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LIVE WELL. WORK WELL. 20
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MONTHLY HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2025 EDITION

Dry January: Are You In?

As the holidays end, some people give up alcohol in what’s known as “Dry January.” The month long
wellness challenge can serve as a reset after overindulging during the holidays or as an opportunity
to reassess one’s relationship with alcohol. While a month of sobriety can seem overwhelming to
some, it can provide multiple advantages.
Alcohol can also contribute to various health conditions, such as high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems,
heart disease and certain cancers. Furthermore, a study published in JAMA Network Open reported that
alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. As such, a period of
sobriety can positively affect one’s well-being and overall health.
People may experience health-related benefits when taking a brief break from moderate to heavy
alcohol consumption. Dry January participants often report sleeping better, having higher energy levels,
being in a better mood and feeling more focused. Some also experience weight loss and clearer skin.
Tips for a Successful Dry January
The goal of Dry January is to consciously drink less, even if you don’t give up alcohol fully.
Consider these tips for a successful month without alcohol:
• Think about potential challenges during the month, such as social events or stress triggers, so you can
plan how you’ll handle these situations without alcohol.
• Stay busy and engage in activities that don’t involve drinking. You may discover a new hobby,
exercise more or spend quality time with others in alcohol-free settings.
• Stock up on nonalcoholic beverages that you enjoy. Many great options include sparkling water,
functional sodas,mocktails, and nonalcoholic beers and wines.
One out of 4 Americans completed • Let friends and family know about your goal so they can offer support or even join you.
Dry January in 2024, according to • Pay attention to the positive health and mental changes you notice, as they can reinforce your commitment.
a CivicScience tracking poll.
Participating in Dry January can be a great way to start the new year on a healthy note. If you have
any questions or concerns about your alcohol consumption, talk to a health care professional.

Protect Your Skin During the Winter

The changing of the seasons can impact your skin. Specifically, winter weather brings colder and less
humid conditions, leaving your skin prone to issues such as dryness. Dry skin symptoms can include
itchiness, flakiness, redness, cracking and bleeding. Dry skin may not seem like the most concerning health
problem, but not treating dry skin can result in itchiness, cracked or painful skin, eczema and dermatitis.
The following tips can help care for your skin during the winter months:
• Adjust your shower routine. The length and temperature of your showers can make a big difference
in the dryness of your skin. Long and hot showers during the cold months can strip the natural oils in
your skin, drying it out. Try short and cold showers instead.
• Use moisturizer. Applying moisturizer, especially after showering, can help keep your skin hydrated
and prevent dryness.
• Avoid products with fragrances. Often, the better a product smells, the more irritating it can
be for your skin. As such,consider choosing fragrance-free skin products and laundry detergents.
• Use a humidifier. Humidifiers can return moisture to the air in your home, helping prevent and
relieve environmental dryness.
• Stay hydrated. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day to improve the
appearance of your skin and make it less susceptible to drying out.
Contact your doctor if you have any skin concerns.

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