|
university of Michigan doctors warn athletes about the harmful side effects of steroid abuse and sports supplements
steroids and other drugs might seem like a good idea but they can destroy your body "The bad news is there is little to no documented benefit to using them," Wojtys says.
It's a well-known fact that, if bulging muscles are the goal, steroids will do the job. "The problem is you have to try to balance the risks versus the benefits," Wojtys says. "If you look at the risks of long-term steroid use, it's unbelievable how dangerous it is. There are very few people who would choose steroids if they knew what they were against." "And keep in mind that for men, some of these side effects are reversible after short term use, but in women, it's thought that most of these effects are not reversible," Wojtys says. "Now with long term use, we're more worried about liver damage and, in particular, cardiovascular system problems." In addition to muscle building, steroids can cause other side effects which include altered hair growth patterns throughout the body and acne or other skin problems. It can also cause a significant change in a person's voice. Individuals who use steroids for prolonged periods of time may also show behavioral changes. That's one of the reasons that steroids were initially used by athletes - to induce rage and cause an intensely competitive and fierce reaction. Human growth hormone, another substance used by athletes to increase muscle bulk, is just as dangerous - if not more dangerous - than steroids. |
"There are legitimate uses of growth hormone, but the potential side effects are very, very, very concerning and therefore, monitoring by a physician any time it's being used is rule No. 1," Wojtys says. "Growth hormone, while it's a natural substance, is only found in your body in limited amounts and to mess with that very delicate balance is not a good idea."
If an athlete really wants to get an edge, they should talk to their doctor or speak with a nutritionist who can help them maximize their potential in terms of muscle development.
Wojtys says that coaches and parents should make sure young people understand the potential long-term consequences of using sports supplements.
"There's a lot that can be done to improve what you do naturally such as eating good, natural foods," Wojtys says. "You can also find what types of workouts are going to be tolerated best and how to get the most out of yourself so that you can live to your highest potential. That's the safest way to do it."
."For young kids, I think the thing to keep in mind is that, one day, your athletic career is going to end, and when that ends, you still need your body," Wojtys says. "If you've destroyed it by using substances that have changed that metabolism and the hormonal balance, you're the one that's going to be stuck living with that body for the rest of your life."
A University of Michigan Health System update on important health issues
This article is in 2 parts. Click here to read the first part.
A Crisis In Swimming Athletes Perspective Long Term Health Risks Steroids-Side effects Testosterone And Older Men Women Bodybuilders
Check out the rest of our website for more information about the college recruiting process and how we can help you get recruited.
If you want to know more about our sports assessment service or have any questions then please feel free to contact us.
PLEASE CLICK BELOW FOR MORE DETAILED SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE COLLEGE SPORT
Baseball I Basketball I Bowling I Cross Country I Fencing I Field Hockey I Football I Golf I Gymnastics I Ice Hockey I Lacrosse Rowing I Skiing I Soccer I Softball I Swimming I Tennis I Track and Field I Volleyball I Water Polo I Wrestling
Academic Scholarships I Athletic scholarships I NCAA Clearinghouse I College Recruiting Testimonials I Emerging Sports For Women I College Financial aid Home I NAIA Information I NCAA Certification I NCAA Colleges I NCAA Information I NCAA Initial Eligibility I NCAA Sports History I Title IX I Sports History A- L Sports History M-Z I Sports News Articles I Scholarship Questions I Resource Directory I What We Do I Site Map A-L I Site Map M-Z
Copyright Athleticscholarships.net
To link to this site please contact the webmaster.