Inhaled Caffeine: Not a Good Option

Can’t live without your daily dose of caffeine? I know many people who will go out of the way just to grab a fresh cup of Joe or any caffeine shot to jump start their day or combat that afternoon lull.

Sometimes, that hot coffee isn’t readily available. (Where’s the Starbucks when you need one?) That’s why Massachusetts company Breathable Foods Inc. believes their new pocket-sized, inhalable caffeine shot may just be the answer. Called “AreoShot Pure Energy”, the product is a breathable energy product that delivers your caffeine in a single breath.

According to the product information, AeroShot also contains B vitamins with the caffeine and delivers energy immediately when the powder is inhaled through the mouth and then swallowed. The company states that each puff contains about 100 milligrams of caffeine, equivalent to one large cup of coffee; and that each $2.99 vial (small plastic tube the size of lipstick) contains up to six puffs.

The product was first developed for consumers in Paris, France, but was released as a supplement in two markets last year: Boston and New York. It is now available in many locations, including online markets.

While the product seems like a perfect solution for those caffeine addicts who cannot go without their Java, it has fallen under severe scrutiny by U.S. health officials, including the Food and Drug Administration. Just a few months after its release in the United States, health authorities believe the product is mislabeled and potentially unsafe. Because the product is being marketed as a dietary supplement, it is not regulated by the FDA; however, the Administration still provided a review and warning letter to the company.

First, the Administration mentioned that there is no product that can be both inhaled and ingested because of the functioning of the epiglottis, which keeps inhaling and swallowing as two separate bodily functions. If inhaled into the lungs, caffeine can cause significant health problems, particularly in the respiratory system. Research has shown that ground coffee is light enough to become airborne, and thus, is considered particulate matter. The health impact of inhaling particulates, even when they are chemically less toxic such as coffee grounds, can produce negative health issues because the particles can deposit deep into the lungs.

While most people think of engine exhaust and factory smoke as the root of all particulate matter, any foreign object found in the lungs is considered particulate matter and can significantly affect breathing capacity. Furthermore, one study found that inhaling caffeine is associated with abnormal psychiatric behaviors in people with mental health issues. Unfortunately, it is more likely that those who would attempt to inhale products for their “buzz” effect would have some sort of psychiatric disorder, even at a mild level. In healthy individuals, inhaled caffeine had mild effects. Long-term effects of caffeine inhalation have yet to be determined.

In the meantime, the consensus is that inhaling coffee – or anything that could deposit a foreign object into the bronchi – is not safe. 

Second, the product may entice teen users. AeroShot’s website indicates the product is not recommended for people under age 18, however, the product label itself states “not intended for people under 12.” While the intent may be there, the purchase can still be made by teens and youth.

So, who’s to say the product wouldn’t be inhaled through the nose or mouth to place the contents directly into the lungs for some sort of “high?” Fears that teens would be able to obtain a cheap buzz by inhaling an extensive amount of the product are valid.

If you are thinking about trying such a product, you may want to rethink your strategy. If you have children and teens at home, you might want to have that discussion about the negatives effects of inhaling any foreign substance.

References

Business Wire. (2012). Breathable Foods announces the retail launch of AeroShot Pure Energy. Retrieved from http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120117005100/en/Breathable-Foods%C2%AE-Announces-Retail-Launch-AeroShot-Pure.

Keil, C., Kassa, H., Brown, A., Kumie, A., & Tefera, W. (2010). Inhalation exposures to particulate matter and carbon monoxide during ethiopian coffee ceremonies in addis ababa: A pilot study. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, , 213960. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/856025690?accountid=32521

U.S. health authorities warn against ‘inhalable caffeine’. (2012). Agence France-Presse. NewsBank.

Food and Drug Administration. (2012). FDA issues warning letter to makers of AeroShot “caffeine inhaler.” Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm294874.htm.

Zandvliet, A. S., Huitema, A. D. R., de Jonge, M. E., den Hoed, R. Sparidans, R. W., Hendriks, V. M., van den Brink, W., van Ree, J. M. and Beijnen, J. H. (2005). Population pharmacokinetics of caffeine and its metabolites theobromine, paraxanthine and theophylline after inhalation in combination with diacetylmorphine. Pharmacology & Toxicology, 96, 71-79. Doi: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2005.pto960111.x.

Can Cats Help Curb Obesity?

Interesting studies have discovered that cats may actually help us with weight loss.

Research presented at the Biophysical Society Meeting in mid-February found that cats – specifically calico cats – could provide the key to help people lose weight. It was explained that calico cats, which contain patches of various colors of fur (orange, black and white), have unique X chromosomes that cause that patchwork color mode.

Apparently, the cats “have an orange fur color gene on one of their X chromosomes and a black fur color gene on the other, so that random silencing of one of the X’s in each cell creates their distinctive patchwork coats” explained Elizabeth Smith, one of the researchers from the University of California.

Considering that we have now mapped the entire DNA sequencing for humans, we may be able to figure out which specific genes on a chromosome can be silenced to help us lose weight. Body fat distribution has already been linked with the X-chromosomes in the human body, therefore, it seems theoretically possible to identify and deactivate the fat-causing chromosome.

According to the research, the location of specific genes is currently underway and it could be possible to turn off or on specific chromosomes to achieve the desired effect. If that actually occurs, we could essentially turn off the “fat” genes and reduce obesity.

The research is still in its infancy, but considering the scope of such a concept, there could be more results in the near future.

So, how safe is it to modify our genetic make-up in this fashion?

Considering we’ve really only begun to understand the complexities of our DNA, we may not have enough information to assess such a concept right now. The Genetics and Public Policy Center has outlined the ethical nature of gene modifications. According to the center, we have successfully modified genes in laboratory animals and some of those modifications could be transferred to a human being. So far, none of have been tried.

A trial run of replacing a defective embryonic stem cell with a normal one in mice was successful. Yet, doing so in a human being may lead to what scientists are calling unwanted mutations in the genes that could leave the person with severe development outcomes or dead. While this test was in reproductive genes, there could be similar consequences with messing with any of the genes in the human body –including deactivating fat genes to reduce obesity.

Furthermore, the Center noted that such modifications bring up the concept that people will be “playing God” and whether this should be approached at all.

Until more research is conducted on gene modifications or activating/deactivating genes, we should simply attempt to adopt safer and healthier alternatives to combat obesity such as eating healthy and exercising daily.

References

Baruch, S., Huang, A., Pritchard, Kalfoglou, A., Javitt, G., Borchelt, R., Scott, J., and Hudson, K. (2010). Human Germline Genetic Modification: Issues and options for policymakers. Retrieved from http://www.dnapolicy.org/pub.reports.php?action=detail&report_id=3.

Hays, B. (2014). Calico cats may hold secret to weight loss. UPT News Track (Consumer Health). Accession Number: 6E81843882796

Viegas, J. (2014). How calico cats could help cure obesity. Retrieved from http://news.discovery.com/animals/pets/how-calico-cats-could-help-cure-obesity-140218.htm.

Child Passenger Deaths Drop

Child passenger deaths have dropped by 43% over the past 10 years, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The decrease in such deaths is being attributed to improved education. More parents are buckling up their children or using appropriately sized child restraints to reduce injuries and deaths in the event of an accident.

While this is great news, motor vehicle accidents remain a leading cause of death in children – mainly because of poorly installed child safety seats or a failure to use them. The same report found that almost 50% African Americans, 46% Hispanics, and 26% Caucasian children who die in crashes to so because they were not properly fastened into their booster seat or car seat, or their seat belt wasn’t even connected.

Interestingly enough, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands require child safety seats. Forty-eight states require boost seats for older or larger toddlers. Only Florida and South Dakota do not have such a law. Only California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, and New York require seat belts on school buses. Texas requires them for school buses that were purchased after September 2010.

Although child passenger deaths are down, the overall rates are still high. The CDC reports that one in three children who died in 2011 did so because they were not buckled into their seat or a safety seat. These are completely unnecessary deaths. Buckle up your child, parents!

They key to keeping your child safe on the road takes a few simple steps:

1. Use car seats, booster seats, and seat belts in the back seats – every time you leave the house! Even if you’re heading across the street to the convenience store, you never know what could happen in a split second on the road. The CDC has guidelines for seats for children up to adult.

2. Install your safety seats properly. Manufacturers include instructions with the seats that follow all safety guidelines. If you are struggling with installation, ask for help. Your local health department or the police department can assist you with ensuring your seat is properly installed.

3. Make sure all children age 12 and younger are buckled into the back seat. Studies have shown that the airbags in the passenger side seats can do more harm to a small child if deployed. Play taxi driver, and put them in the back where they are far safer.

Overall Motor Vehicle Crashes

Pennsylvania is ranked as the 5^th highest in medical and work loss costs due to motor vehicle crashes. Crashes annually cost the state around $1.52 billion in medical costs and lost productivity/wages. California was ranked highest at $4.16 billion, Texas was at $3.5 billion, Florida at 3.16 billion and Georgia at 1.55 billion.

According to the CDC, more than 30,000 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes each year. Three key areas are attributed to the high number of crashes: impaired driving, lack of seat belt use, and inexperienced teen drivers.

The best mode of prevention is common sense. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Use your seatbelt. Provide guidance to inexperienced new drivers. Together as a community, we can be healthier and safer – with common sense.

References

Governors Highway Safety Association. (2014). Child passenger safety laws. Retrieved from http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Prevention policies. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/Motorvehiclesafety/costs/policy.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). State-based costs of deaths from crashes. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/Motorvehiclesafety/statecosts/index.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). CDC study shows that child passenger deaths have decreased 43% from 2002-2011. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0204-child-passenger-deaths.html.

Les Mills - Helping to Combat Obesity

Two years ago, a friend of mine convinced me to try a group fitness class at the Meadville Family YMCA. At the time, I wasn’t a huge fan of group workouts, but I also understood that some people thrived on them.

Yet, what I attended was a bit more than just an hour of exercise with a group of people. It was an experience. It was a Les Mills BodyPump^TM class. Although you may have heard about this class, you may not realize that it’s more than just weightlifting to music. It’s actually a fitness movement…a public health initiative.

The whole Les Mills story is unique and has moved into the public health realm to combat the obesity crisis around the globe. It all began with the vision of one New Zealand Olympic athlete – Les Mills. He competed in four Olympic games from the 1960s and into the 1970s. During that time, Les and his wife, Colleen, opened up their first gym in Auckland, NZ – a place to help others become fit and strong.

In 1990, Les created a group strength training regime he called “Pump,” which rapidly soared in popularity across New Zealand and Australia. The group class focused on proper weight lifting technique and was choreographed to current popular music. As people were gaining strength and fitness, the craze of Pump spread internationally. In 1997, the program was renamed “BodyPump” and remains the same today.

Les Mills International has grown to include 15,000 licensed facilities and 100,000 instructors across 80 different countries. It offers 12 group fitness programs, all focused on one thing: getting people more active and fit in order to reverse the worldwide obesity epidemic. According to the Les Mills philosophy: “We aim to help others around the globe by increasing awareness…and putting energy into important causes.”

Kudos to Les Mills for starting a movement to combat obesity! There are many ways that public health professionals look at reversing this chronic disease. While group exercise may not be for everyone, it certainly is one method that can work. Today, after two years’ of group fitness participation, I got addicted. I am now among those 100,000 instructors certified to teach BodyPump^TM anywhere in the world.

Group fitness has turned out to be one of many worldwide efforts to reduce obesity through physical activity. Whether you participate or not, you might be interested in the many benefits of working out with others. Here are five benefits noted by the American College of Sports Medicine:

1. It offers the opportunity to feel young again. Children and youth spend time together, play together, chat with one another, and enjoy each other’s company. As adults, we often do not take time to just be with friends. Group exercise offers that benefit.

2. Exposure to an effective and safe workout. A personal trainer is often pricey, but in a group setting, you can still have some personal attention as your instructor will coach you to proper form and technique while you get in a great workout.

3. Social engagement. Bored in the weight room? Some people just can’t get motivated with just a set of dumbbells. Group workouts provide you with the social atmosphere that promotes camaraderie, accountability, and motivation – all because you are with your friends.

4. Workouts for all levels of fitness. Group fitness is not for a certain exercise level. Beginner exercisers to advanced fitness gurus can get a great workout because the work is already put into the routine of a group program. Follow the instructions and beginners will get a workout without feeling like quitting, and advanced persons will work up the sweat they want.

5. Less gym time…for YOU time. Most fitness classes run an hour or less. When you’re on your own, sometimes you drag your feet from station to station and end up skipping half your workout because of time constraints. Group exercise is structured – you’re in and out in the allotted time-frame, leaving far more time to do what you want for the rest of your day.

As we noted in certification training: We are working to combat obesity “one pump at a time.”

References:

Dolan, S. (2012). Benefits of group exercise. Retrieved from http://www.acsm.org/access-public-information/articles/2012/01/20/benefits-of-group-exercise.

LesMills (2013). Our history. Retrieved from http://www.lesmills.com/westcoast/about-les-mills/our-history.aspx

Got Shots?

While you may believe you’re safe from influenza or pneumonia, think about this: 2,468,435 total people in the United States died in 2010; among the top 10 causes were influenza or pneumonia (listed as the 9^th most popular cause of death that year).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, slightly more than 50,000 people died that year from influenza or pneumonia, a significant number of them being over the age of 65. What’s disappointing about that number is that nearly all of these cases were preventable by a simple vaccine.

Senior citizens are among the highest at-risk populations to obtain either influenza or pneumonia. They are also at the greatest risk of dying from either disease. While this group is among the largest percentage of people who routinely receive the vaccinations for both diseases, that percentage is around only 65%. That means that 35% of our elderly population is at risk for catching the flu or pneumonia.

Of interest, the number of senior citizens who received vaccinations for influenza or pneumonia in 2010 was lower than those who had gotten them in 2009. Data beyond 2010 is still being analyzed; however, preliminary reports suggest that the number of people age 65 and older who got their influenza or pneumococcal vaccinations in 2011 had increased by nearly 4 percentage points. That’s a good sign as we move forward – when the population of people reaching and exceeding age 65 will surge in the coming years.

It should be of no surprise that the United States is experiencing the highest growth rate of senior citizens in its history. A CDC report, “The State of Aging and Health in America 2013,” credits two elements for this: the aging Baby Boomer generation and longer life expectancies. According to the CDC, by 2030, we will have about 72 million people age 65 and older living in the country – that’s approximately 20% of the total U.S. population.

While the report presented some interesting statistics, there are two key areas that remain national target goals: vaccinations for influenza and vaccinations for pneumonia. If the vaccination rate of 65% of senior citizens remains stagnant over the coming years, it will leave 25.2 million older adults unprotected from two deadly yet preventable diseases within the next two decades.

So, is it too late to get a flu shot?

According to the CDC, it is definitely not too late. Flu season peaks in January or February, but can extend into May. Therefore, you’re still gaining protection if you get the shot now. It is highly recommended that people over age 65 obtain the high dose shot of the influenza vaccine, which provides the additional antibodies needed to ward off the virus. As we age, the body’s ability to fend off illnesses weakens; therefore, stronger immunities through stronger vaccinations can be valuable. The important thing to remember about seasonal influenza is that you will need to get the vaccine each year. The virus mutates annually, so the antibodies you have for this season will not be effective in the next season. Don’t wait this long next season…mark your calendars to get the shot in September.

What about the pneumococcal vaccine? In contrast to influenza, pneumonia is not a mutating virus that changes annually. It is bacteria that cause the illness. The pneumococcal vaccination is a one-time shot and protects against 23 separate strains of bacteria that can produce pneumonia. It is important to know that those who were vaccinated earlier than age 60 are strongly encouraged to have a second vaccination at age 65 to boost immunity through the upper ages.

Of interest, there are more than 80 strains of bacteria that can cause pneumonia; however, the most common infections are produced by the 23 strains that the vaccine protects against.

Before signing up for any vaccination protocol, a senior citizen should first consult their primary care physician.

The CDC has discovered that there are certain health-related reasons why the influenza vaccine should be avoided: 1) those with allergies to chicken eggs; 2) those who have suffered severe reactions to the flu vaccine in prior years; 3) those who have a fever at the time the vaccination is to be given; and 4) those with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

As for the pneumonia immunization, those with a history of any negative health reaction to past vaccinations should avoid the vaccine. For pregnant women, it is unclear if the vaccine is harmful to either the mother or fetus if given to the pregnant woman. Research is still underway.

Regardless, if you’re interested in getting your influenza or pneumonia vaccine, contact your doctor to find out if you qualify for the immunizations and schedule your appointment today.

References

Bemis, E. (2012). Flu and pneumonia shots for seniors – is it too late? Retrieved from http://www.umh.org/assisted-independent-living-blog/bid/243191/Flu-and-Pneumonia-Shots-for-Seniors-Is-it-Too-Late.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Receipt of influenza vaccination. Receipt of pneumococcal vaccination. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/released201206.htm#4.

Flu.gov. (2013). Vaccination and vaccine safety. Retrieved from http://www.flu.gov/prevention-vaccination/vaccination/.

Murphy, S. L., Xu, J., Kochanek, K. D. (2013). Deaths: Final data for 2010. National Vital Statistics Reports, 61(4), 1-118. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr61/nvsr61_04.pdf.

Schiffman, G. and Shiel Jr., W. C. (2012). Pneumococcal vaccination. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/pneumococcal_vaccination/article.htm#what_is_pneumococcal_vaccination.