Energy drinks pose serious health risks to children.

Energy drinks contain pharmacologically active substances in addition to caffeine levels higher than soda drinks. Reports in various countries of the toxicity of these substances has raised serious concern over the safety of children and adolescents. In the USA, 46% of the 5448 caffeine overdoses last year occurred in children and adolescents under the age of 19. Also, 30% to 50% of adolescents and young adults consume energy drinks. More needs to be done to alert parents and children of their potential danger.

PositiveTip: Children and adolescents are healthier when they learn not to depend on drug effects to get through their day. The best sources of energy are good nutritious food, exercise and a good nights sleep.

Mixing alcohol and energy drinks increases binge drinking, sexual indiscretion and drunk driving.

The common practice among youth and young adults of mixing energy drinks with alcoholic beverages increases the risk of binge drinking by 300 per cent.  It also doubles the risk of being taken advantage of sexually, of taking sexual advantage of someone else, and doubles the likelihood of riding with a driver under the influence. 

PositiveTip:  Choose alternative non-alcoholic drinks over alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. They don’t carry these dangerous risks!

Energy drinks pose potential health risks primarily because of stimulant content.

"Sports and energy drinks are being marketed to children and adolescents for a wide variety of inappropriate uses," says the American Academy of Pediatrics. This new report states that caffeine-containing "energy" drinks should never be used by children and adolescents, and the carbohydrate-rich sports drinks should be restricted or avoided completely.

PositiveTip: Plain water, not commercial drinks, is the best source of hydration.

And now...fruit juices with an added stimulant!

Minute Maid, a subsidiary of the Coco Cola Company, has announced it will be launching "Minute Maid Enhanced" juices next year in single serving sizes. Specifically, the Strawberry Kiwi Flavored Juice Drink will combine fruit juices with yerba mate, a plant native to South America that contains caffeine. This product will be promoted as a "delicious natural energy boost." Caffeine's effect is like whipping a tired horse. You get a little more speed, but at the expense of a let down that demands more stimulant.

PositiveTip: Choose to get adequate rest and physical activity, and you can skip the caffeine.