The Facts about Steroids
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Overview
Many young people are tempted to take steroids because they believe they will become better athletes or be more attractive. Steroids explains why this is a dangerous belief.
Synopsis
Many young people are tempted to take steroids because they believe they will become better athletes or be more attractive. Steroids explains why this is a dangerous belief.
Deborah Dysart-Gale - Children's Literature
Part of Benchmark Books' "Drugs" series, this title presents a discussion about anabolic steroid use. Five chapters provide an introduction to steroid use among young people, types of natural and artificial steroids, their effects on organ systems, drug testing, and steps toward breaking a steroid habit. The scope of the book is broad, covering a range of topics such as discussion of the physiology of skeletal muscles, the function of the limbic system and the Fourth Amendment aspects of drug testing. This is largely an effect of the author's tendency to discuss relevant topics in a degree of detail unrelated to steroid use (e.g., the argument that steroid-free health should include muscular exercise occasions a page-long discussion about injuries related to misuse of weight training equipment by teens). The resulting text is complex and dense, and thus better suited as a review or precis for adults who educate young people about steroid use and risks. Generally speaking, the discussion is pitched at a level that will exceed that of a high school student's knowledge of biology. Of particular concern is the final chapter on achieving and maintaining a steroid-free life. The section on how to quit contains no discussion about the physiological need to taper off steroid use, a potentially dangerous oversight in view of the remainder of the chapter, an up-beat account of ways to stay healthy and active without steroids. 2005, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 12 to 18.
Editorials
Children's Literature -
The dangerous effects of steroids are discussed in Steroids, with testimonials, pictures, graphics, and anecdotes to bolster the medical information. Chapters ddetail how steroid use has increased, why steroids have negative effects, cases and law surrounding steroid use, and treatment of people who quit steroids. The book begins with the compelling case of Olympic athlete Marion Jones, who had her medals stripped when it was revealed that she used steroids. While the book offers some good information, especially describing how to grow stronger through exercise and a healthy diet, it comes across as heavy-handed, plus lacks definition for words like "testicles" and "HIV." Some of the pictures, including the cover photo, depict a very buff athlete who presumably used steroids, which sends a mixed message. Steroids is part of a series entitled "Drug Facts" with other titles about Alcohol, Ecstasy, Inhalants, and Marijuana. Reviewer: Elizabeth Leis-NewmanChildren's Literature
Part of Benchmark Books' "Drugs" series, this title presents a discussion about anabolic steroid use. Five chapters provide an introduction to steroid use among young people, types of natural and artificial steroids, their effects on organ systems, drug testing, and steps toward breaking a steroid habit. The scope of the book is broad, covering a range of topics such as discussion of the physiology of skeletal muscles, the function of the limbic system and the Fourth Amendment aspects of drug testing. This is largely an effect of the author's tendency to discuss relevant topics in a degree of detail unrelated to steroid use (e.g., the argument that steroid-free health should include muscular exercise occasions a page-long discussion about injuries related to misuse of weight training equipment by teens). The resulting text is complex and dense, and thus better suited as a review or precis for adults who educate young people about steroid use and risks. Generally speaking, the discussion is pitched at a level that will exceed that of a high school student's knowledge of biology. Of particular concern is the final chapter on achieving and maintaining a steroid-free life. The section on how to quit contains no discussion about the physiological need to taper off steroid use, a potentially dangerous oversight in view of the remainder of the chapter, an up-beat account of ways to stay healthy and active without steroids. 2005, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 12 to 18.—Deborah Dysart-Gale