People have become jaded to horror movies, as producers have abandoned the well-written script that builds suspense for the low-hanging fruit of gore and slash with a few gratuitous nude scenes. Going back to the original horror films brings about nearly as much humor as fright, as the primitive special effects, makeup and props seem childish compared to today’s CGI mapping, blue screens and animation. Yet, there is something gripping about the classics…memories that stay with a viewer for years and raise goose bumps whenever theme music is played. To this day, the final minutes of the 1961 movie, “The Pit and the Pendulum,” rank highly on my personal list of movie frights.

    Another 1960’s horror classic is “Night of the Living Dead.” In this film, the dead are reanimated by some unexplained energy, wreaking havoc as they amble their way across fields and towns in search of food (the living). Though this movie had its share of memorable quotes, such as: “They’re coming to get you, Barbara,” its influence may be best understood by the many parodies and imitations it spawned, including “The Simpsons” 1992 Halloween special “Treehouse of Horror III— Dial Z for Zombies.” In this animated classic, Bart accidentally brings the dead to life, infesting the town with hungry corpses calling out, “BRAINS.” Certain voices in governmental agencies, academic institutions and the media appear to be intent upon convincing the public that anabolic steroid use will lead to hordes of extremely buff zombies terrorizing retail stores for protein and Lycra.

    Scientists involved in research soon realize that in order for a study to be published, it must be innovative, well-designed and agreeable to the editorial staff of a journal. Very little research has been published documenting benefits associated with anabolic steroids. Conversely, a plethora of reports and studies of varying quality and credibility have been published decrying adverse effects related to testosterone and other anabolic steroids.