A: The term, often abbreviated to FCSI, is a designation for finance professionals who have met the highest standards for education, ethics and experience. There are more than 5,000 persons in Canada with the FCSI credential. A directory is available on the FCSI website.
Popular wisdom holds that caffeine enhances learning, alertness and retention, leading millions to consume coffee or caffeinated drinks before a challenging learning task such as attending a business strategy meeting or a demanding scientific presentation.
A 2005 study in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy looked at the effect on cholesterol test results of a single six-ounce cup of coffee without sugar or cream, drunk one hour before testing. The good news is that the study found very small, clinically insignificant changes. The message then is that it is probably acceptable to have that single cup of black coffee, but if the results are borderline, I would consider repeating the test without the coffee. It may be prudent just to skip the cup for one day and not have the debate! Learn more in the Everyday Health High Cholesterol Center.