The holiday season is a wonderful time for family, friends and building fond memories. It is also a time when celebrations tend to revolve around alcohol. It is important to use good judgment when it comes to drinking, as excessive alcohol consumption can create significant problems. </p><p>Very few things are more heartbreaking than to see a family suffer the loss of a loved one because of an alcohol-related tragedy, or even the family fights that can result from excess alcohol. A fun holiday celebration can turn into a nightmare in the blink of an eye, and it can happen to anyone. Financial stress, loneliness and family issues that come to light during the holiday season are all contributing factors to holiday alcohol abuse. Alcohol is a powerful nonprescription drug that can lift a person&#x92;s mood, alleviate stress and help with anxiety. But when alcohol is added to the mix, all of a sudden cognitive skills are lessened, personal judgments change and your ability to think coherently is decreased. </p><p>Alcohol-related injuries are not always driving-related incidents. Alcohol-related injuries range from serious falls from stringing lights on roofs and climbing ladders to using dangerous power tools incorrectly and doing tasks that require significant amounts of balance.</p><p>Heavy drinking over time can also lead to high blood pressure and even damage the heart. Those with heart conditions can put themselves at great risk if they drink or eat excessively during the holidays. Some people can also be affected by a condition known as &#x93;holiday heart syndrome.&#x94; This condition is basically an irregular heartbeat pattern that may develop largely because of excessive drinking in people who are otherwise healthy individuals.</p><p>Being a role model</p><p>For parents, the holiday season offers an excellent opportunity to model the appropriate role of alcohol at parties. Children are astute observers of adult behavior and are more influenced by your actions than your words. Don&#x92;t give the message that alcohol must be a key ingredient for good times. Those festive holiday celebrations will be remembered by your children for years and serve as a lifelong guide, so give them the best of memories.</p><p>Tips for Safe Holiday Parties</p><p>If you are hosting a party and serving alcohol, here are some steps to ensure all guests are comfortable and that alcohol does not become a problem: - Never pressure anyone to have a drink. - Offer a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, &#x93;mocktails&#x94; and plenty of food. - Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends. - Don&#x92;t serve alcohol to an intoxicated guest. - Don&#x92;t let anyone who is drunk drive home. - Don&#x92;t allow underage drinking.</p><p>Safety</p><p>Even though most people are aware of the tragic consequences of drinking and driving they still believe they can drive safely after they have stopped drinking. But the fact is that the coordination needed for driving has been compromised long before signs of intoxication are visible. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 percent of traffic fatalities involve a driver impaired by alcohol. Assign a designated driver. Designated drivers save lives. Don&#x92;t get behind the wheel of a car if you&#x92;ve had too much to drink. You are not only a danger to yourself but also to everyone else on the road. Consider the consequences an arrest or fatal crash could have on you, your family or friends. Have a safe holiday season. For help with alcohol problems, call ReDiscover (Lee&#x92;s Summit) at 816-966-0900 or First Call (Kansas City) 816-361-5900.</p><p>This article was submitted by Alan Flory, president of ReDiscover and a member of the Lee&#x92;s Summit Health Education Advisory Board.