Java’s Jolt of Caffeine Universally Felt

Those of us who can’t open our eyes in the morning before downing a nice, steaming cup of coffee eagerly anticipate that java jolt that gets our hearts pumping, our blood flowing, and clears the cobwebs out of our sleepy thoughts, even though some coffee critics think the beverage’s energizing boost is all in our heads.  In an effort to prove the energizing boost that comes from caffeine is real, not imagined, Canadian researchers tested the after-effects of a cup of coffee on regular coffee drinkers and on others who almost never touch the stuff.  Turns out the jolt of energy that comes from caffeine is universally felt, regardless of the extent of one’s coffee habit. Read more

Returning Combat Veterans Prone to Alcohol Abuse

Military personnel returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan are more likely to turn to the bottle to ease painful memories and shocking experiences of the war front than military personnel who did not see combat.  The tendency to turn to alcohol is the strongest in the National Guard and Reserve personnel, with the youngest members of these services bearing the highest risk. Read more

Worried About Pain Killer Addiction? Why You Shouldn’t Be!

Do you worry about becoming addicted to pain meds? I do. And I’ve heard enough stories to know I’m not alone. People around us frequently worry about it as well, some of them even making accusations of addiction and distancing themselves from someone who’s really just trying to manage extreme pain.

The DEA has been plenty worried about it in recent years, which makes doctors nervous about prescribing opioids. Even some doctors, nurses and pharmacists look at us suspiciously when we get refills. I get my refills through the mail, in part because I don’t want to pick them up with my young children in tow. And then, I worry that some criminal will steal it en route, and I won’t be able to get another refill for a month or so. Read more