Reuters has a very interesting story about the potential dangers of energy drinks. Although very useful in limited quantities, these caffeine- and sugar-laden products can have some serious consequences when consumed on a frequent basis.
The human body is designed to get hydration from water and from whole foods which have water content (especially fresh vegetables and fruits). It's little wonder that people are experiencing ill effects from these processed, packaged drinks and their blasts of caffeine and other chemicals. From the news story: In a new report, a large group of American doctors urge kids and teens to avoid energy drinks and only consume sports drinks in limited amount. The recommendations come in the wake of a national debate over energy drinks, which experts fear may have side effects. "Children never need energy drinks," said Dr. Holly Benjamin, of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who worked on the new report. "They contain caffeine and other stimulant substances that aren't nutritional, so you don't need them." And kids might be more vulnerable to the contents of energy drinks than grownups. "If you drink them on a regular basis, it stresses the body," Benjamin told Reuters Health. "You don't really want to stress the body of a person that's growing." For the new recommendations, published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers went through earlier studies and reports on both energy drinks and sports drinks, which don't contain any stimulants. They note that energy drinks contain a jumble of ingredients -- including vitamins and herbal extracts -- with possible side effects that aren't always well understood. While there aren't many documented cases of harm directly linked to the beverages, stimulants can disturb the heart's rhythm and may lead to seizures in very rare cases, Benjamin said. Recently, she saw a 15-year-old boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who came into the hospital with a seizure after having drunk two 24-ounce bottles of Mountain Dew, a soft drink that contains caffeine. The boy was already taking stimulant ADHD medication, and the extra caffeine in principle might have pushed him over the edge, according to Benjamin. "You just never know," she said. "It's definitely a concern." Earlier this year, Pediatrics published another review of the literature on energy drinks. In it, Florida pediatricians described cases of seizures, delusions, heart problems and kidney or liver damage in people who had drunk one or more non-alcoholic energy drinks -- including brands like Red Bull, Spike Shooter and Redline. While they acknowledged that such cases are very rare, and can't be conclusively linked to the drinks, they urged caution, especially in kids with medical conditions (see Reuters story of February 14, 2011). U.S. sales of non-alcoholic energy drinks are expected to hit $9 billion this year, with children and young adults accounting for half the market. Manufacturers claim their products will enhance both mental and physical performance, and were quick to downplay the February report. "The effects of caffeine are well-known and as an 8.4 oz can of Red Bull contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee (80 mg), it should be treated accordingly," Red Bull said in an emailed statement to Reuters Health. Benjamin said that for most kids, water is the best thing to quench their thirst. If they happen to be young athletes training hard, a sports drink might be helpful, too, because it contains sugar. But for kids who lead less-active lives, sports and energy drinks might just serve to pile on extra pounds, fueling the national obesity epidemic. While she acknowledged that more research is needed, Benjamin said the safest thing to drink is water. ADDITIONAL SOURCE: bit.ly/cxXOG Pediatrics, online May 30, 2011.
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"The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
"We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, 'of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.' What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic. "If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us. "Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from hishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --Gen. John Logan, May 5, 1868 These sentiments from an Illinois general are even more powerful as we begin to relive the Civil War during its 150th anniversary. HT: Kevin Seifert I would like to wish a Happy Memorial Day to all my patients and all the Peoria community.
I am deeply grateful to the veterans who have visited my office, and taught me much about life and the United States of America. On Memorial Day, we remember all the brave veterans who willingly gave up their chance at a long and healthy life, exchanging it so that the rest of us might live in freedom. Our immune systems are delicate and amazing things. When a virus or bacteria enters your body, your immune system only becomes mobilized after a series of complex and improbable molecular encounters. But once it's mobilized, it almost always wins. The very fact that you're still alive and reading this post proves that your immune system has conquered trillions upon trillions of hostile organisms in your lifetime, and will likely conquer a few trillion more.
There are infrequent times in our lives when our immune systems are weakened, however, and in these occasions they can easily become overwhelmed by invading hordes of microorganisms. In these cases, extra bodily functions (like fevers) kick into gear in order to protect the body. And, again, the fact that you're still reading this article proves that fevers have saved you several times over. The strongest immune systems are those that have been trained to be the strongest. Every person on the planet has been shaped by the organisms they have defeated, and therefore no two people on earth have identical immune systems. In general, the more organisms your body can defeat, the stronger your immune system becomes (and the more easily recognizable those organisms are the next time they try to invade). It is therefore often presumed that infants have the weakest immune systems of all, since they are too young to have built up immunity every microorganism they might encounter. (This is one rationale for infant vaccination, which attempts to give children passive immunity to substitute for the active immunity they'll have later in life after fighting off the disease-bearing bugs.) In fact, children who are breastfed have immune systems nearly as strong as adults, since they are protected by their mother's immunities as passed through the breast milk. Yes, the mother also may pass along germs to the child in her breast milk, but the child also acquires the necessary antibodies to fight those germs and thereby becomes even stronger for it. The point here is that our immune systems work incredibly well by doing what they were intended to do: encounter bad germs and kill them. But sometimes doctors want to help out infants, worrying that their immune system won't be able to handle an influx of virulent germs. And sometimes those doctors are right to worry. In these cases, the doctors often prescribe antibiotics, theorizing that the chemicals in the drugs are designed to kill the germs. Unfortunately, a new study has found a strong link between antibiotics in infants and the development of asthma later on. Asthma is, in its most basic sense, your immune system on hyperdrive. Your immune system identifies non-virulent items (like dust, pollen, or common germs) as virulent and attacks them with vigor. The normal preparations to fight off invaders grow out of control, and the inflammatory response begins to choke off airways in your lungs. Asthma is now the most common chronic condition among children, and has been increasing for the past 30 years. It is very important to determine if there has been a human cause for this relatively recent rise in asthma cases, which makes this study very important. It is vital to know if reducing the incidence of asthma is among the reasons for cutting back on the overprescription of antibiotics. Recent Illinois politics have put the Workers' Compensation system squarely into the spotlight. The variety of opinions on how to reform the system (if at all) have piqued much interest in the system. The most common question: "What is the current system, anyway?"
The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission published an on-line handbook in April to familiarize people around the state with the current status of the system. The introduction, in question and answer format, is worth reproducing here. If you have more specific questions that aren't answered by the handbook, the IWCC has an office in Peoria at 401 Main Street, Suite 640, phone number (309) 671-3019. I will also make every effort to answer your questions if you would like to contact me directly. Source: Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission 1. What is workers’ compensation? Workers' compensation is a system of benefits provided by law to most workers who have job-related injuries or diseases. These benefits are paid regardless of fault. Each state has its own workers’ compensation law. Illinois’ law first took effect in 1912. 2. Who administers the program? In 1913, the legislature created a state agency to resolve disputes between injured workers and their employers regarding workers’ compensation. It has been known by different names over the years, but is now called the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. As the administrative court system, the Commission must be impartial. Staff will explain procedures and basic provisions of the law, but cannot act as an advocate for either the employee or employer. 3. Which employees are covered by the law? Almost every employee who is hired, injured, or whose employment is localized in the state of Illinois is covered by the law. These employees are covered from the moment they begin their jobs. 4. What injuries and diseases are covered under the law? In most instances, the law covers injuries that are caused, in whole or in part, by the employee’s work. A worker injured by the repetitive use of a part of the body is covered, as is a person who experiences a stroke, heart attack, or other physical problem caused by work. A worker who had a pre-existing condition may receive benefits if he or she can show the work aggravated that condition. Injuries suffered in employer-sponsored recreational programs (e.g., athletic events, parties, picnics) are not covered unless the employee is ordered by the employer to participate. Accidental injuries incurred while participating as a patient in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program are not covered. 5. What benefits are provided? The law provides the following benefit categories, which are explained in later chapters: a) Medical care that is reasonably required to cure or relieve the employee of the effects of the injury; b) Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits while the employee is off work, recovering from the injury; c) Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits while the employee is recovering from the injury but working on light duty; d) Vocational rehabilitation/Maintenance benefits are provided to an injured worker who is participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation program; e) Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits for an employee who sustains a permanent disability or disfigurement, but can work; f) Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits for an employee who is rendered permanently unable to work; g) Death benefits for surviving family members. 6. Are workers’ compensation benefits considered income? No. Workers' compensation benefits are not taxable under state or federal law and need not be reported as income on tax returns. 7. Who pays for the benefits? By law, the employer is responsible for the cost of workers’ compensation. Most employers buy commercial workers’ compensation insurance, and the insurance company pays the benefits on the employer’s behalf. No part of the workers' compensation insurance premium or benefit can be charged to the employee. Other employers obtain the state’s approval to self-insure. To identify the party responsible for paying benefits, an employee may check the employer’s workplace notice, check the Commission’s website, or contact the Commission’s Insurance Compliance Division (inscompquestions.wcc@illinois.gov; toll-free 866/352-3033). 8. What does the law require of employers? Employers must: a) Obtain workers’ compensation insurance or obtain permission to self-insure; b) Post a notice in each workplace that explains workers' rights under the Workers’ Compensation Act and lists the insurance carrier, policy number, contact information, etc.; c) Keep records of work-related injuries and report to the Commission those accidents involving more than three lost work days; d) NOT charge the employee for any part of the workers’ compensation insurance premium or benefits; e) NOT harass, discharge, refuse to rehire, or in any way discriminate against an employee for exercising his or her rights under the law. 9. What if the employer does not have workers' compensation insurance? The employee should give the employer's name and address, and the date of injury, to the Commission's Insurance Compliance Division (inscompquestions.wcc@illinois.gov; toll-free 866/352-3033). An employer that negligently fails to provide coverage is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for each day without coverage, punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a $2,500 fine. An employer that knowingly fails to provide coverage is guilty of a Class 4 felony for each day without coverage, punishable by 1-3 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine. An uninsured employer may be also fined up to $500 for every day it lacked insurance, with a minimum $10,000 fine. An uninsured employer loses the protections of the Workers’ Compensation Act for the period of noncompliance. That means an employee who was injured during the period of noncompliance may choose to sue in civil court, where there are no limits to awards. In addition, if the Commission finds that an employer knowingly failed to provide insurance coverage, it may issue a stop-work order and shut the company down until it obtains insurance. Fines collected under these provisions are deposited into the Injured Workers’ Benefit Fund, which are then distributed, on a pro rata basis, to injured workers whose uninsured employers failed to pay benefits. 10. What is done to fight fraud? It is illegal for anyone—a worker, employer, insurance carrier, medical provider, etc.—to intentionally do any of the following: • Make a false claim for any w.c. benefit; • Make a false statement in order to obtain or deny benefits; • Make a false statement in order to prevent someone from filing a legitimate claim; • Make a false certificate of insurance as proof of insurance; • Make a false statement in order to obtain w.c. insurance at less than the proper rate; • Make a false statement in order to obtain approval to self-insure or reduce the security required to self-insure; • Make a false statement to the state’s fraud and noncompliance investigation staff in the course of an investigation; • Help someone commit any of the crimes listed above; • Move, destroy, or conceal assets so as to avoid payment of a claim. A “statement” includes any writing, notice, proof of injury, or any medical bill, record, report, or test result. Anyone found guilty of any of these actions is guilty of a Class 4 felony, punishable by 1-3 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine. The guilty party shall be required to pay complete restitution, and may be found civilly liable for up to three times the value of benefits or insurance coverage that was wrongfully attained. If you wish to report a possibly fraudulent situation, you may contact the Workers’ Compensation Investigative Unit at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation/Division of Insurance (francis.walsh@illinois.gov; 312/636-9457; toll-free 877/923-8648). You will be required to identify yourself and, at some point, the person you are reporting will be given your name. Anyone who intentionally makes a false report is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a $2,500 fine. |
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DisclaimerUnless otherwise attributed, all content is written by Kyle Johnson, DC, of Johnson Family Chiropractic of Peoria.
All images used are under Creative Commons license. Although every effort has been made to provide an accurate description of our chiropractic care and its benefits, the information given on this website and blog is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, medical advice for any condition. If you have any questions regarding your condition, you should seek the help of Dr. Johnson in person, so that he may properly assess your condition. This blog is provided by Johnson Family Chiropractic of Peoria, S.C., proudly located in Peoria, IL. |