Today, I stopped at a gas station to buy gas at $3.97 per gallon. A young man, probably in his mid-20s, purchased a box of allergy tablets, a pack of cigarettes, three energy blend drinks and a high-energy drink. As he complained about the price of gas, he did not blink at the cost of the caffeinated and energy blend drinks. His purchases inside equaled his purchase of gas. It is all relative, I guess.

This young man said his purchases would help him to get through his work day. I am not sure if he realized he was about to consume more than 15,138 mgs of energy liquid.

Caffeine is one of the key ingredients in the category of energy blend. It is recommended that we not consume more that 250 mg per day.

Caffeine consumed in reasonable doses may increase sharpness. Key symptoms of caffeine intoxication are dehydration, headaches, jittery sensations, heart palpitations and sense of anxiety.

We need to take notice of the fuel we put in our body. Are we looking for a false sense of energy when we really just need a good old-fashioned nap?

By the way, these energy drinks have no age limits, and teenagers are consuming these drinks at an alarming rate.

Kim Lane

Waterville