4 mins read

Energy Drinks: The Danger Of Creating “Wide-Awake Drunks”

This is Part III of Bright Beacon’s series on Energy Drinks. Don’t miss Part 1 -“Energy Drinks: Do You Know What Your Kids Are Drinking?”and Part II -“Skip The Speed: 5 Reasons Teens Should Avoid Energy Drinks”What’s the number one reason why kids should avoid energy drinks?AlcoholWhile alcohol is not an explicit ingredient in energy drinks, recent news events have reminded us that adolescents frequently mix energy drinks …

2 mins read

Are Kids Going Into Kindergarten Unprepared? Teachers Say Yes!

Is your child ready for kindergarten? According to a report released yesterday by Age of Learning, Inc., the odds aren’t as good as you might think. In a survey of 500 teachers across the country, more than 66% feel that children are not adequately prepared for school.Furthermore, veteran kindergarten teachers feel that the percentage will only grow higher in time.

4 mins read

What Is Normal Body Fat Percentage for Women?

Adipose tissue, or fat, is essential for the body to function properly. According to the American Council on Exercise, women need a body fat percentage of 10 to 12 percent for the tissue to adequately protect the body, regulate temperature, provide insulation, produce sex hormones and supply enough fuel to carry out activities. Dangers arise when the body stores too much fat. The American Heart Association states that a higher body fat percentage can lead to greater risks for developing diabetes, strokes, gallstones, high blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease, even among women categorized in the “normal” range for weight and body mass index (BMI). A study released in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that levels of inflammation, which indicates a future risk for obesity, heart disease and metabolic disorders, correlated with a woman’s percentage of body fat and not with body weight or BMI.