Doctors Warn That Energy Drinks May Be Harmful To Kids

Have you noticed the big variety of energy drinks that are available in the supermarket? If you or your kids partake of them, even occasionally, then listen up! Doctors report that the energy drinks could potentially cause a stroke, or even a heart attack in a child or teen with an undiagnosed heart problem. This is very scary news, as I know the drinks popularity has grown by leaps and bounds, just the in the past couple of years. Due to the significant amount of caffeine in the beverages, they can also cause severe dehydration, something parents and coaches should by aware of if their kids are using the drink as a "energy booster" before sports practices or games.

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Peanut Butter Rocks!

I don't know about you, but our family loves peanut butter. It's a staple in our house! Peanut butter with banana slices and honey, peanut butter with marshmallow fluff, peanut butter pie, peanut butter cookies, peanut butter bread, peanut butter ice cream, ice cream with peanut butter on the side, or peanut butter on a spoon. What. . . you've never heard of peanut butter on a spoon? Peanut butter on a spoon (or in our house, simply "peanut butter spoon") was a trend started in our household, by my dear hubby and now carried on by our kids. . . OK. . . and occasionally me. What can I say? We are peanut butter crazy! When Peter Pan announced a recall earlier this year, we became a little nervous. Fortunately, the other peanut butter brands picked up the slack.
Maybe that's not such a bad thing. According to the Peanut Butter & Co website (http://ilovepeanutbutter.qa.beantree.com/health.html), peanut butter has several health benefits. It provides a good source of protein, vitamin A, niacin, phosphorus, and magnesium. A little know fact about peanut butter is that it is a cholesterol free food and can actually help improve cholesterol levels. Amazingly (to me) the smooth and creamy stuff contains as much fiber as 1/2 cup of broccoli! Several studies have even indicated that eating a little bit of peanut butter daily can aide in weight loss and overall heart health.
For these reasons (and many more) we will continue to enjoy our favorite treat, peanut butter!