Tuesday, February 05, 2008 Performance-enhancing substances
(Conclusion)
MAJORITY of performance-enhancing substances or PES used by teenagers are dietary supplements bought from health food stores and fitness centers to increase energy, promote weight loss and increase muscle development. Most are not standardized and unregulated as to its efficacy and safety.
Several studies on performance-enhancing substances are not encouraging. There are doubts about their performance enhancing potentials. Many claims of benefits are not supported by a well-controlled study. Some are proven to be harmful and sometimes with deadly side effects. The most vulnerable are the adolescent athletes who are uniformed and are under pressure to win at all costs.
Management
Approach on how to deal with PES (Performance-enhancing substances) use in children and adolescents involved primarily on detection, prevention and care of PES users.
(Detection)
Users of anabolic steroids maybe identified by the appearance of adverse effects such as behavioral problems (mood changes) enlargement of the breasts, acne, and growth retardation. Unfortunately adverse effects of other performance-enhancing substances are not readily identifiable. Asking the adolescent about PES use maybe necessary.
A well-directed question may help elicit information about PES use. A general question asking the adolescent if he is taking any herb, vitamins or other natural health medicines is a good starting point. Then follow this with an inquiry if he or his friends use anything to improve their performance and appearance.
Adolescents who participate in sports that require power, strength, size and speed or that demand leanness are likely to be using PES. Adolescents who are non-athletes but who are training to develop body physique including those who are obsessed to become fashion models are also most likely to be using PES and other substances (tobacco, alcohol) and illicit drugs. Provide Care for PES users
1. Resolve the conflict between the win at all costs attitude and the principles of fair competition. 2. Counseling on other means available that are safe, appropriate and acceptable way in achieving goals in sports and other competitions.
(Prevention) 1. Parents and school authorities, sport clubs and sports organizations should be united in their stand against PES use in children and adolescents and be one in encouraging the value of substance-free competition.
2. Health care organizations concerned in the care of children should provide programs that will eliminate the use of PES among children and adolescents. a. Educational materials that will teach children and adolescents: (1). good health, sound nutrition, exercise, weight control, training practices and conditioning. (2). The principles of fair competition, strong stand against cheating and develop skills on how to resist temptation and strong pressures to use performance-enhancing substances. (3). There is no shortcut to success but sacrifice, hard work and determination. (4). Medical information about the risks, consequences and adverse effects of PES. b. Drug testing to detect performance-enhancing substances on competing athletes. Those found positive will receive sanctions such as confiscation of awards, recognition and medals, loss of scholarships, banned from participating in future competition, etc. This form of prevention may have some effects on college and professional athletes but have little influence in most children and adolescents.
The recent news story (Phil. Star, Sept. 1, 2007) about a professional wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his family before hanging himself last June was found to have a steroid and other drugs in his system. The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) suspended 10 of its wrestlers found positive for steroids and other drugs.
This is a good sign that sports organizations are becoming serious in implementing their stand against PES (Performance-enhancing substances), a clear message to our adolescents that PES is not the fair, safe, honest and accepted way to be a professional athlete and a future champion. (PVI)
