Dr. Arun Mendiratta
Do these kids know what they are up to? It’s very nice to boast about having a perfectly toned body, win major inter-school meets, but what’s the future?
One of the substances these school children have tested for — anabolic steroid — will ultimate affect their life. The basic symptoms to identify whether one has taken banned substance are excess growth of facial hair, acne, physical deformation and hoarse voice among others.
The excessive growth of hair and hoarse voice are the common side effects found among females. You also notice behavioural changes. In most cases we see a violent streak in a child and unusual growth.
However, the more serious and damaging effect are on the kidneys and liver. These substances are useful in short term as they help in recovery and muscle development. You also tend to have more energy and thus exercise more. But in long term, it can be very dangerous. Hence, this trend is scary.
These drugs are available easily at any chemist. And the children these days are well equipped technologically to find out about a particular drug. Hence, it is very important from a parent and coach’s point of view that proper care is taken right from the school level. Unfortunately, that isn’t happening.
I have been involved in sports medicine for a long time and also been a part of many dope hearings. But this one is the most serious and shocking case I have heard of. Let’s save these kids from spoiling their future for short-term benefits.
—Dr. Arun Mendiratta is a medical and anti-doping chief with the Athletics Federation of India
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