I wanted to bring a topic to light that isn't discussed or recognized very often. When we talk about eating disorders and unhealthy health trends we tend to focus mainly on females. However, there are approximately 1 million American males that are suffering from an eating disorder and the number might even be larger. Many males feel ashamed or embarrassed and are afraid to admit it or even get help. Many of the symptoms are similar in males and females, such as compulsive dieting and exercising as well as generally being unhappy with their body. However, there is a difference between the sexes. Many females develop eating disorders when they have never even been overweight, however many males who have an eating disorder were overweight as children. It is important that males receive help just as much as females and we need to make it more acceptable in society. I found a website that talks about this issue and also shares the story of a man who did suffer from anorexia. Definitly check it out!
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/12/1685_50259?src=Inktomi&condition=Healthy%20Men

Although a little off topic, it is related to this blog because as stated earlier this blog was created for a class. For our class we are running an experiment to test googles recognition of the keyword: nworbxela. In the beginning google was slow to pick up this word, but as more class member's have placed nworbxela in there blog it is improving. Also KidsCorner is ranked 11th on the keyword search for outdoor trampolines chester. Going along with the same idea as the term nworbxela we hope that as more people put KidsCorner and keyword search outdoor trampolines chester in their blogs, it will rank higher on a google search. I will try to update everyone with the results.

In response to Heather's comment, questioning the validity of the "freshmen 15" myth I decided to do some research. Most of the websites I visited suggested that the average weight gain freshmen year is 4.5 lbs for women and 6 lbs for men. Most of this weight gain is due to choosing unhealthy foods at the dinning hall, combined with the lack of excercise, and the additional intake of alcohol. There are many different things that can be done to avoid weight gain at college, but these take motivation, determination, and a constant effort. There a few websites that have done studies on this myth and give more detailed tips on how to overcome the "freshmen 15". If you are interested definitly check out these sites!
http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/college/freshman_15.html
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/diet.fitness/9908/19/freshman.fifteen/

I wanted to respond and agree to Laura's comment. She said that it doesn't even look attractive being that skinny and I totally agree. That picture I posted of Mary Kate does not look good to me. She looks sick and frail. I don't totally understand what annorexic people are thinking when they look in the mirror, but do they think that looks good???

I would like to respond to a comment Marisa had made on my blog about children having eating disorders and weight issues at a very young age. She had commented that she had worked at a summer camp and had overheard an eight year old girl talking about how fat she was even though this wasn't the case at all. This example just reinforces how serious this issue has become and even Mary commented on my blog saying that she has a friend that due to her eating disorder has damaged her body and especially her metabolism permanently. Just like Mary and Marisa I also have had friends with eating disorders. One of my friends has osteoporosis now and she spends most of her time in and out of hospitals because her body is starting to shut down from the lack of nutrients over a long period of time. She is also finding it extremely hard to gain weight at this point and it now is becomming fatal. Many of the mentalities that fuel a eating disorder begin at a very young age and when a child hits puberty it becomes a serious problem. Although many of us do not have children of our own, we do have younger siblings or have worked a job with children over the summer, such as being a camp councelor or in my particular situation I was a swimming instructor. It is really important for people who do spend a lot of time around children to be aware that children do watch and listen to you and many try to immitate your behaviors. It is definitly beneficial to read up on how to talk to children about weight issues, especially ones in the media, such as Mary Kate Olsen suffering from anorexia. Building a trusting relationship, where children feel comfortable asking questions and talking to you is the best way. It is important to monitor what you say in front of children and to also encourage healthy eating. If you suspect a young child has an eating disorder I encourage to take action before its too late. I found these two websites helpful for learning how to discuss this issue with children. Please check them out!
http://www.talkingwithkids.org/e-updates/twk-summer-04.htm
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/eating_disorders.html

With finals creeping up, I thought it was necessary to discuss the issue of adderall. Ever since I came to college, I have seen many students take adderall, even ones who are not prescribed. There are many ,what we feel "positive", short term side effects of adderall that influence students to take it. These side effects include being able to stay awake and do work for long periods of time, increasing your concentration, and decreasing your appetite leading to weight loss. However, before you take adderall or any other drug for that matter it is important to understand all of the side effects and the harm it can cause you. Adderall can be physically and psychologically addictive drug and by taking it, you can easily become dependent on it to the point where your body will experience withdrawl when you stop. There are also negative side effects that include weight loss leading to anorexia, high blood pressure, heart palpatations, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and even mood changes. There are also serious long term side effects that could occur and definitly should be considered. Also because this drug induces dizziness and sometimes hulicinations most of the websites I researched said avoid operating machinery and that even means driving. With adderall becomming so common people forget about the seriousness of it. Just like any other drug it is important to do research and really understand what it is you are taking. If you are interested I found these sites helpful and insiteful. So check them out!

http://www.drugs.com/adderall.html

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63164-Adderall+XR+Oral.aspx?drugid=63164&drugname=Adderall+XR+Oral

I was researching eating disorders and I found some scary facts. When i think of eating disorders I typically think of teenage girls, however this is not the case anymore. Kids are now starting to be weight obsessed also.

-42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner

-81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat.

-51% of 9 and 10 year-old girls feel better about themselves if they are on a diet.

-Without treatment, up to 20% of people with serious eating disorders die. With treatment, that number falls to 2-3%.

-About 50% of people who have been anorexic develop bulimia or bulimic patterns.

-8,000,000 or more people in the United States have an eating disorder and 90% are women.
-Eating disorders usually start in the teens but may begin as early as age 8.

These facts thoroughly scared me and definitly concerned me that kids these days are just as worried about their weight as adults like you and me. It is really important to make sure we are teaching and setting a good example for children about healthy eating. If you have younger siblings or just around kids alot keep these facts in mind so that you can make sure you are setting a good example. For more information on eating disorders you can visit: http://www.kidzworld.com/site/p3155.htm

http://familydoctor.org/277.xml

People have said many times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, however i find myself skipping breakfast the most. I did some research and i found out that in the morning your blood sugar levels are the lowest because you have not eaten for about 8 hours while you were sleeping. By skipping breakfast your body will crave something sweet and that's when you find yourself snacking on unhealthy foods. So if you are trying to shed those pounds, skipping breakfast will not help! If you start the day with a filling nutritious meal, such as whole grain cereal, you give your metabolism a kick start for the day. If you want to know some healthy and quick breakfast solutions check this site out: http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/healthy_eating/breakfast.htm