Wake Up Woodbury

When did we get so tired?

I’m not just talking about bleary-eyed parents of newborns and log-sawing old folks in recliners. Everybody is exhausted these days. At least that’s what Martians might believe if they landed in Woodbury and saw everybody guzzling energy drinks.

Crushed cans of Rock Star and Monster Energy Drink litter the paths of teenagers who think they’re in desperate need of a boost. And it’s been whispered that a friend’s 70-something mother has been sneaking nips from a little 5-Hour Energy bottle that she keeps in her purse. In case she wants her energy only an hour at a time?

These types of drinks have been in the news lately for their supposed connection to emergency room visits and fatalities. So, maybe sips are better than gulps.

Hopefully, they’ll reconsider reaching for a Red Bull and maybe find a way to get some needed rest.

Some reports show that a bottle of 5-Hour Energy contains up to 215 milligrams of caffeine. A 16-ounce can of Monster or Rock Star Energy Drink each contain about 160 milligrams of caffeine. A typical 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 100-150 milligrams of caffeine.

But it’s the added ingredients, including lots of sugar in some energy drinks, which contribute to their negative reputation. Some energy drinks have up to 70 grams of sugar. That’s 17.5 teaspoons in one can!

I’m one to talk about added sugar. Once, when a guy behind me in the church coffee line saw how much cream and sugar I was stirring into my cup, he asked, “Are you getting coffee or baking a cake?”

But I only use 1-2 teaspoons of sugar in my coffee, which still seems like a lot. But I just can’t drink it black. And I am indeed tired. I require two cups of dark roast most mornings and sometimes an additional jolt around 3 o’clock.

But caffeine isn’t entirely bad for me.

I’ve read that some women who regularly drink natural sources of caffeine like coffee or tea have a slight decrease in risks of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer.

Drink too much, over 500 milligrams of caffeine per day, and you’re likely to suffer nervousness, irritability, upset stomach, tremors and irregular heartbeat. Possibly even increased blood pressure and increased cortisol production, a stress hormone that is linked to weight gain. Oh, heck no. I don’t need that.

For adolescents, pediatricians recommend no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine a day and no regular caffeine for young children. So, it may be wise to educate your teen about healthier beverage choices.

Hopefully, they’ll reconsider reaching for a Red Bull and maybe find a way to get some needed rest. And unless you’re raising your own special Honey Boo Boo (please God, no), absolutely no go-go juice for your little kids.

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