"How long after I get a cut can I have it stitched up?"
You have about 8 hours to get have this repaired before good closure of a laceration becomes difficult and the result is less than optimal. If you cut your head open or slice your hand don't wait until the next day to get this sutured.

"I had my last tetanus shot a couple of years ago. I just stepped on a nail, do I need another one?"
The rule is, if you had a booster tetanus in the last 5 years you do not need a booster. If it was more than 5 years ago and you have a new injury, you should have this shot updated. If 10 years goes by and you do not have a cut or puncture wound then you would get boosted every 10 years.

"How long do I have to get a tetanus shot after I step on something sharp?"
You should plan on having a booster shot within 24 hours of your injury.

"How can I calculate my target heart rate range for when I am exercising?"
One formula you can use is presented here:
 1: Subtract your age from 220 will give your maximal heart rate.
 2: Subtract your resting heart rate from your maximal heart rate.
 3: Multiply this second number by 0.6 (60%) and by 0.75 (75%).
 4: Add your resting heart rate to each of the numbers you get.

Example: If you are 40 years old and your resting heart rate is 60 beats per minute:
 1: 220 – 40 = 180
 2: 180 – 60 = 120
 3: 120 x 0.60 = 72 120 x 0.75 = 90
 4: 72 + 60 = 132 90 + 60 = 150

The target heart range for aerobic exercise in this person is between 132 and 150 beats per minute.

"What are anabolic steroids?"
Steroids are synthetic derivatives of the hormone testosterone.

"Why are steroids illegal?"
It is against the law to possess, sell or otherwise inappropriately use a prescription which is prescribed by a physician for a specific medical use.

"What can happen to me if I use anabolic steroids?"
Men who use these hormones inappropriately may have testicular atrophy (shrinking testicles), breast development, painful erections, become infertile (not able to conceive), become impotent (not able to have intercourse).

"What are other side effects of steroid use?"
Phlebitis (inflammation of the lining of the veins), cellulites (infection of the tissues surrounding the injection site), bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart valve especially if you have a preexisting heart murmur). There is a risk of transmitted diseases such as HIV and hepatitis which may go undiagnosed for months or years if the needle or syringe are not sterile.

"I am taking anabolic steroids and I am gaining bulk but what are the risks?"
Significant risks include liver function abnormalities including; periosis (blood filled cysts in the liver) and hepatoma (liver tumors). Orally or parenterally injected substances can result in male pattern baldness, increased body hair growth, testicular atrophy (smaller testicles), reduced sperm count, sodium retention and edema and gynecomastia (increased breast tissue).

"I heard you can die from anabolic steroids, is this true?"
Yes, you can die from complications associated with use of these drugs.

"I only injected once, what are my risks?"
The most horrific risk is that you may have used a contaminated needle or your technique may have been not clean enough and exposed yourself to HIV, hepatitis C or started the series of events which can lead to an infection in your heart (bacterial endocarditis). Talk to your health care provider and consider testing.

"How long am I going to be sterile for if I used these drugs?"
Studies have shown reduced sperm count for up to 9 months after use.

For more information about anabolic steroids including possible legal issues, visit DrugAttorney.com