By Dr. Lisa Saul, Chief Medical Officer of Women’s Health for UnitedHealthcare

If you’ve ever enjoyed a glass of wine to unwind after a long day or shared cocktails with friends, you’re not alone. But here’s something you might not know: alcohol affects women differently than men—and not in a good way.

Women’s bodies process alcohol differently, making them more susceptible to its harmful effects. And in recent years, alcohol-related health risks for women have skyrocketed. The former U.S. surgeon general recently warned that alcohol increases cancer risk, while studies show that alcohol-related deaths among women have jumped by nearly 15% in the past two decades.

So, what does this mean for you? It’s time to take a closer look at how alcohol affects women at different life stages —and what you can do to protect your health.

College, cocktails and consequences

College and early adulthood often come with happy hours and weekend parties. But did you know that nearly 29% of women aged 18-25 report binge drinking? This can lead to higher risks of accidents and alcohol poisoning. Moreover, binge drinking during these formative years can cause long-term changes to brain development and increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence.

Why pregnancy and alcohol shouldn’t mix

Pregnancy comes with its fair share of stress, and some women may wonder if an occasional glass of wine can help them relax. But despite common myths, no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Even small amounts may increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can cause lifelong developmental challenges. Despite these risks, nearly 14% of pregnant women report drinking and about 5% reported binge drinking.

The “Mommy juice” trend 

A glass of wine to de-stress after a long day? Sounds harmless—until it’s not. For some, the rise of “mommy wine” culture has made drinking feel like a normal part of parenting. But heavy drinking among women has surged by 41% since the pandemic, putting mothers at higher risk of liver disease, heart problems, increased anxiety and depression, and developing alcohol dependence over time.

Perimenopause and beyond

As women approach perimenopause, alcohol can hit harder due to hormonal shifts, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and certain cancers. For African American women, alcohol-can exacerbate the risk of heart problems such as hypertension and cardiomyopathy, which are already more common in this group.

Hormonal changes during this life stage may also lead to intensified cravings for alcohol, increasing the risk of dependency. Mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression are more pronounced during perimenopause. For many women of color, additional factors such as chronic stress from societal pressures, weathering, and discrimination can further impact their mental well-being.

The cancer connection

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently highlighted a strong link between alcohol use and six types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancers. This is particularly concerning, as rates for some of these cancers are rising among younger adults.

But here’s the good news: you can take steps to greatly reduce your risk. According to the AACR, 40% of all cancers in the United States are linked risk factors we can control, such as making better choices around alcohol, not smoking, staying active and improving our diets.

Alcohol-related dementia
Did you know that chronic drinking can lead to alcohol-related dementia? This condition happens when long-term heavy drinking causes serious brain damage, leading to memory loss, trouble solving problems, and changes in behavior and personality. The good news is that cutting back on alcohol can help manage and even improve these symptoms over time.

Taking charge of your health

While being mindful of alcohol is a great first step, prioritizing your overall well-being is just as important. Here are some ways to stay on top of your health.

• Understand the impact of alcohol. Think red wine is good for your heart? New research says otherwise—no amount of alcohol is healthy. Educating yourself about alcohol’s effects can help you make more informed choices.
• Make a plan. If you chose to drink, set limits, alternate with water, or explore non-alcoholic alternatives. Consider finding social activities that don’t revolve around alcohol.
• See your doctor regularly. Routine checkups can help identify early signs of alcohol-related health risks, including high blood pressure, liver issues, and increased cancer risk.
• Explore available resources. Many workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide support for mental health, stress, and substance use concerns. You may also have access to digital health tools, telehealth visits and wellness programs.
• Lean on a support system. Instead of relying on alcohol to unwind, try stress-relieving activities like walking, journaling, or connecting with a friend. Surround yourself with people who encourage balance and healthy choices.

It’s never too late to rethink your drinking

If you’re concerned about your drinking or need guidance, reach out to a healthcare provider, explore behavioral health resources through your insurance, or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has launched its annual Soda Free Summer Challenge, now underway through August 31. The campaign encourages everyone to choose healthier beverages in favor of soda and other sugary drinks.

Sugar-sweetened beverages—including popular choices like sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks, and sweetened coffees and teas—are a leading source of added sugars in the American diet. A standard 12-ounce soda can contain up to 10 teaspoons of sugar. Added sugars contribute to issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and tooth decay.

“Excessive sugar consumption is associated with many negative health outcomes” said Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “Limiting or eliminating sugar sweetened beverages from your diet is one way to reduce consumption of added sugars.”

Nationally, 63% of youth and 49% of adults report having sugary drinks once daily or more. On average, children consume more than 30 gallons of sugary drinks per year, enough to fill an entire bathtub. The average American consumes approximately 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day. Adolescents (12-19 years old) are the highest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages. In Clark County, 13.2% of adolescents drank one can, bottle or glass of soda at least once per day during 2023, up from 11.4% in 2019.

According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day. For women, the recommended daily maximum is 6 teaspoons. Adults and children are encouraged to limit sugary drinks and opt for healthier alternatives including water, unsweetened tea and plain milk.

Consumers are advised to read nutrition labels to determine how much added sugar is included in their drinks. For more information on sugary drinks and the Soda Free Summer Challenge visit www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org or www.VivaSaludable.org.

By: Dr. Donald Tavakoli, UnitedHealthcare National Medical Director for Behavioral Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a great time to check in with yourself, the people in your life and explore ways to prioritize emotional well-being. With one in five U.S. adults experiencing mental illness each year, taking small, intentional steps to support mental wellness may have a very meaningful impact. This month, and in the months ahead, there are simple yet effective ways to focus on your mental health. Here are a handful to consider:

1. Stay Connected to a Strong Support System
Social support can play a critical role in mental well-being. Research shows that strong social connections are linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression. In fact, according to UnitedHealthcare’s College Student and Graduate Behavioral Health Report, young adults are increasingly turning to their peers for emotional support more than any other outside influence. Whether it’s friends, family or colleagues, maintaining these connections may provide stability and encouragement during life’s ups and downs.

2. Build Healthy Habits
Lifestyle choices may have a significant impact on mental health. Regular physical activity, proper sleep, and balanced nutrition may help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety an  depression. Studies have shown that individuals who engaged in regular exercise experience lower levels of stress and improved mental well-being. Even small changes, like a daily walk or practicing mindfulness, may make a significant difference.

3. Limit Online Time
Studies have shown that excessive social media use is linked to a higher risk of depression and anxiety, especially among young people. It’s important to keep in mind that a person’ssocial feed may not reflect their actual life story. Instead, try to embrace the difficulties of life as normal, focus on the present, and prioritize your offline relationships.

4. Take Advantage of Mental Health Resources
Exploring available mental health resources available through your health plan can be a great first step. For example, some insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, offer digital self-care tools such as Calm Health, coaching, 24/7 mental health support lines for “in-the-moment” support visits, along with in person and virtual visits, allowing individuals to access support in a variety of ways. If you’re unsure where to start, sign in to your health plan or call the number on your insurance ID card.

5. Seek Professional Help When Necessary
If feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression start to feel overwhelming, reach out to your primary care physician (PCP). If you don’t have a PCP, establish a relationship with one. Your PCP will provide valuable insights and care, and referrals if needed. Getting the right support can guide you toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Please remember, taking care of your mental health isn’t just important this month – it may be something that
benefits overall well-being year-round. Even small, consistent efforts may lead to long-term improvements in
emotional resilience and quality of life.

For more mental health resources, visit uhc.com.

Valley Hospital Medical Center earned its second consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

“The collective effort of our team, medical staff and leadership to achieve the top grade in patient safety is a testimony to everyone’s hard work and commitment to continuing to provide the very best care to our patients,” said Ryan Tingey, CEO of Valley Hospital. “As a tertiary care hospital caring for thousands of residents and tourists each year, achieving this A grade for the second consecutive time underscores our dedication to providing safe, effective medical care for everyone who enters our doors.”

“Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade reflects enormous dedication to patient safety,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I extend my congratulations to Valley Hospital, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for creating a culture where patients come first.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To explore Valley Hospital’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. Connect with The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and stay informed through The Leapfrog Group newsletter.

About Valley Hospital Medical Center
Valley Hospital is a member of The Valley Health System, a network of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician offices that provide care for patients throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding areas. Located in the Las Vegas Medical District, Valley Hospital, a 306-bed facility, is accredited by The Joint Commission and provides expertise in emergency services, advanced cardiovascular and neurological surgeries and procedures, robotic and minimally invasive surgical services, interventional radiology procedures, adult behavioral health, and advanced outpatient wound healing and hyperbaric medicine. Elite Medical Center, located on East Harmon near the Las Vegas Strip, ER at North Las Vegas, located at North Fifth Street and Rome Boulevard and ER at Desert Springs, located at Flamingo and Bruce streets, are also extensions of Valley Hospital. Valley Hospital is a Comprehensive Stroke Center and has earned numerous awards and certifications in the areas of stroke, cardiac care, diabetes and kidney care. Additionally, Valley Hospital offers graduate medical education residencies in family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, orthopedics and pharmacy, along with Fellowships in Gastroenterology and Pulmonary/Critical Care.

About The Leapfrog Group                                                                                   

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.