Athletes and supplements

There was a story about football players being suspended for the use creatine (click here for the article)  and the blog manager recently posted the USDA link for supplements and medicines that can not be taken.  Here are the MA  high school and college rules

Massachusetts rules follow on nutritional supplements:

http://www.miaa.net/contentm/easy_pages/view.php?page_id=168&sid=38&menu_id=4

NCAA rules:

http://www.ncaapublications.com/p-4203-2011-2012-sports-medicine-handbook.aspx

Supplements are also being slipped into foods and drinks and unless you know – you could run afoul of rules.

My adult oldest son is fitness enthusiast and uses supplements to power up, build muscle and definition.  His vocation requires him to be physically fit and spends 2 hours a day working out.  He has devoted a great deal of study to his fitness.

When he was home last, he brought home fitness magazines,  filled with ads for supplements, articles written by physicians and various athletes about their workouts and diets.  The photographs showed jacked athletes that had made their goals and what supplements that they are using.

Three weeks from now, high school football hits the field.  Seniors and Juniors with Freshman and Sophomores or men versus boys.  Each of my boys in freshman year football remarked in awe how big and muscular their senior team mates were.

Being on a team brings responsibility and pressure to keep up with everyone else.  Being in a competitive and team environment you want to be your best.

Parents and coaches are at competitive disadvantage, we have strong forces working against us.

Being bigger, stronger, getting into a routine with yours buddies, acceptance within a team, building confidence,  gaining social prominence.  Billions of dollars are spent on supplements in the United States.  Advertising in magazines and television.  Supermarkets and drug stores devote aisles to enhancement products.  Thrown all together, naturally competitive, desire, advertising and availability.  You have volatile mix.

Parents need to have the talk with their athlete about what is good nutrition and enlist the help of the doctor.  Understanding the basics will help you to keep the kitchen stocked correctly during the season.

With preseason or captain’s practices happening, you need to be thinking and acting about how you are going to tackle the issue, the parent, coach and doctor can all work together.

Coaches need to explain their governing body’s and schools rules about drug and supplements at the first team meeting.

Doctors and Nurse Practioners have a perfect opportunity during physical examination time.  It is your opportunity to impart some words of wisdom and recommend the services of a nutritionist.

Working together we can have healthy players.