Know what’s fueling your energy: info about energy drinks for young adults

Know what’s fueling your energy: info about energy drinks for young adults

College students are no strangers to energy drinks. The flashy cans of Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar are marketed to young adults who often need a quick jolt of energy to maintain their active lifestyle. The drinks are advertised to boost energy, improve concentration and increase metabolism, which may sound like a perfect beverage for [...]

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Whitney Houston’s death draws attention to dangerous drug combinations

Whitney Houston’s death draws attention to dangerous drug combinations

As seen in The Tulane Hullabaloo Whitney Houston’s tragic and untimely death surprised much of the nation. She has been honored and remembered during the last week, with special tributes at the Grammy Awards and thousands of status updates blanketing social media to praise her incredible talent. Such a shocking death certainly has not escaped [...]

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Twitter Question: Are “whippits” safe?

Twitter Question: Are “whippits” safe?

I was asked yesterday via Twitter: “Noticed a lot of people doing whippits (nitrous) at Frenchmen Street Halloween last night. Is that safe?” To put into context for the non-New Orleanian readers, Frenchmen Street Halloween in New Orleans is huge. Think crazy and crowded Mardi Gras with a Halloween twist where both locals and tourists [...]

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“That Michael Jackson Drug:” Propofol and the Conrad Murray Trial

“That Michael Jackson Drug:” Propofol and the Conrad Murray Trial

More than two years have passed since Michael Jackson’s death shook the pop world. His eccentric behavior through the past decades has been fodder for late-night talk shows and tabloid magazines. His life after death has been no different, albeit with a much more devastating twist. Recently, Jackson’s personal physician, cardiologist Dr. Conrad Murray, began [...]

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Are health dangers hiding behind this smoke screen?

Are health dangers hiding behind this smoke screen?

The lounge scene is full of flavorful aromas, dim, sexy lighting and mesmerizing glows. Friends gather to unwind in this exotic and comfortable setting, complete with low, comfortable sofas and brightly colored pillows. The epicenter of the hip and relaxing scene is an elaborate glass and metal pipe- an ancient Middle Eastern social tradition called [...]

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Louisiana Criminalizes Bath Salts

Louisiana Criminalizes Bath Salts

Today I’m posting an article I wrote for The Tulane Hullabaloo which appeared in the print edition on February 18, 2011.  In February, I interviewed the state health officer and medical director of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the director of Louisiana Poison Control, and an emergency room doctor at Tulane Hospital about [...]

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