Coffee shops are turning into popular hangout spots for high schoolers. This trend is even spreading to middle schoolers, who are also joining in on the coffee craze by consuming caffeinated beverages at a concerning rate. But is it suitable for kids to drink coffee? What are the potential short-term and long-term effects? We’ve broken down the impact of caffeine on children to determine the safe amount of coffee that kids can consume.
Is Coffee Harmful to Kids?
Coffee is generally not particularly harmful to kids while consumed in small amounts, but there are a few factors to consider beforehand. A study published in the journal Pediatrics reveals that a staggering 73% of children and adolescents consume some amount of caffeine daily, with most of it coming from coffee, energy drinks, or soda. Also, the majority of beverages that kids order at coffee shops are often loaded with cream, sugar, whipped cream, and indulgent additions like chocolate chips and caramel. This significantly increases their fat and sugar intake while potentially reducing the consumption of healthier beverages.
How Much Caffeine Is Safe for Kids?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children under the age of 12 should not consume any caffeine during the day. For those aged 12 to 18 years old, The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends a maximum caffeine intake of 100 mg per day.
What Are the Side Effects?
Due to their still-developing bodies, children may experience different effects from caffeine compared to adults. Steve Theunissen, a registered dietitian nutritionist, highlights several potential adverse effects of coffee and caffeinated beverages on children, including frequent urination, risk of dehydration, anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep patterns, jitters and nervousness, caffeine dependence or addiction, upset stomach, and nausea. Moreover, excessive caffeine intake can result in caffeine overdose, which may require emergency medical treatment. Children with certain health conditions, such as heart problems, seizures, or migraines, may be more susceptible to caffeine-related issues.
What Is the Right Amount of Coffee for Kids?
Canadian guidelines suggest a daily intake of 2.5 mg per kg of body weight for children and adolescents. However, it is always best to consult your child’s doctor before offering them a caffeinated beverage, as a doctor can provide recommendations based on your child’s health history. While kids can drink coffee in small amounts, it is essential to consider the caffeine content, potential side effects, and the child’s overall health.
3 Tips to Use When Shopping at Costco for Big Savings and Discounts
Shopping at Costco is something that many people do. It’s not only a place to go to save money by buying items in bulk, but it’s also a place to go to find big savings on things that you might not find elsewhere. What many people don’t know is that there is a way to save even more money when shopping at Costco, and it all starts by scanning the product signs.
How to Save More at Costco
There’s a trick that shoppers can take advantage of to save more at Costco, and it all starts by looking for an asterisk on the product signs or for prices that end in seven. The symbol is commonly referred to as the “death star” amongst Costco groups on Instagram and Facebook because it means the item is soon going to leave Costco’s inventory. When the price ends in a seven, it typically means that the item has been marked down. There are also other tips that people can take advantage of, and here are 3 to consider:
1. Look for Prices that End in .97 or .00
As mentioned earlier, the prices that end in .97 are most often considered to be death star items, but others refer to them as manager markdowns. While most of Costco’s price tags are on white paper, some of the specials are printed on colored paper. They might be highlighted in a neon color.
2. Join Costco Fan Groups
Fan groups can be found on Facebook and other social media platforms. That’s where you can find death star deals without having to go on a scavenger hunt on your own. Some markdowns are only available in select locations so joining a group in your area can be crucial. There are main Costco groups, local and regional groups, and even ones based on food allergies and dietary restrictions.
3. Look Out for Additional Price Drops
If an item at Costco has been discounted again within 30 days of you purchasing it, you can go to customer service and ask for a price adjustment. Be mindful of the fact that some clubs will only allow adjustments to be made within 14 days of the purchase and some will also require receipts. There might be clubs that want the member to bring the product back to the store to get the adjustment.