5 Tips For Getting Rid of Acne

Writen by Al Jeffries

By now, almost everybody has seen the late night and early morning acne infomercials with Jessica Simpson and Sean “Diddy” Combs. I guess they figure, if a celebrity trusts something, then so should you. The promises made for the product sound surreal, and yet for many people it may be just the cure they’re looking for. Even so, it may not be for everybody.

One of my daughters who had acquired a bad case of acne in recent years, tried the infomercial solution, and it didn’t work on her at all. Being a young teenager, she was beset by acne breakouts and needed a solution fast. But unable to find a quick solution, we ended up going to the local dermatologist for acne information and answers. The doctor gave her a prescription for a cream and an oral medication. After following his instructions for a couple weeks, her acne had virtually departed. This was the right solution for her, but it may not be for you – because we’re all different.

Here are some general tips that I’ve discovered over the years:

If you have oily skin – it’s best to take a medicated acne product or one in gel form.

If you have dry skin – you’ll probably do better with the acne cream form and medicated products with benzoyl peroxide or salycic acid.

If you have both oily AND dry skin (combined type) – you will probably need a combination of oily skin gels and dry skin acne creams to apply to different parts of your fact according to the skin condition there.

If you have sensitive skin – you will more than likely need less intense concentrations of either dry, oily, or combined-type treatments.

If you have skin pain because of acne – you should get personal attention from a dermatologist.

So many people struggle with skin afflictions on a regular basis. With the advances in science, you’d think that the acne problem would have been solved long ago and that acne would be a pale memory. Unfortunately the age-old confidence destroyer is still around and going strong.

Today, reaching middle age, I find myself in a new situation when it comes to unsightly blemishes. Now I find that my skin tends to be a bit oily and I have acne breakouts after moisturizing my face. One of the few things I look forward to as I get older is the absence of acne.

Al Jeffries is a writer and researcher. Please visit acne and allergies for more information.

Fat: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Writen by Jennifer Tran

When it comes to planning a healthy diet, fat is a complex subject. It’s useful to understand some basic information.

There are 4 types of fat: Monounsaturated, Polyunsaturated, Saturated and Trans fat.

Monounsaturated

Monounsaturated fats are considered good fats and are said to help reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure and to help control diabetes.

These fats are found in food like; olive oil, peanut oil, cashews, canola oil, hazelnuts, peanuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, pine nuts and chicken fat.

Polyunsaturated

Polyunsaturated fats are also considered good fats and are said to reduce triglycerides, inflammations and tumor growth. They also help to improve immune function and help protect against sudden death from heart disease.

Polyunsaturated fats can be broken down into two categories: Omega 3 and Omega 6

Omega 3 is found in foods like Canola oil, walnuts, flaxseeds, hempseeds, salmon, mackerel, trout, tuna, sardines, and herring.

Omega 6 is found in foods like safflower oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, nuts, beans and soft margarine.

Saturated

Saturated fats are bad fats, they raise cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact they are twice as potent at raising your bad cholesterol levels as polyunsaturated fats are at lowering them. It is difficult to eliminate these fats from your diet but one way to reduce them is to choose fat free milk and other dairy products.

Saturated fats can be found in foods such as meats, whole milk, cheese, palm and coconut oil.

Trans

Trans fats are the ugly fats, they raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL). They increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Trans fats can be found in foods like crackers, cookies, shortening, stick margarine, hydrogenated oils and vegetable oils that have been subjected to heat-damage during cooking.

In summary, some fats are essential for a healthy diet. However, the quantity of even the good fats you consume is important.

For more information, including how much fat you should be eating, visit www.heartandstroke.ca/ or www.americanheart.org

Visit http://www.fatfreebutdelicious.com for low fat dessert, treats and snack recipes.

A Piece of the Puzzle

Writen by Terry Coyier

Being bipolar is a royal pain in the butt, no doubt about it. But, when I was first diagnosed it was actually a relief to me. Finally there was an answer. The answer meant I was “crazy,” but it made perfect sense. It explained away so many things. I had a reason for why I lashed out at people and why I was suspicious of everyone’s intentions towards me and why I could be so joyful one minute and so glum the next. Then to find out that I could take some pills and feel better, I was nearly beside myself with the glorious expectations. Couple that with some therapy and I would be “normal.”

Well, I was consumed with being bipolar. I read everything I could get my hands on. I enlisted family and friends to act as my support group and to serve as my guinea pigs. Everything I learned I tested out on one of them. Did this example fit my behavior? Did I act this way or that way? What about such and such? I monitored my moods, my dreams, my meds, my cycles, my side effects, my habits, others habits, how many times I let the dog out – okay not that one, my triggers, my warning signs, even my chocolate intake! I was finally monitored out!

But I was bipolar and that was something. So, I was doing just fine and decided to switch meds (with the approval of my pdoc) because I had somehow gone from a size 7 to a size 14! Big mistake. Just inside of 6 weeks I landed in the ICU for a 4-day visit and then another 5 days in the psychiatric hospital. This was a great hospital though (with the exception of one grouchy nurse who thought she was a doctor). I was well taken care of, it was clean, the group therapy was actually productive and I got back on the right meds again.

I had outpatient therapy for about two weeks after I was released from the hospital. The therapy there was wonderful as well. I learned the proper responses to difficult situations. I learned I wasn’t the meanest person in Texas (there was another guy there who took my spot!). I learned how to fight fair and express my feelings. Most important, I learned how to give up control.

Now, control is a big issue for me. I don’t like to be in situations that I don’t have control. It’s not an ego related problem, it’s an “I don’t have control over my feelings, so I will control everything else” problem. It took me a long time to get to this point. I had been reading self-help books for half my life (13 years) and thought I had some idea of how things worked. Ha! I was still pretty clueless. But, now I was finally getting somewhere. Unfortunately it was at a snail’s pace.

Control isn’t relinquished at the drop of a hat. Especially a triple Aries with a type A personality! This is one obstinate ram here, and with red hair and green eyes, I am as pigheaded as they come. Very slowly I came around. I’m not completely there yet, but I’m still relentless in my quest.

Terry J. Coyier is a 37-year-old college student studying for an Associates of Applied Sciences degree. She is also a freelance writer who writes about bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. Terry was diagnosed with bipolar ten years ago. She lives with her son in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Terry is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers and her personal portfolio can be viewed here.

Hair Removal Does It Get Better Than Tweezers and Wax?

Writen by Betty Clayton

There are several accepted methods of hair removal but many women return to two trusted, tried and true methods when it comes to facial hair – tweezing and wax. The reason? Probably one of the biggest reasons is a fear of doing some major damage to the face, but there are some other considerations as well. Whether you’ve tried other methods of hair removal or not, the fact remains that tweezing and waxing have some real advantages.

One of those advantages is that the removal is not permanent. While that may seem like a contradiction, there are actually times when it’s a good thing that hair will grow back. Consider the plucking of the eyebrows. While your eyebrows may be bushy and it may very well be a constant battle to stay on top of the situation, you at least have the opportunity to reshape every few months. If you use one of the more permanent methods of hair removal, a misshapen eyebrow may mock you every time you look in the mirror for months. You can also more easily experiment with shaping, deciding what looks best for your face.

Another advantage is that there are no chemicals involved with tweezing and little fear of a chemical reaction with waxing. The person who waxes or tweezes the eyebrows will have a swollen area that is red for a few hours, but there’s little or no danger that you’ll have a reaction to some chemical in the solution you’re using that will leave you with hives, sores or some other reaction.

Finally, a major advantage for some people is the cost of waxing and tweezing. A pair of quality tweezers cost only a few dollars and will last for years. Waxing is slightly more expensive but is typically less expensive than many methods of hair removal, especially when talking about the more permanent hair removal methods.

In the end, it’s up to your discretion whether to use one of these very traditional methods of hair removal or to try one of the newer methods on the market. Consider the alternatives before you make your decision.

Betty Clayton is the founder of Easy Waxing a website providing information on hair removal and shaving.

Enhance Your Workout with Quality Elliptical Machines

Writen by Rebecca Naylor

Compare the different brand names available to you. Here I have listed 6 different popular ones with their various features.
Deluxe II: Two ellipticals are offered by this manufacturer. Both are light-weight, and relatively inexpensive. Small and compact, they are easy to move and set up. One style can be easily changed from an elliptical to a stair climber and stepper.

Useful features include:

Hand pulse

Programmable display

Quiet and smooth magnetic resistance

Foam padded dual-action handlebars (which means they move in sync with the pedals – this allows you to work your arms out at the same time)

Bottle holder (some with water bottle included)

Wheels for portability

Sturdy steel frame construction

7 series elliptical cross trainer: Maintenance-free magnetic resistance and impact-free motion are two big benefits with this type of exercise machine.

Useful features include:

Dual action, push and pull handle bars

Large, easy to read LCD monitor

Measures: speed, time, distance, calories, pulse and workload

Built in hand grip pulse sensors that provide contact heart rate

Telemetry heart rate monitor

Sturdy steel frame

Built-in transport wheels

Water bottle and holder

Maximum user weight: 300 lbs.

Life fitness: The top choice of health clubs all over the world. These are popular with athletic training centers and the armed forces because of their high quality. There are multiple versions of this type of elliptical machine – some are larger than others, though they all can hold the same weight.

Features include:

Digital heart rate monitoring system – this is the most accurate method available

Lower body movement and arm action leads to a total body workout

20 levels of resistance

9 pre-programmed courses

Maximum user weight: 400 lbs.

Comes with a storage and reading rack

Precor elliptical: Patented EFX

Acid Reflux: The Digestive System Disease

Writen by Michael Russell

Nearly everyone has a digestive problem, but many people develop these diseases because of lifestyle, poor diet and lack of physical activity. The digestive system is the corridor by which food and drink enters the stomach. This passage is the esophagus, which is part of the digestive tract that consists of the stomach and other muscles that aid in the breakdown of food. Once the food reaches the stomach it releases acid and pepsin as part of the digestion process. Heartburn or acid reflux is a common digestive disease that irritates the esophagus because of acid that backs up from the stomach. When the esophagus fails, stomach acid can seep back into it. This is known as acid reflux or heartburn.

The leading symptom of this disease is a burning sensation in the digestive tract. Other symptoms are the presence of acid in the mouth, hoarseness and chest pain. Severe indications of acid reflux are serious and cause respiratory problems, such as constant coughing and feeling out of breath. Prolong acid in this area can be damaging. Acid reflux or heartburn can happen to anyone, including infants and children. Even though infants are otherwise healthy, they can develop acid reflux due to an immature digestive system. However, most infants grow out of the disease by the time they are one year old. In older children, the causes are often the same as those in adults. When anything causes the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus to relax, or increased pressure below the esophagus, can cause acid reflux. Heartburn or acid reflux is common during pregnancy because of increased hormone levels and pressure in the stomach. Certain other factors may also cause acid reflux, including obesity, overeating, certain foods, some beverages and specific medications. Some natural remedies for treating or curing acid reflux are sustaining a normal body weight, avoiding strenuous exercise immediately after eating, maintaining good posture, eliminating alcohol and nicotine, scheduling meals several hours before bedtime and maintaining a healthy diet. Avoid fatty and fried foods which are hard to digest and limit chocolate, coffee and others beverages that produce high levels of acid in the stomach.

The esophagus and stomach, the first part of the intestines, is called the GI tract or digestive tract. This area can be compromised by esophageal cancer or peptic ulcers, which can result from tumors in portions of the digestive tract that is exposed to acid and pepsin. Symptoms of esophageal cancer include difficulty when swallowing, weight loss, pain in the chest, coughing, hoarseness, indigestion and heartburn. Some factors that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer are use of nicotine, excessive drinking of alcohol and acid reflux. Certain groups, including men, the elderly and African-Americans, are at greater risk for esophageal cancer. Ulcers can be caused by infection, use of painkillers and drugs such as aspirin and other prescription drugs.

Other diseases associated with the digestive system are liver disease, stomach cancer and colon cancer. Liver disease is the destruction of liver tissue over time. One particular type of liver disease is fibrosis of the liver. This disease is usually caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Colon cancer is the result of a high fat diet and cancer of the stomach is known as gastric cancer, a malignant tumor on the lining of the stomach. The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, but factors such as male gender, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, a diet high in salt, smoked or preserved foods and nicotine can increase the risk of the disease. This common type of stomach cancer can be cured if found and treated at an early stage. Fiber is a powerful weapon against cancer. It improves overall health by moving wastes faster through the digestive tract. This gives toxic wastes less time to come into contact with intestinal cells. Good sources of fibers are whole-grain cereals and breads, prunes, berries, fresh fruits, vegetables and brown rice. Recently, studies suggested that calcium and vitamin D not only strengthen bones, but also fight off colon cancer. High sources of calcium are found in dairy products, sardines and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin D are found in salmon and fortified cow’s milk. Most of your food nutritional sources should come from plants.

There is a variety of treatments for these diseases such as over the counter medications, prescriptions, at home medicines, lifestyle and even surgery. Treating these diseases depends on its cause. While these are remedies for the symptoms, the best and safest way to treat diseases of the digestive system is by prevention. Eliminate what is causing the problems such as an unhealthy diet, smoking, drinking alcohol or using aspirin and other painkillers. Proper nutrition and diet can improve and even help to prevent many diseases, including esophageal and liver cancers. Dietary fat is one of the biggest causes of digestive diseases and other health problems. Dietary fats and trans fat must be avoided, along with products like margarine, packaged baked goods, fast food, prepared foods, chips and crackers. Make sure your nutrients come from the food you eat rather than from supplements.

You will know that your condition is serious when symptoms are interfering with your sleep and daily activities. It is wise to seek medical help. Your physician will talk to you about your lifestyle and take tests of the digestive tract. Digestive diseases can cause severe damage to your health, make sure that the doctor knows all the symptoms that you are experiencing and if you are taking any over the counter medication. Prevention of digestive diseases is the best treatment and can help you maintain a normal lifestyle. Consult your doctor and other health organizations on further treatment and prevention of digestive diseases.

Could You Be A Candidate For LASIK Eye Surgery?

Writen by Niall Kennedy

Does wearing spectacles or contact lenses seem cumbersome to you? Are you considering LASIK eye surgery – one of the most prevalent and successful refractive surgery techniques? I suggest you hold your horses and rather request the valuable assistance of an expert surgeon, since LASIK eye surgery is not for everyone. Read on to see whether you are a potential candidate for LASIK surgery.

An important aspect to bear in mind while considering LASIK surgery is the patient’s age. Since the vision typically experiences a continuous change until the age of 18, you must be at least 18 years old (21 for some laser ablations) to undergo LASIK. Furthermore, if you are myopic, you should defer LASIK awaiting your refraction to stabilize, since myopia may continue to increase until a patient’s mid to late 20s.

Pregnant or nursing mothers are advised against undergoing LASIK, though they might go for LASIK at a later stage in life. Also, you must not be taking certain prescription drugs, such as oral prednisone or Accutane. To be a potential LASIK candidate, your eyes must be healthy with a stabilized refraction. Moreover, LASIK is typically not recommended for patients with herpes infections of the eye, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma, or cataracts.

LASIK is not a panacea for all vision anomalies. You must have realistic expectations while you consider LASIK eye surgery. Consult your surgeon to check out if you are a potential candidate for monovision. LASIK can be used to impart monovision, that is, one eye corrected for near vision and the other for distant vision. The crucial aspect is to adjust to this particular type of vision correction. If you can do the same, your dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses may be eliminated.

It is imperative that you discern whether you are a potential candidate for LASIK surgery or not. You must weigh the pros and cons before undergoing surgery. If you are happy wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses in order to compensate for the refractive error, and you certainly don’t believe that wearing eyeglasses cramps your style, then you could very well forego LASIK surgery. After all, LASIK is a surgical procedure and hence it’s bound to have associated risks and complications.

Give Your Heart Its Due

Writen by Joseph Jones

Have a pity on your heart. It works endlessly day and night without saying anything. You might not be able to put a stop to what you eat or drink on your own but if someone advises you to take a pill to control whatever you eat or drink won’t it be nice?

But what is that drug? ‘Acomplia’ the wonder drug, it can get your appetite decreased and can make you rid of smoking habit. It is like killing two birds with one stone, get rid of obesity and related diseases plus getting rid of the habit of smoking by taking the pills.

Thus Acomplia can help one to quit smoking, losing weight, increasing good cholesterol. As per clinical test one can reduce his waist-line up to 9.1 cm with 20 mg of Acomplia. Yes the results may vary from individual to individual.

Though there are lots of benefits associated with this drug like every other allopathic drug it also has its share of side effects. The side effects are – depression, anxiety, nausea, irritability, sleeping disorder. But the intensity of these side effects is mild and is short-term so it is not worth mentioning.

In the recent clinical trial of Acomplia, they say that it does not only help obese people to lose weight and reduce waist line but it also helps them control their blood fats and blood sugar level. The trial results also showed that the effects of Acomplia on blood sugars and fat level for persons with diabetes improved by 57 percent what could be explained by weight loss alone.

So, this is a multipurpose drug whose side effects are mild and are short-term so the advantages of the drug far exceeds it disadvantages. Thus having it for getting over obesity would be a great option to look after your heart.

But from where does one get it? As the manufacturer of Acomplia, Sanofi-Aventis hopes that the drug would get approved for sale in EU countries in next few months. It might be available in the market before the end of this summer. So, till the time the drug gets approval in EU one has to wait to get its benefits. But to gather more information on Acomplia you can go for online pharmaceutical websites.

Joseph Jones received training as a healthcare scientist. He has been working in the same field and writes informative articles for weight loss subject. To find Acomplia, Buy phentermine, Cheap phentermine, Diet pills, phentermine diet pills visit http://www.onlinephentermine.net

Brief Grounding of an Idea: A Guided Meditation for You

Writen by Jeanie Marshall

Purpose of this Meditation

The purpose of this guided meditation is to help you to ground an idea. That is, to help an idea of your choosing to manifest. In my view, it is easy to have an idea even a brilliant idea; it is not so easy to manifest it if our contradictory thoughts get in the way.

Instructions

Find a comfortable place, sitting or lying down, where you can be fully relaxed and open to the ideas and energy of this guided meditation. After settling down and before reading, take three long, deep breaths to calm and empty yourself.

Reading this Meditation

This guided meditation is designed for you to read aloud to yourself or to someone else. For yourself, you may find that creating an audio tape recording is particularly effective. Speed reading this meditation will not accelerate spiritual progress! In fact, speaking slowly in a monotone is beneficial when guiding this meditation, even though such an approach is generally frowned upon in public speaking.

The designation “……” indicates a pause, during which you may choose to be quiet or close your eyes and experience whatever comes to you. The …… may look awkward as you glance at the page. However, when you are reading the meditation, it serves as a reminder to slow down generally and pause at that place.

During the meditation, you will be instructed to identify an idea you want to manifest, which will then be referred to as (your idea). In place of (your idea), read or think the idea you have identified or read “your idea” if you are reading this to someone else.

The Meditation: Brief Grounding of an Idea

Breathe in your essence. Your essence is who you are. Your essence is pure and clear. …… Receive it. …… Let it flow downward through your body, through the various layers and levels of who you are. ……

Let energy flow from the spiritual layer downward through the mental layer, into the emotional layer and then into the physical layer. This is the direction for manifestation. Experience energy as it flows from the top down. ……

Anchor the energy by moving it down through the body, through these layers and levels, down to the feet. …… Linger at the feet so this magnificent energy from above becomes so familiar to the feet that you know easily when to step forward, move back, or stand still. …… Let your feet continue to vibrate so they place you exactly where you need to be, when you need to be there. ……

From your feet, follow the energy further down, into the earth, and then down into the center of the earth. …… Anchor the energy at the center. You may find it helpful to envision tying a knot in the center of the earth with a cord that flows downward with the energy. ……

Once again, open at the top to allow vibrant energy to flow into the energy field and flow downward. ……

Now, shift your attention to the bottom of your energy field and change the direction of the flow of energy. By opening at the soles of your feet and the base of your spine, you welcome up the earth’s vibration. …… Rich, thick, beautiful energy from Mother Earth flows upward. …… It flows up to support you, …… to bring the essence of the ground up to you, …… to help you know, without a doubt, that you are in the right place at the right time. ……

Align now with your life mission and higher purpose. …… Also align with your intention for the idea that you wish to manifest. …… Take all the time you need to identify the mission, purpose, and intention. …… Relax. ……

Now, name an idea that you want to manifest. …… Notice if it is solid enough to be brought into manifestation. …… Make it more solid and dense, if needed, by drawing more Mother Earth energy into it. …… As soon as you have named this idea, relax into the energy that flows from the top down. …… Relax and open. ……

Focus your attention at the top of your head. …… Envision (your idea) at the top of your head. …… Slowly, allow (your idea) to move downward, down through the layers and levels, down to the feet, and down into the center of the earth. …… Notice any resistance or heaviness or discomfort. …… Ask (your idea) if it wants to manifest in your life. Listen to the answer. ……

Rather than trying to force (your idea) to manifest, observe if (your idea) flows into the earth, easily and effortlessly. You will not benefit by trying to manipulate (your idea); instead, be in the flow. Notice and appreciate. ……

Notice if you remain grounded in this process. Notice if (your idea) is grounded, joyous, ready. If not, let it go! If so, let it go! If it wants to change, let it change.

When both you and (your idea) are joyous, (your idea) manifests in your life!

Copyright © 2006 Marshall House Jeanie Marshall, Empowerment Consultant and Coach with Marshall House, produces Guided Meditations on CD albums and MP3 downloads and writes extensively on subjects related to personal development and empowerment. Voice of Jeanie Marshall, http://www.jmvoice.com

Can You Beat Anabolic Steroid Tests?

Writen by Bob Howard

There is a maxim in police work that goes; behind every crime there is a motive. So it is with bodybuilding and most other sports. Everyone can remember Lee Haney’s, Dorian Yates’, and Ronnie Coleman’s string of Mr. Olympia victories, but try naming who placed second to these three great bodybuilders each year.

At the professional and top amateur sports’ level, the prime motive for intense training is the desire to be number one. The second major reason is greed. Athletic success can be transformed into a financial bonanza via endorsements, guest appearances, and professional sport contracts. Given the potential rewards athletic success can bring, it should not come as a surprise that some athletes might choose to shift the odds more in their favor. The following are some of the more common (both successful and unsuccessful) methods used by athletes to beat anabolic steroid tests.

BLOCKING AGENTS

In a never-ending quest by athletes to find a method to pass a drug test, the use of blocking agents has become a well traveled route. Blocking agents are drugs that athletes “believe” will allow them to use anabolic steroids right up to the time of competition. The word “believe” is emphasized because the effectiveness of blocking agents is more myth than reality.

To use an example, let us look at the drug, Probenecid, which was initially developed to slow the body’s rate of excretion of the antibiotic penicillin. Probenecid has also been shown to slow the rate of excretion of the class of drugs called keto-steroids. Upon hearing this, many athletes assumed that Probenecid would also slow the rate of excretion of anabolic steroids. Probenecid, however, is not very effective at doing this, and even if it was, it is on the banned substances list of most sports’ federations, and is easily detected in a drug test.

DIURETICS

Diuretics are used to dilute the urine by increasing the excretion of water. Some bodybuilders have used diuretics to speed up the excretion of all drugs in their systems. To counteract this, drug testers employ a technique known as the specific gravity test. Testers compare the weight of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of water, which has a specific gravity of one. If an athlete dilutes his/her urine, the specific gravity will be much lower than normal. There is, however, some controversy as to what range is acceptable as a normal specific gravity value for urine. As with blocking agents, most sports’ federations have added diuretics to its list of banned substances. Diuretics are a poor way to beat anabolic steroid tests.

SUBSTITUTION

Another method of cheating is the substitution of a non-drug user’s “clean” urine for the athlete’s own. A reported method used by some female bodybuilders and other athletes is to conceal a condom filled with “clean” urine in the vagina. When the athlete is called upon to produce a sample, a quick jab with a fingernail breaks the condom and releases the “clean” urine sample. To prevent this slight of hand by athletes, officials now implement close monitoring.

CATHETERIZATION

This is an extreme method of substitution and trying to beat anabolic steroid tests. By using a catheter (a long thin rubber tube) that passes through the urethra to the bladder, an athlete can empty his/her own bladder and refill it with “clean” urine. If this procedure is done improperly it can result in serious infection, hemorrhage, and/or rupture of the bladder. There is an ironic aspect to this procedure. Because of the sensitivity of drug tests, the athlete may still be caught. When the athlete empties his/her bladder, there is still enough fluid adhering to the walls of the bladder to contaminate the “clean” urine. Furthermore, the athlete’s kidneys are constantly filtering the blood, and hence excreting urine into the bladder, adding another source of contamination.

CYCLING ANABOLIC STEROIDS AND RETIREMENT

Anabolic steroids are a training drug. They are not stimulants and don’t offer any advantage during or just before a competition. Most bodybuilders are careful to confine their steroid use to the off-season. This ensures that the benefits of the anabolic steroids can be exploited without the risk of being caught. One way sports federations deal with this, is to have random drug testing throughout the year. But this is very expensive, and can be easily defeated.

Some athletes avoid random drug tests by training in other countries. Athletes who get homesick have another option, early retirement. While this means a loss of funding, the athlete can still train on drugs, and then make a comeback. An athlete can, for example, retire after one Olympiad, use drugs and train for the next three years, and then come out of retirement in time to make the team for the next Olympiad, without ever being drug tested.

Another method sports organizations have to combat drug use in the off-season, is the testosterone to epitestosterone ratio. This drug test was considered to be very effective because it could detect the use of anabolic steroids, long after the drug was out of the athlete’s system. Athletes, however, have come up with an effective countermeasure to anabolic steroid tests of this type.

The testosterone to epitestosterone ratio has been one of the most effective drug tests available since 1982. Athletes, however, discovered a simple countermeasure that completely invalidates this test. Since anabolic steroid use raises the ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone, all an athlete has to do is inject pure epitestosterone, and the ratio can once again be brought back to 1:1. It is claimed that injections within an hour of a drug test can produce a negative result.

As mentioned earlier, there is no exact elimination time for any particular steroid. Many factors influence the rate of excretion of steroids from the user’s system. For example if an athlete is using vitamin and/or mineral preparations, sun-tanning pills, or even some forms of over-the-counter medications, the ability of the liver to process steroids may be inhibited. Thus, a longer time for clearance may be needed. Such important factors as method of administration, location of injection site, the type of steroids used, duration of use, body-fat level, amount of water in the body, and dosage used, all play important roles in determining the clearance time. There is one guaranteed method for athletes to pass anabolic steroid tests; obey the rules of the competition, and stay drug free.

anabolic steroid tests

Bob Howard 02/15/2006