Marina Melkumova, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist at Arabkir Medical Center, presented the effects of energy drinks on the health of children and adolescents.   Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants that affect metabolism, and they should not be included in children’s diets. The harmful effects of energy drinks include: Increased blood pressure Elevated heart rate Feelings of anxiety and restlessness Sleep disturbances and insomnia Dehydration In extreme cases, heart rhythm disturbances, acute kidney failure, and convulsions. In Armenia, as in many parts of the world, the number of adolescents—and even children—consuming energy drinks is rising each year. According to the Health Behavior in School-Age Children Survey (2022), 40% of adolescents in Armenia consume energy drinks weekly. A video on this topic will be released soon.

This article provides insights into the use of e-cigarettes among Armenian teenagers. The "News" segment from the public TV company highlights research conducted by the "Arabkir" Medical Center-Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Education, as well as the World Health Organization.

  Marina Melkumova, pediatrician and Adolescent Health Program Coordinator at “Arabkir” MC-ICAH, recently participated in a press conference hosted by “Armenpress” news agency. The conference focused on the activities of healthy lifestyle courses in schools, their content, and expected outcomes.  During the conference, Dr. Melkumova highlighted that the course topics aim to promote personal development, first aid skills, and the ability to avoid harmful effects. For more details, please follow the link.