Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wannago]

While I don't know if it is "the" answer, I think ultra may have a legitimate point and I really don't think he's kidding with the Mt. Dew stuff.

True story, although anecdotal: I taught for quite a few years at a high school in the US. Gradually the teachers started noticing a pattern of students who were showing signs of violent behavior (running into people in the hallways, starting fights, etc.). These were all boys. Then we started watching closer and, almost to a boy, all these guys were chugging 2-3 cans of Mt. Dew BEFORE school while standing by the vending machines. It was a no-brainer to turn off the machines before lunch and a significant behavior change was noticed...in the morning. A few months later, a parent group succeeded in getting soda removed from school grounds in favor of juices, milk, etc. It literally became a much different school virtually overnight.

[thepeel]

[wannago]

Geez, I don't know either, but in that one case it was definitely the drink of choice. I do remember reading it has higher sugar and caffeine levels than the colas and other sodas.

[chris_J2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Dew#Ingredients

[ultra]

This information advocates experimenting with Mountain Dew to determine if prescription stimulants will be effective in children with FAS and ADHD, and as a possible medication of choice.
Like it says, don't use it in the case of serious mental health issues. The campus shooter had serious mental health issues.

http://www.come-over.to/FAS/MtnDew.htm

Mountain Dew�

Q: My child has classic FAS with ADHD. How could Mountain Dew� be beneficial to my child?

A: Mountain Dew� seems to be helpful to many kids with FAS disorders and ADHD because it has a high caffiene content (in the U.S.), higher than colas but not as high as coffee. It has natural flavors, and the yellow coloring used does not seem to affect kids like some artificial colorings do.

Q: If caffiene is a stimulant, how would that help my hyperactive child? Won't the caffiene cause an increase in hyperactivity? Why would caffiene be helpful?

A: Caffeine works in much the same way that Ritalin and Dexadrine and Adderall work, as a stimulant to get the brain to fire more efficiently.
Mountain Dew� has ingredients that are different from Colas, so it is not just the caffiene, it might be the unique blend of ingredients. If the child does not have any serious mental health issues, then the Mountain Dew� just might help your child's brain function more efficiently. I usually suggest the Mountain Dew� test for parents of kids who may need meds when the parents have concerns about side effects. The Mountain Dew� is a good predictor of whether a prescribed stimulant will help.
Q: Which medication works best for FAS and ADHD?

A: Ritalin has been prescribed for children with FAS, but Adderall is fast becoming the first choice for stimulant for FAS/ADHD, as it lasts longer than Ritalin.

Q: Is it right to give a child drugs just to subdue hyperactive behavior?

A: It is not so much a matter of right and wrong. It is a matter of whether it would be beneficial for the child, and if it is worth the risk of potential side effects. When weighing the risk of trying meds, parents need to consider the risk of not medicating the child. If the child is so impulsive and out of control so as to be at risk of hurting himself or others, then the risk of possible side effects may outweigh the risk of leaving the child unmedicated.

Q: My child is not really dangerously out of control, just hyperactive and very impulsive. How do I decide if meds should be prescribed for my child?

A: Whether or not to prescribe meds for a child is an individual decision made jointly by the doctor and the parents. If the child's hyperactivity is interfering with his or her ability to function in everyday life or seriously disrupts learning at school, then the parents and doctors might consider a stimulant to help these troubled children. Stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall can be effective, not only in calming them down, but in helping them think more clearly, remember and learn better, pay attention (of course) and control impulses (a very important factor in social skills, school rooms, and self-esteem).

Q: How do stimulants work to help children with FAS?

A: Here is a link that explains how stimulants help calm our children: http://www.medinfosource.com/mb/mb00ritalina.html

Q: About that Mountain Dew� - I'd like to hear from other parents who try this as a substitute for meds.

A: This is a series of parents commentaries on using caffiene for a child with ADHD: http://www.familyeducation.com/whatworks/review/index/0,2559,1-9126-521_,00.html

Q: Is there any scientific research that explains how stimulants work?

A: Here is a good recent account of a study that shows how Ritalin works (caffiene works the same way, only on a less intense basis): http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/01/010117075041.htm

Q: What about other medications?

A: You can find extensive information on dozens of medications that have been found to be effective in treating children and adults with FAS here: http://www.come-over.to/FAS/meds.htm

[thepeel]

If I may be a health-nazi for a moment...

Nobody should drink any of that crap. Ever. If you're thirsty, drink water or juice. Soda rots your gut and disrupts sleeping patterns.

Back to regular programming..

[wannago]

[chris_J2]

I drink 3-6 cups of coffee a day & drink cola, so I should be a homicidal maniac. I think you'll find that the main cause, was that the killer had stopped taking medication / mood stabilising drugs, & was depressed / socially alienated.

[thepeel]

I cut out smoking, soda, coffee and fast food overnight (the day I left Korea). Ok, sometimes I have a McMuffin (like today) and I might have a coffee on a Saturday afternoon. I figured if I was going to quit smoking (I was a heavy smoker) I might as well get rid of my other bad habits as well.

I can't explain how much better I feel day to this day. It is really nothing short of a rebirth. I put my head on my pillow and immediately fall asleep. My alarm goes off and I'm wide awake. I wake up rested and in a fantastic mood. I'm back to within 3kg of my highschool weight.

I agree with Bill Maher. We need to stop polluting our bodies with terrible foods, drinks and drugs.

I haven't had a bad cold in more than 2 years, either. I had the sniffles in Cambodia, but hell, it's Cambodia.

My 2cents.

[thepeel]

[ultra]

This information shows that one of the ingredients in Mountain Dew has been banned in India since 1990.

http://www.cuts-international.org/safety-watch.htm
CUTS succeeded in getting a toxic additive, Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), banned for use in soft drinks in 1990.
This led to widespread consumer awareness on health and safety issues. The BVO episode triggered an amendment in the Consumer Protection Act in 1993, empowering the consumer courts to stop the sale of and/or order the withdrawal of any unsafe or hazardous goods from being sold in the market under the Right to Safety.

http://www.cuts-international.org/index.asp
About CUTS
CUTS International (Consumer Unity & Trust Society) began its journey in 1983 in Rajasthan, from a rural development communication initiative, a wall newspaper Gram Gadar (Village Revolution). This monthly is published regularly and has been instrumental in providing a forum for the oppressed classes to get justice. On seeing Gram Gadar, Rubens Ricupero, the immediate past Secretary-General of UNCTAD observed: �It confirmed my view that often the simple lack of awareness lies at the root of so much misery�.