Fake highs, real lows

Energy in a can is not the answer to staying alert at work, as Kelly Hyland explains.

Petrol in the diesel van. We cringe at the thought. We know what happens. A short burst of energy then all of a sudden, we come to a complete halt!

We know the wrong type of fuel is bad news for our vehicles, so why does it seem OK for us to put the wrong fuel into our own bodies? Redbull, Mother, V—these are just some of the energy drinks popular with tradies, and commonly seen on site.

Working in a trade is physically demanding. You need to be energised and alert, and energy drinks promote themselves to do just that. But that sugar-caffeine hit comes at price. Your energy buzz comes to a sudden halt, making you feel worse than before.

Excessive amounts can cause anxiety, insomnia, dehydration, irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure. Everything we don’t want to see on a worksite!

Sadly, this one-off read is unlikely to bring about significant change. It often takes a medical event or diagnosis before we reconsider our drinking or eating habits. However, the workplace can have a positive influence on employees’ health. With some strategic and innovative initiatives, alongside a supportive environment, there is hope when it comes to changing the tradie mindset.

Energy Drink Facts

An energy drink* per day costs approx $1,600 over the year!

Energy drinks* contain around 10tsp of sugar. That’s more than the total recommendation for one day!

Sugar-loaded drinks increase your risk of: excess weight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dental caries, and gout.

Energy drinks* have twice as much caffeine as a cup of plunger coffee.

Emergency hospital visits related to energy drink consumption are on the rise. The proportion of NZ teens who drink an energy drink at least once a week is higher than the number who meet this country’s weekly fruit and vegetable guidelines.

*Based on a 500mL standard can t Built to last t No power required t No battery replacement required t No flow restrictor required

30 years proven performance delivering efficient and reliable hot water.

YEARS 30

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kelly Hyland (NZRD) is the General Manager at Alex Hyland Plumbing Ltd. She has a Masters in Dietetics and Graduate Diploma in Teaching. She is passionate about improving health and wellbeing in the trade industry.