CDC: Nearly Two-Thirds of U.S. Children Consume Caffeine Daily, Often From Unexpected Sources

Nearly two-thirds of children and teenagers in the United States consume caffeine on any given day, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study found that 69% of Americans ages 2 to 19 consume caffeine, but soft drinks are no longer the primary source for many younger children.

Among children ages 2 to 11, the leading source of caffeine was sweet bakery products, including brownies, cookies, cakes and pastries made with chocolate. For teenagers, coffee was the top source, followed by soft drinks, tea and energy drinks. Overall, coffee accounted for about 31% of caffeine intake among youth, followed by soft drinks at 27%, tea at 16%, sweet bakery products at 10%, and energy drinks at 6%.

The CDC also found that caffeine consumption increases with age. About 52% of children ages 2 to 5 consumed caffeine on a given day, compared with 73% of those ages 12 to 19.

Health experts caution that while there is no federally established safe daily caffeine limit for children, excessive caffeine can interfere with sleep, increase anxiety, raise heart rate and blood pressure, and contribute to headaches and other health concerns. The CDC recommends that children younger than 2 years old avoid caffeinated beverages entirely, and parents are encouraged to pay attention to caffeine found in foods as well as drinks.

Annual Health Initiative For Men And Women Planned For August In Rome

The Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition and the 100 Black Men of Rome-Northwest Georgia are encouraging residents across Northwest Georgia to make plans now to attend the 24th Annual Health Initiative for Men and Women on Saturday, August 15.

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Chattooga County Health Fair Happening Today in Summerville

The Chattooga County Health Fair is happening today, offering residents a chance to take advantage of free health services and resources in one convenient location.

The event runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center on Middle School Road in Summerville. Organizers say the health fair focuses on promoting wellness, prevention, and connecting the community with local healthcare providers.

Attendees can receive a wide range of free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and BMI checks, along with dental screenings, HIV testing, and cancer screenings. Hands-on CPR education, Narcan training, and even free food distribution will also be available.

Mammograms will be offered by appointment for eligible participants, and a number of healthcare organizations and community partners will be on hand to provide information and support.

Officials encourage residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to stop by, take advantage of the free services, and learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

AngioScreen Bus Coming To Chattooga Health Fair Could Help Save Lives

The Chattooga Health Fair is coming up, and this year it will include an AngioScreen bus offering important preventative screenings. The screening checks for early warning signs of heart attack and stroke before symptoms ever appear. That is what makes it so important. Many people feel completely normal and go about their daily lives with no idea that a serious health issue could already be developing.

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Walker County Opens First Pickleball Courts In Unincorporated Area

Pickleball players in Walker County now have a new place to play, as four new courts have opened at Walker Rocks Park on the Walker County Civic Center campus.

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UGA Extension Offering Diabetes Cooking School Series In Chattooga County

The University of Georgia Extension – Chattooga County is inviting residents to participate in a Learning to Live With Diabetes” Cooking School Series, designed to help individuals better manage diabetes and other chronic health conditions through healthier cooking and nutrition choices.

The 2026 Lunch and Learn Series will cover several topics including label reading and portion control, sweeteners, carbohydrates and fiber, hypertension and sodium, and modifying recipes for healthier alternatives. Classes will be held Wednesdays from noon until 1:30 p.m. beginning March 25 and continuing through April 22.

Each class costs $15 and includes lunch. Sessions will take place at the Chattooga County Extension Office, 40 Middle School Road in Summerville. To register, residents can call 706-857-0744 or email rbt@uga.edu.

Vegetable Gardening Class Set for February 25 in Chattooga County

Residents interested in growing their own vegetables can take part in an upcoming Vegetable Gardening Class hosted at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

The class will be held February 25 at 6 p.m. at the Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Road. Participants will learn about site preparation, soil fertility, planting practices, and more to help prepare for the upcoming growing season.

Those wishing to attend are asked to call 706-857-0744 to reserve a spot. Organizers note that the program is offered through UGA Extension – Chattooga County and is an equal opportunity event. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation or language access services should contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at least three weeks prior to the program date.

For more information or to register, call 706-857-0744 or email chattooga.extension@uga.edu.