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Not only are steroids and other performance enhancing drugs being tested for, but there is a growing movement to test for all "recreational" drugs as well. With School Board approval, Polk County in Florida began testing for recreational drugs in 2004 and added steroid testing in January of this year, 2005.
The major problem faced by School Districts, School Boards and Athletic Departments is funding. At this time recreational drug tests cost approximately $18.00 per student to administer. The random steroid tests run upwards of $100 per test.
Other counties in Florida are following suit with both drug and steroid testing. Other states are also jumping on
bandwagon of testing. In May (2005) Fort Zumwalt School District board in St. Charles County, MO, approved a voluntary testing program. Also last month Texas House approved a bill directing University Interscholastic League to develop a comprehensive education program for students, coaches and parents, and to survey high school students to gauge level of anabolic steroid use. A 2002 study by Texas A&M University estimated up to 42,000 Texas students were abusing steroids. "Most parents would be shocked to learn - as I was - that teenagers use veterinary-grade anabolic steroids from Mexico - drugs made for horse, cattle and pigs," King (Rep. Phil, Texas) notes.
Lawmakers in other states have considered bills that would mandate statewide testing programs for student athletes. Opponents argue that money and time could be spent far more efficiently. California has implemented new regulations requiring parents, players and school officials to sign contracts promising athletes will avoid steroid use. Just before California Interscholastic Federation voted in favor of new rules, Frank Marrero of Vacaville recalled how his 19-year-old son's addiction to steroids and paranoia led to his suicide by gunshot.
In summary, we do seem to have an epidemic of drug and steroid use among both athletes and non-athletes (see ref. to 11-year-old girl above). We already have proof that continued abuse with steroids will cause body to break down physically, will cause in particular certain types of tumors to develop, and will often eventually develop into a form of cancer. I'm reminded of long-term problems resulting from exposure to Agent Orange by Vietnam Vets. I'm also put in mind of DNA and genetic changes documented above, in artificial sweeteners, and believe that time and testing will show possible genetic/DNA damage from steroids, as well.
We are playing with our human genetic future using all sorts of "chemical substitutes and enhancements" - steroids, performance enhancing drugs, artificial sweeteners, genetically modified organisms (food grains, etc., hard to digest).
Disclaimer: This article in no way should be taken as “medical advice” on any product, condition or course of action, nor does it constitute in any way “medical advice” endorsing any specific product, specific result, nor any possible cure for any condition or problem. This article is meant as a source of information upon which you may base your decision as to whether or not you should begin using any vitamin, mineral and/or herbal supplement for better health, or begin using a “greens” product as a dietary supplement.
If in doubt, or if you have questions, you should consult your physician and, if possible, consult a second physician for a possible different opinion. The author does not bear any responsibility for your decisions nor for outcome of your actions based upon those decisions.
Reference includes Author's personal experience and memory and USA Today Sports Weekly for June 8-14, 2005. Check this edition for additional and very frightening information on High School steroid use.
Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer.
This article is Copyright 2005 by http://www.organicgreens.us, http://www.organicgreens.ca and Loring Windblad. This article may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is copied complete with all links and text, including the Authors Resource Box, intact and unchanged except for minor improvements.
