Good Medicine for Pennsylvania October 2008
| Date: October 2, 2008 |
Media Contact:
|
Chuck Moran |
| |
|
Pennsylvania Medical Society |
| For Immediate Release |
|
(717) 558-7820 |
Dear Readers: Welcome to “Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier. This column is brought to you as a public service of the Society’s Institute for Good Medicine.
Energy Overload
School’s back in session and the fall sports season is in full swing. As students cram for tests and athletes look for that extra energy boost for the big game, my colleagues and I urge you to consider the dangers of popular energy drinks. The high levels of caffeine and sugar are worrisome, especially for growing children and those who may have an undiagnosed heart ailment.
Philadelphia family physician Suzanne Steele, MD, says she and her colleagues are seeing more patients with sleep disturbances, often caused by energy drinks. “They can often be harmful, contributing to sleep disturbances, obesity, tooth decay and dehydration. Children should be drinking milk instead to strengthen their growing bones. We’re looking at a generation that will have serious problems with osteoporosis based on a lack of calcium intake and obesity from too much sugar. Brittle bones and too much weight on them just spell trouble.”
Pittsburgh pediatrician Anthony Kovatch, MD, cautions that while some athletes consider energy drinks as performance boosters, they may in fact do the reverse. "If you drink this stuff because you’re hot, you’re defeating the purpose. Caffeine raises your heart rate, and increases the kidney’s disposal of fluid from the body. You’re likely to go to the bathroom more often, which is a problem in the middle of any sporting event. You may think you are getting hydrated, but instead, you’re getting dehydrated. And that can be dangerous.”
Dr. Kovatch also warns about undiagnosed heart conditions. “In a routine exam, heart defects are not readily apparent. If your heart is compromised and you consume too much caffeine, it can throw your heart into arrhythmia, a potentially life threatening situation.”
Not sure what to drink instead? Try:
- Low fat milk
- Water, but not flavored waters. Add lemon and honey, or mint leaves to water.
- Diluted fruit juice
- Vegetable juice
To learn more about this issue, watch a special Good Medicine video on YouTube.
Don’t pump up the volume!
I remember years ago being told to “turn that music down” as it blared from the stereo. While the music itself may have prompted the request, my parents’ overall concern was that I’d harm my hearing. Now, in the age of the Mp3 player, it’s the same story, but more serious when listeners are plugged in morning, noon, and night.
According to my Pennsylvania Medical Society colleague and past president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology Karen Rizzo, MD, “Long term loudness can irreparably damage your hearing. We live in a noisy environment, so we’re turning up the volume to overcome it.”
Dr. Rizzo also points out that any noise over 85 decibels causes hearing damage. Lawnmowers, rock concerts/loud music, firearms, firecrackers, motorcycles, tractors, household appliances (garbage disposals, blenders, food processors/choppers, etc.) and noisy toys—all can deliver sound over 90 decibels and some up to 140 decibels.
“Hearing loss can be caused by a one-time exposure to loud sound as well by repeated exposure to sounds at various decibel levels over an extended period of time.”
What can you do to protect your hearing?
- Turn down the volume. Parents—listen to your child’s MP3 Player periodically.
- Limit your exposure to loud noises.
- Wear hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs if you are exposed to loud noises (mowing, concerts, etc.)
Children and Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is commonly known as adult onset diabetes and a health problem for middle-aged persons. But it is being diagnosed with greater frequency in children, according to member physician and endocrinologist Joseph H. Hines, MD. Recent medical research indicates that the rising national obesity rate is a likely cause of the increasing rate of childhood type 2 diabetes.
“The implications of this trend are frightening,” says Dr. Hines. “Left unchecked, childhood type 2 diabetes could result in serious medical conditions, such as coronary disease, in a much younger population.” Typical symptoms of the disorder can include fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections, slow healing of wounds or sores, and constant hunger. However, Dr. Hines warns that many children with type 2 diabetes may exhibit no symptoms at diagnosis.
That's why we are urging parents to be particularly aware of the risk factors associated with the disease. In addition to being overweight or obese, the risk factors for childhood type 2 diabetes include:
- Family History—between 74 and 100 percent of adolescents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have a family history of the disorder.
- Puberty—typically, children with type 2 diabetes are diagnosed in mid- to late puberty when the body increases its resistance to the action of insulin.
- Ethnicity—certain racial groups are predisposed to the disease, including individuals of Native American, Hispanic, African American, and Asian descent.
Dr. Hines encourages parents to monitor overweight children with one or more risk factors of diabetes, since early treatment could minimize the devastating long-term health risks of the disease. Parents with concerns about their children's weight or suspicions of diabetes should talk with their physician immediately. As with all health-related issues, the Pennsylvania Medical Society reminds parents to work with their physicians on a comprehensive program to maintain their children's good health.
Last Updated: 11/5/2008