JUNK food is causing a rise in the number of children developing type 2 diabetes, a disease once seen only in adults. Up to a fifth of 10-year-olds are clinically obese and at risk of heart attacks, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
An independent study found that they are at risk of osteoporosis, anemia and problems with their brain power because they eat the wrong foods. Most do not eat nearly enough fibre, vitamin D or other important minerals such as zinc and calcium. Instead they get as much as a third of their calories from junk food rather than the recommended allowance of less than 10 per cent.
Scientists say many teenage girls are at particular risk as they go on fad diets which rule out meat and dairy, which are sources of iron, protein and calcium. As a result, they are more likely to suffer from anaemia and osteoporosis.
Dangers of energy drinks
ENERGY drinks should be as closely regulated as alcohol, tobacco and prescription medicines. A study claimed that high-caffeine drinks can cause seizures, strokes or even sudden death in children, and those with diabetes or behavioural disorders are most at risk.
Researchers at University of Miami found some beverages claiming to boost energy levels, contained three to five times as much caffeine as a 227g fizzy drink. They said energy drinks, often overused by teenagers targeted in glossy marketing campaigns, frequently contained ingredients that can enhance the effects of caffeine and should be stringently regulated.
They also said energy drinks have no therapeutic benefit and many ingredients are understudied and not regulated.
Smoking and Lou Gehrig's disease
PEOPLE who smoke cigarettes or have smoked in the past may be more likely to develop Lou Gehrig's disease, according to a new study.
The disease slowly kills the neurons that send messages between the brain and the rest of the body, causing patients to lose control of their muscles, including those that are essential for eating and breathing.
Most people who are diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, do not survive more than five years after the diagnosis.
Food colouring and cancer
SOME chemical-enhanced caramel food colouring used in widely consumed cola drinks can cause cancer and should be banned, a US consumer advocacy group has urged the Food and Drug Administration.
Pure caramel is made from melted sugar but two other versions approved for colouring food products include the chemical ammonia and produce compounds shown to cause various cancers in studies of animals, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Obesity is still a greater health threat from soda, says the CSPI. But the chemical reaction between sugar and ammonia can form carcinogens and may be causing thousands of cancers in the US population.
Coca-Cola Co, the world's top soft drink maker, says the caramel it uses does not cause cancer. It says that its cola only contain one of the compounds cited by CSPI, and that the compound-formed in the 'browning reaction' while cooking-is found in trace amounts in a variety of food and drinks.
Back pain from man bag
SPORTING a weighty man bag may be the latest fashion for men but it can cause back pain and poor posture. Footballer David Beckham, rapper Jay-Z and actor Brad Pit have all been spotted wearing the functional fashion accessory which the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) says can be bad for your back.
The BCA says the man bag in its various guises - from traditional over-the-shoulder laptop case, to messenger bag and satchel - should be used with caution.
A BCA study showed the the average man bag weighs up to 6.2kg, the equivalent of over 12 bags of sugar. In the digital age, men's bag are loaded with essential on-the-go accessories such as laptop, MP3 players, phones and gym kit.
To avoid being weight down by your man bag, the BCA recommends alternating the shoulder you sling the strap over, keeping the strap short and extended periods of time.
*Original write-up from New Straits Times (Life & Times: Health In Brief)
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