Vocabulary:
- cardiac arrhythmia [KAHR-dee-ak uh-RITH -mee-uh]
- county [KOUN-tee]
- patron [PEY-truh n]
- instantaneous [in-stuhn n-TEY-nee-uh s]
- overdose [OH-ver-dohs]
(noun) irregular heartbeat
Cardiac arrhythmia is a serious health hazard.
(noun) largest political division in most states in the US
We are moving to Orange County, California.
(noun) a person who is a loyal customer of a product or service
She is a well-known patron of innovative products.
(adjective) immediate effect or response
The school got an instantaneous response from the board.
(noun) too much drug intake at a given time
Drug overdose is fatal.
A 16-year old high school student collapsed and died after consuming a large bottle of Mountain Dew, a McDonald’s latte, and an energry drink. David Cripe died inside his classroom due to cardiac arrhythmia, a condition wherein the heart stops working properly. The initial investigation by the county coroner pointed caffeine overdose as the cause of death. The coroner stressed that it was speed at which Mr. Cripe consumed caffeine which caused his heart failure.
David Cripe’s death posed a question about the health hazards of caffeinated drinks, specially energy drinks. Teenagers are known patrons of energy drinks because of its’ sweet taste and instantaneous effect. Energy drinks generally contain more caffeine than coffee. Over the years, there’s a significant increase of minors having dangerous side effects of consuming energy drinks. Thus, health professionals are reminding parents to educate their children about the dangers of caffeine.
True or False:
- David Cripe had a caffeine overdose because he drank some Mountain Dew, a latte, and an energy drink every two hours.
- Energy drinks are popular among young professionals.
- The country coroner’s investigation pointed to nicotine overdose as the cause of death.
- Energy drinks have the same caffeine content as coffee.
- A little intake of caffeine can be harmful to one’s health.
Discussion Questions:
- How can schools promote health and wellness?
- Is it possible for parents to control what their children eat and drink? Elaborate.
- Which do you think is healthier, instant coffee or coffee from cafes? Why?
- Should the government ban energy drinks in your country? Please explain your answer.
- Why do you think teenagers patronize energy drinks?
Express Your Opinion:
- “The smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the greatest inventions.” – Hugh Jackman
- “Even bad coffee is better than no coffee at all.” – David Lynch
- “People under 55 who drink an average of more than than four cups of coffee a day raise the risk of dying from all causes.” – Michael B. Kelley