Energy Drinks and Caffeine
Ahhh, we’re finally getting some sunny days, warm weather, and increased outdoor activity! That’s bound to make us more thirsty and tired than usual. But please stop and think before you or your children reach for that energy drink! Although it may be hard to resist the marketing blitz for energy drinks, there are some things you should know about them before you drink.
- Energy drinks are a HUGE business. More than 500 new energy drinks have been launched this year and it is a 3.4 billion dollar a year industry and growing.
- 31% of 12-17 year olds are regular consumers of energy drinks.
- Energy drinks are not currently regulated by the FDA.
- The amount of caffeine in energy drinks is often not listed on the label and varies widely. Some have the equivalent caffeine of 14 cans of Coca-Cola.
- There are risks associated with too much caffeine and tolerance develops quickly.
- Caffeine addiction of youth is considered a “gateway” addiction that can lead to search for other drugs that give a good “buzz”.
- Energy drinks are loaded with sugar and may also have other additives that are not always listed.
- It is advised that pregnant women, the elderly, and those under age 18 not consume energy drinks.
- Energy drinks combined with alcohol enhance “drunkenness” and can be dangerous. Some pre-combined beverages are gradually being discontinued.
Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease
In case you missed it. . . . . there was an article in the newspaper on June 15 about deer ticks being discovered at Doctor’s Park in Bayside. A UW-Madison research team stated there was evidence of an established, breeding population of deer ticks in the area. It had been thought that deer ticks were usually found in northern
