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Understanding the new FDA warning on popular birth control

hollyonhealth — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:07:43 +0000

This week the Food and Drug Administration announced a change in the warning label of specific types of birth control pills, because consumers may be at an increased risk for blood clot development. The changing of the warning label is not a cause for immediate alarm, however, the facts behind this new warning label should definitely spark a conversation between you and your physician if you are a birth control pill consumer.

The pills under scrutiny contain the hormone drospirenone, a synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone. Popular brands that contain this hormone include Bayer’s Yasmin, Yaz, Beyaz and Safyral as well as several other brands such as Gianvi, Loryna, Ocella, Syeda and Zarah. These particular oral contraceptive formulations have been highly popular in the past several years, with Yaz being one of the top-selling U.S. contraceptives.

The risk for blood clots is nothing new for birth control pills; the warning label has been in place for years. Most pills contain a combination of estrogen and a progesterone, or a synthetic form of progesterone, commonly known as progestin, such as levongesterel or drospirenone. These hormones in birth control pills put women at a higher risk for the development of blood clots compared to non-pregnant women not taking birth control pills. The increased risk for blood clot formation in pill users normally range anywhere from 3 to 9 women-per-10,000. This reason is why pill use is discouraged in women who are already at a higher risk for blood clot formation, such as women who smoke, are obese or have certain blood clotting disorders.

This recent FDA warning is based on a FDA review of several studies regarding the risk of blood clots in women taking drospirenone-containing birth control pills. Based on the review, the FDA has concluded that these particular pills may be associated with an even higher risk for blood clots than other progestin-containing pills.

The studies reviewed by the FDA, however, have conflicting results. While some studies show a three-fold risk of blood clots in drospirenone-containing pills, others found that there is no increased risk. Despite these conflicts, the FDA still believes it is necessary to require this new warning label in all drospirenone-containing pills.

The most important thing that I recommend is to talk to your doctor about your risk for blood clots before deciding which birth control method to use. Factors such as a family history of blot clots, smoking or being overweight can increase your risk for blood clot development and should be discussed with your doctor. The fact that these particular pills may have a higher risk for the development of blood clots paired with the FDA’s concern should be warning signs to consumers. Also note, however, that the current studies are conflicting and there will likely be more decisive research developing over the next several years. Your physician can help you weigh the risks and benefits of your birth control method, and birth control users should keep an eye out for future blood clot related studies.

As seen in The Tulane Hullabaloo, 4/13/2012

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

hollyonhealth — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:36:55 +0000

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 a young adult on the go. New studies published over the past several years, however, reveal the possible dangers and misconceptions of energy drinks, particularly for teens and young adults.

Energy drinks are the fastest-growing beverage product in the United States. In fact, spending on energy drinks is up 700 percent from 2000, when these drinks were just hitting the market. Aggressive marketing has helped to create this $3.5 billion industry where teens and young adults are estimated to account for $2.3 billion of drink sales. According to self-reported surveys, 30-50 percent of adolescents and young adults consume energy drinks.

Unlike soda, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the caffeine content of energy drinks because it considers these drinks “dietary supplements” rather than foods. Because of that distinction, the FDA does not require caffeine content and warnings alerting consumers of the dangers related to excessive consumption on the labels. The FDA has regulated the caffeine content of soda to 65 mg per 12-ounce drink. Coca-Cola Classic, for example, contains 23 mg per 8-ounce drink. Energy drinks, on the other hand, may contain anywhere from 80 to 300 mg for an 8-ounce drink. Some energy drinks are only sold in 16 or 24-ounce sizes, however, making the caffeine consumption for one energy drink drastically higher.

Caffeine is not the only stimulating ingredient in these energy drinks. Many drinks have what they call their “energy blends” that contain ingredients such as taurine, ginseng and guarana. The added effects of these supplemental ingredients further increase the stimulating effects of the drink.

Young adults, especially college students, are often attracted to these energy drinks because of their perceived benefits, such as improved memory, alertness and physical endurance. Many, however, are unaware of the health risks involved with high levels of caffeine consumption. In fact, emergency room visits because of caffeine intoxication have drastically increased in the last decade, from approximately 1,000 in 2005 to 16,000 in 2008. Serious effects of caffeine intoxication may include seizures, heart arrhythmias, strokes, heart attacks and even death. People with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, seizure disorders and thyroid disease should not use stimulants such as energy drinks because of an increased risk of these serious side effects.

When used in moderation, however, caffeine content less than 300 mg is safe for most consumers. Because the FDA does not regulate energy drinks, and because they contain ingredients that cause additive effects to caffeine, however, determining how much caffeine you’re actually consuming can be difficult. This confusion is further complicated by packaging of energy drinks in cans often containing up to 2-3 servings.

Though energy drinks may initially give that jolt of energy, consumers eventually experience a crash in energy once the effects have worn off. Furthermore, frequent consumers require increased levels of caffeine to receive the same energy high. Withdrawal effects such as headaches, fatigue and depressed mood may also occur with end of your habit.

It is important to note that studies have been unsuccessful in proving that energy drinks are more effective in increasing energy levels or improving cognitive function than traditional caffeinated drinks such as sodas, tea or coffee. Instead of reaching for caffeine loaded energy drinks consider visiting a local coffee shop for a more traditional jolt of energy.

As seen in The Tulane Hullabaloo, 3/23/2012

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Disordered eating habits affect 50% or more of college students

hollyonhealth — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:14:53 +0000

As seen in Tulane Hulaballoo, 3/2/2012

The above photo, from the New York Times: “Isabelle Caro, a French model and actress who became the international face of anorexia when she allowed her ravaged body to be photographed nude for an Italian advertising campaign to raise awareness about the disease, died on Nov. 17. She was 28.”

Feb. 26 to March 3 marks National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. More than 10 million men and women in the United States have battled eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, and millions more suffer from binge eating disorder. The peak onset of eating disorders occurs during puberty and the late teen and early adult years. Eating disorders, however, are now being documented in children as young as kindergarten as well as older adults. This week serves as an opportunity to raise awareness for these potentially life threatening disorders, and reduce the stigma over receiving treatment.

Eating disorders are troublingly common in the college population, with disordered eating habits affecting 50 percent or more of college students. Furthermore, evidence has shown that up to one in three dieters progress to some form of disordered eating. “Disordered eating” includes a wide-range of abnormal eating behaviors, including several of the behaviors seen in anorexia or bulimia. Though disordered eating itself may not meet all the criteria for the full-blown disease state of anorexia or bulimia, disordered eating can certainly lead to these serious medical conditions. It can also have general negative effects on a person’s overall emotional, social and physical health.

The differentiations of the three main eating disorders can be confusing. Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss by extreme restriction of caloric intake. Anorexics don’t allow themselves to maintain a minimally normal body weight for their height (BMI < 18.5), have an intense fear of weight gain and feel “fat” despite dramatic weight loss. Female anorexics often stop having a menstrual cycle.

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging, often through self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic use, excessive exercise or fasting. Binge eating is defined as eating large amounts of food in short periods, often beyond the point of comfortable fullness. Symptoms include repeated episodes of binging and purging, feeling out of control during a binge, frequent dieting and an excessive concern with body weight and shape. Bulimics are often a normal body weight.

Binge eating disorder is characterized as uncontrolled, impulsive or continuous eating beyond the point of fullness. Unlike bulimia, there is no purging after binging. Binge-eaters, however, may go on repetitive and sporadic fasts or diets and often have feelings of shame or self-hatred following a binge. Their body weight can range anywhere from normal to morbidly obese.

Contrary to many perceptions, eating disorders are not “female” diseases. In fact, a 2007 Harvard study on eating disorders indicated that more men suffer from eating disorders than previously thought and is on the rise. In this study, men represented 25 percent of those suffering from anorexia or bulimia and 40 percent of those suffering from binge eating disorder.

Though the symptoms of eating disorders are similar in male and females, the mentality behind the disordered eating behaviors differ. Women often develop eating disorders from an obsession with “thinness,” while men are in pursuit of the “six-pack abs” and ripped muscles.

Eating disorders in men are often complicated by stigma. Men often refuse or hesitate to seek help for eating disorders because of the perception that eating disorders are feminine, though thankfully, this general perception is changing. Eating disorders often go unrecognized by parents, coaches or friends and even by the man himself because of the unawareness of the prevalence and symptoms of eating disorders in men.

Eating disorders are life threatening and require treatment. People with disordered eating habits are encouraged to seek treatment because many of these behaviors have the serious potential to progress to an eating disorder. Treatment can include therapy, nutritional counseling, medication and in severe cases, hospitalization. The Tulane Student Health Center offers dieticians and counselors who specialize in eating disorder treatment.

Whitney Houston’s death draws attention to dangerous drug combinations

hollyonhealth — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:10:41 +0000

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 the gossip of the mainstream media. Though the results from her autopsy will not be available for some time, the singer, who has dealt with drug and alcohol addictions in the past, was reportedly abusing a deadly combination of alcohol and Xanax around the time of her death. No one can say as of now what ultimately caused Houston’s death. It is important, however, to realize how dangerous the combination of alcohol and drugs like Xanax can be, especially around Mardi Gras.

Xanax, also known by the generic name alprazolam, is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Klonipin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are included in the same drug class. Similar to alcohol, benzodiazepines work as a depressant in the body’s central nervous system. Specifically, they enhance the effect of an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the body called GABA. Enhancing these inhibitory effects in the body can cause sedation, muscle relaxation, sleep-induction, anti-anxiety and amnesic effects.

Because of these inhibitory and sedating effects, benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for a variety of conditions, including anxiety disorders, convulsive disorders, pre-surgical sedation and insomnia. In fact, benzodiazepines are some of the most widely prescribed drugs on the market. One report found that 11-15 percent of the American adult population has taken a benzodiazepine one or more times during the preceding year. When prescribed, used and monitored appropriately, these drugs have many benefits for patients. Benzodiazepines also have potential for abuse.

When used correctly and by themselves, benzodiazepines carry a low risk of acute toxicity. But, when combined with other drugs that have depressant effects, such as alcohol, synergistic effects occur that increase the sedating effects of the drug. This can cause enhanced psychomotor slowing, confusion, slurred speech, dizziness, memory impairment, depression, or increased irritability and aggression. Loss of consciousness and deadly overdoses can also occur.

Benzodiazepine abuse has been on the rise during the last decade. From 1998-2008, the number of those seeking treatment for benzodiazepine-related abuse rose from an estimated 22,400 per year to 60,200 per year. For drug abusers, benzodiazepines are rarely the sole drug of choice. One study found that 80 percent of benzodiazepine abuse is associated with other drug abuse, mostly alcohol or opiates such as hydrocodone, oxycodone and heroin.

Though we do not yet know the cause of Whitney Houston’s death, it is certainly plausible for the combination of Xanax and alcohol to have contributed to it. The synergistic effect of the two drugs can easily and unintentionally harm anyone using the combination. Alcohol can interact with several medications, particularly with medications with depressant effects such as benzodiazepines. Even if a person has been legally prescribed a drug such as Xanax, it does not necessarily make the drug foolproof and safe.

As Mardi Gras approaches, the atmosphere may lend itself to further temptation to mix drugs and alcohol. Double-check with a physician or pharmacist before mixing medications or consuming alcohol with any medications, even if you have a prescription.

Vegetarianism can be a good option, but it takes some planning

hollyonhealth — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:26:25 +0000

As seen in the Tulane Hullabaloo, 2/3/2012

Unlike fad diets that come and go, vegetarianism has always been visible in our society. Though vegetarianism has not been traditionally popular in our standard American diet, the plant-based diet that was once a foreign concept to many carnivorous Americans has grown in popularity in recent years. Even in a foodie paradise such as New Orleans, vegetarian and vegan options have increased, with entire restaurants dedicated to veggie fare and many popular restaurants offering vegetarian options. The modern movement of “going green” and living a healthier lifestyle is now mainstream, and it’s no wonder vegetarianism has been gaining momentum and grabbing even more of a foothold in our popular society.

Having a plant-based diet has many health benefits. Because of their healthy diet, vegetarians are at a lesser risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, some forms of cancer, diabetes, arthritis and various bowel disorders. Vegetarians consume less saturated fats, found in foods such as red meat, and more high fiber veggies, thus reducing their risk of developing many of these diseases.

Though vegetarianism has definite health benefits, there are some potential nutritional pitfalls. Vegetarians must pay particular attention to their diet to make sure that it is well-balanced and includes all the vitamins and minerals essential to health. In particular, a vegetarian diet may lack iron, calcium and vitamin B12.

Iron

A lack of iron in a diet is often manifested in anemia – a lack of appropriate red blood cells. A person who is iron deficient may feel tired and lack energy. Foods that are high in iron include chicken or fish, which are not on the menu for vegetarians. Unfortunately for vegetarians, iron from animal products is more easily absorbed than the iron from plant products, making adequate iron intake even more difficult for vegetarians. Vegetarians should focus on eating iron-rich foods such as lentils, beans, iron-fortified cereals and whole wheat breads. Iron is better absorbed when eaten with vitamin C, however, so include fruits and vitamin C-rich vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage in meals so the body can best utilize the iron.

Calcium

Calcium is another important mineral vegetarians need to consider. A lack of calcium is a risk factor in the development of weak bones or osteoporosis. There is plenty of calcium found in dairy products, so dairy-consuming vegetarians should be covered. Those who follow a vegan diet, however, need to make sure they have appropriate calcium intake. Try making calcium-enriched soy milk, soybeans and nuts part of your vegan diet.

Vitamin B12

Perhaps the trickiest vitamin for a vegetarian is B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cells and the nervous system, but the only reliable sources of B12 are meats and animal products. Vegetarians can find it in eggs and dairy, which should be able to meet most vegetarians’ B12 needs. Vegans, however, should consider consulting a dietician or supplementing their diet with a vitamin to ensure appropriate B12 intake.

A common misconception about vegetarians is that they do not eat enough protein. Though animal products are a good source of protein, other foods such as legumes, tofu, eggs, dairy, nuts and seeds all contain protein. In general, healthy Americans eat more protein in their diets than they need, so a vegetarian eating a varied diet should receive an appropriate amount of protein.

If you are considering converting to a vegetarian or vegan diet, or you are unsure if you are receiving appropriate nutrition, it is important to consult your doctor or a dietician. The Tulane Student Health Center offers nutrition services with registered dietitians and is a great resource for all students.

Generation Y: The Fulcrum for a Shift in the Fitness Paradigm

hollyonhealth — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:26:34 +0000

By Jacques Courseault, M.D.
Founder of Exercisemenu.com

Although there is still a disconnect between healthy behaviors and longevity, if there were ever a generation that would change America’s health and fitness paradigm, Generation Y would be the one to bet on. We are smart, confident, casual, chill, and value life and family over work and money. Combine this personality with an evolving scientific conscience that promotes healthy living and you get a group of people that enjoy running with the latest GPS-tracking smartphone, who rarely eat fast food and pride themselves in knowing the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats.

Generation Y.

We grew up playing team sports. We rode bikes and rollerbladed until the street lights came on. We watched as people lost weight on reality TV shows. We learned that being excessively overweight is strongly linked to the development of serious health complications, and we witnessed the First Lady launch the “Let’s Move” campaign.

Now, we come home after work to play video games that only operate with physical movement. We continue to promote change in the food industry- ridding trans fats to provide healthy options when eating on the go. We know at least one person you know has tried P90X or participated in a “Boot Camp.” And “we are sexy and we know it (we workout)!”

Ah, Generation Y.

As we begin to take over the world, serious change is underway. A shift in focus, or a recycling back towards what sustains us is happening. We can’t blame past generations, as they have all had difficult challenges to face, from economic crashes to racism. Not that those issues are obsolete, but learning to take care of ourselves, our family and our environment are becoming more of a forethought, and a priority. A time is coming where “primary prevention” isn’t just your doctor telling you to quit smoking, eat more vegetables and exercise as she walks out the exam room. Soon, healthcare will be more synonymous with fitness instead of sickness.

Generation Y.

We have built the strongest networks in the history of the world with the use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. Between texting and blogging we can continue to encourage each other to make healthy choices. We can post our runs, seek motivation to complete marathons, show off our workouts on YouTube and share interesting health and fitness articles with a click of the Like button. Let’s take advantage of technology and combine it with our motivation to do what is good and right. Do your part and keep yourself and your family as healthy as possible. Workout for at least 20-minutes per day and strive to eat at least half a plate of fruits and vegetables with each meal.

In the end, we will all benefit…

Generation Y… Let’s get it done…

Bio: Jacques Courseault, M.D. is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist, and founder of ExerciseMenu.com. His site promotes practical fitness measures through informative articles and home workout programs.

Twitter Question: Can riding a certain type of bike seat (saddle) raise your PSA? Are there some saddles that are better?

hollyonhealth — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:13:57 +0000

Several studies have been published since the late 1990’s to determine if cycling has an effect on the serum PSA levels in men. PSA, or prostate specific antigen, is commonly used as an early marker for prostate cancer (although the use of serum PSA as a screening test has been the topic of controversy in recent years). The thought is that the stress and pressure placed on the prostate from a saddle seat while cycling can cause an increase in PSA levels.

A study published in the Journal of Urology in 1996 looked at the PSA levels of 260 men before and after a four day, 250 mile bike ride. After comparing the pre and post bike ride PSA levels, the study concluded that there was no statistically or clinically significant increase in PSA levels after the bicycle ride. There was, however, a subset of men within the study who had elevated baseline PSA levels before the ride and this group did experience a more significant increase in their PSA levels. Another study published in the journal Urology in 2003 investigated whether bicycle riding altered the PSA levels in men ages 50-74 after a 13 mile bike ride. Similarly, this study found that any increases in the PSA levels were not significant and had no diagnostic impact for prostate cancer screening. A 2009 study from the journal Urology specifically looked at the PSA levels of professional cyclists and also concluded that there was no effect of professional bicycle riding on serum PSA levels.

In short, studies have generally concluded that if a man does not have elevated baseline PSA levels, any increase in PSA after a bike ride is transient and not significant. If a man has elevated baseline PSA levels or prostate problems, he may experience a larger increase in his PSA level post bike ride and may want to discuss the issue with his physician before continuing any rigorous cycling exercise. Although several of the studies suggested that the increases seen in this subset of men were not clinically significant, I didn’t find anything that could definitively state this. Furthermore, I didn’t find any studies that have shown that cycling can increase the chances of a man developing benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or prostate cancer.

As for the question whether some seats are better than others, the information I found on livestrong.com suggests that if you are encountering discomfort or irritation from cycling, try some padding or switch up seats until you find something that works.

Trauma from cycling has been associated with the development of prostatitis, which is basically an inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms may include: pain or burning sensation when urinating; difficulty urinating; frequent or urgent need to urinate; pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back; pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum; pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles; and painful orgasms.

Although prostatitis is treatable, it certainly doesn’t sound fun. Basically, if it hurts when you are cycling get some padding or change seats until it doesn’t! And if you have concerns about your PSA levels, see your doctor.

Yoga can help take the stress out of the holiday season

hollyonhealth — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:40:40 +0000

The month of December can be emotionally intense. It’s packed full of excitement — holiday parties, shopping, completing another semester and traveling home for the holidays. December can also be extremely stressful for different reasons — looming final exams, shopping crowds and dealing with the influx of relatives. No matter how you deal with the events of this month, there is no getting around the stress that December can inevitably bring.

People often turn to several holiday vices to deal with pressure, whether that be stuffing their faces with those delicious holiday cookies or having a few extra glasses of eggnog. Recognizing my own sources of holiday stress, I’ve recently been reflecting on my personal game plan for dealing with the holiday blues. Exercise — yoga in particular — has always given me a sense of calm in times of stress, so I’ve decided to amp up my routine this season. Though exercise and yoga have always been my coping habits, I’ve often wondered why they seem to work so well. I’d like to share a little research so that maybe you too will consider rolling out your yoga mats this holiday season.

The link between exercise and its anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects has been studied in various forms. Though the exact mechanism is debatable, many studies generally conclude that exercise can be an effective adjunct treatment for people with depression. In fact, a study by the American Psychological Association suggested that exercise can be protective against the development of depression in college students.

During the past decade, the practice of yoga has gained particular respect as a form of complementary medicine. More and more research has studied the effects of yoga on various medical conditions — including depression, anxiety and insomnia. Yoga was originally developed in India more than 2,000 years ago as a method to help people reach spiritual enlightenment. It uses a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation to increase relaxation and balance the mind, body and spirit.

In recent years, studies have shown yoga’s ability to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Scientists have researched and uncovered the biological mechanism behind yoga’s stress-reducing benefits. Though the research is still in its early stages, the mechanism may lie with the role of inflammation.

Inflammatory markers such as c-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) increase in one’s body during physiological or psychological stress. Inflammation plays a role in several disease processes such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and several forms of cancer. Anxiety, depression and psychological stressors are linked to the overproduction of these inflammatory markers as well.

A 2010 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine compared the inflammatory responses of novice and expert yoga practitioners. Of note, the study found that levels of IL-6 in novice yoga practitioners were 41 percent higher than that of yoga experts. The odds of a novice having detectable levels of CRP were nearly five times as high.

The ability to minimize inflammatory responses in stressful situations can influence the burden that stressors place on the body. If regular yoga practice has the ability to dampen the body’s response to physiological and psychological stressors, it has the potential to have a broad array of health benefits. Though more research needs to be done for more definitive answers, this study definitely provides a small window into the biology behind the health benefits and mind-body balance that yoga practitioners have been preaching for thousands of years.

All research and biology aside, yoga serves a great purpose as a relaxation and mood boosting technique, as well as a fantastic form of exercise. This holiday season, if you are looking for a way to boost your mood and decrease stress while potentially giving yourself long-term health benefits, I recommend rolling out that yoga mat.

Movember: Changing the Face of Men’s Health (literally)

hollyonhealth — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:00:11 +0000

Listen below and learn all about Movember from Holly on Health, on location at the NOLA Shavedown at the 12 Bar on Fulton Street, as heard on WTUL New Orleans, 91.5FM

Upcoming NOLA Mo Events:

Thurs, Mov 17th 5pm-7pm @ Loa

Tues, Mov 29th 5pm-til @ Rusty Nail

Parties in the works at Capdeville and Squeel BBQ, stay tuned! Click here to search for Mo parties near you.

Learn more about Movember and Men’s Health at us.movember.com.

Check out my post about men’s health from June 201 1….great links are at the bottom and make sure to watch the video, hilarious!

NOLA Shavedown 11/5/11

Twitter Question: Are “whippits” safe?

hollyonhealth — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:05:49 +0000

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 fill the streets. The fact that whippits were noticeably and openly being used at this Halloween hot spot indicates the popularity of the drug.

“Whippits” are actually an inhalant drug consisting of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas. It is the same anesthetic agent that is used in many dental practices for minor oral surgery and dental work to relieve anxiety and pain. When used in the dentist’s office, the drug is strictly monitored while recreational users are usually inhaling the drug at much higher dosages.

Recreational users usually fill a balloon with nitrous oxide and then inhale the gas straight from the balloon in order to get a high. Interestingly, the reason the drug is called a “whippit” is because small nitrous oxide gas cartridges can be found inside food preparation cans such as whipped cream. Users can simply order the individual cartridges online, place the cartridge in a device called a “cracker” (often sold with the cartridges), and place a balloon on the other end of the cracker in order to fill the balloon with the gas. Alternatively, large nitrous oxide gas tanks can also be used to fill balloons or people sometimes take the drug straight from the whipped cream can.

Inhaling the nitrous oxide from the balloon can cause a high within a few seconds, causing dizziness, a floating sensation, giddiness, disorientation, and occasionally visual hallucinations. The effect of the drug is very temporary with the high usually lasting two to three minutes. However, users often take several hits of nitrous oxide balloons in order to prolong their high for hours. With each inhalation, users feel more and more out of control and unconsciousness often results. Unconsciousness from the drug, or any drug for that matter, is a medical emergency and the person should be brought to the emergency department immediately.

Although the high may be fleeting, there is a risk of death associated with the drug. At high doses, nitrous oxide can replace oxygen in the bloodstream depressing the central nervous system and halting breathing. Since the drug is often used repetitively, it is important to realize that long-term abuse can permanently damage the central nervous system and nerve fibers. Long term users often suffer from a neuropathy, including a loss of balance and dexterity, weakness, numbness, and tingling in their extremities.

Also, nitrous oxide straight from a pressurized tank is actually very cold, which is why people usually take hits from balloons. When the drug is taken straight from a tank, the gas can cause frostbite of the nose, lips, and possibly the vocal cords.

To make a long story short, is it safe? Absolutely not.

If you want more info, check out this video from college.healthguru.com. If you can get past the one minute advertisement at the beginning, it’s actually pretty good!