The Effects of Creatine on Athletes Bodies Essay -- Drugs Steroids Sp

The Effects of Creatine on Athletes' Bodies From a very early age sports are introduced upon both young boys and girls. Although it begins with sportsmanship and teamwork, it begins to evolve into new objectives when these young athletes enter high school. In fact, high school sports are vastly different. Your mind is trained to obliterate the opponent and win at all costs. This mentality can often lead many young athletes to turn to supplements to assist in muscle building. The most common supplement in use currently is Creatine. While athletic departments and sports nutrition stores claim that it is harmless, why do so many high school athletes end up with severe muscular and pulmonary damage? The answer has yet to be clearly defined, but we do know of some side effects which can lead to both positive and negative results in the continued use of this supplement. In order to understand what effects could result of creatine use, we must first explore what exactly creatine does in our body. Creatine is an amino acid which acts as a building block in the construction of proteins in the body. Muscle cells take the creatine and store it as energy for future use in the body. During intense exercise, phosphocreatine is broken down to creatine and phosphate, which is used to regenerate ATP. The remaining creatine in storage in the muscle cells may also increase the regeneration rate of energy after intense exercise. This serves as an extra boost of energy for young athletes. Currently, scientific studies indicate that creatine will boost an athletes maximum performance level by 5-8%. There is also evidence that leads sports nutritionists to believe that creatine can boost total energy output by 5-15%. At this point, it seems... ...ct, but I have yet to hear of any drug that can add almost forty pounds of muscle in a month without posing severe health risks. Currently, there are not any proven clinical studies that show side effects as drastic as what I have personally witnessed. According to the American College Of Sports Science, the only proven side effect of creatine is future weight gain of a substantial amount after an athlete has stopped using the supplement. Unfortunately, the true negative effects will not be fully understood until many years on down the road. In the meantime, parents and athletes alike need to take a stance against the use of dietary supplements at the high school level. Sources 1. Kreider, Richard P. (PhD), Creatine, the next ergogenic supplement? www.sportsci.org 2. American College Of Sports Medicine, Summary on Creatine supplement. www.iahsaa.org

Dont Do Drugs

Hi I'm Alma and this my opinion on why you shouldn't use drugs. I believe that drugs ruin your body, mind , and life. Drugs affect your body in many different ways such as brain damage , heart problems, kidney failure, liver problems and the list goes on and on. First of all Drugs are against the law and until the law is changed, anything to do with growing, transporting and selling of drugs is illegal. So unless you want to spend some time behind bars i suggest you think twice before trying any drug.The most common drug that is used is marijuana. A lot of people say its not bad and that it helps with pain blah blah blah but when really marijuana can be the cause for people to go to stronger more addictive drugs such as heroine, cocaine, and crystal meth. These drugs are known for basically taking over peoples lives. All it takes is to try it once and then bam your hooked on it. They'll do anything just to get that high feeling they first got.Which means they have to use more and mor e of the drug each time just to get that high feeling once again. Drug addicts often think and act differently when using drugs. They will often steal from their family, and there's more of a chance that they'll abuse them physically and mentally. The hardest thing for drug users is trying to quit. People get withdrawals where they can become depressed , have anxiety, become restless and many other hard side affects to deal with. So why go through all that struggle when you can simply just say no?Another reason to stay away from drugs is because they can hold you back from getting your dream job or even a job period and from being able to be around family and friends. Many drug users tend to lose all their friends and family because they either don't trust them, they're a bad influence or they're violent. I for one wouldn't risk loosing my family or friends because of drugs its just not worth it and why worry about if their going to make you take a drug test to get that job you real ly want.When you can be worry free if your drug free and then you can get any job you want. The last reasons to stay away from drugs is that they can have irreversible damage not only to your body but to your mental health. Many people have been known to loose touch with reality and in most of those cases its hard for them to return to normal mental capacity. There are people who are often in denial that they have a drug problem that can ultimately lead to overdose and death. In my opinion you should stay away from all drugs, because of these three main reasons.The First one being Drugs are illegal and using them can lead to the lost of your freedom for many years. The second reason is There's a high probability of getting addicted and you can end up loosing everything and everyone you love. The final reason is that drugs can cause you to lose your sanity and eventually your life. This is why i chose not to use drugs because i don't want to risk loosing my loved ones and my life. Ho pefully this will convince you not to ever try drugs either.

Recommendation Letter Essay

In my opinion, I have never before written a recommendation letter where the candidate and the opportunity were such a perfect fit. I have known Janet Lerner for two years now, since she took my introductory course in dinosaurs during her sophomore year. In my long teaching career, I have never met an undergraduate student with such a genuine and focused interest in paleontology, and such a clear aptitude for it. I will demonstrate this by speaking to Janet’s ability as a communicator, her specific interest in dinosaur paleontology, and her maturity and integrity. Janet informs me that you are seeking a skilled communicator to give tours of your animatronic displays. Even during her sophomore year, Janet was a skilled communicator on the subject of dinosaur paleontology. In my class, for which she received an A, Janet wrote two compositions: one on the roots of the discovery and the characteristics of Deinonychus; one evaluating the defensive capabilities of Euoplocephalus. Janet proved herself not only exceptionally articulate and schooled on the subject at hand, but she also showed herself capable of wielding an argument—moving from premise to conclusion based on relevant evidence. Janet also did all this with style and flair. I cite excerpts from her papers: â€Å"Previously seen as cold-blooded, pea-brained lizards . . .† and â€Å"The toe muscles acted as a spring mechanism to flick the claw around towards the back of the foot.† For me, such articulations underscore both Janet’s authentic fascination with dinosaurs and her ability to communicate that excitement and knowledge to others. As an academic advisor to the dormitory where Janet lives, I frequently witness her interactions with others and know first-hand of her community service. Last year, Janet was the elected vice-president in the dormitory, and in this role she was responsible for numerous functions, including faculty/student lunches and a recruiting phoneathon. Janet is well-respected in the dormitory—a popular figure known for her honesty, calm, and kindness. I have seen her handle delicate situations with discretion, and she handles herself in all situations with poise. Finally, Janet has strong convictions tempered by good judgment and reason; she has firm spiritual roots and an active, diverse, social life; she is loyal, committed, and clear-sighted. It is a rare treat to encounter a student as impressive as Janet Lerner, and if you give her the opportunity I am sure you will find her equally impressive. Please do give her your most thoughtful consideration.

Nutritional Considerations for Ice Hockey Athletes Essay

Nutrition is essential for one and all. Research has shown that optimal nutrition is critical for both physical and mental performance. Optimal nutrition means that which is neither excess nor deficient. Optimal nutrition has an important role in the performance of sportsmen. Nutrition is also important during practice and training sessions so that overtraining does not occur. The type of nutrition essential for each sport is different depending on the level of physical activity involved. Ice hockey is one of the high range sports which require high intensity training and also high intensity performance. This research explores the optimal nutrition requirement of ice hockey athletes. Energy requirements of ice hockey The human body expends energy in one of three ways: through the basal metabolic rate, through thermogenesis, or through physical activity. The basal metabolic rate is the minimum amount of energy expenditure required to carry on normal biological functions and reactions in the body, such as breathing, keeping the heart beating, and carrying out the process of waste management. It accounts for roughly 75% of the daily energy expenditure. Physical activity deals with energy expended during periods of exercise, and it accounts for around 18% of total energy expenditure. Dietary thermogenesis is the energy expenditure required for the digestion, absorption, and transportation of food. Some individuals expend more calories in thermogenesis than others, and this phenomenon accounts for the slight metabolic differences between obese and lean individuals. Dietary thermogenesis accounts for 7% of energy expenditure (â€Å"The Weight Loss Equation† 2004). While basal metabolic rate and dietary themogenesis remain almost same for all, physical activity varies from individual to individual and from one sport to another. Ice hockey is a fast-paced, physical team sport which is played on ice. The sport involves intermittent high intensity skating, rapid changes in duration and velocity and also frequent body contact (Montgomery, 1988). Typically, a player performs for about 15 to 20 minutes in a game which lasts for 60 minutes. Each shift lasts for about 30 to 80 seconds which is followed by a 4- 5 minute recovery time (Montgomery, 1988). Each shift is a high intensity burst demanding good muscle strength and power and also anaerobic endurance. Heart rates during a shift exceed 90% HR max. Blood lactate levels soar during the game proving that ice hockey is anaerobic in nature. Both anaerobic and aerobic systems of energy are important for performance in the game. When energy is derived after combustion of carbohydrates and fat in the presence of oxygen, it is known as aerobic metabolism. The by-products of such a metabolism are carbon-di-oxide and water which are disposed off through breathing and sweating. Aerobic metabolism comes into picture for energy expenditure during rest and low intensity exercises or physical activity. During this type of metabolism, energy is derived from glucose and fat in the presence of oxygen. The stored glycogen in the muscles is broken down to glucose which is further broken down using oxygen to create energy. When glycogen stores are depleted, fat metabolism is initiated for energy replenishment. Fat metabolism is a slow process and when this is used for energy, performance declines. As the intensity of physical activity progresses, energy begins to be derived from anaerobic metabolism where energy is produced from glycogen or sugar in the absence of oxygen. This is because higher intensities of exercise need more energy which cannot be supplied by aerobic metabolism. The change from aerobic metabolism to anaerobic metabolism is known as metabolism threshold. The waste products of anaerobic metabolism are pyruvic acid and lactic acid which cause fatigue and soreness in the muscles (Scott, 2005). Anaerobic exercise is much less efficient that aerobic exercise and hence requires lot of training. The first thing in a sport like ice hockey is to ensure that the player is consuming sufficient number of calories so that energy can be spent. Ice hockey involves intense training. Players of this sport expend atleast 600-1200kcals during workout. Hence ideal calorie requirements of these athletes are about 50- 80kcals/kg/day which amounts to 2500- 8000kcals/day for a 50-100kg weighing athlete. Some may even require 12,000kcals/day (Casa et al, 2000). According to the Canada Food Guide (qtd. in Bullard, 1978), essential components of food for any individual are proteins, fat and carbohydrates. These must be blended in such a way that they contain sufficient essential minerals and vitamins. There are four basic foods which make this possible. They are 2- 4 servings of milk or milk products like whole or 2% skim milk, butter milk, reconstituted evaporated or dry milk and cheese, 3- 5 servings of bread and cereals, 2 servings of meat and alternates like poultry, liver, fish, lean meat, cooked dried peas, nuts, beans or lentils, cheddar, cottage cheese, processed cheese and eggs, and 4- 5 servings of fruit and vegetables. This food can supply about 1000 to 1400 calories per day. Additional calories can be supplied by increasing the number or size of servings. Each individual has different needs of calories and nutrients based on the age, sex, size of body, daily activities and growth. For athletes, extra nutrition is essential not only to maintain body weight, but also to allow for exercise, training and competition. Consuming energy deficient diet leads to weight loss, muscle mass loss, physical symptoms, psychological symptoms of over training and also performance reduction. In females, eating disorders can develop (Krieder et al, 2002). Muscle strength Muscle strength is very essential for ice hockey playing because shifts involve intense body contact and high intensity and high speed skating. To develop adequate muscle strength, appropriate training is essential. Elements of strength training include hypertrophy, maximal strength, explosive power, strength endurance and periodization. Hypertrophy of muscles is essential in ice hockey players because the sport is involved with aggressive body contact. However, too much bulk is a hindrance and hence only optimal hypertrophy is aimed at (Tikkaja et al, 2003). Maximal strength is that force which can be generated by the athlete to the maximal level. Maximal strength is essential to generate explosive power during performance which is essential during shifts. Maximal strength training does not lead to hypertrophy of muscles (Hoff et al, 2002). Explosive power training involves training the athlete to contract muscles in a fast manner which is needed in shifts. Strength endurance is important in ice hockey because of the speed and high intensity burst that the sport demands. Periodisation allows sports-specific strength to peak at the right moment, i. e. the shift. For a good training program to run, a well designed diet must be there which meets the needs of energy intake and also incorporates appropriate timing of nutrients. Research has proven that a good diet helps in the adaptation of training and a bad diet impedes adaptation to training (Krieder et al, 2002) Hydration Water accounts for 73% of lean body mass. During any exercise, evaporation of sweat occurs as a method to regulate the core temperature of the body. The same is the case with ice hockey. Sweating causes loss of valuable fluids from the body which has only a finite reservoir of water. Hence if the lost fluids are not replaced in a timely manner, dehydration can result. Dehydration leading to 1-2% loss in body weight can compromise the physiologic function and thus affect performance (Casa et al, 2000). Once the loss of weight reaches 3%, exertional heat illnesses like heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke can occur (Casa et al, 2000). Dehydration during physical activity of sports is very common. Dehydration can develop within one hour of physical activity or even in a shorter duration of time. Dehydration can be minimized or even prevented by following proper dehydration prevention protocols (Casa et al, 2000). One of the indicators of hydration during exercise sessions is to check weight before, during and after the sessions. This is useful provided the players enter the exercise session fully hydrated. This form of monitoring for fluid loss is reliable and helps the player rehydrate in a timely manner. Another reliable method of monitoring hydration status is specific gravity checking of urine with a refractometer. Urine volume assessment and urine color comparison methods are less popular methods of hydration status assessment (Casa et al, 2000). According to the guidelines set by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (Casa et al, 2000), an athlete must consume approximately 500- 600ml of water or sports drink 2- 3hours prior to practice session or game and about 200- 300ml of water or sports drink prior to onset of exercise. During the game or practice session fluids must be consumed to make up losses. This can be done by taking 200- 300ml every 10-20 minutes. After the exercise, rehydration must be done to replace losses during the session. Electrolytes must also be included in the fluids to speed rehydration. Usually cool fluids are recommended so that the player takes more fluid inside. Bad signs and symptoms of dehydration include irritability, thirst, general discomfort, headache, dizziness, chills, vomiting, nausea and decreased performance. Other dehydration signs include weariness, flushed skin, apathy and heat sensations on head and neck. Sodium chloride must be included in the fluid replacement beverage when there is inadequate access to meals. Modest amounts of sodium ranging between 0. 3- 0. 7g/L can offset salt loss which occurs in sweating. Ideal rehydration fluid An ideal rehydration fluid will consist of 60 grams of carbohydrate in 1 liter of fluid. This concentration of fluid will not hinder fluid absorption and at the same time will provide the required carbohydrate for refuelling (Casa et al, 2000). Role of proteins Proteins are very essential when heavy work is done for prolonged periods and also during periods of growth. May sportsmen are of the opinion that proteins are the primary sources of energy for muscles. However, this is not true because, when other substrates are available, protein is seldom used for derivation of energy. A well balanced diet will have sufficient protein for building of muscles and hence there is no justification for the use of expensive high-protein diets (Casa et al, 2000). High intense trainers like ice hockey players will need about 1. – 2g per kg per day of protein which is twice the RDA recommendation for general population. Insufficient protein intake can result in negative nitrogen balance which increases protein catabolism and slows recovery time. This can contribute to intolerance of training and loss of muscle mass. The type of protein consumed is also important. Best sources of protein include skinless chicken, egg white, skim milk and egg white (Krieder et al, 2004).. Role of fat Fat is very rich in calories. Each gram of fat when burnt, releases 9KCals. However, metabolic breakdown of fat utilizes more oxygen and thus maximum physical efficiency is not possible when a diet which is rich in fat is consumed. However, some amount of fat is essential for flavouring of food, reservation of energy stores and body insulation (Casa et al, 2000). The dietary recommendations for fat intake in athletes are similar to those recommended for non-athletes. For an athlete, it is essential to maintain energy balance, replenish intramuscular triacyl glycerol and also take essential fatty acids (Krieder et al, 2004). Role of carbohydrates During exercise, body uses 30-60 g of carbohydrates per hour. Ice hockey players will need 400-1500 grams of carbohydrate (50-150kg body weight) to maintain the glycogen levels of the muscle. Majority of the carbohydrate in the diet must come from complex carbohydrates which have low-to-moderate glycemic index. Some of such carbohydrates are starches, grains, maltodextrins and fruit. Since it is difficult to consume solid carbohydrate during intense training, experts recommend that carbohydrates may be taken in the form of concentrated carbohydrate juices and drinks (Krieder et al, 2004). Vitamins Vitamins are essential for energy synthesis, prevention of cell destruction, maintenance of neurological processes and regulation of metabolic processes. Basically there are 2 types of vitamins, the fat soluble and the non-fat soluble. Vitamins A, D,E and K are fat soluble and Vitamins B and C are water soluble (Krieder et al, 2004). Athletes need as much vitamins as non-athletes. There is no evidence to definitely prove that increased vitamin consumption increases performance.

Case study - analysis company's economic issue and expansion of Essay

Case study - analysis company's economic issue and expansion of solution - Essay Example They are the proprietors who take the advantage of their position in ranking to exploit the employees and strain the gains of a firm for their personal gains. One key aspect of these vulture capitalists is that they invest in a firm, shows quick returns but the firm is bound to collapse and as such, the capitalist seizes part or the whole of the assets of the firm. Such is the case as described by John Nichols about the Hostess Brands Inc. These investors then cover up by laying blames on the employees and the workers unions. Hostess Brands Inc, the collapsing maker of Twinkies, Wonder Bread, vast range of snack cakes and other breads is one such a company to have severely been hit by the wave of the unscrupulous vulture capitalists. She has closed her 33 plants around the United States and has now embarked into liquidating the assets in a bid to offset the huge amount of debts outstanding. The company’s employees went on a strike joining the rest of the union’s members over the alleged exploitation by the proprietors and the top management distributions. Neoclassical economists have studied the optimal production of a firm by focusing on distribution of income among other aspects of major importance. This is well illustrated by the analysis of supply and demand and maximization of utility by individuals who are constrained on income matters and the study of firms that are constrained in terms of costs. According to the proponents of the neoclassical thoughts, people are always rational in thinking, and have rational preferences when it comes to value based outcomes. It is worth noting that firms maximize profits while persons maximize utility. As regards relevance in information, people act independently. However, according to analysts, individual persons lack competence in negotiations and bargains. This necessitates unions of persons with like interests or grievances. This can explain the formation of the BCTGM, a workers union that serves the hostess workers, however, the workers of the firm did not ask for better pensions as individuals or also through their union and this would better explain that the union was in no way responsible for the crisis. In fact, as a matter of fact, the company employees have a record of good working relations with the proprietors and have had working benefit and wage concessions. Adjustments to new demands in the industry and technological advancements have dominated the firm in the past. Farber defines labor unions associations of workers who bargain collectively and has the employers regarding the terms laid down for employment. The BCTGM was formed to serve the following purposes as is the role of all other labor unions: as a maximizing agent, as a bargaining body for the wages, as an arbitrator in times of conflicts and strikes and basic amongst all the roles, as a determiner of membership (Farber, 2001, 1). Nevertheless, Hostess collapsed as a result of the vulture capitalist’s nature of the management team. The team laid off 20% of the workforce and while the workers bore all the burden of the collapsing corporation, the management engaged more in looting the company’s assets and funds. According to the classical economics, human beings are assumed to be rational and that they make decisions on the best way for personal gains. This explains the nature of the vulture ca

Property Law Assessment 1 Formal Legal Advice Essay

Property Law Assessment 1 Formal Legal Advice - Essay Example On his bed, he realises minimal chances of survival and calls for a meeting. He gives Sonya a cheque worth  £100,000 on his own current account and note meant to transfer ownership of his shares of the house to her. The main issue in this scenario is the gifts that Leo gives to Sonya. The transfer of ownership depends on whether Leo dies. An issue may arise where Leo recovers from the disease and Sonya is not ready to surrender the gifts (Lorberbaum, 2001, p. 46). 2 4. He gives Sharon the key to his tin box under his bed telling her the contents belonged to her. The main issue in this scenario is the transfer of the gifts that Leo gives to Sharon. The transfer of the property will not be possible if Leo recovers, and he gives since he realizes minimal chances of survival.3 5. He gave Ben his accountant’s business card, telling him to contact him and get ownership of all his share certificates, sell them and give the proceeds to Leo’s students in equal shares Siam (Legal International, 2001). An issue might arise concerning the authority to transfer ownership of share certificates. Ben must be convinced that Leo has approved the transfer.4 6. Leo recovers from the illness. A part of the roof falls on him on leaving for his first walk since the infection, and he dies instantly. The main issue in this scenario is the death of Leo. It is accidental, therefore, all the gifts that he had given out succeeds. 7. Ben arranges to sell the shares and spend the proceeds on a holiday. The main issue in the scenario is the sale of shares. Ben arranges to surrender his shareholding in the house which is possible since he is the legal owner of the house.5 2. The property concerning this scenario falls under estates. Donatio mortis causa is a method through which ownership of property passes without the need to comply with the formalities of Wills Acts when death occurs. The courts develop and extend the doctrine on a case-by-case basis. This results in the

Writing a Legal Opinion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Writing a Legal Opinion - Essay Example Learning of this decision, school officials responded by implementing a ban on the wearing of black armbands. Students wearing the armband would be asked to remove them and should they refuse to do so, they would be suspended. Two Tinker siblings and another student (Petitioners) wore black armbands and upon being asked to remove them, refused and were subsequently suspended. The three students filed a complaint against the Des Moines Independent Community School District (Respondent) in a Federal court claiming violation of their First Amendment Right to Free expression. That suit failed and the petitioners eventually appealed to the US Supreme Court. The petitioners invoked the First Amendment to the US Constitution which essentially protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of peaceful assembly and the right to â€Å"petition the Government for a redress of grievances† (US Constitution, First Amendment). The main question in the Tinker Case was therefore whet her or not the wearing of an armband constituted speech and if so, whether or not banning the wearing of armbands amounted to a violation of free expression/speech pursuant to the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The petitioners argued that wearing armbands was a protected First Amendment right in that it constituted expression of an opinion.