Energy drinks tackled on new web show from Institute For Good Medicine

Energy drinks are all the buzz these days, particularly as controversy rises on the impact they have on the human body. As such, the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society recently launched its first web show titled Good Medicine at www.myfamilywellness.org, featuring this controversial topic.

During the three-minute-plus show, Dr. Peter Lund, founder of the Institute for Good Medicine, describes what energy drinks are, and then focuses on the levels of caffeine that in part make these drinks controversial. He also discusses research data on energy drinks from The Patient Poll, a survey tool by the Institute for Good Medicine that measures the pulse of the public's expectations and knowledge of health care issues.

Good Medicine is a spin-off of the Institute for Good Medicine's monthly print column by the same name, written by Dr. Lund and tapping into valuable member resources to cover topics ranging from flu shots to tobacco use. Like the print version, Good Medicine is designed to educate the public on ways they can contribute to their health care through healthy living, thus hopefully avoiding the need for future medical help.

"The practice of good medicine needs to happen both in the health care setting as well as in each of our personal homes," said Dr. Lund. "Many bad lifestyle habits have health care implications, which might be avoided."

Upcoming episodes scheduled to be webcast later this year include alcoholism, addictions, and frostbite. Additional topics are being planned for 2009.

Both the print and web show versions of Good Medicine are provided free to the media for their use either in print, on the web, or on the air. Community groups and schools are also welcome to use these materials for free in their newsletters and web sites.

Executive producer Greg Swartzlander believes the new web show is a natural extension of the print version, and provides another learning tool for the public. "Everyone has different learning styles," Swartzlander says. "Some prefer to read, while others like to listen and watch."

To watch the first episode of Good Medicine, visit www.myfamilywellness.org and click on the current featured topic "Energy Drinks." Good Medicine will also be available through YouTube with the first episode found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxNEmt0Noq8.