This is a little creepy but fascinating at the same time.
Double Standards Anyone?
Recently, a male “news” commentator on a national “news” network was referencing Michelle Obama’s cause about better childhood nutrition and made a rather insulting remark — while sitting on a couch surrounded by four women no less. One of the female panelists berated Mrs. Obama’s initiative saying, we don’t need “the federal government projecting these standards upon us.”
The man augmented her opinion with,
“How well could she be eating? She needs to drop a few.” After a shocked reaction from the women, he went on, “No, let’s be honest…who are we taking nutrition advice from? There’s no french fries happening? That’s all kale and carrots? I don’t buy it.”
Okay, where to begin? Step one; reassemble my exploded head.
I’ve said before, and will most likely have opportunity to say again, that I don’t get the thing about putting down the First Lady’s attempt to make our next generation healthier. Sugar is still as aplenty as sand in the desert and shadowy men wearing trench coats do not yet sell chocolate candy in dark alleys. Can we have a reality check? Our kids are getting fatter; it’s undeniable. Something has to be done and whether your like her or not, the First Lady has propelled the conversation into the spotlight so that unto its own is already a success. You don’t like her ideas? That’s fine. Step to the plate and come up with something else, but we need to adjust the vector of this country’s future health, and we need to do it yesterday. All hands on deck.
Additionally, if hypocrisy were water, he’d drown.
Video: Killing Us Softly 4 – Trailer
I think we’ve all seen lots of videos about what the media does to change the way women look – and the repercussions of that. This five minute video show lots of examples and is extremely powerful and shows how this practice affects all of us.
5 Keys to Total Wellness for Women
No matter what your current health and wellness goals look like, chances are you have set these goals to improve your overall quality of life. You set goals because you want to feel better, enjoy life and connect with yourself and others in healthier and more holistic ways. Here are five keys to total wellness that can help you and each of the women you love to achieve your health and wellness goals.
Diet
You’ve probably heard more than once, “you are what you eat,” and after hearing it so often, you’ve probably begun to tune it out. But the reason this saying has endured for so many years is because it is true—not literally, of course. This doesn’t mean that you have to refrain from eating foods that taste delicious but are filled with fat and calories; it just means you need to eat a balanced diet. If you know you will be eating fried chicken and chocolate cake at a nighttime cookout, try to eat lighter during the day, focusing mostly on vegetables and fruits. Your body needs certain nutrients to function properly. It needs a combination of healthy carbohydrates, fats and proteins to keep all of its organs and processes running smoothly. Your priority when choosing food must reflect balance if you want to achieve your total wellness goals. Still, experts agree that a splurge now and again won’t hurt. Some experts even encourage having a bit of your favorite things daily to stave off cravings. [Read more…]
Happy Heart Month! Take Care of Your Heart
by special guest author Eliz Greene. (Note: Join Eliz as our special guest on Feb 22, 2012 at 10AM in a live interview. There is no charge and you can find out more here.)
Each February EmbraceYourHeart.com focuses on Women’s Heart Health – to build awareness, improve treatment, and end research disparities.
Over the past ten years, we’ve done a pretty good job! Most women recognize heart disease as the number one killer of women of all ages.
Are you putting your heart as your #1 priority?
To celebrate Heart Month 2012 – here are 12 ways you can Embrace Your Heart. Share them with a woman you love and ask her to take care of #1 (her heart)!
- Wake Up! The majority of women don’t know their own personal risk of heart disease. Take the time of get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked and have a conversation about your family history, weight, and lifestyle with a medical professional.
- Know The Signs: Women’s symptoms of heart attack can be very subtle. Any unusual pain in your jaw, neck, shoulder, torso – really anywhere from the top of your head to your hips – can be a symptom of heart attack. Uncomfortable pressure, burning or squeezing in your chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold sweat, and nausea can all be symptoms as well. Play it safe – call 911 and get help right away.
- Call A Friend: Stress increases your risk of heart disease – one easy way to reduce stress is to talk to a friend. Women who maintain positive relationships with other women reduce their risk by 30%! Girl talk is good for your heart! [Read more…]