Starbucks released this year’s holiday menu on November 6, and consumers were not shy to flock to the chain to indulge in the seasonal treats. However, the highly caffeinated and caloric beverages serve as much more than an indulgence for many Wheeling Park High School students. When walking Park’s halls, it seems as though every other student has one of these sweetener-dense drinks. As festive as the beverages may be, they pose a major risk to the health and well-being of WPHS students and teachers alike.
The short-term benefits of these drinks do not outweigh their long-term detriments. Ms. Hempelmann, WPHS science teacher and sponsor of The Wellness Club, believes that avid consumers of these drinks should be aware of how they can damage their bodies when consumed regularly.
“The most harmful [ingredient] is usually sugar,” Hempelmann said. “The holiday beverages are packed full of sugar, and…high in calories. [Overconsumption] can lead to serious health issues like [Type 2] diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity.”
Overconsumption can also lead to many short-term side effects, which can be very inconveniencing to students and teachers alike. Hempelmann says that the negative effects of caffeine inconvenience both the overconsumer and their peers.
“When students consume too many [caffeinated beverages], teachers might deal with…fidgeting and anxiety. Kids can’t sit still from the overload of caffeine,” Hempelmann said.
These side effects also heavily impact students’ day-to-day lives. Jamar Creighton, a senior at WPHS and avid member of The Wellness Club, reports that he consumes Starbucks roughly three times per week, with the holiday season increasing this rate substantially. He has experienced some of these side effects firsthand.
“The negative effect that I notice the most is that it hurts my stomach…the caffeine makes my eyes twitch, too,” Creighton said.
Fortunately, for anyone dealing with a sweet tooth, there are healthy alternatives to the beverages consumers know and love. Hempelmann says that even if you need caffeine to get you through the day, choosing homemade drinks over mass-produced calorie-dense ones can make a difference.
“Over time, people become…dependent on caffeine. They need it every day in order to function,” said Hempelmann. “Instead of getting the high sugar [beverages]…I usually get a black coffee, which has zero sugar and zero fat, and I’ll add protein powder or…a protein shake so that it has no sugar, high protein, and is much healthier for you.”
Though overconsumption should be avoided, treating yourself to Starbucks every once in a while is completely fine! When you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, head down to Café 1925 and indulge in a seasonal beverage– just don’t turn it into a daily endeavor. You’ll save your money and your health!
