Playing It Smart and Safe

Since summer, 15 football players have died, including one from Costa Mesa High School on Sept. 30 and another in New Jersey on Monday. As student athletes strive to excel, many are pushing their bodies and their health--especially through the use of performance-enhancing drugs--beyond the limit.

How can athletes gain the edge without risking their health? MARY REESE BOYKIN spoke with a physician who administers to the teams of several local high schools.

CLARENCE SHIELDS Jr.

Orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine

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Of the supplements that players take, the most detrimental are the steroids. Since steroids require a prescription, most student-athletes are unable to get them.

Among high school athletes, one of the most popular over-the-counter supplements for strength sports such as football is Creatine. But the body can absorb only so much Creatine. If student-athletes overload their body with it, they run the risk of damage to their kidneys or muscles. When student-athletes eat well-balanced meals, they do not need to take any supplements other than multivitamins to reach their peak performance.

Peak performance usually occurs when athletes have reached maturity, and their hormones have produced enough to increase muscle mass. That’s why a child who has not gone through puberty does not have the muscle mass of a teenager who has reached puberty.

Student-athletes have to push the envelope--but to a point. That’s why they need a preseason physical to make sure that any abnormalities in their cardiovascular system that can cause problems are ruled out, as well as other medical cautions.

When athletes train in the hot weather, they must monitor their body fluid loss; weighing before and after practice is an excellent way to detect minor changes. When student-athletes push themselves hard, they will feel fatigued. But within 24 to 36 hours they should feel better and almost back to normal. If the student-athlete feels chronically fatigued, he or she may need to take some time off to recover.

Student-athletes must be aware of signs of problems: shortness of breath or for the asthmatic, difficulty breathing. Dizziness or a lightheaded feeling is a sign that the athlete needs to rest or may be dehydrated.

The attitude of “no pain, no gain” can be dangerous.