By: Joann Bally CSCS
I saw a cartoon about baseball’s steroid scandal, claiming those responsible were the players, owners, general managers, and the commissioner. I’d like to add a few more. Any personal trainer, coach, athletic trainer, doctor or other health professional who participated violated the ethics of their profession and should probably be in another line of work.
Of course, besides the fact that taking steroids is illegal and cheating, we are told that it’s dangerous for your health. In fact, George Mitchell, when announcing the results of the study, expressed his concern about the large number of high school kids who take steroids. (Let’s use steroids as a catch-all term including human growth hormone and whatever else they come up with along with steroids.) There are legitimate medical uses for steroids and human growth hormone, but that is not what we are taking about here. Steroids are useful for treating people with muscle wasting diseases, and hgh is given to children who have genetic defects that limit their growth. (A few years ago there was concern that so many would-be bodybuilders were taking hgh that there might not be enough available for the little kids that needed it.) These drugs are not healthful for people who don’t need them.
Now, you may be looking at those players identified as steroid users and saying: It doesn’t seem to have hurt them. First of all, not everybody has the side effects. Second, some effects may not be as apparent, such as high cholesterol and shrunken testicles. Also, keep in mind that big time athletes have access to the best quality steroids, and guidance as to how to cycle to minimize side effects, and escape detection. You, if you try to use steroids, may be buying something unknown from some stranger in the locker room, or getting some junk over the internet that contains who knows what.
Here’s another thing you may not know, young people. One potential side effect of steroids is that they can stunt your growth. The growth plates on your bones can close prematurely, and you just won’t get any taller, ever. Not what you had in mind, is it? Maybe it’s ok for girls to take steroids, you say. Side effects for females include things like facial hair, which doesn’t go away when you quit taking steroids.
So if you want to stay healthy and look your best, eat right and work out. If you’re an athlete, you should also train hard and smart, don’t cheat, and stay off the juice.
Related using the H&F.com Search:
STEROIDS USE ANABOLIC Article
HEALTHandFITNESS.com 
