Though dispelling myths may not be a miracle cure for disordered eating, writer Penny Casto hopes that it will, at the very least, cause women to stop and think.

"Myth: It is healthier to be thin. While obesity presents its own set of health consequences, an extreme eating behavior toward the other end of the continuum can result in physical complications due to malnutrition and starvation. Reality: People with anorexia are up to 10 times more likely to die as a result of their illness."

Another common myth is that thin people are more attractive. But this myth is being put to rest as women in the entertainment industry continue to come forward and share their struggles with eating disorders. Source: News & Record - Greensboro, NC

Labels: healthy, nutrition, starvation

Emily Reese is currently the best girls distance runner in the state of Georgia. Soon, she'll compete for her fourth state championship. All Georgia eyes are on her, as are such universities as Duke Princeton and Harvard. Emily knows that a good deal of attention comes along with all her success.

"It also comes with being 5 feet 6, 100 pounds in a sport that can seduce girls into believing that leaner means faster. 'I wouldn't say that I have to defend myself, but I know that some people make comments on how thin I am,' Reese said."

Reese is naturally thin and doesn't try to lose weight; in fact, she's trying to gain a few extra pounds just make sure she stays healthy. She regularly visits a nutritionist, and has an annual blood work screen. She places a lot of importance on letting other girls in her sport know that you don't have to be thin to be fast.

Mount Bachelor Academy, like other schools for troubled teens, offer therapy and counseling to students struggling with their emotions. Learn more at www.mtba.com.

Labels: healthy, nutrition, weight_gain

Studies conducted over the last several years indicate that just because someone is thin, doesn't mean they're healthy. The studies compared the fitness levels of men and women who were of "normal" weight and who were overweight. To compare fitness levels, all study participants were given a standard treadmill test and exercised to exhaustion. In both studies, people of "normal" weight who were unfit were at a higher risk of heart disease and other illnesses than the overweight participants who were fit.

"Society places a lot of value on being thin, and the pressure to be thin can cause development of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Perhaps our emphasis should shift to encouraging fitness and healthful eating in all age groups. Health is not defined by a single factor but a combination of many. We all can take some small steps closer to a healthy lifestyle."

Read more at ClarionLedger.com.

Adolescent drug abuse and treatment for teen alcohol and drug addiction can be explained at 4TroubledTeens.com. 4TroubledTeens.com offers parents help for teen drug use and teen drug addiction.

Labels: fitness, healthy, lifestyle