Jerry Brainum, in the April 2010 IRONMAN Magazine writes about Anabolic Steroids and the Skin, a troubling issue for teens and bound to get your and their attention. Mr. Brainum is an exercise and nutrition researcher and has been a respected sports journalist for more than 25 years.

Mr. Brainum writes that medical research and literature points to medical abnormalities such as liver and cardiovascular problems in athletes that use anabolic steroids. But the more common problems, and the ones that are bound to get yours and your teens attention are: Premature male pattern baldness in men and woman, excessive stretch marks, and severe acne.

Less hair on top, weird body hair and more zits, yikes! Just what your teen wants!

Bald and bad skin is a bad combo for me, not to mention a teen.

In a study of power lifters cited by Mr. Brainum:

• 53% had acne
• 47% had increased body hair
• 27% had a higher incidence of oily skin
• 20% had a loss of scalp hair

Worse, the type of steroid related acne does not always respond to routine medical treatment if athletes continue to utilize steroids. Steroids can also worsen skin pathologies.

The stretch marks associated with steroid use, usually show up in the neck, chest, shoulders and upper arms.  This is also not good for teens that fixate on their looks.

Teens and other athletes that inject steroids under less than sterile conditions can often get bacterial and sterile abscesses, particularly in the gluteus (the rear end) the study said.

My comments: Sports pharmacology is serious business conducted by an underground community of unscrupulous coaches, trainers, authors, competitors, medical doctors, drug dealers, and self-proclaimed experts. Additionally, your teenager will probably buy some form of crap that may have no relation to steroids, from some “self-proclaimed expert” (read: uneducated, high school drop out, gang-banger, gym-rat, sleaze bag)

Furthermore, rampant steroid abuse has given rise to an industry to mask the evidence of steroids.   A whole industry was built just to fool the drug tests.  This means your teen athlete, who by the way knows about this shady underground industry, will need to take more drugs to hide the evidence of steroids in his (her) blood. Not good.

Well, how do you fix the problem?
How do you recognize steroid use or abuse?
What can you do to protect your teen?
How do you talk to your ambitious teen athlete?

Gather information:

Start by monitoring your teen’s physical condition for rapid strength or size changes and watch for aggressive mood swings. Twenty pounds of weight gain over a summer may not be a troubling sign.  But, when mixed with explosive acne or hair loss along with the symptoms listed above may be an indication of steroid use.  Years ago a teenage family friend blew up to 290lbs. Yes, 290 lbs. He suffered from mood swings and body image issues. Today as a successful executive he still has trouble controlling his weight.

Learn more:

Check out your teen’s sport, their coaches, and the goals of the athletic program.

Check to determine if the sport they are playing has prevalent steroid use. You would be surprised at the sports that have rampant doping and drug use.  There are rumors that steroids have tarnished golf’s most honored and respected winner. Yes even golf. Ever heard of blood doping? You better believe your teen has! Ask them.

It is also a good idea to pay close attention to the philosophy of the school athletic program or team your teen plays on.  Especially be watchful of an over ambitious coaching staff. Visit the team weight room or practice unannounced and just observe.

It would be good to determine if the sport they engage in is subject to drug testing and learn the drug policies of the school, conference and/or the state sports governing organization. As a parent YOU should know the legal consequences or suspension (or banning) practices for engaging in steroids, even if your teen does not. Remember steroids are a controlled substance and as such are against the law.

Talk to a medical doctor that specializes in sports medicine. The doctor should provide you with information. Search the web or visit your local library. The effort in research and planning is worth your time. The more you know about steroids the easier it becomes to open a meaningful dislodge with your teen.

But how do you combat or even begin to discuss a problem when your teen might be in, or is in, the “stupid, stubborn, arrogant, know-it-all,” time of life and has a hard time listening to rational thought, especially from “uncool” parents?

Try a guided discussion:

Engage your teen in subtle guided discussions about competition, cheating, and steroids.

Subtle guided discussions are a counseling tool for you to use to seek information, engage in thoughtful discussion and to lead your teen to introspected thought and hopefully to honorable conclusions.

Engage your teen in subtle guided discussions about the dangers of steroid use. Do not lecture or preach but try to make the conversation fun. Try to determine your teen’s competitive need to succeed or win in the sport. Try to determine if your teen would do anything or everything (even cheat) to win.

Ask non-threatening questions about your teens training routine such as the amount of time spent in the weight room and the specific diet/supplementation requirements of their sport. Learn about their sport and their heroes by name. Learn what is required in training time to become a champion. Show a genuine interest in their sport and their life.

Discuss sports heroes that were caught cheating with steroids (especially in their sport) and ask their opinion.

Questions such as: “Mark McGuire is trying to rehabilitate his image and is coming back to baseball, what do you think of that?”  Then perhaps, “McGuire is really paying a hefty price for his indiscretion, do you think that is fair?” “Was his fame worth the public humiliation?”  “Do you think he should get in the Baseball Hall of Fame?”

Try to spend most of your time listening to the responses.

Your teen probably will not listen to important medical information you provide about the dangers of steroids unless you are very subtle in your approach. Instead, talk about baldness and facial scaring from acne; that might get their attention. Always remain cool and in charge of your demeanor and thus the discussion. If your teen does not wish to engage in the conversation, subtly move to another.

Invite their attention to articles like the one written by Mr. Brainum and other reputable experts. Ask them to explain the issues importance or lack of.  Do not debate or argue with their comments. These are subtle guided discussions remember…not arguments. Be a good leader and be a parent your teen can talk to. Yes even about steroids.

Talk to and observe your teen’s friends:

Learn as much as you can about your teen’s life, their interests, music, video games, x-box stuff, clothes, bad teachers, gangs or bullies, just as you would learn about your best friend. You can learn a lot by quietly observing and listening to their friends. Even try to engage in their sport. For instance, you might be surprised at the skill and practice skate boarding or other X-sports require. When you speak to your teen’s friends ALWAYS do so in a friendly non-threatening manner. Show that you care and have an interest in their problems and their future. Remember do not lecture.

Worst case scenario:

If you suspect that your teen is using anabolic steroids and he (she) will not quit, have him (her) monitored by the family physician. Not the best solution, we agree but at least it keeps you and your teen in the health loop. It might save your teens hair and prevent severe acne scars that remain for life. It also might keep your teen from being banned from the sport for life or worse…going to jail. Remember too, that steroids are expensive so your teen may become a “pusher” to afford the drugs, Dealers get long jail sentences.

Everything in life has a price.

Your thoughtful comments or your horror stories are appreciated.

Dr. John Morgan

Saints Coach Sean Payton and lessons in leadership

Indianapolis Colts Management are you listening?

On Wednesday, Dec. 30th 2009, I posted a blog, Gutless Indianapolis Colts coaching staff means they will not go down in history.  Well, a lot has happened since then.

In Monday’s Miami Herald, Jeff Darlington writes, “The Saints became Super Bowl Champions because of a calculating quarterback, a risk taking coach and a team’s faith that did not waiver.” Drew Brees is quoted as saying this about his coach, “Not only is he an aggressive play caller, a confident play caller, but he’s a guy that can instill all those qualities in his players.” My words: That’s what leadership is all about.

This is not to say that the Colts players didn’t give the game every ounce of effort, because I’m sure they had.  As a matter of fact I know they did.  Surely the Indianapolis sportswriters will second-guess the coach’s decisions well into next season. This second-guessing may prove beneficial to the organization, maybe it will not.

I say it probably will not because my thoughts go back to the regular season and to the decision to rest players when the Colts had a chance at destiny, to go undefeated entering the Super Bowl. The Colt’s executive and coaching staff chose to play it safe.  It was considered a “smart football decision” and thus they decided to defeat themselves, to quit, and not to strive to become the greatest NFL football team and thus the greatest Super Bowl Champions ever. Well, the Colts got their wish. They are the most rested, injury-free, second greatest, not Super Bowl champions.

When the decision to sit players was made, so went the Super Bowl.  The Colts organization demonstrated a lack of need and commitment to be the best. Not good! These types of “committee” decisions must be washed away from the Colt’s organization if they are to recover to become champions again. The organizations will, their non-aggressive attitude, and their leadership skills must improve if they are to become champions. If not, they are destined to become what they desired by sitting their players…a safe and mediocre, second place team.

Am I being tough on the Colts organization? You bet. But what do we tell our kids? “OK little Johnny, strive to be the best, but only if it’s not too hard. If you get tired or afraid or if your goal is stressful play it safe.”  It’s Okay to phone it in, Lil Stewie.

Is that what we teach our kids about striving to be the best?

I’ll bet they aren’t saying that to the kids in New Orleans!

As usual your thoughtful comments are welcome.

Dr. John Morgan

Today, in the 2010 Gator Bowl, the West Virginia University played Florida State University.  It was the last game for the great, FSU, 80 year old, Coach Bobby Bowden.

Earlier in his career, Bowden spent 10 years coaching at West Virginia University. His children attended college there.  He is deeply loved and respected by both the people and the fans in West Virginia.

In 1970, WVU Coach Bill Stewart played there as a linebacker under Bowden for a year.  Stewart said that he is honored to be the last coach to compete against the legend.

Today, Coach Stewart and his team played their hearts out to win. Even though the sentimental favorite was Coach Bowden and that many fans, including me, hoped that Bowden could be victorious in his last game, Coach Stewart simply said…OK, Earn it.

WVU Coach Stewart didn’t back down or call off his team. Out of respect for Coach Bobby Bowden and for the game, he did the opposite. He went after the FSU Seminoles full bore.

Good for you Coach Stewart and your leadership. You and your team are to be commended for your values and your integrity. In the end, WVU came up short and FSU did win the game. But, they won it with hard work and teamwork.

WVU played tough until the very end of the game.  They left all their effort on the field.  They didn’t protect first team players or seniors for next year. They did not give the victory to Bowden and FSU.

WVU displayed a great desire to win.  Thanks for a tremendous ball game.  Your effort and character prove that you are also true champions.

I guess that is the difference between watching a real football game and a simple business transaction.

Your comments are welcome.

Dr. John Morgan PhD.

Gutless Indianapolis Colts coaching staff means they will not go down in history

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Thomas Edison

The Indianapolis Colts had a chance at destiny, to become an unbeaten team and maybe to win a Super Bowl.  They had an opportunity to become one of the greatest teams in NFL history. But the leadership and coaching staff chose to quit, to self-destruct and to ultimately fail. The coaches chose to sit their best players, the result a loss to the New York Jets.

The executives and coaches actively chose not to become un-beaten. They chose not to go down in history with their honor and integrity intact. Instead, they chose to play it safe, quit and rest their star players.  In doing so they left their courage, honor and thus their chance at destiny back in the locker room.

Some will say that their conduct was smart football by savvy executives. Some will say the coaches were protecting their All-Pro quarterback from injury. Some will say they were resting for the playoffs. I say, hogwash!!!

Leadership is being out front showing the way. It is to motivate and inspire people to achieve goals that mere mortals fear. It is accomplishing impossible tasks and beating unbeatable foes.  Leadership is having what it takes to attack your one chance at destiny with courage, valor and integrity. It is not celebrating, taking a break or drinking a cappuccino because you are almost perfect.

What the executives at the Indianapolis Colts demonstrated was “management” at it’s very worse.  What happened was certainly not an example of effective or meaningful leadership.  Can you imagine the Colt managers telling Vince Lombardi, or Don Shula to rest players on their way to a championship, or perhaps, a perfect season?

Imagine the carnage left behind after they had made that kind of suggestions to Lombardi or Shula.  The executive offices would have been littered with the bodies of the attorneys, accountants, managers, administrators, and facilitators that dared to make that suggestion.

Yes, maybe time will tell that the decision by the Colts was smart football.  But, in the meantime the Colts may become just one of many teams to win the Super Bowl.  They will not be special, they will not be the greatest. They may just be another team in a long line of forgotten champions.

One shot at destiny destroyed from within, by the very organization and people that simply do not understand the leadership, courage, and tenacity required to be the best of all time.

Oh, a special note to Colt managers and coaches. I’m on my way to Starbuck’s for a skim, half-caff, vanilla latte.  Bring your latest management book and let’s have a swell discussion on administering and facilitating people, committees and the decision making process. Bring a sweater or a light jacket; sometimes it gets chilly down here in south Florida.

Your comments are welcomed.

John Morgan, PhD

Should we care about Tiger Woods?

So, Tiger Woods confessed to transgressions (read infidelity and adultery) in his marriage. So he betrayed his wife, he lied, cheated and broke his commitment to her and repeated this conduct with different women.  It would seem that his actions were not a “mistake” but a calculated, planned and managed activity over many months.

What was he thinking?

Perhaps to him it was no more serious than buying himself a little fun, a new girlfriend or two, it’s just like getting a new car or boat, right.  Perhaps he is viewed as a stud and a hero to be envied by regular men that can only fantasize what it must be like to live a life similar to Tiger Woods.  Like the name of Tiger’s 200-foot yacht “Privacy,” should we just forget the story and give him his privacy?

But what do we tell our children who are fans of and look up to Tiger?

How do we teach them character, virtue and other lofty traits? How do we teach our kids basic ethics, and moral behavior? How do we teach them to resist negative behavior and to control their feelings and emotions?  No, we are not trying to be the moral police or preach, but how do you explain to your twelve-year-old son what has happened to his hero?  Do we say, “See Tiger got caught!” Is that all there is to this life lesson, getting caught? Or, is it just like the Las Vegas commercial? “What happens in Tiger’s bedroom stays in the bedroom.”

My comments

At least Tiger gave us a topic to discuss with our kids.  At this moment, he is trying to rectify his behavior with his family.  He needs his wife’s forgiveness, as much as he needs ours.  However all these guys must realize, Tiger, Alex Rodriguez, Terrell Owens, Ray Lewis, and others, whether you believe it or not, whether you measure up to the responsibility or not, you are role models to our children.  Is it time for the sports community, the writers and the commentators to hold our sports heroes accountable for their behavior?  Or, is the Tiger story no big deal and just another sports story without social importance?

Your comments are welcome.
John Morgan, PhD

I posted a simple question on the forum. Follow the link just below.
Would it be worse/better if Tiger were caught cheating at the Masters?

Are discipline, responsibility, and accountability lost concepts in the NFL?

After the teams 3 wins, 6 loses start, the Buffalo Bills Football team announced it has fired Head Coach Dick Jauron. His record since being hired is 24 wins and 33 loses.

As their replacement to Coach Jauron, the Bills hired team defensive co-coordinator, Perry Fewell. Coach Fewell does not have head coaching experience, on any level.

If you don’t know, since the end of the 2000 season, the Bill’s have hired and fired 4 head coaches.

Commentary:
Hey, Bill’s front office!

Do you guys see anything wrong with this picture?
How can you wonder why or how this is happening to your organization?
Do you have a disciplined process in place to select key people?
Is this operation run by knee jerk reaction?

Apparently, the problem starts at the top. Judging by the undisciplined approach to picking a head coach, it seems there is little discipline in your organization at the highest levels. Looking at your previous four choices, it seems you are selecting the first person available.

What about it Mr. Russ Brandon? Are you not the guy responsible and accountable for these decisions? Are you not the GM?

Well, this decision sounds like a snap, knee jerk reaction to fire Coach Jauron and a worse knee jerk decision to select Coach Fewell.

We hope Coach Fewell great success but Mr. Brandon you have some accounting to do regarding your leadership, organizational and management skills.

For heavens sake why not pick your doctor or your attorney to run the team…they do not have any head coaching experience either.

Dr. John

Tell us how you feel…
p.s. I will post this question on the forum also.

Follow the link below to the forum.
Who’s next to be hired or fired in the NFL?

In his new book Open, Andre Agassi talks about his troubled relationship with his father, his love-hate relationship with tennis and that he was a lonely, insecure youngster. The former tennis great and philanthropist also confessed to using the illegal substance crystal methamphetamine twelve years ago. For those who don’t know, Meth is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant.

Agassi goes on to say that he was so messed up on meth that his coach gave him two choices. The choices, either give up tennis and retire, or start all over again and re-learn the game from the beginning. Agassi chose to start all over.

Almost daily, we read or hear about sports stars, entertainers, politicians or the rich and famous either getting into trouble as adults or re-living some form of a troubled past.
Some of these people, like Agassi, can overcome their past, while others struggle to find meaning to their lives as adults.

The lesson is just that. It’s not just you that is lacking or suffering in some way. Everybody including the rich and famous, struggle with the challenges of life. Difficulties and downright catastrophes are part of life. It’s not the problem it is the solutions that make all the difference.

So, if or when this happens to you, take some down time to heal. The amount of down time depends on the nature of the emotional or physical issue. To help you recover, don’t be afraid to seek professional help if necessary.

At some point you must choose to make a decision about life and start to fight to get your act back together. Choose, quit or start from the beginning.

Get up and get yourself back in the fight for success. Start with a self-correcting plan and with intense effort. You’ll be back in no time.

Whether you are a Wimbledon Champ or an average Joe or Jane, don’t be too hard on yourself. Problems are a way of life; dismiss your doubts, your fears, or your past. You are worthy of success. Pick yourself up and go achieve your dream.

Oh, and remember: It is not just you, everybody is screwed up or lacking in some way.
So what! Get over it!

Good Luck,
John Morgan, PhD

Tell us how you got back up.

ESPN’s Chris Berman interviewed Josh Mc Daniels during the half on Monday night’s game between the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins.  Josh McDaniels is the Denver Bronco’s 33 year old, rookie head coach.  For of those of you who don’t know, Coach McDaniels and the Broncos have started the season 5-0.

During the interview, Berman asked Mc Daniels “When did you know that you were special?” Mc Daniels responded that he had to give credit where it was due most.

He first gave credit to the veteran players for their leadership in helping the other players get ready for the games.  He then said that all his players look for challenge, fit well within the system and team philosophy.

McDaniels further said that what the team accomplished validates all the preparation time, hard work and effort that the players have put in.

Wonder why this guy is a head NFL Coach at 33 years old?

He is a leader.  Even after being given a very pointed question, he gave credit for the team’s success to his players and passed on the opportunity for self-aggrandizement.

Of course he is a good coach and manager, but it is his leadership skills that are making the difference so far this season.  He is establishing a winning philosophy for the team and he is praising his players loudly and in public for their hard work.

Watch the interview…

Think I could get a uniform?

John Morgan, PhD