In the glamorous world of Hollywood actors and actresses, looking good at all times is a must. They need to maintain the youthful glow of their skin, sustain a wrinkled-free face, or ripped muscles. But with stress and a lot of pressure in their line of work plus the fact they are not getting any younger, they surely need all the help they can get.

It’s not surprising that Hollywood actors and actresses are into the latest anti-aging trend – the use of human growth hormone. The benefits of HGH enticed dozens of ageing Hollywood celebrities of spending almost $240 for a single HGH injection and approximately $ 11,000 a year. Human growth hormone has indeed become a fancy pursuit for most Hollywood personalities who are desperate to look young and feel young.

Effects of Injecting Human Growth Hormone that Lured Hollywood Celebrities

The appeal of human growth hormone to Hollywood actors and actresses is becoming widespread according to the Vanity Fair Magazine. In the interview of Ned Zeman of some Hollywood people, actors who are in their 50’s but still have the ripped abs are probably taking HGH.

A Hollywood film maker also imparted the benefits of HGH in his body. “My internal organs got healthier quickly. And I could feel it - the main impact of HGH. It very much imbues you with a sense of clarity and confidence.” he said.

Increased sex drive, tighter skin and the feeling of becoming 20 years younger are few of the most notable effect of HGH injection. The increasing demand is attributed to the idea that hormones wane as we age and if we replace them, we are also returning the levels of human growth hormones our body has when we’re still on our prime. Through the increased level of human growth hormone in our body, we are able to regain good health, energy levels and libido, just what we have in our younger days.

HGH users further claimed that they are able to sleep better after HGH injection. Rod Stewart’s ex-wife, Alana Stewart also revealed that she went through HGH injection to stop her hair from turning gray.

HGH is also used to build muscles by bodybuilders. Sylvester Stallone also took human growth hormone to get in shape for his role in Rocky IV. Reports even showed that he was caught by Australian custom agents with 48 vials of Jintropin a few years ago.

The benefits of HGH for Actor Nick Nolte seem to be very significant as he regard HGH as ‘a systems repair’ while TV Actress Suzanne Somers regards HGH supplements a ‘sex in a capsule’.

HGH is a rejuvenating force according to Dr. Uzzi Reiss, an advocate of HGH use. “I’ve been taking HGH for many years. I have the energy and vibrancy of a man half my age. I don’t get sick, don’t get jet-lagged,” he said. Dr. Reiss also performs HGH injections to his patients who would want to experience the benefits of HGH.

HGH Benefits for Cosmetic Purposes Not Yet Proven

Since 1990’s human growth hormone is used as a form of treatment for patients with rare condition of growth hormone deficiency. However, HGH supplements became popular to bodybuilders and now for actors and actresses. It is available in pill form, injectables or homeopathic remedies.

The theory behind HGH use is still unproven but its age defying properties are widely affirmed by HGH users. Dr. Andre Berger, a Los Angeles based expert even claimed that HGH injections were perfectly safe. But a quick research on the internet will lead you to stated facts of Mayo Clinic that there is still very little evidence to suggest human growth hormone can help healthy adults regain youth and vitality.

Side-effects including carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling in the limbs and enlargement of male breast tissue can also manifest. HGH users are also warned that they may suffer joint pain, muscle pain, increased risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and in men increased breast growth.

HGH advocates attested to the efficacy of the drug for anti-aging but further studies should be made to understand how it really works.

A plastic surgeon from Australia was sanctioned by the NSW Medical Tribunal for allegedly prescribing human growth hormones, steroids, and testosterone illegally. The Sunday Telegraph reported that Dr Michael Zacharia was fined $15,000 for making illegal prescriptions.

Celebrity Doctor Prohibited in making HGH Prescriptions

The celebrity doctor, who appeared in the TV series Extreme Makeover and a regular contributor to women’s magazine in the country, was also prohibited to make future prescriptions of human growth hormones and other anabolic steroids. The tribunal, though, still allowed him to practice his medical profession but there is one condition. Dr. Zacharia must only focus his treatments on ear, nose and throat surgery and cosmetic procedures.

The investigation which was conducted by the Health Care Complaints Commission resulted to the disciplinary action. According to the commission, Dr. Zacharia’s medical procedures like the use of growth hormones in treating anti-aging were grossly improper and inappropriate.

However, the doctor defended his methods of treatment. He told the tribunal that the use of human growth hormone has already been in use on other countries. “I have had this issue placed against me but really there are lots of other doctors who are performing exactly what I was doing - thousands of other doctors both here and over in America - and it is something that for some reason I have been singled out,” said Dr Zacharia as quoted by the Sunday Telegraph.

But the commission insisted that the steroids and HGH were not yet proven as an anti-aging treatment and may pose harm to his patients. They also noted that the doctor failed to maintain medical records of his patients and there were cases that he failed to follow certain medical procedures such as the proper prescriptions of the drug. The doctor allegedly prescribed growth hormone to a patient through a telephone consultation. Another issue that was hurled against the celebrity doctor was he made self-prescriptions of testosterone.

Growth Hormone as Anti-Aging Treatment

Dr Zacharia, who is linked to the Esteem Cosmetic Studio and connected with the Bondi Junction Private Hospital, argued that human growth hormone use is an effective anti-aging treatment. His interest in anti-aging treatment started when he visited the United States in 1997. But it was learned that some of the patients of the celebrity doctor used the prescription drug for bodybuilding purposes and not to control the signs of aging.

The use of growth hormone to combat aging is still a debatable issue because of lack of scientific and clinical studies. However, many medical practitioners believed that this drug is the main solution to aging problems. They contend that it can invigorate and provide additional energy to patients.

Other Illegal Prescriptions of Growth Hormones and Steroids

Similar cases have also been noted in the US. Last year, some medical practitioners in country were implicated in illegal prescriptions of human growth hormones and anabolic steroids. A doctor in Florida was stripped of his medical license for his involvement in unlawful prescription of human growth hormone, steroids, and fertility drugs. He made it without actual evaluation of patients from the different parts of the country. The doctor is one of the many doctors connected to a pharmacy raided for filling prescription drugs which were made illegally.

We seldom hear celebrities involved in the use of steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. If they will be using drugs, it will be more likely recreational drugs. Just recently, famous rapper Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Jones Jr., took a defensive stand when news broke out that he is using steroids and other drugs. The drug issue is not the only thing Nelly was angry about. Allegedly, he was also addicted to gambling and is now financially broke because of these vices.

Country’s Top Artist

Nelly, a country grammar singer, has sold over 21 million albums in the country. However, his popularity may be affected because of these allegations. This also leads to more questions. Where this news came from and who made the allegations?

All online celebrity sites pointed to MediaTakeOut.com as the source of information. The site first reported the tweets of an ex-manager of Nelly which ended into a word war between the two. It started when the ex-manager named Slim tweets that Nelly wasn’t happy when he booked him into a basketball event. When Nelly replied, Slim responded with harsh statements.

Addiction to Drugs and Steroids

According to Slim, Nelly was addicted to cocaine, steroids and is involved in gambling. The rapper is now suffering from financial problem which could lead to the foreclosure of his home.

Tweets Not True

The 36-year old country grammar singer said that Slim is not his ex-manager. He clarified that Slim is a promoter he had worked with in the past. He also denied that he is involved in drugs and steroids. “Don’t nothing go in this body but fish, chicken, turkey, protein, ROZAY, ciroc remy and Budweiser,” Nelly tweeted.

Nelly added that the story about losing his home is not true. “Ino some hoping that 4closure statement is tru but I’m sorry “EPIC FAIL”"! anytime any1 n STL wanna match deeds or pinkslips HOLLA,” he said.

If Slim continues to insist his claims this could lead to a defamation case. However, this situation may change if he can present evidence to prove these allegations. According to Daily Mail, this is not the first time steroid allegation was hurled against the rapper.

Steroid Issues in the Past

In 2008, he was implicated by a celebrity drug dealer as one of the latter’s high profile client. Nelly debunked the rumors saying he did not take anything illegal. “The only people who say that is people who don’t work out. Anyone who goes to the gym knows what Nelly is doing is nothing,” he told the media during that time.

Nelly’s physique is a proof that he is a fitness buff. Steroids will always come into the picture because it is a popular supplement for bodybuilding enthusiasts. Since Nelly already denied that he used steroids, it is up for the fans to decide.

If baseball would not give Jose Canseco a second chance, Donald Trump will. In the latest season of the popular TV reality show The Apprentice, the former baseball slugger will take another chance to fame. The casting for the new season includes celebrities from entertainment and music industry as well as from sports. But some people will wonder, what makes Canseco a good candidate for the Celebrity Apprentice? The answer is simple. Trump’s reality show searches for candidates who are controversial. Of course this will add spice to the show and get the interest of the viewers.

Aside from the ratings, the new edition of the Celebrity Apprentice will bring out the best in each participant regardless of their affiliations and personal preferences. The show started March 6 and aired on NBC network.

Before Canseco was black listed in the major league, he had a celebrity status. In fact his stats will put him in the Hall of Fame if not for the injuries that he suffered. And the worst decision that he made was opening the Pandora’s Box in the major league, the rampant use of steroids by baseball players.

Canseco wrote two books that chronicled his use of anabolic steroids and named several players, including some of his friends, who were also into steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. Though it was not illegal at that time, his revelations put the league into bad limelight. Some of the people that he named in the steroid books were forced to admit steroid use and others faced perjury charges for their continued denial for taking anabolic substances. Everybody knows what happened to Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez, and Barry Bonds.

Although the life and career of Jose Canseco can be compared to a roller coaster, the baseball slugger tried everything to get back his normal life. Last month, Canseco tweeted that he still hopes the major league will give him another chance and promised that he can hit home runs even at the age of 46. He even challenged Rodriguez to a home run derby.

The launching of Canseco’s third book also hit the news. But this time, he explained that it will not tackle the issue of steroid use in baseball but will just focus on his life. Baseball fans will learn how he suffered after disclosing the widespread use of steroids in the league and the lesson he got from that decision.

This time Canseco will be tested on how far he can go in the Celebrity Apprentice. Though he is not new to reality shows, his decisions will be crucial to stay in the group. Many baseball fans will watch out for one thing. Will Canseco make the same mistake similar to what he did in baseball?

The former major leaguer will be helping his charity, the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.). The organization assists minor league players who need financial and medical assistance.

The Apprentice (Celebrity Edition)

Team Backbone

David Cassidy
John Rich
Lil Jon
Mark McGrath
Richard Hatch
Meat Loaf
Gary Busey
Jose Canseco

Team ASAP

Dionne Warwick
Hope Dworaczyk
Lisa Rinna
Marlee Matlin
La Toya Jackson
Niki Taylor
Star Jones
NeNe Leakes

There are only a few celebrities who can talk about their use of drugs whether recreational or performance enhancing. Most of them tried to hide this from the public because it can ruin their career. But those celebrities caught by the authorities, they don’t have any option but to accept the repercussions of their actions. On the other hand, there are also some celebrities who want to help themselves by seeking professional help to counter their addiction. And a reality TV show offers this treatment without requiring them to spend a dime.

In the latest season of the “Celebrity Rehab“, a group of celebrities will be submitting themselves to a treatment that will be viewed by the public. A former Baywatch buddy will be one of the casts of this reality show. Jeremy Jackson, who played as the son of David Hasselhof in Baywatch, will try to renew himself with the help of Dr Drew Pinsky of “Celebrity Rehab.”

According to online sources, Jackson became addicted to human growth hormone (HGH) and testosterone when he tried to stop meth addiction. The Baywatch star is a fitness enthusiast but he feels that his obsession to stay fit could harm his health already. TMZ reported that people close to Jackson told them the actor is addicted to hormone injections.

Jackson is also taking several supplements according to TMZ sources. The actor is also injecting himself with vitamin B12. Steroid users take this vitamin to counter the effects of some steroids.

It is common to people engaged in bodybuilding to turn to supplements and image enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids. It helps them achieve better physique in a short period of time but there are some cases where abuse of these drugs becomes a concern. An increase in the dosage could put them in danger. A recent research in the US revealed that people who are into bodybuilding usually take a combination of human growth hormones and anabolic steroids to speed up the bulking effects on their body.

While some people criticize the methods being used by Dr Drew Pinsky, celebrities are still encouraged to take the challenge. Aside from staying in the limelight, they are also being paid for participating in the rehab. Dr Pinsky and his medical team works with the stars at the Pasadena Recovery Center in Pasadena, California where the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment were caught on cam.

The VH1 site said that the show will help the viewers understand the process of rehabilitation which is usually misunderstood. “An often raw and unflinching look at the many faces of addiction, Dr. Drew shows us that rehab is not a glamorous spa vacation for celebrities as portrayed in the media but a profound life changing process that offers hope for a better life,” the company explained on its website.

The latest season of the “Celebrity Rehab” will be aired this month on VH1. The cast includes Michael Lohan, the father of Lindsay Lohan; Michaele Salahi, alumnus of the The Real Housewives of Washington DC; Amy Fisher, “Long Island Lolita”; Bai Ling, actress; and Jeremy Jackson. The show is already on its 5th season.

Federal authorities investigating a multi-state steroid distribution ring, which started fours years ago, has again claimed another victory. A former dentist from Cape Coral, Fla. recently pleaded guilty to 3 counts of illegal distribution of steroids and human growth hormone. Dr. James M. D’Amico was accused making illegal prescriptions of performance enhancing drugs to patients he had never met. It was also revealed that he continued prescribing steroids for more than 2 years even if his license was revoked. Health experts also questioned D’Amico’s prescription of HGH because he is a dentist.

The prescriptions were filled by at least two Florida pharmacies, Signature Pharmacy in Orlando and PowerMedica in Deerfield Beach. Owners of these pharmacies were also charged by the federal authorities. PowerMedica owner already pleaded guilty while Signature Pharmacy owners are still fighting for their case in court.

D’Amico was able to prescribe steroids and HGH worth thousands of dollars to various clients including professional athletes and celebrities. He was also paid by PowerMedica to make prescriptions for their clients. Based on business records obtained by the Times Union, some of the D’Amico’s “patients” include several major league players like former major league pitcher Paul Byrd, outfielder Jose Guillen and former five-time All Star third baseman Matt Williams. They were all prescribed with steroids and human growth hormones.

Records also showed the name of journeyman pitcher Ismael Valdez who purchased at least $11,300 worth of steroids in 2002.

And another loyal client of D’Amico is the owner of Orange County Choppers and a celebrity. Paul Teutul, 61 became popular in the reality show “American Chopper.” Records showed that Teutul received at least 73 prescriptions from Aug. 2, 2002 to Oct. 3, 2006. The steroids and human growth hormones Teutul allegedly purchased totaled $51,784.78. The prescriptions were filled by the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center in Florida.

According to the Times Union, 11 prescriptions for human growth hormones were made by D’Amico. These were shipped to a New York address. Paul Teutul declined to comment when asked about the alleged purchases and his relationship with D’Amico. However, the business records obtained by the Times Union revealed Teutul’s birth date, Social Security number, telephone numbers, and three addresses including the former address of his motorcycle factory in Montgomery, Orange County.

The use of human growth hormone as an anti-aging formula is now popular in the country. In fact, almost all anti-aging clinics offer HGH as one of their products. With Teutul’s age, the use of human growth hormone is possible. Different types of steroids were also (allegedly) prescribed and purchased by Teutul like testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol. These are the common steroids used by bodybuilders.

Another doctor from the Palm Beach Rejuvenation also wrote prescriptions for Teutul. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge but was given a lighter sentence because of his cooperation in the investigation. The doctor was sanctioned by Florida’s Department of Health but can still continue practicing his medical profession.

D’Amico, on the other hand, is facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison with fines of up to $1 million. The sentencing is scheduled on April 22.