MedWorm Tags: body image

SXSW 2012 Psychology Picks: Need Your Vote!

World of Psychology — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:14:46 +0100

Time is running out to vote for some of your favorite SXSW 2012 Interactive panel ideas through the SXSW panel picker (Friday at midnight is the deadline). Yes, you need to register a free account in order to vote, but it takes only a minute to do so. I’ve organized a panel again for consideration, as have some other psychologists and professionals. I’ve highlighted three panels I’d like you to vote a big thumbs-up on, if you have a minute today. While people’s votes only constitute 30 percent of how a panel idea is chosen to present at SXSW Interactive, it’s an important part of the process that helps the organizers make the tough decisions. The panel I’ve proposed is about online therapy. But not your everyday kind of online therapy… Click on th...

Good Character or Great Body – What Are We Teaching Our Kids?

Life with Breast Cancer — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:56:04 +0100

When I was a teenager, all the girls my age were concerned about the size of their breasts, their weight, and how they looked. Thirty years later, teenage girls are still obsessed with the same thing. How sad — if only young women were more interested in becoming intelligent, caring human beings! Not that these young women don’t care about both their bodies and global issues, it is just that body image has such an effect on how they feel about themselves and can even impact what they accomplish with their education and careers. Breast cancer has a dual effect on women who are diagnosed. On the one hand it affects our wellbeing and health, but on the other it impacts how we feel about ourselves as women especially because of the disfigurement of our breasts. I wonder if it would be ...

Best of Our Blogs: August 16, 2011

World of Psychology — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:37:01 +0100

Our society has an unshakeable desire to be “normal.” Whatever normal means. In fact, I have forsaken my own truth at times, because the idea of being normal, problem-free, low-maintenance, unencumbered by illness or age seemed too attractive not to embrace. But the fact is whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, physical or mental illness, financial issues or weight gain, being free of life and all of its abnormalities is near impossible. Why are we trying to hide ourselves in an effort to be perfect and illness free? I realized this after seeing friends I hadn’t seen in a decade. While at first burdened that my life had veered too far from normal (in both my personal and professional choices), I finally had to laugh at myself. I realized that all this pressure t...

Through the Looking Glass

Fade Library — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:53:14 +0100

Title: Through the looking glass Scan or click to download 'Through the looking glass' The Skinny: Report from the thinktank Demos suggesting that key priorities tackling child poverty and youth unemployment; supporting parents at key transition points in their children’s development; and encouraging positive relationships with peers short form the basis of government strategy to deal with youth issues, particularly those to do with girls. The report identifies that British teenage girls experience worse rates of binge drinking, worse levels of physical inactivity and more frequent incidences of teen pregnancy than their European counterparts andevidence that twice as many teenage girls as teenage boys suffer from ‘teen angst’. Publisher: Demos Published: April 2011 Size: 1...

Study Says Genetics Contributes To Eating Disorders (But We’re Not All Doomed To Anorexia)

Genetics and Health — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:53:47 +0100

This study sheds light on important ‘SNPs’ or genetic variations within an individual’s DNA, associated with long-term, chronic eating disorders. These variations suggest genetic predictors for patients who may be particularly susceptible to eating disorders and whose illnesses are most difficult to treat effectively. The study’s lead researcher, Cinnamon Bloss, Ph.D., explains that ultimately, the study could help treatment of patients with long-term illness stemming from some of these genetic factors: Anorexia and bulimia likely stem from many different causes, such as culture, family, life changes and personality traits But we know biology and genetics are highly relevant in terms of cause and can also play a role in how people respond to treatment. Understanding the genetic...

Motivational Mantra: Emily Deschanel On Working Out For Health, Not Just Looks

Genetics and Health — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:00:23 +0100

I have a treadmill, and I work out with my trainer, Julie Diamond, as often as possible. She’s so positive. She’s never like, “Move your fat butt!” It’s more like, “Think of how you’ll feel when you’re in great shape.” And she’s right. There are weeks when I don’t exercise at all, and I don’t feel good…For me, it always has to be about health. That’s why I’m a vegan. Well, I don’t even do that for my health entirely, I do it for animals. The point is, there always has to be a better reason than looking good, or I won’t stick with it. –Emily Deschanel, as told to Women’s Health Related posts: Motivational Mantra: Thandie Newton On Embracing Her Sense Of Self Motivational Man...

The FDA’s New Report on Silicone Breast Implant Safety

Women's Health News — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:42:25 +0100

Did you know that women who get silicone breast implants should “assume that you will need additional surgeries,” and should get follow-up MRIs every couple of years? Over at Our Bodies Our Blog, I have summary of this and other information from the FDA’s new report on the safety of silicone breast implants, along with links to the agency’s additional resources on the topic, such as things to consider before getting implants, questions to ask your surgeon if you’re thinking of getting them, and more information on complications and adverse outcomes. Filed under: Body Image & Eating Disorders, Boobs, Government (Source: Women's Health News)

Back to Bra Shopping to Fit New Breasts

Life with Breast Cancer — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:39:16 +0100

Now that my revised, reconstructed breasts are settling down, I once again need a new bra. I have learned through my transformation that shopping for a bra is a real task. The one black lace bra that worked in the past no longer fits my new breasts, and most of the bras I have tried on lately just don’t work either. It wasn’t until I had breast cancer that I learned how important a properly fitted bra is. First, I needed a good sturdy bra when I was using just a molded prosthesis for the first breast I lost. Then after the initial reconstruction surgery, I didn’t need as much support, but I needed a bra that would give me the shape I wanted. Now I need a new bra that has the right amount of coverage and can show off the cleavage without pushing my breasts together. What I really ne...

Barbie Commercials Across the Decades and the Implications on Female Identity and Objectification

The Situationist — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 21:02:48 +0100

From Sister Blog, Law and Mind (by HLS student, Cassie Mathias): In the past weeks, the Law and Mind Sciences blogposts have included observations about media influences and gender, including Misogyny in Music, Mindfulness and Identity in the context of yogurt advertisements, and the conformity in appearances at HLS job interviews. As these posts described, pop culture, advertisements, and cultural norms all have the power to influence perceptions of gender. No where does this media influence appear to have a wider or longer lasting impact than Barbie. From the first Barbie television advertisement ever (portrayed in the above video) to the introduction of Ken, to current television advertising, Barbie has maintained a prominent presence as a commercial phenomenon, a fashion icon, and sou...

Best of Our Blogs: June 3, 2011

World of Psychology — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:16:55 +0100

It’s easy to slip into the “coulda, woulda, shouldas” of our lives. There’s the trip you didn’t take. The relationship you might have ended too soon. The career that sits, still waiting to be pursued. And though it maybe difficult to admit, it’s not the boss that held you back or the friend that slighted you. In fact, there’s probably some true to the saying that “you are your own worst enemy.” It’s the weekend again. It’s June. Summer is upon us. Why not take the time to reflect on why you’re holding yourself back? A few days ago, I asked our Facebook friends what’s the best decision they ever made. It was one of our most popular topics and we received responses on everything from living to accepting their life....

Swimsuit Competition: When It Comes to Poolside Judging, We’re Our Own Harshest Critics

Genetics and Health — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:22:59 +0100

The pool at my apartment complex opened this past weekend. There we all were in our bathing suits — mostly pale-skinned but some unseasonably tan; mostly bikini-clad but some in one-pieces; flip-flopped and pony-tailed. Girls girls girls. Oh, and there were men there, too. But I have to say, I didn’t pay them much mind. I was focused solely on the ladies. This has nothing to do with sexual preference, though. No, I was simply sizing them up. Did she look better in her bikini than I did? Was her stomach flatter than mine? It’s the ones who look really good that drew my attention most, because they are the ones I’m holding myself up to in comparison. In a poll conducted by Fitness magazine, 80 percent of women said they think other women are scrutinizing them in their swimwear. (Who ...

Do We Need a Longer Hospital Stay After a Mastectomy?

Life with Breast Cancer — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:00:14 +0100

Even though the scientific evidence shows that women recover just as well at home after a mastectomy, I don’t believe women should be sent home the day after surgery. In the late 1990s, the switch was made to sending women home quickly after surgery to remove a breast. The evidence suggested that women recover just as well at home as in the hospital. Prior to that decision, many women were in the hospital for several days — now it is up to doctors whether to keep a woman longer than the initial day of recovery. They need a medical reason for insurance to pay for the extended hospital stay. But the evidence doesn’t address the emotional impact that breast cancer and losing a breast has on a woman. We especially need time to assess our feelings about losing a breast before returni...

Celebrate No Diet Day May 6, 2011

Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:34:20 +0100

Today, May 6, 2011 is International “no diet day”. That’s right – there’s actually a day for people who refuse dieting and hopefully help raise awareness of dieting’s physical, mental, and emotional dangers. “No Diet Day” is an annual celebration of body acceptance and body shape diversity. (YAHOOOOOO!!!) This day is also dedicated to promoting a healthy life style and raise awareness of the dangers and futility of dieting. International No Diet Day is observed on May 6 (TODAY!) Here are three reasons not to diet: They don’t work. A 2007 UCLA study showed 86% of people who diet regain the weight back and more They are associated with negative body image and emotional problems that can lead to depression, a serious psychological disor...

“Skin Deep” Database Provides Details on Safety of Skin Care and Cosmetic Products

Our Bodies Our Blog — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:50:37 +0100

The Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, a free online database maintained by the Environmental Working Group, provides information on the safety and potential harms of ingredients in make-up, sunscreen, facial cleansers and moisturizers, contact lens solutions, shampoo, nail polish and remover, baby wipes, soaps, and creams, toothpaste, fragrances, and other cosmetic and skin care products. You can browse by cosmetic category or search for the name of your favorite product to find out about possible hazards in terms of cancer risk, reproductive toxicities, and allergies. Information is also provided on companies’ animal testing policies. The directions and ingredients listed on each product label is listed, and links are provided to other similar product types and products from the same m...

Beautiful

Suture for a Living — Sun, 01 May 2011 11:56:00 +0100

American Idol covered Carol King's songs this past week. Haley Reinhart did “Beautiful.” The words are a reminder of a simple way to be beautiful. You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face And show the world all the love in your heart Then people gonna treat you better You're gonna find, yes, you will That you're beautiful as you feel ….. Carol King puts it much more beautifully than the essay by Robert Tornambe, M.D.: What Makes a Person Ugly? Here is Carol King singing “Beautiful” live. Enjoy (Source: Suture for a Living)

BMI on Children's Report Cards

Diet Blog — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Most parents believe their child is at a healthy weight, but more than likely the child is overweight. Arkansas has been giving kids a BMI score since 2004 and now some other US States have recently begun to consider following suit. They may be adding a BMI score to student's report cards along with diet and exercise tips. After all, obesity rates continue to soar in America. 13 Comments | Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Would You Prefer Longevity Or A Perfect Figure?

Better Health — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:00:00 +0100

I’ve spent some time thinking about this survey. I couldn’t find any better information on the survey than the press release from the University of the West of England (UWE). Perhaps in the future it will be published in a journal for better review. The survey was apparently done by the new eating disorder charity The Succeed Foundation in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE). The editor’s notes indicate 320 women (ages 18 – 65 years, average age 24.49) studying at 20 British universities completed The Succeed Foundation Body Image Survey in March 2011. Notably, the survey found that 30% of women would trade at least one year of their life to achieve their ideal body weight and shape. (more…) *This blog post was originally publi...

Longevity or Perfect Figure?

Suture for a Living — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:15:00 +0100

Sunday News Round-Up, Whining About the Heat Edition

Women's Health News — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 16:40:39 +0100

This week I added one more lecture to the list of lectures I need to write up for posts here; this week it was Kevin Pho, better known as KevinMD. I’ll have more detail and commentary later, but I particularly appreciated his closing remark that patients *are* going online for health information, and physicians can either roll their eyes and resist or get on board – I’ve made the same argument in various posts here. One more example of the Tennessee state legislature being up to utter hateful bullshit: Legislature moves quickly to nullify council’s newly adopted nondiscrimination ordinance. Nashville passed an ordinance basically meaning that businesses contracting with the metro government have to have nondiscrimination policies in place that include protections a...

British Women Would Trade Longer Life For Thinner Bodies

Better Health — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:00:00 +0100

College-aged women in the UK say they would trade longevity for an ideal body weight. 320 women studying at 20 British universities (ages 18-65; average, 24.49) completed a survey in March. The research, conducted for new eating disorder charity The Succeed Foundation, in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE), found that nearly 30% of women would trade at least one year of their life to achieve their ideal body weight and shape: –16% would trade 1 year of their life –10% would trade 2-5 years –2% would trade 6-10 years –1% would trade 21 years or more (more…) *This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist* (Source: Better Health)

Best of Our Blogs: April 1, 2011

World of Psychology — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:57:59 +0100

Happy April Fool’s Day! Will you be partaking in this prank-filled holiday? Let’s say not only are you not participating, but you are hiding from those who are. Maybe you should reconsider and embrace the practical joking for today. Think I’m crazy? In a 2008 New York Times article called, “April Fool! The Purpose of Pranks,” reporter Benedict Carey wrote about the psychology behind pranks. Interestingly, he found that initiation rites and coming of age rituals were a way to introduce a person to a group. The anger and embarrassment from being pranked may evoke a sense of self-awareness and self-reflection. Why? Being vulnerable and getting fooled opens up a whole can of worms getting us to question what we did or didn’t do that caused us to fall for a ...

Best of Our Blogs: March 29, 2011

World of Psychology — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:31:31 +0100

As a dental hygienist, my mom not only cleans people’s teeth, but listens to do them as she does so every day. And like hair stylists and therapists, she often hears their problems too. One of the most valuable advice she has ever given me is to not judge what other people are going through. “You never know what you would do in that situation unless it happened to you.” Our posts this week makes me think about what she said. You may have lived through difficulty, failure, loss of self-respect. You may, in fact, be going through this right now. If so, remember to find the people in your life who won’t judge you, but have compassion for your situation. That person may even be you. I hope you will enjoy our top posts this week! There are some good ones everything from ...

Finishing the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Life with Breast Cancer — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:39:16 +0100

I have been writing this blog for 5 years now and last week was the first week that I missed posting one. I think I finally crashed and burned. Not from writing the blog — this is something I love — but from trying to be superwoman. I had follow-up reconstructive surgery a week ago last Thursday, and Friday I was right back to business. By Monday I was feeling the fatigue that comes after surgery, which I could have avoided by resting Friday and Saturday. I stumbled through the rest of the week barely accomplishing anything. Generally I bounce back quickly from surgery. I need at least a day of rest after, but I didn’t give myself that privilege this time. I am always encouraging breast cancer survivors to take their time healing and to give themselves as much time and spac...

Best of Our Blogs: March 4, 2011

World of Psychology — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:44:20 +0100

Life is a work in progress. When I think about who I was 10 years ago, that girl was barely distinguishable from who stands before me today. Ever read an old journal and feel astonished by who you were? I feel the same way. I was lost, confused and did not know who I was or who I wanted to be. I was a slave to my emotions and my experiences. I let others create the road in front of me and define my worth. While I have grown a lot since then, I am still a work in progress. I don’t know where you are on your journey, but if you are struggling to get to where you want to be in your life, I hope a few of these top posts this week will bring you solace. It takes a lot to get to your goals. You may be dealing with depression, body image issues or struggling with your own self-identity. If ...

Sunday News Round-Up, Sunburn Edition

Women's Health News — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 17:34:44 +0100

A bit of what I’ve been reading this week, when I haven’t been outside getting a mild sunburn. In February. Via fellow librarian Bobbie Newman, I learned of this piece, “The Hazards of Leading Culture Change” (click on the download link for the PDF). It’s kind of oriented toward businesses/organizations instead of movements/activism, but there were a few points I thought were relevant: “When you are up to your backside in alligators,” goes the oft-quoted line, “it is hard to remember you were there to drain the swamp.” Organizations under pressure are fraught with alligators-those seemingly never ceasing crises that keep leaders up at night. But, if all the energy goes into simply fighting alligators, there will always be alligators. Culture change is...

Eating Disorders Awareness Week: How Parents Can Help

World of Psychology — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:04:30 +0100

This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which is sponsored by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Like I said in my post on Weightless, I believe that awareness means spreading accurate information about eating disorders. One of the biggest misconceptions is that parents cause eating disorders. They don’t! In fact, many complex factors are involved in predisposing a person to an eating disorder. According to eating disorder specialist Sarah Ravin, Ph.D: “…the development of an eating disorder is influenced very heavily by genetics, neurobiology, individual personality traits, and co-morbid disorders. Environment clearly plays a role in the development of eating disorders, but environment alone is not sufficient to cause them.” (Check out her blog post f...

Jillian Michaels Airbrushed, Really Dumb Idea

Diet Blog — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

If you're a fitness guru, you've got to keep a clean, healthy image - basically, you have to look good, all the time. Take recently passed Jack LaLanne; the dude was a juicer-selling stud right up until his death, at age 96! And, Suzanne Somers didn't make a mint selling ThighMasters with cottage cheese thighs and cankles. It might be shallow, but that's the deal for fitness celebrities. If it's too much to handle, go be a rock star, then you can smoke, drink, and snort all you want, and the public will still clamor on your every word.0 Comments | Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Best of Our Blogs: February 11, 2011

World of Psychology — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:16:42 +0100

Everyone is looking for the holy grail of happiness. But what is happiness? Is it something that can be pursued? And is it something that can be sustained? It’s a discussion I have had with friends for decades. One that makes for an interesting debate, but does not give way to a single agreed upon answer. What do you think about it? What does happiness mean to you? We posed the question to our Facebook friends and learned that happiness is definitely subjective. But that in general, happiness to them means self-love, gratitude, presence and giving to others. Can you relate? To me, happiness means a lot of things. It means the knowledge that everything will be okay even during hardship. It is the freedom I have to make choices and the connection through receiving and giving love. It i...

A Video on Creativity in Daily Life

World of Psychology — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:02:05 +0100

A few days ago, my boyfriend sent me a link to a video he said I absolutely had to watch. He first saw it in a seminar at work. The short video introduces viewers to Dewitt Jones, a National Geographic photographer, who shares some of his thoughts on creativity and, essentially, everyday life. In the video, he talks about a key lesson he’s learned: There are amazing things for all of us to see every single day. Whether we actually see these remarkable things depends on our perspective, or as Jones says, on our ability to be creative. We all have the ability to be creative, he says. I’ve talked before about creativity and about connecting to my own creativity on my body image blog, Weightless. (Many fantastic bloggers talked about it too.) I’ve said that creativity is inside all o...

Sunday News Round-Up, Still Here Edition

Women's Health News — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 17:31:37 +0100

Some things that caught my eye this week; for new folks, the Sunday news round-up tends to focus more on social issues than research or resources, including whatever I’ve noted for later reading from my RSS feeds or Twitter. First, the English-language site for Al Jazeera has the most complete coverage I’ve seen of what’s going on in Egypt for those who need it in the English language. I’m woefully behind on the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act,” proposed by House Republicans, so this first chunk is catching up. It seems to me to be completely unnecessary political posturing on the backs of women (and especially rape victims, as we’ll see), given that there are existing restrictions preventing federal funding for abortion. I know it includes...

At OBOS: Breast Implants & Cancer, Early Births, Breastfeeding Promotion, and More

Women's Health News — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:27:07 +0100

Some of my recent posts at Our Bodies Our Blog: Breast Implants and Possible Risk of Rare Cancer – links to FDA information on the possibility of a link between breast implants and a rare cancer. Leapfrog Group Releases Data on Early Elective Births – rates of early (37-39 weeks) induction and early cesarean without a medical indication from hospitals around the U.S. Surgeon General Releases Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding – link to the call to action and a brief overview of its contents, which include not only encouraging women to breastfeed, but a call for workplaces, fathers, grandmothers, and communities to work to reduce barriers to breastfeeding. Upcoming Event: EQUAL/OBOS House Party in Palo Alto – in three days, OBOS’s Judy Norsigian will be...

Hope For Those With Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Better Health — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0100

The Science Daily article entitled Body dysmorphic disorder patients who loathe appearance often get better, but it could take years discusses the disorder as highlighted in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (JNMD). The JNMD article reports the results of the longest-term study so far to track people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The study was conducted by researchers at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital. The good news? The researchers “found high rates of recovery, although recovery can take more than five years.” This is a small study with only 15 BDD patients who were followed over an eight-year span. An excerpt: After statistical adjustments, the recovery rate for sufferers in the study over eight years was 76 percent and the recurrence rate was 14 p...

BDD Patients Can Get Better

Suture for a Living — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:03:46 +0100

The Science Daily article, Body dysmorphic disorder patients who loathe appearance often get better, but it could take years, discusses the The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (JNMD) article (full reference below, abstract available for free). The JNMD article reports the results of the longest-term study so far to track people with body dysmorphic disorder. The study was conducted by researchers at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital. The good news: the researcher “found high rates of recovery, although recovery can take more than five years.” This is a small study with only 15 BDD patients who were followed over an eight-year span. After statistical adjustments, the recovery rate for sufferers in the study over eight years was 76 percent and th...

Best of Our Blogs: January 11, 2011

World of Psychology — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:02:06 +0100

Today is 1/11/11. Maybe for you, it will be a day filled with firsts. The first time you sought therapy. The first step you took towards healing yourself. The first time you realized how far you’ve come and how much you have achieved towards your goals and your mental health. If so, I hope you will celebrate these firsts and remember them when times get tough. Because ever year brings with it a new challenge, an obstacle we didn’t foresee and with it an opportunity for self-growth and a chance for a better more balanced life. When that opportunity comes, will you take it? For me, I’ve finally come home. The holidays are over. And instead of being surrounded by the voices of my family members, I’m here sitting back at my home in silence. This Christmas was as chaotic...

The Story of Your Life in Six Words

World of Psychology — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:04:12 +0100

Many people think their lives aren’t interesting enough or worthy enough of being committed to paper, even in journals or on scraps of napkins (my preferred writing materials). Whenever I tell people about the importance of journaling or leaving behind some sort of written record of their lives for their families, they usually say the same thing: “Oh, who’d want to read that?” or “My life isn’t that exciting” or “I don’t have much to say.” But just like creativity is in our bones, writing down our lives isn’t just worthwhile. It is within us and it’s a wonderful thing to do to process our world. It’s even good for us. For instance, journaling provides a variety of health and wellness benefits. One way to write our stori...

Anorexic Model Dies: When Will the Fashion Industry Get It?

Diet Blog — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Isabelle Caro, a French actress and model, whose emaciated image is a shock Italian ad campaign, has died at the age of 28. In later interviews, Caro said she weighed about 59 pounds when the photos were taken in 2007, by Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani. 11 Comments | Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Poll: 90% of Americans Think They Eat Healthy!

Diet Blog — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Are people in America fooling themselves or is all the health data pumped out by the government a pile of lies? According to a recent Consumer Reports survey, 9 out of 10 Americans said that they eat a healthy diet with the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables!1 Comments | Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Quick Hit: Modern Lady Takes on “Bridalplasty”

Our Bodies Our Blog — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:35:34 +0100

I don’t really even want to talk about “Bridalplasty,” the new show in which women compete to win the “ultimate” wedding – complete with plastic surgery – because it’s too easy to ridicule the participating women without examining the larger issues that make anybody think this whole show and its foundational ideas about women and weddings are a good idea. It would take more than a blog post to deconstruct all of the problems here. Instead, I’m going to leave it to Modern Lady’s Erin Gibson (successor to Sarah Haskins), who concludes that everything about the show needs its own makeover: If you can tolerate more, see the New York Times, Change.org, and Fornicating Feminists. (Source: Our Bodies Our Blog)

It's Not Freakish to Date Someone a Foot Taller Than You

Genetics and Health — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:35:33 +0100

Maybe I’m over-sensitive to height-related criticism, but the headline on this post on The Frisky yesterday, proclaiming the height difference between tiny female celebs and their towering beaus “freakish,” really upset me. Maybe another adjective is in order. I would have used “funny looking in photos but more acceptable than the alternative.” But I’m guessing “freakish” makes for a better headline. Ironically, the post’s writer seems to be on the same page as me, in that she believes that dating guys who are taller than you can be really hot. So, don’t judge me when I say that I’m 5′2″ and have dated my share of guys 6′ and above — and I love it. Yes, it’s funny to see two people a foot or two...

Best of Our Blogs: November 23, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:36:16 +0100

Gratitude. It’s a funny word, isn’t it? Being thankful used to make me cringe because I thought of it as an obligatory handwritten note or a required childhood greeting following birthdays and holidays and immediately after, “Hello.” But as I grew older, the words, “thank you,” and “gratitude” had a lot more meaning. You could say a powerful one at that. When I started to record what I was grateful for on any given day or send a note or even just an email to those who I was thankful for, it had a surprising effect. More than just ridding myself of childhood guilty from the expected etiquette of please and thank you, it changed the way I perceived the world and my role in it. It meant that the difficulties in my life had a purpose. It meant th...

Poll: Are You Blind To Your True Weight?

Diet Blog — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The mystery of why some obese people think that they look good in Lycra has been solved. Usually a distorted body image is discussed in regards to skinny people who think they are fat. However, a new study reveals that this works the other way too, as many obese women see themselves as not overweight.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Even Preschoolers Want To Be Thin

Diet Blog — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Girls as young as three are already "emotionally invested" in being thin, according to a small study of 55 preschoolers. I really didn't expect kids this young to even notice what weight someone was. But then again, our culture has become obsessed with body image, so does this really surprise anyone? The girls behavior indicated they did not even want to be friends with someone who was "fat". Given the extent of our current obesity epidemic, that is particularly worrying. I mean, what kind of relationships will today's children form in later years with an attitude like this at such a young age? Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Replacing “Perfection” With Action: SPARK Summit Sounds Alarm About Sexualization of Girls

Our Bodies Our Blog — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:25:12 +0100

by Nekose Wills | OBOS program assistant The challenges girls face today are unlike the challenges many of us faced growing up. I’m 32, and I remember not caring about my Oscar the Grouch eyebrows, who designed my clothes, or how sexy I looked in them. Girls growing up today don’t have such freedom — they’re sexualized everywhere they look. The SPARK Summit, held Oct. 21 at Hunter College in New York City, was an alarm, waking us up to the role we can play in bucking the status quo and giving us the tools to take on this fight. SPARK stands for Sexualization Protest: Action, Resistance, Knowledge. The day started with opening remarks from Hunter College President Jennifer Raaband and MTV’s Amber Madison, summit host and author of “Hooking Up: A Girl̵...

Myths and Facts About Alcohol

World of Psychology — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:44:35 +0100

What’s the truth about alcohol? Does food help absorb alcohol? Does it really kill brain cells? Or does it protect your body against a multitude of diseases, like heart disease? One of the key factors that helps us process and breakdown alcohol after it enters the body is the production of an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. A lot of why your body does or doesn’t do a good job in breaking alcohol down and sobering you up has to do with the production (or lack thereof) of this important enzyme. This enzyme works better in younger men than in either women of all ages, or older men. Why, we don’t know, but it seems to stop working as effectively in men ages 55 and older, bringing them closer to women in their alcohol breaking-down ability. LifeHacker recently published a...

“Am I Overweight?”: Teen Body Troubles

Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 23:24:22 +0100

Growing up is tough! Especially in today’s society with more and more pressures being put on children and teenagers. One of such pressure is ‘looks’ with the focus on body weight. Around junior highs and high schools, girls (and sometimes boys!) often talk about their weight, and dieting almost becomes a trend. The media has a lot to do with it. Magazines that are often read by teens, such as Cosmo or Shape, put out a lot of dieting tips and suggestions that are often taken out of context, or abused by the younger readers. More often than not, teens compare themselves to their role models: actors, athletes, or models. These role models are usually very fit, thin, and some on the verge of underweight. When one person decides they’re “fat”, and tries to lose weight, it ca...

Breast Cancer: You Either Get It or You Don’t

Life with Breast Cancer — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:48:52 +0100

I can’t remember what it felt like to have real breasts. Even though I am thrilled with the results of my recent breast reconstruction revisions, I am questioning if I will ever be truly a whole woman again. I just don’t feel normal — I feel like a breast cancer survivor — and putting a new set of breasts on my chest doesn’t make me feel like I used to. If anything, I feel even less normal. To be honest, I don’t usually think this way. These sentiments are all coming out of an experience I had a couple of days ago. I made the mistake of explaining the DIEP flap surgery I had to reconstruct my breasts to a woman that had never been through breast cancer. I have always been excited about the procedure and the results from the surgery that took my excess tummy fat and made a pair ...

Best of Our Blogs: November 2, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:30:58 +0100

Something I both admire and enjoy about our Facebook community is how honest everyone has been about their experiences. Besides divulging their feelings on everything from Seasonal Affective Disorder to the holidays (Yay or Bah Humbug!), many of our fans have comforted each other, provided tips and shared their own personal stories and life lessons that got them through some tough times. It’s just a reminder of how much we all go through on a daily basis, how important compassion is and how influential a community can have on the lives of individuals. Pretty powerful stuff! With that being said, I’d like to thank our Facebook community, blog commenters, and Twitter followers. And hopefully return the support and love with these fabulous five posts. It’s all about betterin...

How To Feel Great Every Time You Get Dressed

PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 02:49:46 +0100

Did you know you can instantly feel a lot better about your body simply by choosing clothes that fit and flatter you now, rather than putting it off until you reach some ideal weight? Or that the best way to exude sexuality and confidence is not by squeezing into skin tight clothes but finding outfits that work with your body? Perhaps you feel like it would be shallow or frivolous to worry too much about the way clothes look on your body. There are no laws insisting you have to care much about clothing to be happy and confident. However, most of us do feel better if we spend just a little time on our appearance. Many people find themselves stuck in a perpetually low cycle of self esteem. When we don’t feel good about ourselves, we either: ● Buy clothes that comple...

Love in the Brain

World of Psychology — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:28:42 +0100

Ahh, what researchers won’t study. Is nothing sacred, even the most spiritual of matters of the heart, such as love? Now research out of Syracuse University by Stephanie Ortigue (that’s her, pictured), suggests that there are measurable brain changes when a person falls in love. She gathers this idea from a review of the research literature of neuroimaging studies (studies that primarily used something called functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI) that have examined people in love. She found that all of the fMRI studies of love point to “subcortical dopaminergic reward-related brain systems (involving dopamine and oxytocin receptors).” These are similar to the rewards a person feels when taking cocaine. The study’s new findings are that there are 12 s...

Men Get Eating Disorders Too

World of Psychology — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:37:01 +0100

Ginger Emas has written an interesting piece about men and eating disorders. It piqued my interest because a friend of mine once asked me if she should be concerned about her son’s eating habits. He counted calories, stayed away from sweets, and was a tad obsessive about a healthy diet. I told her not to sweat it, buying into the cultural myth that boys don’t get eating disorders. Now I know they do. To get to Ginger’s original article on ShareWIK, click here. I have reprinted it with permission below. Usually when we talk about body image issues, we’re talking about girls. But did you know that more than one million boys and men struggle with eating disorders? More than 80 percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat. More than 10 percent of middle school boys h...

Tom & Lorenzo’s Feminist Critique of a Glee Photo Spread

Women's Health News — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:50:22 +0100

One of my guilty pleasures is watching tv, and reading tv blogs that analyze the visual cues and references in tv. I know, people with expensive educations are not supposed to admit to watching or even owning a tv. Whatever. Tom & Lorenzo have one of my favorite tv-related blogs, especially their thorough discussions of costume design on Mad Men. Shut. Up. They have this awesome new post on the recent Glee photo spread in GQ. You might not even want to look at the pictures if you don’t want to bleach your brain afterward. Yes, the actors are actually not high school students, but the images are set in high school and clearly meant to suggest sexually available teens. Actually, not just sexually available – the actresses who portray Quinn and Rachel are made to look at thoug...

Seeing Ourselves: (Mis)Representations of Girls and Women on Television

Our Bodies Our Blog — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:35:14 +0100

by Culley Schultz | SPARK blog tour As a teenage girl, I watch television on a regular basis. “Glee” happens to be a favorite of mine. Unlike most shows on television, “Glee” showcases students of every race, religion and size. There are multiple representations, but more importantly, there is accurate representation. The majority of shows now depict glamorous lifestyles enjoyed only by the rich and skinny. Shows like “America’s Next Top Model” are not only using unrealistically thin women, they are forcing women to compete to be the most beautiful. The media’s obsession with thinness is having a serious effect on girls and young women. Narrow definitions of the “perfect woman” put a box around women, and it is closing in on our abil...

Christina Hendricks Might Be Dieting: Should We Stop Obsessing About Her Curves?

Healthbolt — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:18:57 +0100

photo: WENN.com We like Christina Hendricks. Her figure’s not bad, either. But honestly, we’re glad we’re not her. Having that much constant focus on our measurements would drive us nuts, and make us unbelievably self-conscious. But when your body resembles that of the Mad Men star, it’s bound to turn some heads. That’s why we’re not totally shocked by the rumor that Ms. Hendricks has started dieting. In our opinion, she doesn’t need to, but that’s her private business. But with everyone talking about how awesomely unique her hips, butt, and boobs are by Hollywood standards (i.e. not size 0), it makes sense that eventually, even the strongest might cave to peer pressure. (Of course, if it’s not a rumor and the diet is her personal choic...

Christina Hendricks Might Be Dieting: Should We Stop Talking About Her Curves?

Healthbolt — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:18:57 +0100

photo: WENN.com We love Christina Hendricks. And her body. But we’ve got to be honest: We’re glad we aren’t her. Having that much focus on our figure would drive us insane, and make us unbelievably self-conscious. But, yes — when your bod is that rockin’, it’s bound to turn some heads. That’s why we aren’t totally shocked by the rumor that Christina has started dieting. No, she doesn’t need to. Yes, she looks great as she is. But with everyone talking about how awesomely unique her hips, butt, and boobs are in Hollywood, it’s only human to feel a little nervous. We suggest a shift of focus from Christina’s curves to her entire person. Last we checked, her acting skills were pretty out of the ordinary as well. Maybe if the medi...

Body Image: Is "Fat Talk Free" Really the Best Policy?

Healthbolt — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 22:06:09 +0100

If you’re not a college student, you might not know about “Fat Talk Free Week”, a campaign to boost body image that started today on at least 35 college campuses. The campaign, put on by a sponsored by Tri Delta sororities with several campus and corporate partners, is designed to teach young women to feel good about their bodies, stop using “fat talk”, and prevent eating disorders. So what qualifies as fat talk, and why is it so important to leave it out of your lexicon? According to the Fat Talk Free Facebook page: Examples of fat talk include: “I’m so fat,” “Do I look fat in this?” “I need to lose 10 pounds” and “She’s too fat to be wearing that swimsuit.” Statements that are considered fat talk don’t necessarily have to be negative;...

Invitation to Participate in Study of Body Image in Women 50 and Older

Our Bodies Our Blog — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:20:56 +0100

Readers are invited to participate in a study being conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Eating Disorders Research Program. Participants will complete an online survey about body image and weight concerns in adult women 50 years old and and over. From the researchers: In contrast to extensive knowledge about body image and weight concerns in young women, we know very little about how body image and weight concerns change as women mature. We would like to develop a deep understanding of how women age 50 and above feel and think about their bodies, both in terms of appearance and function. If you are a woman age 50 or older, we invite you to follow the link below to answer 45 questions to help us understand the concerns that women have with thei...

Best of Our Blogs: October 12, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:08:23 +0100

I am an only child. Growing up, I didn’t have siblings, but friends and family to play with. And when it came time to the hard parts of my young life, I found comfort in books. Books can provide a space for fun, escape, and information. And I soaked them all in. They also worked as mentors, heroes and teachers to me. No matter what was going on in life, I could always count on the excitement, fantasy and often hope in the tattered pages of my favorite book. That’s why this week’s posts are so meaningful to me. We’ve got posts on healing through books and one on how narcissism and the ego can negatively effect creative people. If you’re a book lover or a creative person, you’ll love these posts. We’ve also got posts on body image, the importance o...

Sunday News Round-Up

Women's Health News — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 17:10:16 +0100

A few things of interest: Nikki has notes from a recent Twitter chat on health literacy, including a bunch of suggested resources on the topic. PF Anderson points to a great presentation (embedded there) on using social media for sharing family planning messages. It’s a useful introduction to tools like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube with examples of how they’re being used by groups like Planned Parenthood. A nice response to the ridiculous “i like it…” statuses on Facebook that are inexplicably supposed to make people feel like they’re doing something about women’s health: I like it without pinkwashing Weight loss drug Meridia was taken off the market, “because of clinical trial data indicating an increased risk of heart attack and stroke....

Best of Our Blogs: October 8, 2010

World of Psychology — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:13:53 +0100

When things are going good in our lives, we suddenly have amnesia. We forget the battles we won, the hardships we faced and the pain we endured. Yet, there are occasions like yesterday’s National Depression Screening Day or Mental Illness Awareness Week that help to remind us to not forget. More importantly, it reiterates the importance of helping those who are in their own struggles right now. The top posts this week deal with issues that you or someone you know may be dealing with right now. As we end the week, I hope you’ll read these posts, share it with those you care about, take the tips you’ve learned and pay it forward. As always, I wish you a happy and healthy weekend! Enjoy. Body Image & Self-Esteem: Barb Steinberg On Empowering Your Daughters, Part 2 (Wei...

Best of Our Blogs: October 5, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:32:22 +0100

It’s October and Mental Health Awareness Week! How are you celebrating? Yep, there’s no denying it’s fall. I went to the park this weekend and the crispy air and falling leaves were signs that this is indeed the end of the ease of summer and the beginning of a new season. Every ending has a new beginning and like New Year’s it is another opportunity for self-growth and change. It beckons us to ask the question, “Will I embrace the coming season or mourn the lost of the one before?” If you are courageous, brave and on a mission for change, then you’ll be tickled with this week’s top posts. Why? Do you remember the scene in Bridget Jones’s Diary where Bridget’s enemy Mark Darcy suddenly turns into the love of her life over night wi...

Fat Kids Get Less Help Buying Cars

Diet Blog — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

For a teenager, buying your first car is a huge deal. It's your first big step towards independence. But parents dread the day. Most teens are dopey, so who knows what could happen with a 17 year old piloting a ton of metal, traveling at 60 miles per hour. And a new study takes a unique look at that parent-first car connection. Parents are less willing to give their child money to buy a car, if the kid is overweight or obese.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Can We Legislate Photoshop Use?

Diet Blog — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

To those who aren't aware: EVERYTHING is photoshopped. Every image you see on a magazine cover is not real. "I don't think there's a single photograph in those (magazines) that's not retouched. They're all manipulated to hell." Hany Farid, Dartmouth College A number of countries are beginning to discuss how they might legislate against the practice. Can we really ask governments to stop what we as consumers (apparently) desire?Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Sunday News Round-Up, Catching Up Edition

Women's Health News — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 15:46:42 +0100

I haven’t done one of these in a couple of weeks; here are some things that have caught my attention recently. Movin’ Meat is the blog of an emergency physician – it’s hard to succinctly explain what happened as described in this recent post without giving it away, but let’s just say it involves sex and a nitroglycerin patch. Birthing Beautiful Ideas has 30 things about pregnancy and childbirth she never wants to hear again. Someecards, my absolute favorite place to find funny (if sometimes inappropriate) ecards, has an editor’s pick on abortion. I wish I could embed it, but it reads “I bet you one unplanned pregnancy that you are secretly pro-choice.” The Independent has a round-up of some online communities for patients, including Patie...

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Healthbolt — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:38:58 +0100

Americans Confident, Though Possibly Obese: 60% of men and women think that they’re better looking than average, which is about the same percentage of people that are overweight. (via MSNBC) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt)

Best of Our Blogs: August 31, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:57:48 +0100

Here is it. The last day of August. When you think back to the last three months of summer, how do you feel? Did you get to do everything you wanted to do? Read every book you wanted to read? Spend a few days relaxing and doing nothing too? Sometimes we get sucked into this “I need to accomplish everything and be perfect” hole. And when we’re there, we don’t know how we winded up where we are or why we wanted to be there in the first place. There’s a theme in this week’s top posts that have to do with perfectionism and also truth. I think we all strive to seek truth, what’s true for us and how to accept ourselves and be comfortable with who we are. Yet, there’s this crazy sense of push and pull between who we are (what’s true) and who w...

A Few Complaints After Surgery

Life with Breast Cancer — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:55:52 +0100

Now I remember why I put off the surgery to fix my reconstructed breasts — healing after surgery is no fun! I feel okay, but I can’t get the sutures wet while I’m healing, so I can’t go swimming and I can’t even go outside because I’ll sweat too much. My body is having a reaction to the surgical tape, and one little spot is red and getting infected. It just sucks. The only good thing is that this time I didn’t come home with any drains attached to my body. After every surgery I usually go home with the drains, and the last time I had to keep them for almost two weeks. I’ll say it again: healing isn’t fun. I bounce back quicker than most people, but I still need to whine a little about the discomfort and limited activity due to the surgery. Because I am a little swollen ar...

Dealing With the Scars From Breast Cancer

Life with Breast Cancer — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:34:58 +0100

Recently I was invited to do a guest blog on a site that produces and sells cream for people dealing with the effects of radiation treatment on their skin, including to the breast area. They provide a blog and tip site that provides encouragement to survivors of all kinds of disease; they just happened to find my blog and thought I would be a good fit. I am often asked to write guest blogs for other sites. I love these invitations because I get to find out about efforts towards breast cancer awareness and research. I also find all sorts of new resources. I don’t endorse any products and generally no one asks me to. If I have written about a specific product or company, it is because somehow these organizations provide support to breast cancer research and survivors. I found out that Jean...

Best of Our Blogs: August 20, 2010

World of Psychology — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:25:53 +0100

The creative process is a mysterious one. I sit down at my computer twice a week not knowing how I will do it and what will come out when I type. Yet, if I come to my desk present, open-minded and trusting, somehow my fingers do the work for me. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have days when the writing doesn’t flow and that I don’t feel stuck. On those days, I notice it’s one or all of the three f’s: fatigue, fear or feeling frazzled that pushes me over the edge. Then, it feels like I’m trying to run in water or force a piece into a puzzle that just doesn’t fit. I tend to think of those times as moments when self-care is vital. I might be feeling anxious, overworked or my own negative thoughts could be sabotaging my efforts. Yet, when we̵...

Best of Our Blogs: August 17, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:47:55 +0100

I was touched by a Facebook fan’s message today. Mostly because a seemingly benign update affected her in such a way that it in turn had an impact on me. It made me appreciate all the different stages of life that we’re in. Some of you are going through heartbreak while others are celebrating personal victories. I hope that we can all meet somewhere in the middle and provide support, empathy and compassion for one another no matter what stage we’re in. I don’t know about you, but it’s a reminder to not just be compassionate to others, but to myself. When push comes to shove, we often neglect the most important person-ourselves. We forget how much we’ve gone through and how far we’ve come. Grieving over our loved ones, dealing with a broken heart, f...

Poll: Are You 'Skinny Fat'?

Diet Blog — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Not only do people have to deal with the issue of being labeled as 'fat' or as 'skinny', but now it seems there is a new label becoming popular in the world of diet & fitness. The Healthy Boy Blog recently wrote a great article outlining what the new term 'skinny fat' means.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Sunday News Round-Up, Hot Tomato Edition

Women's Health News — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:29:03 +0100

Yesterday I went to the Tomato Art Fest here in Nashville. It was almost 100 degrees out, and I was coated head to toe in sunscreen (good thing, because there was practically no shade). I really enjoyed much of the tomato art at the Art & Invention Gallery, especially the handful of pieces that made me laugh out loud. I got to see Whit Hill & the Postcards perform. I love them, and didn’t realize until their show that they have relocated from Detroit to Nashville. I also had the cantelope popsicle from Las Paletas. Yum. On to items of interest from the week: This past week was the first annual Latina Week of Action for Reproductive Justice, and Nuestra Vida, Nuestra Voz has a blog carnival rounding up posts from the week. Joan has had two abortions! They are just wrapping u...

When Appearance Is Affected By Disease

Life with Breast Cancer — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:26:19 +0100

We attended a great luau this past weekend that was held in place of a bridal shower for a couple getting married in October. The bride is the daughter of my husband’s lifelong friend, so she is basically another niece to him. She looked stunning and happy and the event was just perfect. The mother of the bride is living with a chronic illness and is also a dear friend to my husband, although we haven’t seen her for years. I didn’t recognize her at all and had to ask my husband where she was. When he pointed her out I was shocked and saddened. This once beautiful woman has been completely transformed in her appearance due to the medication she is taking to combat the effects of her disease. She has put on a great deal of weight, but it is mostly her face, which is bloated by steroids...

You Can’t Tell That I Am a Breast Cancer Survivor

Life with Breast Cancer — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:38:35 +0100

With the huge debate in the United States right now about illegal immigration, the question comes down to: What does an immigrant look like? Some people come from different ethnic backgrounds, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they weren’t born here. Others, like me and my son The Big Guy, have no distinct difference in appearance from many natural-born Americans. Just to clarify, both the Big Guy and I are legal residents of the United States, and we don’t take that privilege lightly. Most of the time, however, we don’t even talk about being immigrants to this country and I doubt anyone (unless you hear me talk for a while) could tell. Just as I am not identifiable as an immigrant, it is not apparent either that I am a breast cancer survivor. Once we get through breast cancer, no ...

Best of Our Blogs: August 6, 2010

World of Psychology — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:23:27 +0100

I remember being in my early twenties sitting in my beat-up Nissan right in the peak of traffic hour. I had no air conditioning. The music was not on. I think the only people who owned cell phones back then were doctors and dentists. It was so hot that my palms were sweaty and slippery against the hot steering wheel. The unforgiving heat from the cars all around me felt suffocating. This was an ordinary day and I was just on my way home from work. I would not have remembered it other than the fact that I had an extraordinary experience sitting there being very ordinary. Suddenly, I just felt plain loved. I felt grateful for being me, for every hardship I had ever endured, for every fear I had, for every imperfection that made me unique. In the midst of all that traffic while people were ho...

The Truth About "Before" and "After" Shots

Diet Blog — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

They say a picture is worth a thousand words... well, when it comes to weight loss, nothing strikes home more than a few remarkable "before" and "after" shots. It's the best way for promoters of weight loss pills and exercise gadgets to sell their products, right? If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny. But, the line between real life and trick photography is very very thin, and people need to realize what's really going on.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

In Search of a Tattoo Artist

Life with Breast Cancer — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:28:43 +0100

The next big thing coming up for me is additional surgery to finish my breast reconstruction. I delayed getting touch-ups and nipples for various reasons, but that didn’t diminish my desire for more attractive and normal breasts. I have been lucky though because I did work initially with great surgeons at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and really have a well-placed and wonderful-looking set. Along with putting off the final cosmetic surgery, I have put off thinking about the nipple construction and tattooing that generally accompanies the finishing touches. So recently I have been searching out websites and other material to learn how this is done. Surprisingly, there are a number of ways to get new nipples and areolas. Nipple reconstruction by most surgeons is done by cutting the skin in th...

Sunday News Round-Up: Three Videos, One Post Edition

Women's Health News — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:43:43 +0100

A few things that caught my eye this week: Heather at Scarleteen is inviting people to participate in a new series in which people of two generations discuss their experiences, such as of teen motherhood, being trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, HIV positive, or asexual, abortion, surviving rape and sexual abuse, and other topics listed here. See the post and send her an email if you’re interested in participating. Amy at Science and Sensibility recommends Trish Greenhalgh’s book, How to a Read a Paper, and I definitely second that recommendation. Great, clear stuff on understanding study design and interpretation. The New York Times Magazine has a great piece, The New Abortion Providers, on barriers physicians face in providing abortion and integrating it into mainstre...

Best of Our Blogs: July 13, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:12:28 +0100

How’s your summer going? Have you been soaking up the sun’s rays or hiding out in air conditioned rooms, underneath trees and any shelter you can find? I’ve actually been exercising the latter, cooling off in theaters. As a result, it’s turning out to be a movie themed summer. In fact, this past weekend, I gave into my movie kick and saw everything from Toy Story 3 to Eclipse. Those two very different movies taught me something surprisingly similar about life. Something along the lines of, “anything is possible” and “having a little giggle is just as important as working hard.” Silliness and play teach us a lot about ourselves. It’s how we learned as kids and how we open up the door to possibilities as adults. The reason I bring this up...

Weekly News Round-Up, Another Three-Day Weekend Edition

Women's Health News — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:50:32 +0100

I’m taking Monday off work. Because I have the terrific privilege of paid vacation days, and have enough of them that I’ve actually topped out and will not accrue more until I take some of them. First, a few of my recent posts at Our Bodies Our Blog that I’ve neglected to link up here: Quick Hit: Public Comment Open on Hospital Visitation Rule Change – public comments are being accepted until August 27 on a proposed rule change that would protect patients’ rights to choose and designate their own visitors during a hospital stay and make hospital visitation much easier for LGBTQI patients and their partners HealthCare.gov Provides Tools for Understanding Health Care Options – a bit about a new government website with information on the implementation of th...

"Huge" and a Look into Teenage Body Image

Diet Blog — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

ABC's comedy "Huge" made its TV debut recently. "Huge" centers on a summer weight loss camp for teens. Intrigued about the show's premise, I managed to catch the first episode. Here are my thoughts:Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Media Gone Wild: The Continuing Sexualization of Girls and Multiple Strategies to Stop It

Our Bodies Our Blog — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:28:09 +0100

Back in 2007, we reported on the release of a devastating report from the American Psychological Association’s Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. Its findings about the impact of sexualized images on young women weren’t necessarily revelatory for long-time activists, but the thoroughness and precision with which it outlined the cultural crisis provided a renewed foundation of evidence and authority. Inspired by the report, a coalition of organizations — Hardy Girls Healthy Women, TrueChild, Women’s Media Center, Hunter College and the Ms. Foundation for Women — is convening the SPARK Summit: Challenging the Sexualization of Girls and Women, on Oct. 22 at Hunter College in New York City. The event will include “girls and media professionals, thought le...

Poll: Is 18 Too Young for Botox?

Diet Blog — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

I must say, I was a little shocked when I read on LimeLife.com that in 2009 12,110 anit-wrinkle treatments were performed on patients under the age of 18 and what's worse this number is increasing! Where could an 18 year old possibly have wrinkles and who are the parents that would sign off for those under the age of 18 to have the procedures? Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Christina Hendricks Seems Like a Normal Woman

Breastfeeding 1-2-3 — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:53:52 +0100

In the latest issue of Health, Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks graces on the cover, looking totally natural. Her face isn’t overly made-up, her hair’s blowing in the breeze, and, of course, her curves are kickin’. But she does feel weird when people talk about her body, which we think is a normal reaction to the tons of attention focused on her boobs, butt, and thighs. Hendricks says she felt even more womanly (in a good way) when she weighed 15 pounds more. Finally, a happy medium: A not obese, not rail-thin woman who’s getting some attention for her looks – and her talent. via CBS Post from: BlissTree Christina Hendricks Seems Like a Normal Woman (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3)

Best of Our Blogs: June 29, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:25:40 +0100

How do you handle the daily stresses in your life? Are you a hide under the covers person, a problem-solver, or a face things head on warrior? Or maybe you’re a little of all three depending on the situation. What surprises me is that no matter how healthy we’ve become through therapy or how advanced we are as a society, there is still a lot we can do to be and do better. There are, for example, still roadblocks ahead concerning mental health stigma. On top of that there’s the economy, natural disasters, and the oil spill, oh my! With the weight of the world on our shoulders adding significant baggage to our already piled up plate of worries, perhaps now more than ever, quoting the title of the 1965 Beatles song, “What the World Needs Now is Love.” Yes we de...

Best of Our Blogs: June 25, 2010

World of Psychology — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:41:48 +0100

Well it’s here! We’re officially in the midst of summer. In fact, we’re almost at the end of June. July here we come! Yet, for some of us summer doesn’t automatically mean fun. There’s the oil spill, for example, the economy and everything else on the news. Added to that are our plain old daily concerns on everything from our weight to our empty wallets. Yes, we definitely need an extra boost to have fun as adults. It’s not just about ice-cream cones or playing in the sand anymore, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If we have to work harder to have fun than so be it. We deserve to play as much as any kid out there! Even if you can’t get away this summer because the cost of a vacation is just too much for you this year, there’...

Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery: Should It Be Done?

Better Health — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:00:00 +0100

I seem to be asked more often these days if I do vulva reduction surgery. I’ve even been asked if I “refresh” vaginas (in which I refer them to their gynecologist.) I’m happy it’s a extremely small part of my practice. I’m also happy to see that the current issue of Reproductive Health Matters is taking a close look at cosmetic surgery, especially female cosmetic genital surgery. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Suture for a Living* (Source: Better Health)

Should Pro-Eating Disorder Sites be Banned?

Diet Blog — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

You can find information and support groups for just about anything on the world wide web. And, while we've enjoyed unprecedented access to information on issues such as health, gardening, and car maintenance - it's disturbing to think we can also access sites designed to help us with issues such as preventing tooth decay from chronic vomiting, concealing weight loss, and the best diuretics to buy. Indeed, the internet is a giant double-edged cyber-sword. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Former Contestant Slams "The Biggest Loser"

Diet Blog — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Opinions are divided when it comes to the iconic weight loss show. No doubt thousands of people have been inspired by the transformations, and have themselves made some changes of their own for the better. There is a dark side to show however, according to former contestant Kai Hibbard, who lost 118lbs in the third season of the show. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Weekly News Round-Up, Inside Until September Edition

Women's Health News — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:25:06 +0100

It’s going to be almost 100 degrees here tomorrow; I may melt. If I didn’t have to work, I’d only go outside long enough to make a trip to Las Paletas. In the meantime, the CDC has some tips for preventing heat-related illness. Pinched Nerves has a great guest post, Gay teen blogger/book reviewer takes librarians to task over LGBT lit. The Tennessean (Nashville newspaper) has today – Nashville police drop thousands of domestic violence cases – reporting on findings of an investigation into this bit of data: “in 2005, police cleared 211 cases without making an arrest. One year later, the number jumped to 3,866, and by 2009, it was 5,600.” It examines whether officers appropriately followed up on abuse cases and whether they may have inappropriately...

Animal Weight Loss: Elephants on Diets

Breastfeeding 1-2-3 — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:12:16 +0100

photo: Thinkstock When you think of naturally, ahem, big-boned animals, we bet elephants leap to mind first. Have you ever seen a skinny elephant? No, because they don’t exist. But zookeepers in Fresno, California put two elephants on a strict diet to help them lose weight and live longer. And together, these Biggest Loser bruisers have lost 2,175 pounds. (News that would no doubt bring Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels to tears.) The zookeepers didn’t know that the elephants were overweight until they had enough money to buy a scale. Now, these formerly pudgy pachyderms eat healthy foods including fruits and vegetables, and keep to an exercise routine. While we wouldn’t call the tusked behemoths shapely (that’s just weird, Seattle Times), these guys most likely have ...

Women Distort Their Own Body Image

Diet Blog — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

I have no full-length mirrors in my house, except for one which I have to open a closet to get to. (I didn't plan it that way, it's just how it worked out.) My brother and sister-in-law's new house -- which I just happened to visit last week -- is full of them, though. I check myself standing in the mirror every day, but watching my reflection sitting down, or playing on the floor with the kids, was enough to inspire me to do some pretty heavy toning work when I got home. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Best of Our Blogs: June 8, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:58:50 +0100

As a past student therapist and a friend, I’ve noticed a trend-a sad, and unexpected obsession with perfection. Could this change in perspective and sudden focus be the result of a societal shift? And more importantly, when did attaining perfection become possible? It saddens me to hear that being less than perfect mothers, friends, children, siblings, partners, employees, etc. makes us less of a person. When in reality, self-love and self-acceptance for our flaws are more realistic, attainable and favorable goals. Perhaps, the summer of 2010 could be the summer we work towards that instead. Let’s dump shame and self-loathing and embrace our whole, yet less than perfect selves. Want a head start? Read our top 5 best blogs this week listed below. 10 Ways to Live Mindfulness Tod...

Fatorexia: Overweight People Who Deny They Are Fat

Diet Blog — Mon, 24 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The dangers of a distorted self-perception of being fat (as in anorexia) are clear, present and well-documented. But what about a distorted perception of being thin? Or at least "not fat"? British author Sara Bird examines this phenomenon in her book Fatorexia: What Do You See When You Look in the Mirror?"Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Why Muscular Men Don't Appeal To Women

Diet Blog — Sun, 23 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

How many guys out there have obsessed about six-pack abs? Come on you know who you are. You've read the magazines, spent hours online and entirely too much money on supplements. You've spent so much time at the gym you might as well live there... all for some rippling abs and pulsating pecs. Maybe it's not the great turn on you thought it would be?Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Reducing My Breast Cancer Risk Through Exercise

Life with Breast Cancer — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:22:08 +0100

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week to reduce the risk of developing cancer. They also tout the benefits of exercise to survivors of estrogen-positive breast cancer. Exercise is known to lower estrogen production, and it works for both post- and premenopausal women. With this in mind, I try to achieve the 30-minute goal each day by walking my Jack Russell terrier, Dixie. She is 9 years old and loves to sleep in, but boy does she love her walks. I also call it strength conditioning — she pulls so strongly on the leash that it is a real workout for me. Lately I have been considering adding a quick workout at the gym three times a week to my schedule. This will help me with the cancer risk, but I have to admit it is all ab...

Something Is Missing From My Reconstructed Breasts

Life with Breast Cancer — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:14:34 +0100

A breast without a nipple is like a car without an engine — it is beautiful to look at but you can’t turn it on! I miss my real nipples. Talking to several women at the BRCA conference I attended in Toronto, many of them had the same lament. Regardless of the reconstructive procedure, we all miss the sensation we used to get from our nipples. I can’t conjure up that same feeling, and I have to honestly say sex is not the same. It is still great, don’t get me wrong, but that special effect that came from sensitive breasts is — well, regretfully gone. I have tried to view all the new changes to my body and psyche that came from breast cancer with curiosity. It compels me to research and study the effects of surgery and the drugs on my body and mind. I find it interesting ...

Best of Our Blogs: May 11, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 11 May 2010 12:08:08 +0100

As I’m writing this, I’m watching the rain drops slide down my window. It’s a rainy spring day and I’m loving it. As someone who’s not a big fan of gray skies and cold, I’ll admit it’s the not the weather that’s making me smile. It’s not Mother’s Day or Mental Health month that’s got me either. So what is it? It’s the realization that we really do have control over our own lives. We can create our experiences and not feel ashamed, guilty or sad that we don’t have the life someone else or society told us we’re supposed to have. This may mean redefining mental illness or not believing we need to have the so-called “perfect” body and instead embracing a different type of reality. A reality thatR...

Poll: Obese Politicians Drop Weight to Gain Votes

Diet Blog — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

It seems like the age of the fat politicians and fat preachers might be coming to an end. Well, at least that of the fat politician. In the last several years losing weight has become a huge factor regarding the image of politicians who are seeking re-election. You may recall Mike Huckabee's dramatic 120 pound weight loss which he mentioned quite a bit during his campaign.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Jillian Michaels: Won't Ruin Her Body With Pregnancy

Diet Blog — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Jillian Michaels (and celebrity trainers in general) are a double-edged sword. They have the ability to inspire literally millions of people towards changing their lives for the better. The flip side: they earn the trust of the public at large and consequently, people hang on their every word - the good and the not-so-good. In the latest issue of Women's Health, Jillian said she wouldn't get pregnant because she is afraid of gaining baby weight. In her words, I can't handle doing that to my body." Source Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

My Hair is Back…and So Is My Vanity

Life with Breast Cancer — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:06:34 +0100

Finally! After five years, my hair is back to where it was before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When my hair first started growing back after chemotherapy, it was completely different than what I was expecting. It was dark and curly, and the texture was thicker than my ”real” hair. I didn’t mind it much, mostly because I was so grateful not to be bald anymore. It was also a novelty to have short, dark, curly hair when most of my adult life I had shoulder-length, blond, straight shiny hair. As my hair continued to grow, it lost the curliness and I had long wavy brown hair — this was a novelty for me too. I actually felt like a sexy, sultry brunette. What I didn’t feel was like myself. For a few years, I struggled with my appearance. I liked how I looked as a brunette, bu...

Best of Our Blogs: April 20, 2010

World of Psychology — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:14:08 +0100

It will be Earth Day in a few days. How will you celebrate? I caught the last half of Nostradamus 2012 on the The History Channel this weekend and was temporarily freaked out. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready for the world to end in a few years. This Earth Day, you’ll find me recycling paper, reusing old bottles and even unplugging my laptop so that I can relax and reboot by spending more time with Mother Nature. After all, it’s also almost Mother’s Day (May 9th, in case you were wondering). Besides scaring me to be more environmentally-friendly, the show also got me thinking about the importance of appreciating the now and planning for the future; two concepts you’ll see intertwined in this week’s round up. However you celebrate the day, ...

Poll of the Day: Nude Inspiration?

Healthbolt — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:59:47 +0100

Kara Dioguardi in Allure's Nude Issue Allure’s annual nude issue came out this month, and – not surprisingly – it’s getting lots of attention. The bare poses of stars Kara DioGuardi, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Colbie Caillat, Jessica Capshaw, and Regina Hall’s were all over Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly, and CNN right away. The stars themselves reported a range of reactions to the shoot – from feeling nervous and dieting prior to the shoot, to feeling excited, confident, and munching candy bars before stripping down. Singer Colbie Caillat told Allure she was nervous about the shoot, and added: “I worried that it might make [my younger fans] think I was changing somehow. I hope they think to themselves, Yeah, she’s showing a woman’s body, a...

FDA Slams "Fat Dissolving" Spa Treatments

Diet Blog — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Bring Out Your Best Don't you dissolve fat in a hot pan before frying an egg? Apparently it works for human fat too. Lipodissolve, mesotherapy, lipozap, lipotherapy, lipolysis, are procedures offered at spas involving the injection of substances, not approved by the FDA, for body fat reduction purposes. So the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is coming down hard on facilities offering "fat dissolving" treatments for "misleading" people. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Best of Our Blogs: April 9, 2010

World of Psychology — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:51:17 +0100

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has an exciting weekend planned, even if “exciting” means sleeping in and vegging out in front of the TV. I don’t know about you, but I love this early spring weather, when the sun’s out, large clunky sweaters get stored away and tank tops and flip flops finally show their face. However, for some the warm weather brings up other things like spring cleaning, getting organized, taxes (ack!), a reminder of what we haven’t accomplished from our 2009 New Year’s Resolution, or our body image issues. In regards to the latter, ever notice that the two most busiest times at the gym are after New Year’s and spring? What’s great is that I’m noticing a new trend, one that has to do with self-acceptance regardless of size...

The Barbie Syndrome

Suture for a Living — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:01:00 +0100

Interesting article in the Huffington Post last week by Dr. Glenn D. Braunstein: Oh, You Beautiful Doll: Plastic Surgery Risks and Rewards. The article discusses the “Barbie Syndrome” or more accurately “Body Dysmorphic Disorder.” I love this line And, finally, try to have realistic expectations--it is unlikely that cosmetic enhancement is going to drastically change your life--after all, you are human, and not a plastic doll. The article reminded me of my post Suitability. Not all patients should have surgery. Their reasons for desiring surgery, goals, and expectations should be discussed during the consultation. Risks and benefits must be weighed. Body Dysmorphic Disorder In its simplest definition, it is an obsessive preocc...

3 Steps to a Healthier Body Image

Diet Blog — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

sxc.hu: bjearwicke Here on Diet Blog our aim is to promote positive body image. As one of our forum posts rightly pointed out recently, the message is "Eat Right. Get Healthy," not "Get Anorexic." If you're a regular reader on our forum though, you may have noticed the number of posts from readers who appear to have disordered eating or obsessive behaviors surrounding dieting. It makes for pretty sad reading at times. But, why is that some people -- especially young women -- will go to any lengths to achieve what they perceive as the "perfect" body image?Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Poll: Women Grow Their Own Breast Implants

Diet Blog — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Body image obsession is nothing new among women and some will go to great lengths in their quest for the perfect dimensions. In the UK women are trying a new procedure for decreasing their belly size and increasing their breast size without surgery.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Obesity Etiquette: Is It Really Necessary?

Diet Blog — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Etiquette guru Mary Mitchell says that it's not polite to tell someone they're fat. No kidding. It's also not polite to suggest ways for an obese person to lose weight, or to say, "You'd be so much prettier if you were thin." But, in a recent column at Reuters, Mitchell says that when including an obese individual in your social plans, it's important to take their needs into consideration.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Everyone Deserves a Lifetime

Life with Breast Cancer — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:36:43 +0100

I am starting to hear ads in Michigan for the 3-day walk to end breast cancer. Many of you have written to me about your participation in this event and how rewarding it is. The one thing that I love about this year’s ad is the line at the end when the announcer says that “everybody deserves a lifetime.” I am sure that I have heard this line before, but it really hit me this week. The whole medical community, all the research and info sites like everydayhealth.com are dedicated to the premise that everyone deserves a lifetime. No one’s life should be cut short because a tumor began to grow in their breasts. The United States has a 5- year survival rate of over 90%. This is so exciting when you think about it. People are surviving the disease. My concern is how well we recover after...

Do You Want an Hourglass Figure?

Diet Blog — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

NY Mag There is a strange dichotomy in the fashion world. Very lean high-fashion models regularly get called 'fat', yet we also laud hourglass figures on the cover of magazines. Madmen actress Christina Hendricks talks about body shape in New York magazine - in particular how her figure has been discussed more than her acting ability. Anytime someone talks about your figure constantly, you get nervous, you get really self-conscious. I was working my butt off on the show, and then all anyone was talking about was my body!" Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Upcoming Events at Vanderbilt

Women's Health News — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:25:45 +0100

IMAGE week Survivor Panel – 2/18 Always a highlight of IMAGE week, Thursday will be the Survivor Panel. Panel members include; a student survivor, an adult survivor, Vida Sobie from the Psychological and Counseling Center, and this year new to the panel, the husband of our adult survivor. While Vida shares professional opinions, our survivors will share their amazing stories of overcoming the most deadly mental disorder. In addition, our spouse will be able to field questions about his experience in marriage with an eating disorder survivor from having a child to the worry for a loved one. Promising to be an emotional and intimate night, the survivor panel allows a glimpse into the chaotic world of being an eating disordered individual. 7:00-8:30 p.m. Buttrick 309 Vanderbilt Universi...

Anorexia Nervosa

Inside Surgery — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:38:05 +0100

Pathophysiology severe disturbance of caloric intake with refusal to maintain an adequate body weight Signs and Symptoms 1) self-starvation and over concern with body weight and shape 2) binge eating and purging 3) weight < 85% of normal 4) fear that weight will get out of control with even small caloric intake 5) distorted body image (patients see themselves as fat even when emaciated) 6) lack of menses 7) acrocyanosis of digits cold intolerance 9) hypothermia 10) self-induced vomiting 11) decreased cardiac output 12) cardiac failure 13) bradycardia 14) enlarged salivary glands 15) dental erosion 16) edema 17) lanugo (soft downy hair on body) 18) onset usually in mid to late adolescence Characteristic Test Findings Laboratory – 1) hypoglycemia 2) decreased estrogen 3) increased T4 ...

Weight Issues Around the World

Diet Blog — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Reader's Digest surveyed and analyzed responses from 16,000 people in 16 countries to find out what people around the world think about weight. Here's what they found: The most pressure to be thin Brazil topped the list, with 83% lamenting that their culture places too much emphasis on weight. Runners up are India at 68% and the US at 62%. This isn't that surprising as the beauty industry has surged in Brazil in recent years. There is likely a correlation there. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Should You Lock Up Your Sweets?

World of Psychology — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:00:32 +0100

I read a most strange article this morning in my copy of The Boston Globe Magazine by Virginia A. Smith. The author talks about the fact that she and her spouse have a padlocked drawer in their kitchen in which they keep all of their sweets: The lockbox is a large drawer with a padlock worthy of Gitmo in which I store anything loaded with sugar and fat — cookies, chocolate chips, Tostitos, marshmallows, frosting — all stuff I don’t mind my kids having in small quantities. But to John, my middle child, there’s no such thing as moderation. He has never met a grain of sugar, a gram of fat, or a chip of chocolate that he hasn’t wanted to consume immediately. His two sisters keep reasonable control over their food-related cravings. My spouse, Kathy, cannot control herself in ...

“Suitable” for Plastic Surgery?

Suture for a Living — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:01:00 +0100

A few years ago I wrote about the “Suitability” of a patient for plastic surgery. I was reminded of this topic by two cases in the recent lay media: The first involves Heidi Montag, 23, who in November had multiple surgical procedures and is being compared to Joan Rivers. According to People, Montag even kept her family in the dark about her intended transformation to become her “best me.” Telling only her husband Spencer Pratt, Montag had a nose job revision, chin reduction, mini brow lift, Botox in her forehead and frown area, fat injections in her cheeks, nasolabial folds and lips, neck liposuction, ear pinning, liposuction on her waist, hips, inner and outer thighs, buttock augmentation and breast augmentation revision. The other involves Annette Edwards, 57, who has had mul...

Video – A Girl’s Life

Women's Health News — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:07:33 +0100

I just watched “A Girl’s Life” on PBS – it’s not specifically health-focused, but does examine issues of body image, bullying, violence, and education through profiles of four adolescent girls. It was very good and is well worth a watch, even for those without daughters. Video on the PBS site Info about the program at show host Rachel Simmons’s website Associated PBS site for parents on raising girls Posted in Abuse, Rape, & Safety, Access, Rights, & Choice, Adolescent Health, Body Image & Eating Disorders (Source: Women's Health News)

Eating Disorders Linked to Distorted Body Image

The Collective Well — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:39:25 +0100

Do you see yourself as you really are? (Credit: Luis Muñoz) Imagine looking in a mirror and hating what you see. You eat alone, you may alternately starve and binge, you feel horrible about yourself. You’re probably tired and depressed too, to top it all off. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, tens of millions of people in America alone are dealing with this every day. I have two daughters, and I often wonder why nutrition and positive body image are not part of basic education. But taking my Mom hat off and putting my Scientist hat back on, it turns out eating disorders and having an inaccurate or distorted body image are linked. Maybe this is not too surprising. It’s still important to talk about though. We found a strong association between Eating Disor...

Retouched Models: Because Real is Never Good Enough

Diet Blog — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Just a few years ago, photoshopped images were something of a novelty. We published a list of sites where you could gaze at the multitude of ways that models were altered. The practice has now become so commonplace that there are websites devoted to pointing out all the mistakes made in the industry. Beyond the hilarity, I believe the practice is not helpful. A recent post pointed to research showing that images of models do have an impact on a person's self-esteem.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Weekly News Round-Up, 12/13

Women's Health News — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:49:49 +0100

The DVD for “A Walk to Beautiful,” fistula documentary I’ve written about here in the past, is on sale through the 24th. @vuglobalhealth has a bunch of tweets from a lecture on women and reproductive health in resource-limited settings from UCSF’s Dr. Purnima Madhivanan. One key line from a piece in The Nation on proposed cosmetic surgery tax, NOW’s opposition to it, and feminism: “Feminism is about fighting a discriminatory society, not about accepting that discrimination and making it more cost-effective for women to capitulate to it.” The Joint Commission has resources on preparing for doctor visits. Aunt B points to the Swedish renaming of the hymen to “vaginal corona.” Every Day, Good Women Choose Abortion – at RHRC. Laure...

Overweight Women: Stop Looking At Models

Diet Blog — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

From new research in the Journal of Consumer Research: "We recommend that overweight consumers attempt to avoid looking at ads with any models, thin or heavy (perhaps by avoiding women's magazines),"Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

At Our Bodies Our Blog: Prempro Lawsuits, Cosmetic Surgery, & the Fabulous Judy Norsigian

Women's Health News — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:05:02 +0100

At Our Bodies Our Blog today, I have a bit about the outcomes of some recent lawsuits related to Prempro (estrogen+progestin HRT) and breast cancer. Earlier this week, I pointed to a recent issue of the journal “Clinical Risk” which is focused on cosmetic surgery risks and regulations. Christine has posted about a Time magazine article on a sex drive drug for women in which OBOS co-founder and director Judy Norsigian is quoted; Judy is also featured in the current issue of Vanderbilt University Medical Center newsletter The Reporter, following her visit to Nashville and talk at Vanderbilt’s School of Nursing. Posted in Body Image & Eating Disorders, Boobs, Cancer, Drugs, Menopause (Source: Women's Health News)

Introducing Weightless: A Blog About Body Image

World of Psychology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:55:04 +0100

You really can’t help but be overwhelmed by the amount of focus these days on how a person looks. The people who are most harmed by this shallowness are women, especially young adults, as so many of their role models are “perfect and thin.” How can you have a healthy body image when the media constantly bombards us with messages telling us that the only good body image is a thin one? So it is with great pleasure to bring you a new blog about just this very topic — body image, the skinny fad and learning how to attain freedom from the (weight) numbers and dieting. The blog is called Weightless: As our new blogger, Margarita Tartakovsky, wrote in her introduction to her blog, “Weightless is about well-being, not weight; about fostering body image, regardless o...

Plus-Sized Nightclubs: Rattle and Rolls?

Diet Blog — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The name says it all - Club Bounce. And Long Beach, California folks looking to shake and rattle their rolls think that a dance club for the obese is just what doctor ordered -- for their social lives at least. Long unable to get past the velvet ropes at traditional nightclubs because of their weight, Californians with a few (or even more than a few) extra pounds have no trouble getting in at Club Bounce. That's because the club was created to serve a specific clientele: the overweight and obese. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Fat Talk Free Week

World of Psychology — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:19:44 +0100

Talking about our weight, the circumference of our thighs or our disastrous double chin is as natural (and hard to resist) as comparing ourselves to others, which is as natural (and hard to resist) as blinking. And apparently, it brings us together. According to one study, we bond over fat talk. When everyone’s doing it, it can be tough not to join in. “Because women feel pressured to follow the fat talk norm, they are more likely to engage in fat talk with other females,” Martz [co-author of the study] told LiveScience. “Hence, women normalize their own body dissatisfaction with one another. If there are women out there who feel neutrally or even positively about their bodies, I bet we never hear this from them for fear of social sanction and rejection,” she said. And the fat ...

Q&A with Julie Holland

World of Psychology — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:19:29 +0100

Julie Holland, MHS, CEDS, is recognized in the industry as both a clinician and public speaker. A certified eating disorders specialist, she has directed marketing and customer relationship management programs at several leading eating disorder treatment programs across the country. Ms. Holland has specialized in the treatment self-esteem, eating and body image issues for adults and adolescents for more than 23 years. She is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Director of Certification for the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, as well as an Approved IAEDP Supervisor. How does fat talk affect one’s self image? Fat talk brings a sense of negativity toward how individuals think about themselves and their body. It can also affect how individuals relate...

Fat: The New "F" Word?

Diet Blog — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Did you know that its Fat Talk Free Week? The Reflections Program is running a campaign this week to encourage women to remove the word "fat" from their vocabulary when talking about themselves and others. Also, in London Kathryn Szrodecki is fighting back by demanding legal protection for overweight people who are discriminated against and abused. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Fox NFL and Burger King Make Jessica Simpson Fat Jokes

Diet Blog — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Jessica Simpson is yet again the butt of fat jokes, this time at the hand of Fox NFL and Burger King. During a recent pre-game show, an animated skit was aired that featured cartoon versions of Dallas Cowboy players and plenty of "boy is Jessica fat" jokes. "Man, I still can't believe Tony (Romo) dated Jessica Simpson, even after she blew up bigger than Flozell Adams!" says the cartoon-version of running back Marion Barber. While tight end Jason Witten jokes, "Unlike Tony, at least Jessica comes up big when it counts!" Even head coach Wade Phillips puts his two cents in. "Say Tony, is Jessica around? We could use a defensive tackle!" Har har.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Seventeenth Century Women and Breast Cancer

Life with Breast Cancer — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:25:39 +0100

Several years ago I visited the Detroit Art Institute. It was a date with my husband when he was still my boyfriend, even before he was my fiancee. My husband made a great boyfriend. This visit to the museum made a real impact on me for a number of reasons, for one it was the first time I saw an original Van Gogh. I’ll never forget however the group of teenage girls touring the institute with an older woman whom I assumed was their teacher. They were in the room of renaissance paintings which had a beautiful almost life size portrait of a nude woman reclining on a chaise. The portrait was stunning and so was the woman. Women of that time, in paintings anyway, were usually depicted, like her, full figured with round tummies and full firm breasts. The teacher of the group of girls ruin...

SNL's Casey Wilson Denies Being Fired Due to Her Weight

Diet Blog — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

imbd.com For some reason, people are mean to Casey Wilson. As a fan of Saturday Night Live, I could never figure that out. SNL might not have been the best format for her, and she wasn't always given the best roles, but she's one funny lady. Casey showed grace this week when Lorne Michaels fired her from his show, sparking rumors that she was fired because she'd been asked to lose 30 pounds over the summer and either failed to, or refused. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

How a Model Made Peace With Her Body

Diet Blog — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Originally published in Marie Claire, this is an account of the modeling industry and its culture through the eyes of a former model. Here are some highlights of her musings, which are sardonic and whimsical, yet describe a poignant reality. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Weekly News Round-Up, 8/30/09

Women's Health News — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:14:10 +0100

Lots of stuff at Our Bodies Our Blog, as usual. Emily Douglas is leaving RH Reality Check for The Nation. If you’ve appreciated her work at RHRC, go wish her a fond farewell. Rachel Maddow interviewed Dr. LeRoy Carhart, an abortion provider in Nebraska whose clinic is being protested by Operation Rescue this weekend. He appeared wearing a large badge that reads, “Trust Women.” frau sally benz is staring up a feminist book club (online), Radical Readers & Feminisms for Dummies – visit jump off the bridge to sign up. Renee at Womanist Musings has a bunch of stuff worth reading in her weekly round-up. I particularly liked Chally at Zero to the Bone’s In Which Homework is Assigned, with commentary on and links to things to read on disability and access. F...

Did You Reinvent Your Identity to Accommodate Illness?

Everything Changes — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:09:28 +0100

In 10th grade chemistry I created 40 phonetic spellings of my first name, chose Kairol, and it stuck. (I was born with the Mrs. Brady spelling. And yes, in 1987 you coul make up whatever name you wanted and slap it on a drivers license.) So, I got curious when I recently learned Matthew Zachary, founder of I’m Too Young For This, is actually named Matthew Greenzweig. He developed Matthew Zachary as an alter ego after treatment. Here’s what he told me: “When I was a senior in college, I was a concert pianist diagnosed with brain cancer. They said I’d never play again. I had horrific radiation, was so depressed, and thrown into the lion’s den of trying to figure out what happens to your life after treatment. That was the story of Matthew Greenzweig’s life and it was uncomfortable...

Weekly News Round-Up, 8/23/09

Women's Health News — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:33:14 +0100

Lots of stuff at Our Bodies Our Blog as usual. One I didn’t get around to linking last week is a piece about how Washington State is attempting to reduce c-sections by equalizing Medicaid reimbursements for vaginal birth vs. (non-emergency) c-section. The New York Times Magazine has a special issue this week on women, including an interview with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her approach to global women’s issues. The National Sexuality Resource Center has launched the Cool Aunt campaign, centered around the trusted adults in a child’s life when s/he is unwilling or unable to obtain needed information about sex and growing up from her/his own parents. I’m often thought I would give the nieces/nephews a copy of S.E.X when they’re a little older (itR...

For People Coming from Alternet: The Genital Cosmetic Surgery Post

Women's Health News — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:59:53 +0100

If you happen to be coming here from Rebecca Chalker’s The ‘Perfect’ Porn Vulva: More Women Demanding Cosmetic Genital Surgery piece on Alternet, here’s the specific post here that she refers to: Vaginal “Rejuvenation” Not Safe or Necessary (with links to several past pieces on the topic). Chalker has a website that I haven’t really explored yet but will go ahead and share: The Clitoral Truth. Posted in Body Image & Eating Disorders, Vaginas & Vulvas (Source: Women's Health News)

Changing Body Shape - Old Before Our Time?

Everything Changes — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:30:16 +0100

You’ve asked for it so here it is: for the next two posts we’ll be dishing on early menopause. I still get monthly visits from Flo, so I asked Emily Beck to write about this subject and moderate conversation. Emily is a 30-something diagnosed with ovarian cancer in summer of ‘07 and finished treatment a little over a year ago. Take it away Emily: TURN, AND FACE THE STRANGE Somewhere in Cyber-space, a fellow inductee into the world of early menopause said, “Menopause does not mean you suddenly develop an irresistible impulse to start shopping at Chico’s.” When I first heard this witticism, I had yet to be gripped by one of the most feared dimensions of The Change: WEIGHT GAIN. I had lost about 15 lbs. thanks to surgery and chemo, so it wasn’t until quit...

Weekly News Round-Up

Women's Health News — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:20:05 +0100

Comments are working again at OBOS – we had some technical difficulties this week, but have new posts up on Wyeth Pharmaceutical’s ghostwriting of papers on hormone replacement therapy (to gloss over the risks), with the Colbert Report’s take and continued featuring of a copy of OBOS as part of the women’s health g graphics. Also, Christine’s critique of a pregnant-looking-women-breakdancing campaign (you really just have to read it). NaCl and hv has a series of how-to posts on bringing babies to conferences. I’m a little bummed that the Childcare entry doesn’t include “encourage conference organizers to provide childcare.” The Allied Media Conference manages to provide childcare and a kids’ track, which I assume increases the abi...

Your Opinion Needed: Too Fat? Too Skinny? Too Muscular?

Diet Blog — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Negative body image is an epidemic--plain and simple. The psychology of weight and perception of "ideal" has always fascinated me and continues to evolve, for better or for worse. Obviously, women have different perceptions of what constitutes "ideal," and there is an equally disparate range of what women are happy with. Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

About Body Image

Diabetes Daily — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:43:35 +0100

I sat down, first thinking I belonged there. And then they started talking amongst themselves, these women who champion the cause of "health at every size", these women who were about to lead a breakout session entitled "Blogs & Body Image: What are we teaching our kids?" at the annual BlogHer conference.And I fled. How can I tell my impressionable eleven-year-old niece that I had to lose weight in order to stay healthy without her coming away thinking she must stay a reasonable weight herself, possibly at any cost? On the flipside, how can I say there is "health at every size" when I could not achieve it myself? And why did I think I belonged in this group of women who promote this cause? It's a narrow tightrope I walk along - balancing a healthy bo...

Can You Undo a 'Cankle?'

Diet Blog — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The Urban Dictionary defines the slang word 'cankle' as: "The absence of a defined ankle on a person - whereby the calf of the leg merges directly into the foot. The calf appears to replace the ankle - hence the term 'cankle'." It's a clever word, but what comes after isn't so funny!Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog)

Weekly News Round-Up

Women's Health News — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:35:47 +0100

Please forgive any typos I miss – I’m down a “g” key on this laptop thanks to a cat+coffee incident. Esquire profiles abortion provider Dr. Warren Hern, [hat tip to the Daily Women's Health Policy Report] An excerpt: And some treat him with contempt and disgust, usually the ones who have been directly involved in antiabortion activities. They hate all abortion except for their special case. One even said they should all be killed. Only fourteen, she came with her mother. What brings you here? he asked. I have to have an abortion. Why? I’m not old enough to have a baby. But you told the counselor we should all be killed? Yes, you should all be killed. Why? Because you do abortions. Me too? Yes, you should be killed too. Do you want me killed before or after I ...

Government Women’s Health Site Acknowledges That Women of Different Sizes Can Be Healthy

Women's Health News — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:27:46 +0100

There is so much insistence that thin=healthy, not thin=unhealthy encountered online and real life that this body image page from Womenshealth.gov (The National Women’s Health Information Center) sort of surprised me by acknowledging: We all want to look our best, but a healthy body is not always linked to appearance. In fact, healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes! And then it goes on to emphasize healthy eating for the purposes of having nice skin and hair (and bones, less prominently). Sigh. Unfortunately, it doesn’t also acknowledge the problems that physician approaches to size can create. It says (emphasis added): A doctor’s health advice can be misinterpreted and affect how a woman sees herself and feels about her body. That makes it sound like, when women or...

Weekly News Round-Up

Women's Health News — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:16:03 +0100

Lots of stuff at Our Bodies Our Blog worth reading. I’m not biased at all. Renee at Womanist Musings also has a bunch of links to posts worth checking out. One of them I particularly liked was this one on kids and gendered language. This website from the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition is intended to help cancer patients locate financial assistance and manage cancer care costs. MADRE is solicting help for food aid in Darfur. The Women’s Bioethics Project has a book club selection that I need to add to my to-read list: Normal at Any Cost: Tall Girls, Short Boys, and the Medical Industry’s Quest to Manipulate Height From First, Do No Harm, a blog highlighting examples of fat prejudice in healthcare, this is exactly why many people simply decide not to go back to ...