Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Physical Performance and Potential Danger of Inordinate Usage.

The rise in energy drink (ED) intake in the general population and athletes has been achieved with smart and effective marketing strategies. There is a robust base of evidence showing that adolescents are the main consumers of EDs. The prevalence of ED usage in this group ranges from 52% to 68%, whilst in adults is estimated at 32%. The compositions of EDs vary widely. Caffeine content can range from 75 to 240 mg, whereas the average taurine quantity is 342.28 mg/100 mL. Unfortunately, exact amounts of the other ED elements are often not disclosed by manufacturers. Caffeine and taurine in doses 3-6 mg/kg and 1-6 g, respectively, appear to be the main ergogenic elements. However, additive or synergic properties between them seem to be implausible. Because of non-unified protocol design, presented studies show inconsistency between ED ingestion and improved physical performance. Potential side effects caused by abusive consumption or missed contraindications are the aspects that are the most often overlooked by consumers and not fully elucidated by ED producers. In this review, the authors aimed to present the latest scientific information on ED components and their possible impact on improving physical performance as well as to bring emphasis to the danger of inordinate consumption.

Hygienic and nutritional habits in dental caries prevention in 5-year-old children from Biala Podlaska.

BACKGROUND: Preschool children are particularly susceptible to dental caries development. Due to the fact that deciduous teeth are less mineralised, they are more likely to be affected by this condition. Therefore, preschool age is a significant period in shaping positive health-oriented attitudes regarding dental caries prevention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse hygienic and nutritional habits in children aged 5 from Biala Podlaska in the context of dental caries prevention. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 454 preschool children (251 boys and 203 girls) from Biala Podlaska. Their hygienic and nutritional habits were examined with a diagnostic survey using the authors' own anonymous questionnaire. Mean consumption of nutrients (calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D) was estimated on the basis of average daily consumption calculated as a mean from three 24-hour interviews (conducted by the authors in a kindergarten or at children's houses). A nutritional value of a daily portion was calculated with the use of "Dieta 5.0" software (National Food and Nutrition Institute). RESULTS: Research results revealed that in the case of only one in three children, parents began toothbrushing within the first year of a child's life. Approximately 90% of preschool children brushed their teeth at least twice a day. Half of the children under examination brushed their teeth for 1-2 minutes usually with a traditional toothbrush. Toothbrushing was supervised by 62.5% of the boys' parents and 38.9% of the girls' parents (p<0.05). Almost 66% of the parents took their children to a dentist for regular (once or twice a year) dental check-ups. Analyses of daily food rations revealed insufficient amounts of calcium (25%) and vitamin D (over 80%). Moreover, an excessive intake of phosphorus (twice as high as the norm) was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Developing appropriate hygienic and nutritional habits in children is an indispensable element in the prevention of lifestyle diseases, including dental caries.

An analysis of selected risk factors of osteoporosis ­ dietary patterns and physical activity ­ in pubescent girls from the Lubelskie province

INTRODUCTION: Peak bone mass is modulated by intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic factors, such as diet, physical activity, stimulants and medications. Approximately 80-85% of peak bone mass is achieved during puberty. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze selected risk factors for osteoporosis, specifically diet and physical activity, in 10- to 15-year-old girls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 461 girls from Eastern Poland (Lublin Province). Diet of the study subjects was determined with a 24-h dietary recall survey. Dietary intake of energy and selected nutrients was calculated using Dieta 5.0 software. The analysis included intake of energy, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, vitamins A, D and C. Physical activity of the study subjects was assessed by means of a diagnostic survey. Statistical analysis included determining mean dietary intakes of analyzed nutrients, as well as their deviations from the intakes recommended for a given age group (10-12 and 13-15 years of age). Associations between diet and physical activity levels were tested with multivariate models of logistic regression, and their statistical significance was verified with Wald test. RESULTS: The study documented insufficient intake of energy, excessive intake of protein and sodium, as well as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D deficiency. Most surveyed girls declared moderate level of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary inadequacies observed in the studied girls may lead to inappropriate bone mineralization and as a result, contribute to development of osteoporosis in future. No evident relationships were found between diet and physical activity level.

Evaluation of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 concentration and values of global tests concerning the coagulation system of patients suffering from subarachnoid haemorrage.

INTRODUCTION: The term 'subarachnoid haemorrhage' (SAH) stands for bleeding into the subarachnoid space, regardless of its source. It may be of primary character when the source of bleeding is situated within the subarachnoid space. Subarachnoid haemorrhage is often described as spontaneous bleeding, mainly in order to differentiate it from post-traumatic bleeding. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the blood of patients in the early phase following subarachnoid haemorrhage in terms of searching for markers useful in subarachnoid bleeding diagnostics and monitoring a patient's clinical state. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study comprised 85 patients (47 women, 38 men), aged 29-81 (average 53±12 years), suffering from subarachnoid haemorrhage. The control group comprised 45 healthy people selected according to gender and age corresponding with the experimental group. RESULTS: The study revealed that the concentration of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was significantly higher in patients suffering from subarachnoid haemorrhage. Additionally, the concentration of fibrinogen decreased, aPTT was shorter and the concentration of D-dimers increased. The studied parameters did not differ with respect to the age or gender of the patients. It was stated that according to the Hunt and Hess scale, the concentration of ICAM-1 was considerably higher in the group of patients in the most severe neurological state, compared to other patients. It was also observed that the concentration of fibrinogen was significantly higher, aPTT was shorter, and the concentration of D-dimers increased in the afore-mentioned group. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the concentration of adhesion molecules, as well as values of global tests concerning the coagulation system, may serve as a useful diagnostic tool for SAH.

The effect of menopause on bone tissue in former swimmers and in non-athletes.

BACKGROUND: An increased loss of bone density during the first years after menopause induces osteoporosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the research presented in this paper was to ascertain the difference in the rate of involutional changes in bone tissue in former athletes and in non-athletes of the same age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research involved 18 former swimmers and 18 females of similar age who had never practiced sports. The subjects were subdivided into two subgroups: Subgroup I had been post-menopausal for < or = 5 years, and Subgroup II for > 5 years; this was done to assess bone mineral content relative to the length of the postmenopausal time period. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured in lumbar vertebrae by dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone strength was measured in the heel using the bone stiffness index. Each subject was examined twice, with a one-year period in between. A diagnostic questionnaire was used to compile date on the subjects' physical activity and their gonad functioning. Dietary habits (calcium intake) were established by three interviews and the Dieta 4.0 computer program. Results. Anthropometric features did not differentiate the subjects in the subgroups. Former athletes in both subgroups spent off-work time on physical activities significantly more frequently. In both groups, calcium intake was sufficient and did not exceed 3/4 of the daily norm. A higher calcium intake was found in former athletes compared to non-athletes. The subjects in Subgroup I had significantly greater BMC and BMD than those in Subgroup II. In Subgroup I, the second examination showed somewhat lower reductions in BMC and BMD among the former athletes than among the non-athletes. In Subgroup II, BMC and BMD increased somewhat among the former athletes, while non-significant reductions were observed in the BMC and BMD of the non-athletes. All the subjects undertook pharmacologic treatment after the first examination, which caused improvement of bone parameters in the second examination. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of bone mass loss in former athletes proved to be consistent with the involutional process and similar to that of non-athletes. The reduced BMD in the lumbar vertebrae of 22% of the women in the study demonstrates the need for regular densitometric examinations in postmenopausal females.

State of health of adolescents in eastern regions of Poland. Podlasie region child.

The aim of the study was an attempt to evaluate the state of health of adolescents aged 15 years, living in Podlasie region near the border of Poland and Bielorus. Data from the Schoolchild Development and Health Investigation Charts covering 197 rural and 208 urban adolescents were analyzed. The significance of differences between the two populations were tested by Chi 2 test at the level of p > 0.05. The study showed that nearly 60% of rural and 70% of urban schoolchildren have health problems. The most common of these problems are associated with the body posture. The data on self-reported health indicated that the most often observed complaints in both populations (rural and urban) of adolescents were: headaches, difficulties with falling asleep and lack of appetite. In spite of the high incidence of health problems, the number of schoolchildren being attended by medical specialists in outpatient departments is relatively small, to the disadvantage of the rural population. The laryngology and ophthalmology departments were visited most frequently. The analysis of the results of the studies confirmed that the state of health of the children examined is unsatisfactory. An effective prevention of these negative phenomena requires the creation of efficient systemic mechanisms on the one hand, and on the other, a constant monitoring of objective and self-reported health.

Physical work load and state of health of school-aged children in the southern Podlasie Region.

Physical work adjusted to physical and mental capabilities of an adolescent is considered as a positive factor in the context of constructing health condition. The objective of the study was the determination of the relationship between self-reported health, the occurrence of injuries and the work load among rural school-aged children engaged in work tasks in the household and on a farm. The study covered 662 pupils aged 11, 13 and 15 from rural schools in the eastern region of Poland. The study was conducted by means of a survey with the use of two questionnaire forms: Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) - Cross-National Study and 'Children's work in the household and on the farm'. A relationship was observed between work load in the household and on the farm, measured by such indicators as: working time, heaviness of work activities performed and performance of hazardous and harmful work tasks, positive evaluation of own appearance and life satisfaction (in boys), and a higher incidence of injuries requiring medical care.

[Awareness of HIV/AIDS hazards in the youth from Southern Podlasie compared with the state of knowledge in the general population of Poland]. / Swiadomosc zagrozen HIV/AIDS u mlodziezy wiejskiej poludniowego Podlasia w porównaniu z populacja ogólnopolska.

Southern Podlasie is a specific region as regards HIV/AIDS hazards for its geographical position (border zone) as well as social problems (high level of unemployment). The aim of the research was to find out the level of knowledge of rural youth on the subject of risk factors and ways of spreading HIV as well as AIDS clinic. 405 students aged 15-17 (197 males and 208 females) that attend chosen rural schools on the territory of Southern Podlasie were questioned. The method of diagnostic poll was employed in the research using the questionnaire "HIV/AIDS knowledge and beliefs" from international studies on school youth health preservation (HBSC)--the supervisor of the project in Poland is professor B. Woynarowska). The research has shown different levels of knowledge of rural youth on the subject of HIV/AIDS. There were still many false opinions among the people questioned about the ways of HIV infection. Despite considerable knowledge about the ways of reducing the risk of HIV infection, there was low level of knowledge concerning AIDS treatment compared with the results of nationwide survey, there were fewer correct answers in our study group. It is the duty of schools, parents and mass media to provide the youth with relevant information on the subject of HIV/AIDS. Only systematic education in this domain can protect the infected persons and their partners or children against the consequences of ignoring the disease.