Other popular sports offer their own injury risks. Tennis players may avoid tennis elbow, a form of tendinitis, with proper stretching or by using one of the newer, oversized rackets. Golfers will occasionally incur a similar injury caused by an inflamed tendon on the inner part of the elbow, a condition they can overcome with a modified swing or standard exercises and weight training. Dr. Grossman points out that anyone planning to begin vigorous exercise after a prolonged period of inactivity, and especially individuals with underlying medical problems or unexplained symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, should first be evaluated by a physician. Usage has also broadened beyond serious athletes and bodybuilders.
Steroids are a broad class of chemical compounds that includes vitamin D and estrogen.
Anabolic steroid users take doses up to 40 times the normal therapeutic dose for men who don't produce testosterone naturally. All this adds to the risk of heart attack. In addition, users can suffer from toxic effects on the liver and an in-creased risk of prostate cancer. Anabolic steroid use is also associated with enlargement of breast tissue, acne on the face and body, shrunken testicles and lower sperm count, and may be linked to mood swings and increased aggressive behavior. With repetitive use, tissues may not be given enough time to repair, causing stress fractures, shin splints, carpal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendons, and strains, to name a few.