Energy drinks' impact on kids studied

Watch for a new fall offensive in Suffolk on banning sales of energy drinks to kids.

The county board of health last week directed officials to update their research on the negative impact of the drinks on youngsters. Board member Tracy Trypuc, who's doing graduate work on the issue, offered her assistance. Board members also directed the health department to ask the Red Bull company if warning labels the company voluntarily added have reduced use by young people.

Legis. Lynne C. Nowick (R-St. James) proposed a ban last year but relented when the Austria-based firm offered the labeling and $50,000 for a county educational effort. County officials said the money never materialized because the company later stipulated that nothing negative could be said about the product.-- Rick Brand