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Consuming energy drinks may impact mental health
Energy drinks have grown in popularity over the past few decades. New research suggests a correlation between consuming energy drinks and mental health issues.
“A study, conducted by psychologists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, followed more than 600 combat soldiers in their first seven months home after deployment.”
Adler’s research team asked soldiers about energy drink consumption and presence of mental health issues like post-traumatic stress, fatigue, aggression and sleep deprivation.
The survey results were startling: the soldiers drinking two energy drinks or more per day were more likely to have mental health issues than those who didn’t consume energy drinks.
Dr. Amy Adler and team set out to investigate the mental health of soldiers returning home. Adler sent out a questionnaire to 600 deployed soldiers, and discovered that 75% of soldiers surveyed drank energy drinks everyday. She quickly noticed that the prevalence of energy drink consumption was associated with increased risk of mental health issues.
“Depression and sleep problems, increased aggression, anxiety, substance abuse, things like that. All of those are risk factors were associated with drinking excessive amounts of energy drinks.”
Senior Psychologist Dr. Amy Adler, hopes that their research will shed light on how energy drinks can affect mental health not only in soldiers but civilians as well. Adler did not state that the energy drinks cause mental health issues, but it is a factor to consider when the soldiers return. Something they can control to help themselves feel better.
“There may be other high-risk groups out there like police, firefighters, emergency responders, or other groups this may apply to – or not,” Dr. Adler explains. “These groups are groups we want to pay attention to because there might be a way to mitigate the mental health problems out there.”
Energy drink consumption in the Iraq war is being compared to tobacco use during the Vietnam war.
“They (energy drinks) were rampant,” Greg Gebhardt, an Iraq veteran living in Raleigh, recalls to ABC11. “It was almost like a lifestyle. The soldiers used to joke as long as we have armed forces in the United States, the tobacco industry and energy drink industry will be just fine.”
Gebhardt managed the dining facilities at a base in Baghdad. He said energy drinks were very popular, not for taste but for caffeine-related effects.
“I think it served a purpose to give it that extra boost, to push them a little further, to keep their cognitive functions about them for that 16th or 18th hour of a long day in 120-degree heat,” said Gebhardt.
The consumption of energy drinks is widely common in the U.S. particularly with teenagers or adults who work long hours.
“The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reports men between the ages of 18 and 34 years to consume the most energy drinks, and almost one-third of teens between 12 and 17 years drink them regularly.”
Dr. Branson Page, a physician at WakeMed’s Emergency Department believe that people often overlook the risks of consuming too much caffeine. Most people are unaware that too much caffeine can cause health issues.
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system which increases heart rate and blood flow. If consumed in access, can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, agitation, and other physical symptoms.
Dr. Page believes there are many healthy alternatives if you are looking to be more awake and aware during your day. Exercise and restful sleep are extremely beneficial to mental awareness and overall positive mental health.
To learn more: Research raises concerns about use of energy drinks in military – ABC11
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Free Resource Friday | Preparing for the CDCES Exam Webinar!
Join us for free on May 3rd @ 11:30 a.m. PST
Join us to get ready to succeed a the CDCES Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.
Topics covered include:
- Changes in requirements for 2019
- Exam eligibility and test format
- Strategies to succeed
- Review of study tips and test taking tactics.
We will review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Intended Audience: This FREE webinar is designed for individual or groups of diabetes educators, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants and other health care providers interested in achieving excellence in diabetes care and becoming Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists®.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.
See our Preparing for CDCES Resource Page >>
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[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]New Question of the Week – April 23rd, 2019
Our Diabetes Detective Team scans the diabetes news to discover the most relevant info that Diabetes Educators need in their daily practice. We post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
The question of the Week – April 23rd, 2019
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[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]Mindful Monday | Happy Earth Day
Happy Earth Day from Diabetes Education Services. To celebrate, we are addressing the issue of food packaging and it’s impact on the environment. We plan to address this urgent issue more over the coming year.
“Meal Kits Have Smaller Carbon Footprint Than Grocery Shopping, Study Says”
Meal kits like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh provide the convenience of fresh, delivered ingredients straight to your doorstep! However, many are concerned with the environmental impact they may have since the contents of the box are often wrapped in plastic.
A study was released that says despite the packaging, the meal kits have a lower carbon footprint than buying the items at a grocery store and preparing them at home.
“The study, published Monday in the scientific journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling, examines the whole life-cycle — from farm to garbage can — of meal kits and their grocery store equivalents, and finds that, on average, grocery store meals produce 33% more greenhouse gas emissions than their equivalents from Blue Apron.”
The decrease in emissions comes from less food waste and a streamlined supply chain. Although there may be unnecessary packaging, the overall footprint is affected by the amount of food waste at the end of the meal.
Since the food kits offer a recipe and all the necessary ingredients, people tend to utilize everything in the box, rather than throwing away old produce.
“According to a U.N. report, if food waste were a country, its production, processing and distribution would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, just behind the U.S. and China.”
A study performed by the USDA In 2010, found that 31% of food produced in the United States is wasted.
Despite the plastic packaging of the meal kits, they may be an excellent option to help aid in portion control and environmental impact.
Happy Earth Day!
To learn more: Meal Kits Have Smaller Carbon Footprint Than Grocery Shopping, Study Says – NPR
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[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]Free Resource Friday | Free Webinars
Be a part of our diabetes community while learning about the latest in diabetes care. Plus, Beverly provides an interactive question and answer session at the end of each live webinar.
Free Webinars Include:
Diabetes and Language – What We Say Matters
What we say matters. As educators, advocates, spouses, friends, and providers, our use of language can deeply affect the self-view of people living with diabetes everyday. The language used in the health care setting is immensely important in determining the success of the interaction and long term relationships. Thoughtful communication provides a sense of support and empathy and moves both the provider and person with diabetes toward greater satisfaction and success.
Resource Page & Printable Handouts
Mindfulness and Compassion in the Diabetes Encounter Webinar
Being a diabetes educator can be challenging. This one-hour presentation by Heather Nielsen, MA, LPC, CHWC will provide diabetes educators with helpful hands-on strategies to incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion into our daily lives and professional practice
Resource Page & Printable Handouts
New Horizons – Getting to the Gut, Meet Your Microbiome
This one-hour complimentary journey will expand your view of how trillions of bacterial hitchhikers profoundly influence our health. We will discuss how foods, the environment and our medical practices have impacted our gut bacteria over time and strategies we can take to protect these old friends. Join us!
Join us live! New Horizons – Getting to the Gut at 11:30 a.m. PST – 1:00 p.m. PST. Click below to sign up:
Resource Page & Printable Handouts
Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam
This free webinar will review changes in BC-ADM requirements for 2019, exam eligibility and test format, strategies to succeed along with a review of study tips and test taking tactics. We review sample test questions, and reasoning behind choosing the right answers.
Join us live! All upcoming FREE Preparing for the BC-ADM Webinar: 11:30 a.m. PST – 1:00 p.m. PST. Click below to sign up:
Resource Page & Printable Handouts
Preparing for the CDCES* Exam:
Not sure where to start? Join us live or listen to our On Demand version by registering today! Learn how to focus your time and prepare to take the CDCES® Exam. We provide plenty of sample test questions and test taking tips!
Join us live! All upcoming FREE Preparing for the CDCES Exam Webinar: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PST. Click below to sign up:
Resources Page & Printable Handouts
View All Diabetes Education Services Free Webinars here
No CE units are provided for our FREE Webinars, but we have good news: Visit our Diabetes Ed Online University where you can earn CEs from your desk!
Webinar Testimonials:
“I think Beverly’s presentations are fantastic. I’m an RN, MSN, CDCES and I’ve had type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years. Nevertheless, I always take away something from Beverly’s presentations. Great teaching techniques, great pacing, great content. Of all the diabetes education I’ve received as a CDCES, Beverly is my favorite presenter, hands down. Thank you so much.”
Ann (Meds for Type 2 Webinar)
“I have never been disappointed in any presentation delivered by Beverly and this is no exception. It was very helpful to know how to best use my study time and what areas to focus on as well as the details of how to interpret the questions. I use the Diabetes Educations Service frequently and find it to be a valuable resource in increasing and improving my career path in diabetes education. Thank you for this wonderful service and support!!!”
D (CDCES Webinar)
“I am so pleased my coworker told me about your services/website. Your enthusiasm for helping diabetes patients in the way that fits THEIR needs, budget, etc. really shone through in the broadcast. Thanks again!“
Diane Priest, RD/LD, CDCES
“Thank you so much for hosting the webinar today. I found the content to be extremely helpful and helped motivate me to really get ready for the CDCES in November. Thank you for all you do to further my DM knowledge base and for making a difference in the diabetes community.”
Ling, PharmD (CDCES Webinar)
“Beverly, Loved the mini series again today! You do such a fantastic job and I feel so lucky to have found you and your website! Every time I listen to one of your webinars I always learn something new. Even if it might be on a topic I’m starting to feel pretty confident with. Thank you!!”
Kathleen Paganelli
“Very useful information about type 1 diabetes prevention research. Alot of this I was not aware of.”
Adrienne
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[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]Teens weight self-perception affects health
American teenagers who incorrectly perceive their weight are more likely to have unhealthy eating habits and be less active overall. Teenagers who accurately perceive their weight are more likely to make healthy choices and not take part in risky diets.
The study analyzed data from over 12,000 American teens, 32% of which were obese or overweight.
- “Nearly 23 percent of the teenagers studied, misjudged their weight.
- 11.6 percent incorrectly believed they were overweight, and
- 11.3 percent believed they weighed more than they should while thinking it’s healthy and underestimating their weight.”
- Researchers also found the girls were more likely to misperceive their weight then boys.
Teens who incorrectly believed they were overweight were less likely to drink fruit juice or milk, eat fruits, or have breakfast on a regular basis.
Teens who were actually overweight or believed they were overweight were least likely to get 60 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week, the researchers noted.
This misperception of weight strongly correlated with adult obesity later in life. “Early childhood interventions to promote appropriate weight-related perception and weight management could have a lasting impact on chronic disease burden, in addition to preventing unhealthy diet and physical inactivity in youth,” he suggested.
Weight perception has also been linked to eating disorders, which are a leading cause of morbidity in American teens. Schools are now encouraged to provide education on eating disorders, weight misperception and providr examples of healthy behavior.
Researchers also believe that developing a regular exercise routine early can help a child maintain health habits into adulthood.
To learn more: Teens Often Off the Mark About Their Weight, With Unhealthy Results – HealthDay
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Vegetarian diets seem to boost insulin sensitivity
According to studies published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, adults who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, may improve their insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function, even when controlling for BMI.
“It has been suggested that vegetarian diet may have a potential protective effect on the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications,” Xiuhua Shen, MD, PhD, of the department of nutrition in the School of Public Health at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, and colleagues wrote.
Researchers were trying to answer the question whether vegetarian diets increase insulin sensitivity due to weight loss or is it a result off the plant based diet itself?
279 vegetarians and 279 matched omnivores, were gathered for the study. The group was further divided to include those observing a vegan diet. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess glucose and insulin levels. The vegetarians had a overall lower percentage of obesity and average BMI. “Vegetarians also had a 1.4% proportion of insulin resistance compared with a 4.7% proportion in omnivores (P < .05), the researchers reported.”
“A plant-based diet with a variety of foods rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which may have a direct effect on alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, may account for the higher insulin sensitivity in vegetarians, and especially vegans,” the researchers wrote. “Vegetarians, especially vegans, may be in a healthier insulin sensitivity status than omnivores, which is not completely accounted for by the difference of BMI.” – by Phil Neuffer
Please enjoy other Plant Based Resources here
To learn more: Vegetarian diets show potential for boosting insulin sensitivity – Healio
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Don’t like exercise? – High-intensity incidental physical activity is HIIT
The commonly held wisdom is that activity had to last for at least ten continuous minutes to be beneficial, although there was no credible scientific evidence to support this.
New evidence, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, shows regular, incidental activity that gets you huffing and puffing is likely to produce health benefits, even if you do it in 30-second bursts, spread over the day.
Incorporating more “high-intensity incidental physical activity” or HIIT, whether by vigorously sweeping the floor or carrying groceries, could be the key to getting high quality exercise each day. Even if this incidental physical activity only lasts for a few minutes, it can result in significant health benefits. In this study, simply by adding more incidental activity, described as, “any activity that is part of one’s daily living that is not done with the purpose of recreation or health and requires no discretionary time” improved overall health.
Some examples of HIIT may include walking or cycling to the grocery store, performing daily chores with intensity, or using the stairs instead of the elevator. This kind of activity prevents far fewer barriers than the concept of “exercising” which is physical activity that is both structured and planned. This study answers the question of how incidental physical activity can be maximized to improve health conditions.
The length of time for incidental PA can vary and is not structured. It can be just a few seconds such as climbing the stairs, “or several minutes or even hours of active commuting.”
This focus on short bursts throughout the day, offers the opportunity to incorporate vigorous physical activity into a busy lifestyle while receiving major health benefits. Incidental vigorous physical activity has been shown to be synonymous with partaking in exercise lasting 20-30 minutes.
These new research has,”opened new horizons for physical activity and exercise medicine practice by recognizing that any bout of physical activity count toward better health.” It is highly recommended to work on incorporating a short bout of HIIT to experience numerous health advantages and outcomes.
To learn more: THE MOST EFFECTIVE FORM OF EXERCISE ISN’T “EXERCISE” AT ALL – Quarizy
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