WorldWide Drilling Resource

No Bull Allowed! Compiled by Bonnie Love, Editor WorldWide Drilling Resource ® We’ve all been there, it’s the middle of your shift and you are sluggish and in need of a quick pickup. Some people may grab a cup of coffee or a can of soda; an increasing trend, however, is to grab an energy drink or an energy shot. Are they safe? Should your jobsite allow workers to consume them? Being alert and awake on the drill site is extremely important whether you are in the oil and gas, water, construction, or mining industries but, grabbing one of these energy drinks or shots may not be a good idea. The primary ingredients for these drinks is sugar and caffeine, the same ingredients in soda and coffee; the issue is the amount of caffeine, which can be three times higher than soda or coffee, as well as the amount of sugar which can cause a spike of energy, followed by an energy crash. Most energy drinks also include stimulant additives such as guarana, taurine, ginseng, and l-theanine which compound the effects of caffeine. What many people don’t realize is energy drinks also act as diuretics. They increase urine production, which leads to a loss of fluids and sodium, causing those who drink energy boosters to dehydrate at a faster rate than normal. Dehydration has been shown to affect decision-making skills and cognitive functions; this not only increases the risk of injuries, but also leads to a decline in productivity. Other side effects associated with energy drink consumption include: heart attacks, seizures, impaired reaction time, anxiety, as well as shaking and trembling, all of which can cause issues on a jobsite. Consumption of energy drinks is on a steady rise in the United States, going from 2.3 billion in 2005 to 6 billion in 2010. This has also led to an increase in energy drink-related hospital visits. Several mining, construction, oil and gas, as well as other industrial companies have banned energy drinks on their sites, and many other companies are evaluating the issue to decide what kind of policy to put in place regarding energy drinks. So what is the solution to the midshift drag? You can still get an energy boost without all the side effects; try the following instead: - Drink a tall, cool glass of water. Oftentimes when you feel tired, it is the result of dehydration. - Eat fresh fruit. Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, fruit is great for times when you need a little energy boost. Ba- nanas, apples, and oranges are good choices since they don't need refrigeration. - Grab some dark chocolate. Dark choco- late energizes by providing an excellent source of iron and magnesium, just make sure it is at least 70%. - Eggs are an underrated asset to driving away hunger. They are high in iron and protein which can provide sustainable en- ergy throughout the day. Choline, a type of B-vitamin found in eggs, is required for brain function and energy production. - Consider taking a multivitamin high in vi- tamin B. - Or simply have a cup of coffee! What’s your opinion? Let us know by e-mailing: editorial@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Congratulat ions to: Curt is Li pham Anson, TX Winner for April! Winner for April! Time for a Little Fun! April Puzzle Solution: GEFCO, Inc. Cotey Chemical Corp. Can you identify which classified ads in this issue these two photos came from? Win a prize! Send your completed puzzle to: WWDR PO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 or fax to: 850-547-0329 _______________ _______________ 31 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® MAY 2016