Several of baseball's biggest stars have been accused of using steroids. Kidzworld has the 411 on roids and their side effects.
Steroids in Baseball and the Olympics
Until 2002, Major League Baseball never tested players for steroid use and players were not penalized for steroid use until 2004. Many players have admitted using the steroid, Androstenedione, including former homerun champion, Mark McGwire. Some players have also been accused of using THG - a human growth hormone that works like a steroid, building muscle mass and helping athletes recover from training. Standard drug tests are unable to detect it, but scientists are working to develop a reliable test. In March 2005, the US Government will begin investigating the use of steroids by baseball players. Many are now questioning whether Barry Bonds' homerun record was aided by steroids and other muscle supplements. If Bonds' hit a bunch of dingers, while getting help from an extra dose of illegal Miracle Muscle, should his records still count? What do you think of steroids in sports? Should Barry Bonds' homerun records still count, if he admits he took steroids? Tell Kidzworld what you think!
Steroids and Kids
Using steroids and other muscle building concoctions is a major health risk and more kids are now taking these substances to improve their performance in sports. A recent survey by Blue Cross - Blue Shield found that nearly one-million kids in America are using steroids and other substances to improve their sports performance. There's also been a big increase in the number of girls taking steroids, with up to 7 percent of girls in middle school saying they've taken steroids at least once.
What Are Steroids
So, what are they? Steroids are basically like fake hormones. Hormones are things that make a guy's voice get deeper and help grow hair on his body. Athletes sometimes take steroids because it can help muscles get bigger and stronger. Steroids usually come in the form of pills, powders, or a liquid that can be injected into the body. "Roids" can make an athlete stronger and faster - but they can't improve athletic skill.
Kidzworld's Top Ten Reasons Not To Be a Juice Monkey
If you're using steroids or thinking about it, here's a pretty good list of reasons not to.
- Gives you zits.
- Gives you bad breath, which equals no kisses.
- Makes you go bald sooner, which equals looking like your Dad when your 16.
- For Girls: it makes you grow a moustache - totally gross!
- For Girls: it makes your boobies shrink.
- For Guys: it makes your nuts shrink - do you really need another reason?
- For Guys: it makes it hurt when you go to the bathroom - again, do you really need another reason?
- For Guys: it makes you grow breasts - once again, see above.
- Impotence: that means you can't get an erection.
- Roid Rage: it makes you get all wacko and violent.
So, the best bet for being a better athlete is to train hard, eat healthy foods and develop good practice habits.
