Energy Drinks

Living in a society that never stops, people are starting to rely on energy drinks for their daily energy. Students that take several advanced placement classes and other rigorous classes stay up almost all night, sleep for two or three hours, and then drink energy drinks throughout the day. Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine. "Most energy drinks contain at least as much caffeine as a standard eight-ounce cup of coffee (~80mg). To put it into perspective, a 12oz. soda contains 18-48mg of caffeine. In addition to large doses of caffeine, energy drinks contain excessive amounts of sugar & legal herbal stimulants," says Dr. Edward Group. If only teenagers knew what was in these drinks and the effects they can have on their body. There are better ways to get energy such as healthy eating and a healthy amount of sleep. Here are a few ingredients in most energy drinks:
Ginseng – A root that is believed to help reduce stress and increase energy levels.
Carnitine – An amino acid that helps to metabolize fatty acids.
Gingko Biloba – Created from the seeds of the gingko biloba tree, it has been shown to enhance memory.
Taurine – A natural amino acid produced by the human body. Taurine helps to regulate normal heart-beats and muscle contractions. Its effects on people when consumed as a drink additive remain unclear.
Inositol – A member of the B-complex Vitamin that assists in the relaying of messages between cells. Inositol is not a vitamin itself.
Guarana Seed – A stimulant that grows in Brazil & Venezuela which contains high levels of caffeine.
(Dr. Edward Group)
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Everything Adds Up

Ever since I was little I have been sitting on my knees. I find it comfortable and often sit on my leg. It never occurred to me that sitting this way could affect my legs. After my foot had been bothering me for a few days my mom brought me to a foot and ankle specialists. My sister often has problems with her ankle, recently tearing ligaments and currently in a cast, so being friendly with the doctor he took a look at my foot and realized my knees turn inwards. After explaining to me the danger of continuing to sit this way, my options are to stop sitting this way or possibly having surgery because every time I sit on my knees I am wearing away my knee caps and the bones associated with them. So next time you decide to sit on your knees continuously, you may want to sit in a different position.

Injury

Being a kid many of us play sports and live very active lives. Sometimes we step wrong, twist an ankle, or simple scratch our arm on a sharp object. Most people do not rush to the hospital over every little scrap. However, if your foot hits the ground wrong and your foot continues to bother you for more then three or four days you should definitely take a trip to your local doctor or specialist.

Local Specialists:

Foot Ankle & Leg Specialists: De Simone Alfred A MD

WINDMILL HEALTH CENTER

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Cancer Causing Food Chemicals

With the technology of foods becoming more high tech there is always alternatives showing up in foods. In diet sodas and sugar free foods there is an alternate ingredient. Every once in a while I hear things about certain chemicals that are not health, cause cancer, or are made of harmful substances. Most people do not know what every ingredient actually is on the back of their package. Here are a few chemicals to stay away from: (http://www.healthyeatingadvisor.com/9cancer-causingchemicals.html)
-Acesulfame-K (Acesulfame-potassium or "Sunnette")
-Artificial colors (FD&C colors)
-BHA & BHT
-Potassium bromate
-Carrageenan
-Nitrates and nitrites
-Olestra
-Propyl gallate
-Saccharin (Sweet 'N Low)

Eating Right

Many people that are trying to loose weight these days after eating fast food and junk food for so many years and finally realizing they are over weight. Some people result to alternatives such as taking diet pills, Alli, and joining groups, Weight Watchers. However, I do not agree with taking medication to drop weight because it not only is not natural, but after you stop taking the pill you are extremely likely to put the weight back on. The best way to reach your ideal weight is exercise and eating healthy. Even when counting calories people are not able to lose weight. When they eat chips and the serving size says "20 chips" they often think ALL of the chips are broken and small so they take three and count it as one, or they say, "Oh, a few more won't kill me." Making a workout schedule and writing down EVERYTHING you eat most definitely is the most effective way to not only lose weight, but eat healthier. When you write down everything that you eat and look it at the end of the day you feel horrible and start to watch what you eat. It makes you conscious of everything you put into your body. If you have a bit of a brownie or even just five french-fies you have to write it down. Every little calorie you consume adds up in the end. But even if you are thin, keeping a food journal is always a good idea.

Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt has been around since 1970. Recently yogurt places have been popping up everywhere, as a contemporary, healthier alternative to ice cream. Lutz, PinkBerry, Yogurt World, Menchies, Red Mango, FroYo, and many other stores are opening selling an all natural, lactose free yogurt with toppings such as fresh fruit and cereal. You either like it or hate it. I am not a big fan of it, but will eat it once in a while. My favorite flavor at Lutz is Green Tea and Pomegranate. Menchies is more of frozen yogurt ice cream, less healthy, so obviously tastes better. My favorite flavor there would have to be Cookies n' Cream.

A Reasonable Workout Plan for You

I have a very busy daily schedule. Monday through Thursday I volunteer, along with homework and projects, and on top of all of that I play golf a few times a week, and have to keep my room and office clean. In between everything I love going to the gym a few times a week. It is always best to have a set schedule for every week so you are able to fit everything in. A workout plan is always a great thing to make in order to be sure you get your workout in each day. Everybody needs a personalized plan that fits their lifestyle best. For example:
Day 1: Biceps (and 30 minutes of Cardio)
Day 2: Legs (and 30 minutes of Cardio)
Day3: Triceps (and 30 minutes of Cardio)
Day 4: Abs (and 30 minutes of Cardio)
Day 5: Chest (and 30 minutes of Cardio)
Day 6: Back (and 30 minutes of Cardio)
Day 7: Forearms (and 30 minutes of Cardio)
Everyday your workout should include at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise. Depending on your body and amount of days you are willing to workout, you would make your schedule accordingly.