For the Energy Drink Junkie

For those college students who rely on energy drinks to get them through long all nighters, a recent study urges those to beware.

A recent paper published in the journal Pediatrics on Monday drew information from case studies and scientific studies, and outlines steps other countries have taken against energy drinks. For instance, Denmark and Turkey have banned them and Norway wont sell energy drinks to children under 15.

The paper has linked side effects such as heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and even cardiac arrest to children and youth, especially those who take medication or have chronic illnesses.

According to an article in the NY Times, the study says those who drink energy drinks and have heart problems or mood and behavioral disorders are more at risk, as well as those with diabetes because of the massive amounts of sugar in the drinks.

However, many students and young people don't know of the risks or just brush them off. Some blame the confusion on the fact that energy drinks are often sold alongside other beverages like Gatorade and water. Drinks like Gatorade contain mostly water and salt, while energy drinks are high in sugar and caffeine.

So next time you want a burst of energy or need to get through a long night of studying, try going for a quick jog to get your body awake or grab a quick snack with a little sugar in it. It'll provide the same effect, but even better because there's no crash!

Log off Facebook and Grab Your Yoga Mat

With new technologies developing and social media at its peak more and more people would rather Facebook and play Xbox then get some good old-fashioned exercise.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 34 percent of adults 20 and older are overweight. With families in such a fast-paced lifestyle it's easier for families to stop in the McDonald's drive-thru then take the time to cook a meal.

However, the real problem is that young adults aren't getting any exercise. In fact, an article on http://www.kidshealth.org/ claims that one out of every three kids is now considered obese. A relaxing yet great workout that most people forget about is yoga. Some people just don't like the gym or maybe their joints can't handle a jog outside, and even for those who workout regularly and want something new to mix up their workout routine, yoga may be a solution.

Yoga began over 3,000 years ago in India. The word yoga literally means to unite. Practicing yoga is done to unite the mind, body and spirit. Some of the benefits of yoga are improving flexibility, strength and balance.

There are several types of yoga. Bikram yoga, or hot yoga, is performed in rooms that are heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Ashtanga yoga is a fast-paced yoga that builds strength and flexibility.

If you're interested in learning yoga but aren't quite comfortable in attending a class yet or if you have a Wii Fit, you can practice different poses from the comfort of your home. Or if you're looking for a yoga studio to sign up for classes, there are several studios in the St. Augustine area.

Namaste!