'Cinnamon Challenge,' Popular with Teens, Proves Risky | TIME

It’s a relatively simple dare, but teens are sending themselves to the hospital by attempting the “cinnamon challenge.”

The objective is to swallow a tablespoonful of cinnamon in under 60 seconds — a nearly impossible feat that causes contenders to gasp, spit and choke while attempting to keep the spice down. The game has gained popularity in the last few years, and as Newsfeed reported earlier this month, video after video of teens attempting the challenge are popping up on YouTube.

But the nonsensical challenge has serious health consequences. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), in the first three months of 2012, the nation’s poison control centers have received 139 calls seeking help for cinnamon misuse and 122 of the calls were related to the “cinnamon challenge.” Out of the 139 calls, 30 needed medical attention.

To read the full article, visit: http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/30/cinnamon-challenge-popular-with-teens-proves-risky/

To read the news release from AAPCC, visit: http://www.aapcc.org/dnn/Portals/0/Cinnamon%20challenge%203.27.2012.pdf

• Choking & Strangulation
• Poison Prevention