The average age that our children begin taking dietary supplements is 10.8 years old.  Few people realize that these products are unregulated - that no one is verifying that what's on the label of the container is what is in that container.  As a result, some are spiked with banned substances like anabolic steroids, stimulants, and other contaminants.

Parents, coaches and volunteers should be aware of the prevalence of the use of anabolic steroids and other Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs) among today's young athletes.  The Taylor Hooton Foundation (THF) was formed in memory of Taylor E. Hooton, a 17-year old high school athlete and former Little Leaguer from Plano, TX.  Taylor took his own life on July 15, 2003, after using anabolic steroids.

The primary mission of the Taylor Hooton Foundation is education.  Little League has partnered with the THF to help parents educate themselves on the dangers of APEDs through an online education course.

Taylor's Story - Don Hooton talks about Taylor's story Taylor Hooton Course Taylor Hooton Foundation Scope of the Problem: Just how big is the youth steroid, HGH, supplement problem? Watch this video to find out. Sign-up for the THF Newsletter

You might be thinking to yourself “How should I start that conversation?  Do I have enough information on this topic?  What are the right questions to ask?”   We are here to help and have already prepared questions and talking points that you can use to start the conversation in your home and in your community.  

Has anyone ever taught you about the dangers of anabolic steroids and other Appearance and Performance Enhancing Substances like human growth hormone, dietary supplements, and energy drinks?

What do you know about anabolic steroids?
Do you know if anyone in your school or on your team is using anabolic steroids?
Are you happy with your physical appearance?
Has anyone ever asked you to change your appearance?  Like a coach, trainer or instructor asking you to lose weight?  If yes, did they offer any tips on how to do that in a healthy way?
Are you trying to achieve any physical goals over the next month?  Season?  Summer?  Semester?
How do you plan to achieve your goals?
Are you being advised to or are you thinking about taking dietary supplements?
If yes, let's be sure to look together to ensure they are safe.
Would it be helpful if we created a nutrition plan together to help you achieve your goals?

Talk To Your Loved One

      Lead to:         

A Commentary on Doping with Bob Costas Protein Needs for Health and Performance Potential Side Effects and Warning Signs of Steroid Abuse  Talking to Our Children About PEDs  Life of an MLB Strength Coach - Nate Shaw / Diamondbacks Strategies for a Strength and Conditioning Program - Frank Velasquez

Taylor's Story......

Have you ever walked past a mirror and looked at your reflection?  While you are examining the image that is looking back at you, have you ever felt that it just wasn’t good enough, that you weren’t happy with your physical appearance?  At some point in our lives we might have all felt that way at one time or another.  Many of us have been told that we need to get bigger, we need to get stronger and for some of us maybe it was someone telling us we need to lose weight.  This was the beginning of Taylor Hooton’s story.

On the morning of July 15^th, 2003 Taylor Hooton went to his room and took his life.  In the months leading up to his death Taylor was told that he needed to get bigger, stronger and faster if he wanted to make the varsity team.  Not only did Taylor want to make varsity, he also wanted to change his physical appearance. At the time more than half of Taylor’s teammates were using anabolic steroids, so he quickly learned how they were achieving their physical goals.  Just six months after Taylor made the uneducated decision to begin using anabolic steroids, he passed away leaving so many people who loved and cared for him behind.

From this tragedy something positive was born, The Taylor Hooton Foundation. Because of supporters like you we haven’t stopped fighting to fulfill our mission to enlighten people to the truths about Appearance and Performance Enhancing Substances.  We will not rest until we’ve eradicated this issue from middle schools, high schools and universities around the world.  It’s been almost 17 years since Taylor left this earth and over 2 Million people have directly heard his story through our ALL ME® Assembly education programs.

We must constantly be evolving and reaching new mile markers when it comes to impacting lives.  In November we launched the ALL ME Podcast and have a great line up of guests who will share their personal stories with our listeners.  As human beings we’re drawn to other stories because we often can see ourselves reflected in them.  The podcast is one of our newest vehicles of spreading our message and awareness on this topic.

      All Me Podcasts - Listen Now

10-Year Old Boy Hospitalized After Consuming Too Many Energy Drinks London Attacker Took Steroids Before Deadly Rampage Unlabeled Substances in "Herbal" Supplements (Body-Building, Weight-Loss Products) Causes Liver Injury Energy Drinks: Different Labels, Same Risks

9 Ways Anabolic Steroids are Harmful to Your Body Performance Enhancing Drugs: A Quiet Epidemic Energy Drinks Cause Many Sudden Cardiac Arrests in Young People Which Supplements, If Any, May Be Worth Your Money