As a distance runner I've occasionally used energy drinks to pick me up as the miles drag on. Energy drinks are not to be confused with sports drinks like Propel or Gatorade.
Too often, casual exercisers suck down these beverages with no attention to the caloric content and kids like them because of the 'jolt' they produce. But those are just part of the reason we need to be attentive to using these beverages and the amount we consume.
A new report finds energy drinks can boosts blood pressure, even in young, healthy people. If you're hypertensive, they can charge you up in a way you didn't bargain for.
The report found 2 drinks a day increased systolic blood pressure 10 mmHg and heart rate by 5-7 beats a minute. The findings were reported at a recent meeting of the American Heart Association.
These energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and the amino acid, taurine. These compounds have been found to affect cardiac function in earlier studies.
As always, moderation is key.
Thursday, November 8
Wednesday, November 7
Flu shots and expectant moms
It's flu shot day here at the big 1-3. The station provides flu shots for those who want them .. free of charge. It's a nice perk.
Yes, I'll be rolling up my sleeve - after all - I spend my days working on stories in hospitals and doctors offices.
But getting a flu shot is a good bit of preventive medicine for many of us - including pregnant women.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG) is out with reminder today for all women who are pregnant to get a flu shot. ACOG says it's an essential part of prenatal care providing protection, not only to mom, but the baby - that's because flu fighting antibodies can be developed by the fetus - and since babies younger than 6 months can't be vaccinated against flu, this confers protection on them.
ACOG also says, pregnant women and those breastfeeding can safely take the shot . but NOT flu mist .. the inhaled vaccine.
And a reminder: the CDC says all teens and adults be vaccinated against flu .. especially folks older than 50, younger than 5, anyone with a chronic illness, their caregivers and all health care workers.
Flu season is already underway and it lasts through May. It takes about 2 weeks after the shot to be protected. And despite thoughts to the contrary - you can't get flu from the shot as it is not a live virus.
carry on ..
Yes, I'll be rolling up my sleeve - after all - I spend my days working on stories in hospitals and doctors offices.
But getting a flu shot is a good bit of preventive medicine for many of us - including pregnant women.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG) is out with reminder today for all women who are pregnant to get a flu shot. ACOG says it's an essential part of prenatal care providing protection, not only to mom, but the baby - that's because flu fighting antibodies can be developed by the fetus - and since babies younger than 6 months can't be vaccinated against flu, this confers protection on them.
ACOG also says, pregnant women and those breastfeeding can safely take the shot . but NOT flu mist .. the inhaled vaccine.
And a reminder: the CDC says all teens and adults be vaccinated against flu .. especially folks older than 50, younger than 5, anyone with a chronic illness, their caregivers and all health care workers.
Flu season is already underway and it lasts through May. It takes about 2 weeks after the shot to be protected. And despite thoughts to the contrary - you can't get flu from the shot as it is not a live virus.
carry on ..
Tuesday, November 6
Heart Attacks - what you don't do that can kill you
I realize taking medicine can be a bother . . but a new study has me wondering about people's thinking.
The report from the Mayo Clinic finds about half of those who suffer a heart attack stop taking their medications within 3 years of the attack - meds that could help keep them healthy and alive.
Those most likely to stop taking their prescribed drugs - smokers
Those most likely to stick with the plan - people who take part in cardiac rehab
The aim is to better educate the smokers and effort to get more people into cardiac rehab.
While there are a host of reasons why people stop their drugs among them: the cost ..
so that also has to be addressed if we're serious about trying to help heart attack victims stay healthy.
The study results were presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2007 in Orlando, Fla.
The report from the Mayo Clinic finds about half of those who suffer a heart attack stop taking their medications within 3 years of the attack - meds that could help keep them healthy and alive.
Those most likely to stop taking their prescribed drugs - smokers
Those most likely to stick with the plan - people who take part in cardiac rehab
The aim is to better educate the smokers and effort to get more people into cardiac rehab.
While there are a host of reasons why people stop their drugs among them: the cost ..
so that also has to be addressed if we're serious about trying to help heart attack victims stay healthy.
The study results were presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2007 in Orlando, Fla.
Monday, November 5
Kids Colds - What's a Parent To Do
In this season of sneezin' and snifflin' .. parents may be confused over how to treat their little ones since the FDA recommended all infant cold and cough meds be cleared from store shelves.
In fact, one of our producers, a new mom, fretted today about her infant son who just seems out of sorts as he battles a cold.
The bottom line to all this - those meds NEVER CURED a cold .. they may relieve symptoms, but they didn't cure or shorten the duration of the misery.
A couple of doctors at Baylor Regional Medical Center are quoted in a web report today recommending some good, old fashioned treatments to make your little ones feel better.
Use nasal saline drops
Elevate the head of the crib
Use a humidifier or vaporizer
If the child still appears uncomfortable or fussy you can give them a non-aspirin pain reliever says Dr. Arthur Benzick a pediatrician at Baylor.
Most colds get better on their own in 5 to 10 days .. BUT .. if your child runs a fever of 100.4 or more or their cough lingers more than a few days, call your pediatrician. In fact, if you've got any questions or if your baby just doesn't seem right - make the call.
In fact, one of our producers, a new mom, fretted today about her infant son who just seems out of sorts as he battles a cold.
The bottom line to all this - those meds NEVER CURED a cold .. they may relieve symptoms, but they didn't cure or shorten the duration of the misery.
A couple of doctors at Baylor Regional Medical Center are quoted in a web report today recommending some good, old fashioned treatments to make your little ones feel better.
Use nasal saline drops
Elevate the head of the crib
Use a humidifier or vaporizer
If the child still appears uncomfortable or fussy you can give them a non-aspirin pain reliever says Dr. Arthur Benzick a pediatrician at Baylor.
Most colds get better on their own in 5 to 10 days .. BUT .. if your child runs a fever of 100.4 or more or their cough lingers more than a few days, call your pediatrician. In fact, if you've got any questions or if your baby just doesn't seem right - make the call.
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