Young people often challenge each other to try various stunts that may not be safe.
One bad idea in particular is getting the attention of millions of teens and young adults thanks to the Internet. Unfortunately, some of them are being injured.
Its called the "Cinnamon Challenge." There were more than 50,000 YouTube videos depicting youth attempting this activity as of August 2012.
These videos show the subjects coughing and choking, as the spice triggers a severe gag reflex in response to a caustic sensation in the mouth and throat.
This combination of social media, peer pressure and a trendy new fad can be tough to resist for children and teens. Learn why this popular dare is so dangerous, and why you should talk to your teen about saying "no."
Selected Podcast
The Cinnamon Challenge: Not Worth the Risk
Featuring:
Dr. Steven E. Lipshultz is a professor of Pediatrics, Medicine (Oncology), and Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami Florida, and is also Director of the Batchelor Children's Research Institute and holds the Batchelor Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiology. His research interests center around the prevention of cardiomyopathy and heart failure in children and young adults, especially those cases associated with cancer and HIV therapy. He has become well known for researching the efficacy, long-term side effects and outcomes of pharmacological agents in children. Among his more well-known studies was a 2011 study in Pediatrics documenting the serious adverse health effects caused by energy drinks in children and young adults.
Dr. Steven Lipshultz, MD
Dr. Steven E. Lipshultz is a professor of Pediatrics, Medicine (Oncology), and Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami Florida, and is also Director of the Batchelor Children's Research Institute and holds the Batchelor Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiology. His research interests center around the prevention of cardiomyopathy and heart failure in children and young adults, especially those cases associated with cancer and HIV therapy. He has become well known for researching the efficacy, long-term side effects and outcomes of pharmacological agents in children. Among his more well-known studies was a 2011 study in Pediatrics documenting the serious adverse health effects caused by energy drinks in children and young adults.