Is it just me, or are there an insane number of kids drinking coffee nowadays?
They are hanging out at Starbucks, they're listing "Java Chip from Starbucks" as their favorite beverages on their myspace surveys, and worse, they are going around saying, "I need a coffee."
And they're still in jr high or high school!
I didn't even have my first cup of coffee til sometime in college when I was cramming for a test, and I think I was 22 or something and working midnights to support my family...
But these kids! Are they tired from working (see my blog called "What's the cost of our kids needing to be cool?") or is it another "cool" point? Is it because of the number of pictures there are of Brittney Spears with her green straw (from Starbucks)?
Is it because all these coffee joints have free wifi for their laptops and pdas? Is it because these coffee jobs offer them a couch to chill and hang out at and they don't need to be 18 or 21 and up to be in a cool spot?
I find it so disturbing seeing these kids carrying around $4 cups of coffee?!
Coffee harmful?
According to Roland Griffiths at John Hopkins Institute, one cup of coffee is enough for developing narcotic dependence. He cites the caffeine “cravings” e.g. headache and muscular ache, fatigue, lack of concentration and nausea caused by caffeine “withdrawal” in half of those who drink coffee regularly. In view of the above, the researcher suggests that coffee addiction be put on the list of psychiatric and drug-abuse diseases.
Caffeine, a key ingredient of the beverage, is a stimulant that can cause a temporary blood pressure elevation and a faster pulse rate. That is why persons with hypertension and heart problems were told to refrain from drinking coffee.
Greek researchers at Henry Dunant Hospital in Athens believe that one cup of coffee a day can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. According to them, a cup of coffee will lead to a sharp increase of caffeine content in blood; harden the walls of the vessels, and raise blood pressure.
Signs and Symptoms of Caffeine Intoxication or Abuse
nervousness headache increased heart rate
anxiety upset stomach irregular heartbeat
irritability GI irritation elevated blood pressure
agitation heartburn increased cholesterol
tremors diarrhea nutritional deficiencies
insomnia fatigue poor concentration
depression dizziness bed wetting.
Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
headache constipation runny nose
craving anxiety nausea
irritability nervousness vomiting
insomnia shakiness cramps
fatigue dizziness ringing in the ears
depression drowsiness feeling hot and cold
apathy inability to concentrate
The most common withdrawal symptom is a throbbing and/or pressure headache, usually located at the temples but occasionally at the back of the head or around the eyes. A vague muscular headache often follows. Of course, caffeine cures the symptom; but this is not the answer.
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And we have kids drinking coffee?!?!
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Maria, I began drinking coffee when I was about 13 or 14. I still drink it to this day but only in the morning. At the time, I was the exception to the rule. I can't recall any of my friends drinking coffee back then.
I think that now coffee has evolved into 'sweet-stuff'. Much of it tastes like ice cream or a frappe making it much more attractive to younger kids. More accessible, too. Ice cream stores are not as prevalent as a Starbucks or a Dunkin Donuts, which seem to be on every corner.
My 16 yr old daughters enjoys them periodically (once or twice a month, especially in the summer). Me, I'm a die-hard "medium iced regular" from Dunkin Donuts, even in the dead of winter. You can keep all the fancy stuff!