Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Fall 2019

SkyLakes.org | LIVE smart 5 intake to 400mg per day for healthy individuals, and most experts agree that pregnant women should limit caffeine to 200mg per day. Caffeine can make the heart work harder and temporarily raise blood pressure, so people with heart- related conditions should talk with their health care provider to find out if caffeine is safe for them. Check out the infographic below for the caffeine content of your favorite beverages, but keep in mind that caffeine content can vary greatly depending on the origin, processing and preparation method (including brew time) of the product. BE HONEST: IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE TO HAVE TOO MUCH CAFFEINE? Caffeine in moderate amounts may be related to health benefits, like improved mood and brain function, improved exercise performance, and decreased fatigue. However, caffeine intake greater than 400mg per day may lead to some unpleasant side effects, such as an abnormal heart rhythm, irritability, headaches, dizziness, restlessness or shakiness (hello, caffeine jitters). Individuals who are more sensitive to caffeine may experience these side effects even with less than 400mg of caffeine. IS IT TIME TO CURB THE CAFFEINE? If you’re above the caffeine recommendation of less than 400mg per day or experiencing unwanted side effects of caffeine consumption, you may want to consider cutting back. Try these tips: ▸ ▸ Keep track of your caffeine intake by checking out the nutrition fact labels on your food and beverages. But keep in mind that some labels do not list caffeine. ▸ ▸ Cut back on caffeine gradually. Try drinking smaller cups of caffeinated beverages or drinking one less cup per day. ▸ ▸ Shorten the brew time of your coffee or tea. This will help cut down on caffeine content. ▸ ▸ Switch to decaffeinated beverages or try herbal teas. SOWHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE? Proceed with your morning routine; just try to keep tabs on your caffeine intake and stay below 400mg per day. No matter your caffeine delivery method—coffee, tea or whatever strikes your fancy—make sure you steer clear of the added sugars and saturated fats that can contribute to weight gain and other health risks. Opt for skim milk or unsweetened almond milk, and maybe try a low- calorie sweetener to satisfy your craving. And remember, caffeine is not a replacement for rest, relaxation or sleep—so take care, Klamath! * The actual caffeine content of caffeinated products, especially of a cup of coffee or tea, can vary greatly due to origin, processing and preparation, including brewing time. 3 4 LIVE smart Information in Live Smart comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. On the cover: Autumn colors abound at this campsite near the Williamson River north of Klamath Falls. Cola 12 ounces 30 to 40mg Green or black tea 8 ounces 30 to 50mg Coffee 8 ounces 80 to 100mg Decaf coffee 8 ounces 2 to 15mg Energy drink 8 ounces 40 to 250mg Howmuch caffeine is in your drink? Smart Get out and enjoy! Exercise is good for both body and soul p. 6 Pediatric therapy Helping the littlest patients meet big milestones p. 3 Fall2019