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April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Did you know alcohol is one of the most commonly used addictive substances in the United States? According to a 2014 survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 140 million Americans age 12 and over had consumed alcohol within the past 30 days, including about 61 million binge drinkers. Despite the ubiquity of alcoholic beverages, excessive use can affect your daily life and lead to many health problems.

The medical professionals at Main Street Radiology, an MRI, ultrasound, and cancer screening center in Bayside, NY, understand the effects of excessive alcohol consumption and will inform you of ways it affects your health.

Cancer Screening Center Shares 3 Facts About Alcohol

1. Nearly 88,000 Deaths Each Year Are Attributed to Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is among the top five leading causes of lifestyle-related deaths. Excessive alcohol consumption — more than eight drinks per week for women and more than 15 for men — can lead to serious health issues such as liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancers of the throat, mouth, and liver. Additionally, an average of six people in the U.S. die every day as a result of binge drinking, and nearly one-third of the country’s traffic-related deaths involve an impaired driver.

2. Alcohol Addiction Can Negatively Impact Daily Life

Cancer screening Queens NYAn estimated 17.6 million Americans are living with alcohol addiction or dependency. Alcohol addiction can negatively affect many facets of your life, including your relationships with others, ability to hold a job, and emotional well-being. It also can make it difficult to keep up with fundamental aspects of health and grooming, including sleeping and eating a healthy diet.

3. Moderate Alcohol Consumption Can Be Beneficial

Despite the many dangers associated with excessive alcohol use, drinking in moderation can provide health advantages. Many doctors recommend drinking a small glass of red wine each evening to lower blood pressure and cholesterol as well as maintain a healthy weight. However, it is important to consume only the recommended amount of alcohol to avoid the risks listed above.

If you consume excessive amounts of alcohol and are showing signs of poor health, your doctor may recommend organ and cancer screenings to determine its effect on your health. Main Street Radiology has been providing accurate and effective health screenings for almost 50 years, so you can trust their evaluations. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 428-1500. To learn more about their services, including MRI and ultrasound exams, visit their website.

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