Saanich resident Teri Kerr asked herself one question “who do I want to be as a Gramma?”, which set off a series of healthy habits she never imagined she would take up.
Teri Kerr at a local gym.
She began her journey of self-reflection when one of her two sons delivered pregnancy news.
“I have a choice of how I want be in my next phase in life,” Teri said. “Alcohol has been a big part of my family and life. A glass of wine with dinner, drinking on Friday night, a glass of wine to relax. I come from a family in which grey area drinking is the norm. I don’t want to be that anymore.”
Grey area drinking is a relatively new term used to describe the middle area of drinking, that typically means drinking more than recommended limits, but not enough to meet the more extreme end of alcohol use disorder.
Teri reflects that the first few weeks were hard but the rewards came quickly. “I immediately started to sleep better and then I noticed the inflammation in my joints going down. I learned that I was most likely to reach for a glass of wine when I'm bored. So I opted to incorporate evening walks.”
On top of that, she eats healthier, started working out regularly, and decided to join an intense fitness challenge.
“There are many benefits to cutting back on alcohol,” said Dr. Randal Mason, regional medical director, Addiction Medicine and Substance Use. “Drinking less can improve your sleep, energy, mood, skin and sex drive.”
Alcohol is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in Canada, but it also causes the greatest health harms when compared to other substances.
"The good news is that even a small reduction in drinking can make a positive impact on short- and long-term health,” said Dr. Mason.
Alcohol is a carcinogen and research now shows that no amount or type of alcohol, whether beer, spirits or wine, is beneficial. It can cause over 200 diseases, including seven types of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver disease, as well as injuries and violence.
After 104 days, Teri had a glass of wine on Valentine’s Day. She instantly got a headache and noticed the inflammation again. She took that as a sign that cutting back is the right path for her. She has some insight for anyone else trying to cut back - try to look ahead.
“At first, I felt sad because I thought I couldn’t have fun; I was worried about losing the fun-me, that I would be boring,” she said. “However, I realized I can still have just as much fun, but I get to enjoy the next day as well. I get to choose new patterns that serve me as I grow old and help me become the Gramma I want to be.”
Learn more about the benefits of cutting back on alcohol on our Alcohol and Your Health webpage.