Unpacking Risky Substances: From Alcohol to Processed Foods

When we talk about risky substances, we often think of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs—but there’s more to the story. Highly processed foods, added sugars, and certain chemicals in everyday products also put health at risk.

Why it matters:

- Excess alcohol increases the risk of liver disease, depression, and cancer. Yet this is the go to for our summer and winter celebrations.

- Processed foods contribute to obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Wonder why some of those childood snack habits are so hard to break? These foods are specifically made for and advertised to kids, hoping to influence their relationship with food early and have life-long customers.

- Environmental toxins disproportionately affect low-income communities. Whether its lead in paint and old pipes or zoning that has factories right next to neighborhoods, these impacts are huge!

Risk is not just about individual choice—it’s everywhere. How can you plan to limit your exposure within this very busy time. The seasons are changing. Let's enter this next one healthier.

Your LivingScript: Reducing exposure doesn’t mean perfection. Start with one habit—like cutting back on sugary drinks—and build from there.

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