Shaka: A far-from-harmless “cocktail”
- Written by Lourdes Pichs Rodríguez
- Published in Opinion
- Hits: 165
Shaka—a name of African origin meaning "the one who rises"—is the name of a drink that has recently gained notoriety among young people and teenagers. They consume it, perhaps believing it to be harmless and merely “energizing”; in reality, however, it is a mixture of caffeine, sugar, and stimulants that often harms the health of those who drink it.
According to specialists, consuming this cocktail—which is vodka-based—can lead to heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness, as well as elevated blood pressure and heart rate; it may even lead to caffeine dependence and impair academic performance.
Yet today, it is sold in most establishments run by new economic actors and is consumed by these age groups. This is a cause for concern among health authorities, as such drinks are “not recommended for young people, given that their bodies—specifically their nervous and cardiovascular systems—are still developing.”
Furthermore, consumption can trigger the formation of habits that may eventually lead to alcohol addiction or other more harmful and dangerous behaviors.
According to information published on the Holguín Public Health FB profile, it is concerning that many adolescents and young people turn to these drinks before playing sports, while studying for long hours, or simply to ward off sleep.
In this regard, families are urged to provide guidance to their children regarding the myth that these drinks boost energy. It is emphasized that true energy does not come in a can, nor is fatigue resolved by stimulants; rather, it requires rest, proper hydration, and a balanced diet.
We must not forget that alcohol is linked to about ten neurological conditions—including neuropathy, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, dementia, epilepsy and seizures, cerebellar ataxia, myopathy, stroke, and sleep disorders—in addition to the damage it causes to other organs.
This is one of the reasons why one should not start consuming alcohol, especially at such a young age; dependence on alcohol—as well as on tobacco and other drugs—leads to the destruction of the individual and frequently causes serious problems within the family and society.
We need to convince our young people and adolescents that drinking beer, rum, or other beverages is not essential for having fun or feeling good—habits that often lead to irreparable consequences for their health and well-being.
