Benefits of Healthy lifestyle/HabitsLiving a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge when you arefaced with processed foods, lack of time for exercise andgoing out with friends. Too many options are available for

fast food, poor exercise choices and alcoholic beverages thatnegate other healthier lifestyle choices you may have made.Research shows that the impact of good health on your quality

of life is far-reaching, regardless of your age, sex, orphysical ability.There are significant benefits to improvingthe way in which you live so you can have a healthier and

longer life.

1) Controls Weight

Eating right and exercising regularly can help you avoid excess weight gain and maintain a healthy weight

According to the Mayo Clinic (a nonprofit medical practice and medical research group based in Rochester, Minnesota), you can obtain benefits of exercise by being active in simple ways throughout the day. For example, walk instead of driving vehicle or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Eating a low-fat diet can also help control weight.

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) says that when you start the day with a healthy breakfast, you help avoid hunger spasms that could send you running to the fast food before lunch.

The ADA also recommends incorporating at least five times per day of fruits and vegetables--which are low in calories and high in nutrients--in to your diet to help with weight control.

The healthy lifestyle choices of stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and eating a well-balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods and fats will help to maintain a healthy weight.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, reducing weight to within normal limits can also significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health and well-being.

2) Improves Mood (mental health)

Doing right by your body pays off for your mindas well.

The Mayo Clinic notes that physicalactivity stimulates brain chemicals that often leave youfeeling both happier and more relaxed

Eating a healthy diet as well as exercising canlead to a better physique

You may also feel better about your appearance which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.

The American Council on Exercise reports that the short-term results of exercise include decreased stress and ability to think better.

It's not just diet and exercise that lead to improved mood. According to a study published in the American Journal of Health Behavior, another healthy habit that leads to better mental health is making social connections.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says that whether it's volunteering, joining a club,or attending a movie, communal activities help improve mood and mental functioning by keeping the mind active and serotonin levels balanced

According to HelpGuide.org, eating well and exercising can help defend against depression and will sharpen your memory and stabilize yourmood.

By learning to expand your range of food choices and make smart lifestyle decisions, such as reducing or eliminating alcohol from the diet and stopping smoking, you can benefit with an improved mood and a better outlook on life.

3) Combats Diseases

Healthy habits can help prevent certain health conditions--such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure--by boosting high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreasing unhealthy triglycerides.

This combination keeps your blood flowing smoothly, decreasing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The Mayo Clinic says that regular physical activity and proper diet can help you prevent or manage a wide range of other health problems, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, and arthritis.

4) Boosts Energy

We've all experienced the energy drop that comes from eating foods high in sugar and saturated fats.

When you eat a balanced diet including whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, andfruits and vegetables, your body has the fuel that it needs to manage your energy level.

Regular physical exercise (says the Mayo Clinic):

improves muscle strength boosts endurance, giving you more energy helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your

tissues gets your cardiovascular system working

more efficiently so that you have more energy to go about your daily activities

helps boost energy by promoting better sleep--helping you fall asleep faster and deepening your sleep.

5) Improves Longevity

When you practice healthy habits, you boost your chances of a longer life.

The American Council on Exercise reported on aneight-year study of 13,000 people.

The study showed that those who walked just 30 minutes each day significantly reduced their chances of dying prematurely, compared with those who exercised infrequently.

Healthy Living Tips for TeenagersThe teenage years are a period of intense physical, emotional,

mental and intellectual growth. It’s also a time when yourchild develops habits that can last a lifetime. You can help

your teenager reach optimal growth and development byinstilling lifestyle habits that support a healthy and happy

body.

1) Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

NHS Choices recommends that teens get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

According to the 2007 Australian National Children'sNutrition and Physical Activity survey, teenagers only eat about half of the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day.

Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins andminerals your teen’s body needs to grow and functionproperly.

Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables also helps keep your teen full without providing excess calories that can lead to weight gain.

2) Get Your Behind Moving

Exercise does more than burn calories. Engaging in physical activity helps keep the heart

and lungs strong and produces endorphins -- chemicals that improve mood.

A well-balanced exercise routine includes aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility training, such as yoga or pilates.

According to the Kids Health, a website presented bythe Nemours Foundation, teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day.

Watch What You Drink

Your body is almost two-thirds water, so staying hydrated is important.

Teenagers should aim to drink six to eight glasses of water per day, according to the British NutritionFoundation.

That number increases for teens who engage in sportsor are especially active.

Other good sources of fluid include 100 percent fruit juice and low-fat milk.

Sugary and caffeinated beverages should be limited or eliminated from the diet completely as they provide excess sugar and empty calories.

If You Don't Snooze, You Lose

According to Cleveland Clinic, teenagers need at least nine hours of sleep each night to function at their best during the day.

It sounds easy enough, but with early school start times, late afternoon practices and hours of homework, getting enough sleep can be a challenge.

Set a regular bedtime time that allows for nine hours of sleep before your teen has to get up for school.

Your teen should also engage in at least an hour of “quiet time” prior to bedtime.

The goal is for all electronics to be turned off forthe night so that the brain and body to relax.

Quiet time may involve listening to soothing music or reading a book.

Preventing obesityWhether you're at risk of becoming obese, currently overweight

or at a healthy weight, you can take steps to preventunhealthy weight gain and related health problems. Not

surprisingly, the steps to prevent weight gain are the same asthe steps to lose weight: daily exercise, a healthy diet, and

a long-term commitment to watch what you eat and drink

1) Exercise regularly You need to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-

intensity activity a week to prevent weight gain.

Moderately intense physical activities include fast walking and swimming.

2) Eat healthy meals and snacks. 

Focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Avoid saturated fat and limit sweets and alcohol. You can still enjoy small amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods as an infrequent treat.

Just be sure to choose foods that promote a healthy weight and good health most of the time.

3) Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat.

Identify situations that trigger out-of-controleating.

Try keeping a journal and write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you'refeeling and how hungry you are.

After a while, you should see patterns emerge. You can plan ahead and develop strategies for handling these types of situations and stay in control of your eating behaviors.

4) Monitor your weight regularly. 

People who weigh themselves at least once a week are more successful in keeping off excess pounds.

Monitoring your weight can tell you whether your efforts are working and can help you detect small weight gains before they become big problems.

5) Be consistent. 

Sticking to your healthy-weight plan during theweek, on the weekends, and amidst vacation and holidays as much as possible increases your chances of long-term success.

How to Reduce Unsafe Practices & PromoteHealthy Lifestyle Behaviors Among TeenagersAmidst enormous physical and emotional change and development,adolescents are also testing their independence, forming their

identities, expanding their social lives and experimentingwith new behaviors. These opportunities for growth can carryrisk of unhealthy choices; many teens end up struggling withobesity or eating disorders, substance use, unsafe sexual

activity, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation,school problems and low mood. Adults can help promote better

health for the teenagers in their lives.

1) Encourage exercise. Fitness is one of the fundamental building

blocks of good teen health. Exercise is associated with more positive mood,

improved sleep, better concentration and productivity and higher self-esteem.

Suggest ways to be active, such as biking with friends, walking or running with the family dog, taking a recreational sports or fitness class or even playing an active video game, such as one of the new interactive yoga or sports games on the market.

Model physical fitness by being active yourself, and plan family activities around opportunities to be active.

2) Make nutrition a priority. Many teens rely on vending machine snacks, fast

food and on-the-go sugary sports drinks or sodas for fuel during the day.

These foods do not provide lasting energy or the nutrients teenagers need for proper growth and development.

Educate the teenagers in your life about healthy food choices and proper portion sizes

Encourage them to choose complex carbohydrates and lean protein for snacks (for example, low-fat string cheese with whole-grain crackers, orraw veggies dipped in hummus)

Make sure healthy foods are available at home.

3) Limit your teenager's screen time and media exposure.

It's tough to keep adolescents away from television and online media these days.

Excessive media exposure can negatively influence teenagers' nutrition, body image and health.

In addition, too much screen time leads to a sedentary lifestyle that can promote obesity and other health problems.

4) Keep the lines of communication open with teenagers. Teens are influenced by their parents'

behaviors and values. Other adults in their lives are important influences, too.

The more you talk openly with your teens aboutavoiding unsafe health practices and instead choosing healthy behaviors, the more influential you can be with them.

It can be tempting to avoid discussing difficult issues with teenagers, but resist thetemptation and start the conversation. Communication is key.

Teenage stress

Teenagers, like adults, may experience stress everyday. Someteens become overloaded with stress. When it happens,

inadequately managed stress can lead to anxiety, withdrawal,aggression, physical illness, or poor coping skills such as

drug and/or alcohol use.When we perceive a situation as difficult or painful, changesoccur in our minds and bodies to prepare us to respond todanger. This "fight, flight, or freeze” response includes

faster heart and breathing rate, increased blood to muscles ofarms and legs, cold or clammy hands and feet, upset stomach

and/or a sense of dread.The same mechanism that turns on the stress response can turnit off. As soon as we decide that a situation is no longerdangerous, changes can occur in our minds and bodies to helpus relax and calm down. This "relaxation response” includesdecreased heart and breathing rate and a sense of well being.Teens that develop a "relaxation response” and other stressmanagement skills feel less helpless and have more choices

when responding to stress.

Some sources of stress for teens might include:

school demands and frustrations negative thoughts and feelings about themselves changes in their bodies problems with friends and/or peers at school unsafe living environment/neighborhood separation or divorce of parents chronic illness or severe problems in the family death of a loved one moving or changing schools taking on too many activities or having too high expectations family financial problems

Parents can help their teen in these ways: Monitor if stress is affecting their teen's health, behavior,

thoughts, or feelings Listen carefully to teens and watch for overloading Learn and model stress management skills Support involvement in sports and other pro-social activities

Teens can decrease stress with the following behaviors and techniques:

Exercise and eat regularly Avoid excess caffeine intake which can increase feelings of

anxiety and agitation Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco Learn relaxation exercises (abdominal breathing and muscle

relaxation techniques) Develop assertiveness training skills. For example, state

feelings in polite firm and not overly aggressive or passive

ways: ("I feel angry when you yell at me” "Please stop yelling.”)

Rehearse and practice situations which cause stress. One example is taking a speech class if talking in front of a class makes you anxious

Learn practical coping skills. For example, break a large task into smaller, more attainable tasks

Decrease negative self talk: challenge negative thoughts about yourself with alternative neutral or positive thoughts."My life will never get better” can be transformed into "I may feel hopeless now, but my life will probably get better if I work at it and get some help”

Learn to feel good about doing a competent or "good enough” job rather than demanding perfection from yourself and others

Take a break from stressful situations. Activities like listening to music, talking to a friend, drawing, writing, orspending time with a pet can reduce stress

Build a network of friends who help you cope in a positive way

Beauty StandardsBeauty in Different

CulturesBy Paul Ford

Beauty remains an elusive notion across different cultures. What are the factors behind attractiveness?

Across the globe, few people have difficulty recognizing someone who is considered beautiful. Beauty is often sought after, revered, and sometimes interpreted as a personal virtue. Standards of beauty are usually social markers determining cultural status, social acceptance and suitability as a mate. However, beauty remains an elusive notion. Scientists continue to study the biological and anthropological factors behind physical

attractiveness, while advertisers continue to employ ideals of beauty to sell products. Countless people continue their quests to become or remain beautiful to receive the benefits society offers for beauty. A physical aesthetic has remained constant over time throughout the diverse cultures of the world. In this sense, beauty has been regarded as a reflection of health, vitality, sexual allure and social appeal. Although the specifics of what makes someone beautiful can differ across countries, cultures and communities, the concept of beauty has existed for as long as there have been people.

Securing a mate, procreating and receiving support from alife partner were some of humanity’s earliest benefits ofbeing beautiful. During the struggle to survive in antiquity, our ancestors needed to be part of a clan, sharing food, resources and shelter as they cared for offspring that would continue building their civilizations. In contemporary times, however, beauty hasbecome a prized and helpful physical quality. Those who are beautiful, studies have shown, receive better pay fortheir work, more easily advance in social status and haveeven been viewed as being more competent and trustworthy.Some of these advantages are simply a result of human beings’ desire for the simplicity found in symmetry. The concept of symmetry is a norm in most studies of aesthetics, whether in art or life. This balance, signifying familiarity, is comforting to the human eye. Asymmetrical face suggests an overall healthiness of mind and body. A pockmarked face is a deviation from a clear, smooth complexion. Eyes unevenly set across a face are irregular and disconcerting to the viewer, who intuitively craves symmetry. People are attracted to thatwhich is uniform and conventional. Although the face is

just one signal of physical beauty, it is often the foundation of judgment when assessing one’s appearance.

Along with an appealing face, a proportionate, pleasing body frame is a necessary feature of beauty as it demonstrates physical fitness and defines one’s lifestyle. A thin woman with a toned, tanned body and blonde highlights in her golden hair can reflect a lifestyle of leisure. One can imagine her enjoying leisurely days at the beach with the sun bronzing her skin and lightening her hair. A trim body demonstrates her self-control and discipline in a lifestyle that can afford much leisure time. Even if genetics have blessed her with a high metabolism, a hairdresser applied the sun-streaked highlights to her hair and a cosmetic bronzer deepened her skin tone, the final outcome is beauty. However, not all cultures find the trim blonde a perfect representation of beauty. In Nigeria, women are encouraged to be more full-figured as it demonstrates fertility and the ability to carry and birth many babies.In some Southeast Asian cultures, wherein war resulted ina lack of food, a more full-figured woman demonstrates a higher social status. Being thicker in frame can boast ofbeing well fed and healthy. In these ways, beauty impliessuperiority and cultural status. However, standards of beauty depend upon the social conditions of the times in which one lives. The blonde with bronze skin would not beappealing to her Victorian ancestors, who saw tanned skinas a sign of the lower classes toiling in the hot sun. Although times change, the power of beauty and what it symbolizes remains.

At times, trying to emulate beauty standards can be unrealistic or come with physical or psychological risks.However, to many people, the rewards of trying to embody a culture’s beauty standards outweighs the dangers. The

Victorian women, in an effort to stay as pale as possible, were often poisoned by lead-based makeup. Even the Victorian descendant, the California beach bunny, risks harm from too much sun exposure. Around the globe, diverse ideals of beauty often come with their own uniquehazards. Some tribal women in Burma are known for their seemingly elongated necks fitted with multiple rings. Many rings signify social status, gracefulness and make women more appealing to potential husbands. The rings do not stretch the neck, however. The rings, in fact, slowlyweigh down on the collarbone, pressing it downward, and creating a sense of a long, graceful neck. Though creating deformities in the shoulders and weakening theirneck muscles, sometimes to point of fatality if the ringswere ever removed, the rings are still a reflection of beauty. Similar is foot binding in China, which is not practised during modern times. In an effort to seem diminutive and subservient to men, women’s feet were bound tightly to impede the growth. These unnaturally little feet were revered as part of a beauty standard. Although some customs perish, new customs emerge in the quest for beauty.

In contemporary times, having large eyes is seen as a mark of beauty by some Asian cultures, in which eyes tendto be smaller in shape than European’s. In addition, manyAsian women have undergone surgery to create European-looking eyelids. This desire to be what is rare and unattainable is a common element in beauty standards throughout the world. Many Western women strive to appearlike the runway model who is grossly underweight. Many people go under the surgeon’s knife to alter their appearances, sometimes for the worse. In this sense, attaining beauty is a sacrifice with it own rewards. However, not all cultures view beauty as something difficult to achieve. The Maasai people approach beauty

as an attainable quality that people can control. These east African tribal people focus on a tidy appearance andjewelry as adornment. Bright white teeth, a clean appearance, and short cropped hair are easily attained with brushing, washing, and cutting. Beaded jewelry is easy to find, make and wear. Proper grooming demonstratespersonal pride, a healthful outlook and adherence to cultural norms.

In contrast, the Suri people of Ethiopia find beauty represented in women’s lip plates. When a girl reaches puberty, her bottom teeth are removed to make way for a piercing in the lower lip. Once the piercing is in place,the lip is stretched around a clay plate. When it is timeto find a husband, this lip plate guides the dowry process. Plates are seen as both a sign of beauty and a measure of a woman’s value in cattle. Larger plates signal a more valuable and desired woman. Another sign ofpersonal value is demonstrated in the elaborate facial tattoos of the Māori people, an indigenous group in New Zealand. In modern times, the Tā moko, this face-coveringtattoo, is worn as a demonstration of cultural pride and beauty among the group. In the past, the Tā moko signified social status, and those without a marked face,were not allowed participation in tribal rituals and dismissed to a low social rank. The use of the Tā moko faded away with the settling of many white people in New Zealand. However, in the 1990s, this practice saw a resurgence as some Māori wanted to emphasize their cultural pride and ideas about beauty through this conspicuous symbol. Modifying the body through art is a custom in many cultures.

Scarification of the body is another practice, specifically among populations with dark skin too dark toshow tattoos. The Karo tribe of Ethiopia scar men and

women’s torsos and chests to assert social status. Men’s scars mark the number of enemies killed in battles, whilewomen’s scars represent sensuality and appeal. Although less practiced today, some indigenous groups with little contact with the modern world continue these kinds of beauty rituals. Today, many people of African descent in the Western world wear their hair in dreadlocks, coils ofhair fused together, resembling matted braids. This hairstyle often symbolizes a cultural pride and beauty intheir black identity and a rejection of the white beauty standard of straight, silky hair. The fact remains, however, even in rejecting some beauty standards, the idea of beauty remains.

In Southwestern Asia, the area often known as the Middle East, the rejection of Western culture and beauty standards, along with the insurgence of Islamic traditions, has seen the rise in more traditional, Arabicclothing. This clothing tends to cover more of the body and gives only an alluring glimpse at the feminine figurewithin as a clear denunciation of the revealing outfits worn by many in the Western world. These outfits display the humble, demure and secret beauty of the wearer, whosehusband is the only one with access to the body hidden within the folds of fabric. Still, with increasing globalization, many Western beauty ideals have spread throughout the world, while cultures with little contact outside their indigenous communities continue to observe their own beauty practices. Either way, ideals of beauty are ever-present throughout the diverse communities of world.

Although differing across the globe, beauty standards arean important part of the cultural landscape. Demonstrating status, social acceptance and suitability as a mate, physical aesthetics affect how people view

themselves and those around them. Health, fitness and social expectations are consistent in standards of beautyacross cultures, although different cultures all have their own ideas about what makes one beautiful. While time and social conditions can alter these standards, what remains is that the notion of beauty is unchanging and powerful.

Source: http://paulford.com/beauty-in-different-cultures/

Media's Effect on Body ImageThe popular media (television, movies, magazines, etc.) have, since World War II, increasingly held up a thinner and thinner body image as the ideal for women.

In a survey of girls 9 and 10 years old, 40% have tried to lose weight, according to an ongoing study funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

In a study on fifth graders, 10 year old girls and boys told researchers they were dissatisfied with their own bodies after watching a music video by Britney Spears or a clip from the TV show "Friends".

A 1996 study found that the amount of time an adolescent watches soaps, movies and music videos isassociated with their degree of body dissatisfactionand desire to be thin.

One study reports that at age thirteen, 53% of American girls are "unhappy with their bodies." Thisgrows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen.

Source: National Institute on Media and the Family

A Focus on Appearance

A Kaiser Foundation study by Nancy Signorielli found that:

In movies, particularly, but also in television shows and the accompanying commercials, women's and girls' appearance is frequently commented on: 58 percent of female characters in movies had comments made about their looks, as did 28 percent in television shows and 26 percent of the female modelsin the accompanying commercials. Mens' and boys' appearance is talked about significantly less often in all three media: a quarter (24%) of male characters in the movies, and 10 percent and 7 percent, respectively, in television shows and commercials.

One in every three (37%) articles in leading teen girl magazines also included a focus on appearance, and most of the advertisements (50%) used an appeal to beauty to sell their products.

The commercials aimed at female viewers that ran during the television shows most often watched by teen girls also frequently used beauty as a product appeal (56% of commercials). By comparison, this is true of just 3 percent of television commercials aimed at men.

Source: National Institute on Media and the Family

Eating Disorders

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that eating disorders affect more than 5 million Americans each year. 

An estimated one thousand women die each year of anorexia nervosa. As many as one in ten college women suffer from a clinical or nearly clinical eating disorder, including 5.1% who suffer from bulimia nervosa.

Approximately five percent of adolescent and adult women and one percent of men have anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.

Fifteen percent of young women have substantially disordered eating attitudes and behaviors.

The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that about 9,000 people admitted to hospitals were diagnosed with bulimia in 1994, the latest year for

which statistics are available, and about 8,000 werediagnosed with anorexia.

Males account for only 5 to 10 percent of bulimia and anorexia cases. While people of all races develop the disorders, the vast majority of those diagnosed are white.

Studies indicate that by their first year of college, 4.5 to 18 percent of women and 0.4 percent of men have a history of bulimia and that as many as1 in 100 females between the ages of 12 and 18 have anorexia.

Statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics show that "anorexia" or "anorexia nervosa" was the underlying cause of death noted on 101 death certificates in 1994, and was mentioned asone of multiple causes of death on another 2,657 death certificates. 

In the same year, bulimia was the underlying cause of death on two death certificates and mentioned as one of several causes on 64 others.

Five to ten million adolescent girls and women struggle with eating disorders and borderline eatingconditions.

Each year millions of people in the United States are affected by serious and sometimes life-threatening eating disorders. More than 90 percent of those afflicted are adolescent and young adult women. 

According to The Center For Mental Health Services 90 percent of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health, National Center for Health Statistics, National Eating Disorders, SAMHSA'S National Mental Health Information Center

8,000,000 or more people in the United States have an eating disorder.

90% are women. Eating disorders usually start in the teens but may

begin as early as age 8.

Source: National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

Text source: http://depts.washington.edu/thmedia/view.cgi?section=bodyimage&page=fastfacts

Media Exposure and the "Perfect"BodyDo unrealistic beauty standards in the media lead to eating

disorders?

Published on November 18, 2013 by Romeo Vitelli, Ph.D. in Media Spotlight

Why have obesity and eating disorders become so common inchildren and adolescents? Along with an unhealthy obsession with food, diet, and appearance, there also seems to be an underlying belief in an "ideal" body weight and shape. For those young people who believe thatthey fall short of this ideal (as the vast majority do), the outcome is low self-esteem, biased perceptions about how much food they should eat, and a tendency towards poor eating habits that can aggravate health problems. 

Adolescents diagnosed with serious eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia often report that their symptoms can be linked to the bullying they often receivefrom their age peers as well as the unrealistic media images presented as an ideal for them to follow. When overweight people are shown at all, they are presented ascomic relief and often ridiculed. The romantic heroes andheroines on the other hand, typically have bodies that are smaller and thinner than average.   This is especially true for female characters while males are allowed the option of "bulking up" with greater muscle development.

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Content analysis of female characters show a bias towardsbody weights well below the recommended size and weight for people in their age group. As a result, adolescent females who are unable to conform to the ideal being put forward by movie and television find themselves taking

extreme measures to be more like their role models. With thinness presented as the ideal body shape and a necessary prerequisite for health and happiness, anyone falling short of this ideal is vulnerable to depression, poor self-esteem, and general body dissatisfaction. The effect of media content on ideas of physical beauty appears remarkably robust with women reporting greater feelings of inadequacy regardless of their real body weight. Though the problem is most commonly seen in females, it is hardly limited to them. While there is  slightly wider variation in body shapes among male characters in movies and television who are presented as ideals of physical attractiveness, obesity is still regarded as unattractive.

Though the impact of media exposure and body dissatisfaction appears strong in adult males and females, adolescent males and females appear just as vulnerable. A recent study published in the Journal of Media Psychology examined the effect of media exposure onbody image in early adolescents. Conducted by two Israeliresearchers, the study focused on adolescents since they are especially vulnerable to media influence due to f thebiological changes their bodies are undergoing during puberty. As well, media influences play an important rolein personality development, peer pressure, and the development of a sense of identity as adolescents make the transition to young adulthood. Brain development during puberty also means greater cognitive complexity and a need for developing individuality.  

The study also represented a test of the social comparison theory first proposed by Leon Festinger duringthe 1950s. According to Festinger's theory, people rely on external models on which to form their self-perceptions. These models can come from people they know in real-life or through the popular media. This can lead to downward or upward comparisons depending on whether the model makes them feel superior or inferior by comparison. In the case of physical attractiveness,  seeing media celebrities presenting a certain standard ofbeauty leads to upward comparisons which can lead to increased action to resemble that standard. Research has demonstrated the depression and despair that women often feel over falling short of the media models  presented to

them. While men are hardly immune to the social modeling effect, it is probably not a coincidence that women are often held to a higher standard and face greater criticism for falling short. This can be even more apparent with adolescent females and the pressure they receive from their age peers.

According to the tripartite model of social comparison theory, there are three basic motivations for self-comparison with others:   self-evaluation (comparing yourself to others to evaluate your relative status, "Am I keeping up with the Joneses?"), self-improvement (looking to social models to learn how to solve a problemor improve a situation, "What would X do?"), and self-enhancement (looking at social models to learn how to feel better about yourself ("How can I feel better about myself?").   When comparing themselves to a favourite movie, television, or video game character, adolescents tend to rely on all three motivations to meet the ideal being set for them.

In the study, 391 middle-school students (182 males and 209 females) with an average age of 13 years completed anonymous questionnaires in a group setting.  Along with being asked the number of hours they spent watching television, surfing the Internet, and playing video games, they were also asked to choose a favourite same-sex character. The media characters the  students in the study selected were analysed for common features as well as the extent to which the students compared themselves to these characters.  

According to the study results, 191 media characters wereidentified in the study, most being from teen-oriented shows with some adult characters thrown in (eg., Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother). In terms of character body shape, the bias was definitely towards thin characters. When rated for physical attractiveness, therewas a strong negative correlation between perceived attractiveness and body shape with bigger characters considered less attractive. Analysis of study results showed that social comparison with a favourite character strongly predicted  level of  body dissatisfaction compared to the ideal that the characters represented. Asexpected, females showed greater dissatisfaction with

actual body weight and body image appears related to likelihood of dieting behaviour in the previous year.

By combining the different variables in the study, the researchers developed a prediction model that demonstrated the link between social comparison and body image. While the study results were consistent with previous research showing the impact of media exposure onbody dissatisfaction, the study focused on favourite television characters and how they can affect the way adolescents view their bodies.  Along with conveying the message that being thin was important, the characters reinforced that message by being likeable and easy to identify with by their adolescent fans.  

According to the study authors, the appeal of these characters can work in one of two ways:  either the character becomes a role model to be imitated as closely as possible, or the viewer develops a "one-sided friendship" with the character. Media research has shown that adolescents often depend on television characters to"find their way" in the world and to set a standard for them to follow. The stronger the perceived relationship with the favourite character, the greater the motivation to be as much like them as possible, including in terms of body shape.

Although the authors noted that basing their research on self-report limits their findings, the results indicate that the standard of beauty widely presented on television, movies, and video games is having a powerful effect on adolescents. This effect reinforces the low self-esteem that can lead to risky behaviour such as excessive dieting. By focusing on early adolescents, who are often vulnerable because their personalities and self-image are still forming, the research helps demonstrate the power of media on how young people view themselves.    

Recognizing the risk associated with presenting adolescents with an unrealistic standard for beauty can help combat the current obsession with physical thinness.Popular media figures appear to play a strong role in promoting unhealthy eating habits that can endanger the health of young people.    Though there are no simple

solutions, parents and educators need to be aware of the social comparison process and encourage more appropriate lifestyle choices to prevent health problems.

MISrepresentation of Women in the Media

What comes to mind when you picture a beautiful woman? The first thoughts I have are of a woman who is thin, blonde, has perfect hair, perfect skin, and is well dressed. I can’t say that I often see anyone who matches this description in my daily life though. The reason why I think of this image first, is because that is the imagethat I see of beauty in the media on a daily basis. The standard of beauty set for women that is portrayed in themedia is outrageous and unattainable. It affects girl’s and women’s self-esteem, as well as men’s expectations ofwomen. On the surface, the presentation of what is beautiful in the media does not seem like a hard hitting issue, but in reality it is. 

The women we see in advertising aren’t real women. They are airbrushed beyond recognition, and sometimes they areeven a mixture of different women photo-shopped together.The standard of beauty portrayed in the media is something women strive for, but is truly unattainable.

“Evolution of Beauty” by Dove is part of their Campaign for Real Beauty. The video shows a model getting her photo taken and the process that occurs to get the finished product.

This video shows how the standard of beauty represented in the media is literally unattainable in real life. 

Intersectionality and Beauty

The unreasonable standards of beauty for women intersect majorly with race. Women shown in the media are often white, or are given white features. Skin lightening is often used. One famous example of that is in a Loreal ad that Beyonce did, where her skin was drastically lightened. Loreal denies the claim that they lightened her skin, but the photo shows a definite difference.Often, if a woman of color with very dark skin is shown, she is portrayed to be “wild” or overly sexual. Latino and Asian women are also often presented in ways that make them appear to be white and not their true ethnicity. 

The ideas of gender intersect with standard of beauty because femininity is valued, portrayed, and expected of women by the media. The female body is represented to be very thin, but also have curves. Breasts are turned into objects by the media, and made into a sign of femininity.It is rare for a real woman to be as thin as is represented and have large breasts as well. Long hair, feminine colors, and feminine clothing are also prevalent. These ideas are socially constructed and actedout by women in society.

As Margaret L. Andersen and Patricia Hill Collins state in "Systems of Power and Inequality", "neither race, nor class, nor gender operate alone. They do so within a system of simultaneous, interrelated social relationships" (Andersen and Collins 2009 ,61). One pieceof media will contain more than one power structure.

Barbie

From a young age girls are presented with ideas of beauty. Barbie dolls are an example of this. Galia Slayendid a project to bring attention to the unattainable bodyimage Barbie represents. If a real woman had the body measurements of a Barbie, she would be almost six feet tall and weigh 110 lbs. She would fit the criteria for anorexia. Slayen wanted to do this project to " as a toolto reveal the negative body image that she

promotes"(Slayen 2011).This is one of the first examples of “beauty” that girls see. Also, as described in the article “Black Barbie and the Deep Play of Difference” byAnn Ducille, Barbie doesn’t truly represent any sort of multiculturalism in a realistic way. Ducille points out that “all of these [multicultural] dolls look like the stereotypical white Barbie, modified only by a dash of colour and change of clothes” (Ducille 2000). Barbies of color are merely white Barbies made with a different color of plastic. They still have stereotypical white features and white textured hair.

Substance abuse

People abuse substances such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco for varied and complicated reasons, but it is clear that our society pays a significant cost. The toll for this abuse can be seen in our hospitals and emergencydepartments through direct damage to health by substance abuse and its link to physical trauma. Jails and prisons tally daily the strong connection between crime and drug dependence and abuse. Although use of some drugs such as cocaine has declined, use of other drugs such as heroin and "club drugs" has increased. 

Finding effective treatment for and prevention of substance abuse has been difficult. Through research, we now have a better understanding of the behavior. Studies have made it clear that drug education and prevention aimed at children and adolescents offers the best chance to curb abuse nationally.

The 2012 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse estimated the number of users of illicit drugs in the United States ages 12 and over to be about 24 million. Inaddition, the survey estimated that 6.8% of Americans abuse or are dependent on alcohol (down from 7.7% in 2002), and 22% of Americans smoke cigarettes (down from 26 percent in 2002).Abused substances produce some form of intoxication that alters judgment, perception, attention, or physical control.

Many substances can bring on withdrawal, an effect causedby cessation or reduction in the amount of the substance used. Withdrawal can range from mild anxiety to seizures and hallucinations. Drug overdose may also cause death.

Many substances, such as alcohol, tranquilizers, opiates,and stimulants, over time also can produce a phenomenon known as tolerance, where you must use a larger amount ofthe drug to produce the same level of intoxication.

Tobacco: People cite many reasons for using tobacco, including pleasure, improved performance and vigilance, relief of depression, curbing hunger, and weight control.

The primary addicting substance in cigarettes is nicotine. But cigarette smoke contains thousands of otherchemicals that also damage health. Hazards include heart disease, lung cancer andemphysema, peptic ulcer disease, and stroke. Withdrawal symptoms of smoking include anxiety, hunger, sleepdisturbances, and depression.

Smoking is responsible for nearly a half million deaths each year. Tobacco use costs the nation an estimated $100billion a year, mainly in direct and indirect health carecosts.

Alcohol: Although many people have a drink as a "pick me up," alcohol actually depresses the brain. Alcohol lessens your inhibitions, slurs speech, and decreases muscle control and coordination, and may lead to alcoholism.

Substance Abuse CausesUse and abuse of substances such as cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs may begin in childhood or the teen years. Certain risk factors may increase someone's likelihood to abuse substances.

Factors within a family that influence a child's early development have been shown to be related to increased risk of drug abuse.

Chaotic home environment Genetic risks (drug or alcohol abuse sometimes can run in

families) Lack of nurturing and parental attachment

Factors related to a child’s socialization outside the family may also increase risk of drug abuse.

Inappropriately aggressive or shy behavior in the classroom

Poor social coping skills Poor school performance Association with a deviant peer group Perception of approval of drug use behavior

Substance Abuse SymptomsFriends and family may be among the first to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Early recognition increaseschances for successful treatment. Signs to watch for include the following:

Giving up past activities such as sports, homework, or hanging out with new friends

Declining grades Aggressiveness and irritability Forgetfulness Disappearing money or valuables Feeling rundown, hopeless, depressed, or even suicidal Sounding selfish and not caring about others Use of room deodorizers and incense Paraphernalia such as baggies, small boxes, pipes, and

rolling paper Getting drunk or high on drugs on a regular basis Lying, particularly about how much alcohol or other drugs

he or she is using Avoiding friends or family in order to get drunk or high Planning drinking in advance, hiding alcohol, drinking or

using other drugs alone Having to drink more to get the same high Believing that in order to have fun you need to drink or

use other drugs Frequent hangovers Pressuring others to drink or use other drugs Taking risks, including sexual risks Having "blackouts"-forgetting what he or she did the

night before Constantly talking about drinking or using other drugs

Getting in trouble with the law Drinking and driving Suspension from school or work for an alcohol or drug-

related incident

Drug Abuse and AddictionSigns, Symptoms, and Help for Drug Problems and Substance Abuse

Some people are able to use recreational or prescription drugs without ever experiencing negative consequences or addiction. For many others, substance use can cause problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, leaving you feeling isolated, helpless, or ashamed.

If you’re worried about your own or a friend or family member’s drug use, it’s important to know that help is available. Learning about the nature of drug abuse and addiction—how it develops, what it looks like, and why itcan have such a powerful hold—will give you a better understanding of the problem and how to best deal with it.

Understanding drug use, drug abuse, and addiction

People experiment with drugs for many different reasons. Many first try drugs out of curiosity, to have a good time, because friends are doing it, or in an effort to improve athletic performance or ease another problem, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Use doesn’t automatically lead to abuse, and there is no specific level at which drug use moves from casual to problematic.It varies by individual. Drug abuse and addiction is lessabout the amount of substance consumed or the frequency, and more to do with the consequences of drug use. No matter how often or how little you’re consuming, if your drug use is causing problems in your life—at work, school, home, or in your relationships—you likely have a drug abuse or addiction problem.

Why do some drug users become addicted, while others don’t?

As with many other conditions and diseases, vulnerability to addiction differs from person to person. Your genes, mental health, family and social environment all play a role in addiction. Risk factors that increase your vulnerability include:

Family history of addiction Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences in childhood Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety Early use of drugs Method of administration—smoking or injecting a drug may increase its

addictive potential 

Drug addiction and the brain

Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. While each drug produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common: repeated use can alter the way the brain looksand functions.

Taking a recreational drug causes a surge in levels of dopamine in your brain, which trigger feelings ofpleasure. Your brain remembers these feelings and wants them repeated.

If you become addicted, the substance takes on the same significance as other survival behaviors, such as eating and drinking.

Changes in your brain interfere with your ability tothink clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and feel normal without drugs.

Whether you’re addicted to inhalants, heroin, Xanax,speed, or Vicodin, the uncontrollable craving to usegrows more important than anything else, including family, friends, career, and even your own health and happiness.

The urge to use is so strong that your mind finds many ways to deny or rationalize the addiction. You may drastically underestimate the quantity of drugs you’re taking, how much it impacts your life, and the level of control you have over your drug use.

How drug abuse and addiction can develop

People who experiment with drugs continue to use them because the substance either makes them feel good, or stops them from feeling bad. In many cases, however, there is a fine line between regular use and drug abuse and addiction. Very few addicts are able to recognize

when they have crossed that line. While frequency or the amount of drugs consumed don’t in themselves constitute drug abuse or addiction, they can often be indicators of drug-related problems.

Problems can sometimes sneak up on you, as your drug use gradually increases over time. Smoking a joint with friends at the weekend, or taking ecstasy at a rave,or cocaine at an occasional party, for example, can change to using drugs a couple of days a week, then every day. Gradually, getting and using the drug becomes more and more important to you.

If the drug fulfills a valuable need, you may find yourself increasingly relying on it. For example, you may take drugs to calm you if you feel anxious or stressed, energize you if you feel depressed, or make you more confident in social situations if you normally feel shy. Or you may have started using prescription drugs to cope with panic attacks or relieve chronic pain, for example. Until you find alternative, healthier methods for overcoming these problems, your drug use will likely continue.

Similarly, if you use drugs to fill a void in your life, you’re more at risk of crossing the line from casual use todrug abuse and addiction. To maintain healthy balance in your life, you need to have other positive experiences, to feel good in your life aside from any drug use.

As drug abuse takes hold, you may miss or frequently be late for work or school, your job performance may progressively deteriorate, and you start to neglect social or family obligations. Your ability to stop using is eventually compromised. What began as a voluntary choice has turned into a physical and psychological need.

The good news is that with the right treatment and support, you can counteract the disruptive effects of drug use and regain control of your life. The first obstacle is to recognize and admit you have a problem, orlisten to loved ones who are often better able to see thenegative effects drug use is having on your life.

5 Myths about Drug Abuse and Addiction

MYTH 1: Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. You can stopusing drugs if you really want to. Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will.

MYTH 2: Addiction is a disease; there’s nothing you can do about it. Most experts agree that addiction is a brain disease, but that doesn’t mean you’re a helpless victim. The brain changes associated with addiction can betreated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments.

MYTH 3: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better. Recoverycan begin at any point in the addiction process—and the earlier, the better.The longer drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is to treat. Don’t wait to intervene until the addict has lost it all.

MYTH 4: You can’t force someone into treatment; they have to want help.Treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to be successful. People who arepressured into treatment by their family, employer, or the legal system are just as likely to benefit as those who choose to enter treatment on their own. As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly resistant addicts decide they want to change.

MYTH 5: Treatment didn’t work before, so there’s no point trying again. Recovery from drug addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment has failed or that you’re a lost cause. Rather, it’s a signal to get back on track, either by going backto treatment or adjusting the treatment approach.

Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugsTeen drug abuse can have a major impact on your teen's life. Find out how to help your teen make healthy choicesand avoid drug abuse.By Mayo Clinic Staff

Teens who experiment with drugs put their health and safety at risk. You can help prevent teen drug abuse by talking to your teen about the consequences of using drugs and the importance of making healthy choices.

Why teens abuse drugsVarious factors can contribute to teen drug abuse, from insecurity to a desire for social acceptance. Teens oftenfeel indestructible and might not consider the consequences of their actions, leading them to take dangerous risks — such as abusing legal or illegal drugs.

Common risk factors for teen drug abuse include:

A family history of substance abuse A mental or behavioral health condition, such as

depression, anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Early aggressive or impulsive behavior A history of traumatic events, such as experiencing a

car accident or being a victim of abuse Low self-esteem or poor social coping skills Feelings of social rejection Lack of nurturing by parents or caregivers Academic failure Relationships with peers who abuse drugs Drug availability or belief that drug abuse is OKKeep in mind that your teen's risk factors might change over time. Consider reviewing them once a year, such as around your teen's birthday.

Consequences of teen drug abuseNegative consequences of teen drug abuse might include:

Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of any drug can impair a driver's motor skills, reaction time and judgment — putting the driver, his or her passengers, and others on the road at risk.

Sexual activity. Teens who abuse drugs are more likely to have poor judgment, which can result in unplanned and unsafe sex.

Drug dependence. Teens who abuse drugs are at increasedrisk of serious drug use later in life.

Concentration problems. Use of drugs, such as marijuana, might affect a teen's memory, motivation andability to learn.

Serious health problems. Ecstasy can cause liver damageand heart failure. High doses of or chronic use of methamphetamine can cause psychotic behavior. Chronic use of inhalants can harm the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Abuse of prescription or over-the-counter

medications can cause respiratory distress and seizures.

Talking about teen drug abuseIt can be hard to talk to your teen about drug abuse. Start by choosing a comfortable time and setting when you're unlikely to be interrupted. If you're anxious, share your feelings with your teen. You might also consider sharing the responsibility with another nurturing adult in your teen's life.

Here are some tips for talking with your teen about drugs:

Ask your teen's views. Avoid long, boring lectures. Instead, listen to your teen's opinions and questions about drug use. Observe your teen's nonverbal responsesto see how he or she feels about the topic. Encourage your teen to talk by making statements instead of asking questions. For example, saying, "I'm curious about your point of view" might work better than "What do you think?"

Discuss reasons not to abuse drugs. Avoid scare tactics. Emphasize how drug use can affect things important to your teen — such as sports, driving, health and appearance. Explain that even a teen can develop a drug problem.

Consider media messages. Some television programs, movies, websites or songs glamorize or trivialize drug use. Talk about what your teen has seen or heard.

Discuss ways to resist peer pressure. Brainstorm with your teen about how to turn down offers of drugs.

Be ready to discuss your own drug use. Think ahead about how you'll respond if your teen asks about your own drug use. If you chose not to use drugs, explain why. If you did use drugs, share what the experience taught you.

Don't be afraid that talking about drug abuse will plant ideas in your teen's head. Conversations about drugs won't tempt your teen to try drugs. Instead, talking about drug abuse lets your teen know your views and understand what you expect of him or her.

Ten Tips for Prevention for Youth |   | 

As a young person you are faced with many challenges.  However, very few have the potential to affect your life in a more significant way than the decisions you make about alcohol and drugs.  The decisions you make about alcohol and drugs will influence your health, your grades, your relationships, your job or career, or your freedom.  Not to be too dramatic. . . but these are life and death decisions.Bottom line – you are responsible for your own safety…what are you going to do?Before we review our Ten Tips for Prevention--Youth, there are two important points to be aware of:Age of First Use of Alcohol and Drugs:Using alcohol and drugs before the brain has fully developed increases your risk for future addiction to alcohol and drugs dramatically.  Young people who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are 5 times more likely todevelop alcohol abuse or dependence than people who firstused alcohol at age 21 or older.  Research for drug use and drug addiction have found similar results.Family History of Alcoholism or Drug Addiction:Whether a person decides to use alcohol or drugs is a choice, influenced by their environment -- peers, family,and availability.  But, once a person uses alcohol or drugs, the risk of developing alcoholism or drug dependence is largely influenced by genetics.  Alcoholismand drug dependence are not moral issues, are not a matter of choice or a lack of willpower.  Plain and simple, some people’s bodies respond to the effects of alcohol and drugs differently.  If you have a family history of alcoholism or addiction, you are four times more likely to develop a problem.  To learn more:  FamilyHistory and Genetics.So then, as a young person, what can you do to protect yourself and reduce the risk of alcohol and drug problems?  Here are Ten Tips for Prevention--Youth:1. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No:  Sometimes, our fear of

negative reaction from our friends, or others we don’t even know, keeps us from doing what we know is right.  Real simple, it may seem like “everyone is doing it,” but they are not.  Don’t let someone else make your decisions for you.  If someone is pressuring you to do something that's not right for you, you have the right to say no, the right not to give a reason why, and the right to just walk away.

2. Connect With Your Friends and Avoid Negative Peer Pressure:  Pay attention to who you are hanging out with.  If you are hanging out with a group in which the majority of kids are drinking alcohol or using drugs to get high, you may want to think about makingsome new friends.  You may be headed toward an alcohol and drug problem if you continue to hang around others who routinely drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, abuse prescription drugs or use illegal drugs.  You don't have to go along to get along.

3. Make Connections With Your Parents or Other Adults:  As you grow up, having people you can rely on, people you can talk to about life, life’s challenges and your decisions about alcohol and drugsis very important.  The opportunity to benefit from someone else’s life experiences can help put things in perspective and can be invaluable.

4. Enjoy Life and Do What You Love -  Don’t Add Alcohol and Drugs:  Learn how to enjoy life and the people inyour life, without adding alcohol or drugs.  Alcohol and drugs can change who you are, limit your potential and complicate your life.  Too often, “I’m bored” is just an excuse.  Get out and get active in school and community activities such as music, sports, arts or a part-time job.  Giving back as a volunteer is a great way to gain perspective on life.

5. Follow the Family Rules About Alcohol and Drugs:  As you grow up and want to assume more control over yourlife, having the trust and respect of your parents isvery important.  Don’t let alcohol and drugs come between your and your parents.  Talking with mom and dad about alcohol and drugs can be very helpful.

6. Get Educated About Alcohol and Drugs:  You cannot rely on the myths and misconceptions that are out there floating around among your friends and on the internet.  Your ability to make the right decisions

includes getting educated.  Visit Learn About Alcoholand Learn About Drugs.  And, as you learn, share whatyou are learning with your friends and your family.

7. Be a Role Model and Set a Positive Example:  Don’t forget, what you do is more important than what you say!  You are setting the foundation and direction for your life; where are you headed?

8. Plan Ahead:  As you make plans for the party or goingout with friends you need to plan ahead.  You need toprotect yourself and be smart.  Don’t become a victimof someone else’s alcohol or drug use.  Make sure that there is someone you can call, day or night, no matter what, if you need them.  And, do the same for your friends.

9. Speak Out/Speak Up/Take Control:  Take responsibilityfor your life, your health and your safety.  Speak upabout what alcohol and drugs are doing to your friends, your community and encourage others to do the same.

10.Get Help !:  If you or someone you know is in trouble with alcohol or drugs, (What to Look For), get help. Don’t wait.  You are not alone.