Education is a critical part of the battle to keep young people, particularly student athletes, off of steroids. Teaching about the dangers of steroids is part of many school districts’ health education curriculum but that alone might not be enough to combat the pervasive steroid problem.
School districts, parent groups, youth groups and other organizations should consider supplemental programming about steroid education. This can be done independently or local groups can invite already organized steroid education groups to address their youth.
The Taylor Hooton Foundation, for example, provides Hoot’s Chalk Talks to teenagers on the subject of performance enhancing drugs. According to the information found on the organization’s website, it is estimated that between 750,000 and one million children use anabolic steroids and that the number is increasing rather than decreasing.
The Taylor Hooton Foundation is the only entity that is solely focused on the dangers of anabolic drugs. It is named in memory of Taylor Hooton, a Texan, who committed suicide at age 17 because of his anabolic steroid use.
The foundation now seeks to prevent other teenagers, and their families, from similar tragedies. If you are interested in learning more about the Taylor Hooton Foundation or scheduling a talk please visit www.taylorhooton.org.
