Caffeine, Cafatine, Cafergot, cup of joe, java . . . what would a morning in the Great Northwest be without that black cup of java . . . Or, in my case, those 20 ounce triples that are created individually as I anxiously wait. (Supersize it please!). No more let it sit in a pot and get stale, it has to be fresh and of course nobody can drink just one . . . at least I can't.

Well, I obviously enjoy a good dark brew and have often wondered what potential problems I may be on a direct collision course with as a consequence. Should I be concerned with my desire to only drink the 'good stuff', in large quantities black of course? What about the current trend of children consuming extra enhanced and super charged caffeinated liquids? Should we be concerned with this trend among are youth?

Since so many of us and many of our students are partaking in this attractive vice, I decided to devote this issue to the "coffee drinkers in education."

Specifically in this issue I try to answer the following questions. What affect is this having on us? Are there any long term challenges we may encounter as a result of this caffeine habit? Additionally, has anyone provided recommendations for caffeine intake as a result of medical research? This page will begin the discussion which will be revisited in the future.

PELINKS4U Staff
Guest Health and Fitness Section Editor