Today I read of the passing of a famous bodybuilder and I have mixed feelings about what I read about his life. He was only 6 years older than me and had tested positive during his career for banned substances. As a competitor myself and the mother of athletes I worry about the example this sets because I know the dangers associated with their use. Yet so many use them not thinking about the consequences and then wonder why later their bodies fall apart. I can’t say that the use of banned substances contributed to his premature death but I know of many cases where it has. It saddens me. Why risk shortening your God-given life for short-term gains and immediate gratification.