Should Kids Consume Energy Drinks?
by Linda Donley, from the offices of James R. Donley, DDS
Dentists routinely caution patients about the over-consumption of soda pop, fruit juices and sports drinks that are loaded with sugar and have very little nutritional value. Now the American Academy of Pediatrics is targeting energy and sports drinks. It states that in most cases, kids do not need them and, in some cases, they may contain substances that can be harmful to children.
by Linda Donley, from the offices of James R. Donley, DDS
Dentists routinely caution patients about the over-consumption of soda pop, fruit juices and sports drinks that are loaded with sugar and have very little nutritional value. Now the American Academy of Pediatrics is targeting energy and sports drinks. It states that in most cases, kids do not need them and, in some cases, they may contain substances that can be harmful to children.
There is a difference between sports drinks and energy drinks. Sports drinks contain carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes and flavoring and are intended to replace water that is lost through sweat during exercise. They are used by young athletes who are participating in prolonged, vigorous physical activities. Many researchers now feel that in most cases, sports drinks are unnecessary when playing sports or in the lunchroom.
Energy drinks contain substances not found in sports drinks that act as stimulants, such as caffeine, guarana and taurine. The most popular stimulant is caffeine which has been linked to a number of harmful health effects, and even death, in children. These include effects on the developing neurologic and cardiovascular systems. Researchers now believe that energy drinks are never appropriate for children or adolescents. They are now reporting that all caffeine-containing beverages including soda should be avoided. Some cans or bottles of energy drinks can contain more that 500mg of caffeine which is the equivalent of 14 cans of soda.
We now live in a society that is becoming health and weight conscious. According to a study in the American Heart Journal, almost one in five teens is obese, which can lead to diabetes. Diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Obesity is also a risk factor for snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Donley, at the Center for Dental Medicine, has received additional training to treat snoring and sleep apnea. Thus, a vicious cycle of health issues may be started.
The study continues to say that these teens do not have a hereditary problem. It is their unhealthy eating and drinking habits that contribute the most to their extra pounds. Many of us grew up in a society of "comfort foods." When something was making us unhappy or we were hurt, we were given a sugary treat such as a cookie, sodas or piece of candy that would make us feel much better. This technique carried over to our adult years. Thus, when we are stressed or something is now going as we want and feel it should, we reach for our handy stash of "comfort foods" which also includes what we drink. It is very common today to reach for that can of soda or energy drink when our energy level begins to dip. It does not take long for these extra calories to add extra weight.
What many of our teens and young adults may not realize is that frequent drinking of sport and energy drinks may lead to obesity, diabetes and dental erosion. These drinks are loaded with sugar which contributes to obesity and tooth decay. If you have a young athlete who feels they need these energy drinks, have them hydrate with water before and during their sport. If he/she continues to feel that these drinks are needed when playing, encourage him/her to reduce the frequency and contact time that the drink stays in their mouth and follow it by rinsing the mouth with water. There are some "friendlier" drinks on the market. Check the labels and substitute healthier drinks.
Dr. Jim strongly believes in educating his guests as to the effects of their eating and drinking habits. Be sure to mention the use of sports and energy drinks at your (or your child's) next visit. He and his hygienist, Jessica, will address your concerns and review diet and drinking habits as they address the conditions.
Dr. Donley and staff can be reached at (231) 744-6661. Their offices are at 166 N. Causeway in North Muskegon.
New Procedures Take the Years Away
from Muskegon Surgical Associates, PLC
The latest state-of-the-art procedure to target unwanted fat is now being performed at Muskegon Surgical Associates by their board certified plastic surgeons.
This minimally invasive procedure, called Laser Lipo, is done on areas where diet and exercise have not been successful. Popular areas are under the chin, the abdomen, love handles and inner and outer thighs. If you have unwanted fat in certain areas, Laser Lipo may be the solution you've been hoping to find.
There is a growing trend for less invasive facial aesthetic procedures, including Botox, Dysport, Restalyn, Radiesse and Juvederm. Facial fillers are a minimally invasive office procedure to correct lines of the face and to correct sagging skin. Botox, Dysport and facial fillers, target the lines that can form from the corners of the nose to the sides of the mouth, frown lines between your eye brows, lines on your forehead, wrinkles around your lips, and crow's feet at the outer corner of the eyes. The results are immediate with little or no down time. Suddenly, you look more rested, less stressed and more youthful.
Whether you're interested in Laser Lipo, facial fillers or any of the many procedures available today that will enhance your beauty and give you a more youthful appearance, the board certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Stephen Zonca and Dr. Dena Thayer, as well as our R.N. Aesthetician, Amy Tardani, will be happy to meet with you to discuss your options. With their years of experience and the latest in state of the art equipment, you can be confident that you will receive the finest in care and results.
Call Muskegon Surgical Associates at (231) 739-1933 to set up your private consultation today.
Muskegon Surgical Associates, PLC is at 1316 Mercy Dr., Muskegon. For more information call (231) 739-1933 or visit www.msaplc.com.
The Lowdown on Electronic Cigarettes
by Darrell (Dan) Lee, Owner, Great Vapors
Smokers everywhere want to know about the new e-cigarettes. Are they really safer and cheaper than traditional tobacco cigarettes? The answer is a resounding yes.
The typical e-cigarette is made up of a small battery and a vaporizer element containing a reservoir of liquid base nicotine, called a cartomizer, which attaches to the battery element. This often looks and feels exactly like a traditional cigarette. That's where the similarity ends.
An E-Cigarette does not contain any tobacco products at all. They do not employ combustion to deliver the nicotine and emit only a harmless, nearly odorless water vapor. As such it is perfectly legal to "Vape" in or around public buildings.
At Great Vapors in North Muskegon, many customers report that since switching to the e-cigarette, they feel healthier, have more lung capacity and considerably more money in their pocket. A typical starter kit usually contains two batteries, a charging apparatus and five cartomizers in your choice of flavors. The cost of buying e-cigarette cartomizers is about 72% less than traditional cigarettes. A single cartomizer costs on average $2.00 and is comparable to an entire pack of cigarettes.
Cartomizers are flavored to mimic many popular brands of cigarettes or dozens of different flavors, from cappuccino to pina colada and even brandy. The nicotine content can be decreased over time to a point where quitting, if that is your wish, becomes much easier.
Come on in to Great Vapors and we can talk you through your options. The trend among smokers today is to switch to a smokeless device to cut back on the cost and stigma associated with smoking.
Great Vapors offers the newest products in smokeless devices at 1845 Ruddiman Ave., inside Access Home Care, in North Muskegon. For more information about smokeless, electronic cigarettes visit the store or call (231) 744-0100.
Silver Sneakers Month at Endurance Fitness
by Kellie Otto, Manager, Endurance Fitness Center of North Muskegon
The month of October is Silver Sneakers month at Endurance Fitness Center of North Muskegon! We're offering free enrollment for all seniors and low monthly rates.
Silver Sneakers is a fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity in a casual, social setting.
It has been proven to help increase muscular strength and the range of movement that is an important quality of life issue for seniors.
Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase the ability to perform tasks that are important for senior daily living.
Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support.
Information about Silver Sneakers, or any of the programs at Endurance Fitness, is available at (231) 744-0878. Our new facility is at 1222 Holton Rd. in North Muskegon.
Other North Muskegon classes include Zumba, spin, yoga, Pilates and more. We offer a 30-Day Free Trial Membership so anyone interested can use the facilities before signing up. The trial membership is a great way to look into the equipment and programs.