Wednesday, August 17, 2011

News Headlines #6 --WIIFM (what's in it for me?)

“Alcohol Energy Drink Combo can be deadly”
Recently alcohol/caffeine combo drinks have become popular among young people.  A recent study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine discussed 11 young patients admitted to the ER in one New York City hospital within a 4-month 2010 timeframe.  Of those 11 patients, 10 were under 21 years.  Several of these patients were found in dangerous situations:  one had fallen onto subway tracks, several were found alone and vulnerable (passed out) at night.  All ended up in the ER and a couple were admitted to the hospital for treatment.  http://www.www3.acep.org/Content.aspx?id=80973
A Northern Kentucky University research study involving 56 college students between the ages of 21 and 33 looked at alcohol/energy drinks.  The results showed that all participants showed signs of decreased impulse control.  However, those who drank the alcohol-energy drink felt alert and did not recognize they were suffering from decreased impulse control, which put them at increased risk of making unwise decisions. http://newstonight.net/content/energy-drinks-and-alcohol-could-be-deadly-combo
This is a scary condition:  these young people were impaired but did not recognize it.  Could this put them at risk of making bad decisions? 

No comments:

Post a Comment