Powerful Scientific Reasons to Exercise

I'm a firm believer that well-nourished bodies coupled with regular exercise (even a walk program) is the most healthiest antidote around for the human body. Following are some incentives to get you moving....

• Longevity
• New brain cells development
• Prevention of cardiovascular disease
• Cholesterol lowering effect
• Prevention and control of type 2 diabetes
• Blood pressure lowering
• Prevention of neoplastic (cancer) diseases
• Reduced risk of stroke
• Weight control
• Attractive body, bone and muscle strength
• Strong immune system
• Better night sleep and better sex life
• Stress Management
• Alternative to hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women
  
  

A Favorite TV Show that Distorts Self-Image

Incidently, one of my favorite TV shows can really drive home the self-image point made by the media in our society. The key in watching programs like this is to be comfortable within your own body/skin. I've been watching this show since it aired in 2003 and has never missed an episode. This show has a Blog and it's amazing to read some of the comments about the characters.

Nip Tuck TV Show Web Link

Nip/Tuck Blog

Would you have followed the doctor's advice?

Or, is self-image more important?

I think our media has driven people to such desperate measures that they would do anything to have the right self-image at any age.

Attached is a link about an article surrounding the untimely death of a celebrities' mom.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21742159/

This is the Media's Idea of Beauty

The media sets unrealistic standards for what body weight and appearance is considered “normal.” With these media images and body ideals, it’s little wonder that women and men feel inadequate, ashamed, and dissatisfied with how they look. In actuality, only about 5% of women have the genetic make up to ever achieve the ultra-long and thin model body type so portrayed in the media. Yet that is the only body type that women see and can compare themselves to. Similarly, all boys see is a body ideal that for most men is impossible to achieve without illegal anabolic steroids.

Unfortunately, the action Barbie doll images and action figure heroes on toy store shelves and male fitness models on magazine covers and ads are ruining our self-image and self-esteem.

Tips on What You Can Do To Improve Your Body Image

The following are just some tips you can quickly implement into your lifestyle to help improve your body image:

• Realize you cannot change your body type
• Invest money and time in yourself rather than the diet industry
• Move and enjoy your body: walk, dance, bike, swim, hike
• Stop weighing yourself and focus on your clothes and how they fit
• Don't compare yourself to others
• Nurture your inner self: music, bubble baths, fragrances, candles, massages, reading, writing, napping
• Surround yourself w/people who have a healthy relationship w/food
• Celebrate your body and the marvelous things it can do when you are well-nourished.

What factors influence your body image?

The Media is one avenue that influences your body image, but family, friends and romantic partners can as well. It is so important NOT to let society dictate to you what is considered beauty. The most critical factor is that YOU are healthy and feel great about yourself. I am in the process of writing a 10 page paper on the Media's affect on how we feel about the way we look and ways you can improve your body image but in a very safe manner.

Below are some very distrubing images of men and women (one of Nicole Richie) who have become anorexic. These pictures are definitely not an image of beauty. Often times, our obsession with being thin can lead right down this path.

Body Image:

Why are so many people unhappy w/their bodies? One of the reasons is because of the 'Media' who has set unrealistic standards for what body weight and appearance is considered “normal.” This has affected not just everyday people, but celebrities as well.

Below is a website link to famous people who have died from anorexia and some who are still suffering:

Celebrities_who_died_or_have_Eating_Disorders