Middle school students and hyper behavior

Are energy drinks causing a lack of focus?

A study by Yale University published in the Journal of Academic Pediatrics reveals energy drinks are linked to hyperactivity and inattention in middle-school students. Children who drank energy drinks were 66 percent more likely to have hyperactivity symptoms such as inattention and could not focus on work. Some signs that a child might have Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include: squirming or fidgeting, difficulty getting along with others, talking too much, daydreaming frequently, often forgetting or losing things, taking unnecessary risks, making careless mistakes and having a hard time resisting temptations.

During the study students were found to drink an average of two sugary energy drinks a day. Some of these drinks had up to 40 grams of sugar per drink. Children should not have more than 21-33 grams of sugar a day, which includes all foods they eat and drink.

Besides hyperactivity and lack of focusing, children were at a much higher risk of obesity, which can lead to diabetes, heart disease and numerous chronic diseases that may be life threatening. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approximately one-third of children are overweight.

Health Day, News for Healthier Living, reached out to the beverage industry for comment on energy and presweetened drinks, but they had no comment. As consumers and parents we must do something about children’s health conditions. The first thing is to not have the beverages available to our children except for a treat once in a while.

Michigan State University Extension recommends trying a new refreshing drink that will quench the thirst and have a surprise flavor. For a warm, summer day try freezing ice cubes with small chunks of fresh fruit such as strawberry, watermelon, blueberry, etc. Then add fruit ice cubes to cold fresh water or sparking water.

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