In this 3-minute video, Dr. Leslie Martin discusses the potential surgical complications for those who drink alcohol in the days or weeks before surgery.

People who drink alcoholic beverages are at higher risk of complications during and after surgery. Alcohol consumption can reduce heart and immune system function, prolong bleeding time, and increase the body’s stress response. The less alcohol you drink before surgery, the better. In this video, Dr. Leslie Martin discusses the potential surgical and post-operative risks for people who consume alcohol in the days or weeks leading up to surgery.

Any amount of alcohol consumption can have risks for your health. In this video, Dr. Sophiya Benjamin talks about Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (2011), what a 'standard drink' is, and how following the guidelines can help to reduce both the short- and long-term risks of alcohol use.