La Voz

1. What are the negative aspects of taking caffeine pills?

Caffeine pills are often used for weight loss, and as a pick-me-up later in the day. The average caffeine pill contains 200 mg of caffeine, equivalent to two cups of strong coffee.

You should use caffeine pills sparingly and drink eight glasses of water a day. Caffeine has a diuretic effect.

Take caffeine pills early in the day. Using them after 4 p.m. will make it hard for you to sleep.

Take extra calcium if you use caffeine pills more than once a week. Caffeine causes the body to underutilize available calcium. Check your pulse while on caffeine pills. It should be fewer than 86 beats per minute. If your pulse is 90 or higher, discontinue use.

Taper caffeine pills slowly to avoid withdrawal effects, such as headaches and irritability. Know that substituting caffeine pills for a good night's rest is a bad idea.

There is no substitute for sleep. You may have a false sense of wakefulness, only to find yourself asleep at the wheel moments later.

2. What are the differences between different types of pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, etc)?

The Food and Drug Administration has a class of pain relievers called NSAIDs. It's important to know that acetaminophen, the medicine in Tylenol, is not an NSAID. Tylenol's chemical makeup is different from any brand of pain reliever and won't irritate your stomach the way that NSAIDs like aspirin, naproxen sodium or even ibuprofen sometimes can. Tylenol is the brand of pain reliever that's recommended most by doctors and used most by hospitals. Do not use T.ylenol with other acetaminophen-containing products. Always read and follow label directions.

3. What is Influenza?

It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Licia Johnson is a Health Educator at De Anza College. If you would like your health question answered in Licia's Health Corner, please e-mail features@lavozdeanza.com. (La Voz cannot guarantee that every question will be answered or printed.) Licia can be reached confidentially, at (408) 864-8732.

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