Taking a Shortcut? Or Taking a Big Risk?

What you need to know about energy drinks and diet pills

If you need an energy boost or want to lose a few pounds quickly, energy drinks or diet pills can be tempting. But you need to know the facts about these products.

Energy drinks and some diet pills are considered foods. They aren’t regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means these products don’t have to meet FDA standards for safety and effectiveness.

• Energy drinks – Energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine plus herbs like guarana, taurine and ginseng. All that sugar can lead to extra weight. And while too much caffeine is okay for most people, it can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure or seizures. Herbs can also cause problems for certain people and interact with medicines.

It’s important to know energy drinks are not the same as sports drinks. Energy drinks have high amounts of caffeine, which can dehydrate you. They should not be used to rehydrate when you are working out or playing sports.

For most people, an energy drink once in a while is fine. But it’s important to know what you’re drinking – and if it’s okay for you.

• Diet Pills – Just because you can buy diet pills almost everywhere doesn’t mean they work – or are safe. They aren’t regulated by the FDA, so they can be sold with little proof that they work and are safe.

Diet pills can have dangerous side effects like heart and breathing problems. They can also cause high blood pressure, headaches, increased heart rate, nausea, anxiety (a feeling of worry or fear), restlessness, and stomach problems.

The best way to lose weight is to eat right and exercise. Choose healthy foods and smaller portions. And get moving! You should be active 60 minutes or more every day.

It’s easy to think a pill or a drink will help you lose weight or have more energy, The best way to stay energized and fit is to live a healthy lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water and getting plenty of exercise and rest will naturally keep your energy level high – and your weight down.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov; KidsHealth.org (Nemours Foundation) - kidshealth.org; LIVESTRONG - www.livestrong.com; Mayo Clinic - www.mayoclinic.com; National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine - nccam.nih.gov; Nutriton.gov (United States Department of Agriculture) - www.nutrition.gov; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - snap.nal.usda.gov

Disordered Eating

What you need to know about eating disorders

You probably don’t think about it when enjoying a meal with friends, but eating disorders are a problem for many teens.

It’s important to eat smart and stay at a healthy weight. But some people go to extremes when it comes to food. Eating disorders can lead to serious, long-term physical and mental health problems.

There are three main kinds of eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating.

Anorexia
People who have anorexia are obsessed with being thin. They have a distorted idea of what their bodies look like. They may think they are fat even if they are very thin. People with anorexia may not eat at all or eat very small amounts. They may also work out excessively to stay thin.

Bulimia
Instead of eating nothing or very little, people who have bulimia go through a cycle of bingeing and purging. They eat a large amount of food at one time (bingeing). Then they avoid gaining weight by making themselves throw up, using laxatives, not eating at all, or working out excessively (purging). People who have bulimia binge and purge regularly.

Binge Eating
Binge eating is like bulimia – but without the purging. People who have a binge eating problem regularly eat large amounts of food at one time. They may eat when they aren’t hungry. Or they may eat to the point of feeling sick or uncomfortable. People with this disorder can be overweight or obese.

What You Can Do
Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes eating disorders. It might be someone’s genes. It could be how they are feeling about their lives or themselves, or pressure from others to be thin. It can also be a combination of things. No one really knows. No matter what causes eating disorders, there is help.

If you think you or a friend might have an eating disorder, it’s important to get help. The consequences of eating disorders can be serious and last a long time. They can even lead to death. Talk to a doctor, nurse, counselor or other adult. There are treatments that can help you – or your friend – feel better about yourself, your body and food.

Fast Facts about Eating Disorders

• Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness in teens.
• Up to 24 million people in the U.S. suffer from an eating disorder.
• 90 percent of people with eating disorders are female.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians – familydoctor.org; National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders - www.anad.org g

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians – familydoctor.org; KidsHealth.org (Nemours Foundation) – kidshealth.org; Mayo Clinic - www.mayoclinic.com; National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders - www.anad.org; National Library of Medicine (National Institutes of Health) - www.nlm.nih.gov; Weight Information Network (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - win.niddk.nih.gov

Nothing to Smile About

How eating disorders can hurt your teeth

In the U.S., 1 or 2 out of every 100 students will deal with an eating disorder. These disorders are called Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge-Eating Disorder. This can mean eating too much or too little, or throwing up what you have eaten on purpose. These disorders take away important nutrients from the body. They can also be harmful to your teeth and mouth.

When a person throws up, the acids in his stomach come into contact with his teeth. If you throw up too often, the acids begin to wear away the outer layer of the teeth called “enamel.” When a person throws up or does not eat enough food the body does not get the nutrients it needs. This can lead to problems like mouth sores, dry mouth, cracked lips, and bleeding gums.

Over time the teeth can change color, shape, and length. The edges of teeth can become thin and break off easily. People who do not eat right can also get gum disease. This can lead to tooth loss. Dentists can often see the damage caused by eating disorders. Other signs of eating disorders can be bad breath, sensitive teeth, and teeth that appear worn down.

 

Feeling Blue about the Holidays?

The holidays. They can be the best of times – and the worst of times. Most of us look forward to the joy of the holiday season. But “the most wonderful time of the year” can be stressful. It’s not unusual to feel the “holiday blues.”

The holidays can be especially hard if you’ve recently lost a loved one, gone through a break-up or had a big life change.

So what can you do about the “holiday blues”?
If you find yourself feeling “blue” this holiday season, there are things you can do to feel better.

• Allow yourself to feel your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad or miss loved ones. Just allow yourself to feel happy, too.
• Spend time with family and friends. When you’re feeling sad or lonely, get support from people who care about you. Spending time with other people can also help you feel connected to others.
• Just say “No.” The holidays can make you feel overwhelmed. If you start to feel this way, it’s okay to say “No” to too many holiday parties, get-togethers and too much shopping.
• Do something you enjoy each day. Taking a few minutes to do something fun every day can fight sadness and boost your mood.
• Exercise and eat healthy. It’s okay to enjoy a few holiday goodies. But eating too much and not exercising can increase your stress level. Eating right and being active will help you feel better physically and emotionally.
• Get plenty of rest. Keeping up a busy holiday schedule is stressful. You’ll be better able to deal with stress if you are well-rested.

The holidays can be stressful. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re feeling a little down or stressed.

If your “holiday blues” get worse, talk to a mental health provider. There are many ways to help you overcome your “blues” so you can enjoy the holidays – and every day.

Source: LIVESTRONG - www.livestrong.com; Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com

Medical Home: Your First Stop for Health Care

Medical Home: Your First Stop for Health Care

Do you have a medical home? It’s the first place you should go when you are sick or hurt. Your medical home is usually referred to as your primary care provider (PCP).

Your PCP can be a:

• Pediatrician
• Family practice doctor
• General internist
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant

Your PCP should be able to take care of most of your medical needs. This includes preventive care and treatment for new health problems.

If you don’t have a medical home, it’s important to find one before you get sick. When you are sick or hurt, you want to see a doctor who already knows you and your health history. Having regular checkups with the same doctor can help him or her spot problems and give you advice. And you’ll be more comfortable talking to a doctor you know.

Even if you think you need a specialist, your medical home should be your first stop when you are sick. If your problem needs special care, your PCP can refer you to a specialist. Your PCP can also help coordinate care between specialists, including mental health providers. This can’t happen if you always go to the ER for routine care instead of your PCP.

You and your PCP are partners in your health and preventing disease. So the next time you’re sick, go home – to your medical home.

What’s up, doc?
It’s important to see your doctor at least once a year for a checkup. A yearly TENNderCare exam is free for BlueCare/TennCareSelect members under 21 years old.

If it’s been more than a year since your last visit with your doctor, it’s time to schedule a checkup!

Are you a new TennCare member? It’s a good idea to see your PCP within the first 90 days you are covered by TennCare. Not sure who your PCP is? Your PCP’s name is on your BlueCare or TennCareSelect ID card. Need help picking a PCP? Call Customer Service. BlueCare members call 1-800-468-9698. TennCareSelect members call 1-800-263-5479.