All posts in category Women’s Issues

Plastic This, Plastic That

Plastic surgery has become a common topic of conversation in my circle of friends. With some already having gone under the knife for nose jobs or breast augmentation, it’s no wonder that changing our bodies is becoming a less taboo topic. Helping this process along is the commonality of reality television shows broadcasting plastic surgery like it’s just another day at Disneyland.

Extreme Makeover premiered in 2002 and is one of the first shows that gave individuals a makeover via plastic surgery. From liposuction to dental work, they did it all to cosmetically enhance the “lucky” chosen one. We can thank Extreme Makeover for paving the way for other shows such as Bridalplasty and The Swan where women are now competing to receive the procedures they want. It showcases plastic surgery as the answer to all our insecurities. If you don’t like it, fix it. Is this really the message we want to be sending our children?

In a recent study by Nabi (2009), she found that young people who watch reality makeover shows and relate to the characters may be more likely to partake in plastic surgery. Some young girls are being so impacted by these shows they begin to feel positively towards getting a procedure done. While we might just look at this as a form of entertainment it is effecting our youth and their body satisfaction.

With their daunting insecurities, we watch the contestants deal with these by getting a quick fix with a nip and a tuck. While some might claim other reasons for undergoing a variety of procedures the underlying tone in all of these shows is that women are so insecure and unsatisfied with their bodies that they have no other choice but to fix it via surgery. Unfortunately, this train of thought is being passed on to the youth of today where a boob job is a common high school graduation present.

Nabi, R. L. (2009). Cosmetic Surgery Makeover Programs and Intentions to UndergoCosmetic Enhancements: A Consideration of Three Models of Media Effects. Human Communication Research, 35(1), 1.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on July 10, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Body Image, Women's Health, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on July 10, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/plastic-this-plastic-that/

Is Clean Really Better?

Summer is quickly approaching and many women are looking for the quick fix to get bikini ready. With this, the popularity of the cleanse is sweeping the nation. From The Master Cleanse, to the SkinnyGirl Cleanse, a variety of juice cleanses, and many, many more, it’s no wonder we might turn to one of these to shed those last couple of pounds.

With the abundance of cleanses they each claim relatively similar effects while having slightly different procedures. In the end, they all say they can help you lose weight and have better health. The scary truth is that most health care professionals do not find cleanses a healthy way to lose weight.

Marissa Lippert, a registered dietitian, says that most people who turn to cleanses do not see long term weight loss, rather it is just a quick drop of weight that is added back on once you begin eating normally again. Cher Pastore, R.D., agrees that cleanses are not a way to lose weight for the long term. She, along with M.D. Susan Blum, say that a short one-three day cleanse can be ok, but anything longer than that is not necessary and can be harmful (2011).

According to an article in USA Today many dietitians do not believe in or condone any sort of cleanse (Hellmich, 2009). It was stated that most are deficient in necessary nutrients and proteins. It seems that a cleanse can actually do more harm than help. Salmon (2010) discusses the trend of cleanses and a doctor’s point of view. The author says that there are times when people in certain fields of work or those who have particular medical conditions may benefit from a cleanse. However, it is reiterated that we have many organs that are in charge of detoxing our bodies without our help.

So if you’re going to dive into the world of cleanses, make sure you do your research and think about the results you are looking for. If it’s long term weight loss a gym membership might be a better way to spend your money.

Are juice cleanses really healthy? Why some wellness experts worry. (2011). http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2011/03/09/are-juice-cleanses-really-healthy-why-some-wellness-experts-worry/#

Hellmich, N. (2009). ‘Cleansing’ diets lure celebs, but not health experts. USA Today, retrieved on November 7, 2011, from http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2009-03-24-cleanse-diet_N.htm

Salmon, S.B. (2010). Deconstructing Detox Treatments: Myth or Health Restorative? Environmental Nutrition, 33(1), 1-6.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on July 5, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Body Image, Tips for Women, Uncategorized, Women's Health, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on July 5, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/07/05/is-clean-really-better/

Running to End Domestic Violence Quest

Check out our new guest blogger Mariya Taher. She’ll be writing blogs about her running and fundraising journey while keeping us informed on domestic violence. Look out for her future blogs!

Seventy-eight miles. 411,840 feet. 4,942,080 inches. That’s the distance I’ll be covering during the SIX half marathons that I’ll be running between June 3, 2012 through December 2, 2012.

7,800 calories burned. 17 In & Out Cheeseburgers served animal style consumed to counteract this calorie burn. Or maybe I’ll just stick to eating 34 pieces of chocolate cake with white frosting and sprinkles to make up this loss in weight.

The End Result. Undergoing both an intense physical and mental challenge by running 6 Half Marathons all in the name of raising money for an agency dear to my heart, Women Organized to Make Abuse Non-Existent (WOMAN, Inc.). WOMAN, Inc. was founded in 1978, and for the last thirty-four years they have provided essential services for domestic violence survivors throughout the Bay Area.

The Races:

  • Jun. 3, 2012: San Diego, CA — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series – COMPLETED!

 San Diego Rock n' Roll Half Marathon!   Sweet Victory after completing the 1st of my 6 half marathon to benefit WOMAN, Inc!   Race #1 Done! All for WOMAN, Inc.   

  • Sept.  22, 2012 Denver, CO — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
  • Oct.  7, 2012: San Jose, CA — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
  • Oct.  14, 2012 – San Francisco, CA — Nike Women’s
  • Oct.  28, 2012 Los Angeles, CA — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
  • Dec.  2, 2012 Las Vegas, NV — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series

So, I am writing to ask my friends and family to sponsor me in undertaking this challenge. I have two ambitious goals – first to beat my personal record of running a half marathon by atleast 1 minute in each of the 6 races and second to help me raise $5000 for WOMAN, Inc. All donations will directly benefit the agency and are, of course, tax deductible. Plus, don’t you want me to eat all those hamburgers and pieces of chocolate cake guilt free?!

Raising money for this agency holds special importance for me as I work for WOMAN, Inc. and as many of you know, I have made it my life’s passion to work towards ending violence against women. Domestic Violence affects more people than you might imagine with one out of every four women experiencing it at some point in their lifetime.  This form of violence does not discriminate and occurs among people of all races, ages, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, occupations, education backgrounds, meaning the likelihood of this situation happening to you or a loved one of yours is all too real. A statement that I am sad to say holds true for me as too many special people in my life have had to undergo this heart-breaking situation.

WOMAN, Inc. is an agency working to make the end of domestic violence a reality, but as the need outdoes the supply, this agency urgently needs our financial help to continue services for this vulnerable population.  Please join me in supporting this very important cause by considering a sponsorship in my Running to End DV quest!

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

SUGGESTED SPONSOR RATES PER MILE

I ______________ will make a per mile donation of $ ____________ for up to ____________ miles.

            Donor Name

(Table below gives donation amounts based on the number of miles and number of races sponsored)

# of Runs Miles $1 per mile donation $2 per mile donation $5 per mile donation
Six runs 78 miles $78 $156 $390
Five runs 65 miles $65 $130 $325
Four runs 52 miles $52 $104 $260
Three runs 39 miles $39 $78 $195
Two runs 26 miles $26 $52 $130
One run 13 miles $13 $26 $65

OR

I will make a flat donation of $ ____________ to support WOMAN, Inc. services.

SUGGESTED FLAT RATE DONATIONS

  • $1,000 to help provide approximately 75 hours of support line services to survivors of domestic violence!
  • $750 to help provide approximately 25 people one-on-one therapy services!
  • $500 to help WOMAN, Inc. sit with close to 30 mono-lingual Spanish speaking survivors, looking to end the abuse in their homes.
  • $100 to help train volunteers to become agents of social change in the community!
  • $50 to help provide groceries to 3 clients!
  • $25 to help advocate for survivors’ rights at 3 different community meetings!
  • $10 to help provide essential needs such as food and BART tickets to clients in need!
TO SPONSOR: Click on the DONATE NOW (http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=200917) button to make a secure credit card donation:

OR

If you wish to mail a check instead, please make all checks out to the WOMAN, Inc. and mail it to

WOMAN, Inc.,

Attention: Running to End DV

333 Valencia Suite 450,

San Francisco, CA 94103

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by Runwayjunkie.com on July 3, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Domestic Violence, Philanthropy, Uncategorized, Woman Empowerment, Women's Charities, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on July 3, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/running-to-end-domestic-violence-quest/

Did you realize that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime?

Here’s an informative and educational guest blog from OC Breast Thermography. 

America desperately needs a new health care model. There is no way we can sustain the current expenditures on health care much less fund the projected growth.

The existing model…

  • Medicare is underfunded by between 25 and 35 trillion dollars
  • America ranks between 42nd and 47th in life expectancy but we spend at least double any other country in health care spending
  • We don’t spend our money on health care we spend it on sick care.

A new model based on … (1) prevention,  (2)early detection, (3)safety and (4)participation

…is mandatory if America is to continue its place as a world leader.

Don’t expect changes to come from the government or the medical model. There is just too much money being made on sick care. We need a grass roots effort to make real change a reality.

The most glaring and obvious place to start is in the prevention and early detection of cancer. We know that education is paramount in our efforts to be successful.

In 2007 OCBREASTTHERMOGRAPHY.COM posted an article outlining steps that if followed would reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer up to 90%.

We also offered a test that is …

Painless   –   FDA approved   –   Accurate (90%)   –   Safe.

The current model, mammography, for screening for breast cancer is a miserable failure if we just look at the statistics.

Not only have the numbers gotten worse in the rates of breast cancer over the last 40 years, mammography may well be a part of the problem.

I mentioned safety as a fundamental pillar of the new model. Mammography is not safe. Mammography uses low energy x-ray, the most dangerous form of x-ray. The leading experts in the world on cancer prevention believe the whole mammography industry maybe just a break even in the good it does compared to the harm.

I wouldn’t be writing this if there wasn’t a far better answer to breast cancer screening. Breast thermography is the most widely studied, safe breast cancer screening tool. The vast majority of those studies have shown it to be safe, accurate and painless. I mentioned earlier it isn’t perfect. There is no perfect test for breast cancer.

We believe we have found the perfect adjunct to breast thermography and plan on adding that at no additional cost to our screening protocols making our screening second to none.

We will go into more details in our next blog.

A breast thermography screening at our office is $235.00.    Have a “Breast Thermography Party” at your house with a minimum of 5 ladies and your screening is FREE.   Call for details (714) 363-5595.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on June 29, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized, Women's Health, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on June 29, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/did-you-realize-that-1-in-8-women-are-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer-in-their-lifetime/

Don’t You Think You Should Lose a Few Pounds?

Who hasn’t thought that they could drop a couple pounds. But how does it feel when the pressure of the media pushes your own family to ask you that same question?

Reality TV has taken over the television airwaves. With channels like Bravo, E!, and MTV, who have begun to spend more time on reality shows than any other, it is not wonder it is taking over our lives. One show that has dominated E! for years is Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

On an episode a couple years ago Khloe Kardashian was asked to pose naked for the PETA I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur campaign. During this episode, step-father Bruce Jenner asked her if she thought she should lose a little weight before posing naked. Khloe Kardashian is 5’10”, wears a size 8, and weighs between 165-170 pounds. According to The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention the average body measurements of US women over the age of 20 is a height of 5’3″ and weight of 164.7 pounds (2009). So why do people constantly berate Khloe for being an “ogre” or a “fat cow” if she is technically the average weight of an American woman, yet she is seven inches taller! Have we become that warped that if someone in the public eye isn’t 5’10” and 115 pounds we think they are HUGE?

With mainstream networks showing programs like the Victoria Secret Fashion Show or America’s Next Top Model how are we not expected to think that women in entertainment should be tall and thin. What’s more disturbing is the mere fact that instead of being supportive of someone like Khloe Kardashian we, and her step-father Bruce, think she should lose weight before posing for a naked ad campaign. Our media has brainwashed us to the point that we belittle someone in the entertainment industry who doesn’t fit the super model criteria, yet, 79% of the US population is overweight. We sit back on our couches guzzling down empty calories and judge people on TV for being fat, while really it’s the average American who should lose a few pounds.

Center for Disease and Control Prevention. (2009). Body Measurements Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/bodymeas.htm

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by Runwayjunkie.com on June 28, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Body Image, Uncategorized, Woman Empowerment, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on June 28, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/dont-you-think-you-should-lose-a-few-pounds/

Pro-Anorexia Websites: They Might Effect You More Than You Think

There’s a rising trend on the world wide web that you may or may not be familiar with, pro-anorexia websites. These sites are made to support this dangerous eating disorder through having forums, tips and ticks, and “thinspiration.” While you might not be searching for these sites, at some point you may come across them, or even worse, your daughter or son may already be looking at them.

Pro-anorexia websites have been developed for those who believe they choose to be anorexic. They provide an avenue for these people to discuss their habits and find support from others who are going through the same thing. The scary thing is that they do not believe they are suffering from a disease, rather they view anorexia as a lifestyle choice.

These sites can be potentially harmfull for a few reasons.

First, these sites are filled with information on how to be anorexic. You can go on them to find ways to trick friends and family so they don’t know you’re anorexic. You can also learn tips on how to eat only an apple a day and ways to trick yourself into not thinking you’re starving.

Second, “thinspiration.” This is where people on the site post pictures of extremely thin models, actresses, singers, athletes, and even sometimes everyday people. These pictures are to act as inspiration to continue starving yourself to look like them.

Third, even those who are not anorexic are harmed by these sites. Research has found that women who are exposed to these pro-anorexia websites have higher body dissatisfaction after viewing them. They also found that women would also show signs of disordered eating after looking at these sites.

While you might not be personally seeking out pro-anorexia websites, it’s important to be aware of them for you and your child’s sake. You need to know how harmful they can be for yourself or someone else in your family. By talking with your children and being mindful of what they might find on the Internet you can try to protect them from these dangerous sites.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on April 6, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Body Image, Uncategorized, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on April 6, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/pro-anorexia-websites-they-might-effect-you-more-than-you-think/

Healthy Heart Leads to a Happy Woman

When you hear about the importance of having a healthy heart, heart attacks might not be the first thing that come to mind. Younger generations may be thinking about a love lost and how that hurt their heart. Older generations may be thinking about just keeping in shape through the hectic life we call adulthood. But how many women think heart attack?

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. Crazy, huh? I bet you thought it was something else. Well the truth is that a large majority of women die from heart disease more than any other disease and this can be at any age. So here are a few tips found on the American Heart Association Website to keeping a healthy heart.

  • Make sure you’re working out and eating right
  • Don’t smoke
  • Drink in moderation
  • Be careful of your birth control
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Know your family history
These are not the only things you should be aware of while trying to keep a healthy heart, but it’s a good start. Any women at any age is susceptible to cardiovascular disease so make sure you’re aware of prevention, signs, and symptoms. And love yourself and your heart!
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by Runwayjunkie.com on March 28, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized, Women's Health, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on March 28, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/healthy-heart-leads-to-a-happy-woman/

Stop Domestic Violence with WOMAN, Inc.

Violence against women can be a scary topic. Those who have been involved in domestic violence may find it difficult to talk about or even admit that they have been abused. That is why it is important to know about the available resources in your area that can help those in need. Women Organized to Make Abuse Nonexistent, Inc. is a resource available to women in San Francisco and greater Bay Area. With the ultimate goal of eliminating domestic violence, WOMAN, Inc. is an organization all women should be familiar with.

With the objective of empowering survivors and helping them to live a life free of violence, WOMAN, Inc. provides multiple avenues for women to get help and support. A 24-hour crisis line is just the beginning of the services that are provided to women in need. Through support groups, therapy programs, and community education, WOMAN, Inc. tries to help women be free of violence. They even offer a special bilingual program for Latinas.

By fielding over 21,000 crisis phone calls and logging close to 2,000 hours of individual therapy, WOMAN, Inc. is making a change for women. This cannot continue to grow without the help of those who are more fortunate. Whether you have the time to provide volunteer services or the money to donate, anything will help keep this organization fighting against domestic violence.

If you are interested in volunteering or donating visit the WOMAN, Inc. website. You can also visit their Facebook page to find out more about getting involved in this organization. Volunteers and donations help WOMAN, Inc. be able to continue to provide these amazing services. Any contribute will make a difference.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on March 26, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Domestic Violence, Uncategorized, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on March 26, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/stop-domestic-violence-with-woman-inc/

Support Working Wardrobes

RunwayJunkie.com’s top priority is giving back. We have a variety of women’s organizations we have teamed up with, one of those being Working Wardrobes.

Working Wardrobes is a non-profit foundation that helps empower those in need while overcoming the challenges of entering the workforce and becoming self-sufficient. Through job training and placement, and providing clients with a work appropriate wardrobe, Working Wardrobes helps to get their clients back on their feet.

In over 20 years, Working Wardrobes has helped over 50,000 clients overcome life challenges to become confident and successful. While the majority of the donated clothing is used for clients, some of the items are available for purchase at The Hanger.

The Hanger is Working Wardrobes’ boutique that sells high-end designer clothing and the profits are all donated back to the clients. When you buy an item for The Hanger’s online boutique on RunwayJunkie.com, 100% of the proceeds go back to Working Wardrobes. Check out their online boutique and don’t miss out on the change to look good while giving back!

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by Runwayjunkie.com on March 13, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized, Woman Empowerment, Women's Charities, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on March 13, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/support-working-wardrobes/

New Year, New Happiness

Hey Ladies! I know it’s already February but it’s not too late to start 2012 off right. While many of you might have made resolutions that were too hard to keep, I have a better idea. Let’s spend this year concentrating on what we like about ourselves. There are things we all want to change, but I think it’s more important to BE HAPPY.

We all have to discover how to make ourselves happy. It could be as simple as working out more often or as complex as finding a new job, but what’s important is discovering where that happiness comes from. Once you know what you need, you can concentrate your energy on that happiness and avoid the daily negativities we all come in contact with.

While being happier in your everyday life is a benefit in itself, it has been found that there is even more to the happiness. The psychologist Martin E. P. Seligman found that there are six benefits of being happy:

  1. Happiness Feels Good
  2. Better Health
  3. Longer Life
  4. Successful Relationships
  5. Success in Work
  6. Better Mental Health

With these great benefits in your life how could you not want to be a happy person?! So lets make a promise, instead of spending 2012 trying to improve ourselves, let’s spend the year loving ourselves and being happy!

Authentic Happiness, Seligman, Free Press, 2002

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by Runwayjunkie.com on February 21, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Tips for Women, Uncategorized, Women's Health, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on February 21, 2012

https://runwayjunkies.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/new-year-new-happiness-2/