Experts say that women and girls continue to struggle with body image and self-esteem. So, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is holding workshops for adolescent girls to deal with typical teenage concerns and learn leadership and critical-thinking skills in the process. Psychologists say that the consequences, such as developing eating disorders, abusing drugs and alcohol, and become promiscuous, are all the results of low self-esteem. The combination of media messages, peer pressure, and changing hormones make it very difficult for girls to find who they are and remain self-confident. Middle school is tough time for many girls as they become concerned with boys and sex and less interested in their studies and own activities. Read the entire article at FortWayne.com.

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Marilyn Elias reported in USA Today that poor body image is affect by race. Her report is based on an analysis of 98 studies on feminine body dissatisfaction. While many may believe that minority women are more forgiving about their bodies, these findings show that white and non-white women, including Asian-Americans and Hispanics, are equally displeased with their looks. Another similarity found in the study was that younger girls of all races felt worse about their bodies, but they seemed to improve as they age. Read the entire article online at USA Today.

Colorado-based NiNe magazine hopes to help teenagers find positive ways to express themselves. Instead of featuring air-brushed teen celebrities and gossip, the magazine will promote self-esteem, volunteerism, and literacy for adolescent girls. Because the magazine will strive toward the nine characteristics the editors believe girls should aim for, they will avoid sending any mixed messages and keep their content consistent. Read more about NiNe from the Boston Herald.