[Forum] My Recovery From Anorexia

My Story: Society clearly has a huge impact on self image. Sadly, 80% of women are unhappy with their appearance and 4 out of 5 ten-year-olds are scared of being fat. Now more than ever people are struggling with eating disorders and becoming obsessed with their appearance due to the unrealistic expectations society has demanded. To put it simply, something has to change in our society. Back in high school, I was a victim of an eating disorder called anorexia and my experience with this disease dramatically changed my life. I’ve decided to share my story and reach out to those struggling with eating disorders because I want to give back the help I received and give hope to those who desperately need it. Anorexia is a serious deadly disease, but the good news is, it’s a disease that can be defeated if treated in time. My struggle with anorexia started in the 10th grade and once I hit 87 lbs my parents decided to take action and bring me to the Mayo Clinic for intense treatment. I didn’t have my period for years, my organs had already started to shut down, and my heart rate was very slow. In all reality, I was slowly killing myself and I was in desperate need of help. I had my own team of doctors I worked with for over two years to get me where I am today. When I wasn’t at the hospital, I had my family keeping me accountable and watching me. My disease hated my family and was constantly at battle with them. It was a very difficult journey for me and my family, but if it wasn’t for their tough love, I would still be in the chains of this overpowering disease or I would be dead. For those of you struggling with this, I want you to know that I completely understand what you’re going through and I’m available to talk to. I understand the constant fear, control, rigidness and strict routines you deal with every single day. I understand the panicked feeling you get whenever dealing with food, especially when you’re in a different place than your usual eating environment. I understand the hate and frustration you get from your peers on a daily basis. It is a scary dark place that no one understands except those who have personally gone through this. Today I am healthier than I have ever been, but I have to continue to keep myself accountable. Like alcoholism and any other addiction, this is something I will deal with the rest of my life, but as of right now I’m in control, not the disease. I want you to know that if you’re one of the many struggling with an eating disorder, there is hope and you don’t have to feel what you are feeling any longer. The first step in recovering is to ask for help because you cannot defeat this alone. Statistics from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLCKJe8KEgY Distorted Beauty: I am a graphic design major, which means I work very closely with the adobe programs. I wanted to give you a glimpse of what adobe photoshop can do by showing you this video. The reason I am doing this is because a lot of the images we see in magazines and advertisements are dramatically retouched and distorted to fit the unrealistic mold society has created. These kinds of images bombard us on a daily basis and as a result have distorted our view on true beauty. Because of this, it is easy to forget that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Our uniqueness is what makes us interesting and we shouldn’t feel ashamed of that. Please click on the link listed below to view the Dove self-esteem video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rSjh52fGTg#watch-main-area

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[Forum] My Recovery From Anorexia

The Bigger the Person, the Smaller the Discount

In a controversial new program, Whole Foods will be rewarding its healthiest workers with larger employee discounts. According to a Whole Foods memo: “The goals of this voluntary program are to encourage and reward Team Members for making healthy, positive lifestyle changes and to reduce the costs of our health plan.” I guess the overpriced fish counter, 365 Everyday Value root beer, and chocolate fountain aren’t enough to cut costs. Currently, Whole Foods employees are given a 20 percent discount to use throughout the store. Under the new plan, participating employees will undergo a free screening to measure blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI , and nicotine use. Depending on their test scores employees will be assigned to one of four categories with corresponding discount rates: bronze (22 percent), silver (25 percent), gold (27 percent), and platinum (30 percent). Even though bronze level employees still receive a larger discount than those opting out of the new plan, the incentive program still reeks. In order to qualify for the bronze level an employee must be tobacco free, have a blood pressure of 140/90, total cholesterol count of 195 or less, and a BMI of 30 or less. If you don’t meet these minimum qualifications, you are stuck with the original 20 percent discount. Measuring someone’s health by their BMI is highly questionable , and can you legally punish someone who smoked off-site? If Whole Foods really wants to send a message of health to its workers, why not get rid of the bakery, aisles of prepackaged, prepared, and processed foods, and the huge soda selection. No matter how you fry it, a package of “all-natural” doughnuts is still a box full of bad-for-you, oil-soaked bread. To me, this just seems like another move by Whole Foods to give the appearance of being a model of health, when it’s anything but. John Mackey, the CEO of Whole Foods, even went so far as admitting that his store sells a “bunch of junk.” From his proposed plan to fix health care, to posting on Whole Foods message boards under a fake name , Mackey is no stranger to controversy. It remains to be seen what fallout will come from his latest move.

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The Bigger the Person, the Smaller the Discount

If at First You Don’t Succeed . . .

How’s everyone doing with their 2010 fitness health goals so far? Based on all the inspiring posts in our Get Fit For 2010 community group, it seems like most of you are right on track. But don’t get discouraged if you’re struggling a bit. It’s hard making these kinds of lifestyle changes, but over time you won’t even have to think about it - all of these new, healthy habits you’re developing will be second nature to you in no time. One of the biggest gripes I hear from people who are trying to get in shape is how much they hate exercising. When I ask why, they say that it’s boring, uninspiring, or that they hate forcing themselves to do something they dislike. Here’s the thing, I empathize with what they are saying. For me, it’s important to love what I do, even when it comes to being active. I have a friend who hated working out until she discovered boxing, and now she practically lives in the ring. Same thing goes for another friend who dreaded going to her Hatha yoga classes. But before she gave up on yoga altogether, she let her coworker convince her to try Bikram. Three years later, she’s going to Bikram yoga five times a week. I really believe that there is something out there for everyone. Some people love being gym rats, while others have to be outdoors. Some people like to work out alone, while others need social interaction to keep them motivated. If you haven’t found an activity yet that makes you want to work out, experiment. Don’t give up too easily either. It wasn’t until my third Vinyasa flow class that I realized how much I loved the practice. Once you find that special something that makes you want to get up and go, you won’t even consider it a workout anymore, it’s just your life.

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If at First You Don’t Succeed . . .

Get the Bod: Carrie Underwood

When we first met the lovely Carrie Underwood on American Idol , as you can see from the photo on the left, she was already slim and beautiful. But five years later, this 5-foot-3 star has really toned up, going from a size six to a teeny size two. Proud of her body, this amazing singer isn’t afraid to bare all in a bikini . Her bod didn’t come easy, though, but rather took a lot of sweat at the gym and watching her calorie intake. In a recent issue of Us Weekly , Carrie shares that she continues to hit the gym for at least 30 minutes, four to six times a week. She pumps up her heart with cardio on the treadmill or stationary bike , and then does basic, yet effective, strength training moves like push-ups , crunches, and squats. Her new personal trainer, Tony Greco, is kicking her butt, which Carrie says she needs, “especially with a tour coming up and a wedding to look good for.” To hear about this newly engaged singer’s eating habits, read more. Carrie is a vegetarian , but that’s not how she stays slim. Keeping a food journal helps her track her calorie consumption. Some foods you’d see in her journal are soy-based sausages and Kashi bars, but you won’t see soda or many sugary foods. She doesn’t eat catering, and instead chows on food from the stocked fridge she has on her bus. Carrie even brings her own groceries when she goes home to Cheotah, OK, because she says, “I have to . . . or I’ll starve. Fitness is not a lifestyle [there].” I love that this 26-year-old celeb isn’t hung up about losing weight for her appearance, but rather she says, “I need to be fit and healthy to keep up with all I have to do.”

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Get the Bod: Carrie Underwood

Physical Traits Give Clues About Your Health Risks

There are many things we can do to enhance our health and prevent illness. Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, limiting your alcohol intake, and reducing your stress can add years to your life. Who knew that your appearance and physical characteristics such as finger length and your sense of smell could let you know what health risks you might be prone to? Check out the list below from Prevention magazine. Finger length: For women, if your index finger is shorter than your ring finger, then it means you have double the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee. If yours is longer or even with your ring finger, you’re in the clear, but if it’s not, do exercises to strengthen your knees, such as squats and lunges. Arthritis and finger length are both related to low levels of estrogen, so that’s why the two are connected. Arm length: Extend your arms in T-position out to the sides and measure the distance form fingertip to fingertip. If the distance is less than 60 inches, you’re at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s . So do activities that stimulate your brain and your body. Take a painting class, learn to play a musical instrument, play chess, or take dance lessons. There’s more, so keep reading

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Physical Traits Give Clues About Your Health Risks

[Forum] My Weight Loss Mission

From Diet Blog Share: I am overweight. I carry my weight around my thighs, but am a proportionate looking pear shape at 5′8″. I’ve never had qualms about my appearance, and have had a constant string of boyfriends who have never complained. I did fashion at University [giving me a false sense of confidence?!?] However, I have just started a new job which involves sitting down all day, and am concerned that if I do not change my diet, I will balloon way past my ‘happy-place’. So, I have set myself a mission to reduce my calorie intake. It is now Wednesday [9/9/09 - bad omen?], and my third day ‘dieting.’ So far I have had two cups of tea with semi-skimmed milk, and am about to tuck into a cold boiled egg [105 calories so far]. I walked briskly for 10 minutes to work this morning, and will do the same going home, other than this I rarely exercise, and cannot afford a gym membership, so diet seems the way forward. I do not want to be thin really. But, I would very much like to be healthier than I am now. I currently weigh 12st 10lbs [169lbs], and my BMI puts me at overweight. My goal is to be a healthy weight of 11st [154lbs], so I have a long way to go! Wish me luck. Any tips will be welcomed with open arms. Sara xx

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[Forum] My Weight Loss Mission

Farmed Fish Anyone?

An international team of researchers has found that about 50% of the fish consumed globally is farmed. Here are some of the facts, and a discussion of the potential implications of the upward trend of aquaculture. Continue reading…

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Farmed Fish Anyone?

Fitness Tips For Teens – The 2 Most Effective

Fitness tips for teens are pretty unique. They have to be different from fitness tips given to adults. Why? The answer is simple. Teenagers have their own unique questions and concerns when it comes to getting in shape. These two fitness tips should help point teens in the right direction. The first tip is to not be shy about starting an exercise routine. This mainly applies to those that are moderately or severely overweight. If you fall into this category, listen to this. Kids can be pretty cruel these days. There will always be that small percentage of immature kids that take pleasure in making you feel bad about yourself. The constant ridiculing will lower your self esteem, and cause you to feel shy and self conscious about the way you look. So what can you do about it? If you’re unhappy with the way you look right now, the desire to change your appearance is going to be your strongest source of motivation. Just remember that everyone has to start from somewhere, and nobody was born in good shape. Also, don’t feel like you have to go to the gym to see a change in your appearance. Since you are new to exercise and you are self conscious about the way you look, it might be a good idea to experiment with some home exercise first. Seeing some results will boost your confidence and make you more comfortable if and when you decide to try the gym. The second fitness tip is to not expect huge results to happen overnight when you start exercising. Take baby steps instead. Realize that you won’t be able to run a marathon or bench press 300 pounds on your first day of training. It takes a lot of time and hard work to reach high levels of fitness. Trying to do too much too fast is an easy way to hurt yourself. I’ll use running as an example. Let’s say you want to be able to run 10 miles without stopping. Trying to do this on your first day of running is not the way to go about it. Instead, use a gradual approach. Break the big goal up into smaller goals over a ten week period. In the first week, work on running one mile. After one mile is easy, start adding one mile per week until you reach your goal of 10 miles. You’ll probably still have some muscle soreness, but it’s much better than trying to do the whole thing all at once. Jake Dennert is a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry. He is truly dedicated to sharing his fitness knowledge with others. For more useful fitness information, please visit his site: [http://www.front-line-fitness-tips.com]http://www.front-line-fitness-tips.com. If you would like to bypass the home page and get more Fitness Tips For Teens, visit: [http://www.front-line-fitness-tips.com/fitness-tips-for-teens.html]http://www.front-line-fitness-tips.com/fitness-tips-for-teens.html. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Dennert http://EzineArticles.com/?Fitness-Tips-For-Teens—The-2-Most-Effective&id=2695256

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Fitness Tips For Teens – The 2 Most Effective

5 Things: Cellulite

Celeb trainer Jillian Michaels is no stranger to cellulite. And neither is starlet Kim Kardashian . In fact it is estimated that between 80 to 95 percent of women have cellulite somewhere on their body. If you have been worrying about of bit of dimpling on your backside, fear not, because you are not alone. Here are five things I think you should know about cellulite. From a purely medical standpoint cellulite doesn’t exist; it is nothing more than fat. The word cellulite is French and was first used in medical literature around 150 years ago. Cellulite is more prominent in women than in men due to the structural differences of stored fat between the sexes. The connective tissues that create these storage units in men works on diagonals, where as we lucky ladies store our fat in a large vertical honeycomb like structure. This structural form enhances the appearance of the dimples. Here’s the bad news – there is no way to get rid of cellulite. None of those creams, lotions or rubs will get rid of the dimples caused by cellulite. Topical creams cannot penetrate the three layers of skin to eliminate the fat. Learn what you can do about cellulite.

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5 Things: Cellulite

How the Alphabet Can Prevent Skin Cancer

Most of the more than one million cases of skin cancer that are diagnosed in the US each year are considered sun-related, and of those, almost 11,000 people will die each year. That’s a lot of deaths that could be prevented if people just took care of their skin by wearing sunscreen and doing skin self-exams. Check yourself for suspicious-looking moles, and if you find something odd, make an appointment immediately with a dermatologist. If you’re not sure what you should be looking for - this is where your knowledge of the alphabet comes into play - follow the A,B,C,D,E rule. To learn the rule, just read more. A for asymmetry: A mole that, when divided in half, doesn’t look the same on both sides. B for border: A mole with edges that are blurry or jagged. C for color: Changes in the color of a mole, including darkening, spread of color, loss of color, or the appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple or gray. D for diameter: A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter. E for elevation: A mole that is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface. Check your skin often and look for these changes in your moles. Also be on the lookout for oozing, bleeding, itchiness, tenderness, or a mole that grows quickly. If detected early enough, the mole can be tested and removed if it’s cancerous. To protect yourself from future sun damage, remember to apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside , reapply it every two hours to prevent sunburn , and keep your skin protected at all times. Source

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How the Alphabet Can Prevent Skin Cancer

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