Health Connect Series: Summer Sipping
La Crosse and the Driftless region are known for its many wonders. The bluffs are a sight to be seen in the summer, fall, or under a fresh blanket of snow in the winter. Located along the Mississippi River, hanging out at Riverside Park to watch the boats and barges go by with eagles flying above is picturesque. With plenty of trails, restaurants and other activities, finding something to do is easy. But whether you’re boating, eating, celebrating, or bored, a large majority find one thing that always seems to be included—alcohol.
If you’re like most of the Midwest, you likely pack as much as possible into the three summer months. The busyness of summer and the extreme heat and humidity combined with the consumption of alcohol often leads to dehydration. This summer, stay healthy by being intentional about your beverages so you feel your best and have the energy to keep up with the Midwest vibe.
The lowdown on alcohol. While a happy hour cocktail or a lakeside beverage can be an exciting treat, it’s not likely it ends there. In Wisconsin, binge drinking is an issue with the annual economic cost of binge drinking being almost $4 billion, $2.6 billion of which is from lost productivity. The region is in the state with the ten “drunkest” counties in America. And with three colleges, the mighty Mississippi to cruise on, and events like Oktoberfest and Beer Wine and Cheese Fest, it’s not hard to see why the La Crosse area has a problem with alcohol.
Health impacts. Alcohol use disorder, liver disease, weight gain, impaired gut health, heart disease, pancreatitis, cancer, and mental health problems are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the health impacts of excessive drinking. Even in the short term, alcohol can lead to anxiety, hangovers and hangxiety—the anxiousness that may come with a hangover, depressive symptoms, weight gain, gut issues, and dehydration.
Shift your drinking. Steer away from excessive sugar and alcohol and toward hydrating beverages. This may be the key to helping you feel your best. Start by evaluating why you choose to drink alcohol. Is it because you like the taste? Or do you only drink in social situations to calm your nerves? Maybe that glass of wine just sounds irresistible with the new series you’ve been bingeing. It’s also important to evaluate what you’re drinking. Are you mixing liquor with soda? Are you drinking super sweet wine? This can lead to loads of added sugar, which is dehydrating.
Add in electrolytes. Avoiding dehydration is one thing. Consciously hydrating yourself is another. Drinking beverages that have common electrolytes that regulate your body’s fluid balance, like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium helps to ensure you’re well-hydrated. Add pre-made electrolyte powder to your water, eat foods rich in electrolytes, add a pinch of high-quality sea salt to your water, or drink electrolyte-containing fluids like coconut water or aloe vera juice.
When you just want a fun drink. Walk down the beverage aisle of a grocery store and it’s likely you’ll find more drink brands than you can count. You'll find soda alternatives, flavored waters, kombucha variations, and more. Try a new one each week as a fun way to mix it up. Check the nutrition label to avoid added sugars. You can even use these in mocktails or as substitutes for soda in mixed drinks.
When you're at a restaurant or bar. Many restaurants have mocktails available. They look like alcoholic beverages, but don’t contain alcohol. Add mocktails to your outing to reduce the number of alcoholic beverages you drink. Try soda water with lemon or lime. This can be a great alternative to keep you hydrated with more flavor than plain water but with less sugar than soda.
When you’re looking for a buzz. There are options for non-alcoholic beverages that may offer some of the feel-good effects of alcohol. These beverages may use botanicals, which are substances derived from plants that have varying effects depending on what you’re after. They can be mood enhancing, energy boosting, or relaxing. Some are crafted to mimic beer, spirits, wine and more. Remember, some plant-based beverages have undeniable similarities to the effects of alcohol, and driving a car or boat, or riding a bike is still dangerous—and illegal—when overconsumed.
The drinking culture of La Crosse and in Wisconsin can make it difficult to reduce alcohol consumption. You never know what health concerns someone may have, their health goals, or their reasoning for not drinking. Avoid commenting if someone is not drinking. If you’re the one trying to not drink or are a designated driver, go with a plan and stick to it.
Enjoy the short period of sun and river days we get in the Midwest and do what makes you happy. If you’re looking forward to your favorite alcoholic beverage at happy hour with your friends, have it. Just pay attention to your body, keep your health in mind, stay hydrated, be safe, and do what makes you feel your best.
Lila Tully, CHES
Health Education Specialist, ViaroThrive
For questions or comments, contact wellness@viarohealth.com
