by Jaime Herdon

Energy drinks can be great if you’ve pulled an all-nighter, are driving on a long trip, or if it’s just one of those days where not even a vat of coffee works. But in the hands of young kids, energy drinks can have serious consequences.

Thirsty little kids may reach for that really cool looking can of “soda” in the fridge. But in a report published this week in HealthDay, Dr. Steven Lipshultz, Chief Pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, warns that within a three year time span, nearly half of phone calls to the national poison control center regarding energy drinks involved children under the age of 6. Major problems that can occur when children consume energy drinks include seizures or heart problems.

So Aunties, if you drink energy drinks, make sure they’re out of reach of young nieces or nephews, at home and when you’re out with them. Sodas aren’t healthy alternatives, either;  many are full of sugar and/or contain lots of caffeine. So make sure nieces and nephews have healthier options to choose from.

While energy drinks may seem like a harmless treat, we can model positive behaviors by drinking healthier drinks like juices or water, and minimizing or eliminating our own soda consumption, especially around kids. It’s never too early to teach healthy habits, and everyone can benefit.

Photo: Shutterstock
Published: November 19, 2014