vimax penis enlargement pic before and after
If you'd like to firm up, strengthen or add volume to your breast, then this might be the most important article on breast enlargement you'll ever read.
To date, Breast implants is the most effective breast enlargement method.
However, even though it has been around for 40 years and technology had been improving, doctors are still unsure about their long-term side effects.
Not surprisingly, many women including myself, who want breast enlargement but fear the scalpel, so we try out many pills, lotions, creams and devices advertised as breast enhancer instead.
As a group of impulsive believer … most of us let our insecurity about our bodies get ahead of our reasoning capabilities.
Most, if not all of these non-surgical breast enlargement methods are likely to give only flat results. They may seem pretty genuine, providing testimonials from “real people” as well as giving 30 to 90 days money back guarantees, but it is worth remembering, that beauty products – unlike prescription drugs are not regulated and do not need government approval or testing before they are marketed.
Let’s Consider The Various Breast Enlargement Methods And Their Claims.
Firstly, Breast Enlargement Exercises.
Since the breasts are composed mainly of mammary glands and fat, no amount of exercise will change their actual size or shape. At best, like some devices – it may help to develop the underlying muscles (known as pectoralis) that support the breasts. When these muscles are larger and firmer, they push the breasts outwards, giving the illusion of larger breasts.
What About Various Miracle Breast Enlargement Pills Or Supplements Or Creams?
They are generally herbal in origin – containing different quantities of harmless “plant-estrogen” that are found in some 300 plants like, dong quai, soybean, oat bran, fenugreek, wild yam, saw palmetto and so on.
Being herbal, they are also being promoted as natural and safe.
Yet, one was recently withdrawn from market, when its makers were first sued in United States, as it contains Kava, a south pacific herb, as one of its critical ingredients – before Kava’s is being known to potentially cause fatty liver. This is a classic example, why we should always insist that all the products we use or consume are tested and proven through long-term studies and research.
Is There Any Possible Solution To Natural Breast Enlargement?
Before you lose all hope, there is one herb – which belongs to the family guminosae, subfamily Papilionoideae or the soy, bean & pea subfamily, known as Pueraria Mirifica or Kwao Kreu” or “Kwao Kreu Kao” (white Kwao Kao), which are commonly found in the north, the west and the northeast of Thailand at the altitude of 300 to 800 metres above sea level.
Woman in the rural communities of Thailand have used this tuberous roots effectively as rejuvenating folk medicine for well over a hundreds years before it become well known and received much attention from Thai and foreign scientist, especially the Japanese.
Most of the kwao kreu processed by the Japanese are made into medicines and cosmetics commonly used for improving the skin, hair and firming the breasts.
This herb is known to ...
- Grow hair, strengthen and darken existing ones
- Help improve complexion and remove wrinkles
- Improves eyesight
- Increase energy and vigor leading to more reflexive body movements
- Including breast enhancement.
In 1940, in a protected biotechnology laboratory, a group of German scientist successfully isolated the phytoestrogen – Miroestrol from the root of Pueraria Mirifica. But, this herb is mistakenly reported then as Butea Superba. It was later on classified as a new plant called Pueraria Mirifica. After another 60 years, in year 2000, another phytoestrogen – deoxymiroestrol is isolated from the root of Pueraria Mirifica.
What Makes Pueraria Mirifica The Best Phytoestrogen?
"Miroestrol and Deoxymiroestrol " is very different from other phytoestrogen, as it posses highest estrogenic activity among the known phyto-estrogens due to structural similarity to estradiol, (Estradiol is the main human estrogen which can be found in all women who are at the stage of nursing baby (Lactating); as you may notice that all women who are in this stage, their breast will enlarge and gain firmness for feeding purpose.
Miroestrol and Deoxymiroestrol Can Only Be Found In Pueraria Mirifica!
But not every Pueraria Mirifica are created equal, they varies from species to species and the growing conditions.
There are more than 13 species of Pueraria Mirifica and most of them are called "Pueraria Mirifica” or “Kwao Krua Kao" but this doesn’t mean that they are the same, they may look same in the appearance but they produce different results.
The only way to differentiate their difference is to measure the amount of Miroestrol and Deoxymiroestrol contain inside the roots of Pueraria Mirifica. An elaborate and expensive test need to be carry out in specialized laboratory to certify the actual amount of Miroestrol and Deoxymiroestrol found in any specific type of Pueraria Mirifica. And not many company would sent their Pueraria Mirifica for such stringent test.
Majority of the Pueraria Mirifica products found in the market are made from roots collected from villagers in the forests. And these villagers will be the ones that do the peeling, grinding, and the drying in their homes. Nobody can assure the sanitation, the quality and the amount of Miroestrol found in these Pueraria Mirifica powder.
Many foreign companies who have long settled in Thailand even open small shops to purchase the plant from villagers. If such practices is not stop, it would soon result in extinction of the plant because villagers would think of nothing but money.
ANBES.com is offering Free Sample, Limited Period Only. Latest Nanotechnology Breast Enhancement Serum That Show Immediate Results In 5 Minutes ... While stock last! Hurry Click Here Now> http://www.anbes.com/article/
herbal natural penile enlargment free penis enlargment top penis enlargement pill free exercise tip for pnis enlargement pro acne solution penis enlargment patch natural penis enlagement exercise herbal natural penis enlargment
vimax penis enlargement pic before and after
The word 'Mother' is synonymous with care, love and all good things on the earth. However, smoking mothers can be inadvertently killing and maiming their children – born and unborn. Shocked? It's true. Smoking mothers are potentially gifting their children with lung cancer and many other similarly devastating diseases through second hand smoke. Pregnant women harm their unborn babies directly in the womb.
Besides the above horrifying facts, here are more unsettling reasons to bear in mind when smoking. It will not only interfere with your health, it will also interfere with the health of your unborn child:
1. First of all, smoking makes it hard to conceive. Reports show that fertility in both men and women are heavily affected by smoking. In women, smoking interferes with the egg movement toward the fallopian tubes as well as the hormones that are produced during pregnancy; while in men, it lowers the semen count, and the motility of the sperm. In many cases smoking also affects the shape of the sperm making it incapable of penetrating the egg.
2. Children born of smoking parents potentially inherit a low fertility syndrome and suffer from a great number of infertility problems.
3. Smoking in many cases is the main cause for impotency in men as it interferes with the blood supply to the penis.
4. The baby in the womb of a pregnant smoking woman gets its nicotine addiction right from pre-birth as its blood imbibes the nicotine that the mother’s blood shares with it; hence it is more likely that when born they would become a smoker – and also contract all smoking related diseases.
5. In rare cases the placenta is directly affected by smoking causing a miscarriage of the foetus, or death in the womb.
6. Babies of smoking mothers will be most likely to be born premature and under weight.
7. Babies are also likely to have less developed vital organs than their counterparts (babies of non-smoking mothers) – there is a great likelihood that these babies have an undeveloped liver which will affect them throughout their lives.
8. The babies of pregnant smoking women have poor lung functions right from birth.
9. These babies are twice as prone to die from sudden-infant-death (SID) syndrome than the babies of non-smoking women.
10. The babies of those women who smoked 15-20 cigarettes a day are more likely to be sickly.
Any one of the above causes should be sufficient enough to make you quit smoking – if not for yourself, for your little miracle that is being formed in your womb. Read the above lines again, and then once more – is that what you want to give to your most precious creation? Would you really be comfortable thinking that you are voluntarily and consistently harming your child even before their born? These are some questions that you should to ponder seriously.
Get in touch with your doctor today and enlist his/her help to quitting smoking. You owe it to your child to be healthy and give them a healthy beginning to the start of their life. As a mother, you are the nurturing contact of the child – do not become the poison in your own child’s life.
free penile enlargment tip vimax penis enlargement excercises medical penis enlargment vimax enlargement free penis pills sample herbal penis enlargment top penile enlargment pills penis enlargement enlargment free penile pills sample vimax penis enlargement pic before and after
Question: Dr. Vaknin – is it true that you are the father of the Law of Free Economic Zones?
Answer: I participated in the dedicated and professional team, from many ministries and state organs, which prepared the law. The initiative – in collaboration with the delegation of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) – belongs to Dr. Milijana Danevska, the Minister of Development. Most of the work was done by her advisor, Ms. Zorica Doncevska long before I arrived on the scene. I did suggest a few amendments, some of which were accepted.
Question: What is a free zone?
Answer: There is an important distinction which the media is not aware of between FREE ZONES and FREE ZONE SITES.
To quote from the law:
"A free zone site represents a detached, enclosed and marked area of the territory of the Republic of Macedonia on which commercial activities are conducted under conditions prescribed by this and other laws and on which custom and other tax incentives determined by this law shall be applicable."
"A Free Zone shall be established as trade associations conducting economic, technical, administrative, expert and other activities supporting the operations in the free zone sites."
Question: Do other countries have free zones?
Answer: Dozens of other countries have free trade zones, free industrial zones, free industrial or technology parks, customs free zones, free transhipment zones and many other types of free economic zones. Our law allows for all these types of activities to exist. It is very broad and flexible and one of the best and most complete laws I have seen. As opposed to popular opinion, free zones exist even in rich countries such as the United Kingdom or the USA (although they are not called "free zones" there). It is true, though, that to poor and middle income countries, such as Macedonia, a free zone can be an important tool for economic development.
Question: Why do you use such cautious language, "can be"?
Answer: Because it is never enough to have a law. What matters is how it is implemented. There are free zones in countries as diverse as the Philippines, Tunisia, Costa Rica and Taiwan. In some places they are the engine of the economic locomotive, in other they are a drag on the local economy.
Question: So, the critics are right, free zones can be a bad thing?
Answer: The critics are wrong. Anything that has the potential of generating investments, encouraging entrepreneurship, creating new working places, enhancing exports and improving the balance of payments – should be implemented without delay. Free zones are potentially powerful economic engines of exports and growth and employment. Would it have been wise of us to ignore their potential?
Question: Can't free zones be used as tax havens, for smuggling or other criminal activities?
Answer: If the free zones are run by criminals AND (this is a cumulative condition) the authorities are inefficient or corrupt – of course it can. But our law is very strict on WHO will own and run the free zones. It is also very explicit about the precise functions and procedures to be performed by the authorities intended to ensure that the free zones are not abused. Free zones will be established only where and when they can increase employment, bring new technology and know how to the country and increase exports. An average of 65% of the goods and services produced in the zones MUST be exported or the developer might lose its licence. Additionally the law says that the businesses operating in the zone must use local manpower and prefer domestic suppliers where economically feasible.
Question: What is the Free Zones Directorate?
Answer: This is my favourite part of the law, the one I am most proud of. We introduced, for the first time in Macedonia, not only in theory, but in practice, the concept of "One Stop Shop". All the business entities in the free zone will have one address to go to. They will no longer have to run for weeks between ministries, authorities, agencies and state organs. They will get everything they need from one central authority, from one address. All the relevant ministries and state organs will be represented there, with full authority to render all the services required by the free zones users. This is unprecedented. The ministers are worthy of the highest praise for being willing to participate in such an innovative approach. The law says:
"The Free Zone Directorate shall be responsible for… granting approvals of requests of developers for the establishment of free zones; provision of supervision and management of free zone sites through its branches; coordination of the activities of state organs and authorities and public enterprises within the free zone sites; planning and developing free zone sites and making sites available to developers; public relations, advertising and promotion of free zone sites; attracting developers and users to the free zone sites; registration of businesses and structures within the free zone sites; coordination of issuance of licenses, permits and approvals where and as needed, of product quality control and the issuance of certificates of origin by the members of the Directorate; Inspection of installations and working conditions within the free zone sites; convening a labour relations committee in which all labour disputes between employees and employers in the free zone sites are to be settled; the coordination of the issuance of export and import licenses; coordination of the prevention of smuggling; coordination of the safety and security of people and property in the free zones sites; Provision and maintenance of all public goods and utilities … conducting other activities associated with the functioning of free zone sites and especially the implementation of the "one stop shop" concept of management of the free zone sites; raising the required start-up capital."
Question: So, from now on, any trade association can open a free zone?
Answer: Absolutely not. The developer must satisfy very strict and rigorous criteria to qualify. The law demands that it "…provide written proof of their financial ability matching their financial obligations under this Law either in the form of a performance bond or a bank document substantiating the availability of unencumbered funds in their account or audited financial statements" and "demonstrate previous experience and track record in trading or in the operating of free zone sites".
The developers, in their application, must provide an environmental impact assessment, a marketing plan and a business plan or a feasibility study.
And the developer loses his approval if it enters bankruptcy procedures, if it is proven that he provided false material information in his request, If he failed to build and operate the free zone site in accordance with the stipulations of this Law or failed to submit one annual report.
Additionally, the developer pays 0.3% of the total turnover of the business entities in his zones.
I think these are relatively reasonable terms.
It will also not be that easy for the developer to do in the zone something other than what he undertook to do. Almost every substantial change requires a new approval. The law states: "Each change of a free zone shall be subject to the procedure for the establishment of a free zone … "Change" in this law shall mean: enlargement of the approved free zone site area; change in location of the free zone site; new activities are to be conducted in the approved free zone; each change in the composition of the developers (addition of new developer, change of corporate structure, take over, merger, acquisition, etc.) of the free zone; change of the period for existence of the free zone.
Question: Still, inside the zone – the developer is king. Actually, it is a kind of ex-territorial area, like an embassy?
Answer: I want to say it once and for all (because I heard this argument before):
A free zone is NOT an ex-territorial area. It is an integral and inseparable part of Macedonia. All the domestic laws of Macedonia apply there. It simply has different rates of customs and taxes. The over-riding status of the Macedonian domestic law is stated numerous times throughout the law. One example:
Article 20 says: "Free zone developers shall enact rules or pose conditions (hereunder referred to as "developer rules") under which their free zone site will be operated and activities conducted, regulate internal order and prescribe separate measures for protection of the working and living conditions and the environment. BUT…
The developer rules shall not contradict all the applicable laws of the Republic of Macedonia, including their by-laws and regulations and all the international obligations of the Republic of Macedonia…. AND The developer rules shall be announced in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia after the approval given by the Free zone Directorate."
Question: Aren't we offering too much by way of tax incentives? Aren't the revenues lost by the state worth more than the free zone will ever generate?
Answer: It is a very narrow point of view. Tax revenues are not the only thing we should consider. What about unemployment, technology transfers, export enhancement? These are invaluable in that they can revive the economy.
Compared to other free zones in other countries, we are offering mid-way concessions. We are by no means too generous. Additionally, to qualify to receive the tax incentives, the user must satisfy certain annual export quotas. It must prove that it generated NEW activities, not merely transferred activities from "mainland" Macedonia to the free zone "island". It must show that it is not involved in criminal activities or bankruptcy procedures and so on. Only then is it eligible to enjoy the tax incentives.
Question: Which are?
Answer: The law says it best:
"Free zone users meeting the terms as in article 21 of this law shall be exempted from:
Sales tax on products within the free zone site except for those products sold for final consumption within the free zone;
Sales tax and VAT on goods imported into the free zone site for production purposes and for performing other approved activities in the free zone;
Sales tax on services provided in the free zone immediately linked with export of goods and services;
Profit tax for a period of ten (10) years from the day of commencement of activities in the free zone;
Property tax for a period of ten (10) years from the day of commencement of activities in the free zone;
All taxes otherwise applicable to any transfer of property or rights thereof between developers and users within the free zone.
Free zone users reinvesting in the capital assets of the free zone site shall be entitled to a reduced profit tax base for the amounts invested after the expiration of the 10-year period.
Free zone users shall be exempted from paying participations (contributions), taxes and other duties pertaining to use of land for construction, connection to the water supply, sewerage, heating, gas and power supply networks.
Free zone land may be leased to foreign investors for a period of fifty (50) years, with a possibility to extend the term to another twenty-five (25) years, pursuant to the law.
The developers of the free zone shall have the full right to sublet or rent parts of the free zones or structures thereon or rights thereof to the users."
Question: Are the economic activities within the free zone restricted?
Answer: Every type of economic activity is allowed EXCEPT the activities explicitly forbidden by the law. These include: the trading of decayed, rotten, expired or infected goods or waste material detrimental to the environment or not fit for human or animal consumption; radioactive materials except those which are needed for industrial, medical and scientific research purposes under a valid license from the competent authorities; drugs, chemicals and biological materials and chemical and biochemical derivatives with the exception of those used in industrial, manufacturing, medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations, according to certificates issued by the Ministry of Health; arms, munitions, weapons and military explosives; goods or services which originate from countries or firms subject to boycotts, embargoes or blockades imposed by the competent national and international organs and authorities; goods or services that violate public morals, public defence, public safety and the security of the state; goods or services that violate the domestic laws and international treaties pertaining to intellectual and commercial property; practices, services and activities in contravention or violation of treaties, laws, regulations and directives regarding the protection of the environment in Macedonia.
Free zone users may apply standards, technical and quality norms of the destination country when manufacturing goods in the free zone intended for export.
Free zone users may set prices for their goods and services and will not be subject to laws and regulations pertaining to prices in the Republic of Macedonia.
Question: Will workers' rights be protected in such an environment?
Answer: Workers' rights are protected only by a good economy. In Macedonia, we have a lot of theoretical workers' rights. But the right to work is violated by mass unemployment and by gigantic wage and pension arrears. All the employers in the free zone shall sign a collective agreement with their employees. The collective agreement will oblige the employers and the employees to settle labour dispute through arbitration or mediation. The Directorate shall set up a labour relations committee to provide the employers and the employees with an arbitration and mediation mechanism.
Question: Thank you very much. Let's hope that free zones will fulfil all the expectations …
Answer: I will settle for half the expectations …
Thank you.
penis girth enhancement medical penis enlargement penis enlagement surgery picture penis enlargement fact penis enhancement technique penile enlargment fact penis enhancement pump free pnis enlargement pills vimax penis enlargement pic before and after
What is Sore Throat?
Almost everyone gets a sore throat at one time or another. Children tend to have them more often than adolescents or adults. Sore throats are most common during the winter months when upper respiratory infections (colds) are more frequent.
Sore throat (pharyngitis) is a painful inflammation of the pharynx, which is the part of the throat that lies between the mouth and the larynx (voice box). Sore throat is often a symptom of various illnesses such as colds and flu, glandular fever, respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, and chickenpox. While most sore throats heal without complications, in some cases, they develop into a serious illness.
Causes of Sore Throat
The major cause of sore throat is infection. Sore throat may be caused by either viral or bacterial infections. But it can also be caused by allergies and environmental conditions.
Viral Sore Throat
Approximately 90% of sore throats are caused by viral infections. There is no simple way to distinguish a viral sore throat from a bacterial sore throat. Viral sore throats are quite contagious. They can be spread by personal contact and by coughing or sneezing. Cold and flu viruses are the main culprits. When a stuffy-runny nose, sneezing, and generalized aches and pains accompany the sore throat, it is probably caused by virus. For a viral infection, no antibiotic is usually needed and the infection can be expected to run a four to six day course.
Another group of viruses that cause sore throat are the adenoviruses. The adenoviruses usually cause infections of the lungs and ears. Adenoviruses may cause white bumps on the tonsils and throat, diarrhea, vomiting, and a rash. Sore throat caused by adenoviruse lasts about a week.
One particular virus responsible for causing sore throat is the coxsackie virus. This virus causes a disease known as herpangina, which occurs most commonly among children under the age of ten and is most common during the summer. It is sometimes called summer sore throat. Summer sore throat can be quite severe. Symptoms include a high fever and the presence of tiny grayish-white blisters on the throat and mouth. The blisters erupt in a few days and are followed by a scab which may be very painful.
Mononucleosis (mono) is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpesvirus group. This virus lodges in the lymph system, causing massive enlargement of the tonsils and swollen glands in the neck, armpits and groin. Mono can affect the liver, leading to jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). One of the main signs of mono is a sore throat that may last for 1 to 4 weeks. Mono is a severe illness in a teenager or young adult, but it is less severe in a child. Symptoms caused by mononucleosis can last for 4 weeks or more.
Bacterial Sore Throat
About 10% of all sore throats are caused by bacteria.
The most common bacterial sore throat is caused by a bacterium called group A Streptococcus. This type of sore throat is called strep throat. The pain of strep throat often feels much like sore throats caused by other bacteria or by viruses. The tonsils often swell and become coated and the throat is sore. The patient may have a high temperature, sour breath and may feel quite ill. If strep throat isn't treated it can sometimes result in rheumatic fever, which can damage the valves of the heart.
The most dangerous throat infection is epiglottitis, caused by bacteria that infect a portion of the larynx (voice box) and cause swelling that closes the airway. This infection is an emergency condition that requires prompt medical attention. Suspect it when swallowing is extremely painful (causing drooling), when speech is muffled and when breathing becomes difficult.
Noninfectious Sore Throat
Not all sore throats result from viral or bacterial infections. Sore throats can also be caused by allergies and environmental irritation. These forms of sore throat are not contagious.
Allergy: The same pet dander, molds and pollens that trigger allergic reactions such as red, swollen eyes and a runny nose can also cause a sore throat. Cat and dog danders and house dust are common causes of sore throats for people with allergies to them.
Irritation: Many materials in the environment can also irritate the pharynx. Such irritants include cigarette smoke, polluted air, chemical fumes, and dry air. During the cold winter months, dry heat may create a recurring, mild sore throat with a parched feeling, especially in the mornings.
Symptoms of Sore Throat
The symptoms for a sore throat caused by both bacterial and viral causes are the same:
pain in the throat
pain and difficulty in swallowing
red throat
swollen tonsils
coated tonsils
swollen neck glands
pus covering the throat or white spots
coughing
fever
If the sore throat is due to a viral infection the symptoms are usually milder.
Sore Throat Treatment
The treatment of sore throat will vary according to the cause. Sore throats are usually mild and can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies available from your local pharmacy. They usually get better on their own, in 3-7 days. It is extra rare for antibiotics to be needed. This is only the case when the sore throat is the result of a serious bacterial infection.
Sore throat treatment and comfort measures:
Strep throat requires antibiotics. Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether the cause is viral or bacterial, so antibiotics may be prescribed as a precaution.
Pain relievers - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) are often more effective pain relievers than acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications reduce pain and fever that accompany a sore throat. Children should not be given aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Salt water gargle can be a good way to relieve a sore throat. It help soothe the irritated throat and reduces swelling in the tissues. This is the safest, least expensive and probably the most effective treatment of a sore throat.
Use over-the-counter throat lozenges every couple of hours or hard candy. It can help relieve sore throat and cough. It does stimulate saliva production, which bathes and cleanses your throat.
Drinking enough fluids is very important, warm drinks may be especially soothing. Avoid caffeine because it can cause water loss.
Get plenty of rest. Getting extra sleep can promote more rapid recovery, especially if a virus is the cause.
Avoid smoking or being around smoke and other throat irritants.
Humidify the air. Adding moisture to the air prevents your mucous membranes from drying out. This can reduce irritation and make it easier to sleep. Hot, dry air will aggravate sore throat.
Take a high-potency multivitamin and the herb echinacea to build up your immune system.
penis enlarement before and after photo does vigrx work vimax best penis enlargement pills penis enlargement pills pro solution penis enhancement surgery herbal natural pnis enlargement penis enlargment surgery photo penis enargement product vimax penis enlargement pic before and after
Research reports that two out of four young people have unhealthy ideas about eating, dieting and weight. With the alarming increase of eating disorders, dieting, and obesity among children as young as 5 and 6, it's crucial these days for parents to proactively work to promote healthy eating and body image in their children.
It has been found that in households where mom talks about feeling fat, 81% of their teenage daughters said they felt fat too. Our girls, especially, are being easily confused and influenced when it comes to body image development. In a culture where young people are bombarded with skinny, glossy, and superficial images, parents can be a mirror reflecting understanding, reassurance, wisdom, and love that their children can look into with faith and not fear. Many factors influence whether an adolescent will develop a positive or negative body image. As a parent, you can learn to be supportive the next time your child says, “Mom, I feel fat or Mom, I hate my life,” and be ready with an answer by saying, “that sounds like an important feeling, tell me more.”
The Slenderizing Beauty Ideal
Everyday 56% of the women in the United States are on diets. We have a 30-billion-dollar-a-year diet industry. The historical view of the ideal female body has changed over the years and influenced this dieting America. Although many factors contribute to the changing body shape of girls, including better nutrition, earlier onset of puberty and other societal influences. The fact remains that regardless of the reason, the common trend over time points to a slenderizing standard of the female ideal. With standards like this, it is no wonder that children are dissatisfied with their bodies.
When it came to looks – teens are most concerned about weight. A Teen People survey of 1000 teens, showed that 39% worried about weight. Between 2000 and 2001, cosmetic surgery on girls 18 and younger had increased by 22%.
Another study reported that after girls viewed pictures of models in fashion magazines:
69% reported that magazine pictures influenced their idea of the perfect body shape and
47% reported wanting to lose weight because of magazine pictures.
This study found that those who were frequent readers of fashion magazines were 2-3 times more likely than infrequent readers to start dieting to lose weight because of a magazine article.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Is it any wonder, then, that eating disorders affect 7 million women and 1 million men in the United States? Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. People with anorexia starve themselves to dangerously thin levels, at least 15% below their appropriate weight. People with bulimia binge uncontrollably on large amounts of food--sometimes thousands of calories at a time--and then purge the calories out of their bodies through vomiting, starving, excessive exercise, laxatives, or other methods. People with binge-eating disorder eat uncontrollably, but they do not purge the calories.
Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (or EDNOS) is a new classification of disordered eating that falls between anorexia, binge eating and bulimia. Unfortunately, since this type of 'sub-clinical' disorder is often not life-threatening, there appears to be little research available on the topic. One of the goals at FINDINGbalance.com, the first national organization dedicated to helping those who struggle with ENDOS, is to begin collecting new information through input from their website visitors and other existing sources. Visit the www.FINDINGbalance.com website to take the “Weird Eater” quiz and take a closer look at how dieting habits can lead to disordered eating.
Anorexia Warning Signs for Adolescents & Adults:
• Loss of menstrual period
• Dieting obsessively when not overweight
• Claiming to feel "fat" when overweight is not a reality
• Preoccupation with food, calories, nutrition, and/or cooking
• Denial of hunger
• Excessive exercising, being overly active
• Frequent weighing
• Strange food-related behaviors
• Episodes of binge-eating
• 15% or more below normal body weight/rapid weight loss
• Depression
• Slowness of thought/memory difficulties
• Hair loss
* In children any combination of these symptoms should be considered serious and an immediate evaluation by an eating disorder professional or physician is recommended.
Source: www.remudaranch.com
Bulimia Warning Signs:
• Excessive concern about weight
• Strict dieting followed by eating binges
• Frequent overeating, especially when distressed
• Bingeing on high calorie, sweet foods
• Use of laxatives, diuretics, strict dieting, vigorous exercise, and/or vomiting to control weight
• Leaving for the bathroom after meals
• Being secretive about binges or vomiting
• Planning binges or opportunities to binge
• Feeling out of control
• Depressive moods
Source: www.remudaranch.com
EDNOS Warning Signs:
• You're always on a diet, always coming off a diet, or always getting ready to go on one again (chronic dieting).
• You categorize foods as 'safe' and 'off limits', but weigh within normal ranges and are not participating in bulimia.
• You eliminate entire food groups from your diet.
• You are obsessed with exercising but eat fairly regularly.
• You binge and/or purge occasionally, but not more than a few times a month.
• You skip social occasions because you feel fat, or because you are afraid of what's being served, yet your weight is normal.
• You believe that everyone is as focused on your weight as you are.
• You refuse to eat regular meals, choosing instead to 'nibble' throughout the day on small portions of food (which usually leads to bingeing).
Source: www.findingbalance.com
How Common Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious illnesses. The malnourishment of both anorexia and bulimia affects the body rapidly and can lead to hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, enlargement of the heart, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, permanent brain shrinkage with loss of memory and IQ, infertility, and osteoporosis. It is not uncommon for a teenage girl with anorexia to have the bones of an 80 year old woman. The condition is not reversible. Ultimately, approximately, 6% of people with anorexia and 1% with bulimia will die from their eating disorder.
According to Remuda Ranch, an inpatient eating disorder treatment center in Arizona, estimates indicate that 1/3 of American women and 15% of men will have an eating disorder or related problem at some time in their lives. Fifty years ago, eating disorders were practically unheard of. Research suggest a strong genetic component to eating disorders. People who are prone to perfectionism and low self-esteem may be most at risk.
In today’s world, the cultural pressures for young people to obtain and maintain super-thin bodies are extreme. In this environment, thinness readily becomes a way of dealing with many emotional issues. However, outcome studies have shown there is much hope for people with eating disorders. The good news is that approximately 75% of patients with eating disorders do recover.
How Can Parents Prevent Disordered Eating?
Parents can do much to spare their children a life-long struggle with eating and weight. One of the most important ways is to examine their own beliefs and prejudices as a parent about weight and appearance. Parents should communicate acceptance and respect for themselves and other people regardless of weight. This will reduce some of the pressure children may feel to change their bodies. Especially, discourage the idea that a particular diet or body size can reliably lead to happiness. Do not model or encourage dieting. Accept and talk about the fact that diets don’t work and the dangers of altering one’s body through dieting.
Tips For Healthy Eating
In our diet crazed culture, what really is healthy eating? Here are a few tips that will go a long way in feeding your family a balanced mealtime experience. For starters, teach your children to listen to their body -- eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full. Remember balance means that most of the time you eat because you are hungry and use food as fuel for your body. But, it also means that sometimes you eat simply when the food appeals to you or when it is appropriate in a social setting (e.g., popcorn at the movies), allowing yourself to eat for enjoyment.
Try to eat different foods everyday, in other words, create an adventure for your taste buds. Aim to inspire your family to eat 3 meals and 1 to 3 snacks a day. The idea that snacking between meals is bad is a thing of the past. By teaching your kids to eat every 2 to 4 hours, they will prevent their body from getting overly hungry which could set them up to overeat later. Plus, the body uses the fuel from food very efficiently when smaller amounts of food is eaten more frequently throughout the day.
The bottom line: eat normally, exercise moderately, and let your body weigh what it wants. Yes, it will take courage and perseverance, but the rewards of knowing you are teaching your family how to eat for pleasure is a true legacy to leave.
Resources
BOOKS
DeVillera, Julia. GirlWise. Roseville, California: Prima Publishing; 2002.
Gaesser, Glenn. Big Fat Lies: The Truth about Your Weight and Your Health. New York: Ballantine; 1996.
Hersh. Sharon A. “Mom, I feel fat!” Colorado Springs, Colorado: WaterBrook Press; 2001.
Hutchinson, Marcia. 200 Ways to Love the Body You Have. CA: Crossing Press; 1999.
Jacobs-Brumberg, Joan. The Body Project: An Intimate History of American Girls. NewYork: Random House; 1997.
Jantz, Gregory L. Hope, Help & Healing for Eating Disorders. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Waterbrook Press; 2002.
Omichinski, Linda. Staying off the Diet Roller Coaster: Advicezone.com; 2000.
Rhodes, Constance. Life Inside the Thin Cage. Colorado Springs. Colorado: Waterbrook Press; 2003.
Quart, Alissa. Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Perseus Books Group; 2003.
Tribole, Evelyn. Intuitive Eating: A Recovery Book for the Chronic Dieter. New York: St. Martin's Press; 1995.
WEBSITES AND PROGRAMS
HUGS
HUGS for Better Health website features resources on how to build a non-diet lifestyle. www.hugs.com
F.I.T Decisions
F.I.T (Future Identity of Teens) is a weekend conference for teenage girls to teach teens how to live healthful, balanced lives. Nationally-known speakers, drama skits, fashion shows, kick boxing, snacks, and give-aways are part of the all day workshop. www.fitdecisions.org
www.girlpower.gov
The US Department of Health and Human Services has sponsored, Girl Power!, a national public education campaign sponsored designed to provide positive messages, accurate health information, and support for 9- to 13-year-old girls. The website includes statistics, research, materials and information for both adolescents and adults. A free Girl Power! Kit can be ordered via the website.
www.4woman.gov
This site, the National Women’s Health Information Center, is a project of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. Navigate to “Body Image” section of the website and you will find the “Body Wise” handbook and additional information, educational material and additional resources for parents and a variety of professions.
www.bodypositive.com
by D. Burgard, PhD
Videos and workshops that teach young people how to develop a positive body image and have a healthy relationship with food. A new video (2002) Body Talk 2: It's a New Language, is targeted at tweens (ages 8-11).
www.bulimia.com
Gurze Books which include tapes and resources on disordered eating and related topics on body image and obesity.
www.healthyweight.net
The Healthy Weight Network features a journal and Francis Berg's books, Children and Teens Afraid to Eat and other practical resources for educators and health professionals.
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/phd/ebhp/06bodyimage.htm
The Victorian Department of Human Services website has many resources including a summary of body image programs as well as a review of the research evaluating these programs. In addition, you will find a free Resource Planning Kit: “Shape: Body Image Program Planning Guide”.
www.nationaleatingdisorder.org
Provides many programs, books and materials and references (two items offered are listed below).
Remuda Ranch
www.remudaranch.com
Remuda Ranch is an eating disorder treatment center devoted to the unique needs of women and girls and integrate specialized therapies such as art, equine, body image, and movement program components as part of the recovery treatment.
