The Cinnamon Challenge Lands Many Children In Hospital - Medical News Today

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Main Category: Pediatrics / Children’s Health
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Article Date: 22 Apr 2013 – 11:00 PDT

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The “Cinnamon Challenge”, which involves trying to swallow a teaspoon of cinnamon without water within sixty seconds, has led to many calls to poison centers, emergency departments visits and hospitalizations of teenagers who require ventilator support for collapsed lungs.

Swallowing a teaspoon of Cinnamon within sixty seconds is a nearly impossible challenge. Even on the online dare, there is a warning: “It’s going to burn, you are going to cough, and regret you tried.”

The Cinnamon Challenge is a dare that has spread throughout the Internet. While most children know about it, very few parents and teachers do, researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine wrote in the journal Pediatrics.

Steven E. Lipshultz, M.D., the George Batchelor Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Batchelor Children’s Research Institute, said:

“Given the allure of social media, peer pressure and a trendy new fad, pediatricians and parents have a ‘challenge’ of their own in counseling tweens and teens regarding the sensibilities of the choices they make and the potential health risks of this dare. Ingesting and Aspirating Dry Cinnamon by Children and Adolescents: The ‘Cinnamon Challenge.”

The authors said that parents need to be told about the Cinnamon Challenge, and they need to advise their children about the dangers. Parental advice really matters to kids, they added. “Schools and pediatricians should be encouraged to discuss with children the ‘Cinnamon Challenge’ and its possible harmful effects.”

Co-author Judy Schaechter, M.D., M.B.A., Interim Chair of Pediatrics, was surprised to find out during a recent dinner with a dozen pediatricians that none of them had ever heard of the Cinnamon Challenge.

Even though most teenagers who choose to do the challenge endure only temporary effects, the researchers wrote that poison centers are receiving an increasing number of calls related to the Cinnamon Challenge, and more kids are ending up in emergency departments and being hospitalized.

Cinnamon is a caustic powder consisting of cellulose fibers which do not dissolve and are not biodegradable in the lungs. Animal studies have shown that cinnamon can cause inflammation of the airways and lungs (if it is inhaled), and it can also cause lesions and scarring in the lungs and airways. People with asthma, pulmonary cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease or a hypersensitivity to spice need to be especially careful.

The authors wrote:

“Although we cannot make a strong statement on documented pulmonary sequelae in humans, it is prudent to warn that the ‘Cinnamon Challenge’ has a high likelihood to be damaging to the lungs. These discussions can also help children learn to weigh the risks and rewards of yielding to peer pressure when considering senseless and risky behaviors.”

Since August 2012, millions of people have watched at least 50,000 YouTube videos of adolescents and young adults coughing, gagging and chocking as they accept the Cinnamon Challenge. Most of the participants are aged from 13 to 24 years. This age has the “greatest need for conformity” (susceptible to peer pressure).

The authors are in no doubt that the growing Internet presence of the Cinnamon Challenge has led to a significant rise in calls to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. From January through June 2012, 178 calls related to this fad were made, compared to just 51 during the whole of 2011. Of those calls, 69% (122) were because of intentional misuse or abuse. 17% of callers required medical attention.

Serious or life-threatening consequences from the Cinnamon Challenge are extremely rare, the authors emphasized. However, “they are unnecessary and avoidable.”

Written by Christian Nordqvist

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Rookie News Anchor -- Fired Instantly for Dropping 'F***ing S***' On the Air

That was fast … a rookie news anchor in North Dakota has been fired before he even started … less than a day after dropping an embarrassing f-bomb on live TV.

The anchor’s name is A.J. Clemente — and you have to see the footage, which aired yesterday … his first day on the job. It’s incredible. Not only does he cuss on the air, he also plain sucks.

And A.J.’s superiors didn’t waste any time cutting him loose — he tweeted this morning, saying he’d been canned over the flub. He wrote, “Rookie mistake. I’m a free agent. Can’t help but laugh at myself and stay positive. Wish i didnt trip over my ‘Freaking Shoes’ out of the gate.”

Welcome to the viral video hall of fame, pal.

Obama: Science education must be 'priority' - USA Today

President Obama hosts the annual White House Science Fair, and promotes science and math education

President Obama holds a model rocket during the White House Science Fair(Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images)

President Obama said Monday that Americans love technology, but may not have enough respect for the education necessary to create all those new products.

Obama promoted science, technology, engineering and math teaching while praising the winning student entries at the annual White House Science Fair.

“We need to make this a priority,” Obama said a ceremony honoring the winners.

The president also threw in more criticism of ongoing budget cuts known as the sequester, saying now is not the time to “gut” necessary investments in research and development. “The science fair projects of today could become the products or businesses of tomorrow,” he said.

There are also new volunteer programs designed to bring technology teachers and business leaders into contact with more students, Obama said.

Obama spoke after reviewing the winning entries in the White House Science Fair, which included riding a bike-powered water filtration system, a rocket launching project, and something called a “space elevator.”

Saying “this stuff’s really cool,” Obama thanked the students for “explaining to me what the heck is going on.”

Green spaces boosts wellbeing of urban dwellers - study

21 April 2013
Last updated at 20:55 ET

Parks, gardens and green space in urban areas can improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people living there, says a University of Exeter study.

Using data from 5,000 UK households over 17 years, researchers found that living in a greener area had a significant positive effect.

The findings could help to inform urban planners and have an impact on society at large, they said.

The study is published in the journal Psychological Science.

The research team examined data from a national survey that followed more than 5,000 UK households and 10,000 adults between 1991 and 2008 as they moved house around the country.

They asked participants to report on their own psychological health during that time to estimate the “green space effect”.

Dr Mathew White and colleagues at the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health found that individuals reported less mental distress and higher life satisfaction when they were living in greener areas.

This was true even after the researchers accounted for changes over time in participants’ income, employment, marital status, physical health and housing type.

Benefits for society

Dr White compared the scale of the effects of living in a greener area to “big-hitting” life events such as marriage.

“We’ve found that living in an urban area with relatively high levels of green space can have a significantly positive impact on wellbeing, roughly equal to a third of the impact of being married.”

The effect was also found to be equivalent to a tenth of the impact of being employed, as opposed to unemployed.

Even when stacked up against other factors that contribute to life satisfaction, living in a greener area had a significant effect, the study said.

Continue reading the main story

"Start Quote

For people living busy lifestyles in densely populated areas, being able to get outdoors and access green space is a great way to escape the stresses of day-to-day life"

End Quote
Beth Murphy
Mind

“These kinds of comparisons are important for policymakers when trying to decide how to invest scarce public resources, such as for park development or upkeep, and figuring out what bang they’ll get for their buck,” said Dr White.

While the effect for an individual might be small, he pointed out that the potential positive effects of green space for society at large might be substantial.

“This research could be important for psychologists, public health officials and urban planners who are interested in learning about the effects that urbanisation and city planning can have on population health and wellbeing.”

Beth Murphy, information manager at the mental health charity Mind, said: “For people living busy lifestyles in densely populated areas, being able to get outdoors and access green space is a great way to escape the stresses of day-to-day life.

“Our research has shown that 94% of people who took part in outdoors ‘green exercise’ said it benefited their mental health and can have huge impacts on physical health.

“We believe this is food for thought for any policymaker involved in urban planning, or local authority developing its public health strategy.”

Green spaces boosts wellbeing of urban dwellers - study

21 April 2013
Last updated at 20:55 ET

Parks, gardens and green space in urban areas can improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people living there, says a University of Exeter study.

Using data from 5,000 UK households over 17 years, researchers found that living in a greener area had a significant positive effect.

The findings could help to inform urban planners and have an impact on society at large, they said.

The study is published in the journal Psychological Science.

The research team examined data from a national survey that followed more than 5,000 UK households and 10,000 adults between 1991 and 2008 as they moved house around the country.

They asked participants to report on their own psychological health during that time to estimate the “green space effect”.

Dr Mathew White and colleagues at the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health found that individuals reported less mental distress and higher life satisfaction when they were living in greener areas.

This was true even after the researchers accounted for changes over time in participants’ income, employment, marital status, physical health and housing type.

Benefits for society

Dr White compared the scale of the effects of living in a greener area to “big-hitting” life events such as marriage.

“We’ve found that living in an urban area with relatively high levels of green space can have a significantly positive impact on wellbeing, roughly equal to a third of the impact of being married.”

The effect was also found to be equivalent to a tenth of the impact of being employed, as opposed to unemployed.

Even when stacked up against other factors that contribute to life satisfaction, living in a greener area had a significant effect, the study said.

Continue reading the main story

"Start Quote

For people living busy lifestyles in densely populated areas, being able to get outdoors and access green space is a great way to escape the stresses of day-to-day life"

End Quote
Beth Murphy
Mind

“These kinds of comparisons are important for policymakers when trying to decide how to invest scarce public resources, such as for park development or upkeep, and figuring out what bang they’ll get for their buck,” said Dr White.

While the effect for an individual might be small, he pointed out that the potential positive effects of green space for society at large might be substantial.

“This research could be important for psychologists, public health officials and urban planners who are interested in learning about the effects that urbanisation and city planning can have on population health and wellbeing.”

Beth Murphy, information manager at the mental health charity Mind, said: “For people living busy lifestyles in densely populated areas, being able to get outdoors and access green space is a great way to escape the stresses of day-to-day life.

“Our research has shown that 94% of people who took part in outdoors ‘green exercise’ said it benefited their mental health and can have huge impacts on physical health.

“We believe this is food for thought for any policymaker involved in urban planning, or local authority developing its public health strategy.”

'X Factor' official: Kardashian out, Lopez in

It's been assumed for weeks, but now Fox is making it official: Khloe Kardashian is leaving Fox's The X Factor, while her co-host Mario Lopez will remain with the show.

"Khloe Kardashian will not be returning to co-host The X Factor," the show's producers said in a statement. "We really enjoyed working with her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors."

Meanwhile the Extra host has survived the cut and will likely serve as the show's sole host for the third season. He joins returning judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato, with at least one more judge (presumably two) yet to be announced. Producers previously confirmed former judges Britney Spears and L.A. Reid would not come back for another season.

"I'm thrilled Mario is back for Season Three of The X Factor," said Cowell in a statement. "Hosting a live show and keeping the judges – especially Demi – in line, is not an easy job, but Mario is a pro and we are glad he's coming back."

It will be interesting to see who Cowell persuades to join as a judge for the show given Factor's track record for high talent turnover. X Factor returns to Fox this fall.

YouTube video showing possible 420 rally shooting suspect shared by Denver ...

According to Kendrick Lamar, people come to Los Angeles for the city's "women, weed and weather."

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Ultimately, the Congress must reform or repeal the marijuana laws, but elected representatives still feel no pressure to do so. There are 36 U.S. Senators that represent medical marijuana states, but none of them have ever

We know, we know. Our friends in Washington and Colorado can legally enjoy bong rips while the fate of San Francisco's medical marijuana community still remains in the hands of the justice department.

At a marijuana celebration for the 4/20 counterculture holiday in Denver Saturday, police say shots were fired, resulting in at least two injuries. One victim is said to have been shot in the leg, and another down with unknown