Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Summer Drinking Poses A Health Risk You May Not Be Aware Of: Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well?

Summer Drinking Poses A Health Risk You May Not Be Aware Of - Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well

Drinking is a social activity that people enjoy, although it is understood that everyone should drink in moderation, we all tend to go a little overboard sometimes. These tend to happen, especially during vacations and holidays however, even during vacations one must not forget to prioritize one's health and well-being. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) warns that excessive alcohol consumption in the summer heat can be deadly with 1 in 6 Americans being a binge drinker, it's crucial to prioritize safety. 

The NIAAA urges everyone to "think before you drink", in order to ensure your safety and the well-being of your loved ones, avoid consuming alcohol when piloting a boat, driving a car, exploring the wilderness, or engaging in swimming or surfing. The NIAAA also notes that drinking more than usual can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations, especially if you're consuming more alcohol than you're accustomed to at home. The dangers of drinking alcohol while engaging in summer activities are significant: 

A shocking 31% of U.S. drowning fatalities involve individuals with blood alcohol levels of 0.10% or higher.

A boater with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% – the legal limit for intoxication in all 50 states – is 14 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than a sober individual. 

Drunken driving contributes to one-third of all traffic fatalities on U.S. highways. Summer vacations, with their unfamiliar routes, potential for towing, and excited passengers, amplify these risks. 

<h2>Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well? </h2>

A 2005 study published in the Alcohol journal, researchers looked at how  alcohol changes your body's ability to control its temperature and how hot or cold you feel when it's a bit warm outside.

They found that just 10 minutes after drinking alcohol, participants started sweating more from their chests and had increased blood flow to their skin compared to when they drank water.

About 20 minutes after they started sweating more, their internal body temperature began to drop. Eventually, it became 0.3 degrees Celsius (about 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than when they drank water.

The researchers found that how your body handles heat in a couple of ways. It makes your body cool down automatically through sweating and increasing blood flow to your skin. But it also makes you feel hotter, which would make you want to cool down yourself.

These results suggest that when your body temperature drops after drinking alcohol, it's not just because blood rushes to your skin (which alcohol is known to do). Instead, it seems like alcohol actually resets your body's internal thermostat to a lower temperature. This causes all your body's cooling systems, including sweating and feeling hot, to work together to bring your temperature down.

<h2>Safety Issues You May Face With Alcohol In Summer</h2>

When you're away on vacation, it's easy to let loose, and for some, that might mean drinking more than usual. This can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and an increased risk of accidents and injuries, especially if you're consuming stronger drinks than you're used to. Alcohol can also worsen travel-related health issues like motion sickness and heat-related illness, and it can even negatively interact with medications you might take for travel. 

Whether you're exploring the wilderness or just on a road trip, the combination of heat and alcohol can spell trouble. Hot summer days cause your body to lose fluids through perspiration, while alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing fluid loss through urination. Together, these effects can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration or even heat stroke. 

Sunburns can quickly ruin a summer vacation. Interestingly, studies suggest that people who drink alcohol while out in the sun are less likely to apply sunscreen. Furthermore, research indicates that alcohol might even reduce the amount of sun exposure needed to get a burn. Since repeated sunburns significantly increase your risk of skin cancer, it's vital to slather on that sunscreen generously, regardless of whether you're drinking, to ensure maximum summer fun and safety. 

<h2>Stay Safe and Healthy This Summer </h2>

Being smart about your choices this summer starts with thinking before you drink. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, avoid alcohol when you're piloting a boat, driving a car, exploring nature, or swimming and surfing. 

<strong>Provide Food:</strong> Offer a variety of healthy foods and snacks. Eating can slow down alcohol absorption, reducing the peak BAC by about one-third, and can also help prevent stomach irritation the next day.

<strong>Offer Alcohol-Free Options: </strong>Have plenty of water, juices, and sparkling sodas available. These not only combat dehydration but can also slow down alcohol absorption and reduce peak alcohol concentration in the blood, giving your guests excellent alternatives. 

<strong>Ensure Safe Rides Home:</strong> Always help your guests get home safely. Encourage the use of designated drivers, ride-hailing services, or taxis. No one who has consumed alcohol should ever get behind the wheel.

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Summer Drinking and health issues

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Drinking is a social activity that people enjoy, although it is understood that everyone should drink in moderation, we all tend to go a little overboard sometimes. These tend to happen, especially during vacations and holidays however, even during vacations one must not forget to prioritize one's health and well-being. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) warns that excessive alcohol consumption in the summer heat can be deadly with 1 in 6 Americans being a binge drinker, it's crucial to prioritize safety. The NIAAA urges everyone to "think before you drink", in order to ensure your safety and the well-being of your loved ones, avoid consuming alcohol when piloting a boat, driving a car, exploring the wilderness, or engaging in swimming or surfing. The NIAAA also notes that drinking more than usual can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations, especially if you're consuming more alcohol than you're accustomed to at home. The dangers of drinking alcohol while engaging in summer activities are significant: Drowning Deaths A shocking 31% of U.S. drowning fatalities involve individuals with blood alcohol levels of 0.10% or higher.Boating Accidents A boater with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% – the legal limit for intoxication in all 50 states – is 14 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than a sober individual. Traffic Fatalities Drunken driving contributes to one-third of all traffic fatalities on U.S. highways. Summer vacations, with their unfamiliar routes, potential for towing, and excited passengers, amplify these risks. Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well? A 2005 study published in the Alcohol journal, researchers looked at how  alcohol changes your body's ability to control its temperature and how hot or cold you feel when it's a bit warm outside.They found that just 10 minutes after drinking alcohol, participants started sweating more from their chests and had increased blood flow to their skin compared to when they drank water.About 20 minutes after they started sweating more, their internal body temperature began to drop. Eventually, it became 0.3 degrees Celsius (about 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than when they drank water.The researchers found that how your body handles heat in a couple of ways. It makes your body cool down automatically through sweating and increasing blood flow to your skin. But it also makes you feel hotter, which would make you want to cool down yourself.These results suggest that when your body temperature drops after drinking alcohol, it's not just because blood rushes to your skin (which alcohol is known to do). Instead, it seems like alcohol actually resets your body's internal thermostat to a lower temperature. This causes all your body's cooling systems, including sweating and feeling hot, to work together to bring your temperature down.Safety Issues You May Face With Alcohol In SummerTravel and Alcohol When you're away on vacation, it's easy to let loose, and for some, that might mean drinking more than usual. This can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and an increased risk of accidents and injuries, especially if you're consuming stronger drinks than you're used to. Alcohol can also worsen travel-related health issues like motion sickness and heat-related illness, and it can even negatively interact with medications you might take for travel. Dehydration Whether you're exploring the wilderness or just on a road trip, the combination of heat and alcohol can spell trouble. Hot summer days cause your body to lose fluids through perspiration, while alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing fluid loss through urination. Together, these effects can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration or even heat stroke. Skin Protection Sunburns can quickly ruin a summer vacation. Interestingly, studies suggest that people who drink alcohol while out in the sun are less likely to apply sunscreen. Furthermore, research indicates that alcohol might even reduce the amount of sun exposure needed to get a burn. Since repeated sunburns significantly increase your risk of skin cancer, it's vital to slather on that sunscreen generously, regardless of whether you're drinking, to ensure maximum summer fun and safety. Stay Safe and Healthy This Summer Being smart about your choices this summer starts with thinking before you drink. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, avoid alcohol when you're piloting a boat, driving a car, exploring nature, or swimming and surfing. Provide Food: Offer a variety of healthy foods and snacks. Eating can slow down alcohol absorption, reducing the peak BAC by about one-third, and can also help prevent stomach irritation the next day.Offer Alcohol-Free Options: Have plenty of water, juices, and sparkling sodas available. These not only combat dehydration but can also slow down alcohol absorption and reduce peak alcohol concentration in the blood, giving your guests excellent alternatives. Ensure Safe Rides Home: Always help your guests get home safely. Encourage the use of designated drivers, ride-hailing services, or taxis. No one who has consumed alcohol should ever get behind the wheel.

summer drinking poses a health risk you may not be aware of - why heat and alcohol don't mix well

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Does your body respond as if you had just swallowed poison every time you eat a slice of pizza or a comforting bowl of pasta? For around 2 million Americans, this is the harsh reality of living with <span>coeliac disease</span>, an <span>autoimmune</span> condition that’s often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.

Coeliac disease is a lifelong immune response triggered by <span>gluten</span>, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with coeliac disease consumes gluten, their immune system does not just attack the food; it turns against the <span>small intestine</span> itself. Over time, this repeated immune response damages the lining of the gut, particularly the villi, which are tiny structures that absorb nutrients. Flatten them, and your body starts struggling to take in essentials like iron, calcium, and vitamins.

You cannot see this damage, but your body certainly feels it. <strong><span rel="noindex">Symptoms</span> </strong>can range from diarrhoea, bloating, and abdominal pain to fatigue, unexplained weight loss, skin rashes, joint pain, and even infertility. In children, it can show up as stunted growth, irritability or delayed puberty. 

One of the more frustrating facts about coeliac disease is how unpredictable it can be. Some people show severe symptoms after eating a tiny crumb of bread, while others feel fine even though the internal damage is mounting. That is part of what makes <span>diagnosis</span> tricky. What adds to the confusion is the rising popularity of gluten-free diets. People might cut out gluten without medical guidance, feel better, and assume they have coeliac. But without testing first, any real diagnosis is impossible, because test results are only accurate if you are still eating gluten regularly.

Unlike a typical allergy or intolerance, coeliac disease is <strong>autoimmune in nature</strong>. That means the body is not reacting to gluten as an outsider but rather misfiring completely. The only known treatment is to totally avoid gluten for life. 

That means reading every label, dodging cross-contamination, and realising gluten lurks in unexpected places like soy sauce, soup mixes, or even some lip balms. Even a small amount can trigger inflammation, symptoms, and long-term complications if left unchecked.

Untreated coeliac disease can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, infertility, and in rare cases, a type of small intestine cancer. And it does not always announce itself loudly; many cases are silent, discovered only when a family member gets tested or a doctor digs deeper into another issue.

Still, despite the seriousness of the disease, it is very manageable once diagnosed. The key lies in awareness, early detection, and strict adherence to a gluten-free lifestyle. 

coeliac disease

gluten

autoimmune

small intestine

gut damage

gluten free diet

symptoms

diagnosis

nutrient absorption

long term complications

Does your body respond as if you had just swallowed poison every time you eat a slice of pizza or a comforting bowl of pasta? For around 2 million Americans, this is the harsh reality of living with coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition that’s often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.Coeliac disease is a lifelong immune response triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with coeliac disease consumes gluten, their immune system does not just attack the food; it turns against the small intestine itself. Over time, this repeated immune response damages the lining of the gut, particularly the villi, which are tiny structures that absorb nutrients. Flatten them, and your body starts struggling to take in essentials like iron, calcium, and vitamins.You cannot see this damage, but your body certainly feels it. Symptoms can range from diarrhoea, bloating, and abdominal pain to fatigue, unexplained weight loss, skin rashes, joint pain, and even infertility. In children, it can show up as stunted growth, irritability or delayed puberty. One of the more frustrating facts about coeliac disease is how unpredictable it can be. Some people show severe symptoms after eating a tiny crumb of bread, while others feel fine even though the internal damage is mounting. That is part of what makes diagnosis tricky. What adds to the confusion is the rising popularity of gluten-free diets. People might cut out gluten without medical guidance, feel better, and assume they have coeliac. But without testing first, any real diagnosis is impossible, because test results are only accurate if you are still eating gluten regularly.Unlike a typical allergy or intolerance, coeliac disease is autoimmune in nature. That means the body is not reacting to gluten as an outsider but rather misfiring completely. The only known treatment is to totally avoid gluten for life. That means reading every label, dodging cross-contamination, and realising gluten lurks in unexpected places like soy sauce, soup mixes, or even some lip balms. Even a small amount can trigger inflammation, symptoms, and long-term complications if left unchecked.Untreated coeliac disease can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, infertility, and in rare cases, a type of small intestine cancer. And it does not always announce itself loudly; many cases are silent, discovered only when a family member gets tested or a doctor digs deeper into another issue.Still, despite the seriousness of the disease, it is very manageable once diagnosed. The key lies in awareness, early detection, and strict adherence to a gluten-free lifestyle. 

what is coeliac disease that affects 2 million people in the u.s. each year?

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<span>High cholesterol</span> often develops silently, without symptoms, and increases your risk of heart disease and stroke over time. That is why it is often called the “silent” threat. It can quietly clog your arteries for years without so much as a headache. But in some cases, the body shows early warning signs, not through chest pain or breathlessness, but in places you might not expect: your eyes and ankles.

In your <strong>eyes</strong>, specifically, your iris. According to the <span>British Heart Foundation</span>, one early red flag is a pale grey or white ring forming around the coloured part of your eye, a sign known as <span>corneal arcus</span>. In people over 60, it is usually nothing to worry about. But in younger adults, it could point to dangerously high cholesterol levels.

It is caused by fat deposits building up in the outer edges of your cornea. The ring would not hurt and would not affect your vision, which makes it all the more tough. But it is visible, and that makes it one of the few outward signs of a hidden problem.

Now, down to your <strong>ankles</strong>. Another unexpected place cholesterol might show up is under the skin in the form of <span>xanthomas</span>, soft, yellowish lumps that often appear around tendons or joints, especially near the ankles. These are not just cosmetic oddities. They are fatty growths, and they usually mean your body's cholesterol levels are sky-high, often dangerously so.

These lumps are caused by cholesterol leaking out of your blood and getting trapped in the skin. According to the British Heart Foundation, their presence is a major red flag, particularly if they appear in people with a family history of heart disease or a genetic condition called <span>familial hypercholesterolaemia</span>, where cholesterol levels are high from birth.

<strong>The trouble is</strong>, most people ignore these signs. A ring in your eye? Probably ageing. Lumps near your ankle? Maybe a strain or skin issue. But shrugging them off could delay diagnosis and treatment.

That is why awareness matters. If you are under 45 and notice a ring around your iris or strange, painless bumps around your joints, you might want to book a cholesterol test. It is a simple blood draw that could tell you a lot about what is going on inside.

<strong>If left unchecked</strong>, high cholesterol raises your risk of heart attacks and strokes. But caught early, it is manageable. Diet tweaks, regular exercise, and, if needed, medication can help bring your levels back to where they should be.

high cholesterol

early signs

corneal arcus

xanthomas

british heart foundation

eye ring

ankle lumps

cholesterol symptoms

familial hypercholesterolaemia

heart disease risk

High cholesterol often develops silently, without symptoms, and increases your risk of heart disease and stroke over time. That is why it is often called the “silent” threat. It can quietly clog your arteries for years without so much as a headache. But in some cases, the body shows early warning signs, not through chest pain or breathlessness, but in places you might not expect: your eyes and ankles.In your eyes, specifically, your iris. According to the British Heart Foundation, one early red flag is a pale grey or white ring forming around the coloured part of your eye, a sign known as corneal arcus. In people over 60, it is usually nothing to worry about. But in younger adults, it could point to dangerously high cholesterol levels.It is caused by fat deposits building up in the outer edges of your cornea. The ring would not hurt and would not affect your vision, which makes it all the more tough. But it is visible, and that makes it one of the few outward signs of a hidden problem.Now, down to your ankles. Another unexpected place cholesterol might show up is under the skin in the form of xanthomas, soft, yellowish lumps that often appear around tendons or joints, especially near the ankles. These are not just cosmetic oddities. They are fatty growths, and they usually mean your body's cholesterol levels are sky-high, often dangerously so.These lumps are caused by cholesterol leaking out of your blood and getting trapped in the skin. According to the British Heart Foundation, their presence is a major red flag, particularly if they appear in people with a family history of heart disease or a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia, where cholesterol levels are high from birth.The trouble is, most people ignore these signs. A ring in your eye? Probably ageing. Lumps near your ankle? Maybe a strain or skin issue. But shrugging them off could delay diagnosis and treatment.That is why awareness matters. If you are under 45 and notice a ring around your iris or strange, painless bumps around your joints, you might want to book a cholesterol test. It is a simple blood draw that could tell you a lot about what is going on inside.If left unchecked, high cholesterol raises your risk of heart attacks and strokes. But caught early, it is manageable. Diet tweaks, regular exercise, and, if needed, medication can help bring your levels back to where they should be.

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Pregnancy is a delicate time for the mothers as they must take many precautions that will ensure their and their babies' health. What many people do not realize is that diabetic mothers can have complications during pregnancy. As many people lack awareness about this, researchers from the Endocrine Society have come up with important rules and guidelines that will ensure the safety and wellbeing of new mothers and their babies. 

New guidelines suggest that doctors should talk to diabetic women at every visit about whether they plan to have children. This is to make sure they receive the right medical care before getting pregnant. 

The goal is to help prevent problems like miscarriages and birth defects in women who have <span>diabetes</span> before they become pregnant. Experts created these guidelines because more women of childbearing age are developing diabetes, and very few currently get the necessary care before conception. 

<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">How Does Diabetes Affect Pregnancy?</h2>

Pregnancy causes hormonal and body changes that affect your blood sugar levels. Even if you've had diabetes for years, you might need to change your meal plan, exercise routine, or medications. If you weren't on insulin before pregnancy, you might need to start it. It's common to need more insulin as your due date gets closer, sometimes even double or triple the amount. Your blood sugar levels can also change quickly during and after delivery, so your healthcare team will monitor them closely.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that if you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, it's really important to get your blood sugar levels as close to your target range as possible before you get pregnant. High blood sugar levels can be harmful to your baby, especially in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy when their organs (like the brain, heart, and kidneys) are forming. This can increase the chance of birth defects. High blood sugar during pregnancy can also increase the risk of your baby being:

<ul><li>Born too early</li><li>Larger than average size</li><li>Having breathing problems right after birth</li><li>Having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) right after birth</li></ul>

Sometimes, babies might need special care in the hospital after delivery if there's a risk of low blood sugar or other health issues. High blood sugar can also increase your risk of miscarriage or stillbirth (when the baby dies in the womb in the second half of pregnancy). Furthermore, if your blood sugar levels are high during pregnancy, your baby has a higher chance of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life.

These new guidelines cover several important areas, including: 

<h4>Regular Discussions about Pregnancy </h4>

Doctors should ask all diabetic women of childbearing age about their desire to conceive at every appointment, regardless of why they're seeing the doctor. 

For pregnant women with diabetes, delivering the baby before 39 weeks might be safer. This is because the potential risks of continuing the pregnancy could be greater than those of an earlier delivery. 

<h4>Medication Adjustments</h4> <ul><li>Women should stop using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs before pregnancy.</li><li>Metformin should be avoided in pregnant women who are already taking insulin.</li></ul>

For pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, using hybrid closed-loop insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitoring is recommended. These devices help manage blood sugar more effectively. 

Women with diabetes should engage in family planning and use contraception until they are truly ready to become pregnant. 

These recommendations are based on strong scientific evidence from research studies. They also address important topics like proper nutrition and treatment approaches for women with type 2 diabetes, especially since obesity and related diabetes are increasing globally. These new guidelines are supported by many major health organizations, including the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

Diabetes

Diabetes in women

Healthcare guidelines for diabetic women

diabetes and pregnancy

how does diabetes affect pregnancies

Pregnancy care with diabetes

Pregnancy is a delicate time for the mothers as they must take many precautions that will ensure their and their babies' health. What many people do not realize is that diabetic mothers can have complications during pregnancy. As many people lack awareness about this, researchers from the Endocrine Society have come up with important rules and guidelines that will ensure the safety and wellbeing of new mothers and their babies. New guidelines suggest that doctors should talk to diabetic women at every visit about whether they plan to have children. This is to make sure they receive the right medical care before getting pregnant. The goal is to help prevent problems like miscarriages and birth defects in women who have diabetes before they become pregnant. Experts created these guidelines because more women of childbearing age are developing diabetes, and very few currently get the necessary care before conception. How Does Diabetes Affect Pregnancy?Pregnancy causes hormonal and body changes that affect your blood sugar levels. Even if you've had diabetes for years, you might need to change your meal plan, exercise routine, or medications. If you weren't on insulin before pregnancy, you might need to start it. It's common to need more insulin as your due date gets closer, sometimes even double or triple the amount. Your blood sugar levels can also change quickly during and after delivery, so your healthcare team will monitor them closely.The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that if you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, it's really important to get your blood sugar levels as close to your target range as possible before you get pregnant. High blood sugar levels can be harmful to your baby, especially in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy when their organs (like the brain, heart, and kidneys) are forming. This can increase the chance of birth defects. High blood sugar during pregnancy can also increase the risk of your baby being:Born too earlyLarger than average sizeHaving breathing problems right after birthHaving low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) right after birthSometimes, babies might need special care in the hospital after delivery if there's a risk of low blood sugar or other health issues. High blood sugar can also increase your risk of miscarriage or stillbirth (when the baby dies in the womb in the second half of pregnancy). Furthermore, if your blood sugar levels are high during pregnancy, your baby has a higher chance of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life.Key Recommendations for Care These new guidelines cover several important areas, including: Regular Discussions about Pregnancy Doctors should ask all diabetic women of childbearing age about their desire to conceive at every appointment, regardless of why they're seeing the doctor. Timing of Delivery For pregnant women with diabetes, delivering the baby before 39 weeks might be safer. This is because the potential risks of continuing the pregnancy could be greater than those of an earlier delivery. Medication Adjustments Women should stop using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs before pregnancy.Metformin should be avoided in pregnant women who are already taking insulin.Advanced Insulin Management For pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, using hybrid closed-loop insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitoring is recommended. These devices help manage blood sugar more effectively. Family Planning Women with diabetes should engage in family planning and use contraception until they are truly ready to become pregnant. These recommendations are based on strong scientific evidence from research studies. They also address important topics like proper nutrition and treatment approaches for women with type 2 diabetes, especially since obesity and related diabetes are increasing globally. These new guidelines are supported by many major health organizations, including the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

diabetic women should be asked whether they wish for kids at every healthcare visit: new guidelines to ensure birth safety

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Summer Drinking Poses A Health Risk You May Not Be Aware Of: Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well?

Quick Stories

What is Coeliac Disease That Affects 2 Million People in the U.S. Each Year?

Diabetic Women Should Be Asked Whether They Wish For Kids At Every Healthcare Visit: New Guidelines To Ensure Birth Safety

Did You Know? These Surprising Body Parts Could Reveal the First Signs of High Cholesterol

Health Conditions A-Z

What is Coeliac Disease That Affects 2 Million People in the U.S. Each Year?

Diabetic Women Should Be Asked Whether They Wish For Kids At Every Healthcare Visit: New Guidelines To Ensure Birth Safety

Did You Know? These Surprising Body Parts Could Reveal the First Signs of High Cholesterol