Healthy Irish Dancing
by Kathleen M. MadiganRSS 
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The popularity of energy drinks continues to rise and, unfortunately, so do their dangerous side effects. The popular energy drinks on the market today do not contain sugar, which the body needs for energy. Rather, they contain caffeine, a stimulant, in very high amounts.
Ginseng, guarana and taurine (an amino acid) and other herbs are also added to such drinks to enhance the stimulating effects of the caffeine. Increased heart rate and increased blood pressure can result, leading to heart attacks, cardiac arrest and even death when consumed in excess.
Look at it this way: The typical energy drink contains 70-200 mg of caffeine per 16 oz. A 16 oz cup of coffee contains 80-300 mg. Although they appear to be comparable, those who consume energy drinks often do so in excess to try to gain a competitive edge. And not only that, they carry an addictive component due to the caffeine. Which is why energy drinks have been banned in several European countries.
First, I am a novice-level dancer with Pennsylvania’s Irish Stars Parker School of Irish Dance. I started Irish dancing four years ago at the age of 50. It was actually a birthday present I gave myself. I wanted to find a fun way to get out of having to go to the gym every day. Thinking this would be a good way to exercise one or two nights a week, I was intrigued. And, yes, I was proven right.
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