Author: csdesign

Sports are becoming more competitive every year, and every year athletes seem to be getting bigger, stronger, and faster. Driving factors behind this evolution in sports include more advanced training methods as well as increased nutrition. Then there are anabolic steroids, which have tainted the recordbooks in several sports recently, most notably baseball.

Steroids can be tempting for athletes who want to compete at a top level, especially if they see their competitors using them to gain a competitive advantage. While it is true that steroids can make an athlete bigger, stronger, and faster, there are also a host of dangers that should dissuade anyone from succumbing to the urge to seek performance enhancement from a vial, particularly teenagers.

Anabolic steroids are derived from synthesized testosterone, the male hormone largely reponsible for strength, muscle size, and aggression. By increasing the amount of testosterone in the body, it becomes easier to put on lean muscle mass, shed fat, and perform longer and harder in sports. However, that is where the benefits of artificially throwing off hormone levels end and the serious risks begin.

For men, supplementing with exogenous testosterone causes the body to shut down its own production, which can result in testicular atrophy, infertility, and sexual dysfunction. Also, it is possible for the excess testosterone to convert to the female hormone estrongen, resulting in a condition called gynocomastia, or puffy, enlarged breasts.

In women, elevated testosterone levels can result in irregular menstrual cycles, increased body hair, and the deepening of the voice.

Steroid side-effects affecting both genders include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Steroids are especially dangerous for teenagers because they signal that the body is already fully developed which causes growth plates to close prematurely, stunting growth.

Steroids can increase speed and strength resulting in temporary glory on the field or track, but is it worth the permanent health damage that follows? It makes much more sense to gain that edge the natural way, with smart eating and lots of hard work!

AZC Drug Testing Employee Screening Services of Tucson is here to help you make your business and workplace as safe and reliable as they can be. Call us at (520) 745-1029 to learn more about drug and alcohol testing for your workplace.

In 2012, over 10,000 Americans were killed in a drunk driving related crash. That’s over one third of all traffic fatalities, and an average of one alcohol related death every 51 minutes.

Drunk driving is a serious offense. But it doesn’t just affect the person behind the wheel, or even just the people involved in alcohol related car accidents. The impact is extensive, and involves everyone.

In 2011, over 1.2 million Americans were arrested for driving under the influence. Arrests, prosecution, and the consequences of traffic accidents, such as insurance, emergency services, hospital and repair costs, add up to an astounding financial price everyone has to pay: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drunk driving costs each American taxpayer more than $500 every single year.

The rate of alcohol related crashes is much higher during holidays, with a high percentage of people attending parties and enjoying time off work with family and friends. New Year’s Eve is the number one day for DUI arrests every year.

Fortunately drunk driving deaths have decreased dramatically since the 1980s, with nationwide efforts to raise awareness, encourage use of designated drivers, create serious consequences for offenders, and increase the availability of technology and services that prevent these types of accidents altogether.

Today employers can use state of the art testing devices and programs like AZC Drug Testing Employee Screening Service’s alcohol testing management software to help inhibit alcohol related accidents. AZC Drug Testing background screening and driver qualification file maintenance programs help businesses keep careful track of drivers’ safety records and hire the right people for the job. Their training services can ensure that all company drivers are well educated about the effects of drunk driving.

AZC Drug Testing Screeningalso offers a variety of Lifeloc breath alcohol testing systems. The availability of a device that shows drivers how close they are to the legal limit for blood alcohol content isn’t just about employment obligations, it’s about personal responsibility. Buzzed drivers who can check themselves are much less likely to get on the road, endangering themselves and others. That’s a gift everyone can appreciate.

Both the business and employees will benefit from maintaining a drug-free environment. Drugs are very harmful. Employees who use drugs are more prone to violet behavior. Therefore, a drug-free environment is a lot safer. As an employer, one of the main responsibilities that you have is to keep the working environment safe at all times.

Employees who use drugs are more likely to have accidents while on the job. This can cause the business to lose a lot of money. In many cases, businesses are forced to pay for healthcare expenses when one of their employees gets hurt on the job.

Employees who use drugs are also more likely to miss days at work. Drugs can have a negative impact on one’s health, which is why employees who use drugs have to take more sick days. They may also miss work because they are spending time feeding their addiction.

Employee absenteeism can be a costly problem. Employee absenteeism costs $3,600 per year for every hourly person. It costs around $2,650 per year for every salaried person. That is why your business will be able to save money by maintaining a drug-free environment.

Reduced health insurance premiums is another benefit that can be reaped by maintaining a drug-free environment. Health insurance companies typically charge more for high-risk employees. This is another way that maintaining a drug-free environment can help your business save a lot of money.

The only way that you can ensure that your work environment is drug-free is to test your employees on a regular basis. Make sure that you order drug tests at random because some people will skip work if they know that they will be tested. AZC Drug Testing Employee Screening Services of Tucson is here to help you make your business and workplace as safe and reliable as they can be. Call us at (520) 745-1029 to learn more about drug and alcohol testing for your workplace.

One of the most difficult thing for a parent to come to is the realization that their child could be involved in illicit drugs. You shouldn’t consider yourself to be a bad parent, or your children to be bad kids. There are a lot of pressures involved that may not be fully understood by either you or your child. However, you owe it to them to ensure that they live a good, healthful life. A good first step is to talk to your child if you suspect that they are abusing drugs and/or alcohol. But if your suspicions continue, it’s best to get them tested. That way you and your family can be proactive about the issue.

Warning Signs:
Although different substances can cause different physiological phenomena, there are a few general warning signs that you can look out for. These include a family history of drug abuse, friends who appear shifty or shady, valuables missing or money being taken, an inordinate amount of secrecy, chronic lethargy and apathy, physical deterioration (rotting of the teeth, gums, puncture wounds, et cetera), and emotional instability. If your family is witnessing these phenomena, it may be time to have a talk with your child and schedule the next step in the process.

Benefits:
It may hurt to have to drug test your child. It may feel like you’re invading their privacy and somehow hurting them. You may fear that they’ll further distance themselves from you. Or that they’ll no longer trust you or trust you to trust them. These are very real, painful concerns. However, you have to remember that your job as a parent isn’t to be their best friend. You’re their guardian. Their protector. Sometimes, that means protecting them from themselves. And although it’s a difficult process to say the least, you’ll have the peace of mind in knowing that you’re doing everything possible to give your child a good life. And that you’re leading them on the path to make good future decisions.

Options:
There are a number of options one could take if they’re considering to test their child. However, many of the over-the-counter tests may read inaccurately. (For instance, a poppy-seed bagel can result in a positive indication of heroin abuse). It’s best to leave it to the experts. AZC Drug Testing Screening is a professional service that can give reliable and accurate testing. In addition, there’s the convenience of their on-site mobile services. This process is difficult enough as it is. It’s best to minimize hassle and frustration with professional testing.