Articles: health.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Nov 2006
Steroid and prescription medicine abuse in the health and fitness community: A regional study.
The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of abuse of certain prescription medicines (POM) amongst health club attendees. The non-therapeutic use of such medicines has previously been considered to be restricted to the professional athlete. ⋯ Drug users were from all levels of society and reported various physiological and psychological side effects from their use. The present study indicated that the most used medicine/drug from less than reputable sources was still AAS but that, as a consequence of the internet revolution, they were being caught up by the more expensive designer drugs, particularly growth hormone. Physicians and medical personnel must become aware that the use of AAS and other prescription medicines is on the increase and appears to be predominantly used for cosmetic reasons.
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Men are at highest risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, some cancers, suicide and transport-related injury. An anticipatory approach to men's health in general practice should assess risk for these conditions and offer effective interventions, either to prevent them or manage them early. This requires attention to the barriers, not only to men accessing general practice, but also to appropriate assessment and management, especially among disadvantaged groups.