BC Living
You’ve Gotta Try This in November 2024
Thankful For BC Farmers This Thanksgiving
Gut Healthy Recipes
5 Tips to Prevent Muscle and Joint Pain When Working a Desk Job
Skincare Products for Fall
Exploring the Benefits of Cold Therapy
Inviting the Steller’s Jay to Your Garden
6 Budget-friendly Holiday Decor Pieces
Dream Home: $8 Million for a Modern Surprise
Where to Eat, Stay and Storm-Watch in Tofino
A Relaxing Getaway to the Sunshine Coast
Exploring Vancouver’s Top Wellness Spas
5 Boutique Art Galleries to Visit in BC
B.C. Adventures: Our Picks for November
Fall Movie and Book Recommendations for Cozy Nights In
21 Jolly Holiday Markets to Visit in B.C. in 2024
Elevated performance in elegant form: the next generation of Audi Canada
How to Transition Your Skincare From Summer to Fall
Learn to lead a healthy lifestyle rather than worrying about the numbers on the scale
Focus your attention on being healthy rather than fixating on the scale
Television advertising, magazines, movies and websites relentlessly bombard us with images of the supposed beauty ideal, where women are thin and big-busted and men are lean and muscular.
Girls and young women, in particular, are vulnerable to these images, sometimes responding to the pressure to achieve the ideal look by exercising excessively and dieting. That’s why it’s important to help young people cultivate a positive body image.
Look at media images with a critical eye. Virtually all the images we see in the media are manipulated to remove flaws. Let children and teens know that the images are not what they appear to be. Did you know the level of body fat on models used in ads is often 50% less than that of healthy women?
Focus on being healthy, not skinny. Eating a balanced diet and finding coping strategies to deal with stress are a good start, as is getting regular exercise, which aside from the obvious physical benefits also boosts feelings of happiness and well-being.
There are many body shapes, not just one ideal shape. Television shows are increasingly acknowledging that people come in all shapes and sizes and are actively reflecting (and even celebrating) this reality in their programming. Take time to point out the real people.
Be a great role model. Kids tend to mimic the actions of adults. Avoid criticizing your own physical appearance or obsessing about dieting in front of children and teens.
Originally published in Wellness Matters, Canada Wide Media’s quarterly newsletter on health and wellness.