Are Energy Drinks Harming Our Kids?

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Do your kids use energy drinks? 

Even kids and teens are in need of a quick pick-me-up these days.  These days we go from one commitment to another 24/7.  We are becoming a nation of sleep deprived people and help is just around the corner at your local convenience store.  The energy drink market is a multi-billion dollar industry with aggressive marketing. Marketing that is designed to appeal to children, adolescents and young adults with a product that is potentially hazardous to an individual’s health.

Do you know the hidden dangers of energy drinks?

 These specialty products are currently under investigation by The Food and Drug Administration as well as the medical community.  One of the ingredients they contain is caffeine.  Here a few fast facts about caffeine.

  • Caffeine is a stimulant.
  • Caffeine is measured in milligrams and one “drink” can contain twice as much as a serving of soda.
  • There is no “safe” amount of caffeine consumed by youth.
  • Most of the drinks contain more than one serving as packaged.
  • A young person may consume as many as 4 cans/bottles a day.
  • High doses of caffeine can cause medical and/or behavioral problems such as:
    • Increased blood pressure
    • Disturbed heart rhythm resulting in rapid heartbeat and chest pain
    • Irritability
    • Insomnia
    • Dehydration
    • Digestive issues

A few additional facts

  • Sports drinks are not energy drinks. They are designed to replenish lost carbs, minerals and electrolytes after
    strenuous exercise. They do not contain caffeine which interferes with rehydration.
  • Manufacturers of energy drinks are not required to include the amount of caffeine in the list of ingredients.
  • Food companies have recently included caffeine in some products such as jelly beans, gum, chips and trail mix.
  • Wrigley (MARS, Inc) pulled its product, ALERT Energy Caffeine Gum from the shelves due to concerns about the proliferation of caffeine in foods.
  • Some energy drinks could also contain DMAA (dimethylamylamine) which is a stimulant that could cause symptoms similar to those from caffeine.

For more information contact:

Herkimer County Prevention Council
61 West Street, Ilion, NY 13357
315-894-8080
www.herkimercountyprevention.org

FAST FACTS- Medical Marijuana

FACT: Residents of states with medical marijuana had
marijuana abuse/dependence rates almost twice as high
as states without such laws. (Source: “Medical marijuana
laws in 50 states: investigating the relationship between
state legalization of medical marijuana and marijuana use,
abuse and dependence.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence,
January 1, 2012.)

FACT: A study of over 3,000 medical marijuana users in
California found that the overwhelming majority (87.9%)
of those asked about the details of their marijuana use had
initially tried it before the age of nineteen.
(Source: Harm Reduction Journal, November 3, 2007.)
 Medical-Marijuana                                          

FACT: Medical Marijuana increases DWI: A 2009 National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration report found that more
people are driving on weekend nights under the influence of
marijuana (8.3%) than alcohol (2.2%).
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Report, 2009.)      

FACT: Medical marijuana is being sold illegally. Medical
marijuana card holders are dealing the marijuana to non-card
holders and residents in states where the drug is not legal.

FACT: Medical marijuana dispensaries in several states are selling
more than just marijuana. Many dispensaries around the country
have been caught illegally dealing cocaine, heroin and even
weapons such as rifles.

FACT: Medical marijuana laws are confusing youth. Young
people no longer see marijuana as an illegal drug with harmful
effects, but rather as medicine used to “fix” any ailment

FACT: Residents of states with medical marijuana had marijuana
abuse/dependence rates almost twice as high as states without such laws.
(Source: “Medical marijuana laws in 50 states: investigating the
relationship between state legalization of medical marijuana and
marijuana use, abuse and dependence.”
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, January 1, 2012.)

 FACT: A study of over 3,000 medical marijuana users in California
found that the overwhelming majority (87.9%) of those asked about
the details of their marijuana use had initially tried it before the age of nineteen.
(Source: Harm Reduction Journal, November 3, 2007.)

 FACT: Medical Marijuana is easily diverted to youth. A recent
Colorado study shows that 73.8% of youth from adolescent drug
treatment programs in the Denver area reported using medical
marijuana that had been recommended for someone else.
(Source: Adolescents in Substance Abuse Treatment Report Using
Someone Else’s Medical Marijuana, Science Daily, July 31, 2012.)

 FACT: The THC levels (the active ingredient in marijuana) in medical
marijuana are MUCH higher than marijuana sold on the street.
This creates a stronger, more intense high.

 FACT: Under proposed legislation, mental illness including anti-social
personality disorder, depression and other life threatening mental disorders
are classified as serious conditions and “appropriate” diagnoses for medical
marijuana – even given that the use of marijuana can exacerbate or
contribute to mental illnesses!

Note: see page “Serious Consequences of Medical Marijuana” for
possible side effects.

2013 Drug Quiz Show Update

Herkimer County Drug Quiz Show  The annual competition between teams from local middle schools was held
Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Herkimer County Community College.

Six (6) schools competed for the title of “Herkimer County Drug Quiz Show
Champions” with the following results:
#1   Mt. Markham
#2   Herkimer
#3   Poland
#4   Tie between Ilion and Town of Webb
#5   Dolgeville

At the conclusion of the series of 3 games played by each team against one another, Herkimer and
Mt. Markham  played a 4th game for the championship.  Mt. Markham won the championship round.

All teams received trophies as well as door prizes. Congratulations to all of the teams for an outstanding effort. Continue reading ‘2013 Drug Quiz Show Update’ »

Prescription Drug Drop Box

Update:  The prescription drop box will be moving to the Village of Frankfort (NY) Police Department beginning April 2013. It will remain there until September 2013.
The address is:

Village of Frankfort Police Department
110 Railroad Street
Suite 7
Frankfort, NY 13340

======================================================================================

What:  Prescription medications

Where:  Dolgeville Police Station
41 N. Main Street
Dolgeville, NY  13329
(315) 429-8231

Just a reminder that unwanted, unsed or expired prescription medications can be dropped off at the Dolgeville Police Station where there is a secure receptacle for disposing of medications that are no longer used.  No liquids or sharps can be accepted but all other types including those for pets can be brought in.

The drop box is available in the lobby of the Police Station. It will be there until it is relocated to another police station in the future.

Please keep in mind these facts:

25% of Herkimer County teen reported illegally using prescription medications prescribed for someone other than themselves.

70% of illegally used prescription drugs are obtained from a friend or relative.

Thanks to all who have used this service. It helps make our county a safer place.

 

2013 Herkimer County Drug Quiz Show

Herkimer County Drug Quiz Show

The Herkimer County Prevention Council a program of Catholic Charities will be sponsoring the annual Drug Quiz Show at Herkimer County Community College on March 21, 2013 from 9-2.  (Snow Date March 22nd)

The following schools will be competing this year for the title of
“Herkimer County Drug Quiz Show Champions”:

  • Dolgeville
  • Ilion
  • Herkimer
  • Mount Markham
  • Poland
  • Town of Webb

The teams and their advisors received their study materials in December. This year all materials were updated and include
the most current substance abuse information. All officials will be from local law enforcement and local agencies, who have generously volunteered their time for the day.  The Prizes for the teams are donated from local businesses.

All are welcome! Please feel free to come and cheer on your favorite team or all of them!  We are looking forward to a very exciting competition!

If you would like more information about the Herkimer County Drug Quiz Show, please contact Maureen Petrie at 894-9917 ext 244.

*Due to lack of sponsorship, the Drug Quiz Show in Syracuse has been closed –
therefore there will be no state competition this year.*