EMS: Courage And Compassion In Action

By Shawn Godfrey07:40AM / Monday, April 23, 2007Print Story | Email Story

Shawn Godfrey is a certified paramedic and the operations manager for the Village Ambulabce Service Inc.

Welcome to "EMS:Courage and Compassion In Action," a weekly column written by Village Ambulance Services Operations Manager and paramedic Shawn Godfrey. Godfrey's columns will appear on Monday and will focus on the reality of the emergency services medical profession. â€œBuildingâ€ a Lie With the start of the Major League Baseball season finally underway, it seems the only thing that holds fan interest is the scandal surrounding some players' alleged use of anabolic steroids and other league restricted performance-enhancing drugs. Unfortunately, the overwhelming attention paid to these â€œbuffâ€ athletes has led to a growing number of teenagers quietly using or at least experimenting with these potentially dangerous bodybuilding supplements. Recent studies suggest that just as teenage girls may use dangerous strategies, like anorexia or bulimia, to lose unwanted body fat, teenage boys may also employ unhealthy ways, like anabolic steroids, to achieve their desired physique. A Growing Epidemic Today, the number of teens abusing steroids is rising at an alarming rate. The desire to be accepted has lured teenagers to the immediate gratification of anabolic steroids; however, the guarantees of increased masculinity conceal a more menacing reality. Studies have shown that the side effects of anabolic steroids can actually lead to a decrease in long-term muscle and tissue development as well as overall masculinity. What are steroids? In brief, anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the primary male sex hormone, testosterone. Testosterone is both anabolic and androgenic, meaning that it not only builds tissue but also helps control the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics. The average man produces about 4-7 mgs of testosterone a day. It is not uncommon for doctors to prescribe a replacement dosage of approximately 100mg weekly to help maintain normal levels for men whose bodies are not properly producing the hormone. Non-medical steroid users - the population against which recent laws have been aimed - typically administer between 10 and 100 times that dosage [1]. There are ten major classes of anabolic steroids: Oral (taken by mouth) Injection/oil-based Injection/water-based Patch or gel Aerosol, propellant based preparation Sublingual preparation (under the tongue) Trans-dermal preparation (absorbed through the skin) Androgen and estrogen combination Counterfeit anabolic steroids Over the counter (OTC) Doctors may prescribe a different category of steroid termed "corticosteroids." These substances are used to decrease swelling. Corticosteroids are NOT anabolic steroids and do not typically produce the same harmful side effects. Although steroid use may tarnish the achievements and reputation of those who are caught using them, teenagers who want to quickly increase their strength, speed, stamina, physical appearance, and the acceptance of their peers donâ€™t seem to care. A Damaged Heart A 19 year old boy, with an impressive physique and severe acne, called 9-1-1 complaining of â€œa heavy discomfortâ€ in his chest. After the ambulance arrives, his girlfriend tells the paramedics that the patient has had a volatile temper lately and the facial acne seems to be getting worse. While conducting the history component of their assessment, the paramedics learn that the patient has been experiencing progressively worsening chest discomfort and shortness of breath since the morning, however, did not call the ambulance because he believed it would eventually â€œgo away.â€ The patient denies taking any prescribed medications, but his girlfriend says he takes a large amount of daily supplements consisting of â€œpowders, pills, and sometimes a needle in his butt.â€ After finding significant negative changes on the patientâ€™s EKG tracing, the paramedics treat the patient using a specific protocol designed for heart attack victims, then immediately transport him to the emergency department. Reality Sets In At the hospital, the heart attack is confirmed and the patient is again interviewed by the emergency room physician. After learning of the severity of his condition, the patient finally admits to just completing a 10-week cycle of injected anabolic steroids. Although steroid abuse cannot clinically be proven as the sole cause for the heart attack, the patient is warned that anabolic steroid use can increase the risk for blood clot formation in the blood vessels, potentially disrupting blood flow and ultimately damaging the heart muscle. What Can We Do? Early attempts to prevent steroid abuse must begin with educating not only the teenager, but also the parents or guardians about the drugs harmful effects. Many school districts now test for abuse of illicit drugs, including anabolic steroids, and studies are currently being conducted to determine whether such testing reduces abuse. This column is not intended to force personal beliefs on others but is meant to stand as a warning to those who may consider using anabolic steroids. Sources [1] Collins, Rick. "PUMPED: A Truth-Enhancing Seminar on Steroid Use and the Law." Powerpoint presentation. May 10, 2006.

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Your Comments

iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.

Hey Shawn! I think this is a great article! Many parents are unaware of the danger stearoid use presents to their teenage sons. Like alcohol and drugs, it is a very serious and very real threat. The long term repercussions far outweigh the temporary gains from stearoids. You have brought a seldom discussed subject to light. Great writing!! ;) Wendy ;)
from: gold duece girl	on: 04-23-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Coming from a female powerlifter, I know personally that strength and endourance can be achieved without the use of steriods. Nice article. :)
from: Carrie	on: 04-23-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I don't work out on a regular basis, but if I did I would not think of using steroids. Good informational piece for everybody.
from: Stephan	on: 04-23-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

A good article, but I almost didn't read beyond the first paragraph. It's ridiculous to say, "it seems the only thing that holds fan interest is the scandal." That dismisses millions of people who have a true love of the game of baseball. The article was informative once one gets beyond that ill-conceived opening paragraph.
from: reechie	on: 04-23-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Great article.
from: Jorge	on: 04-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

great story ,keep it up!
from: bernie	on: 04-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

love your stories shawn , keep them coming!!
from: jodi	on: 04-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Great article, times have changed even from when I was a child. The desire to fit in is always on the rise. Thanks for the information, keep up the good work.
from: Tim	on: 04-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I agree with Reechie. Very good column, but not all fans think of steroids with baseball.
from: Gene	on: 04-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I have been bodybuilding for many years and have dabbled with steroids. I must say they did make me bigger and stronger but my temper was off the charts and I couldn't do anything aerobic. It was an awful experience in the long run. I'm thinking of working with kids that consider using them. This is my first time reading your column and Im impressed.
from: Josh	on: 04-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Very good article, lots of good inforamtion,thank you
from: Darlene	on: 04-25-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

another great story.keep up the great work.
from: winnie	on: 04-25-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

A very interesting topic for todays times!
from: Colleen	on: 04-25-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I think what you meant by "it seems" in your opening paragragh was to say that the news can be saturated with this kind of information, not that it is all we, as fans, focus on. I feel you have taken nothing away from the sport of baseball with your article. I found it to be intelligent and well written. I will read your column again!!
from: aurora	on: 04-26-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Shawn very impressive article, keep up the good work. Read ya in a week.
from: Beaker	on: 04-30-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
08:30AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Construction is underway to transform the former Harry's Supermarket into a restaurant.

Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building.

"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu.

A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building.

White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.

He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns.

Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot.

A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use.