High hematocrit levels represent dangerous side effect of steroids

Tony Thompson, an American boxer, claims that steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs should be legalized in boxing. The athlete says that anti-doping laws and gun laws are similar. Who doesn’t break gun laws? Only good guys do it. As a result, good guys are at a disadvantage. Thus, the similar situation is related to anti-doping rules. Just honest sportsmen don’t take steroids and/or other performance-enhancing drugs. So, they fight with those who have enhanced their performance with the help of anabolic steroids and other related medicines.
It is argued that anabolic steroids are prohibited in sports because they are dangerous. What would you believe about boxing in itself? Isn’t boxing dangerous? The answer is evident.
But it is also stated that it is needed to ban steroids and other related medications in order to make boxing safer. Steroids and other doping products increase performance. The more increased performance is, the more dangerous rounds are. Although it is true, would you ban anything that promotes performance of boxers? Thus, you ban steroids because they increase performance. Then ban trainings as well since they increase performance too! So, you will decrease performance while minimizing potential risks. What do you think about this aspect?
The boxer Tony Thompson also adds that detection tests are not efficient at all. While numerous sportspersons administer banned medications, just some of them are caught and suspended. Thus, dopers have unfair advantage over those that don’t break anti-doping rules. There is no logic.
Undoubtedly, arguments provided by Tony Thompson are reasonable. Anti-doping rules make rounds more unfair. Furthermore, the prohibition of doping doesn’t make fights safer. Many boxers continue to administer steroids and/or other forbidden medicines without being detected. They continue to fight and have success with the help of doping, while good guys are at a disadvantage because they don’t break anti-doping rules.
So, if doping is allowed in boxing, matches will be more honest. Of course, they will remain unsafe. But they will be at least fair.
Tony Thompson has been harshly criticized for his arguments pro legalization of doping in boxing.

Oscar Pistorius admitted to killing Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius admitted that he had shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. But the sportsperson stated that he had shot her because he had mistaken her for a thief.
Police officers try to determine why the Olympic athlete actually killed Reeva Steenkamp. They discovered steroids at the athlete’s home.
Since anabolic steroids have been found in Oscar’s bedroom, it would be possibly argued that steroids caused uncontrolled violent behavior in the athlete. Anabolic steroids would be blamed for the murder.
In fact, you should understand that it is quite hardly to claim that steroids are responsible for aggression and violence. Studies connected with this issue are quite limited. According to results of certain studies, consumers of steroids are predisposed to aggression, paranoia, jealousy, etc. It is stated that those who use anabolic steroids are more likely to commit crimes than those that have nothing to do with these medicines. But it is necessary to consider that steroids may only contribute to aggression. Just these medicines alone can’t lead to aggression. They turn out to be only contributive factors. Other factors should be also present for appearing of aggression. Circumstances play significant role in such cases. Thus, it is even impossible to define whether anabolic steroids cause aggression or certain circumstances. Cases should be reviewed as a complex of steroid use and circumstances.
It is also stated by experts that enhanced levels of testosterone are linked with aggression in several individuals. So, it is necessary to underline here that while certain persons with elevated levels of testosterone experience aggression, others with increased testosterone levels are not predisposed to uncontrolled aggression. This effect differs from one individual to another.
You can note that the link between steroid use and aggression is a complicated issue. Scientists have not studied this condition well enough to implicate it. So, if defense lawyers of the Olympic athlete want to argue that anabolic steroids have made their client to kill his girlfriend, they should comprehend that they are going to utilize controversial affirmations.

Ineffectiveness of anti-doping tests

It is not needed to subject sportspersons to tests for doping substances. Many cases display that tests for forbidden products are not effective. Furthermore, it is important to understand that application of tests by anti-doping agencies is illogical at Olympics. The chief purpose of Olympic sportspersons is following: to become faster, stronger and to be at the highest level. So, why should you keep sportspersons far from medicines which could help them to reach this result?
As you know, steroids and other related medications enhance performance. So, sportspeople should be allowed to take these remedies in order to boost physical performance.
A lot of persons argue that steroids and other doping products make competitions unfair. Is this opinion true? No, it wrong. You should comprehend that tests for anabolic steroids and other related preparations make competitions unfair. Numerous sportspersons apply performance-enhancing drugs while avoiding detection. So, certain sportspersons administer steroids; others don’t violate anti-doping laws. As a result, dopers have unfair advantage over non-dopers. It’s unfair. Let all sportspersons have similar access to doping products. So, competitions will be fairer.
But discussing unfairness in sports, you should remember about other conditions which have more serious impact of fairness/unfairness than steroids and other related medicines. Some athletes live in developed countries; others are in less developed countries. Several sportspersons have money to get needed equipment; others can’t afford it. Some countries can sponsor sportspeople, trainers, sport doctors and managers; others are not able to do it. So, unfairness should be discussed here.
Olympic athletes spend much time while training. They sacrifice time, money, etc. That’s why it is illogical to suspend those who are caught applying anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.
While sportspersons are sentenced to suspensions for application of anabolic steroids and certain other chemical substances, they are never suspended for application of herbs and certain potions. It is stated that steroids and other chemical substances are banned in sports because they can increase physical performance. But what is for herbs and potions? They are also capable to boost strength. Nonetheless, these remedies are not prohibited in sports.  Chinese athletes use herbal remedies and win.
Of course, you may argue that steroids and certain other medications may lead to grave negative reactions. Undoubtedly, some banned products may cause serious health problems. But those that plan to apply these medicines do own research. They are aware of possible risks. Let athletes decide whether it is worthy to administer such drugs. If they are ready to ruin health, let them do it because they should manage own bodies.

What’s your opinion about legalization of doping in sports?

What do you think about legalization of doping in sports?  Several persons say that it is time to legalize it. Others don’t agree. What is your point of view?
Those who are against legalization of doping in sports say that steroids and other related products represent essential evil. They may cause severe unwanted results in consumers. Moreover, a doper has unfair advantage over a non-doper during competitions.
According to another point of view, administration of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs should be allowed in sports. Let athletes apply whatever they desire! If they want to administer anabolic steroids, let them do it! If they plan to use other preparations, let them do it! If they desire to use some drugs, let health care providers manage their usage! Physicians know what their patients should do in order to prevent several undesirable consequences. So, performance-enhancing drugs will not lead to severe adverse results. As a result, application of steroids and other related preparations will be relatively safe for health and life of users.
As you know, anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs are currently banned in sports. When athletes are suspected and/or found guilty of doping, scandals appear. Such cases are often discussed during TV shows, in magazines, newspapers, on internet, etc. You must know that each scandal usually contains not only truth but also gossips, exaggerations, etc. As a result, you can’t be sure whether some affirmations are true or not.
Those that are against legalization of doping in sports say that sportspersons increase performance unnaturally with the help of anabolic steroids and other related products. Speaking about enhancement of athletic performance, you should remember about enhancement of sexual performance, cognitive skills, improvement of health, etc. Why do we apply certain medicines and supplements, improving our health and life, while demonizing sportspersons who try to promote performance with anabolic steroids and other doping products? Isn’t it hypocrisy? You would note that anabolic steroids and some other performance-enhancing drugs lead to health problems. Yes, it is true. But what do you consider about usage of caffeine and nicotine? They are accepted in the society. But it is important to notice that caffeine and nicotine cause more serious health troubles than anabolic steroids and other related preparations. Nonetheless, users of caffeine and nicotine are not so harshly demonized, as consumers of steroids.
Anti-doping agencies hope that they will soon eradicate doping from sports. “Sports will be clean”, - they exclaim. But it is needed to realize that doping will be never eliminated from sports. Anti-doping officials will not be ever capable to do it. While they elaborate new methods of detection and increase punishment for application of forbidden substances, sportspersons find new ways to avoid detection. Thus, anyone should comprehend that this “game” will never end, if doping is not permitted in sports.

Anti-aging clinics sell steroids and other prescriptions drugs illegally

Many anti-aging clinics are connected with steroid scandals. It’s not surprisingly because they supply athletes and bodybuilders with anabolic steroids and other related medications. When appropriate authorities search anti-aging clinics and seize medical records, they see that several celebrated sport figures belong to clients of the clinics.
Lately certain anti-aging clinics located in Miami were investigated. Feds determined that the clinics offered prescription drugs for sale illegally. The clinics sold preparations for increase of muscle mass, weight loss, enhancement of strength, etc.
According to the newspaper the Miami New Times, the anti-aging clinic Biogenesis was found guilty of illegal sale of performance-enhancing drugs. Moreover, such celebrated baseball players, as Alex Rodriquez and Melky Cabrera acquired doping products from Biogenesis of America. So, the anti-aging clinic turned out to be connected with one of the biggest steroid scandals in the sport of baseball.
Medical records of Biogenesis were received from an employee of the clinic. The records were presented on the website of the newspaper Miami New Times. Reporters noticed that the employee who gave the records didn’t want to be identified.
It is reported that anabolic steroids, HGH, IGF-1 and other prescription preparations are widely offered for sale illegally by anti-aging clinics. Moreover, clinics hire physicians who provide fake prescriptions. Prescriptions for anabolic steroids and other related drugs are often given to clients without required evaluation of their individual conditions. Furthermore, doctors provide prescriptions even without seeing their patients. In additions to these aspects, some corrupt doctors permit anti-aging clinics to utilize their prescription pads. As a result, anti-aging clinics sell anabolic steroids, painkillers and other prescription drugs illicitly, as if they acted legally.
When illicit operations of anti-aging clinics become obvious, owners of clinics, doctors and certain employees are sentenced to several sanctions. Nonetheless, the risk to get punishment doesn’t stop clinics from their illegal actions. Although proper authorities try to eliminate illegal sale of prescription medications, their success is not yet essential.

It is necessary to legalize doping in sports

Numerous professional sportspersons acquired anabolic steroids and other doping products from the Miami anti-aging clinic Biogenesis. The famous baseball players Alex Rodriquez, Melky Cabrera and Bartolo Colon also belonged to individuals who purchased anabolic steroids at this clinic.
What is unusual here? - Nothing. Steroids and other related drugs are widely administered in baseball and in other sports. Athletes purchase these drugs at pharmacies, clinics, etc. Many anti-ageing clinics, pharmaceutical companies and other related establishments sell steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs illegally. Biogenesis is not the only clinic that is involved in illegal operations linked with steroids and other prescription medicines. Sportspersons find different ways to acquire anabolic steroids and other related preparations and apply them. However anti-doping officials try to eliminate doping from sports, their efforts are not successful.
Do you suppose that anti-doping agencies don’t work enough well? Do you believe that they should establish more sophisticated drug testing programs? Do you claim that they don’t do their job appropriately?
It is needed to see that no any drug testing policy is capable to eradicate doping from sports completely. Sportspersons find numerous ways to avoid detection. Usage of doping remedies is a part of sports. It exists from ancient time. Even ancient Greeks and Romans had certain ways to enhance their performance to win. Will sportspersons discontinue using anabolic steroids and other related medicines now?
Several athletes get undetectable medications and use them. Moreover, they hire specialists that supply them with tips for administration of anabolic steroids and/or other doping products. So, several sportspersons have unfair advantage over others. Anti-doping officials can’t change the situation. They are not able to make sports “clean”. What is it needed to do under such circumstances? It is probably necessary to legalize doping in professional sports. Thus, anyone will be permitted to apply whatever he/she wants. As a result, no any sportsperson will have unfair advantage over another.
But since anabolic steroids and other related drugs are not allowed in sports, sportspersons try to find methods to purchase and apply these preparations, avoiding detection. When it becomes obvious that certain athletes dope, scandals appear.

Thousands persons believed in Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong was denying using doping products for years. However he was accused of taking prohibited medications numerous times, he continued to claim that he never administered forbidden preparations. Even when the USADA proved that the cyclist doped, he lied about doping. But ultimately, Lance Armstrong decided to admit to applying EPO, testosterone and blood transfusions.
Although many sportspersons used doping products and avoided detection successfully, there was anything unusual in the doping case of Lance Armstrong. Lance Armstrong reached great success in sports. He won 7 Tour de France titles. He obtained also certain other awards. The American cyclist obtained worldwide success. Although he submitted to many drug tests, he never tested positive for any forbidden preparation.
Undoubtedly, the American cyclist is not the only sportsperson who has doped. Athletes have used prohibited medications during past years. They continue to apply steroids and other related preparations nowadays. And professional sportspeople will use them in future. Application of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs is spread in professional sports. Almost every athlete administers forbidden medicines. While some sportspersons test positive for banned drugs and receive suspensions, others avoid detection.
As for the attitude to Lance Armstrong’s doping, it’s mainly negative. Numerous individuals got essential anger, when the well-known cyclist admitted to using EPO, the steroid testosterone and blood transfusions. Thousands individuals believed in him. They thought that the legendary American cyclist was “clean”. That’s why their disappointment was significant.
And what is about “clean” sports? Anti-doping agencies should think about this issue. While anti-doping officials claim that they have sophisticated tests to combat doping in sports, many athletes use steroids and/or other related medications and avoid detection.
While the legendary cyclist has admitted to using prohibited products, anti-doping officials should realize that their programs are improper.

Steroid use should be allowed in professional sports

Przemyslaw Saleta’s opinion about Lance Armstrong’s steroid use differs from that of many individuals. The polish boxer doesn’t condemn the cyclist. Przemyslaw Saleta notes that Lance Armstrong has acted like almost each professional sportsperson. The 7-time Tour de France winner has applied banned medicines and cheated about his doping. It’s not surprising. Almost every athlete uses anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.
While a lot of sportspersons that administer prohibited medications are caught by anti-doping officers and sentenced to bans, Lance Armstrong has never tested positive for any forbidden medication. He could avoid detection, despites of having been subjected to many drug tests. Undoubtedly, Lance Armstrong is not the only sportsperson that has avoided detection successfully. Let take Chinese athletes as an example! They are sponsored by the state. The state provides money enough to get such medicines which are undetectable. Thus, many Chinese athletes administer doping products without being caught. It becomes evident that sportspersons that have much money may use performance-enhancing drugs and remain undetectable. Lance Armstrong is just one of such sportspersons.
Przemyslaw Saleta has an unusual proposal. He considers that steroids and other related medicines should be legalized in professional sports. According to this sportsman, steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs are not dangerous for health, if they are taken by adults that possess sufficient information about ways to consume them properly. Przemyslaw Saleta believes that administration of steroids and other related preparations by sportspersons should be monitored by doctors. Thus, sportspersons are likely to prevent serious negative consequences.
Furthermore, Przemyslaw Saleta thinks that steroids and other related medicines are indispensible in such sports, as cycling. Cycling is a sport where athletes should endure very extreme conditions while training and competing. So, steroids and other related medicines help cyclists to maintain health in better conditions. Cycling in itself is dangerous without steroids and other related drugs.
But Przemyslaw Saleta warns that steroids and other related medicines should be prohibited in amateur sports. Furthermore, young sportspersons must not be also permitted to use these products because they may cause essential harm in them. Teenagers must not administer such medications because they may get severe unwanted reactions.
Nonetheless, Przemyslaw Saleta notices that it is wrong to think that anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs represent the key to success. According to the polish boxer, success can be obtained with the help of hard working.

Is it fair to blame steroids for Lance Armstrong’s testicular cancer?

Although the American cyclist Lance Armstrong has already forfeited his 7 Tour de France titles and other awards, his doping scandal is still widely discussed. Numerous persons are still expressing their attitudes towards this case. Not only his possible intake of doping products is discussed but certain persons also contend about Lance Armstrong’s testicular cancer. Why has Lance Armstrong experienced this health problem in his young years? What has caused this disease in him?
Whoopi Goldberg, a celebrated American actress is also implicated in debates related to Lance Armstrong’s doping scandal. While she has been mainly involved in discussions linked with marijuana and other related drugs, now she has chosen to join those who fight against steroids and other related preparations.
According to Whoopi Goldberg, Lance Armstrong has got testicular cancer because of anabolic steroids. The actress thinks that anabolic steroids are likely to lead to cancer. She believes that these preparations may induce appearing and developing cancer. Whoopi Goldberg thinks that experts should inform people about potential connections between anabolic steroids and cancer. The actress notes that experts can determine whether steroids have sickened Lance Armstrong.
But what do other famous persons consider about Lance Armstrong’s testicular cancer? Bob Weiner, a celebrated political commentator, notes that anyone should be very cautious while supposing that steroids are responsible for development of cancer. This person realizes that these products cause numerous negative results that are quite harmful for users’ health and even life. But he notes that it is uncommon to blame anabolic steroids for cancer. Such suppositions are serious. Bob Weiner believes that this issue has nothing to do with anti-doping morality.
Nonetheless, Bob Weiner is inclined to believe that Lance Armstrong’s testicular cancer has developed because of steroids. This disease normally doesn’t trouble young persons. Why then has Lance Armstrong got it? Since scientific literature supposes that connections between cancer and steroid use may exist, Bob Weiner doesn’t deny affirmations of Whoopi Goldberg.
But as it has been already mentioned, this issue is not included in those of anti-doping programs. Anti-doping officers focus on morality and they don’t care about protection of athletes’ health.

Drug use for non-medical needs

Manufacturers of drugs are inclined to illicit activities. Numerous companies manufacture and sell fake medicines. As a result, consumers don’t obtain desired benefits. Furthermore, counterfeit products may cause dangerous unusual unwanted reactions in consumers. In addition to these illicit operations, drug manufacturers also distribute prescription medications illegally. Steroids, HGH, painkillers and other medications are sold without any prescription. Thus, a lot of individuals use these preparations for non-clinical needs. Anabolic steroids and other doping products are widely administered for athletic goals. Athletes and bodybuilders purchase and use these medicines in order to increase muscle mass and get strength. Many persons desire to be more muscular and combat fatigue during trainings and competitions. That’s why they choose to apply anabolic-androgenic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. Some other individuals try to look more beautiful/handsome. Thus, they administer several prescription medicines for anti-aging needs.
Anabolic steroids, HGH and other doping products are widely purchasable at online store. Several companies even hire corrupt doctors that supply customers with needed prescriptions. These physicians provide prescriptions without suitable examination of clients and even without seeing them. Acquiring prescriptions, many persons purchase anabolic steroids and other related preparations and take them for non-therapeutic needs.
Although distribution and application of steroids for non-clinical purposes are forbidden under laws of many countries, a lot of pharmacies avoid punishment successfully. While some pharmacies and persons are found guilty of illegal actions related to drugs, they are rarely punished properly. Moreover, they continue to produce and sell anabolic steroids illegally.
Another problem linked with illegal manufacture and distribution of steroids and other related medicines is following: certain companies manufacture medications in unsterile conditions. So, individuals that administer such medicines may be contaminated with several illnesses. Sometimes contamination with a dangerous disease may be fatal for certain users. The meningitis outbreak that has recently occurred in the USA is widely discussed around the world. 39 persons died because they applied tainted steroid injections. Thus, proper officials should control manufacture of preparations. If safety is not at the needed level, health of users is in a great danger.

NECC acted illegally and improperly many times

In 2003 the FDA designed to shut down the New England Compounding Center (NECC) which last year caused the meningitis outbreak in certain states of America. The NECC produced tainted Methylprednisolone Acetate injections. More than 400 persons that administered the tainted steroid injections were sickened with fungal meningitis. This illness turned out to be fatal for 39 persons.
According to a recent report released by the House of Energy and Commerce Committee, the meningitis outbreak could have been prevented. The report disclosed numerous cases related to the Massachusetts pharmacy which should have been closed by the FDA earlier.
The FDA claimed in 2003 that the Massachusetts pharmacy should not have produced drugs till improving of the situation. But finally the FDA didn’t ban manufacture of medications at the NECC. Since the NECC was considered to be a pharmacy, it should have been monitored by Massachusetts officials. Thus, the FDA let Massachusetts colleagues to resolve the problem. As for Massachusetts officials, they didn’t ban manufacture of medicines immediately. The NECC continued to produce products. Just Barry Cadden, the owner of the company, got reprimand.
Furthermore, the Massachusetts pharmacy was guilty of some illegal activities. The company acted improperly under its license. Being a pharmacy, the NECC acted as a manufacturer and sent thousands doses of preparations to hospitals and individual patients.
In 2002 certain individuals experienced unusual adverse effects after they had got bethamethasone injections produced by the NECC.
Later several persons that got methylprednisolone acetate injections manufactured by the NECC were sickened with bacterial meningitis. Since these individuals received complete recovery because of antibiotics, the case was forgotten. The Massachusetts company was not punished for the tainted medications.
These and even certain other cases manifest that the Massachusetts company should have sanctioned earlier. The Compounding Center should have been shut down for its illicit and inappropriate actions. But the NECC was never sentenced to any serious penalties. As a result, the company continued to manufacture preparations that were dangerous for consumers’ health. Ultimately, the meningitis outbreak caused by tainted injections of the NECC spread to certain states and sickened many individuals. If the pharmacy had been shut down earlier, the contamination with deadly fungal meningitis would not have occurred.

Decisive actions of Tennessee health officials

The meningitis outbreak caused by tainted epidural steroid injections could have been prevented. But since the FDA didn’t utilize its power for this purpose properly, more than 500 individuals were contaminated with this illness and 39 recipients of the steroids died.
Tennessee officials showed unbelievable competence under these circumstances. They were praised by legislators for their decisive actions.
It was announced that a lot of persons who had received steroid injections produced by the NECC experienced complications. When Tennessee health officials found out about this situation, they enforced all health facilities to stop using products produced by the pharmacy from Massachusetts. Moreover, they informed immediately about contamination health officials of other states. Actions of Tennessee health officials were quick and definite. They acted rapidly and did everything in order to prevent further contamination and improve conditions of those that sickened.
If Tennessee health officials hadn’t acted so rapidly and competently, more individuals would have been contaminated with fungal meningitis and more deaths would have occurred.
As for the FDA, it showed incompetence. It didn’t utilize its power decisively in order to improve the situation. Then it tried to justify its negligence, noting that its power was not cleared and established enough to influence on such large-scale compounding pharmacies, as the NECC. However, the FDA’s excuse was not accepted.
Tennessee health officials deserve to obtain a gold medal for their efforts.
However some persons suppose that they could avoid contamination, warnings about risks still exist. A lot of individuals are still hospitalized. Others are contracted by health officials. If any side effects occur at injection sites of those who have used the tainted steroids, they must inform doctors immediately.

Manny Pacquiao helps Filipinos to go through poverty

Each Filipino knows and loves the professional fighter Manny Pacquiao. This fighter represents own country proudly. So, Filipinos admire of him. This sportsman is devoted to his boxing career. Manny Pacquiao is claimed to be a national sports hero and an international star. The fighter is known around the world.
It is important to mention that Filipinos love Manny Pacquiao not just for his success in fighting. While several Filipinos acknowledge that they are not interested in fighting at all, they notice that they love Manny Pacquiao. It’s not surprisingly. Manny Pacquiao is a very gentle and unselfish person. Certain persons note that he is modest and proud at the same time. While he successfully represents his country in rings, he serves other persons. Have you heard that Manny Pacquiao is involved in politics? This person is a civil servant. It is interesting to note that he doesn’t expect others to serve him. He is ready to serve and help others.
Manny Pacquiao has distressful experience. His life has not been always easy. This person has suffered from many difficulties like other people of the third world. His father has left the family, when Manny Pacquiao has been young. Thus, Manny Pacquiao has not had an easy life. He has gone through poverty. He knows what other Filipinos experience and how they feel. That’s why being a civil servant, Manny Pacquiao tries to improve his people’s life.
The boxer is also a religious individual. He studies the Bible day by day. His actions demonstrate that he believes in God.
 There is only one thing that causes controversy. Manny Pacquiao is suspected of doping. Numerous persons suppose that physical changes in this fighter point at doping. But Manny Pacquiao says that he has never taken steroids. His strength coach Ariza claims that the fighter has success because of new training methods introduced by him. Ariza notices that he is a scientist that has introduced new training regimen which has been adopted by Manny Pacquiao successfully.
Manny Pacquiao notes that he succeeds because of God’s help and workouts. He specifies that he is not bothered by steroid accusations because he knows that he has never taken any illegal medicines. Manny Pacquiao also reminds about the disgrace of the American cyclist Lance Armstrong. He claims that he doesn’t want to succeed with the help of prohibited medications because such methods can ruin his good reputation.

Equipment used for manufacture of drugs was unsterile at NECC

It is widely reported about the meningitis outbreak which has occurred in several states of America. Contaminated Methylprednisolone Acetate injections led to fungal meningitis in over 500 persons. The contamination turned out to be fatal for 39 patients: they died. The majority of deaths took place in Tennessee.
It was reported that contaminated steroid injections had been produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) that is based in Massachusetts. The FDA tested the pharmacy in order to determine what led to contamination and see the situation at the NECC. It was confirmed by the FDA that the contaminated steroid injections were really produced by this company.
According to the Associated Press, the FDA reported that it was evident that manufacture of products was unsterile at the NECC. The FDA noted that leaking water and uncontrolled temperature were only certain problems at the pharmacy. The equipment used for preparing of solution for injections was unsterile.
Moreover, the FDA stated that there were certain other contaminants. Some bacterial contaminants were discovered at the pharmacy. However these contaminants were not real pathogens, they were capable to lead to infection as well. These bacterial contaminants were found in such products, as Betamethasone and Triamcinolone. There were not any situations reported about contamination caused by usage of these preparations. But it was claimed that these drugs could also produce contamination. Although the bacterial contaminants presented anywhere in the environment, they had not to be in medications. This fact pointed at unsterile conditions at the pharmacy and confirmed that the Methylprednisolone Acetate injections turned out to be contaminated with fungal meningitis because they were prepared in improper conditions.
The situation made it clear that new laws on pharmacies should be established. Contamination should be prevented. Otherwise, public health is in danger in the USA.

Barry Larkin: steroid users should be kept out of Baseball Hall of Fame

The retired baseball player Barry Larkin notices about his negative attitude towards sportspersons who have ever used anabolic steroids and/or other prohibited medicines. He considers that such baseball players who have ever been associated with performance-enhancing drugs must not enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. To enter the Hall of Fame is the greatest honor that is gotten by baseball players. Barry Larkin has been introduced in the Hall of Fame last year. He believes that steroid users should not obtain the highest honor. They should realize that they have made a serious mistake, when they have made a decision to use anabolic steroids and/or other related medicines. Their decision points that they should be kept out of this club forever.
Barry Larkin is one of  the most successful baseball players. He has receieved certain awards, while playing baseball professionally.
Barry Larkin also notes about Pete Rose that is kept out of the Baseball Hall of Fame. This person has gambled on baseball games. That’s why he has been banned from professional baseball for the whole life. Thus, he doesn’t have any chance to be introduced to the Hall of Fame. Barry Larkin thinks that those that have ever administered forbidden products should receive similar suspension. They must not be elected for the Hall of Fame.
Barry Larkin has played during the steroid era. He doesn’t intend to blame those that have played with and against him. He doesn’t make hasty conclusions about other baseball players. Barry Larkin underlines that no any sportsman should be punished, if his guilt has not been proven. He is claimed to be innocent until it will be obvious that he has actually administered anabolic steroids and/or other related drugs.
Barry Larkin also takes part in teaching young sportspersons about dangers linked with application of anabolic steroids. He has established a charity foundation which has been called after his name. Thus, the retired baseball player puts substantial efforts in order to make baseball clean. He convinces young persons not to use anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. Barry Larkin wants to see baseball drug-free.

Anderson Silva and George St-Pierre are not interested in facing one another

Dana White, the UFC president, continues to claim that the fight between Anderson Silva and George St-Pierre will occur. Although Anderson Silva has specified that he is not interested in the fight, Dana White doesn’t cease to hope. Dana White notes that the fight between these men will occur before Anderson Silva ends his athletic career.
Anderson Silva will also face Jon Jones. But now Jon Jones trains in order to fight against Chael Sonnen. The fight is scheduled to occur in April this year.
Since Anderson Silva and St-Pierre don’t express any hatred to each other, fans want more eagerly to watch the fight between Anderson Silva and Jon Jones.
During interviews both Anderson Silva and George St-Pierre have argued that they don’t desire to face one another. Despites of their words, Dana White underlines that he knows the situation better. He notes that while Anderson Silva and George St-Pierre claim that they don’t desire to face each other in the ring, it isn’t true. The UFC president states that completely opposite statements are pronounced behind the scenes. Moreover, Anderson Silva never refuses proposals of fans. The fighter always does what he is expected to do.
The UFC president praises Anderson Silva. He notes that this fighter possesses amazing abilities. Anderson Silva has demonstrated his great performance many times.
It is interesting to note that Anderson Silva has defeated Stephan Bonnar who has applied steroids.
Talking about the fight against Anderson Silva, Stephan Bonnar claimed that his opponent showed great skills. He added that Anderson Silva defeated him wholly. He felt as if he hadn’t had any success in MMA in his life. Thus, Stephan Bonnar lost the fight, despites of his intake of banned medications.
The UFC president doesn’t stop praising Anderson Silva. Dana White thinks that the fighter evaluates his skills properly and he knows that he can win any match. That’s why Anderson Silva is ready to face any fighter anytime.

Authority of FDA was depressed

The fungal meningitis outbreak that started in September last year had substantial influence upon America. Contaminated injectable steroids were produced by the New England Compounding Center (located in Massachusetts) and used by many persons. As a result, over 400 persons were contaminated with fungal meningitis in more than 20 states. 39 individuals contaminated with this disease died. 14 deaths were in Tennessee.
It became evident that it needed to do anything for prevention of such cases. Contamination must not occur in future. The FDA had to meet with representatives of all states for discussion of this problem. Thus, lately a meeting took place in order to find ways linked with prevention of contamination in the future.
It was affirmed during the meeting that new rules on compounding centers should be implemented.
Representatives of some states claimed that they did appropriate job in their states and no any individual suffered from troubles related to contamination. Moreover, they noticed critically that they were not aware of what occurred in other states.
When it comes to the FDA, its authority over such cases is not established appropriately. Federal court cases which were during past years reduced the authority of the FDA essentially. Moreover, several rules seem to be unclear.
Margaret Hamburg, the FDA Commissioner, expressed the proposal to improve the situation through the following modifications:
- to control training of state regulators;
- to induce sharing information between the FDA and states;
- to escape from ambiguity in laws.

These proposals seem to be justifiable. Such changes must help to induce improving public health of Americans. Of course, if laws contain ambiguity, no any agreement will be achieved. That’s why new rules should be implemented and existing rules should be altered.
The FDA hopes that state regulators will coact with it in order to prevent manufacturing and shipping contaminated medications.

Unfair results of voting linked with Baseball Hall of Fame

Fans of baseball and a lot of other individuals seem to be indignant by results of voting for the Hall of Fame. Some brilliant players have not been elected for the Baseball Hall of Fame. It is quite naturally that you also ask why they have not been supported. Under guidelines of voting, those that have demonstrated great baseball skills and contributed to their teams evidentially should be elected. It goes without saying that such baseball players, as Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire and some other athletes have demonstrated amazing abilities and accomplishments while playing professionally. Why haven’t they entered the Baseball Hall of Fame?
A lot of voters affirm that they will never support those that have ever been linked to steroids and/or other related preparations. Dopers should be punished. Future generations should realize that they will never actually succeed, if they administer doping products.
What would you do, if you were a voter? Would you support steroid users?
In fact, voters never possess entire information about admitted and suspected consumers of steroids. You can’t prove that Roger Clemens has really administered performance-enhancing drugs. Many persons have suspicions but there is no any steroid evidence. How may voters refuse to support him? Are they sure that he has applied anabolic steroids and other forbidden drugs? –No, they aren’t. That’s why it is unfair to keep Roger Clemens out of the Baseball Hall of Fame only because of suspicions.
While several voters are ready to support suspected dopers, they state that they will never vote for an admitted steroid user. However it seems to be right, let review the situation better! Have anabolic steroids played any essential role in success of certain baseball player? For example, if even Roger Clemens has administered doping products, it is possible to convince anyone that he has succeeded not because of steroid use. Great accomplishment of this famous baseball player have been manifested before his alleged steroid use. According to certain statements, Roger Clemens has used steroids since 1998 and then in 2000 and 2001.  But the most brilliant accomplishments have been done by him before 1998. So, no one can claim that anabolic steroids have helped Roger Clemens to succeed in professional baseball. That’s why he should be in the Hall of Fame.
Moreover, why are a lot of individuals inclined to blame only dopers? Isn’t it the society that presses athletes to start using anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs?

Cycling is example for baseball

Some members of the Baseball Hall of Fame say that steroid users must never be in their club. They affirm that such baseball players, as Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens don’t deserve to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. They are very glad that these athletes didn’t receive needed percentage of voting to enter the Hall of Fame. According to them, it is fair. They think that otherwise our children will be in confusion. They will believe that they are allowed to take steroids and whatever they desire and remain unpunished. Thus, it would be a negative example for future generations. Al Kaline, Goose Gossage and several others who belong to the Baseball Hall of Fame have this point of view. They even note about cycling, as a good example to follow.
What occurred actually in cycling? The famous American cyclist was accused of using prohibited medicines. As a result, he lost his 7 Tour de France titles and sentenced to life-time ban.
Thus, several members of the Baseball Hall of Fame notice that cycling is a good example for baseball. Baseball players that are found guilty of doping should be banned from this sport entirely. Record books must not include information about success of those that have been caught administering prohibited products. Those that have lied should be punished appropriately.
Nevertheless, not each member of the Baseball Hall of Fame has this opinion. For example, Juan Marichal supports Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens, etc. He says that these baseball players should be in the Hall of Fame. These athletes are stars in baseball. No one could prove that they have actually administered doping products. Since there is no any proof, suspicions mean nothing.
Under rules related to voting for the Hall of Fame, baseball players that have amazing abilities and those that have contributed to their teams evidentially should be enter the Hall of Fame.  No one doubts that Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were great players. They made essential contributions to their teams. That’s why they should be elected for the Hall of Fame.

Freddie Roach didn’t mean anything serious while accusing Manuel Marquez of steroid use

Any fan saw that the body of the American boxer Juan Manuel Marquez had been altered obviously. What caused such dramatic changes in the sportsperson?
Since Juan Manuel Marquez is connected with the admitted steroid dealer Angel “Memo” Hernandez, a lot of individuals suggest that the boxer’s muscles have been enhanced because of anabolic steroids and/or other related drugs. Angel “Memo” Hernandez is the strength coach of Juan Manuel Marquez. This person was linked to the BALCO scandal. As it was found out, this person supplied numerous elite athletes with steroids and other related preparations. He presented information about some athletes who purchased forbidden medicines from him.
Knowing that Angel “Memo” Hernandez has been a steroid dealer, many persons think that he provides performance-enhancing drugs to Juan Manuel Marquez. Certain suspicions and even accusations were pronounced by Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s trainer. Freddie Roach expressed the desire to subject the both fighters Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao to testing before the match.
Actually, Freddie Roach didn’t have any proof. He focused only on increased muscles of Juan Manuel Marquez.
Later Manny Pacquiao’s trainer said that he didn’t mean anything serious. He claimed that he was just joking.
Angel “Memo” Hernandez affirmed that he was not just a coach. Since he is a scientist, he possesses great knowledge. He knows the best ways to obtain muscle mass and add strength. Angel “Memo” Hernandez says that he knows the methods to do it legally. No any illegal drug is included in his methods. But he doesn’t want to disclose his methods. The coach claims that this is a secret.
When it comes to Juan Manuel Marquez, he affirmed that he never took any banned drug. He affirmed that it was not drugs which caused the obvious changes in his physique. Furthermore, he added that weight was not the chief factor while fighting. According to Juan Manuel Marquez, a fighter should have intelligence, speed and strength in order to win.
Neither Juan Manuel Marquez, nor Manny Pacquiao was tested for banned medicines before the match. Such tests are usually conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after rings.