December 2025 Newsletter

Dear Patients,

As we approach the end of the year, I want to share some important health information that can help you stay healthy and safe in 2026. This newsletter focuses on three key topics: understanding alcohol's effects on your health, reviewing your medications safely, and managing stress during challenging times.

Understanding Alcohol and Your Health

Many people enjoy alcoholic beverages socially, especially during the holidays. However, it's important to understand how alcohol affects your health. Even moderate alcohol consumption can increase health risks, including certain cancers, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, and liver disease.

Current evidence suggests that the less alcohol consumed, the better for your health. Alcohol is associated with over 178,000 deaths annually in the United States and contributes to more than 200 health conditions. Even drinking within commonly cited limits can increase your risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats.

If you choose to drink, current U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. Keep in mind that a standard drink is 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol), 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 1.5 ounces of liquor (40% alcohol). However, drinks served at restaurants or poured at home often contain much more alcohol than you might think.

The Hidden Danger: Alcohol and Your Medications

Many common medications can interact dangerously with alcohol. About 40% of adults take a medication that could interact negatively with alcohol, and this percentage rises to 80% for those over age 65. These interactions can cause serious problems including falls, car accidents, liver damage, and even fatal overdoses.

Medications that are particularly risky when combined with alcohol include:

- Blood pressure medications

- Diabetes medications

- Pain relievers (both prescription and over-the-counter)

- Sleep medications

- Anti-anxiety medications

- Antidepressants

- Allergy and cold medications

- Antibiotics

When your doctor prescribes a new medication, this is an important opportunity to discuss your alcohol use. Being honest about how much you drink helps your healthcare team keep you safe and may provide motivation to reduce or stop drinking.

Year-End Medication Review: A Fresh Start for Safety

The new year is an excellent time to review all your medications with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Medication errors and mix-ups are common, especially during transitions of care such as hospital admissions or when starting new medications.

Here's how you can help prevent medication errors at home:

- Keep an updated list of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Bring this list to every medical appointment.

- Understand your medications. For each medication, know what it's for, when to take it, and any special instructions.

- Ask questions if you're confused about dosing instructions. Don't be embarrassed—it's better to ask than to make a mistake.

- Tell all your healthcare providers about every medication you're taking, including those prescribed by other doctors.

- Report side effects promptly. Don't just stop taking a medication without telling your doctor.

- Use a pill organizer or set phone reminders to help you remember when to take your medications.

- Dispose of expired or discontinued medications safely. Many pharmacies offer medication take-back programs.

If you take multiple medications or have any chronic health conditions, consider scheduling a comprehensive medication review with your healthcare provider early in the new year.

Managing Stress and Supporting Your Mental Health

The holiday season and year-end transitions can be stressful times. How you cope with stress significantly affects your mental health and overall well-being.

Research shows that engaging with stress actively, rather than avoiding it, leads to better mental health outcomes. Effective coping strategies include:

- Positive reframing: Try to find something positive or meaningful even in difficult situations

- Problem-solving: Take active steps to address stressors when possible

- Seeking social support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups

- Engaging in enjoyable activities: Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy, even when stressed

- Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can help reduce anxiety and improve mood

- Physical activity: Exercise is one of the most effective stress relievers

- Maintaining perspective: Remember that difficult times are temporary

Strategies to avoid include excessive use of alcohol or substances, completely withdrawing from others, or ignoring problems hoping they'll go away on their own. If you find yourself using alcohol to cope with stress, please talk with your healthcare provider.

If you're experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to us or call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) for immediate support.

Looking Ahead to 2026

I encourage you to start the new year with three simple actions:

1. Have an honest conversation about your alcohol use

2. Schedule a comprehensive medication review

3. Identify at least one healthy coping strategy you can use when stressed

Your health is my priority. Please don't hesitate to contact the office if you have questions about any of the topics in this newsletter or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your health goals for the coming year.

Wishing you a healthy and safe 2026!

Best wishes,

Dr. Faucher