, may prevent heavy drinking and reduce the urge to drink. Acamprosate (Campral) may help you combat alcohol cravings once you stop drinking. Unlike disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate don’t make you feel sick after taking a drink.
• Injected medication. Vivitrol, a version of the drug naltrexone, is injected once a month by a health care professional. Although similar medication can be taken in pill form, the injectable version of the drug may be easier for people recovering from alcohol use disorder to use consistently.
• Continuing support. Aftercare programs and support groups help people recovering from alcohol use disorder to stop drinking, manage relapses and cope with necessary lifestyle changes. This may include medical or psychological care or attending a support group.
• Treatment for psychological problems. Alcohol use disorder commonly occurs along with other mental health disorders. If you have depression, anxiety or another mental health condition, you may need talk therapy (psychotherapy), medications or other treatment.
• Medical treatment for health conditions. Many alcohol-related health problems improve significantly once you stop drinking. But some health conditions may warrant continued treatment and follow-up.
• Spiritual practice. People who are involved with some type of regular spiritual practice may find it easier to maintain recovery from alcohol use disorder or other addictions. For many people, gaining greater insight into their spiritual side is a key element in recovery.
• Things you would let your doctor know in your original visit would include:   Any symptoms you’ve had, including any that may seem unrelated to your drinking.  Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.  All medications you might be taking, vitamins or other supplements that you’re taking, and their dose.

Article revised on April 1, 2026 Elizabeth Lynch RN

“Easter means to live with a sense of newness. Just as the return of spring lifts our spirits and makes us feel like the whole world is new, the Resurrection of Jesus makes “all things new.” (Rev. 21:5) The Easter spirit is a spirit of renewal that enables us to show up at work with a positive attitude, to renew relationships that have been taken for granted, and to express appreciation and affection to those closest to us. It means to see the world through new eyes—God’s eyes.”

LoyolaPress (Be Fearless, Be Joyful, Be Renewed: Living the Spirit… | Loyola Press)

“The Easter season—beginning on Easter Sunday and continuing for 50 days—is an opportunity for us to cultivate a spirit that defines who we are as Christians. So what does living the spirit of the Easter season mean in practical terms? Here are three concrete suggestions.

Live with Joy

Joy is a deep-down gladness that cannot be taken away, even in the midst of sorrow. The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus teach us that suffering is transformed through faith in the Risen Christ. With this faith, we are able to hold on to an enduring sense of joy even in the midst of the sadness we experience from the loss of a loved one, a failure to achieve an important goal, or a setback during recovery from an illness.

Live without Fear

The Resurrection teaches us that God can overcome anything, even death. When the Risen Christ appears to the women at the tomb and later to his disciples, his first words are “Do not be afraid!” (Mt 28:5,10) These words speak to our hearts, helping us cope with the fear from the loss of a job, a serious illness, or a crumbling relationship. Our faith allows us to trust that God can overcome our most serious problems.

Live with New Eyes

Easter means to live with a sense of newness.  Just as the return of spring lifts our spirits and makes us feel like the whole world is new, the Resurrection of Jesus makes “all things new.” (Rev. 21:5) The Easter spirit is a spirit of renewal that enables us to show up at work with a positive attitude, to renew relationships that have been taken for granted, and to express appreciation and affection to those closest to us. It means to see the world through new eyes—God´s eyes.

We can use these 50 days to cultivate an Easter spirit that enables us to be truly Christian: embracing joy, living without fear, and seeing the world again—as if for the first time.”

Reference:

Loyalapress.com

Happy Easter to All this Sunday and have a great Easter Season!