Editor,
Regarding Samara Alpern's column about the effects of Red Bull, I have found that chewing gum is about the cheapest and most effective alertness aid for me, and I believe it is far better value for the money than caffeine-containing soft drinks, coffee or even tea.
Whether it's drinking, talking, smoking or chewing, I have to stay awake to consciously move my jaw, and I'm satisfied that moving my jaw helps me to stay awake.
There are plenty of people who would rather not hear me talk at great length, and plenty of times when I have to stay awake past my bedtime with no one to talk to. I avoid sugary drinks, and artificial sweeteners are not for me.
Chewing gum, therefore, has provided me an efficacious and economical solution to my challenged alertness on many occasions.
Chewing gum is relatively inexpensive, low-calorie, long-lasting and requires neither heating nor refrigeration. I recommend it highly.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
I will not mention my favorite brand of chewing gum - I simply urge others to determine if and when their favorite brand is useful as a convenient and inexpensive solution to their alertness issues.
Robert Rands
Daily Lobo reader
