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Reports claim that some cans have four to five times more caffeine than soda. This new  disturbing trend now targeting our youth is not only physically unhealthy, but should also send off warning signals to parents. These "energy drinks" are creating a "high" for teens and, because they come in a can similar to a soda can, many kids feel the drinks must be safe since they contain "natural" ingredients.  In 2006, 31% of teenagers in the US said they consumed energy drinks, representing 7.6 million teens. Some of them may gulp down several cans in a row to get a buzz.  A US study in 2006 found a surprising number of Poison Control Center calls from young people getting sick from too much caffeine in energy drinks. This has raised much concern among medical doctors.

Another alarming product is the new "downer drinks" hitting the market labeled "Drank", whose tagline states "Extreme Relaxation Beverage....Slow Your Roll." The misconception about these drinks is that they have organic, natural ingredients which would make you think they are healthy. There is not enough long-term data which reports what the side-effects could be years down the line. 

Tips for Parents:

• Read all labels and use the Internet to research any type of drink your child may be drinking.
• Some energy drinks on the market even contain alcohol.  It is hard to visually tell from the can.
• Talk with your child about making healthy, moderate choices with any liquid consumption besides H2O.
• Talk with them about the importance on staying hydrated especially during the hot months, and how carbonated of caffeinated drinks actually with dehydrate you.