Lori Henry's Blog
Posted by Lori Henry
Looking for a cheap Vancouver hotel? Looking for a cheap hotel in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics? Think I’m pulling your leg?
It was announced today that a temporary hostel will open in East Vancouver with budget travellers, students and workers in mind. The Eldorado Hotel (2330 Kingsway) opens on December 4, 2009 and will have available 100 beds per night. When the Games get started, they’ll open up 300 beds per night.
Cheap Hotel Reservations
The pros about the Eldorado Hotel acting as a hostel?
- They're dorm-style rooms, so they're super cheap.
- How cheap? $34 CAD per night, including taxes.
- Internet is available.
- There’s a TV lounge.
- The breakfast is supposedly going to be affordable.
- After the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games leave, the company, Eldorado Operations, will donate the furniture and equipment that was purchased to people less fortunate. (The press release says “overnight camps serving children and families in need in the Lower Mainland.”)
"There's a lot of excitement across Canada about the coming Games and we expect many travellers, especially young people, will start arriving in our city in the coming weeks without a place to stay," explained Donna Wilson, VANOC's executive vice president, people and sustainability. "This hostel will provide them with an affordable place to bed down for the night without impacting the city's shelters or low-income housing, which is a commitment we made during the bid phase for the 2010 Winter Games."
Book a bed by emailing the Eldorado Hotel and they will respond directly.
Posted by Lori Henry
For those near Vancouver, Canada this October, you might want to check out this very special performance. The nearby city of Richmond, BC is known for its Asian Restaurants and thriving Chinese population. But what about music?
It’s with much community excitement, then, that they welcome the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra, all the way from China, to the River Rock Casino for two shows on October 4, 2009. It’s the orchestra’s first performance in Canada and it looks to be a BIG event.
“It is a very special honour to host this talented group from Xiamen,” says Richmond’s Sister City Committee Chair, Sylvia Gwozd. “We are absolutely delighted that our local sponsor partners share our enthusiasm for cultural exchange and enrichment. Their leadership and support has, in turn, helped to attract a range of equally committed community partners to help us host this almost 100 musical performer-strong orchestra and make these concerts a unique friendship event between the City of Richmond and the City of Xiamen.”
Zhen Xiaoying leads the charge, one of China’s most celebrated conductors. She is also the Artistic Director of the group and has made the orchestra a well-known name in China in the 10 years she has spearheaded it.
Guest musicians Siheng Song (pianist), Liu Yuan (saxophonist) and Zhang Hong Yan (pipa) will join the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra. Another special treat is the appearance of the Richmond Youth Honour Choir, who will be joining the Chinese orchestra on stage.
Philharmonic Tickets
River Rock Show Theatre
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
Sunday October 4, 2009
2:00 pm and 7:30 pm shows
Tickets: $18-$48 CAD
Ticketmaster: (604) 280-4444
Posted by Lori Henry
I spent the early part of this summer focused on BC travel: exploring the area around the mighty Fraser River in Canada. I came away with some pretty astonishing trip ideas, which I have recently published in this column.
Below is a list of the articles I wrote that will give you a great introduction the Fraser River area in British Columbia. Happy travels!
Whistler Mountaineer and Squamish Lil’wat Centre
Canada Train Travel on the Rocky Mountaineer
Gold Rush Historic Town in Barkerville, BC
Cultural Travel in First Nations Canada
Posted by Lori Henry
Taking a road trip through Alberta, Canada is a good way to see the countryside. That’s exactly what I did this Spring, with just enough time to give you the goods for your summer vacations.
Here is a series of articles that I wrote about my trip. Happy reading!
From Vegreville to Vermilion, Alberta
Buffalo Adventures in Wainwright, Alberta
Tofield & Elk Island National Park, Alberta
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Posted by Lori Henry
Act like a cowboy at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada. This outdoor summer show is the biggest hit in Cowtown every year.
I have amassed a small guide to the event so you can watch the opening parade, find a pancake breakfast downtown, see the Chuckwagon races, watch the spectacular Grandstand Show and “Yee Haw” through the Rodeo.
Here is a list of articles I’ve written about the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada:
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Posted by Lori Henry
Outdoor adventures are what make BC so unique. This province has an abundance of gorgeous settings perfect for cycling tours, cycling vacations, as well as camping and canoeing trips all over British Columbia.
Three new books have come out that illustrate BC in all its glory. As we gear up for summer, pick up these books, grab a pencil and start mapping your next outdoor adventure.
Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway: Dan and Sandra Langford have come out with their third edition of this popular book on cycling vacations. Covering ground in the southern interior of BC, the couple take readers through the Okanagan-Similkameen region by bike.
The maps are clear, the content simple to follow and the photos are fantastic, giving readers a good look at the backcountry of the province.
Camping British Columbia: Jayne Seagrave takes this indispensable guide into its sixth edition. Not only does she cover over 150 provincial and national park campgrounds, but she also gives advice on the unique challenges of a camping vacation in BC.
This book is comprehensive and can literally be taken with you from campground to campground all summer. Again, great photos, especially the full colour ones depicting lots of family fun.
Northern British Columbia Canoe Trips: Laurel Archer takes a stab at the limitless canoeing trips in the province in this first volume. I love the detailed information, maps and "Trip Notes" that are scattered throughout the book.
Northern BC can be a remote place for first timers and this is a great guide to follow when planning canoeing trips in the area. I don't think there's another book like it.
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Posted by Lori Henry
Cock-Pit, Choreographed by Wen Wei Wang
Performers: Scott Augustine, Edmond Kilpatrick, Josh Martin, David Raymond and Alison Denham
Winner of 2009 Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award for dance
Venue: Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street, Vancouver)
Dates: Feb. 24-28, 2009
Buy Tickets: $22-$30 CAN
It began with eggs and a few guys; it transpired into a simply complex peephole into the fascinating world of young men behind closed doors.
Choreographer Wen Wei Wang (not performing) used some of the most talented male dancers in Vancouver in a wild mesh of styles. Each brought his own background with him, fleshing out the story of four guys interacting in the sometimes aggressive, other times sexual dance of their lives.
Wen Wei brings with him memories of being a dance student in China and living with four boys. How they pushed each other, played with each other and bonded with each other is told through the revealing bodies of the male performers.
Alison Denham is the sole female dancer, adding an element of these young men’s mothers, girlfriends and sexuality.
Feathers are used as extensions of their bodies, sometimes phallic, usually playful, and add, not only a cultural element (they are used in the Chinese Opera), but as a thermometer: these “extensions” tested the space around them, giving each performer another way of communicating.
Aesthetically, it was an inspired way to add another dimension to the physical body. When Scott Augustine uses two feathers as wings for the first time, there is something innocent yet daring about his movements. Each new incarnation of the feathers exposes one more facet to the complicated years of growing up.
I cannot finish without commenting on the delirious lighting. Theatre favourite James Proudfoot outdoes himself yet again with sudden side flashes or distinct spotlights. He creates a lab both based in reality and swirling in the confused and hyper minds of the male performers.
An exquisitely executed show that reminds us why private partnership in the arts is so important. Read more about the Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award.
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Posted by Lori Henry
With the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games fast approaching (less than a year away!), British Columbia will become one hotbed of travel activity.
Looking to book your hotel in Vancouver? Want the best way to find tickets? Need a breakdown of sporting events and venues?
I have written a series of Olympics-related articles in my Western Canada Travel column answering all of those questions. It’s my effort to help travellers from all over the world simplify their winter games travel planning. Good luck!
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Tickets
Olympic Sports at the Vancouver 2010 Games
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Venues (winner of Editor's Choice Award)
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Posted by Lori Henry
I recently went on a fabulous trip to the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia. This area is only accessible by ferry, although it’s part of mainland BC. The remote nature of the region and the fact that the prices haven’t yet been inflated make it a real gem of a vacation spot.
Here are the short pieces I wrote in my blog about my experience travelling up the Sunshine Coast.
Dining and B&Bs in Sechelt, BC
Jedediah Island, British Columbia
Posted by Lori Henry
Bill Gallaher’s new book, The Frog Lake Massacre, is a surprisingly sweet experience. Following a young man who re-names himself Wild Jack Strong, readers are drawn into the character by his honesty and mistakes.
His decision to turn his life around and leave Victoria, BC, ends up changing his whole outlook on the world, especially opening his eyes to the relations between the “white man” and the aboriginal people.
This fictional account of the happenings at Frog Lake and across the prairies gives a personal glimpse into the life of those who lived it. Jack embarks on an adventure he never thought possible and ends up seeing his friends die and much blood shed.
But the lessons he learns are big enough to make the experience worthwhile. The well-known historical figures of Big Bear and Poundmaker are all included, as are fictional characters that create a vivid picture of the battles that erupted in the late 19th century North-West Rebellions.
I especially recommend this book to those in high school learning about Canadian history. The drama and interesting thoughts of Wild Jack Strong make for a compelling read and allow those who might not be the best at remembering facts, the chance to learn about the history from outside of the textbooks.
Author: Bill Gallaher
Publisher: Touchwood Editions
ISBN: 9781894898751
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Posted by Lori Henry
M. Wylie “Capi” Blanchet’s book, The Curve of Time, introduces readers to the spirited woman who travelled on her own terms. Her adventures in the 1920’s took her along the western coast of British Columbia, Canada, at a time when women were supposed to stay at home and cook meals for their families.
For fans of this daring woman, Cathy Converse gives them the chance for one more read about her life in her own book, Following the Curve of Time. Although not much is known about Capi, Converse gets to know her through the places she travelled to and the impressions she left behind.
British Columbia Travel
The west coast of BC is a wild, scenic and, above all, beautiful stretch of land to explore. By ship, Converse is able to zip and in and out of inlets along the coast, some almost as unknown as they were in Capi’s time.
Part historical book, part personal narrative, I loved being taken along for the ride that Capi made in the early 1900’s. Through a modern eye, places like Vancouver Island, Desolation Sound and Knight Inlet get a fresh update as Converse takes them in like Capi did: from the water.
The writing style of Following the Curve of Time remains in biography style for most of the book, adding authority to what the author shares. But her knowledgeable voice and ability to follow in Capi’s waterborne path enhance the account and make travelling through this region of British Columbia much desired.
Author: Cathy Converse
Publisher: Touchwood Editions
ISBN: 978-1894898683
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Posted by Lori Henry
DanceHouse makes its debut presentation of the Urban Bush Women and Compagnie Jant-Bi collaboration. Fourteen dancers from Brooklyn, New York, and Senegal took the Vancouver audience on a wild ride through their African Diaspora roots and feisty moves.
Choreographers Germaine Acogny and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, along with collaboration from the dancers, create an electrifying evening of dance. Part traditional African dance, sans its “folkloric trappings,” and infused with contemporary Western movement, the dancers explore what it means to experience the world from the same ancestry, yet different cultures.
They use their voices, bodies, movement and stillness to interact with each other and the audience. Side lighting and ceiling spotlights create a setting of underground separation. Microphones on the floor allow the dancer’s feet to enhance the music with their shuffling and stamping.
The women from Urban Bush Women proved their strength and resilience in every turn of the head or hip bounce; the men from Compagnie Jant-Bi used their guttural movement and masculine sass to stand up to the female energy. They were all phenomenally beautiful.
From insightful solos to bursts of sexual expression, the hips were swaying and bootties bumping in infectious force. Catch the rest of the tour at the below dates and cities.
Les Écailles de la Mémoire (The Scales of Memory)
Presented by DanceHouse and The Cultch
- Friday and Saturday, November 7-8 at 8 PM
- Vancouver Playhouse, Vancouver, BC
- Wednesday, November 12 at 8 PM
- Stanford Lively Arts, Palo Alto, California
- Friday, November 14 at 8 PM
- University Theatre at UC Riverside, California
- Saturday, November 15 at 8 PM
- ArtPower! at Mandeville Auditorium at UC San Diego, California
- Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, November 19, 21, 22 at 7:30 PM
- BAM Next Wave Festival
- Howard Gilman Opera House, Brooklyn, New York
- Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29 at 8 PM
- Internationales Tanzfestival 2008
- PACT Zollverein Essen, Germany
Phone: (604) 801-6225
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Posted by Lori Henry
Playing now is the quirky play of Cyrano de Bergerac, adapted by Vancouver’s own James Fagan Tait, starring the solid cast of David Mackay, Kevin MacDonald and Melissa Poll.
Going back to 17th century Paris, director James Fagan Tait keeps the language modern with snappy dialogue. The audience is thrown right into the fray as the actors shout from the play’s audience, which is also the real audience. The intimacy doesn’t remain, though, as the pace slackens a bit during the first half.
By the time the second curtain rises, and the drama of Cyrano the romantic and Baron Christian the pretty face collaborate to win the heart of Roxanne, the pace is just right. Dialogue slips off the actor’s tongues with precision and the wit stays zingy with each line.
James Fagan Tait does a brilliant job of keeping the actor’s natural and surprisingly un-theatrical. Beautiful work was done by the entire cast to create near-minimalism that’s punctuated with dry humour and perfect comedic timing.
I loved the quirky humour and unexpected eccentricity of the whole play. James Fagan Tait is a mastermind of timeless writing and contemporary (and local) society. As he says in his introduction in the program, “…welcome to the 17th-century Paris of this very moment. Don’t be surprised if the people in that time look and sound a little bit like us right now.”
As my friend told me after the opening night performance, “I’d love to go back and see the run near the end.” By that time, the rhythm at the beginning would hopefully be worked out and the entire show will be a tour de force.
Cyrano de Bergerac, presented by the Arts Club Theatre Company
Directed by James Fagan Tait
October 23 – November 23, 2008
At the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage in Vancouver, BC
2750 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
Box Office: (604) 687-1644
Tickets: from $31.00 CDN
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Posted by Lori Henry
If you like fresh food, like dining in restaurants that support local farmers, and are in Vancouver this October, you’re in luck. Eat BC! has just launched a new campaign for foodies that involves local growers, producers and… BCAA?
All you have to do is visit the Eat BC! website and search for participating restaurants, hotels and retailers (there are over 200 this year!). Then, get over to your favourites and order one of their “Eat BC! Signature Dishes,” marked on the menu. This ensures that the plate you’re about to eat is completely made from products from British Columbia.
On top of that, if you’re a BCAA member, bring your membership card with you. When you flash it to your server, they’ll bring you a free dessert. Yum.
Contests
There are also two contests: one year of two-nights stays at the Best Western and one year of free dining every week. All you have to do is fill out a ballot at each of the participating restaurants, hotels and retailers you visit during the month of October. Pretty sweet!
So come out and support the local agricultural industry in British Columbia.
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Posted by Lori Henry
News of the 2008 Matrix Shackleton Centenary Expedition caught my attention, as I’m heading up to Baffin Island next month. I’m reading up on Nunavut and the Canadian Arctic and getting more and more immersed in the history and culture of our northern land.
This expedition, though, is serious business. A modern re-enactment of the 1908-09 Nimrod voyage, these adventurers are off on fabulous treks of northern exploits. And they’re looking for a new team member.
David Royds, chairman of Matrix Group, says: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for someone to experience the stark reality of Antarctic conditions and fulfill a dream.
“The successful candidate will need to be prepared to endure -35°C temperatures and 50mph headwinds, to haul their own 100lb sled and to camp on the remotest landscape on earth. It’ll certainly be an adventure to tell the grandchildren!”
The voyage will include six descendants of the original team. Their “application” will be a series of questionnaires, fitness and medical surveys, psychometric testing and panel interviews. They’ll then have to cross Baffin Island, Canada, with polar explorer Matty McNair.
“The type of person we will be looking for is someone whose cup is always half full - never half empty; someone who can laugh at themselves; a strong team player who sees this as a lifetime opportunity and can tell a good joke to keep others’ spirits up," says expedition leader Worsley. “Above all else we want a candidate with a relentless passion to succeed whatever the adversity.”
Find out more about his ambitious trek and learn how to join them by visiting the Matrix Shackleton Centenary Expedition website.
Posted by Lori Henry
Now that Beijing has closed the 2008 Summer Olympics, it’s time to look forward to Vancouver and Whistler’s turn at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
"The energy and excitement surrounding the 2010 Games has been building in Whistler for years, but it took a noticeable jump during the Beijing Olympics, because we know we're next," says Barrett Fisher, Tourism Whistler's President & CEO.
"All the hard work and effort put in by the Whistler community: The Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, VANOC staff in Whistler, hotels, restaurants and other tourism operators, have put us in the position to walk onto the world stage confident that people who come here before and during the Games will have a memorable experience, immersed in the spirit and the pulse of the 2010 Winter Games in a beautiful mountain winter setting."
Whistler’s 2010 Olympic Winter Games Venues
Whistler Creekside (complete): this will host alpine skiing events.
Whistler Sliding Centre (complete): this will host bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events.
Whistler Olympic Park (complete): this will host Nordic and cross-country skiing, biathlon and ski jumping events.
Tours of Whistler Before the Olympic Games
Whistler Sliding Centre: these tours have ended for this year but will continue next summer.
Whistler Olympic Park: this site is open for self-guided tours, again starting next summer.
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola: starting December 2008, this gondola will stretch from the top of Whistler Mountain to the top of Blackcomb Mountain. In 11 minutes, you’ll travel 4.4 kilometres (2.73 miles) and will be on the longest and highest gondola of its type in the world.
Get in touch with Tourism Whistler (1-800-WHISTLER) for travel information and to book tours.
Posted by Lori Henry
I’m young, I love travelling and I own real estate. I just might be the main target for retirement homes. What?! Seriously, there’s a new trend called “Pretirement” where young people buy property in places they’ve travelled to (and fell in love with). They enjoy the property now and then have a retirement home for the future.
You could also call it smart planning or looking ahead, but the real estate industry likes to come up with their own terms. Either way, it’s a smart move and, if you’ve been to British Columbia, you know how amazing it would be to retire here in your later years.
There are two developments that are being promoted for this new trend, both in BC. I haven’t been to either yet, but they’re billed as luxury waterfront property. Sounds good.
Brentwood Bay Eco-Villas
These are located next door to Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa, a favourite BC accommodation. OceanVillas on Vancouver Island is all about being “green,” with consulting work done by Calgary’s EnerVision and LEED designation.
"Innovative residential projects like OceanVillas are setting the standard for achieving superior energy efficiency and environmental performance in a luxury setting," says Alex Joseph, EnerVision's Executive Director. "We are pleased to be part of such a worthy undertaking and tip our hat to the project developer Dan Behune."
Waterfront Acreage in Kelowna
At Sheerwater, there’s 70 acres of land near the water up for sale, with only 24 home sites. Lots come in two or four and three quarter acres and some have private moorage. The community is gated and houses will be built from native and natural materials (you get to choose the builder and your own timeline).
If you’re young, doing well and looking ahead to that uncertain future, this might be worth looking into…
Posted by Lori Henry
Getting kids off the Wii, their Facebook profiles or downloading videos on YouTube can be a challenge, even when the weather is gorgeous outside. There are so many on-line distractions and new video games to play, that it’s easy to forget about the old fashioned outdoors.
Hopefully a new website will help with that. Point your kids to discoverfishingbc.ca. It covers freshwater fishing spots around the lower mainland like Rice Lake in North Vancouver, Lafarge and Como Lakes in Coquitlam, Deer Lake in Burnaby, Sasamat Lake in Port Moody, and Green Timbers in Surrey.
Further out, there’s also Browning Lake, in Murrin Provincial Park just south of Squamish; Kawkawa Lake, in the Upper Fraser Valley; Mike Lake in Golden Ears Provincial Park just east of Maple Ridge; Wahleach Lake near Chilliwack; and Whistler's Alta Lake.
"Parents who expose their children to this fascinating environment will see many benefits,” says Natalie West, Information and Education Coordinator of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of British Columbia.
“A greater appreciation of nature; a sense of wonder about the diversity of species we co-exist with; the benefits of fresh air and time spent outside; and an opportunity to engage in thoughtful, un-distracted conversation.”
Encourage your kids to get outside and explore this beautiful province of British Columbia!
Posted by Lori Henry
The news caught my attention: the folks in Alberta always seem to be coming up with new and intriguing events. The latest comes from Bon Accord, near Edmonton, where the first ever Prairie Gardens Corn Festival will take place.
For three days this August 30 to September 1, 2008, get outside for corn-eating contests, corn stalk building, corn husk doll making, and, of course, roasted corn eating. After dark, get a flashlight and walk through the tall cornfield “dragon trails” for family fun.
“The Corn Fest experience is about connecting with local agriculture, nature, and having wholesome fun on the farm,” explains Tam Andersen, local corn grower (his official title is Director of Fun). “The hot August weather has ensured tall four meter high maze-corn, and there is an abundance of sweet corn to enjoy.”
Travel packages include an overnight stay at Fantasyland Hotel, an E-Z Air Helicopter Services metro Heli-tour of Edmonton, Maze passes, and a West Edmonton Mall Super Savings Coupon Book.
Dates: August 30- September 1, 2008
Time: 10:00am-10:00pm Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm Sunday and Holiday Monday
Location: Prairie Gardens (56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord, AB, T0A 0K0)
Phone: 780-921-2272
Corn Maze Admission: $30 per family of four or $8 per individual (free for tots 2 & under)
Posted by Lori Henry
The coastal cities of Vancouver and Richmond are known for their fresh seafood and, of course, wild BC salmon. I’m a huge fan of fish and am quite excited to hear about the first annual Wild BC Seafood Festival this year.
Happening on August 30, 2008, the festival takes place at the Steveston Harbour Authority Fisherman’s Park (in front of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, 12138 Fourth Avenue). This is in Steveston, Richmond and will feature wild BC salmon, sablefish and sardines.
There will be demonstrations of recipes, tips on buying seafood, storing, preparing and eating it. Most importantly, there will be samples to try and recipes to take home and replicate.
Guest chefs include: Jeff Van Geest (Executive Chef/Owner of Aurora Bistro, Vancouver, BC), Manuel Ferreira (Owner of Le Gavroche and Senova Restaurants, Vancouver, BC), and Stephen Wong (Vancouver journalist, food and beverage consultant and cookbook author).
It looks like there will also be kids’ activities and live entertainment by Richmond’s Darren Specht and the Blueshawks.
Wild BC Seafood Festival
Steveston Harbour Authority Fisherman’s Park (in front of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, 12138 Fourth Avenue)
Date: August 30, 2008
Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Admission: free
Event Tel: (604) 535-9828
Posted by Lori Henry
The last time I was on Salt Spring Island, I had a wonderfully relaxing experience at Hastings House Country House Hotel. I wandered to the town centre, ate at House Piccolo and explored the variety of tables at the Salt Spring Island Market.
It was there that I first heard of the Salt Spring Island Apple Festival. I won’t be able to make it to the island for it, but it sounds delicious indeed. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, celebrating red-fleshed apples in over 350 varieties.
Highlights:
Red Flesh Apples- about 25 varieties are grown on Salt Spring Island. The taste is said to be as fine as the appearance.
Variety- Salt Spring Island grows about 350 varieties of apples, making it the ideal place to find your favourite kind.
Organic- all orchards in the Apple Festival are organic and being so, supply one of the healthiest fruit available.
Taste- growers on Salt Spring Island pride themselves in the taste of their fruit. I think organic and local always tastes better :)
Salt Spring Island Apple Festival
Date: Sunday Sept 28, 2008
Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Fulford Hall, plus 15 farms
Posted by Lori Henry
There is definite buzz about the 2005 Bordeaux vintage wines. Luckily, you don’t have to be in France to partake. The release will take place at the Marquis Wine Cellars in Vancouver, BC.
It was with this excitement that I made my way to Bacchus Restaurant (604-689-7777, 845 Hornby Street) in the Wedgewood Hotel for a taste of these Bordeaux vintages and a delicious lunch.
Described by Jeffrey M. Davis, Bordeaux wine connoisseur and special guest, as “the greatest vintages you’ll have seen in 100 years,” I was obviously ready to dig in.
The standout for me was the 2005 Clos du Marquis from Saint-Julien (estimated price upon release, $104.90 CDN), served with goat cheese parcels and roasted tomatoes from the kitchen of Bacchus. Although a full-bodied red, it finished with a lovely, sweet fruity aroma.
If I’ve tempted you enough to attend the public tasting and release, mark the below info on your calendar. This is expected to be a popular event, so plan ahead if you know you’ll be in town.
2005 Bordeaux Knockout “Vintage of the Century” Tasting & Release
Date: Saturday September 13, 2008
Time: 9:00am-11:00am (doors to non-ticket holders will open at 11:00am)
Location: Marquis Wine Cellars, 1034 Davie Street (downtown Vancouver)
Cost: $39.00 CDN
Contact: Marquis Wine Cellars
Tel: (604) 684-0445
For help knowing how to pair wines, advice on how to host your own wine tasting, and for funny anecdotes about the wine industry, pick up Natalie MacLean's Red, White, and Drunk All Over, a definite recommendation by me.
Posted by Lori Henry
On Saturday August 9, 2008, farmers in Agassiz, British Columbia (six km from Harrison Hot Springs) will open their doors. The Slow Food Cycle Tour will connect travellers with local farmers and their food.
With the trend in sustainable farming, local produce, the 100-mile diet and many Slow Movements around the world, this event fits right in with the Fraser Valley vibe. Here you’ll be able to get away from the city and enjoy a world where fields are vast and flavours are plentiful.
The tour is self-guided, with registration recommended. The cycle is fairly flat, as I’ve been told (but I haven’t been on the tour) and covers over 25km. The Fraser Valley is a hotbed of delicious produce, sustainable food and artisan’s wares.
Slow Food Vancouver has also organized transportation and bike rentals if you’re from out of town, so follow the link above for more information on that. This group holds many events throughout the year, so if the timing is off but you’re interested in what they’re doing, cruise through their website for events happening at the time you visit.
Event Details
Date: August 9, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Cyclist Check-in: Agassiz Fair Grounds
6800 Pioneer Avenue (120 km east of Vancouver, BC)
Cost: $5.00CDN per person (children free)
Posted by Lori Henry
This new package from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler made me smile. Located in the gorgeous setting of Whistler, Canada, it’s natural that skiers and snowboarders will ditch their electronic devises and just enjoy the natural beauty.
Not so. More and more people, whether business travelers or vacationers, are bringing along their cell phones and blackberries “just in case.” Not able to disconnect for even a few days, they end up talking on the phone half of the time they should be sightseeing in a new destination.
Sound familiar? So the clever people at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler have come up with a package that will help with internet addiction: the “Electronic Rehab Getaway.” When you check in, staff will lock away all electronic devises- including laptops, cell phones, blackberries, and pagers- so that you can’t cheat.
They’re hoping this will encourage travelers to go play a round of golf at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, go horseback riding, take a paddle, rent a bike, hike, or get on an ATV horsepower; in the winter, hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard, or, anytime during the year, loosen up in the spa and forget about all those pressing deadlines.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
"Electronic Rehab Getaway"
- Packages start at $358.00 CDN per room (double occupancy)
- includes a $200 activity credit
- includes a buffet breakfast
- available year round
Reservations: 1-800-606-8244
4599 Chateau Boulevard
Whistler, BC Canada
V0N 1B4
Posted by Lori Henry
Family vacations are a great time to spend quality time together and learn about other parts of the world. Unfortunately, they’re also a time rife with stress, anxiety, and frustration, especially when you’re travelling with young children.
It was with these thoughts that I pondered VIA Rail’s newest response to this problem. They’ve developed a whole on-board program for kids, like kids activity books, games, video showings, cardboard train cut-outs, and a dedicated kids menu on long distance routes.
Even better, if you travel before September 15, 2008, your 2-11 year old child will travel for free! You must purchase one senior, student (18+) or adult fare in comfort class, but otherwise the deal is good on every train within Canada.
Here’s the tips VIA Rail offers to get your kids ready for a fascinating ride on the train:
- read books about train-related adventures (think The Little Engine That Could, Simon’s Book of Trains and Thomas & Friends)
- watch videos beforehand (think The Polar Bear Express and more Thomas & Friends)
- let them know how a train works- it’s pretty cool stuff!
Visit the VIA Rail website or call 1-888-VIA RAIL (842-7245) for more info and to book your family vacation.
Posted by Lori Henry
It’s a big decision to pick up and move to another country, continent or city, but the folks at Explorer Publishing have been making it easy for ex-pats since their first guidebook was published in 1995.
Now it’s Vancouver’s turn. If you’ve visited this beautiful city and want to make a home here, you might find this book helpful. Hot off the press comes Vancouver Complete Residents’ Guide, a book in which I contributed. The chapters are thorough, detailed and have a local touch (all are written by residents themselves).
I’ve browsed through the entire guidebook and was impressed by the calibre of writing and quality of information written by my colleagues. My visiting friend from Sweden, with an interest in making the move to Vancouver, was equally impressed and scoured the book for hours.
On top of that, it looks great. It’s a classy book with top-notch photos and an easy to read layout. Most stores/attractions/restaurants are mapped out at the back of the book, making all recommendations crystal clear to find once you’ve arrived in the city.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, the laws on getting an entry visa, or where to find the hottest local designers, this guidebook has it all. And I’m not just saying that because I contributed to it: the wealth of information is astounding and will make your move so much easier.
You can buy Vancouver Complete Residents’ Guide from AMAZON.
Posted by Lori Henry
Well, the Vancouver International Folk Music Festival is finished for another year. I spent the weekend there again this July listening to the wonderful bands from all over the world.
There were headliners like Ozomatli, Hayley Sales, Aimee Mann, and Spirit of the West, but the majority were lesser-known groups that were fantastic. Particularly delightful was Kobo Town. They hailed from Ontario but are originally from Trinidad (and had the accents to prove it). Their blend of Anglo-Caribbean, reggae and calypso were totally intoxicating.
Also fun was the (what I thought) impromptu drum circle by Vancouver Rhythm and Dance, who had small performances and drum circles daily at their tent. It was amazing to walk by and we swept away by a circle of people with lent-out drums all making beautiful music. That’s the spirit of the Vancouver International Folk Music Festival.
My coverage of the event this year will be published in the next couple of weeks.
Posted by Lori Henry
I had been meaning to check out New Works’ All Over the Map Dance and Music Series for many years now. They put on free performances on Granville Island on an outdoor stage, encouraging Vancouverites to dance, learn about other cultures, and have fun in the sun.
With a motto of “All Sorts of Dance for All Sorts of People,” the shows are kid-friendly, family-friendly, couple-friendly and, really, anyone-friendly. I took a visiting friend from Sweden and we rocked out this past weekend to the charming rhythms of Kunaka (playing at the Folk Festival this upcoming weekend) and infectious spirit of the dance troupe Miyanda. All of their music and dance came from South Africa.
Next up, on Sunday July 20 (the shows run on six Sundays throughout the summer) is the Langley Ukulele Ensemble and Kauhane Polynesian Dancers. All shows start at 2:00pm at Ron Basford Park on Granville Island and, if it rains (it’s always a consideration in Vancouver!), performances move to the adjacent Performance Works theatre.
Coming up this summer is also SOULdiers’ Dance hip hop on July 27, Mozaico Flamenco Dance Theatre on August 17, and Dancers of Damelahamid, First Nations dance and music, on August 24. If you’re in town, this is a great event to go out for- the turn out is great and you’ll be hard pressed not to get up and try out your dance moves.
Posted by Lori Henry
This month, a series called Touched by Tibet is screening at Vancouver’s Vancity Theatre, presented by the theatre and Canada Tibet Committee. Running from July 18th-30th, each film deals with issues facing Tibet, both in documentary and narrative format.
10 Questions for The Dalai Lama is a documentary by Rick Ray, which acts as both a memoir of his travels through India and an interview with the Dalai Lama himself. Ray was allowed 10 questions for his holiness and received some profound and amusing answers.
Shots of the countryside through India, where the Dalai Lama is living in exile, are stunning, and inner city shots reveal the poverty faced by locals each day. Yet within the dire history of China’s plan to control Tibet, lies some beautiful moments of both monks and people being truly happy.
Also playing in the series is Blindsight, a movie about blind Tibetan children as they climb the 23,000 foot Lhakpa Ri mountain on the north side of Mount Everest. The other documentary is The Unwinking Gaze: The Inside Story of the Dalai Lama’s Struggle for Tibet.
Professor Tsering Shakya will attend the Friday and Saturday screenings of The Unwinking Gaze, and Professor Jeffrey Hopkins will be at the Wednesday 7:00pm show, as well as the 7:00pm Tuesday screening of 10 Questions for The Dalai Lama.
All films are shown at the Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour Street, 604-683-3456) as part of the Touched by Tibet film series. Tickets are $9.50 CDN for adults ($12.00 for a double bill), $7.50 for students and seniors ($10.00 for a double bill), and $7.50 for all matinees. You must also buy a $2.50 membership.
Posted by Lori Henry
The annual Calgary Stampede is one of the largest in the world. Albertans get ready for this event months in advance and welcome the world to their showcase city of Calgary.
All the stops are pulled out to offer a western-themed trip including daily pancake breakfasts, cowboy hats galore, “Yee Haws” ringing through the streets, and enough drinking to make your head spin.
I just returned from the first weekend of Stampede, exhausted and ecstatic to have experienced what is dubbed “The Best Outdoor Show on Earth.” I was blown away by the event and can’t wait to share with you what I learned in my “First Time at Calgary Stampede” article (see below).
It’ll cover how to decide what to pack into each day, as there’s the Stampede parade, first class rodeo, chuckwagon races, agricultural exhibits, family activities, games and rides, live music, and the phenomenal grandstand show.
For now, head to the Calgary Stampede website to get the daily event schedules and info about concerts and the rodeo. If you want to plan a last minute trip, you still have all week to get to Calgary and join the fun. Travel Alberta (1-800-252-3782) can help with arrangements. Yee Haw!
UPDATE: My First Time at Calgary Stampede article is now up!
Posted by Lori Henry
The last time I was in Edmonton, AB, I had a tour of the wonderful Royal Alberta Museum. In the works was a new exhibit that piqued my interest: the legend of the dragon was being displayed with over 200 artifacts and fossil remains from museums and private collections.
Work on the room was just getting started, so I wasn’t able to see anything, but I imagined learning about these mythical creatures while marvelling at what they left behind. I became fascinated and hoped that I could make it back for the opening. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it, although the exhibit is still running until September 14, 2008.
This same exhibit was first created in France and has toured in Canada at the Museum of Civilization in Quebec City before travelling to Edmonton.
“The Royal Alberta Museum is proud and privileged to be hosting the exhibit, which opened to rave reviews in its previous showings,” said Royal Alberta Museum Executive Director, Bruce McGillivray. “The artifacts demonstrate how dragons have evolved across different cultures and over time, and provide a fascinating example of the power of the imagination to give form to what is mysterious and unexplained.”
On top of the show, the Royal Alberta Museum is throwing in other events related to dragons: Here Be Dragons, a Sunday afternoon lecture series with dragon experts and storytellers, Dragon Tales for younger kids, a dragon film festival, and roving dragon characters. Sounds fun!
Please let me know if you see the exhibit in Edmonton, as I’d love to know what I’m missing :) Or maybe I can sneak in another trip to Alberta…
Dragons: Between Science and Fiction runs until September 14, 2008. Contact the Royal Alberta Museum (780-453-9100) for opening hours and program schedules.
Posted by Lori Henry
I wondered how I would spend my Canada Day in Vancouver when I got the e-newsletter from Latidos Productions: Aché Brasil would be performing for free downtown at Robson and Bute Streets.
Having had an interest in Brazilian dancing for awhile now, I decided to ride my bike down and check it out. WOW, the performance knocked me out! The band and dancers were all dressed in appropriate attire and let their sparkling personalities shine to the crowd.
Even though Vancouverites can be a bit shy on the dance floor, they got a few locals swaying their hips and lifting their arms. Most looked like they wanted to join in but instead just clapped and smiled.
After a little research, I noted that the Aché Brasil Academy here in Vancouver, BC is a training ground for students in Capoeira. Classes run throughout the week for all levels and your first class is free. If you’re visiting Vancouver, I suggest stopping in and trying out a few classes- the touring group certainly made it look infectious and fun.
Hmmm, maybe I’ll have to go down and try a Samba class…
Aché Brasil Academy- Vancouver
341 East Broadway (just east of Main Street)
Vancouver, BC V5W 3K9
Tel: (604) 876-2422
Posted by Lori Henry
One of my favourite things to do in the summer in Vancouver is hang out at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. David Lam Park hosts free concerts (just outside the Roundhouse Community Centre) and is the best venue, where I join everyone to lie on the grass and enjoy the musicians on stage.
Crowds of thousands gather with their towels, picnics, umbrellas and lawn chairs to groove with the musicians. The first weekend is usually held in Gastown and at Victory Square on the edge of downtown Vancouver. Although fun, the David Lam Park location beats Gastown. There’s no comparison to sitting near the water, with a breeze blowing through, and listening to jazz.
Every year I ride my bike from Main Street, which takes me down Ontario Street, past Science World, and along the waterfront until I hit David Lam Park. Every year it seems to get busier, but the scenery is still invigorating. It’s a glorious ride, although the trip home is all up hill :)
This weekend, I caught Duane Andrews, who played Newfoundland-style jazz and folk music: lovely tunes for relaxing. My favourite, though, was Zapato Negro, a mix of musicians from Cuba, Venezuela and Vancouver. Their music has an Afro-Caribbean, Latin and classic jazz mix, perfect for dancing away the hot summer day…
Posted by Lori Henry
One of my favourite festivals to grace Vancouver is the French Film Festival, only in its second year. Eight films from France will play from now until August 14, 2008 at the Park Theatre on Cambie Street and 18th Avenue (3440 Cambie Street, 604-709-FILM).
This year, win a free trip to France just by attending! Enter your name in the draw box and pray for it to be to chosen on August 15th. Details can be found at the festival link above.
The French Language Films (with subtitles, of course!)
Showing now is Claude Lelouch’s Roman de Gare, which I will see tonight and report back on.
Next up is Flight of the Red Balloon by Hsiao-hsien Hou, opening this Friday June 27. Starring the always-perfect Juliette Binoche and based on Albert Lamorisse’s 1956 classic film of the same name, the story is based on family conflicts woven together with a red balloon. Binoche steals the show as the obvious master of her craft, joined by young Simon Iteanu and Fang Song, who offer average performances.
Opening on July 4th is the popular Priceless, starring the ravishing Audrey Tautou (of Amélie fame) and charming Gad Elmaleh (of Le Valet). A hodgepodge of excellent talent rounds out the fun, including Marie-Christine Adam, Vernon Dobtcheff, Jacques Spiesser, and Annelise Hesme. Hilarious, entertaining and moving are the keys to this French gem that will have you planning your next trip to the French Riviera in search of… well, you’ll have to see the movie.
I’ll report back on the future films being screened: Love Songs (Louis Garrel and Ludivine Sagnier), The Duchess of Langeais set in 1820’s Paris, Catherine Breillat’s The Last Mistress, A Secret (Cécile de France and Patrick Bruel), and Conversations With My Gardener (Daniel Auteuil and Jean-Pierre Darroussin).
Posted by Lori Henry
Golf fans travelling to Whistler are in for a treat. The Chateau Whistler Golf Course is usually lauded as the spot to tee up, but the Adara Hotel is proving they have other ideas. The inventive accommodation in BC has announced it’s newest package: heli-golf off of Mount Currie (Pemberton) and the Big Sky Golf and Country Club.
I’m not a golf enthusiast, but the thought of being escorted by a private helicopter over beautiful BC and plopped down on the peak of Mount Curry to drive balls, doesn’t sound too shabby. Then, play a round at the Big Sky Golf and Country Club and be guided back to Adara Hotel in Whistler. Nice.
The deal has started and will be available until October 1, 2008. Packages include:
• A night’s stay in a Superior Queen Guestroom
• Breakfast at The Mix by Ric’s (to the value of $50)
• Transportation to and from Whistler Village to the heli-port
• A scenic helicopter flight to the glacier on Mount Currie in Pemberton
• Individual drivers for Eco balls and 5 Eco golf balls per person
• Flight from the Mount Currie glacier to Big Sky Golf and Country Club
• Green fees and golf cart at Big Sky Golf and Country Club
• Return flight from Big Sky Golf and Country Club to Whistler
• Dinner at Araxi restaurant (to the value of $250)
Prices are $2,778 CDN for four people ($694.50 CDN per person).
Contact Adara Hotel ((866-502 2372) for more info and to book.
Posted by Lori Henry
Pender Island, one of the Gulf Islands of BC, is a real treat close to Vancouver. I just came back from a three day trip there this week.
As my first time on the island, I was truly impressed with the friendly people I met and uniqueness of the environment. Driving through the narrow streets almost engulfed in dense forest, it was in stark contrast to the city streets of metropolis Vancouver.
I stayed at the gorgeous Poets Cove Resort & Spa, a luxury hotel overlooking Bedwell Harbour. Highlights were definitely the kayaking trip from the resort’s marina, Poets Cove’s Susurrus Spa, Morning Bay Vineyards and Estate Winery, and the bakery at Driftwood Centre, the main shopping village of the island.
I actually dreaded taking the ferry, as it always seems like the trip takes so long, but this journey fine. Or maybe I’m just learning about patience and enjoying the beautiful scenery!
The drive from Vancouver to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal is the worst part, but it’s smooth sailing from there. A two hour ferry ride later with BC Ferries (1-800-223-3779) and I arrived at Pender Island excited to explore. Now, I can’t wait to go back.
Read about my BC island adventures in the following articles:
Posted by Lori Henry
Vancouver, BC might seem a more likely city to find vegetarian restaurants. Yoga addicts, the laid back west coast attitude, and a focus on fresh, nutritious food make it easier to open up a restaurant offering meat free or mostly veggie menus.
But Calgary, known for delicious Alberta beef, is a city also full of vegetarian options. I travelled there last month and thought I’d have to do some serious restaurant searching because I don’t eat meat. It wasn’t all that difficult, though.
Restaurants like River Café, with its critical accolades and organic cuisine, and Buzzards Restaurant & Bar, which has an awesome veggie burger, are great places for vegetarians. Even the restaurant at the Hyatt, with a focus on local produce, has a delicious tofu dish that certainly made a trip there worth it.
In Vancouver, the choices are even more varied. The Naam is the familiar name for veggie options, staying open 24 hours and only closed on Christmas day. Bo Kong Vegetarian Restaurant on Main Street and Yogi’s Vegetarian Restaurant dish up delectable Chinese and Indian-inspired cuisine. Almost all menus in Vancouver offer vegetarian options.
I’ve written articles on vegetarian restaurants in both cities, so check them out if you think there’s nowhere there for you to eat meat free food.
Posted by Lori Henry
I have just returned from a trip travelling through Saskatchewan, Canada. The prairie province is a treasure trove of interesting rural towns and infinite gravel roads.
Flying from Vancouver, I hit Regina first. I had a day and a half to explore the capital city of Saskatchewan. Of note were the RCMP Heritage Centre and Government House Heritage Property.
A short drive southwest to Moose Jaw and I was dipping my weary body into the famous Temple Gardens Mineral Spa’s mineral pool. This is where I also explored the underground "Tunnels of Moose Jaw" to see the stories of the Chinese immigrants and bootleggers of the city.
Off south to the small town of Val Marie, the gateway to Grasslands National Park, was a lovely excursion. I stayed at The Convent Country Inn, a 1939 building that served as a residence high school operated by The Sisters of Assumption.
A trip west to the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park was next on the agenda. This is where Fort Walsh National Historic Site is, as well as the Historical Ressor Ranch, the hospitable accommodation I stayed at.
Up to Saskatoon for a couple of days, the highlight was definitely the Western Development Museum. The largest of the four Saskatchewan branches, the 1910 indoor street is a recreated version of booming Saskatoon.
Lastly, I headed north to the town of Waskesiu within Prince Albert National Park. Beautiful! I went on a canoe trip at the Marina Adventure Centre and saw beaver lodges in the lake; the scenic drive through the park was gorgeous.
Tourism Saskatchewan did a fantastic job of planning this itinerary for me, all of which you’ll be reading about in the next few weeks. There’s a certain charm that got to me and still has me dreaming of the infinite skies...
Posted by Lori Henry
The sun has started to shine in Vancouver, BC and there’s no city as beautiful in the summer. Locals get outdoors and take advantage of the scenery and things to do, from rollerblading along the seawall to sipping cocktails on the best patios.
For the best way to mix nature with the modern city, try patios at Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar (604-915-9463, 1138 Homer Street), Provence Marinaside (604-681-4144, 1177 Marinaside Crescent), or Lift Restaurant (604-689-5438, 333 Menchion Mews).
Summer Events in Vancouver run the gamut from the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Vancouver International Folk Music Festival, Festival Vancouver, and the Celebration of Light fireworks competition.
If you're in Vancouver or thinking of visiting the city this summer, check on dates for the above festivals before making your plans concrete. They're worth getting to as a taste of what Vancouverites most love about July and August.
Posted by Lori Henry
I attended the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival in and around Osoyoos a couple of weeks ago. Apart from all the wine drinking, the highlight was learning about the aboriginal culture in the area.
I was lucky enough to stay at the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, located within the 200-acre Nk’Mip Resort (pronounced in-ka-meep). It shares the land with the Sonora Dunes Golf Course, Mt. Baldy Ski Resort, Nk’Mip Cellars, a lakefront RV park and campground, and the fantastic Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (1-888-495-8555).
Inside is the Pithouse Theatre with a multi-media performance, another theatre that plays the impressive “Coyote Spirit” film, a gallery featuring local artists and Mk’Mip children’s artwork, and the interesting gift shop. Outside are more interactive stations, rattlesnake “hotels,” a tule mat tepee, and 50 acres of walking trails. Overall, there is 20,000 square feet of space to roam.
The staff are passionate and knowledgeable. I was absolutely thrilled with the experience there and recommend it as a MUST if you’re visiting the Okanagan. It’s open daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm (slightly reduced hours in the winter) and has a variety of tours and special interpretive programs. Definitely good for all ages.
Posted by Lori Henry
It was with great pleasure that I was invited to a screening of Vancouver Historical Society’s City Reflections: 1907- Vancouver- 2007. When a Seattle filmmaker, William Harbeck, decided to strap a camera onto an electric streetcar in downtown Vancouver in 1907, the footage would be lost to the next generation. It ended up in a private collection in Australia, mislabelled as coverage from Hobart, Tasmania!
After making it’s way Library and Archives Canada, it was restored to it’s present glory. The clever folks at the historical society decided to shoot the same film, 100 years later, on the same streets of downtown Vancouver. Side-by-side coverage of the two films, as well as intelligent and humorous narration allows future generations to see how far the city has come in 100 years.
“While street scenes of today’s Vancouver may not seem all that interesting to us now, think how different some of these scenes will look to someone 25, 50 or maybe even 100 years from now,” says Jim McGraw, a board member of the Vancouver Historical Society. “Will our cars look as quaint to them as horses and wagons look to us today?”
Another screening will be held for the public on May 22, 2008 at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (604-738-7827, 1100 Chestnut Street) for an 8:00pm showtime. The DVD will be made available shortly from the City Reflections website.
Posted by Lori Henry
Mother’s Day in Vancouver is always fun. There are many things to do and places to take that special woman, whether she’s your mom, your mother-in-law, a soon-to-be mom or even a grandmother. It’s also a great excuse to pamper her with good food, a massage and some quality time with her favourite daughter/son/relative, etc…
At the Opus Hotel (604-642-0557, 350 Davie Street), Elixir bistro moderne is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch from 11:00am – 3:30pm. Two-course, $29.50 CDN and three-course, $36.50 CDN options are available, with things like buttermilk pancakes and wild BC salmon.
While you’re there, enter to win a “Mother and Daughter Opus and Michael Kors Shop and Stay Experience.” Yes, this is a $500 shopping spree at the Michael Kors store at Oakridge Centre, chauffeured service to and from the mall (in a 7 series BMW), one night’s accommodation in a deluxe guestroom at the Opus Hotel, and breakfast for two in the morning. Um, yeah, good deal!
For even more luxury, Absolute Spa (604-684-2772, 1015 Burrard Street) is running specials on Mother’s Day luxury spa treatments. From the massage or body wrap in a bed of roses ($95-$105 CDN) and four hour Hawaiian Vacation (a mix of Lomi Lomi massage, a pedicure, body buff, and body wrap in coconut mango aromas- $315 CDN), to manicures and pedicures for two people ($120 CDN per person) and gift cards, your mother can have anything she wants.
Posted by Lori Henry
I had a wonderful meal the other night at Shun Feng Seafood Restaurant. In Richmond, BC, it’s only a 15-minute drive or a reasonable bus ride on the 98 B-Line. It’s located right in Parker Place mall and is definitely worth getting out to.
The daunting 10 course meal, with wine pairings, was superb. All of the produce was sourced locally and wines were all from British Columbia. To start, the Sumac Ridge Sauvignan Blanc went perfectly well with fantastic seaweed spring rolls.
Highlights of the night were the flaméed drunken BC spot prawns, melt-in-your-mouth wok-fry steak of sablefish, and the dessert selections of pan-fried pancakes and a baked almond bun. The special cake-style tea was the perfect finisher.
Fortunately, this carefully selected menu will be available all summer long, so I recommend getting to Richmond and trying it out! Dim Sum (menu service) is also available, of course, for those die hard fans.
Shun Feng Seafood Restaurant
Unit 1425- No. 3 Road (Parker Place mall)
Richmond, BC
Reservations: (604) 304-6088
Posted by Lori Henry
I just got back from my travels in Calgary, Alberta. I took an easy flight from Edmonton and got ready to see a city I hadn’t visited in a few years, yet knew it would look much different. Construction is everywhere and workers labour feverously to complete the construction projects.
I stayed right in the middle of it all, at the Fairmont Palliser hotel in downtown Calgary. As usual, the dependable hotel chain got my rave review with its grand entrance and luxurious accommodations. Plus, it’s located next door to the Calgary Tower, the Glenbow Museum and a myriad of great dining options.
I was lucky enough to do some pretty neat things, from trail rides in the snow just outside of Calgary, to an urban spa and upscale dining in the heart of downtown. The range of things to do is pretty astounding, as the city is growing so fast and mixing the old western cowboy history with the new metropolitan vibe.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be covering the activities I did during this trip, the places I saw and the restaurants I ate in while there. Check back with my feature articles and read about how you can wake up in the sunshine in your luxury accommodation, drive 45 minutes to a ranch and trail ride in the snow, and return to the city for a spa treatment and uber swanky dinner at one of the city’s finest establishments.
Tourism Calgary (1-800-661-1678) and Travel Alberta (1-800-ALBERTA) can help you plan your trip.
Posted by Lori Henry
I’m in Edmonton, Alberta right now and am having a great time. I spent yesterday trying out Café de Ville (780-488-9188, 10137 124th Street), a fantastic little restaurant, then went on to a shopping tour by the fabulous Judy McDonald (Finding Sophies Rubies, 780-901-3178). I discovered where to find all of the best boutiques in the city that I’m sure even residents don’t know about. Then it was over to the EvelineCharles spa (780-424-5666, 244 Edmonton City Centre) for my first body scrub, which was delightful. They also ordered me dinner and I ate right there in the spa!
This morning was filled with the charismatic folk at the Royal Alberta Museum (780-453-9100, 12845 102nd Avenue). The knowledge, passion and intrigue at this museum is profound and I enjoyed the colourful commentary by staff. In the afternoon I had a tour of the Union Bank Inn (780-423-3600, 10053 Jasper Avenue) where I’m staying. I got to see many more of the rooms and was impressed with the boutique atmosphere and elegant environment.
I just got back from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s The Trumpet Shall Sound show with local trumpeter Jens Lindermann. The Winspear Centre is only three blocks away from the Union Bank Hotel, so I could walk there and back. The show was a wonderful mix of music with the charming Edmontonian Jens Lindermann. The crowd ate up his performance and humorous antics, and were moved when he and the orchestra played Gershwin’s Someone to Watch Over Me in honour of his parent’s 50th anniversary.
The Winspear Centre is host to many interesting performances during the year. With the Enmax Hall seating almost 2,000 guests on five levels and fine acoustics throughout, check out their schedule if you’re in town and have a lovely evening out.
Posted by Lori Henry
I finish off the coverage of my trip to Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island today. On Salt Spring Island, I attended the first day of the annual market in downtown Ganges. I met many wonderful artists and residents of the island and spent the day walking around, mingling and looking through the many tables. Although all the artists were doing great work, there were some standouts at the Salt Spring Island Market.
Over on Vancouver Island, I stayed in Sidney, BC for a few nights at the fantastic Miraloma on the Cove. This waterfront resort-style property was a pleasure to stay at and the little touches like games in the living rooms, a teddy bear on the beds and homemade cookies and hot chocolate every night made it stand out from other accommodations.
The town of Sidney, BC was also charming. I took one of the complimentary bikes from Miraloma and explored the town and the seaside bike path. Downtown is filled with cute cafés, independent stores and nine bookstores all along the main Beacon Street. People are friendly and the fresh air from the water make this a really pleasant place to stay. You can also use it as a base to see the rest of Vancouver Island, and it’s only a short drive south to visit Victoria.
Follow the links above to see what I thought about Sidney and Salt Spring Island.
Posted by Lori Henry
For those of you visiting Vancouver, BC this month, the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company is presenting the play True West, by Sam Shepard. Put on your evening’s finest, head downtown, and enjoy a night of powerful modern theatre.
Austin is a straight-laced screenplay writer trying to break into Hollywood. While working on a script in his mother’s house, his concentration is broken by Lee, his absent older brother. Coming from “the desert,” the two argue, fight, and provoke each other into a state of almost-absurdity. When Lee charms Austin’s producer, his younger brother falls apart at the seams and descends into the life of a drunken slob. In other words, the two almost completely switch roles.
As Austin says, “There’s nothin’ real down here, Lee! Least of all me!”
Through the many moments of shouting comes quick humour and fantastic dialogue. Sam Shepard is a master at giving actors everything they need to deliver riveting performances. The two leads, Vincent Gale (Austin) and Brian Markinson (Lee), give it their all and incite laughter at all the right spots.
Standout was veteran actor Alec Willows, who plays Saul Kimmer, the producer Austin is working with on his script. When Saul decides to scrap that project and jump into a silly western idea from Lee, he deals with the rapidly-declining brother’s sanity to perfection.
Southeast corner of Hamilton and Dunsmuir, downtown Vancouver
Tickets: (604) 873-3311
Dates: March 29-April 19, 2008
Posted by Lori Henry
This past week I’ve been writing feverishly about my last trip to Victoria and Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. I’m always impressed with the rich wilderness and natural beauty that comes so easy for such a gorgeous province.
What this means is that there’s some brand new content for you to read! Follow me from Vancouver to Victoria as I stay at The Fairmont Empress hotel, then the boutique Magnolia Hotel & Spa. Ride through the downtown inner harbour with me as I tried out a horse-drawn carriage tour and visited the incredible Craigdarroch Castle.
Over on Salt Spring Island, I stayed at the elegant Hastings House Country House Hotel, where I cycled around, enjoyed the property and had exceptional meals. I flew back to Vancouver with Salt Spring Air, which was a treat. The small operation treats customers with familiarity and warmth- what a change from some other airlines :)
Next week I’ll continue with content from this trip. The Salt Spring Market was a fun way to while away the day. I also went to Sidney, BC, and have lots to say about that part of the trip. Daytrips include the Butchart Gardens and the Butterfly Gardens. Stay tuned…
Posted by Lori Henry
For those passionate about fly fishing or for those who want to begin fly fishing, now is your chance to meet with a man who has been doing it his whole life. Rick Passek will be launching his new book, “The Freshman Fly Fisher- A Beginners Guide for a New Generation” at the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club in Surrey, BC.
Go by on Sunday April 6, 2008 from 10:00am to 4:00pm to meet Rick, get some free fishing education, and chow down on some BBQ’d food. As well, I’m told there will be hatchery tours, casting lessons, fly tying demos, bug identifications, knot demos, entertainment and, of course, a book signing.
Sounds like a great day for families to hang out and have some good old-fashioned fun. Here are the details:
The Freshman Fly Fisher- A Beginners Guide for a New Generation launch
Sunday April 6, 2008
10:00am-4:00pm
Semihamoo Fish and Game Club
1284- 184th Street
Surrey, BC
Posted by Lori Henry
I’m back from my weeklong trip to Victoria, Sidney and Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. It continues to baffle me how gorgeous this province is and how much there is to see and do.
My last destination was Hastings House Country House Hotel on Salt Spring Island. Their website photos looked amazing and I dreamed of walking through the endless property and looking out over the water. I was not disappointed.
Spread over the 22 acres of land, lies 18 options for accommodation. From the old manor house to the newly built hillside suites, there is enough room for every type of guest. There’s even an alternative for young children, who can stay in the secluded Churchill Cottage for a private retreat in the woods.
The staff were delightful and welcomed everyone with warmth. It seemed that all of the personnel were just as proud of the hotel as the owners were. Small touches like freshly cut flowers (from the garden near the reception area) adorned the rooms, a “wake up” hamper delivered to your door every morning with tea or coffee and fresh muffins, and the stuffed cat you put outside your door if you’re ready to have your room cleaned. It was a refreshing experience.
I will be doing a full profile piece about my stay there and have lots more to say. Stay tuned for the article in the upcoming weeks.
UPDATE: You can now read the Hastings House article by clicking here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Vancouver is a family-friendly city. There are plenty of things to do if you’re travelling here with little ones in tow. Actually, with all of the things to do, you just might have to stay a few extra days! And the great thing about these attractions is that they’re interesting for parents, too.
One of the best places to shop with young ones is the Kids Market on Granville Island. Follow the above link to the profile I did on the “mall.” There are fun games, play areas and good food to be had at the Kids Market.
I’ve also covered the best places for kids activities in Vancouver. These include the Vancouver Aquarium, the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre & Planetarium, Playland at the PNE, and Science World at TELUS World of Science & The Omnimax® Theatre. These top interactive attractions will knock your socks off with innovative exhibits and just plain, silly fun.
Posted by Lori Henry
I saw another great dance show yesterday afternoon in Victoria, BC at the magnificent McPherson Theatre. This one was the ballet of Anastasia performed by Ballet Jorgen. The family-filled crowd loved the drama and perfect performances by this exciting Canadian group.
The story of Anastasia has been mesmerizing the public since 1918, when the real events took place. Placing a princess of an emperor into the turmoil of the Russian revolution has proved to be an interesting drama. The fact that it actually happened has spurred many a movie, musical and book.
The show opened with a lovely scene of young Anastasia and her play friend Dimitry in 1914 Russia. This was my favourite scene as the two dancers played mischievously with each other, innocently romping across the stage.
Things turned dark when the soldiers arrived to announce that Russia was going to war. The tension, heartbreak and terror that underlie this ballet are palpable and the dancers do a wonderful job of expressing their distress. Being brought back to a positive note at the end, the show left me with a sense of being through the heartbreaking story myself.
Next up for Ballet Jorgen are shows at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre on March 17 and 18. From there they head to Leduc on the 27 and The Banff Centre in Alberta on the 29. Early April performances will be in Fort McMurray, Lloydminster and Fort Saskatchewan before ending their Western Canada tour in Yorkton Saskatchewan and Winkler Manitoba.
Posted by Lori Henry
It’s my last night here at the Magnolia Hotel and Spa in Victoria, BC. It's unfortunate, though, as I’ve found one of those rare accommodations where I just want to stay in and enjoy the property. Lounging in one of their ultra comfy robes, running myself a bath and looking out to the fully lit parliament buildings, I’m deeply smitten.
Of course, this could also be because I spent an hour at The Magnolia Spa, under the practiced hands of a therapist who massaged me with hot stones. As my first of this type of treatment, I was definitely initiated into the frequent buyer category.
Then again, my dinner at Sanuk, the hotel restaurant, was also impressive. The Asian fusion menu was just my style (with pizza and burgers for the unadventurous). Their Sri Lankan style seafood laksa was divine and exactly what I hoped it would be. The server’s suggestion to substitute the chow mein noodles with udon instead was right on. It didn’t hurt that the finisher was a homemade mix of pineapple chilli sorbet, gelato and chocolate banana ice cream.
I know this is all gush, gush, gush, but I am delighted by my experience here. If you visit Victoria, make sure to check out the Magnolia Hotel and Spa; it comes personally recommended. Watch for my full profile of it in this column the upcoming weeks.
Posted by Lori Henry
The troupe Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal danced for a full house last night at Victoria’s Royal Theatre. I was absolutely blown away by the ingenuity, force and talent of the dancers and choreographers.
The show began with a splash, as Rodrigo Pedernairas’ piece, MAPA, provided non-stop action for almost an hour. A black and white psychedelic backdrop first blended with the dancers and then stood out as the performers’ costumes changed from white to bright red.
Pedernairas’ choreography mixed samba, bossa nova, carnival and capoeira for intriguing moves. The performers were stretched to their physical limit as they gyrated and were flung across the stage. This whole piece was filled with absolute knockout performances, showing off both the athleticism and spark of the whole group.
The second half of the show changed moods and became more personal. Canadian choreographer Azure Barton, making herself well known in the dance world, collaborated with the dancers on Les Chambres des Jacques.
Using dreams, journals and experiences of the group, Barton created an interesting piece of visual fun. Of note were the fantastic choices of music selected ranging from Vivaldi to Quebecois folksongs and klezmer music.
Follow Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal to Vernon, BC next. They’ll perform on March 19 at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. Reservations: (250) 549-SHOW (7469).
Posted by Lori Henry
On a friend’s recommendation, I dined at the new Pied-à-Terre French restaurant on Cambie Street in Vancouver, BC. I was delighted by the intimate atmosphere, attentive staff and delicious food.
The unassuming exterior is easy to miss, taking up a tiny storefront on Cambie Street. Look for the classy black décor and modest signage. Upon entering, check your pretence (and large bags) at the door: the cozy room has only enough space for tasty food and elegant furnishings. A nice mix of modern and antique French décor makes for an elegant setting with a hint of fine dining style.
Once greeted by the welcoming servers, we sat and perused the selective menu full of traditional French fare, just like in a small corner of France. We started with the endive salad ($9.50), a beautiful combination of veggies, almonds and a hint of sweet dressing.
Next, I tried the sole special ($26), a main seafood dish served in a substantial portion and as tender as you can get. My guest had the pork tenderloin ($19), which he noted was cooked to perfection.
The ample wine list had a wide range of French wines and we asked the server for recommendations. Both pairings were right on and I thoroughly enjoyed my Chateau du Parc with the sole dish.
Only a few months old, Pied-à-Terre already fills its small space each evening with happy diners.
Pied-à-Terre
3369 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Reservations: (604) 873-3131
Posted by Lori Henry
It’s always exciting when a new concept arrives on the Vancouver food scene. Restaurants come and go, but it’s rare for a unique idea to stick around. Let me introduce you to Tequila Kitchen, the newest addition to Yaletown. This authentic Mexican restaurant will be serving up cuisine not found elsewhere in the city and I had a sneak preview of it on Wednesday night.
To look at, the restaurant sits along Mainland Street with the rest of the Yaletown eateries. Step inside, though, and the passion of the owners seeps through. Staff are knowledgeable about the food, drinks and, above all, Mexican culture. Although not officially open yet, check it out next weekend to try their set menu.
Authentic Mexican Food
If you thought Tex-Mex was all Mexico had to offer, think again. Tequila Kitchen offers botana’s, the Mexican equivalent to appetizers or tapas. We were served ceviche duo to start, which is halibut lime and octopus with piping hot habanero salsa. Second up were the homemade quesadillitas stuffed with mushrooms, rajas and crab, and then the tasty black bean soup with a hint of oregano.
The mains were duck breast, braised lamb and pork ribs. As I don’t eat meat, I had to rely on my tablemate’s “oohs” and “ahs” to decide that they were smitten. The sweet finish was small concoctions of ice cream set on top of caramelized nuts. Yum.
Tequila Bar
My last experience with tequila was graduation weekend in Mazatlan and it's been a no-no since then. The drinks here, though, are fantastic. A full list of tequila cocktails includes a delicious cosmo, mojito, ceasar and various margaritas. Mexican beer will also be represented, as will a select choice of wines. Trust me, you’ll find a tequila cocktail that suites you.
Tequila Kitchen
1043 Mainland Street
Vancouver, Canada
(604) 681-2120
Posted by Lori Henry
There’s always a good reason to head up to Whistler. Whether you live in British Columbia or across the world, Whistler boasts some of the best snow in the world. This month, if you head up there during Easter break, there’s a few deals that will whet your appetite.
Don’t worry if you haven’t booked already, as there’s still room on the mountain for you! Whistler Village is offering last minute rates starting at $179 CDN and no minimum stay required. If you go all the up there, though, isn’t it better to stay longer? If you can spend five nights there, get your last night free and have your lift tickets taken care of.
"From the last-minute March break vacation or Easter escape to a simple one-night getaway, there are lots of great ways to satisfy the Whistler craving this month," says Arlene Schieven, Vice President of Marketing for Tourism Whistler. "The on-mountain conditions are superb this season and March always seems to deliver more that its share of fresh powder."
Last week Whistler saw 36 centimetres of new snow fall and last month was up 10% in snowfall from the average years. Grab your gear, your fun attitude and head up the mountain!
Tourism Whistler: 1-800-WHISTLER
Posted by Lori Henry
Burnaby, Canada is the neighbouring suburb of Vancouver, BC. Just a 20 or 30 minute drive east, it abounds with shopping, activities and hotels that are less expensive than those in Vancouver.
One of the best attractions is the Burnaby Village Museum. With nothing like it in Vancouver, this interactive museum takes you back in time. Volunteers are dressed in period costumes from the 1920’s and become actual people from British Columbia’s history.
For accommodation tips, see my article on Burnaby Hotels for your options. Most are located around Metrotown, the largest shopping complex in BC, which means they’re close to the SkyTrain hub. This will get you downtown Vancouver in 20 minutes without having to rent a car.
Burnaby is a great outskirt to see the city and explore adjacent Vancouver.
Posted by Lori Henry
I love using books as a guide to help me discover a city. Whether historical, contemporary or even fictional, I think they’re a great way to get to know an area in more depth.
Lately, I’ve covered a few wonderful publications that add to the travel experience. If you’re looking for vice and scandal in Victoria, BC, read Stella Carroll: Unrepentant Madam.
Or perhaps you’d like to follow the gold trail to Slumach’s Gold near Pitt River, BC. For a glimpse at what Vancouver, BC looked like 100 years ago, get a copy of Philip Timms’ Vancouver: 1900-1910, a photographic collection of the city.
All of these books add adventure and a deeper understanding to a trip to British Columbia.
Posted by Lori Henry
June 2008 will be an exciting time up in Whistler, as The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre opens its doors. The name means "where rivers, mountains and people meet" and brings together the Coast Salish Squamish people and the Interior Salish Lil'wat people to showcase their cultural traditions.
Programs are slated to include art, guided and self-guided tours, performances and cultural demonstrations. The centre also promises to have a museum, 80 seat theatre and gift gallery with authentic Squamish and Lil'wat art.
The most interesting part is the weaving program that will be ongoing there. Master weavers will be handing down their knowledge of historical blankets, baskets and other contemporary and traditional products.
The site will be on 1.76 hectares (4.35 acres) of land in Whistler, BC. The building is planned to evoke a Squamish longhouse and earthen pit (Lil'wat Istken) as hosts welcome visitors inside.
The atmosphere seems like it'll be very unique and a huge addition to the alpine resort. Find out more about the progress by visiting The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre website.
Posted by Lori Henry
Valentine’s Day can be a bummer for those who are single. This February 14, get your skis and head to Mount Washington on Vancouver Island. Seriously, the alpine resort is hosting a speed dating event unlike any other.
During the evening of Valentine’s Day, there will be a single’s line to ride up the chairlift, fittingly called “The Whiskey Jack Chair.” Official “matchmakers” (okay, probably just staff) will pair up hopefuls to take the 10 minute ride up together.
The organizers hope those 10 minutes will be pure magic for those lucky enough to find a sweetheart. If it all works out, get yourselves to the Raven Lodge for a romantic dinner. Who knows, maybe you’ll find the perfect partner to board with, laugh with and romantically throw snowballs at.
“We realize that love is hard to find these days,” explains Resort Marketing Coordinator Rob Burgess-Webb. “We played Barry White albums for three days straight to come up with this speed dating idea. If Barry doesn’t get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day, nothing will!”
I mean, what have you got to lose?
Posted by Lori Henry
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, there's always a last minute rush to find the perfect gift or book that romantic spa treatment. Whether your planning for two or going solo, there are many things to do and ways to be pampered this February 14th.
In Western Canada, we’re lucky to have many romantic spots to spoil your sweetheart or spoil yourself.
In Edmonton, Alberta, there’s dining options, single’s events, spa packages and many hotel options.
Or visit the Absolute Spa in Vancouver, British Columbia, for Valentine's Day treatments for both individuals and couples. Whether you choose a manicure and pedicure or a full head to toe treatment, know that you’ll be refreshed with a romantic day at the spa.
Posted by Lori Henry
A neat weekend in February might have a few of you kicking your winter blues out the door. The Aerie Resort & Spa on Vancouver Island, BC is putting on a weekend yoga retreat that looks wonderful. Called, "Yoga From the Inside Out," two days are spent with Sally Adnams as she shares her 25 plus years of yoga training with you. Sally has worked with teachers internationally and has a degree in Yoga education, making this a valulable treat for those interested in delving deeper into their studies.
Included in the weekend are two yoga seminars while you learn about ancient yoga literature, meditation and deep relaxation techniques. The two hour yoga class each day has been planned to calm the mind while gently getting your body in shape.
Yoga From the Inside Out Package
The Aerie Resort & Spa
Phone: 1-800-518-1933
February 22 – 24, 2008
Two nights accommodation
Two healthy lunches
Two three-course dinners (vegan options available)
Yoga mat and writing journal
Access to amenities like a hot tub and gym
Prices start at $800.00 per person
Posted by Lori Henry
It is with great excitement that I announce the newest destination from WestJet. There are now direct flights from Kona, along the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, to Vancouver, BC.
Flights run twice a week, on Thursday and Sunday evenings, and are around six hours long. Expect Bell ExpressVu satellite TV and movies for a fee (with screens on the seat in front of you), friendly staff and fun crew, and small meals sold onboard.
WestJet is known for their incredible deals, so make sure to sign up for their alerts to get the hottest deals in your inbox. Sales are frequent and worth keeping an eye on for year-round flights.
Posted by Lori Henry
If you visit Victoria, BC, probably the favourite choice for hotels is the Fairmont Empress. Its grandeur typifies the regal air of the capital city and is a chosen location for those wanting a special vacation.
Fairmont Empress Birthday Special
Pricing may be a bit high for some, but this year marks the hotel's 100th birthday and a celebration kicks off this week (the actual birthday date is January 20, 1908). If you book your visit between now and January 31, 2008, you can stay at anytime of this year for $100 CDN per night. This includes breakfast in bed with Royal Tea, oh so Victorian.
If you miss the boat, this same package is available for $269.00 CDN for the rest of the year. You'll be treated to a night in a Fairmont Room, breakfast for two, Royal Tea for two with bubbly (of course), and a copy of the illustrated Fairmont Empress coffee table book.
The Fairmont Empress
While you're there, make sure to seek out the lobby floors, which are sparklingly new oak; there might even be original oak pieces for sale from 100 years ago. The Crystal Room will also be updated and the Willow Stream Spa added in an 8,000 square foot space. Also in the works are the colourful exterior lights that will outshine the imposing brightness of the Legislature Buildings.
You can reserve your room by contacting the Fairmont Empress at 1-800-441-1414.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Kokanee Winter Festival is kicking off today at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. In the spirit of saving, half price lift tickets are available from January 7 – January 11, 2008.
“The timing for half-price tickets is perfect,” explains Marketing Director Karen Bonell. “People are looking for discounts at this time of year. The Kokanee Winter Festival serves up half-price midweek lift tickets and nordic trail passes coupled with a snowbase of nearly three metres!”
The festival itself is filled with “Kokanee Day for Dudes” and “Mount Washington Glacier Girl Search,” sure to elicit fun. Make sure to do your homework on the Sasquatch, as it’ll help you in the competitions!
Get all the info at Mount Washinton Alpine Resort.
Posted by Lori Henry
Women at Play(s) 3 is back this year at the Jericho Arts Centre in Vancouver, BC. Presented by 32 ½ Sisters Equity Co-op, eight nights of rollicking fun and laughter will certainly ensue. If you're visiting, make sure to save an evening for local theatre written and produced here.
The shows start this week and run January 3-6 and 9-12, 2008 at 8:00pm. Watch for the always-fabulous Kristina Murphy and Tosha Doiron as they’re joined by Andrea Lai in “Twenty-nothing,” a play by Tosha Doiron.
Tickets are $15 on Fridays and Saturdays, and $12 during the week. Call the Jericho Arts Centre reservations line at (604) 224-8007 ext. 3 to reserve your spot.
Posted by Lori Henry
Canadian children are being encouraged to ski and snowboard this year by a new initiative from the Canadian Ski Council. The SnowPass allows grade five students three free lift passes for participating mountains in their area. Also included are discounts on lessons and rentals, some of which will translate into savings next year.
"Investing in good equipment, lessons and knowing the rules of the slopes can make kids' Christmas break a fun and active winter outdoor experience. A certified Canadian ski or snowboard instructor can teach a child the proper basics in an age-appropriate manner and correct any potential problems or bad habits," said Colin Chedore, President of the Canadian Ski Council.
It's great how easy the program is. You can either buy the pass from Sport Chek, Sport Mart, Sports Experts or Intersport stores or from grade five elementary school teachers. Check out the SnowPass website for an application form and to find out which areas are participating in the program.
Wouldn't it be great to be in grade five?
Posted by Lori Henry
This January 2008 head over to Prince George in northern BC for the Coldsnap Music Festival. Musicians will perform a variety of music including jazz, traditional folk, Celtic, roots, and rockabilly by Spirt of the West, Martyn Joseph, Van Django and many more.
January 26 - February 2, 2008
Organizers: Prince George Folkfest Society (of Folkfest fame)
Workshops: Saturday at Art Space from 10am-4pm
Tickets: $20 CDN until December 31, 2007
$25 CDN per mainstage show
The mainstage will play host to Spirit of the West, Leroy Bell Band and Martyn Joseph. Also catch Leela Gilday and band, Zapato Negro (Afro Cuban jazz), Van Django (20s and 30s French jazz) and Maurice (with former Wailin' Jenny member Cara Luft).
Instead of staying in and moaning about the cold weather, bundle up, get out there and listen to some rockin' music!
Posted by Lori Henry
Harbour Air Seaplanes has been pretty amazing in their commitment to the environment. They’ve been quietly buying high quality carbon offsets for all their flights since October 1, 2007.
Their goal is to be entirely carbon neutral by the end of the year. An enormous feat indeed. So far they’ve done it. All of their services have been offset, totalling over $15,000 CDN to carbon offset programs.
They’re still an airline, so the pollution is still being created, but at least they’re doing what they can. So far, they’re “the first air carrier of any variety in North America and the only seaplane airline in the world to make all of its flight services 100% carbon neutral.”
Harbour Air Ltd. has stated that it’s aim is to become the first airline in the world to be carbon neutral in, not only their flights and tours, but in everything they do. A noble goal I wish more companies would follow.
Harbour Air Seaplanes
Toll Free: 1-800-665-0212
Posted by Lori Henry
It took nine months, but the Sutton Place Hotel now has an in-house wine store called, “The Sutton Place Wine Merchant.” It’s a retail wine boutique in Sutton Place’s Vancouver, BC location, which welcomes guests seven days a week.
Even though the hotel is a swanky place to lay your head, you don’t have to be rolling in money to shop at this store. Bottles start at $8.00 CDN and cover about 500 labels. So even if you’re not staying there, this is a good place to pick up some wine while downtown.
"We believe that the Sutton Place Wine Merchant will fast become a favourite of local Vancouverites. Visitors to the store can expect to find a wide variety of excellent wines, and if by chance they don't find their preferred wine on our shelves, we will gladly search the world for it and have it delivered to their door," says Manager, Cosmo Piccirilli.
It’s also a good place for a quick gift if you’ve been invited to a condo party or dinner downtown and don’t have a gift. They sell wine-related items and a custom-made gift basket that will put you back $40.00-$250.00 CDN, depending on how well you know the host/ess.
Keep an eye out for their regular wine tastings as well. There’s a Private Tasting Room within the store that will also host seminars and information sessions. Sounds good to me!
The Sutton Place Wne Merchant
855 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 642-2947
Posted by Lori Henry
The Adara Hotel in Whistler, BC has opened its doors to a winter package for wildlife adventurers and bird watchers. The deal, called “Eagle Safari Package,” focuses on watching the 3,000-4,000 eagles that arrive in the Squamish Valley. They come to dine on the hundreds of Chum salmon that are spawning during this time.
The Package Deal
The accommodation package sounds really fun. You will be taken on “rubber rafts along the lower sections of the Cheakamus and Squamish Rivers at a leisurely and relaxing pace.” What sounds neat is that you get to see the birds and eagles as they naturally are- it also doesn’t help that it’s something different to do in Whistler when everyone else is skiing.
The tour includes a hot chocolate break and lunch at the Howe Sound Inn. You also get round-trip transportation from the hotel in Whistler to Squamish and then the Eagle Safari Tour.
Accommodation with Style
- One night in a Superior Guestroom or Loft Suite at the Adara Hotel, Whistler
- Breakfast for two at The Mix, the hotel’s restaurant
- Eagle Safari Tour for Two, with a guide
- Ground transport for the whole tour
- A disposable camera (what an old-fashioned touch!)
The Price
The package starts at $479 CDN plus taxes for two people from November 24 – December 19, 2007. The cost then jumps up to $719 CDN plus taxes from January 2 – February 17, 2008. You can only book on weekends, so reserve now to make sure it’s not filled up.
Call the Adara Hotel toll free at 1-866-50-ADARA (23272) for more info.
Posted by Lori Henry
If you're trying to get from Edmonton to Jasper in Alberta, things just got a whole lot easier. During the winter snow season, skiers and snowboarders can now jump aboard the Sundog Tours Company's daily bus to get the best of both cities. Transportation can sometimes be the most difficult arrangement to make during a vacation, but this new connector makes the trip sound pretty convenient year round.
The new door-to-door service departs daily and connects Edmonton International Airport, West Edmonton Mall and Jasper, AB. Starting yesterday, this corresponds to the Edmonton-Jasper Friendship Week, running until December 2, 2007 and will certainly help you visit both cities in one trip.
"Edmonton is the closest urban centre to Jasper residents and visitors where they can experience the amenities of an urban centre, including Edmonton's vibrant arts and culture scene, festivals, attractions, shopping and professional sporting events," says Ken Fiske, Vice-President, Tourism, Events and Motion Pictures, Edmonton Economic Development Corp.
This just-launched initiative was created by the new Edmonton-Jasper Access Group (EJAG). The group is responsible for promoting ground transportation between the two cities, as well as the VIA Rail Express Snow Train, which goes international.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Fairmont Hotel & Resorts have announced their commitment to sustainability, a word flying around British Columbia these days. The large accommodation chain has made big steps in going green by choosing organic and local products in their restaurants and taking daily steps towards lessening their footprint, a massive task for those in the tourism industry.
The Fairmont brand has been at it for quite some time, partnering with Rodney Strong Vineyards to acquire fresh, local ingredients for their restaurants in the Pacific Northwest. The vineyard operates with solar power in order to reduce energy consumption and conserve soil and water.
The Ocean Wise program is being used in both the Fairmont Waterfront and Fairmont Empress hotels in BC, which were the first to jump on board. The program, run by the Vancouver Aquarium, promotes the use of sustainable seafood.
For restaurants, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver uses 20% certified organic vegetables and the rest is bought from locally grown and responsibly harvested farms as much as possible. The Vancouver Airport location now composts over 200 pounds of biodegradable waste each day.
Within their 50 different hotels around the world, I think the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are doing a great job in trying to lessen their ecological footprint in an industry where waste is a huge issue.
Posted by Lori Henry
If you’ve always wanted to go to Saskatchewan but didn’t know where to start, this contest is just for you. It’ll give visitors a chance to do some winter Saskatchewan activities to get a taste of the western Canadian province. All you have to do is sign up for Tourism Saskatchewan’s SaskSecrets email newsletter and fill out the entry form on-line.
Vacation Package
The winner of the contest will receive two nights accommodation for two at the Land of the Loon chalet. This includes a deluxe room, breakfast for two each morning at the Snail’s Pace Dining Room (how relaxing does that sound?!), and a Sundogs Sled Excursion with equipment and a guide. Total worth: $1,100.00 CDN.
2008 Tourism Saskatchewan Land of the Living Skies Calendar
If you don’t win the vacation package, five winners will also receive a copy of the 2008 Tourism Saskatchewan Land of the Living Skies Calendar, also available for sale at the below website.
How to EnterSign up for the SaskSecrets e-newsletter and fill out the entry form to win.
Contest deadline is December 10, 2007.
Posted by Lori Henry
Local artist Charisse Baker will be showing her work at the Autumn Brook Gallery in Vancouver, BC. With the inspiration of rain, she has created a collection of inspired work titled, RAIN: The Charisse Baker Experience.
Charisse has chosen to donate partial proceeds to the BC Cancer Foundation.
The opening reception last night was a smashing success and Charisse mingled with the dazzled crowd as they buzzed about her work. It was all smiling faces and congratulations as a 3-piece band jammed to the full house.
Her work will be on display from November 15 - 18, 2007. Visit the Autumn Brook Gallery at 1545 West 4th Avenue to see the collection. For directions and hours of operations, please call the gallery at (604) 737-2363.
Find out more about Charisse and her work at charissebaker.com.
Posted by Lori Henry
For all of November and December, R&B Brewing Co is delivering their seasonal "Nick Auld" ale to Vancouver, BC, restaurants and liquor stores. This winter concoction is "brewed in the tradition of the Scottish Wee Heavy: mellow and warming with a smooth finish."
It's a strong, dark ale made from specialty malts and traditional hops from Kent England. The rich, malty brew is coming to Western Canada in 60 cases of 650ml bottles to be sold at select BC Liquor Distribution and Cold Beer and Wine stores.
R&B Brewing Co's Nick Auld will also be available on draft at:
- Central Bistro
- The Railway Club
- Boneta
- Aqua Riva
- Waazubees
- Habit
- Zin Restaurant & Lounge
Special cask tapping will be held on:
- November 29, 2007: Zin Restaurant & Lounge
- December 9, 2007: The Whip Gallery
Posted by Lori Henry
The Gateway Visitor Information Centre in Edmonton, AB, is undergoing interior renovations. If you plan on visiting from now (after the Canadian Finals Rodeo) until mid-December, note that the centre is closed but services will resume in a temporary facility.
All visitor services will be the same except that the building will have no indoor washrooms and the retail store will be closed. Rest assured, you will still get all the information you need for your trip to the Greater Edmonton area.
The Gateway Visitor Information Centre in Edmonton, Alberta
Gateway Park on Gateway Boulevard
Hwy. 2, south Edmonton
or downtown at the World Trade Centre Edmonton (9990 Jasper Ave)
This is actually the busiest info centre in all of Alberta, serving more than 1.5 million tourists and responding to about 70,000 requests per year. You can reach them toll free at 1-800-463-4667.
Posted by Lori Henry
Air Canada has created something new. If you travel within North America often, then check out this new monthly pass. It starts from $499.00 CDN per month and gives you unlimited travel for one or two months.
Called The Air Canada Winter Getaway Pass, it offers prepaid flight credits so you can just pick up and go. I think it’s a nifty little idea…
If you’re an Aeroplan member (the points plan affiliated with Air Canada), you also earn up to 6,000 Aeroplan® Miles on the transaction. The unlimited travel is valid on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and if you’re travelling in a pair, you get 10% off each pass.
There are three time zones this works for: Western Canada, Eastern Canada and North America as a whole. You can travel in the Western Canada segment from Western United States or within the West Coast. This is the time to pack your skiis for a trip, take a few vacations or use the pass for business purposes.
Travel dates are from January 8-February 5, 2008 (one month) and January 8-March 4, 2008 (two months). Book before December 2, 2007 by calling Air Canada Reservations at 1-888-247-2262.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Second Annual Bear Mountain 10-kilometre race will be unfolding on Sunday November 18, 2007. In conjunction with the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort Properties, rooms are being offered at a discounted $99.00 CDN per night for single or double occupancy. This is all the more reason to get out your runners and start pounding the pavement!
The deal also includes a buffet the evening before for an additional $18.00 CDN per person. I hear it’s filled with the carbs needed for the morning race and has lots of nutritious goodies. Call (250) 391-7160 to make a reservation and quote “BM 10K”.
The Second Annual Bear Mountain 10-K Race
Starting at Bear Mountain Village, participants run along the Jack Nicklaus co-designed golf course paths. For an entry fee of $35.00 CDN ($40.00 after November 11), runners are competing for $1,500 in prize money and the use of the Mountain Athletic Club’s facilities.
The Bear Cub Kids Run
This one is for children who also want to join mom and dad in the fun. The path, also along the golf course, is one mile long and ends at the same finishing line as the adult race. For $25.00 CDN, families get childminding from 8:30am until 10:00 am (the race start time). Hopefuls also get a finisher’s medal for their participation and a $5.00 donation is made on their behalf to The Shoes for Youth Program organised by Runners of Compassion.
Phone Bear Mountain at the above number for more information and to register.
Posted by Lori Henry
Get out your books and plan for a few nights in. Poets Cove Resort & Spa on Pender Island, BC is offering a new package with a literary twist. Targeted at “bookclubs and bibliophiles”, the deal sounds like a neat one.
Accommodation Rates
For a two night villa or cottage stay, spend $195 CDN per person for a four people two bedroom villa. The price also includes a $50 per person credit for spa services within the resort. Not bad…
Dates and Transportation Details
Christmas is just around the corner and demands high prices. This package runs around the holiday season by offering the deal until December 20, 2007 and from January 1 to April 30, 2008. Pender Island is a fun ride by BC Ferries from Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, taking two hours and 40 minutes respectively. From Vancouver, visitors can take a scheduled floatplane or hop on the ferry as well.
Poets Cove Resort & Spa
With a romantic name like Poets Cove, it’s no wonder they cater to those who love the written word. With a touch of luxury, this resort looks pretty heavenly. Their two and three bedroom villas and cottages are fully equipped with a private patio with a gas barbeque, kitchen, fireplace and two full bathrooms. The outdoor steam cave looks magical, with waterfalls and a hot tub with an ocean view.
To reserve your getaway at Poets Cove Resort & Spa by calling 1-888-512-7638.
Posted by Lori Henry
Starting now, get over to Tofino, Vancouver Island, for oyster season. This annual celebration gathers oysters harvested each year from the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound region. This is just one more reason to take in the majestic beauty that is Tofino, BC.
I stayed at the Long Beach Lodge Resort one Christmas season and relished in the surroundings. This November the lodge is offering great rates during the oyster season in two packages. The first is, fittingly, called the Oyster Bed Package and includes:
- Accommodation for two in a room of your choice
- A three-course dinner highlighting Executive Chef Jeffery Young’s characteristic oyster plates
- A continental breakfast
- Rates start at $288 CDN per night for a double occupancy, two night minimum
The 11th annual Clayoquot Sound Oyster Festival kicks off from November 15-18, 2007 and the Long Beach Lodge also has a deal for that weekend: the Oyster Festival Weekend Package.
- Two nights for two people
- Two tickets to two festival events hosted by the lodge
- Rates start at $467 CDN per night for a double occupancy, two night minimum
Book now by calling the Long Beach Lodge Resort at 1-877-844-7873.
Posted by Lori Henry
Starting today, Air New Zealand has launched its inaugural flight connecting Auckland, New Zealand to Vancouver, British Columbia. The Land of the Long White Cloud has never been this close to western Canada.
Travellers can now hop on a plane in Auckland and arrive in Vancouver in little more than 14 hours. The service, which was supposed to only be available during peak times, will be available year round because of the high demand.
“The timing is perfect for a new direct service between our two countries,” said Roger Poulton, Air New Zealand Vice President– the Americas. “All indications are that this route will be among our most popular international ones.”
Flights
Auckland to Vancouver, BC service will run three days a week from today until March and in July and August. The rest of the year will be two days a week.
The lowest online airfares are guaranteed at Air New Zealand or by calling 0800 737 000. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and see western Canada!
Posted by Lori Henry
Opus Hotel and Holt Renfrew in Vancouver, BC have teamed up to offer a decadent new pampering deal. The Lifestyle Re-style and Relax package pushes the boundaries of an inner diva to the extreme.
Shopping for Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Prada or Jimmy Choo?
If you're planning a trip to Holt Renfrew while in Vancouver anyways, stay at the award-winning Opus Hotel for an incredible deal. This is a deluxe treat for those who can afford extravagance.
The Shopping Spree of a Lifetime
Putting you back a measly $11,599.00 CDN, this includes a $10,000 Holt Renfrew gift card (think about how fun that would be!), luxurious spa treatments at holts salon & spa, a catered lunch from Elixir (in one of Holt’s private Personal Shopping suites, bien sûr!), cocktails, canapés and a tasting menu at Opus Bar, a ride in a 7 series BMW that always brings you back to your doorstep, and, of course, a night at the Opus Hotel.
You’ll also get a welcome amenity gift and all of the above services for two people. The personal shopping services at Holt Renfrew take five personalities and create fashion profiles. Meaning: go daring or go girly, but definitely go glamorous.
To book your night of opulence, call the Opus Hotel 72 hours ahead at 1-866-642-6787. Taxes and gratuities are included in the price.
Posted by Lori Henry
Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, will be the hotspot on Tuesday November 6th, 2007. La Terrazza Italian Restaurant, headed by Executive Chef Gennaro Iorio, hosts a six course dinner with Peller Estates Wine. Top wines from Peller Estates Okanagan Valley and Peller Estates Niagara Peninsula will be served under the experienced winemaker Stephanie Leinemann.
La Terrazza Italian Restaurant's Winemaker's Dinner
Presented with the Peller Estates Okanagan Valley and Peller Estates Niagara Peninsula
Date: Tuesday November 6th, 2007
Time: 7:00pm reception, 7:30pm dinner
Location: 1088 Cambie Street, downtown Vancouver
Phone: 604-899-4449
Price: $100 (plus taxes and gratuity)
Parking: Complimentary Valet Parking
The Reception: Capsante al Finocchio (seared cinnamon dusted scallop on fennel salad and Taro root chip topped with steel head caviar) will be served with a sparkling white wine to start.
The Dinner: The next five courses include Dungeness crab cake; oven baked sablefish; fresh pasta envelopes filled with lobster, tiger prawns and mascarpone cheese; grilled smoked beef tenderloin; and Pharaohs Delight dessert (a pyramid shaped chocolate ganache filled with banana custard with a Grand Marnier crème anglais).
This just might be the best valued winemaker's dinner in the city. I know I'll be there! Reservations can be booked by calling the restaurant at (604) 899-4449.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, located in Victoria, and the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre in Whistler, British Columbia, have received the honour of one of the "Top Three Hotels in Canada." Results from the independent poll, Conde Nast Readers' Choice Survey, counted a record-breaking 28,000 votes from travellers this year.
New York City was the place to be on October 10th, where the 20th Annual Readers Choice Awards were presented. There were 25 competing hotels from Canada but only three made it into the "Best of the Best" category: Auberge Saint-Antoine (Quebec City, QC), Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre (Whistler, BC) and Magnolia Hotel & Spa (Victoria, BC).
What makes this award different than most of the rest of the larger ones is that it's soley up to the respondants, not the public relations team of the hotel. Although I've never been to Magnolia, this award has certainly peaked my interest in staying there. Perhaps you'll see a piece on my experience in the future!
You can find our more about Magnolia Hotel & Spa at 1-877-MAGNOLIA and the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre at 1-888-966-5575.
Posted by Lori Henry
Starting yesterday, the contest to win tickets to the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, BC, was announced. Through the British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s program, “First Tickets to 2010,” you can get a spot at the games for $5.00 CDN, along with $1,000 spending money!
How It Works
Buy a $5.00 SportsFunder Instant Win Ticket at lottery retail centres for an opportunity to secure one of the 100 pairs of tix. You have a 1 in 5 chance at the opening ceremony and a 1 in 4 chance for anything else, including $1 million in cash prizes.
Where the Proceeds Go
Proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards funding amateur sports in British Columbia. For those children whose families can’t afford the fees, KidSport(tm), Team BC, Youth Sport Travel Assistance and Coach and Leadership Development will give them financial assistance through the profits of this program.
SportsFunder Lottery Games
Since its launch in February 2006, it has raised over $2 million for amateur sports. Not only are you supporting them through each $5.00 ticket, but you’re gaining a chance to be at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Vancouver, BC with a big wad of cash!
For more info on the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, click here for coverage.
Posted by Lori Henry
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations has a new deal this winter. Booking on their Gold Leaf Service, they’re offering families the chance to travel with a child for free. Departures are from both Vancouver, BC and Banff, Alberta, leaving four times in December.
You’ll get to see firsthand the Canadian Rockies, Yoho National Park and the Spirit Tunnels, all while bundled up sipping steaming cocoa. Kids have their own coach with an entertainer who gets them singing, making decorations and playing games throughout the ride.
For those wondering about ol’ Saint Nick, Santa makes an appearance as the train happens upon his broken down sleigh half way through. I hear there are gifts for all before he goes.
Parents can do their own thing if they’d like some time together, too. There’s a specialty coach where you can listen to live jazz music and sip on chilled eggnog or a seasonal choice at their bar.
The two-day excursion begins at $559 CDN per person and requires two adults to book for the free child ticket (ages 2-11). Trains leave from Vancouver on December 20 and 27, and Banff on December 22 and 29. More info can be found at Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.
Posted by Lori Henry
Eating disorders can be a scary thing for parents and loved ones to deal with. Not only is your daughter/son/wife/husband, etc. seriously harming themselves, you often feel you have no idea how to help them.
Before things get to this stage, there are warning signs and symptoms that might help you detect an eating disorder and get treatment early.
I’ve written three articles on the subject that I hope will be useful:
Posted by Lori Henry
The conundrum that is Dove has a new commercial ad for their positive body image Campaign for Real Beauty project. They sell necessities like body wash, soap, shampoo and deodorant, but also beauty products like firming and lifting lotions. Does their positive campaign make them a better company to buy from?
This week their newest advertisement was released, titled, Onslaught. In the same vein as Jean Kilbourne’s work, her study that people see an average of 3,000 ads a day, the Dove video starts on an innocent girl looking and smiling into the camera. Then the “onslaught” begins.
Images of billboards, transit ads, infomercials, magazine covers, mannequins, pill bottles, posters, food, gyms, plastic surgery and purging are flashed onto the screen at lightening speed. The end message reads, “Talk to your daughter before the beauty industry does.”
It’s an interesting angle, as Dove is a huge part of the beauty industry. But the commercial is effective and I certainly won’t complain about companies going in this direction. We just have to remember that Dove is a multi-million dollar beauty business as well.
Posted by Lori Henry
The ad campaign that has sparked even more controversy than the Apple ad or any other in recent history, is Nolita’s “No Anorexia” featuring French former actress and model Isabelle Caro.
She only weighs 62.8 pounds and has suffered from anorexia for 15 years. In her 20’s, she posed for Oliviero Toscani’s lens as a way to bring attention to the deadly disease. She hopes with the corresponding Milan Fashion Week and the recent bans on underweight models, she will show others how dangerous an eating disorder is.
Even thought the campaign was approved by the Ministry of Health, it has sparked immense disagreement about whether it’s positive or negative. Photos of an emaciated woman to someone who is starving themselves, only makes them wish they were that thin.
Wow, the photo is pretty shocking. I can’t imagine how much more extreme it would be to walk by it on a large billboard. What strikes me as interesting is that anorexia has become such a big issue for the fashion world, it’s being discussed worldwide and is now even being used by a mainstream fashion ad. That's a good thing if it makes people more aware.
Will the ad cause people with anorexia to become sicker? Will it put eating disorders out in the open to being about awareness? It’ll probably do both.
UPDATE: The ad has been taken down on orders of the mayor of Milan. This affects all city-controlled billboards, although privately owned ones are still up. No official statement as to why has been released, as the controversy is extremely heavy in Italy.
Posted by Lori Henry
The last two articles I published I think are very important. One has to do with treatment options for eating disorders and the other with Osteoporosis and how common it is in people who have been through anorexia or bulimia.
The Treatment Options article goes through all of the choices you can make when going into recovery. From in-patient and outpatient, to group therapy and alternative healing, a short explanation is given for each.
The Osteoporosis article focuses on what the disorder is, as well as its relation to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. It offers advice on how to build bone density, the lack of symptoms that are felt, as well as prevention suggestions.
Enjoy!
Posted by Lori Henry
A doctoral candidate from New York University is conducting a study about an underrepresented topic in eating disorder research. She will be studying how long-term individual psychodynamic psychotherapy facilitates bulimia recovery.
This will be done on a long-term treatment model, which is often left out of such research. The investigation has been approved by NYU’s Human Subject’s Committee. She is searching for 6 more women to complete the study.
Eligibility Criteria
- women aged 21-55
- recovering from bulimia for at least 2 years
- completed at least 2 years of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy
- have not been in psychodynamic treatment for 6 months
- free of bulimia symptoms for the past 6 months
Psychodynamic Treatment Defined
- a focus on gaining psychological insight and perspective about the symptom
- a focus on how the past influences the present
- a focus on examining feelings and reactions to the therapist and therapy relationship
What’s Involved
- 15 minute pre-screen interview
- a 2 hour strictly confidential in person interview about your psychotherapy experience and demographic questionnaire (additional 15 minutes)
- a 15 minute follow up phone interview a month after the study, if needed
- you will receive $25 upon completion
- participation is voluntary
Interested?
Contact (781) 307-8478 or email mailto:ttotomoriarty@msn.com with your name, phone number and the best time to reach you. Mention the “Psychodynamic Treatment Study for Bulimia.”
Posted by Lori Henry
I went to a Vancouver Fringe Festival show last night that I was, to be honest, hesitant about. Called “Anorexican,” it was a comedy about eating disorders. Scary if done wrong but brilliant if done right. And brilliant it was.
Introducing anorexia as an island, it’s located beside bulimia and the small landmass of orthorexia. Statistics are used to explain the “population” that lives there, the rate of “immigration” and even the “tourist industry.” Becky Johnson then assumes a multitude of characters to show eating disorders from different perspectives, ages and walks of life.
The laugh-out-loud moments are often followed by still silence from the audience. Her dynamic presence keeps the show flowing along smoothly as each character surprises the crowd with shocking comments that are so normal to an anorexic.
The research done is impeccable and her understanding of the disorders runs deep. Her expert touch of comedy makes the overall effect extremely powerful, even to those who clearly had little knowledge of anorexia.
Becky has already received an award for the show, the Spotlight Award for Outstanding Performance. It was given at the world premier of the show at the 2007 SummerWorks Theatre Festival in Toronto.
Check out her show web site here.
And find out more about her non-eating disorder-related endevors here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Britney Spears has finally had her “comeback” show, performing for the MTV Video Music Awards. The critics have been harsh about her unrehearsed dancing and lame energy, but they comment the most ruthlessly on her weight.
I didn’t actually see the performance but I’ve looked at a few of the photos from it. She’s fat?! Even wearing only a black bikini, stilettos and fishnets, she’s certainly not “bulging” or “pudgy.”
It’s beyond belief that women in the entertainment industry are so nitpicked. I’m not a fan of Britney, but give her some slack! As for the comments that she wasn’t fit to wear what she did, who decides who’s allowed to wear what based on the amount of fat on their bodies?
It blows my mind everyday the nerve of people to be so judgemental and cruel. How could you make your living at making such negative statements about people?
But journalists do it everyday, as do talk show hosts and others in the entertainment industry. We must certainly have something else more important to say.
Posted by Lori Henry
I was recently contacted by a lovely woman who has launched a company dedicated to helping women love their bodies. Great concept!
It’s called First Ourselves and it males self care a top priority.
Mission:
To help women become free and clear: free to use their talents and passions to change the world, instead of using them to change the size of their butt.
Karly is the founder and has been through dieting and an eating disorder. Her enthusiasm for the cause is infectious and it’s worth taking a look at what she’s up to.
Her site is filled with positive inspiration and a great blog. Book recommendations are focused on ones that are fulfilling and motivating to be more connected to ourselves, rather than how to lose weight.
She also has a “Love your Body Series” in which there are numerous posts encouraging women, step by step, how to take back their lives from the dieting mindset.
You can find her website here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Things have been busy here in Vancouver. I’m in the midst of co-organizing a HUGE eating disorder event. We’re raising funds to help people who cannot afford treatment.
A bursary (we hope many more than 1) will be given to individuals who have applied. They will then get $2800 worth of private counselling with the therapist of their choice.
It’s all very exciting, but I do need your help. Please spread the word to everyone you know, whether near Vancouver or not. We have international speakers and guests coming from out of town.
Help us make a difference in the lives of so many who are struggling. Read my article about the event here and visit the event website for more info (where you can also apply for a bursary).
If you need an email template to send out to your contacts, please email me at eatingdisorders @ suite101.com and I’ll send one to you. Thanks for your support!
Posted by Lori Henry
Recently, Apple came out with an ad campaign for their new iMac. It showed a few screens with images of people smiling and having fun. The tagline "The New iMac. You Can't be Too Thin. Or Too Powerful" is written near the top. Obviously this was going to upset people and offend them it did.
A recovered anorexic wrote an open letter in the Huffington Post about how upset she was about the campaign. The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness wrote a very public and highly publicized letter to Apple stating how unresponsible their ad was.
Within days, the ad on the Apple web site disappeared. It wasn't announced publicly, as far as I know, so I'm not sure what the company's response was to the issue. Along with the above letters, there were hundreds of blog posts and articles written in opposition to the campaign. Perhaps Apple realized how much controversy they were creating? Or perhaps they planned the attention for PR reasons?
We'll see if they broadcast an official statement any time soon.
Posted by Lori Henry
Dove is well known for using “real” women in its ad campaigns and for creating the Campaign for Real Beauty. They also sponsor leaders to public speak about body image by providing people all over the world with presenter kits.
The latest news from the Unilever-owned company is that they’ll use people who are recovering from an eating disorder in its next ad campaign.
It will encourage those featured to talk about their experience with anorexia and bulimia, which the media has said will cause major controversy. What I can’t figure out is why. Why would talking about eating disorders be considered controversial?
It’s the logical next step in their advertising campaign, whether you believe in their commercials or not. Their step away from traditional advertising 4 years ago has shot their sales up 700% for their skin-firming lotion.
Body image is obviously a hot topic for women and we differ in opinion about this campaign worldwide. I have contacted both Dove and their advertising company to see if I can find out more about the new campaign and will let you know if I hear anything.
I’m intrigued. What are your opinions on Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty and their latest proposal to feature women recovering from an eating disorder?
Posted by Lori Henry
Until Your Heart’s Content is posed to become the largest eating disorder benefit in Canada. It will raise money for those who cannot afford private therapy and focus on the hope of recovery.
The evening will include international and local speakers, as well as musicians and performers who have struggled themselves. Renowned author of Eating in the Light of the Moon and Director of the Anorexia & Bulimia Center of Hawaii, Anita Johnston, will be holding her celebrated “Soul Hunger” workshop on October 13th, as well as be the much anticipated keynote speaker of the evening.
I am helping to organize this spectacular event and we are still looking for speakers and musicians to join us on stage, especially a male who can share his experience. We are also seeking responsible sponsors who would like to support a great cause and gain exposure for their company or service.
Save the date: Thursday October 11th, 2007 at the legendary Red Robinson Theatre in Coquitlam.
Visit the web site for more info:
Posted by Lori Henry
I just finished reading a wonderful book, Mango Elephants in the Sun: How Life in An African Village Let Me Be in My Skin. My favorite chapter had to be the one called “FAT.”
The Peace Corps volunteer grew up in America and was shocked to find that African women in the northern Cameroon village she was teaching English in, had a very different opinion on what constitutes a beautiful woman.
To them, a “fat” woman is considered beautiful, as it means her husband is taking care of her well. When the local Doctor calls the major’s wife fat, the author thinks he’ll be kicked out. Instead, the wife giggles flirtatiously.
Her African friends explain that the husband shows how much he loves his wife by feeding her well. They ask her why any woman would want to be skinny and look like a boy. Without hips, plump breasts and a belly, men don’t think she’ll be able to bear children well, which is unattractive.
If a woman is married and still skinny, villagers assume that she’s unhappy. If her husband isn’t working hard to feed her, then it must mean he’s going elsewhere to make some other woman fat.
When neighbors run into each other on the streets, they say, “Jam bah doo nah?” which means “Are you in your skin?” or “Is your soul in your body?” If it is, you reply, “Jam core doo may!” meaning, “I am in my skin!” What a lovely way to check in.
I can only wonder as American TV infiltrates into countries around the world, how will that affect the body image of cultures who don’t hold up ultra thin woman as ideals?
Posted by Lori Henry
Unfortunately, cover images on magazines are photoshopped all the time. Young and thin celebrities are altered to make them look even younger and thinner. Recently, Redbook magazine retouched Faith Hill’s cover shot enough to motivate an outcry from readers and bloggers.
Jezebel.com got a hold of the untouched photo taken of Faith Hill during the photoshoot and compared it to the image that was published on the cover of the magazine. The removing of lines on her face was done, which many people didn’t have too much of a dilemma with, but the problem was the way her body shape was altered.
Faith Hill is naturally tall, thin and looks younger than her 39 years. The photo, though, slimmed her arms even smaller, reduced the leg size underneath her dress, tightened her stomach and smoothed her face to that of a girl in her 20's. Critics are outraged that this type of modification is allowed to such an extreme degree.
I’m curious to know what Faith Hill herself is thinking but she hasn’t yet made a public statement. Some celebrities request that their photos are airbrushed to the extreme because they want themselves to appear flawless, while others, like Kate Winslet, are infuriated that their images have been retouched so much.
"When you looked at the two pictures side by side, there was something inhuman about the retouched photo," says Anna Holmes, the managing editor of Jezebel.com, "I don't think we expected how much they would slim her down" (Baltimore Sun, 2007). Critics say that this is the type of thing that provokes eating disorders.
It’s incredible that a star such as Faith Hill, who actually fits the so-called celebrity mould, is just not good enough anymore. Even her body has to be tweaked in order be acceptable on the cover of a magazine.
What we need to do? Stop buying these ridiculous magazines aimed at women’s pocketbooks and low self esteem. Do you really need to know over a hundred ways to please a man or hear how to apply eyeliner for the umpteenth time? I know I have much more exciting ways to spend my time. But maybe that’s just me.
Rant over… for now.
Posted by Lori Henry
Cutting and eating disorders are two dangerous behaviors that often come together. Unfortunately, individuals who have eating disorders are also frequently self injuring their bodies.
I have just written two articles on this subject in hopes that those suffering from both of these can find the strength to get help. Recovery from both cutting and disordered eating is possible!
The first article outlines what cutting is, who is most reported to do it and what sort of treatment is done. You can find the article by clicking here.
The second article is more personal, a book review I did on a memoir that is both beautifully written and painful to read. Called, Comes the Darkness, Comes the Light: A Memoir of Cutting, Healing, and Hope, it follows Vanessa Vega as she journeys through the pain and suffering, yet finding peace at the end. You can read that article by clicking here.
Posted by Lori Henry
There is a research study on bulimia in young women going on by the New York State Psychiatric Institute/ Columbia University Medical Center.
It is a NIMH-funded, IRB-approved study of adolescents with Bulimia Nervosa (BN). The benefit of the research is that it will further their understanding of bulimia and the neurobiological factors that may lead to its development and persistence.
Here is the basic info:
Research Study of Adolescent Girls with Bulimia Nervosa
Do you binge-eat and purge? Have you been diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa?
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
12-21 yrs old
Females
All ethnic groups
The study takes place at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive in Manhattan.
Participation
Requires 5-6 hours of your time and includes interviews, games and puzzles, and an MRI. Total compensation is $100 per person. For more information please call the Eating Disorders Clinic at 212-543-5151 and mention the BN MRI study.
Posted by Lori Henry
I didn’t realize how many men and women were using anabolic steroids. In recent studies, it was found that the number of lay people using was rising dramatically, while the use in elite athletes was diminishing.
It seems that young professionals and teenagers are the largest group of users for reasons of losing weight and toning up. While most do go to a gym to workout, some don’t even do that, instead just taking the drugs and hoping to shed the pounds.
It’s also not only men who are using anabolic steroids to buff up. Hundreds of thousands of women are also using them to lose weight and tone their bodies.
I have written two articles on this drug abuse and hope you’ll read and comment on them. The one for men can be found here, as well as the accompanying blog, and the one for women can be found here.
Posted by Lori Henry
News of eating disorders in men have increased exponentially. Reports of men starving themselves on the one hand, binge eating on the other, and using anabolic steroids in between.
The side affects are scary but drug users usually fail to pay them any attention.
As the pressure on men to achieve the perfect body rises to meet the pressure on women, the rates of eating disorders and body obsession are rising. The industry that feeds on men’s insecurities, just as beauty magazines and the diet industry feed on women’s, are equalling the battlefields in a dangerous way.
Resources for men:
Posted by Lori Henry
The PBS kids show, Keeping Kids Healthy, will be filming a TV documentary about a family whose child has gone through anorexia.
They are seeking a family with this experience to focus on for the show in order to offer information and education for viewers.
What PBS is looking for:
- a family with a child who has gone through anorexia
- a child who has undergone a residential treatment program
- a child with a personal and inspirational story they are willing to tell
The purpose of focusing on a child is important, as the show is aired on Friday and Saturdays and is aimed at a young audience. The researchers hope that by having a child on the show, the insight will debunk some myths and stigmas that we so often hear in the media.
Keeping Kids Healthy is an educational and informational show that airs on PBS about various physical and mental issues that affect children today.
If you are willing to share your story and fit the above criteria, please contact the producer, Emily Higgins, at: emily.higgins@gmail.com.
If you know of a family who would be willing to share their share their story, please pass along this information.
Posted by Lori Henry
Rachel Hunter knows how unrealistic the current ideal body is for women. She’s a supermodel who has gotten by in her career on the thinness of her frame. With the recent ban of underweight models in Madrid and other countries, the ban of models under size 8 for Cosmopolitan magazine, the cover photo of Jennifer Hudson on Vogue and the deaths of young models from anorexia, she wants to help battle the thin-is-in trend.
So she teamed up with Slim-Fast to help people lose weight “the healthy way.” The campaign is called, “Find Your Slim” and features women of “real” body shapes and sizes. One of their mottos is, “We believe in hips, not hip bones.”
"I have always tried to be my own person and live up to my own definition of an ideal size that feels right for me and for my body," says Rachel Hunter, after partnering with Slim-Fast and iVillage.
The point is that not everyone has the same set point, size of ideal weight, so we should all set out own goals. That’s fantastic, but why is the focus still on losing weight?
The goal might be admirable, but it’s still sponsored by a weight loss company who thrives on keeping people returning for its services.
The contest they’re running is a 10-week program to incorporate weight loss goals into your lifestyle. Strangely enough, this include Rachel’s “personal weight loss goal” for inspiration. Why would a supermodel who’s trumpeting the benefits of health want to lose more weight?
I think this good intention is just another mixed message for women.
Posted by Lori Henry
Advertisers are becoming increasingly focused on young women. But instead of enticing them to buy make up or hair products, they’re now tempted with plastic surgery. Breast enlargements and other forms of cosmetic plastic surgery are sometimes given as grad presents to young women as they move on to college or university.
If that’s not disturbing enough, now “beauty” companies are honing in on that trend and focusing advertisements towards these teenagers.
On March 28th, 2007, the Southland Times ran an ad from the Youth Beauty Appearance Clinic. The copy read, “Be the belle of the ball” and ran beside a young woman wearing a grad dress.
The unsettling thing about the ad was that this model’s body was labelled with phrases such as “firming and lifting cheek,” “firm and lift thighs and buttocks,” and “breast enlargement and lifting.”
A local high school teacher saw the ad and made an issue out of it, calling the ad negative and socially irresponsible.
In her letter to the Advertising Standards Authority, she stated, “These girls are in the prime of their lives and should not be exposed to such negative influences" (Stuff Media, 2007).
The beauty clinic was surprised that their ad had garnered controversy and told the ASA complaint board that they only provided non-surgical, non-invasive, effective and affordable treatments. Hmmm, breast enlargements are pretty invasive and surgical in my books…
Southland Times withdrew the ad after the ASA complaint board voted in favor of upholding the teacher’s objection.
Posted by Lori Henry
Jewelry designer Sue Gillerlain and eating disorder recovery star Jenni Schaefer (author of Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too, McGraw-Hill) have teamed up to produce recovery jewelry. Although I haven’t seen the products, the website features pictures that look absolutely charming.
The line features:
- a sterling silver charm with “Life Without Ed” inscribed, along with a hand-drawn flower
- a sterling silver bracelet and charm with a freshwater pearl and also inscribed with “Life Without Ed”
- a sterling silver necklace and charm with a reverse double rope chain and the “Life Without Ed” message
Why you should buy one:
- 10 % of each sale go towards the Seattle-based National Eating Disorders Organization (NEDA) to promote awareness, education and support
- you will be counteracting other jewelry that supports pro-eating disorder messages
- you will be spreading the word that recovery from an eating disorder is possible
Posted by Lori Henry
There’s an actual new study just publicized by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on dieters and subway delays. It states that 395 subway delays per month in New York City are due to sick passengers. The report declares that the majority of these sicknesses are people who are not eating enough.
The top two reasons for delays are track work and signal problems, but ill passengers were third on the list. New York city is certainly not located in one of the third world countries, so why in the world would people be starving themselves?
With the advent of low carb diets and the new “healthy dieting,” millions of individuals worldwide are trying to lose weight by not eating enough. While most won’t actually develop a full blown eating disorder, they will usually progress into a disordered eating pattern.
This can lead to body image issues, disillusionment about what they really look like, over exercising, and the fixation with looking better. This breads a society filled with unhealthy people who are absorbed in their size and appearance.
Is this how the people in the richest countries of the world behave?
Posted by Lori Henry
In May, a PhD research student did a study at Queen Margaret University in Edinburg to explore “people’s understandings and experiences of anorexia.”
She is doing one more study, beginning on July 9th, and is looking for participants. They will be involved in an on-line focus group on confidential discussion boards. By discussing their opinions about anorexia and treatment issues with like-minded people, she hopes to inform future treatment practices.
If you live in the UK, there is also the option of having a semi-structured face-to-face interview.
If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact Sarah Williams at swilliams@qmu.ac.uk.
Eligibility:
- currently in the process of recovering from anorexia
- 18 years of age or older
- you have access to the internet
Posted by Lori Henry
I received the below request for a research study on eating disorders. I always recommend participation of reputable studies, as it only adds more significant information to this field.
The study has been formally approved by Nottingham University ethics committee.
“Volunteers are needed for a research project within the University of Nottingham to investigate the factors associated with eating disorders in women of 35 and above. Women who are 35 or older are invited to participate in this on-line e-interview study.
"Please contact Kay at lwxkw@nottingham.ac.uk if you might be interested and for further details. Participants will be needed until 31.07.07.”
If you or anyone you know might be able to participate, please pass along the information. You can contact Kay at the above email address if you have further questions.
Posted by Lori Henry
I was recently given the link to a young woman’s website who has struggled with binge eating. She has now recovered and is helping others get out of the vicious cycle of food addiction.
Binging is becoming a common behavior for dealing with stress, anxiety and new situations. But the consequences are frightening, as our bodies become overloaded with extra digestion and our internal systems are put to the test.
Kristin Gerstley has been there. She used to memorize the empty parking lots where she could binge, numb her feelings by eating massive meals, feel terrible for her behavior, but couldn’t stop herself from doing it.
Her research during recovery led her to write the e-book, “End Binge Eating: How To Stop Binge Eating And Take Conrtol Of Your Life!” She founded a membership binge eating website, as well as runs her own.
You can find her story, book and membership site at: http://www.endbingeeating.com
Posted by Lori Henry
Recovering from an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, compulsive overeating or EDNOS, can be a difficult battle. But there’s hope. People fully recovery everyday and live fuller lives.
Let’s celebrate the individuals who have managed to overcome this shame and who want to share their experience.
I think it’s important to speak about how we recovered in order to give light to those who are still struggling.
I invite people who have experienced a diagnosable eating disorder, who have had body image or related issues, to post about what it was that made you recover. Was there something that pushed you to it? Was there someone who made the difference?
Also, I would love to hear from individuals who are still struggling: what do you think would push you to begin recovery? What do you need in order to become healthy?
I hope to have a whole discussion filled with hope for those who need it. Spread the word and let’s celebrate recovery!
Posted by Lori Henry
Beth Ditto made headlines last week as her naked body graced the cover of New Musical Express Magazine. The Gossip lead singer stares straight into the camera with the headline, “KISS MY ASS!” The musician has made a porn video with her lesbian transgender lover, turning heads and fuelling debate all over the place. Her stage performances regularly have her taking off her clothes when she gets hot and speaking out about being comfortable in her own skin.
There are ample photos of her within the magazine, showing off her “fat” body, as recent articles from other sources have called pointed out. With the focus more on her size than her music, she is making waves in the music world. She has refused to have her music be played in Topshop, a retail store, because it doesn’t sell clothing in a higher size range.
On the topic of Kate Moss, one of her friends, as being part of the size zero obsession, she says, “You can’t hate a person for dieting, and you can’t blame a person for feeling shit about themselves. You have to blame the machine that feeds it, the thing that makes people feel like that” (New Musical Express, 2007). Let’s hope we can get to a point when Beth Ditto’s music and talent are focused on, rather than her larger size in a small sized industry.
Posted by Lori Henry
Jordin Sparks is not your typical American Idol. The singer has just won the competition, but with a different mindset than most of the others.
At only 17 years old, Jordin stands tall and refuses to buy in to the size zero ideal. But it hasn’t always been that way for her.
She struggled with self-esteem issues in the past and, instead of the show making her feel worse about herself, it did the opposite.
Says her mother, "It was huge to see her confidence level grow... She's standing taller now" (PEOPLE magazine, 2007).
At a size 12, Jordin always felt bigger than her classmates and friends. But she told PEOPLE magazine that things have changed for the better, "I'm really comfortable in my own skin. I learned that I'm not ever going to be a size two. I would look so weird as a size two. Somebody would blow and I would fall right over. It just wouldn't be healthy."
We’ll see where this win will take her. I can only hope that she can keep this strong attitude while she gains success. Too many celebrities talk the talk and then begin rapidly losing weight while denying they have a problem. Stand up to the industry!
Posted by Lori Henry
Nicole Richie and Mischa Barton have yet again been tied to the eating disorder anorexia, rehab and hospitals.
Just weeks after Nicole reportedly got out of rehab for anorexia and substance abuse, she sent an email to friends inviting them to a Memorial Day BBQ. Allegedly, after the where, when and why’s, she wrote, "There will be a scale at the front door. No girls over 100 pounds allowed in. Start starving yourself now" (Exposay, 2007)
In an interview with Dr. Joyce Brothers, the Doctor stated, "Clearly, she is thumbing her nose at the people in rehab. It's a huge form of acting out, and it shows that the treatment for her eating disorder did not do any good" (In Touch Magazine, 2007).
Dr. Majid Ali, a nutritionist, was quoted as saying, "I would place Nicole's weight at about 83 pounds. At 5'1, she should weigh 105 to 110 pounds. You can see a bit of bloat of her belly, consistent with a malnutrition syndrome. I would be very concerned for her health if I was a family member" (In Touch Magazine, 2007).
At the BBQ, Mischa apparently fell down and shrieked that she was dying. The two girls have repeatedly denied rumors of suffering from anorexia and have done nothing to quell the suspicions. Their weight seems to drop on a constant basis and they both look dangerously sick.
Posted by Lori Henry
Serinda Swan had been modelling in her teen years after a growth spurt at the age of 14. Her five-foot-eight frame was the perfect height for modelling. But as her body developed more womanly curves, her agent told her she needed to lose weight to replicate her younger body.
Instead of going on a diet, though, she decided that losing weight to attain her dream wasn’t what she wanted to do.
"I didn't want to find out the reality that if I wanted my dream, I had to lose weight. That's a crushing dream for anybody… to change yourself to get your dream. Nobody should have to do that," she told Chatham Daily News (2007).
So giving up modelling seemed the only choice she had. But after winning the GUESS Watches International Model Search last month, everything changed. She says CEO Paul Marciano made a comment afterwards that pleasantly really surprised her.
"He stopped me and he asked me 'what size are you?"' . . . 'I'm like, a size 26, 27 in jeans.' He paused for a second and my heart started beating faster . . . and he's like, 'Just, whatever you do, don't lose any weight,’” she recalls (Chatham Daily News, 2007).
The 22-year-old model was ecstatic that she could follow her dreams without changing herself. She stays active in the outdoors of Vancouver, British Columbia, and balances her love of sweets with fruits and veggies.
Could this be a shift in the modelling world? Could too-thin be on its way out? I applaud Paul Marciano for seeing beauty and encouraging Serinda to stay the way she is.
Posted by Lori Henry
I have seen a lot of ads that make me cringe, look away in disgust and become angry over. But this one takes the cake: an ad for laxatives that’s clearly designed for people struggling with an eating disorder.
The copy reads, “Drop-dead gorgeous guts” and the campaign is called, “Beautify Your Inside.” The model is a young, 30-something woman, a far cry from the target market who use laxatives, most commonly people over 60.
I read the FAQ’s section and the top questions are: What are net carbs? And Do Metamucil Capsules have zero net carbs? If that’s not directed at Bulimics, I’m from outer space.
This ad makes me ill. People who are suffering from an eating disorder are vulnerable to just such encouragement to keep making themselves sicker. A marketing campaign such as this one are, not only created in poor taste, but are down right dangerous.
I’m looking for the mailing/email address to send complaint letters but I have yet to find it. If anyone figures it out, please let me know in the discussion forum below. Let’s speak out about horrible ads like this!
Click here to view the discussion orpost info about Proctor and Gambles address.
Posted by Lori Henry
Recently, Kate Winslet sued a magazine for reporting that she saw a diet Doctor to lose weight. An announcement this week states that she has won her settlement from Grazia magazine, a nice sum of 3,000 British pounds.
She has been outspoken about her dissatisfaction with the way the media portrays women and, fittingly, has donated the winnings to an eating disorders organization. beat, UK’s leading eating disorder charity, is the lucky recipient.
"Kate said at the time that she would donate her winnings to an eating disorder charity and that is what she has done," said Mary George of beat (In the News, 2007).
This gracious step has been highly publicized, as Winslet has been an advocate for a more positive body image for young women. She worries her own daughter will develop feelings of shame of her body because of the publics fascination with thinness.
Posted by Lori Henry
A new study is being held for people who are recovering from anorexia. It will look at experiences and opinions of the eating disorder and its treatment.
All answers and correspondence is completely confidential and anonymous. This includes email interviews that are one-on-one with the moderator.
The research has been ethically approved and is supported by the Queen Margaret University, Edinburg.
Eligibility:
- you are 18 years old or over
- you have access to the internet
- you are in the process of recovering from anorexia
- you are currently experiencing anorexia or have experienced it in the last 24 months
Participating in this type of research is a great way to give back. By sharing your experiences, better research can be done and, hopefully, better treatment given.
If you are able to be involved, please contact Sarah Williams at: swilliams@qmu.ac.uk
Posted by Lori Henry
College and university is a difficult time for some. Homework piles up, teachers and parents add stress to an already anxious workload, and making ends meet while still upholding a social life all accumulate within the first few weeks.
Eating disorders are a common way to deal with all of the pressure and new situations. Campuses are large and sometimes scary places where feeling overwhelmed is not unusual.
I recently completed an interview for the College and University feature writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen. We talked about life as a college or university student and how that lifestyle can contribute to developing eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating.
The rates reach elevated heights each year, as students strive to achieve more and more success in their post secondary education. Average grades are becoming higher as people study harder, knowing that tough competition is vying for the same jobs.
It is within this atmosphere that eating disorders are frequently born. You can read the interview by clicking here.
Posted by Lori Henry
I have spent the last three weeks in the south west of France, learning how to eat. Of course, that wasn’t the purpose of my trip, but it became a large part of it.
The French take food seriously: large meals are prepared three times a day and, generally speaking, they’re eaten sitting down with family, friends and good conversation. The dishes are savoured and they take their time finishing them. It really made me appreciate the meals that I ate and it kept me in touch with my appetite.
I’m not saying that everyone needs to go to France in order to build a better relationship with food, but a very important part of recovering from an eating disorder is learning to eat consciously in order to feel fulfilled both spiritually and physically.
I wrote an article on mindful eating, meaning eating our meals consciously and appreciating every bite. You can find it by clicking here.
Posted by Lori Henry
I found this amazing new project that I thought I would share with everyone. It’s called Real Females Unite and it’s been created by a young woman who has PASSION! She struggled with an eating disorder, bulimia, for 3 years.
She is now working on a recovery book, as well as this ambitious new project. Called Project Unplastic, she has created a new forum for people who are recovering or have recovered from an eating disorder. Note that the forum is kept positive and pro-recovery.
This is where readers can build a community of support and help inspire and encourage each other through recovery. Her hope is to have participants share ideas and thoughts on body image, societal expectations, and how to be happy and healthy women. Doesn’t sound like a bad idea!
Through Project Unplastic, she will also write a book. She wants it to be unlike all of the other eating disorder books in stores today and will focus on tools that are helpful on our journey to “health and true self-acceptance.” People can contribute to the book by emailing her to be anonymously interviewed.
If you’d like to be a part of the book or find out more info on this exciting new project, click onto Real Females Unite.
Posted by Lori Henry
Although the runway models in India are usually less sickly looking than their American counterparts, the organizers of the country’s most important fashion show, Lakme Fashion Week in Mambai, are still making an effort to promote a positive body image.
Last year, in the midst of the skinny fashion model debate, India joined several other countries like Spain and Italy in banning underweight models from working in their shows.
The program included models with ampler busts and actual behinds, a surprising site to see on the runway. But the clothing looked fantastic and the models were super confident.
Said one of the consultants of the Mumbai fashion show, Ravi Krishnan, “We don't want to project a wrong image and promote unhealthy habits.” (Yahoo! Health, 2007)
He continued by saying that the focus was on fitness rather than the ultra skinny look. The organizers also ran backup checks on all models, male and female, who were participating, making sure they weren’t suffering from an eating disorder.
Designer Abhishek Dutta commented publicly that he agreed with the direction the fashion world was going: “My models are healthy and beautiful and they can all accentuate my clothes very well. (Yahoo! Health, 2007)
This positive step has not hindered the women of India in the least. They are still winning beauty pageants around the world, most recently Miss World and Miss Universe. Millions of young girls look up to these women and hopefully this will result in fewer eating disorders in the country.
It is reported that the rate of eating disorders has been rising, as was other North American influences like obesity. The country is home to 57 million emaciated children under the age of five, according to United Nations.
Posted by Lori Henry
The daughter of Donatella Verscare, Allegra Beck, is 20 years old. Her mother has gone public and announced that she is suffering from anorexia.
She told the press via her spokesman, “Our daughter, Allegra has been battling anorexia, a very serious disease for many years. She is receiving the best medical care possible to help overcome this illness and is responding well.” (MSNBC News, 2007)
This statement has quenched the rumors that were going around the internet about Allegra’s skeletal figure. She has been photographed for many years and the rumors were getting worse.
Her mother decided to go public in order to get the media attention away from her. The statement also says that she has been battling the disease for many years and that giving her privacy during this time in her life is much appreciated while she tries to recover.
Currently, she is undergoing treatment in the United States, not in a hospital, as was recently reported.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Rosemount Australian Fashion Week has announced its decision to release “Healthy Weight and Body Image” guidelines. The focus is on media editors and photographers, who are the ones clicking the photos of the models and deciding which ones are to be published.
A part of the guidelines states that it isn’t uncommon for photos to be taken that portray the model incorrectly. Meaning, thinner than they actually are.
The head of the fashion week, Simon Long, is concerned that photographers are taking the “too skinny” controversy too far and clicking photos of models in certain poses that enhance the amount of bones protruding from their skin.
He says that photographers are waiting for the moment when the model pauses in an awkward way that makes them look thinner.
"On occasions there can be some very unfortunate poses where models may twist their hips and expose rib cages, where they can look extraordinarily thin when they are not,' he was quoted as saying. (The Daily Telegraph, 2007)
Long goes on to explain that he realizes how some young girls look up to these models obsessively and that this portrayal is negative for their self-esteem and body image.
Posted by Lori Henry
MySelfHelp.com is a fabulous new network for those looking for an encouraging on-line community to feel supported by.
Their newest initiative is a unique and fantastic idea: Pen Pals and ED Buddies. Oftentimes when recovering, we see our therapist once a week, as well as Doctors, nutritionists and whoever else is part of our “team.” But in between appointments can be the hardest time to keep feeling sane.
MySelfHelp has implemented a program where people who have been recovered can post in their profile about their strength, weaknesses and hobbies. “Little sisters” can then contact them to buddy up to have a strong support.
For those who are struggling to recovery, they can write a brief paragraph about themselves and what kind of buddy they would like. They also list their strengths, weaknesses and hobbies in order to find the right match.
The site will then post any feedback, inspiring stories or encouraging tidbits from people who have experienced this program. This is a great way to have someone who has “been there” help you through.
I don’t think MySelfHelp is in any way trying to replace professional help, but compliment it. Their program should be undertaken while still in therapy with a professional.
Visit MySelfHelp.com to join the community.
Posted by Lori Henry
After a 15-year struggle with an eating disorder, this survivor has now created a blog to help others on their own road to recovery.
She has read all of the books on eating disorder in an attempt to figure out what she was going through, earning, as she calls, “an unofficial PhD in eating disorder studies.” I’m sure many people can relate to that.
Readers can send in their information to become a part of the Official Survivor Club, allowing members to feel connected to a community of positive support.
The blog also features resources and links for more information and other like-minded sites.
I’m always excited when another great resource for recovery is created and this is certainly one that will attract those who need a little bit of light and inspiration on their journey.
You can read the blog at: http://www.edsurvivorsclub.blogspot.com
Posted by Lori Henry
Carmen Electra is known for her curvaceous body. She starred in the hit TV show Baywatch, where she strutted around in a bathing suit all day. She has also posed naked in Playboy on numerous occasions.
Another stint lead her to dancing with The Pussycat Dolls and starring in the movie I Want Candy, in which she plays “Candy.”
But it’s taken her many years to feel satisfied with her shape and feel good about her body.
She’s quoted as saying, “As a teenager, I really hated my curves. I felt quite disgusted with myself and went through periods of not eating. It definitely wasn’t healthy. Body image has always been something I’ve had to deal with but now I feel much more confident within myself.” (E Canada Now, 2007)
Posted by Lori Henry
The coverage for the recent ban of underweight models in Spain, and the controversy in Italy, the United States and London, has been tremendous. The eating disorder-related deaths of models like Luisel and Eliana Ramos, and Ana Caroline Reston, were also, and still continue to be, widely discussed.
In London, the British Fashion Council has taken the current debate and given it voice. Too-skinny models are not the only ones working, and certainly not all models have anorexia or bulimia, but the message the fashion industry is sending to young and impressionable girls is that models that they look up to have to be skin and bones in order to be considered beautiful.
Lady Kingsmill, a Labour peer and former deputy chairwoman of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, has spearheaded an inquiry into the health of models during London Fashion Week. This includes industry representatives, medical professionals and eating disorder experts.
The outcome of this report will be incorporated into next year’s London Fashion Week in September.
The Eating Disorders Association has responded positively to this action, stating, "We particularly welcome involvement of someone with such an established reputation as Lady Kingsmill." (Guardian Unlimited, 2007)
For a list of all coverage, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Taking place in British Columbia, Canada, Tannis Hugill runs fantastic authentic movement workshops for those wanting to connect with themselves and their bodies.
Below are the spring workshops coming up:
Healing artist Tannis Hugill, RCC, RDT, ADTR is a Certified Practitioner of Ecstatic Body Postures by the Cuyamungue Institute. Also a registered dance and drama therapist, BC Clinical Counsellor and creator of ritual theatre, she has been devoted to the healing arts for over 20 years. In Vancouver, her private therapy practice includes teaching workshops in Authentic Movement, and Moving Prayer. Her passion is helping others experience the healing pleasure of knowing the presence of spirit in their bodies.
Please contact Tannis at (604) 267-9951/ tannisis@shaw.ca, www.awakeningbodywisdom.com for registration and information
Witnessing Our Journey
A Workshop in Authentic Movement
Led by Tannis Hugill
April 26, 2007
7:30-9:30pm
Yoga on 7th
156 East 7th at Main
$20
Required for participation in Witnessing our Journey workshop for those with no prior Authentic Movement experience
Authentic Movement is a practice of movement meditation in the presence of a witness. The form's clear structure, and focus on the body, encourages exploration of unconscious realms for personal and spiritual growth as well as creative process. This evening's class will provide an introduction to the form enabling participants to enrich their experience of their body's guidance with trusting acceptance.
Witnessing Our JourneyLed by Tannis Hugill
A Workshop in Authentic Movement
May 3 to June 21, 2007
7:30-9:30pm
Yoga on 7th
156 East 7th at Main
$240
Discount available for students
April 26 Introduction required for those with no prior Authentic Movement experience
Authentic Movement is a moving meditation in the presence of a supportive witness. It is used for personal growth, creativity and spiritual reflection. In this workshop we will learn and practice this form to inhabit ourselves with trusting acceptance.
When we are moved by the wisdom of our bodies, we discover our power, our passion, and the gifts of our life¹s sacred journey.
Moving with Spirit:
Ecstatic Body Postures and Authentic Movement
with Tannis Hugill
Saturday, May 12, 2007
10 am to 5:30 pm
Pacific Mountain Centre
3309 Dunbar at 17th
$85 - $65 for students
Open to the wisdom of the body, the earth, our ancestors, and spirit.
Learn to journey to the realms of Non-ordinary Reality using ŒEcstatic Body Postures¹ and integrate the teachings of spirit into conscious awareness with Authentic Movement.
Posted by Lori Henry
The world knows actor Dennis Quaid as a heartthrob and talented performer. It was a surprise, then, when he admitted to struggling with anorexia during the 1990’s.
Now dubbed “Manorexia,” which encompasses men who struggle with anorexia, Quaid said it began when he lost 40 pounds for the role of Doc Holliday in the film Wyatt Earp.
"I'd look in the mirror and still see a 180-lb. guy, even though I was 138 pounds," he was quoted as saying. “For many years, I was obsessed about what I was eating, how many calories it had, and how much exercise I'd have to do." (People Magazine, 2006)
Experts and eating disorder Doctors sighed a collective relief when he spoke out, as men with eating disorders are usually feeling even more shame than women about battling a “female” disease.
Men often feel humiliated to come forward because of the stigma attached to eating disorders, and don’t get help. This leads to them struggling alone and without professional assistance.
For more resources on men and eating disorders, please read the article here.
Posted by Lori Henry
David Beckwermert was known as a successful businessman, being the CEO and President of a billion-dollar Calgary oil and gas company. His family life was idyllic, with a long-term marriage and 3 children, but he was hiding a painful secret.
Berckwermert has suffered from bulimia for most of his adult life. He admitted to purging up to 10 times a day, feeling out of control and powerless.
"I'd overeat, then go to the bathroom and puke. I didn't think about it any more than I did washing my hands or brushing my teeth," he says in an interview (The Vancouver Sun, 2007).
He began bulimic behavior when he was in university. A job at a logging camp became available and he jumped at the opportunity. What he didn’t anticipate was the abundance of good food that a college life of Kraft dinner and noodles denied him.
But because his mother was overweight, he knew he didn’t want to gain weight. Thus began his dangerous dance with bulimia, which lasted for many years to come.
He would now like to lessen his job as an executive and send more energy helping others with eating disorders and emotional eating issues.
Posted by Lori Henry
Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie have been inescapable in the headlines for the past couple of years. More than even their dense comments and partying ways, is coverage about their alleged eating disorders.
Nicole has lost an extreme amount of weight in the past year, which she denies as being anorexic behavior, and Paris was believed to be bulimic after her cell phone and all of its information was stolen and publicized.
Now the stars of The Simple Life are gearing up for a new jaunt in the area of body image. They will be counselors at an overweight camp for those who are trying to lose weight.
A rep for E! confirms this news and the show will be aired during the 5th season on The Simple Life.
The rep is quoted as saying, “They are going to be camp counselors at one camp in the Southern California Mountain. The camp has five different themes. Each week will be a different theme. And yes, one week is a weight loss/fitness camp. It’s not a fat camp.” (US Magazine, 2007)
Posted by Lori Henry
Scarlet Pomers is an actress and musician who has recently come out about her struggle with anorexia.
She is an ambassador for NEDA and has lent her voice to their current PSA campaign, along with other celebrities like Paula Abdul and Wyonna Judd.
Scarlett’s charity, Arch-Angels, was created to benefit NEDA. At only 18-years-old, she kicked off her multi-single record, Project Chains, on May 18, 2007, on behalf of eating disorders.
This week, she announced that she has raised $7,300.00 for NEDA. Through an auction on e-bay, a guitar was donated by Minarik Guitars, who also endorses Scarlett. The auction went live on February 25 and ended on March 7, 2007.
The guitar was a Fireburst Goddess and was signed by Scarlett Pomers, Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, Terri Nunn, Reba McEntire, Sara Evans, Rob Zombie, Motorhead, Lit, Hoobastank, Queens of the Stone Age, Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, The Vandals), Steve Vai, and Lacuna Coil.
Scarlett is doing major work around the issue of eating disorders and teenaged girls all over the world have written to her in thanks for coming out about her struggle.
She has written her story on the NEDA website (www.edap.org), as well as info if you’d like to donate to her charity, Arch-Angels.
You can buy her album, Project Chains, through her website: www.scarlettpomers.com. Proceeds will go towards NEDA.
Posted by Lori Henry
A new film, titled, Generation XXL, follows 4 teenagers as they deal with their weight and the lives around them. The movie strives to present obesity as a far more complicated issue than just eating less or getting off the couch.
LOGLINE:
“Four overweight teenagers in Nova Scotia struggle with issues of body image and selfesteem, and attend an intervention program that may help set them on a healthier path.”
The intervention program they attend is called FIT Intervention, and was designed by youth specialist Peter Davison and a series of experts specializing in youth and body image disorders.
The program was created to empower young people by helping them understand themselves and societal influences.
Teresa MacInnes directs this timely film and is a former social worker. She came to the film after it was developed by Ziji Film and Television Ltd. with a fascination with youth. She stresses that headlines are written about them everyday, yet many don’t really understand them.
Canadians can catch the documentary on CBC Newsworld on March 17th, 2007 at 9:00am EST.
Otherwise, it will screen on between April 13th and 20th at the Sprockets International Film Festival for Children, and at the Viewfinders International Film Festival for Youth in Halifax between April 24th and 28th, 2007.
Posted by Lori Henry
Another celebrity, Britney Spears, has admitted that she suffered from bulimia
Spears has had her share of front-page scandals and drama. Her latest expose is her confession of struggling with bulimia since she was 16-years-old. She told Doctors that she binges on fast food like hamburgers, chocolate, ice cream and donuts, and then purges because she’s afraid of gaining weight.
A “source” was quoted as saying, “Doctors are alarmed at the physical state she is in. They confronted her about her desperately unhealthy lifestyle and the truth came pouring out” (Britney Spears Watch, 2007).
Britney has said that she stopped her behavior while she was pregnant with her 2 sons, but fell back into it when she was desperate to lose the weight she had gained from the pregnancy.
The reports from the rehab staff say that she was a wreck when she arrived for treatment, shaking, turning hot and then cold, and throwing up all of the food she was eating. Although the Doctors initially thought the vomiting was from the medication, she soon confessed that she was bulimic.
More and more celebrities are speaking out about their struggle with eating disorders. What was once a hushed topic has now become one of the most publicized topics in recent months. With the deaths and banning of underweight models, when will people start taking these deadly diseases seriously?
Posted by Lori Henry
A writer has contacted me regarding a new e-book being compiled about people who have recovered from anorexia. She is looking for stories to add for those who have used alternative treatment to recover.
Interviews would take place via email and anonymity would be guaranteed if you wish to participate but don’t want to reveal your name. The discussion would take place over a few hours on email.
It is important that those of us who have experience to share with eating disorders share our stories. This is a wonderful way to help others get on the road to recovery.
You can contact the writer at: bonny@netwriter.ca
Posted by Lori Henry
Bradley Bayou was a designer for celebrities, working as the creative director at Halston. He dressed stars such as Drew Barrymore, Halle Berry and Oprah.
But after a bit of a crash that lead Halston’s to struggle with its business, they found themselves not attracting the name stars they once did.
Then came along Queen Latifah, who needed a dress for her 2003 Academy Award nomination for Chicago. Bayou created a Hollywood Golden Age-style gown that was an instant classic. Made of blue satin, it hugged Latifah’s curves in all the right ways.
Thus began Bayou’s surge of more full figured celebrities. Clients such as Barbara Streisand, Mariah Carey, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Salma Hayek began calling him up to get their dresses designed.
"I began to understand different-shaped women and what makes them look good," Bayou said. "There are major groups of women in this country . . . where do they shop? I want to help women. Style should be something that's affordable and offered to everyone no matter what their size is. I'm going to do more and more and more for everyone."
Well, full figured actresses are still a lot different from average women, but it’s a start. The realization that women of all sizes need fabulous clothing that they can wear might be news to the design industry, but women have been vying for this for years.
Bradley followed his instincts and wrote a book called The Science of Sexy Gotham Books, where he researched 10,000 women and men of all sizes to come up with 48 body types. The book includes tips for each one, as well as advice for which styles will work for each type.
He gets points for trying. "I am not trying to tell you what to wear," Bayou said. "I am trying to tell what will look good on practically any body type. It's a basic foundation to have."
Ironically, Bayou’s daughter struggled with bulimia in her late teen years, without him knowing it. Now, 27, she has gotten help and is proud that her father is making a difference.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Women’s Expo is being held this year at Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) on March 10-11, 2007. Over 150 exhibitors will be sharing their wares, services and products.
Exhibitors include, but are not limited to, women-based businesses, educational opportunities, motivational speakers, used books, home improvement, health and fitness, support groups for women, and fashion and cosmetics.
The expo is being put on by the AAWCC, “a non-profit national organization dedicated to women in community colleges and local businesses, working towards making a connection for everyone.”
There will be a talk entitled “Health at Every Size: The Truth About Your Weight and Your Health and The Nondiet Approach To Weight Management” by Deborah Kauffman.
It will take place at Gym 1 on Saturday March 10. You can also visit her booth, “Mindfulness Based Nutrition Counseling" for more information on her work.
Event Details:
Women's Expo at CCBC Catonsville
800 South Rolling Road
Baltimore, MD 21228
www.womensexpomd.com
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Sunday, March 11, 2007
10:00 AM -- 5:00 PM
Admission $6.00 per day at the door
Students with valid College ID get in FREE
Posted by Lori Henry
Eating in the Light of the Moon, by Anita Johnston, uses metaphor and storytelling to explore women’s relationships with food. It digs deeper than most books to flesh out how women relate to themselves.
Shelley Jensen, of “S” Team Counselling Services, is hosting an Eating in the Light of the Moon Book Study Group for those who want to look within for the answer to the question: why do I eat emotionally?
The group meets once a week for 6 weeks in a 2-hour block of time. The last week includes a small celebration for the completion of the workshop.
Participants are given homework after each group, based around “pondering questions” such as, What are you telling yourself that is keeping you frightened of your own power? or Can you describe a time when you chose to take a chance and followed your intuition even when others in your life criticized you? How did you feel?
Affirmations are also included to help each woman celebrate the work she has done and the work she has yet to do within herself.
I have attended one of the groups and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. Shelley is a supportive and inspiring facilitator and creates a warm and loving environment in which to seek the truth within ourselves.
The sessions are on-going, so contact Shelley Jensen for more information on when the next group starts.
All workshops are held at the “S” Team Counselling office:
2300 - 2850 Shaughnessy Street,
Port Coquitlam, BC,
Canada V3C 6K5
Tel: 604-552-4363
Fax: 604-463-3132
Email: shelleysteam@telus.net
Web: www.shelleyjensensteam.com
Posted by Lori Henry
The Tyra Banks Show is at it again. Tyra has created a new project to help women accept their true size, whatever that may be.
She is encouraging women to overcome a body image issue, relationship crises, emotional challenge or “a fashion emergency.”
“It's for women everywhere who've been counted out or kicked down but had the strength to pull themselves back up. Life is what you make of it, not what you're handed.”
The show’s website asks women to send in their “So What!” moments. Billed as a “self-esteem” homework assignment, she is inviting people to celebrate those moments when they “did it.”
Whether it’s overcoming an eating disorder, speaking up for yourself, or telling the dressing room of a retail store that your butt looks good in your jeans, the challenge is to take a risk.
I think this is an amazing campaign and has got many women speaking out about things that they have found shameful for their entire lives.
One show had the audience members in the red bathing suits that Tyra wore on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, adorned with their weight. They wore it proud and it was empowering to watch.
I would never have watched her show if it wasn’t for all of the important issues she’s been tackling. Now, I’m just trying to keep up with them and hope that she continues her crusade to tell women they’re okay exactly the way they are.
Posted by Lori Henry
In an interview with Australian Woman’s Day magazine, Olivia Newton-John’s daughter, 21-year-old Chloe Lattanzi, talks about her struggle with anorexia.
Asked whether her mother saw the signs of her disorder, Chloe responded, “I think that it’s hard for a parent to notice what their child is going through. Maybe sometimes parents don’t want to notice what’s going on. As a parent, you want to think everything is ok.”
In speaking about recovering, she is now taking good care of herself and being honest with those around her. “It hurts my heart when I think how many girls are going through that [an eating disorder], and I’m lucky that I got through it because it’s a fatal thing if you don’t pull through it.”
Most importantly, Olivia Newton-John commented on what parents can do if they find out their child is diagnosed with an eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating or compulsive overeating.
“…the parent needs to look at why their child has developed such a detrimental disease. And look at the issues causing the disorder. Listen to your child. Be supportive.
“Eating disorders are usually nothing to do with food. Parents need to be with their child to see them through it. All the therapists in the world can’t help if the parents aren’t present, loving and proactive.”
Well said.
Chloe's new album, Lonely Nights In Paradise, will be released sometime this year.
Posted by Lori Henry
Deborah Kauffman, RD, LDN, provides nutrition counseling to children, adolescents and adults with disordered eating. Her services have been in existence since 1990 and she was previously the Director of Nutrition Services at the Center for Eating Disorders at St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson.
This Wednesday February 28th, 2007, she will be interviewed with Sharon Peterson on the Woman Talk Live radio show in celebration of Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
The show focuses on “woman stuff,” including eating disorders and body image.
You can listen to the show live on Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:00pm, or on the podcasts a week later.
The details for tuning in are:
Live Show: Wednesday Feb. 28th from 6:00-7:00pm
Station: WVIE 1370 AM in Baltimore
Live Webcast: www.v1370.com (Click on the Listen Live button in the upper left hand corner)
Show Replay: The following Saturday from 8:00-9:00am (either on air or webfeed)
Podcast: usually available within one week
More information can be found about Deborah Kauffman at: www.edcbaltimore.org
She will also have a booth at the Women’s Expo from March 11th -12th (www.womensexpomd.com)
Posted by Lori Henry
I wanted to announce that a writer for the top selling “Practical Parenting” magazine in the UK is doing an article on eating disorders and pregnancy. She is seeking people to interview for her piece.
I haven’t done a lot of research into this aspect of disordered eating, but it’s a wonderful opportunity for someone who knows about it to share their knowledge with other women. Specifically, she’s looking for women who have gone through a pregnancy and struggled with an eating disorder to share their experience.
If you or someone you know would be interested in contributing to this important article, please email the writer at:
Catherine Bruton, jonny@bruton99.freeserve.co.uk
The interview would be done either by email or telephone and the article approved by the interviewee before being submitted. Sounds like a fantastic chance to get awareness around this issue.
Posted by Lori Henry
Naomi Campbell has been around the modeling industry for years. It has given her a long and successful career in an industry where only a select few are given that opportunity.
It’s no wonder, then, that she backs the industries position on the recent ban of underweight models on the runways.
She has publicly commented that she doesn’t believe the modeling industry promotes eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia amongst young girls and women.
After accepting her award at the Elle Style Awards in London, she stated: "You can't blame the industry for a psychological disease. It is a disease, like alcohol or drugs, and the industry is not to blame."
She does, though, believe that the new guideline set out by the UK and United States, that models must be over the age of 16 years old to walk down the runway, is something that pleases her.
For coverage on the ban of underweight models, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Kate Winslet has long been an advocate for a more positive body image in the entertainment industry. She leads by example by maintaining a healthy weight and solid career.
Recently, though, Grazia claimed that she had visited a Chinese Healing Institute in California for weight loss and treating her neck pain. But she is outraged that such insinuations are being made.
"I'm very upset, it's categorically untrue, it's a complete lie. I don't want people thinking that I would ever go to a diet doctor. I never have done, and I never will,” says Winslet to Newsbeat (BBC Radio 1).
"I will continue to say what I feel about this issue of women being thin and emaciated. It's just out of control.
"I know I am a role model to young women, it's a role I take very very seriously. I would never want anyone to think I was a hypocrite in doing something like going to a diet doctor, for goodness sake. I mean, it's really, really ridiculous."
Posted by Lori Henry
This past year was filled with enough controversy surrounding underweight models than in recent years. Spain, Italy, the United States and the UK have all either banned super thin models outright, or have put specific guidelines into place to discourage underweight girls from working.
But now the models and agents are fighting back. Agencies are threatening to take legal action on the new regulations, citing discrimination.
Alexandra Shulmna, Editor of Vogue and member of the London Fashion Council, says, “We would not be allowed to discriminate in that way. It would be like saying you can't have black or white models. By imposing new rules on models' size, you would be trying to prove whether someone was ill or well.”
Melissa Richardson, director of Take Two modeling agency, adds, “Although being thin is a prerequisite for this kind of work, it's also important that you eat well. Lots of models eat a lot and stay thin. They do not deserve to be pilloried. They have got more litigious.”
Posted by Lori Henry
Many Moore is a 22-year-old singer turned actress, popular amongst the tween set. Since having moved into the film arena, she has had to deal with body image compared to her very thin counterparts.
She comments, "I'm not like a toothpick, and I never will be. I'm just a regular-looking person- and that's okay. It's taken a while to come to grips with that since it's definitely not the norm in my business. But like, who cares?"
"I want to be healthy, but in an industry where you can't wear a sample size because it's like a 0 or a 2, it makes you feel bad about yourself. To go to a photo shoot, it's like, 'Ugh, God, can't you just at least get a regular size, like a 6 or 8 or something?”
Her latest film, Because I Said So, with Diane Keaton, challenged her by appearing in just underwear in a scene.
"I'm super self-conscious. What girl really feels comfortable about being on a gigantic movie screen with her butt there? Everything is in full view, but in the end, I decided just to dive right in and go for it. Why not? I'm embarrassed of it but yeah, it's over."
She is now working on her latest CD, titled Wild Hope, which will be released in May.
Posted by Lori Henry
There have always been 3 categories for eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating. The rest were categorized into EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified).
This study, conducted by McLean Hospital, found that binge eating is more common that the other disorders. The behavior also stays longer with the individual than all of the other disorders.
Research shows that anorexia lasts 1.7 years, but binge eating lasts, on average, 8.1 years. Without treatment, it can lead to obesity and unhealthy weight.
Along with the “title” of now being an official disorder, what it does bring about is more awareness. Hopefully this will mean better treatment and resources for people desperately needing help.
Posted by Lori Henry
The advent of Pro Anorexia websites began over 6 years ago, with sites popping up on the internet encouraging people to choose anorexia as a lifestyle, rather than an illness. The sites are also scarily filled with photos of celebrities and models that the readers idolize and whose bones protrude from their skin.
The text motivates people to starve themselves on the least amount of calories possible in order to be the best anorexic they can be. Tips are offered when you get hungry and “reverse trigger” photos can be found of overweight individuals who they never want to look like.
The first study of its kind on Pro Anorexia sites was published last year in European Eating Disorder Review. One of the researchers, Anna Bardone-Cone, who works with eating disorder clients, realizes that they do provide support for individuals who need so desperately to not feel alone, but “our concern, as people who work with eating disorders and are interested in women’s health, is that in addition to the support, they get stuck in the disorder.”
The debate rages as to whether the sites can be banned, as the Health authorities in Spain have done. Says Pro-Ana Nation, “Some people ask if it is ethically acceptable to allow pro-ana Web sites. “In my opinion, if they start banning pro-ana sites, they may as well censor the pages of the major fashion magazines, with their features on... ‘The latest diets to help you fight the flab.’
“Fashion magazines will often provide advice on exercise and ‘healthy’ eating alongside pictures of genuinely underweight models, many of whom appear on the “thinspiration” sections of pro-ana Web sites. To censor pro-ana sites in the face of this kind of material seems hypocritical, to say the least.”
Continue on to the Pro Ana article by clicking here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Spain is taking yet another step towards making changes in the body image department. After being the first country ban underweight models on runways, she is now changing the way store mannequins look.
Thousands of women between the ages of 12 and 70 are being asked to undergo body scans for mannequins to be re-designed to reflect more women. Some of the countries largest chain stores- Zara, Mango, Bershka and Massimo Dutti- have already signed on to honor this new initiative.
Says Domingo Roibás, a spokesman for the ministry, “The idea is that the mannequins should not falsify reality, that they should be within the range of measurement of Spanish women.”
But mannequin manufacturers are not too happy: “Are we saying that people who are a little bit plumper are becoming anorexic because they see skinny mannequins in the windows?” asked Lars Nielsen of Hindsgaul Mannequins.
“There are so many sources for people to be reminded about the perfect body- I don’t think the mannequins in the window have anything to do with that… What we are manufacturing is just a tool to be used in clothing stores so they can sell more clothes,” he said, “just like shelf fixtures and light fixtures and cash registers. It’s not meant to be a reproduction of the human body.”
Posted by Lori Henry
It was announced at the end of last week that London Fashion Week leaders will not follow Spain and Italy by banning underweight models.
The British Fashion Council has instead released that they will encourage designers and agencies to enforce a healthy body image in their models and that they should only book women over the age of 15.
The official statement from the council members is:
"We have asked designers, model agencies and image makers to respect this responsibility and to use only healthy models for their collections. Additionally, we recommend that only models aged 16 or over are used. We believe that regulation is neither desirable nor enforceable. What will make a difference is the commitment of the fashion industry to change attitudes through behavior and education."
Posted by Lori Henry
After photos of Tyra Banks appeared on a website titled, “Tyra Banks is Fat,” she talks about the media’s obsession with weight and those photos in an upcoming show.
She’ll bring models on, one plus sized, the other extremely thin, and discuss the pressures women face to be thin. She will also address the recent death of Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston, who died late last year from complications of anorexia.
The show will air Thursday February 1st, 2007. Check out http://tyrashow.warnerbros.com for listings in your area.
Read the accompanying article here.
Posted by Lori Henry
The You Are Not Alone Volume 2 will be released this year after the success of its predecessor, You Are Not Alone: The Book Of Companionship For Women Struggling With Eating Disorders.
Along with a book including personal eating disorder recovery stories, inspirational poems and artwork, there will be an accompanying CD with recovery songs.
Andrea Roe and Shannon Cutts are looking for submissions for this ambitious compilation. If you have a story, poem, piece of artwork or song that you would like to submit or have any other questions, please contact Andrea at: andrea@youarenotalonebook.com
You can view the work that Andrea’s doing at: www.eating-disorder-information.com
For more information about Shannon Cutts, check out: www.key-to-life.com
Posted by Lori Henry
Disordered Eating Awareness Week happens every year in February. Jessie’s Hope Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positive body image, is hosting their annual Youth Poster and Video Campaign.
The project gives youth a chance to express what living a “body positive” life means to them in a creative way. It encourages dialogue within schools and young people to define what a healthy world would look like through their eyes.
It also provides teachers, counselors, youth workers, parents and their communities with a tool to motivate students to speak their voice.
Submissions are accepted during Disordered Eating Awareness Week, February 4-10, 2007. Contact Jessie’s Hope Society’s office for information about acceptable formats and to see the previous year’s winners.
www.jessieshope.org
Posted by Lori Henry
The heat from the media and the public lately towards models and eating disorders has been great. Gisele lashed out last week that it was families who caused anorexia, not runway models and celebrities.
But researchers have bit back with the opinion that her comments are damaging.
"An uninformed opinion such as Bundchen's causes harm on a number of levels. By contributing to the stigma, it drives sufferers underground and creates obstacles to seeking help. It damages attempts at advocacy and hurts parents who are desperately fighting for their child's recovery," said Allan S. Kaplan, M.D.
"Such thinking also misinforms third party payers who may not want to pay for the treatment of these biologically-based illnesses if they think its primary cause is family dysfunction."
Bloggers around the world are also upset that Gisele, who has no authority on eating disorders, has made such a comment that millions of people will be listening to.
Dr. Walter H. Kaye, M.D. says, "We often hear that societal pressures to be thin cause many young women and men to develop an eating disorder. Many individuals in our culture, for a number of reasons, are concerned with their weight and diet. Yet less than half of 1 percent of all women develop anorexia nervosa, which indicates to us that societal pressure alone isn't enough to cause someone to develop this disease."
"Our research has found that genes seem to play a substantial role in determining who is vulnerable to developing an eating disorder. However, the societal pressure isn't irrelevant; it may be the environmental trigger that releases a person's genetic risk. Families should not be blamed for causing anorexia. In fact, they are often devastated and suffer from the consequences of this illness."
Posted by Lori Henry
The Daily Mail published a picture of Keira Knightly in a bikini at the beach. The article that accompanied the photo claimed that she had lied about suffering from an eating disorder.
She is suing on the suggestion that she has lied about being sick and that she is responsible for the recent deaths of models who had suffered from anorexia.
The photo shows her walking out of the water. Although her body is skinny and muscular, this in no way implies that she has an eating disorder. What this ordeal does point out, though, is how quick the public is to blame someone for a much bigger problem.
I usually don’t find myself defending situations such as these, but I think it shows how little people know about anorexia and bulimia. You can’t tell if a person is sick by the size of their body.
I was bulimic for many years and my size didn’t change much at all. Conversely, I know many people who were harassed as children and teenagers because they couldn’t gain weight to save their lives.
Eating disorders are a serious epidemic, but that is no reason to blame celebrities without knowing anything about them. I’m not condoning ALL skinny celebrities, but let’s not waste our time pointing our fingers at them when we could be doing much more meaningful and effective work.
Posted by Lori Henry
Hot on the heels of the hit, Super Size Me, Dawn Porter’s new documentary, Super Skinny Me: The Race to Size Zero, follows her on her quest to lose weight. But she’s not overweight, just an average size 12 gal who wants to show the dangers of starving yourself.
“So many young girls are willing to starve themselves to become a model. This documentary has a very worthy message,” she says.
She goes on diet of 500 calories a day for 2 months, documenting how she reacts. Small portions and a team of nutritionists and psychologists, are on hand to help her deal with the mental consequences of starvation.
“I suffered from extreme depression four or five weeks into it. I could not even face leaving the flat. I had chronic insomnia and felt like a total social reject.”
Her aim is to demonstrate the outcome of going on an extreme diet to attain a perfection that is unhealthy.
”When I started the programme, I was physically in perfect shape. The only reason to lose weight was aesthetic. I knew I wasn’t going to get to a size 0 but I wanted to show what had to be done to maintain that lifestyle.”
Posted by Lori Henry
The Joy Project is running full steam ahead, now offering support groups to include extended supportive programming (like an intensive outpatient program without the individual therapy and prescribed meal plan).
This extended support program is designed to give people opportunities to socialize in a safe environment, to teach them skills which they can use to help their recovery process along, and to encourage them to reach out to others for social support.
Planned activities include: arts & crafts classes, yoga, kickboxing, and self-defense classes (for those who are medically stable and wish to be physically active in a way that does not focus on burning calories and weight loss), museum trips, movie nights, group dinners followed by group activities, and group opportunities for volunteering at other organizations.
We're also focused on getting the message out that eating disorders come in ALL shapes and sizes, and that the media's portrayal of the 60-lb anorectic is FAR from the norm.
We also differ from many treatment centers in our overall philosophy- we don't focus so much on 'gaining weight' as the main goal in recovery. We like to encourage a balanced and fulfilling life, which INCLUDES healthy eating habits, but also includes being social, having healthy relationships, enjoying fun activities, finding a profession, and ultimately, being the best YOU that you can be.
Their website is: www.joyproject.org
Posted by Lori Henry
The Body Song is a CD for children ages 3-6 years old. Although only 6 minutes in length and geared towards girls, the music is empowering and upbeat. Lyrics include gems like “name without shame,” and “I love my body from my toes to my chin.”
With lyrics aimed at encouraging kids to feel pride, strength and positive thoughts about themselves and others, this is a great way to give confidence to the next generation.
Creators Anita Roberts, the founder of SAFETEEN (www.safeteen.com), partners up with singer Yve Narlock and two young friends.
The CD costs $12 CND and can be ordered by emailing safeteen@telus.net.
Posted by Lori Henry
Mission StatementThe Joy Project is a non-profit, grassroots organization based on the philosophy of using real-world, workable solutions to end the epidemic of eating disorders. We work towards reducing the rate and severity of eating disorders by supporting and conducting research, education, and support programs. The Joy Project does not seek to replace or discourage traditional or current treatments, but to expand the options for treatment. We seek to make treatment options more accessible to anyone affected and find and implement ways to make treatment more effective. The Joy Project seeks to empower individuals with eating disorders to be active participants in their own recovery.
Support Group
They hold ANAD eating-disorder recovery support group meetings every Monday at 6:30pm.
New members are always welcome
Location: University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414-1437
Both people with eating disorders and their loved ones are welcome. You do not need to have been diagnosed with an eating disorder to attend.
For more information, please email joy.project@yahoo.comFor more information on ANAD, check out www.anad.org
Read more about The Joy Project here.
Posted by Lori Henry
The hit US television show, Ugly Betty, stars America Ferrera, playing a young secretary to a publishing mogul. She hired for the sole reason that she seems to be the only woman in New York that the boss won’t try to sleep with.
She’s plain, not skinny, sports glasses and braces, and is not your typical staff member of the hottest fashion magazine in the city.
The actress says to World Entertainment News Network, "To me, Betty is an opportunity to represent a generation of young women who don't recognise themselves on anything they are watching.
"The whole issue of body image and weight exists for everybody in the West. I'm not a model, I'm a normal human being. I have days when I feel like I'm queen of the universe, then others when I feel as though I just want to crawl back into bed because I feel gross."
Posted by Lori Henry
After the fashion world in Spain was banned underweight models from walking down the runway, health authorities are now cracking down on pro- anorexia web sites. One in particular is gaining attention.
The Great Ana Competition is a site that awards a diploma to the participants who eat the least amount of calories during a 2-week span. The scoring system they use is one that Doctors consider malnutrition.
The officials have stated the site is a “serious health risk for young people” and has warned of the mortality rate of those who follow such a diet. The government in Spain has put forth to a judge whether the site owners are criminally liable for the content.
For coverage on the ban of underweight models, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Jamie-Lynn Sigler is the star of TV show The Sorpanos and is also the spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association. She struggled with an eating disorder during the beginning part of the filming of the show.
This year she has decided to go all the way, appearing completely nude on screen. Although she admits she might have to down a shot of alcohol first, she has matured and has changed her opinion on nude scenes, which was previously a decided “no.”
She states, "When I was 21, I would have said, 'Absolutely not, no way.' But now I'm 25. I'm learning so much about myself every day... I'd probably be a nervous wreck beforehand and have to have two glasses of wine, but who knows? If it was appropriate and necessary, why not?"
Posted by Lori Henry
Beauty magazine was a youth publication distributed to high schools, dance centers, youth groups and other locations in Canada. I was the publisher of this resource and was extremely disappointed when publication had to stop due to lack of funding.
Many readers have requested that I sell back issues in order for them to own a complete set of these collector items. I have made them available and they are for sale as of today!
You can view images of the magazine’s covers by clicking here.
Orders are made via Paypal using the email money request option. I will send you an invoice if you include:
- how many sets you want (5 issues each)
- your name, email address, and shipping address
Send an email to me at: eatingdisorders @ suite101.com.
Pricing is below:
Beauty magazine's back issue collectors items are now being sold in complete sets (5 issues). They go for $10.00 USD each set (incl. tax).
Shipping Prices: within Canada- add $4.00, in the United States- add $6.00, outside of North America- add $10.00
Thanks for supporting this amazing project!
Posted by Lori Henry
A new study by Université de Montreal neuroscientist, Stephanie Fulton, was released last week in Neuron, a scientific journal. Her study was done on obese mice and focused on the relationship between binging and other addictions.
“There’s something going on that’s hard to control,” says Stephanie.
“Even though we’re full, even though all the signals are there, the fact is that our habits override our metabolic needs.”
The full article on this study can be found by clicking here.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Council of Fashion Designers of America in Manhattan has issued model restrictions for the industry in the United States. Following the recent bans on underweight models in Madrid and Milan, the USA fashion industry has gotten together for a meeting to decide whether to follow suit.
The president of the council, Diane von Furstenberg, was quoted as saying, “It is important as a fashion industry to show our interest and see what we can do because we are in a business of image. But I feel like we should promote health as a part of beauty rather than setting rules.”
They’ve decided to issue guidelines for designers that promote a healthier atmosphere. They will allegedly include scheduling fittings with young models during the day to promote getting a better night’s sleep; advising designers to identify models with eating disorders, rather than ignoring their behavior; and providing healthier food backstage during shows, which can currently run the gamut of only cigarettes and Champagne.
These recommendations are paltry compared to the strict enforcement the other 2 countries’ have been and is sure to spark more controversy among critics. These guidelines will likely go into effect for the fashion season that begins in New York on February 2nd.
As Patrick O’Connell, a spokesman for Vogue Editor’s Anna Wintour, says, “The feeling is that it is not realistic to dictate or impose rules on a huge fashion industry. However, we do believe raising awareness and consciousness will go the furthest toward increasing people’s sensitivities to the problem.”
For a list of all coverage, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Weight loss pills are advertised all over the internet, as well as on TV, the radio, in print and anywhere else were people will look. The industry is huge and seems to be growing everyday.
The Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday that it was fining diet pill marketers, though, as they falsely advertise many things. The 4 companies being sued are Xenadrine EFX, CortiSlim, One-A-Day WeightSmart and TrimSpa.
Unfortunately, the drugs will still be allowed to stay on the shelves.
"It is resolution time again, isn't it?" said Deborah Platt Majoras, chairman to the Federal Trade Commission. "We're implementing our resolution to fight back against companies that use deceptive advertising claims."
The biggest problem is celebrities endorsing products, which makes them popular without any further research.
"Testimonials from individuals are not a substitute for science," Majoras said. "And that's what Americans need to understand."
The amount of the collective fines is $25 million USD.
Posted by Lori Henry
Researchers in New York have finished a study on Binge Eating Disorder that states it has a longer life than anorexia or bulimia.
"There has been a long-standing question as to whether binge-eating disorder is a genuine disorder, in and of itself, or simply a non-specific pattern of eating," says Dr Harrison G Pope, Jr, told Reuters Health.
The study brought in 131 adults with binge eating disorder, 18 with anorexia and 17 with bulimia. The average duration of the disorder was 14.4 years, whereas bulimia is 5.8 and anorexia 5.9 years.
"Our study suggests that binge eating disorder is quite chronic and stable, which favors the possibility that binge eating disorder is an actual psychiatric disorder, rather than simply a non-specific pattern of eating," Pope said.
This will help the professional field consider binge eating disorder as one that needs as much care as the others and, hopefully, will require more treatment options to be created.
Posted by Lori Henry
About.com has launched a new section on their vast resource: Eating Disorders. Matthew Tiemeyer delves into issues surrounding disordered eating and offers readers solid information about topics they want to read about.
Keep healthy by checking back on new articles that offer both facts and support. The coverage is already wide and varied, providing an in-depth look at the important issues surrounding eating disorders.
Take a look around and leave him your comments. This is a great resource for those needing well-researched and timely articles.
Click here to visit his site.
Another great resource is Joanna Poppink's Site: www.poppink.com, which provides a wide range of information about eating disorders.
Posted by Lori Henry
With all of the attention recently on the banning of super thin models in Spain and Italy, as well as the deaths of Ana Carolina Reston and Luisel Ramos, both young models, the questions is a popular one.
I conducted a poll on the subject and the results are in!
Question: Do you think the recent deaths of 2 models from anorexia will change anything in the industry?
Answers:
27.69% said “Not Really”
24.6% said “Yes, I think people will take more notice”
23.1% said “No, it’s hard to make changes to such a large industry”
18.46% said “No way, things will never change”
6.15% said “Yes, it will get more shapely models on the runway
Posted by Lori Henry
In order to treat suicidal patients who are being cared for in eating disorder treatment, scientists have studied this in patients aged 12-17 years old. 37 teenagers from the Center for Eating Disorders and Odene University Hospital participated in this study.
By giving them each a questionnaire and putting them through an interview, researchers found that suicidal behavior was more prevalent in teens also dealing with an eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating.
The findings also showed that the rates were higher for the younger set of teenagers, which they will do further testing on. On top of the physical dangers of suffering from an eating disorder, there is the fatality rate from suicide.
Posted by Lori Henry
Shirley Enriquez’s Maxine holiday 2006 collection was created for women of all shapes and sizes. From casual pieces to chic fabrics and stretch materials, women are calling it “sexy” and “fresh.” She calls it Maxine.
The smallest size is a 10 and she says, “We had to understand the real needs of our market. With their body type, for example, it was especially difficult to find jeans that fit just right. We realized that it’s not enough to provide trendy, casual clothes. What’s important is the fit.”
Shirley herself is a petite woman, but her desire to make sexy clothing for larger women is due to the fact that she realizes how hard it is to find the right fit for women who aren't built like sticks.
The line now has 20 branches in major department stores and Ayala Trinoma Mall in Quezon City will be home to the collection’s first boutique. The future holds an accessories line for bags and shoes.
“I want to build their confidence and encourage them to come out and say, ‘I’m beautiful. “It’s all a matter of believing in oneself and redefining the real essence of beauty. Maxine aims to create a strong positive image for the full-figured Filipina.”
Posted by Lori Henry
But not in the way that one might think. She is still determined to tell the public that she is healthy and does not suffer from anorexia.
"I think there's a big difference between someone having an eating disorder and someone who is controlled about what they eat. There's a big difference, and every now and then of course I go out and eat what I like. But I do try to be quite disciplined in the way that I eat," she tells People magazine.
"I eat really healthy, I love Japanese food, lots of fish, any sort of fish, any sort of vegetable, lots of fruit, that kind of thing."
She also defends today’s models because they are so thin, saying they are just naturally skinny.
"All of the girls– I know quite a few models and they actually eat, they're just naturally thin girls. And just because you're thin it doesn't mean you have an eating disorder. What is more of a concern is the age of the girls. Some of the girls on the catwalk are 13 years old and that is more worrying to me than the size of the girl, to be honest."
Posted by Lori Henry
Women’s bodies have always been a source of beauty and inspiration. But their idyllic size has altered throughout time.
In the mid-1600’s, women were celebrated for their curvy bodies and childbearing hips. Paintings from that era show females as having “normal imperfections” like sagging skin, fat and round bellies.
This continued throughout the 1800’s, where tapestries show the female form with ample curves and weight. They’re usually naked and seem comfortable in their natural glory.
The 1920’s brought the flappers and women were used in advertising to promote products. They are fully clothed here and more demure then their former counterparts.
Along came Marilyn Monroe in the 50’s, whom most compare models of today with. She was reportedly a size 14 or 16, which would roughly translate to a size 8 of today’s standards.
But then Twiggy came along and became the first underweight woman to be an inspiration to millions. Some say this landmark was the beginning of the end. Karen Carpenter followed suit with her famous struggle and death to anorexia in 1983.
The 21st century continued with very thin models and upheld Gisela Bundchen as the new “curvy” woman. She has a tall, lanky frame and was praised for encouraging people to eat junk food and not starve themselves.
Today’s runway models can be compared to starvation victims and are gaining worldwide attention for recent deaths. But a shift is beginning as designers are starting to feature larger women. Let’s hope this trend continues.
Posted by Lori Henry
Brazilians have had their share of news on eating disorders after a model from that country, Ana Carolina Reston, died of anorexia this year. The news sent shockwaves through the country as the up and coming runway model was living off of only a few handfuls of food each day.
Beatriz Cristina Ferraz Lopes Bastos, a Brazilian teacher and only 23 years old, died of anorexia this week. She was reported to be 5’2” and 77 pounds at the time of her death.
The local newspaper, Globo, reported on its web site, “Another Anorexia Victim” as a photo of Bastos was featured. As well as being a teacher, she was also a pianist, amateur historian and writer of a literature column.
Beatriz was the fourth highly publicized death from anorexia in Brazil this year.
Posted by Lori Henry
Recently, Italy stepped up its commitment to stop models from walking the runway who were too underweight. The bold move is gaining attention worldwide and other countries are looking to them to see how it will affect the fashion industry.
With minimum Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 and a minimum age of 16 years old, models are being taken through health tests before being hired.
This new initiative is a daring step in a world where thin is always in. If we begin to see heartier looking women on the runways, what will change? How will designers have to look at their creations?
Or will people eventually get used to the fact of seeing more curvy models on the catwalks? Although this is only a small step in helping sick models seek treatment instead of larger contracts, I do believe it’s a step in the right direction.
For news about the death of model Eliana Ramos, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
The end of the year is a time of reuniting with family and friends and, along with those sometimes fulfilling, sometimes stressful visits, comes the overindulgence of food. People in North American culture are supposed to stay thin and nonchalant about holiday meals, but we obsess about them instead.
Mealtimes become a time of fighting within ourselves of trying to enjoy the abundance of good cooking and the shame of eating “too much.” Our inner dialogue pushes out the holiday spirit and focuses on the guilt we feel for not being able to control ourselves.
Binge eating is a common occurrence at this time. With so much food and choice, high stress levels and a pressure to make the time off something special, we focus on the food and our weight gain to help numb the anxiety.
By reaching for another handful of goodies rather than talking to our detestable mother in law (or other person!), we give up our sense of power to the feeling of blame.
Why not be present in every moment this Christmastime and ask ourselves why we are reaching for that bag of chips or holiday candy when we have just finished a hearty meal? Why not share our discomforts and stress with those around us who can help us to deal with them?
Holiday time doesn’t have to be an occasion for binging and feeling guilty. They are time for connecting with good company and leaving the self-reproach behind.
Posted by Lori Henry
Some people indulge in holiday sweets and an over abundance of food without guilt or second thought. But most people feel that pang of remorse for their “bad” behavior and spend their vacation time feeling fat and shameful.
For those who sufferer from Compulsive Overeating, Christmas time can seem like a disaster waiting to happen. With all of the festive food and holiday dinners, some feel their cravings are too much to handle.
Compounded with the excess of cooking is the emotions that go along with it. Holiday time is emotional for most and can drive them to eat more as a way to numb the overwhelming sensation of feelings.
The key is to deal with the emotions as they come up, share them with trusted friends or family members and keep doing things just for yourself that will keep you calm and centered.
Posted by Lori Henry
Darlene Rockey, who was on Dr. Phil about a month ago, lives in Palm Springs and suffers from Anorexia Nervosa. She is known in her community as the “lady who walks,” as she has a morning ritual of running 20 miles everyday.
Her story spurred many to offer their support and best wishes for her recovery and health.
"I have been overcome by everybody being so helpful that I wanted to let them know," she said.
But even after being admitted to the Center for Change treatment center in Utah, she has relapsed and survives off of very little food and coffee each day, as well as over exercising to the extreme.
She is now advocating with the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action, to pass the “dream bill.” This bill provides recommendations for a national public policy regarding eating disorders treatment.
“That's going to be my treatment," she said.
"Maybe I can get over my disease, maybe I can't. But if I can help just one person, maybe I can see some hope with me."
Posted by Lori Henry
Store like La Senza Girl are catered to the Tween age, those between the ages of 6-12 years old, a title which has been created only within the last 15 years. These young girls can now buy padded bras for their non-existent breasts, play dolls who look trampy, and look up to role models who have celebrity status for starring in a hit film or two.
The marketing manager of Mattel, the company who produces Barbie dolls, Julie Keanrs, commented: "Someone identified this gap in the marketplace between the girl who is still a child under the age of about nine, and a real teenager of 13 or 14 who has reached puberty. They identified this girl getting older younger, [and thought] 'here's a market we could cater for in the right way and increase our sales'."
Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, a psychologist and author of Bitchface Syndrom: Surviving Adolescent Girls, believes that the loss of childhood is taking a step backwards, instead of forwards: “It's all about sexualisation and the objectification of women… about being attractive to boys- and I hope there are generations of collective feminists rolling in their collective graves looking at his stuff because it's so retrograde.
“There is absolutely nothing positive about it, and I think it's sending all the wrong messages to an already confused and bemused bunch of kids- and what worries me is that it's the parents who are very often talked into buying these things".
Posted by Lori Henry
Aftercare is an important step after a patient with an eating disorder has gone through treatment. It can help prevent relapse and offer a safe bridge between therapy and an independent life.
Scientists have conducted a study called "Aftercare intervention through text messaging in the treatment of bulimia nervosa- feasibility pilot" in the UK.
They say that, “Even with the best available treatment, most bulimia nervosa sufferers are not symptom free at the end of therapy and, for those who have achieved remission, risk of relapse is high. Thus, there is a need for aftercare or relapse prevention interventions after therapy."
This study was published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders this month after researchers concluded that "Levels of use of the program were relatively low and attrition high, indicating limited acceptance of the intervention. This study suggests that the SMS-based intervention would benefit from further adaptation to make it a more useful tool for the aftercare of patients after outpatient treatment for bulimia nervosa."
Professionals are always looking for new ways to give greater aftercare and prevent relapses in their patients and these scientists believe they might be on to something. They took 21 patients with bulimia after having participated outpatient therapy. The 6 month study explored the “feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a text messaging-based intervention.”
Posted by Lori Henry
A new study has found that women of all races are susceptible to eating disorders and weight dissatisfaction. Not only a “white girl’s” disorder, body image issues affect everyone.
"There has been a widespread belief among clinicians that black women simply don't develop eating disorders, and they have proceeded clinically along this line, dismissing the possibility for black women," says Alan Roberts, the lead researcher in the study.
"The findings from this study suggest it may no longer be acceptable to make assumptions on body dissatisfaction based on ethnicity. In terms of the study's weight measures, which are most closely linked to eating disorders, the difference is diminishing."
The research was done between 1966 and 2002 (mostly after 1980) and studied body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in women. He found that anorexia and bulimia peak in high school and early college years.
Posted by Lori Henry
I recently visited Remuda Ranch Treatment Center for Anorexia and Bulimia in Wickenburg, Arizona. I was floored by the level of care and extensive programs they have available for women and children. Their programs are for females only, include both inpatient and outpatient care, and deal with emotional eating, as well as co-occurring conditions.
All of the staff members whom I met were gracious and some of the top professionals in their fields. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience there.
This week I will be publishing a series of 3 articles written about the facility: an overview of the programs they offer, how they incorporate biblically based treatment into the programs and the equine therapy component of care.
Whether religious or not, horseback rider or not, I highly recommend this treatment facility for those who are looking for thorough, quality care for someone suffering from an eating disorder.
To read the first article, please click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Diane von Furstenberg, fashion designer and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, has been watching the debate on skinny models in Spain, Italy and the UK of late.
She has joined others who want to encourage the industry to take steps in reducing the number of sick models on the runways. She sent a letter to all of the members of the association after a meeting with such notable names as Anna Wintour of Vogue, designers Derek Lam and Vera Wang, along with health and nutirition experts.
In her letter, Diane refers to super skinny models as a “global fashion issue” and noted that “as designers, we cannot ignore the impact fashion has on body image. We share a responsibility to protect women, and very young girls in particular, within the industry, sending the message that health is beauty."
Posted by Lori Henry
Sharon Kirby runs a web site about eating disorders in the UK and covers the issue from around the world.
She “specialises in writing about health and fitness and holds a Master of Science degree in Sports Science/Fitness and Health from the University of Essex (The Centre for Sports and Exercise Science) in addition to a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Psychology from the same university.”
The site covers the types of eating disorders, like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, as well as the signs, causes, diagnosis’, treatments and therapies. Links to other web sites, books and DVD’s round out her coverage.
Visit the site at www.disordered-eating.co.uk
Posted by Lori Henry
Sex Talk With Mum and Dad will focus on teens talking about sex with their parents. Dutch sexologist, Maria Schopman, will lead the show.
Fat Boy To Slim follows a 16 year old overweight boy as he goes to America to lose weight byway of an operation. The camera has followed him since he was 13 years old and at fat camp and will monitor his decisions as he tries to fit in with a world focused on thin.
The program will also feature a show called Teens Addicted To Porn, as well as a story about Britain’s youngest transsexual.
Posted by Lori Henry
Eating disorders twist the mind of those who suffer from them in dangerous ways. The black and white thinking patterns are taken to the extreme and individuals often have a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Disordered eating is full of rituals and regimes that are kept in strict order and followed to the mark. OCD traits follow a similar path and compliment the harsh schedule that these individuals put themselves on.
The anxiety that they feel can be overwhelming and by focusing on simple things and actions that are repeated, the person can find a greater sense of order in a world they find chaotic.
Compulsion that is a part of eating disorders is also similar to that of the compulsive disorder. While some people are compulsive in other ways, like shopping or stealing, those who have an eating disorder are compulsive with food.
These 2 disorders often have to be treated together in order to help the individual find balance and lessen their anxiety.
Posted by Lori Henry
Kate Winslet has been outspoken about her opinions on too-thin celebrities, including models and actresses. She believes in maintaining her “normal” figure because it’s healthy for her.
She said only days ago, "I hope that in some small way I'm able to say 'I'm a normal person, I'm doing all right, I've got a lovely husband and children and I didn't lose weight to find those things, and those things are what should be important’.
Her six-year-old daughter, Mia, is her biggest concern, not wanting her to become appearance-obsessed. She has decided to publicly ban fashion magazines from the house in order to have them influence her daughter less.
“It is unbelievably disturbing what’s going on at the moment. Young girls are impressionable. What I resent is that there is an image of perfection that is getting thinner and thinner.
"It’s only a matter of time before Mia becomes aware of it and that frightens the life out of me.”
Posted by Lori Henry
Shoppers are either horrified or fascinated by the window display at the new Victoria Secret store in Tysons Corner Center. The racy exhibit features mannequins dressed in thigh-high black nylons, stiletto heels, bras, garters and posed in, some say, sexual positions.
This has led church groups, parents and shoppers to send disgusted letters to the press and the head office of the large retail store. As the Washington Post reported, one woman walked by and huffed, “Little Shop of Whores,” while a father of a teenager daughter commented, “Slut wear.”
But others love the display and walked out of he store with bagfuls of purchases, confused as to why others are getting so incensed over it. But with some of the Victoria Secret displays of late, the mannequins are dressed in feathery thongs and bent over as if adjusting their heels- are these appropriate images to be in a family mall?
Some longtime customers refuse to make any more purchases until the display is taken down, while still others comment that it is semi-pornographic and insulting. This referring to the an inside store display of a mannequin crawling towards another who is lying down and her hip and leaning back on both hands. But others like the "dark side" of the store and think it's important for women to have that freedom of choice.
The biggest complaint is not the display itself, but the fact that it’s put in such a high traffic area in the public mall. Children and teenagers are frequent patrons and mothers are having a hard time believing that they would ever knowingly let their daughters go to the store to shop.
What do you think? Do you shop there? Will you continue to shop there?
Posted by Lori Henry
As with the Spain, Italy will be banning ultra thin models from their fashion season in Milan which starts this January. They will use the same body mass index guidelines and will not hire any model with a BMI under 18.5.
They have named it The National Manifesto of Self-Regulation in order to govern "models' size that will be signed by designers, big brands, model agencies, photographers and make up artists."
Other actions they will be taking is to set a minimum age limit of 16 years old, as well as prohibiting models from using makeup with dark shadows under their eyes that promotes what they call the “anorexic” look.
Click here to read the original blog post about the ban on thin models this year in Spain.
Click here to read the update on the ban of underweight models in Italy.
Posted by Lori Henry
Aiming to be “the clearing house for eating disorders news, research, reports, conferences and opinions,” Lucy Serpell has been running a resource like this one since 1994. She is a clinical and research psychologist based in London, UK.
Although she aims at eating disorder information for the United Kingdom and Europe, North Americans can also find news about updates in the field.
You can find her site at: http://edr.org.uk/
Posted by Lori Henry
A growing number of chat rooms and web sites dedicated to promoting eating disorder behavior are on the rise. Teenagers can hide their on-line searching from their parents and Doctors, but the information on the Internet can be deadly.
"Parents and physicians need to realise that the Internet is essentially an unmonitored media forum," explained Rebecka Peebles, an eating disorder specialist at the Packard Children's adolescent medicine.
But "It's just not possible to completely control the content of an interactive site," she added.
Even those searching for recovery sites or other positive resources for anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating often stumble upon these dangerous sites.
And although search engines have made a small effort to ban these sites, they are still easily accessible.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Joy Project, an eating disorders organization, is fighting for changing the diagnostic criteria for identifying anorexia. They want to specifically “delete weight requirements and judgments of physical characteristics.”
Because eating disorders cannot always be visible, this restriction in diagnosing individuals is lacking and missing out on the many who are in as much pain but don’t fit the physical requirements to get treatment.
The petition will be submitted to the American Psychiatric Association along with a formal review-of-current-research paper. The committee in charge of making changes to the criteria is now accepting feedback, so this is an important time to speak your voice.
For more information and to sign the petition, please visit: http://www.joyproject.org/Petition.html
Posted by Lori Henry
Christmas time brings out the cooks in most people, baking Christmas cookies and breads. But for someone with an eating disorder, this is one of the most difficult times of the year.
They may use cooking as a way of filling up their friends and families without partaking in the delicious food themselves. Or they may cook and then binge on the food they have just made.
"Many persons with eating disorders love to cook and will constantly cook and bake for their family or friends," said Theresa Fassihi, PhD, a psychologist at The Menninger Clinic in Houston. "They may bake all day, but not eat a single thing themselves."
Vicarious pleasure from watching others eat is common in anorexia and becomes increasingly noticeable during the holiday season. Bulimics will tend to feel guilty for the whole period, as they indulge on the many sweets and fattening food on offer.
Posted by Lori Henry
Dutch psychiatrists have completed a study that suggests that living in a town or city increase a person’s risk factor of becoming bulimic. This is not the case with anorexia.
The research found that the incidence rate is almost 2 and a half times higher than in rural areas of the world, and 5 times higher in large cities.
The study suggests that young, independent people turn to bulimia because they don’t necessarily have the traditional family support that rural areas have. The availability of food and the anonymity of living in a city also contribute to the increase.
Posted by Lori Henry
A new study released by the University of Minnesota’s “Project EAT” (Eating Among Teenager) program studied 2,500 teens and their dieting behaviour. The results about diet pills were startling.
When it came to dieting, 62.7% of teenage girls said they use “unhealthy weight control behaviours” and 21.9% admitting they use “very unhealthy weight control behaviours.”
“Unhealthy weight control behaviours” are such things as using diet pills, laxatives, vomiting or skipping meals. Half of the teenage boys studied disclosed their methods.
“We have found that teenage females who diet and use unhealthy weight control behaviours are at three times the risk of being overweight,” said Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, one of the study researchers. “Teens who feel good about their bodies eat better and have less risk of being overweight. Parents can play a key role in helping their children to build a positive body image and engage in healthy eating and physical activity behaviours.”
What was also surprising about the results was the fact that teenage girls’ physical activity levels dropped dramatically to only 3.93 hours a week. Their male counterparts spend 6.11 hours a week.
“It’s not just diet pills. It’s about accepting yourself and liking who you are. At the teen age it’s very hard to do this,” said Paula Triana, Nutrition Services Team Leader for the Palm Beach County School District. “But we educate them in a positive way about accepting who they are.”
Posted by Lori Henry
Girls as young as 7 years old are taking these, sometimes dangerous, pills.
“We’re seeing issues with body image and perception in elementary school,” says Paula Triana, the leader of the Nutrition Services Team at the Palm Beach County School District.
“Teens do have a concern over body weight and image. That age is very hard with peer pressure. We try to cycle them away from this dieting which includes diet pills because they are very risky.”
A study done by the University of Minnesota, under the title “Project EAT” (Eating Among Teenagers), studied 2,500 female teenagers over 5 years. The use of pills in high schools has almost doubled from 7.5% to 14.2%. By the time young women reach the age of 20, 20% of them will have used diet pills.
“These numbers are startling, and they tell us we need to do a better job of helping our daughters feel better about themselves and avoid unhealthy weight control behaviours,” states researcher Dianne Neumark-Sztainer simply.
Diet pills are a gateway into eating disorders and disordered eating, fostering the mindset that you can take a pill to “cure” what you don’t like about yourself.
Posted by Lori Henry
The opening night of A Christmas Carol began with a bang as the white curtain covering the carolers was suddenly dropped. The lights came up and the fun began on a perfectly snowy Vancouver night.
James Fagan Tait’s production of the show keeps the dark humour but adds lots of devilish fun. The staging is done in such a way that all actors are also doubling as furniture.
They move around the space and fill in the stage with their bodies. Two people, for instance, stand in as Scrooge’s bed, which he then proceeds to lie upon. Dubbed as “poor theatre,” it is refreshing to see this technique used by such a large theatre company.
The set is a simple white backdrop sheet from the back of the stage to its tip, with live musicians playing on the sides. The cast fills in the rest, playing all characters of this much-loved classic while also delivering the choral speeches and songs in Joelysa Pankanea’s electrifying score.
Lighting design takes its cue from Itai Erdal, lighting most of the show from the side and back to create the heightened atmosphere of the play. The shadows provide haunting glimpses into the characters complex faces. The appearance of the show is stunning.
The cast fleshes out this unique take on a favourite with absolute perfection. Alex Diakun (of TV’s Da Vinci’s Inquest-fame) plays Scrooge, and some of Vancouver’s hottest stage talent chip in: Patti Allan, Camyar Chai, Aidan Drummond, Dean Paul Gibson, Andrew McNee, Tom Pickett, Sarah May Redmond, Kyle Rideout, Donna Soares and Maiko Bae Yamamoto.
Don’t miss out on this exhilarating run.
The Vancouver Playhouse
November 25-December 23, 2006
December 2- Pay-what-you-can Matinee
December 4 & 12- Post-show Q&A session with cast
December 6, 13 & 14- Tea Matinees (tea 1 pm, curtain 2pm)
December 9- Olay Definity Salon Saturday with playwright and director James Faga Tait (1 pm)
NOTE: December 5 evening performance is sold out
www.vancouverplayhouse.com for more information.
Posted by Lori Henry
Although it seems preposterous, there are millions of people online who are encouraging each other to be sick. Not only that, they congregate on the Internet to share tips and tricks on being anorexic.
The sites show “thinspiration” pictures of models and celebrities who they admire for their ultra-skinny frames. Examples such as Victoria Beckham, Lindsey Lohan, Mischa Barton and Nicole Richie are some of the top-used images.
Also scary is that they give each other advice on how to hide their disorder from family and friends, making it a competition to see who can be the sickest. They compare weight, numbers, calories and, eerily, the number of bones that can bee seen through their skin.
“They’re very tempting on how to be the best at the disorder,” says Dr. Joy Armillay, a nutrition therapist.
“That’s why it’s so important to be in treatment, to recognize and verbalize that they’re issues. When I hear people mentioning them, they’re aware that it isn’t a good thing. Isn’t it frightening that you could have a how-to site for something so bad?”
Posted by Lori Henry
I did not believe it when I heard about this show. Was it for real? Would celebrities (or those just in need of some publicity), really go on national television and participate in a “fit camp”?
Yes siree.
Going into its fourth season, Celebrity Fat Camp is a one-hour show where 8 stars compete in 2 groups of 4 to lose weight. They take part in activities both physical and motivational that are designed to shed pounds quickly. They are supposed to work with team spirit and win prizes for their effort.
To be even more degrading, the next day consists of a “weigh-in ceremony” where they are weighed individually in front of the cameras. A “panel of experts” join the show and include a psychologist and fitness trainer.
The contestants on this season’s show will be: Bone Crusher (Rapper), Ted Lange (Actor, known for his role as a bartender on The Love Boat), Angie Stone (R&B Singer), Vincent Pastore (Actor, Big Puss on the Sopranos), Erika Eleniak (Playboy model and Baywatch), Nick Turturro (Actor from NYPD Blues), Tina Yothers (Actress from Family Ties).
Yes, again, I am serious about this show.
Posted by Lori Henry
Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia Brady on the Brady Show, suffered from bulimia, although not while she was filming the show.
"Back on the show, I could eat whatever I wanted," she remembers. "Things changed. I am 5-foot 3-inches. At some point I stopped growing, and it is harder when you are small. We never dealt with [eating disorders] on the show. I really don’t think Eve [Plumb] or Susie [Susan Olsen] were dealing with a weight issue."
But fear helped Maureen stop purging and start taking care of herself.
"I had some friends going through the same thing with me at the same time," she states. "I am really stubborn and really strong-willed when I put my mind to something. When I do, I can say no and turn things around."
Unfortunately (in my opinion), she has now agreed to participate in VH1’s reality TV show “Celebrity Fit Club,” where celebrities go to a fat camp and strive to lose weight.
She says about joining the show: "For the past few years, I had been totally out of exercising, just eating and going crazy. I thought, ‘What a great opportunity to do something positive.’"
Posted by Lori Henry
Plymouth University is holding a research study to find out how people can actually feel good about their bodies. Michael Hyland, the lead professor of health psychology at the university, says that this research is much-needed.
"People sometimes feel dissatisfied with the way their body looks. Cosmetic surgery is on the increase and people are pressured by the media to fit to an ideal, which, in the majority of cases, is unattainable and can be unhealthy.
"In our research, we are comparing two self-help ways of encouraging people to feel better about their bodies. In many cases, the problem isn't with your body but with the way you think about it- in other words, you don't need to change yourself, just the way you think about yourself."
Who they need:
- volunteer male and females
What they’ll be required to do:
- complete a brief questionnaire on-line
- download a workbook and do the exercises (5-10 minutes each day for 3 days)
- a scientist will then contact participants by email to see if the book was effective in any way
You can get more information at: holistichealth@psy.plymouth.ac.uk
Posted by Lori Henry
Come to the last 2006 Movement Matters
in Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Marvelous Monthly Event
At Forufera, 505 Hamilton at Pender
7:30 - 9:30
$10 for members / $15 for general public
$30 annual membership can be purchased at the door
Saturday, December 2nd
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Seeing Our Selves - An Introduction to Authentic Movement
Authentic Movement is a moving meditation in the presence of a supportive witness. It is used for personal growth, creativity and spiritual reflection. This evening Tannis Hugill will guide us to learn and practice the form to discover and inhabit our Selves with trusting acceptance. When we are moved by the wisdom of our bodies, we discover our power, our passion, and the gifts of life¹s sacred journey.
Healing artist, Tannis Hugill, RCC, RDT, ADTR, is a registered dance and drama therapist, BC Clinical Counsellor and creator of ritual theatre. Trained by Janet Adler, she has been devoted to Authentic Movement for seventeen years. Now she teaches this form with special focus on its application to embodied creativity and spirituality. She has a private practice and teaches
throughout Vancouver.
For Information call Marcia at (604) 291-0911 or view www.movementmatters.com
Posted by Lori Henry
Boys have raging hormones and short attention spans, combined with the challenge of fitting into a society that represents the men they will grow into as strong and ripped. But a new camp for boys and their dads is aiming to make the transition a little bit easier.
The father and sons join about 20 other couplings as they sit around a camp fire and discuss the things that the boys want to know. They can bring up issues such as sex, drugs, love, embarrassing moments and body image.
"It shows them that men can have feelings and not be embarrassed about it," says Robert Grant, who leads the program. "I admire the courage of the boys to ask questions in front of a group of men and the fact that there are genuine attempts to answer them so honestly."
The course is called “Boys to Men” and is a 3 day project headed by Wesley College’s campus near Ballarat.
"It gives the boys the opportunity to talk about issues affecting men in a totally male environment. It's about them trying to find out who they are and why they are. They are learning what it is to be a man and they see what that means from their own father."
Studies have shown that if young guys have a male role model they can look up to, they are better able to succeed in their future. The recent national youth survey taken by Mission Australia, has highlighted this point and provoked schools to add programs such as the one above to their curriculums.
Posted by Lori Henry
The controversial ban on junk food ads by Ofcom, the media regulator in the UK, has garnered a mixed reaction from the public. Health groups have been lobbying for such a proposal for years, while broadcasters and food companies moan that the rules are too stringent.
Ofcom’s proposal targets ads with products heavy in salt, fat and sugar, to protect children under 16 years old, whereas the preceding rule was to target children under 9 years old. More consultation will take place before policy takes effect before the end of January next year.
The estimated loss from broadcast revenues are $73 million, with satellite channels losing 8.8% and children’s channels losing 15%. Although the numbers are large, OfCom has received a large amount of feedback from other countries interested in implementing these strict guidelines.
So far, Sweden, Norway and the province of Quebec in Canada, have applied bans like the UK, and 10 large food companies in the United States announced last week that they would self-impose guidelines to try and limit their junk food advertising to children.
The companies include: Cadbury Schweppes, Campbell Soup, Coca-Cola, General Mills, Hershey, Kellog, Kraft Foods, McDonald’s, PepsiCo and Unilever, some of the most prominent names in advertising in order to “promote healthier dietary choices and/or to messages that encourage good nutrition or healthy lifestyles.”
Posted by Lori Henry
Fitness First Lifestyle network is an in-house program watched by gym members as they exercise. The problem is, between music clips, they show commercials promoting breast implants, liposuction and nose jobs. And the members are getting a little irate.
One of the members comments, "I go to the gym to exercise and to stay fit and healthy. But some women feel under pressure to have the perfect body and these ads suggest that to have a perfect body you need to have breast implants.
"I think that they have a responsibility to promote health and well-being in a more positive way than that.'
Nikki Goldstein agrees. She is the author of Girlforce, and an expert on self-esteem issues in women.
"I think this is advertising by stealth- it is beating women up when they are most vulnerable. They are in their gym gear, looking at other women's bodies and then comparing themselves. I feel uncomfortable about that form of advertising.'
But plastic surgeon Howard De Torres says that his ads are subtle.
"We're just putting our name in the marketplace. It is no worse than putting it in a magazine or the telephone book. These ads are very low key and they don't go through any particular procedure- they just portray me as a very capable person.
"We are not aiming to belittle anybody, we just know that people who do think about [plastic surgery] go to gyms and that is where they see the name.'
But the gym has recently released a statement that it will stop playing the ads after the existing contracts have finished.
Posted by Lori Henry
Bruna Menegotto, a model with Elite Agency, says that it is common for aspiring models to feel fat and ugly after being rejected from a modeling call.
"[A model] goes to a test, gets a "no" and thinks: oh my God I`m ugly, I have to lose weight, I`m not well, they didn`t want me for the job. But it`s not that, everybody gets a "no" for a job. When [models] are younger they still don`t have that conscience, they aren`t used to it."
An agent from Elite in Rio de Janeiro, Luis Lobo, comments that the ban of underweight models is an emergency measure, but that other things need to be changed.
"It can work at the moment, but what will be the duration of this prohibition, until when will it be effective. We need to change in a certain way the route of these people`s work, of the brands, of the designers, of the models, of the agencies," he said.
But not only agencies and designers are to blame, says designer Silvia Tcherassi, it’s also photographers and advertising campaigns.
"More than designers, I would also include the photographers and advertising campaigns because with only one button, they ‘photoshop’ and change the image of a woman. They erase the cellulite, take away the fat that normally woman may have, take away the skin lines, take away the cellulite, stretch legs in an incredible way simply by moving a button.
“So all the girls are looking at an image of a woman that doesn’t exist, while in the runways we are seeing a woman that exists, a real woman. But the majority of these girls, from what I have seen with my own eyes, have a photo on their refrigerator of an advertising campaign with which they want look like and it ends up that this woman is not real."
For a list of all coverage, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Purchases support the National Eating Disorders Association and their efforts to expand public awareness and prevention of eating disorders, promote access to quality treatment and support for families, through education, advocacy and research.
There are a number of amazing fashion-related items up for sale, including jewelry, handbags, several offerings from Marc Jacobs, and a pair of Kasil jeans customized and autographed by The Sopranos' Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
Jewelry designer Karin Collins donated three of her one-of-a-kind SpoonFed Art spoon pendants to the NEDA fundraising project - and they're all currently ranked in the auction's "Top 10 Items" NEDA commissioned Karin to design one very special SpoonFed Art pendant featuring their own logo- and it's currently listed as the Number One most popular item of the entire auction!
Click here to find out what's available in the auction.
www.SpoonFedArt.com- Karin originally started making her SpoonFed Art necklaces as a personal art-oriented therapy to overcome a serious eating disorder she'd been battling for almost 20 years. Karin continues to actively contribute to and spread awareness of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to keep the focus of her SpoonFed Art business on the reason it was started - to help heal.
Posted by Lori Henry
Younger guys are trying to slim down on a progressively larger degree. Whereas men usually suffered from disorders such as “bigorexia,” where the individual pumps up to get larger muscles, and “orthorexia,” where the person is obsessed with healthy eating to an unhealthy degree, they are now being seen with a diagnosis for anorexia.
An 18 year old was interviewed as saying that trimming down was better than bulking up because thin is in, and not for just women.
"It's more socially acceptable to be too thin, rather than being too fat," he said.
"Generally, males are uncomfortable seeking help. Men may not be aware that they're suffering from an eating disorder. They may attribute their behaviors to normal exercise," stated Urszula Kelly from the Presbyterian Hospital.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Tyra Banks Show is dealing with body image today and has titled the show, “Do I Look Fat?” Women will be brought on the show who have severe negative images about their bodies.
Tyra will conduct “eye-opening” experiments to help the women gain a more realistic sense of their bodies and shape. She also reveals the results of a focus group that determined how men and women viewed women’s bodies.
Joined on the show will be Ant from “Celebrity Fit Club,” and Jessica Weiner, who will discuss body dysmorphic disorder and how damaging having a poor sense of self can be.
Check out www.tyrashow.com for times in your city.
Click here for an update on the controversy surrounding Tyra's "fat photos."
Posted by Lori Henry
Twiggy, the British modeling icon, says that models should be let off the hook a bit when it comes to fueling girl’s low self-esteem, as Hollywood actresses are really the culprits. Most models, so says, are naturally thin, tall and lanky, but actresses are the ones going to the extremes to be thinner.
"They go on about banning size zero, but I think Hollywood stars are the worst perpetrators," she said. "Most models are naturally long and gangly, while a lot of these young girls in Hollywood have gone on extreme diets.
"Their concave chests and bony arms are terrifying. It's scary to think that normal teenagers are tempted to copy them.
"I'd love there to be more larger models, but it's just not going to happen. Designers love to design for slim girls."
Posted by Lori Henry
It is believed approximately 80,000 people in Scotland suffer from an eating disorder. Recent deaths from these disorders have provoked NHS Quality Improvement Scotland to make a review.
It has recommended that adult treatment for anorexia and bulimia, as well as for teenagers, needs better care. It warns of inaccurate information that can be found on the internet and campaigners are rallying for more funding.
Dr Harry Miller, consultant psychiatrist with the Grampian Eating Disorders Service says that the problem lies in lack of specialist services: "For large parts of Scotland there were no clinicians around.
"In addition to that, even where there are services, they are all out-patient services. There has been no specialist in-patient provision within Scotland. This is in contrast to most parts of England where they have developed specialist services.”
Mark Reilly, from the Eating Disorders Association charity, agrees: "Treatment [in Scotland] is sadly lacking. When you compare that to England, even in areas like Cornwall has its own specific eating disorder service with inpatient and outpatient provision."
Posted by Lori Henry
The mother of Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston, who died on Tuesday of kidney failure due to anorexia, has sent out a few words for others. Her daughters diet reportedly consisted of only apples and tomatoes before her death and her BMI hung at only 13.8.
A BMI below 17.5 is part of the criteria for anorexia nervosa, and if it falls near 15, it is a sign of starvation. But many models fall under the later end of the spectrum.
"Take care of your children ... No money is worth the life of your child. Not even the most famous brand is worth this," Mrs. Reston told O Globo newspaper, after explaining that Ana was using the money she made from modelling to take care of her family.
Click here to read the original blog post about Ana Carolina Reston.
Posted by Lori Henry
Because of the seemingly easy option to change parts of your body that you don’t like, disorders such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder are on the rise. This disorder is an obsession with outer appearance, to the detriment of their social, academic and/or daily occurrences.
"Patients have a distorted image of themselves and of their body. Their preoccupation with a non-existent or slight defect in appearance causes them significant distress and impaired social, personal and academic functioning.
"The face- particularly, moles, freckles, acne, shape of the nose, excessive facial hair or facial asymmetries- is the most common focus of these anxieties, as also are the skin and hair,” explains Dr. Monica Chib, a Psychiatrist at Indraprastha Apoll Hospital in New Delhi.
”BDD is believed to be related to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. For instance, a person could be preoccupied about the shape of his/her nose or weight. The whole world could reassure them, all to no avail. Many times, eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are also the result of this."
What can start out as a simple preoccupation with looks can turn into Body Dysmorphic Disorder and even into a full blown eating disorder.
Dr. Chib continues, "To a certain extent, BDD is a fallout of low self-esteem. It is also a reflection of loss of control in some part of the patient's life. He or she usually requires counselling and, in severe cases, might require medication as well.”
Posted by Lori Henry
"It's shown that mom's who diet all the time and are chronic dieters will have daughters who may start dieting as early as age 9 or 10," said Sonia Angel, a dietician with Memorial Hospital, or even spawning an eating disorder.
Young teenagers and children look up to their parents for guidance and eating habits are a common behaviour to emulate, whether conscious or not.
"There are certain foods they may not like but they will like others," said Angel. "Prepare things differently because maybe they don't like something raw but they'll like something cooked, and vice versa."
Ways to help young children retain a positive body image:
- don’t diet
- don’t focus on food as good or bad
- speak positively about your own body in front of them (and with yourself, too!)
- don’t focus on weight and calories
- don’t value fad dieting above good ol’ common nutrition
Posted by Lori Henry
Ana Carolina Reston, a 21 year old Brazilian model, has died this week from reported complications due to anorexia. She modeled for Ford, Elite and L’Equipe.
So far the reports and media surrounding her death have been mostly in Portuguese, but I’m sure this will spark another controversy about models being too skinny. Her mother is also speaking out about her daughter's death.
News such as this just keeps breaking my heart. Countless people say that they don’t feel sorry for these models, as they chose their profession and make their own decisions, but eating disorders are so much more complex than that.
Please, educate yourself about these disorders so we can all be well informed and make our own knowledgeable decisions.
Click here to read the blogs about the ban on underweight models in Spain this year.
Click here to read about the deaths of Luisel Ramos and Eliana Ramos.
Posted by Lori Henry
“Highly competitive colleges probably have more individuals who are highly competitive and elicit more environmental stress, thus leading to a higher prevalence of eating disorders within certain academic institutions,” said Dr. Daniel le Grange, a faculty member in the department of psychiatry at the University of Chicago.
Dr. le Grange has published research on anorexia and bulimia and currently sits on the clinical and scientific advisory council of the National Eating Disorder Association.
He is quoted as saying, “Highly competitive environments may significantly raise an individual’s stress and anxiety level, but this may be a relative phenomenon. It may not be competition per se, but instead a perfectionist attitude that contributes to the development of an eating disorder.
“Since stress and anxiety seem to contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders, feeling constantly pressured may exacerbate symptoms of an already present eating disorder.”
The Doctor sites the statistics at the University suggest that 1 in 4 students have an eating disorder, although no formal study has been conducted. This includes people who might not necessarily be diagnoses with an eating disorder, but participate in many of the behaviours.
Posted by Lori Henry
Ecstatic Body Postures and Authentic Movement
Tannis Hugill, a wonderful teacher and professional, is hosting the following workshop that is extremely beneficial for people recovering from disordered eating.
Saturday, December 9
10 am to 5:30 pm
Pacific Mountain Centre
3309 Dunbar at 17th
$85 - $65 for students
Open to the wisdom of the body, the earth, our ancestors, and spirit.
Learn to journey to the realms of Non-ordinary Reality using ŒEcstatic Body Postures¹ and integrate the teachings of spirit into conscious awareness with Authentic Movement.
Discovered by anthropologist Felicitas Goodman, ŒEcstatic Body Postures¹ are a sacred technology used by our elders thousands of years ago to commune with the world of spirit for healing, divination, and ritual celebration. Now, to regain access to these realms, practitioners hold a posture from an early indigenous culture, accompanied by drum or rattle, and enter a visionary trance state.
Authentic Movement is a moving meditation which brings deep levels of experience to embodied understanding.
In this workshop, we will explore both ways to connect with our ancient roots and the guidance of spirit. Transformed by these gifts, we will feel our place in the web of life and a compassionate acceptance of all being.
Contact Tannis at 604-267-9951 or
tannisis@shaw.ca, www.awakeningbodywisdom.com for information and registration
Healing artist Tannis Hugill, RCC, RDT, ADTR is a Certified Practitioner of Ecstatic Body Postures by the Cuyamungue Institute. Also a registered dance and drama therapist, BC Clinical Counsellor and creator of ritual theatre, she has been devoted to the healing arts for over 20 years. In Vancouver, her private therapy practice includes teaching workshops in Authentic Movement, and Moving Prayer. Her passion is helping others experience the healing pleasure of knowing the presence of spirit in their bodies.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) has created a bill of rights for people suffering from eating disorders. It draws upon the responses from 1,730 people with or recovered from an eating disorder, family members, professionals and other stakeholders from 46 countries.
The web-based survey helped to define the rights and expectations that people affected by eating disorders seek from the professional world of treatment. The purpose of the charter is to form a united coalition that will persuade policy makers to, not only take notice of the millions of people suffering from this disease, but to also affect change by committing to the actions set out.
The charter came about after the first initiative of the World Summit on Eating Disorders, which AED plans to sponsor annually. This summit is presented each year to discuss concerns from people affected by disordered eating and people are encouraged to actively participate in the activities organized.
You can read the charter at: http://www.aedweb.org/public/WorldCharter.cfm
Posted by Lori Henry
Austrian researchers have completed a study on 475 women, aged 60-70 years old, to find out how satisfied they were with their bodies. More than 60% reported to be dissatisfied and 4% almost met the criteria to be diagnosed with a full blown eating disorder.
The majority of these women would have been diagnosed with an EDNOS (Eating Disorder not Otherwise Specified), which means they don’t meet “all” of the criteria for anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating, but may purge, use laxatives and binge eat.
Almost 90% of the women studied said that they felt fat to some degree. Dr. Barbara Mangweth-Matzek, the lead author of the study, says that there has been little research done on older women and body image.
Most Doctors were surprised at the results of the study, which was published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, because of the lack of research. The study supports the notion that the desire to attain a slim figure doesn’t go away with age.
As Dr. Mangweth-Matzek stated, “…ideals, wishes, preferences stay the same.”
Posted by Lori Henry
Kristie Alley, once on “Cheers” and “Veronica's Closet,” then as the star of “Fat Actress,” decided to fulfill her pledge made around a year ago to wear a bikini on Oprah’s show.
After having her weight gain documented in the tabloids and in gossip columns, Alley came out last week in a bikini to the Commodores’ “Brick House.”
She said in a follow up interview: "I don't think we ever feel like we're good enough. We don't feel like we're thin enough or pretty enough or smart enough or work hard enough. And we are good enough.
"The bikini thing is neither here nor there, other than the fact, you know, I am 55 years old. So I thought come on, we are all good enough. And we look good enough. And we are not our bodies."
Posted by Lori Henry
They began by speaking to young women at Ohio State about positive body image and eating disorders on November 6th.
Rachel said, “As women on the MTV network, we felt we needed to put a speech together that had something to say aside from gossip about our shows. We need to address this subject matter here on campus. We can’t ignore it.”
Veronica, who admitted to starving herself by only eating an apple a day, added, “I found strength by traveling the world (on the show) and seeing how women are celebrated for their bodies. That was how I found inspiration.”
Ironically, she was cast by the MTV show when she was at her sickest. By talking about her experience now and the pressure to be thin by TV execs is a great way to get teenagers attention who otherwise wouldn’t be listening.
Rachel will do another talk at the Southern Conneticut State University in New Haven on November 17th and believes, “Confidence is the key to success. Media images are not reflections of reality. As individuals, we decide how to experience the media messages we encounter. [These images] are always going to exist. They won’t stop. It’s up to us to become a critical viewer and a smart viewer.”
Posted by Lori Henry
She has been accused of having an eating disorder because of her super-skinny frame, but Mischa tells the press that she doesn’t necessarily want to be that thin. She goes on to state that Hollywood should cast women with more womanly curves.
“It's so wrong to try and stifle womanly curves, it shouldn't be promoted. This unhealthy look should be abandoned.”
Barton confesses that images of ultra skinny celebrities in magazines on the screen are damaging to the psyches of young women and can cause eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
But this comes after she said that her co-star on the OC, Rachel Bilson, had curves that she was scared of.
“I feel tall and lanky next to her, but I'd be scared of having her boobs and voluptuousness! I would never have a boob job. I like being understatedly sexy. Rachel's curves make her more overtly sexual than I am.”
Posted by Lori Henry
She talked to People magazine this week and said that at her worst, she was purging up to 7 times a day, which she compares as, “putting a sledgehammer to your vocal cords.”
After auditioning and making onto Idol last fall, she knew she had to get help.
“When I made it onto American Idol, I knew that food- my eating disorder- was the one thing really holding me back,” she says. “I was bingeing my whole life away for days at a time… So when I got on the show, I said, ‘You know what? I can do well in this competition. Let me give myself a chance and just get a hold of this thing.’”
She committed herself to Los Angeles’s Eating Disorder Center of California and spent 3 months there undergoing both individual and group therapy 6 days per week.
“I knew I had put off going to a treatment centre long enough- I'd been struggling with bulimia since I was 17. Growing up in Los Angeles and spending all those years in dance class, I'd been conscious of body image at a young age, and I went through phases of exercising compulsively and starving myself… Food was my crutch; it was how I dealt with emotions and uncomfortable situations.”
She has now left the program and gained a better relationship with herself, and with food.
"I really had to surrender and give up having a free life to do the program, because I'd be there from 9 in the morning until 7 at night… I remember that first night, my dad holding me, crying and saying, 'I don't know why you have to suffer through this, but it's going to be okay.' "
In treatment, she learned about intuitive eating and that helped her to view food as an integral part of life, instead of something to fight against.
"I learned that there's no such thing as a bad food," she says. "If you look at a doughnut, people think it's a fattening food- why? Because if you eat it you'll get fat? No, you'll get fat if you eat 10 doughnuts."
Posted by Lori Henry
People who suffer from anorexia have been studied to see whether the disorders have a meaning behind their starving behaviours.
"Therefore, treatments of anorectic behaviour which disregard the meaning that the patients attribute to the illness are likely to end in relapses," says the lead investigator Dr. Ragnfrid H. Nordbo, of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Oslo.
The study he lead considered the perceptions of 18 women with anorexia between the ages of 20-34 years. He interviewed each of them in-depth to identify 8 core “constructs,” such as security, avoidance, mental strength, self-confidence, identity, care, communication and death.
"Therapists who do not take these intentions into consideration are likely to elicit resistance and sooner or later fail in their treatment attempts," the study confirms. "We therefore emphasize the importance of encouraging patients to express their personal values and to explain how their eating disorder both fulfills and compromises their values."
The results were published in the November issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Posted by Lori Henry
The relapse rate for girls after treatment for anorexia is 8.2, according to statistics by Dr. Michael Strober of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. But for boys, they found that they didn’t revert back to preoccupation with their weight and appearance like the girls did.
His most recent study took 99 anorexia patients from the ages of 13-17, 14 of whom were boys. Although they had similar symptoms when they arrived, like anxiety disorders, rigidity and perfectionism, the boys showed a bit less concern with their weight.
The researchers concluded that boys don’t usually suffer from as severe cases of anorexia as their female counterparts, which could be attributed to brain differences as well as societal and cultural forces.
Either way, an eating disorder is never an easy thing to go through.
Posted by Lori Henry
This monthly newsletter is for people recovering, recovered, affected by and interested in eating disorders. Titled You Are Not Alone, it provides inspiration, useful tips and helpful information to do with recovery.
I also have a column in it, as well as other who contribute their stories, poetry, essays and artwork.
You can join by visiting Andrea’s Web site and adding your email address half way down the page.
Posted by Lori Henry
A new Australian study reveals that advertising affects eating behaviour in a way we wouldn’t expect. Instead of making young woman starve themselves, it seems that seeing images of skinny models makes women binge, instead.
The study was published in the November issue of Eating Behaviours, an international scientific journal. One of the students at the University of New South Wales, Fiona Monro, is just as surprised by the results.
"We would expect people who value the way they look would be reminded by viewing the image and not eat," she says. "We're not sure why we found the reverse but possibly because of stress.”
After finishing a meal, the women involved in the study were asked to rank the importance of physical attractiveness, health and physical fitness to determine if they value the way their body looks more or less than the way it functions.
The next step was to show them six magazine ads for body-related products (diet pills, for example), in which some images contained idealized female models and others not.
The women more obsessed with their appearance ate more sweets after viewing these ads than the other women, who are less.
"There's no doubt these images have an effect on some women and can lead to changes in eating behaviour, especially when you consider how many images people are exposed to every day," Monro says.
Posted by Lori Henry
A new education program for parents is aimed at reducing stress and control issues around mealtime conflict. Children with Infantile Anorexia experience failure to gain weight or weight loss over one month, experience a rare interest in food or expression of hunger, the behaviour is detected before 3 years old, and they do not have trauma to the oropharyngeal area or other medical conditions.
"A treatment that focuses on helping toddlers with internal regulation of eating can decrease mother-toddler conflict and struggle for control during feeding and improve weight gain in such children," said Irene Chapoor, MD, principal investigator and director of the infant psychiatry and eating disorders program at Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC.
The researchers studied 70 toddlers who were from 12-42 months old and had been diagnosed with Infantile Anorexia. Four social workers then administered differing intervention with the mothers and fathers, without the children present.
Posted by Lori Henry
Called “Student Bodies,” the different facets of the program have appealing names like “Food, Mood and Attitude” and “Full of Ourselves.” The 8-week, on-line program was shown to reduce the development of anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating in women at risk for them.
Weekly Internet sessions were conducted about healthy eating, keeping a journal, body image and participating in an interactive discussion moderated by a Psychologist.
The researchers followed 480 female college students from California for a period of up to 2 years. The National Institute of Mental Health funded the study and the findings appeared in the August issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
"This study shows that innovative intervention can work," said Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health.
Because recovery is such a difficult thing to treat, new programs such as these proliferate. With the incidence of eating disorders doubling over the last 40 years, researchers are trying desperately to find out new ways help prevent them.
“This study is a very significant piece of research because it demonstrates that one can transfer what's known about risk factors into a program that can be applied at very low cost," said Michael Levine, a professor of psychology at Kenyon College in Ohio. "And it gives every indication of being able to reduce important risk factors."
The study is gaining acclaim quickly. "I can't think of a single computer-based eating disorders program that can hold a candle to these results," said University of Texas psychologist Eric Stice.
Posted by Lori Henry
In this way, they feel that it will help address the problem which has plagued, in particular, low income neighbourhoods.
Lenore Skenazy thinks the idea is a sham, as caloric info has been on food labels for 30 years. But adding it to menus won’t help with obesity, but might push people the other way: "As if this will do any good, other than budding anorexics."
Dr. Harry Brandt, the former director of the eating disorders program at the National Institutes of Health, agrees: "The more people calculate and fret, the weirder their eating habits become. Some binge, some starve."
I don’t think that be putting more focus on food, we will be helping people to live healthier lives. On the contrary, it could possibly encourage them to obsess about what they’re eating and lead to disordered eating.
Posted by Lori Henry
Velvet d’Amour is an American, Paris-based, model and actress. At 39 years old and 20 pounds, she hardly fits the stereotypical “model” shape. But she strutted her stuff in this year’s Paris Fashion Week as one of Jean Paul Gaultier’s models.
She came out in a satin corset and negligee and heels and seemed completely comfortable in her skin. But she believes that people should stop being so hard on her fellow skinny models.
"If you tell me somebody's too thin, if you tell me somebody's too fat, you're still being prejudiced. The point is diversity," Velvet told the Herald.
Posted by Lori Henry
"Eating disorders are still misunderstood by the public," says Dr. Allan Kaplan, a psychiatrist and Sheena's Place board member. "They are still romanticized, their severity is minimized, and the understanding of eating disorders is superficial."
Sheena’s Place is a non-profit organization named after Sheena Carpenter, a young woman who died of an eating disorder. The center offers services in a welcoming, non-institutional environment and is centrally located in downtown Toronto.
"This was a tremendous opportunity to raise awareness for a silent and misunderstood condition," said Nancy Vonk, co-creative director of Ogilvy Toronto, who donated their services for the ads. "This campaign is designed to move the reader from cynicism and apathy to empathy and interest."
The ads have comments like, “I never see my daughter eat” and then goes into detail in small print. But some of the ads are worrisome.
One says, “You have to be skinny to be popular.” Although the small print goes into more detail and offers where to get help, using the negative message in such a blatant way may catch someone’s eye but not make them read further.
But the ads are supposedly being received positively. "As a result of seeing them, people are either coming to Sheena's Place to gather more information to pass on to friends or they have strongly encouraged someone who they think might have an eating disorder to come to our Wednesday morning drop-ins to learn more about our programs and have a tour of our house,” says Anne Elliot, program director of Sheena’s Place.
“Others are so impressed with the prevention message that they've called to volunteer.”
Posted by Lori Henry
Lindsey Lohan is only 20 years old and has had a quick rise to fame in which she is known for both her films and her party going.
"I feel like I've lived five lifetimes and I am only 20," she is quoted as saying in an honest interview, "You have to hit rock bottom sometimes to get yourself back to the top."
She had gotten to the point of total exhaustion and spent a night thinking she was going to die. she admitted to News of the World that she suffered from boyth anorexia and bulimia from 2004-2005.
"I lay there screaming, throwing things, because the pains were so intense in my head and my liver. In the end I didn't even have the strength to take a shower," says the actress and pop singer. "It was terrifying. But going through shit makes me that much stronger."
In and out of the hospital for exhaustion and disordered eating, her last trip was during the filming of “Georgia Rule.”
"I was making myself sick. Sometimes being that thin doesn't look healthy. I kind of didn't realize that. One time when someone asked me if I was OK I just started bawling. I knew I had a problem and just could not admit it. My arms were disgusting. I had no arms. I had people sit me down and say, ‘You're going to die if you don't take care of yourself'."
Posted by Lori Henry
Her publicist issued this statement last week, “She is working with a team of doctors and specialists whose focus is nutrition. It is important to Nicole that she achieve this goal in a healthy way.”
Her weight has plummeted to a level of looking like a famine victim. She says, “I really do need to do something about it, I’m not happy with the way I look right now.”
I really hope she gets the help she needs, as the photos I’ve seen of her lately look scary. Losing that much weight in a short period of time is dangerous and obviously unnatural.
Posted by Lori Henry
"When my mother died laughing, my father shot himself." – Matilde
The Clean House opens with a Portuguese joke, told in Portuguese, and although most of the audience didn’t understand it on opening night, the laughter was proof of the charming woman who told it.
We proceed to hear from two of the other characters in short monologues, introducing their part of the story. Surtitles are projected onto a screen that separates the scenes and punctuates moments throughout.
The first half of the show runs at breakneck speed, with witty dialogue and interesting characters moving it along. Although the second half slows down quite a bit, the hilarious and touching acting and strong script hold it all together.
Dealing with a Doctor who has lost control over her marriage and her maid, her sister with a cleaning fetish, a maid who is sad when she cleans, and a cancer patient who brings them all together, the play delves deeply without getting too weighty.
The opening night was a smashing success and the audience left with grins on their faces. The run is from October 26th, 2006 to November 11th, 2006. at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre in Vancouver, Canada.
October 26th: Opening Night
October 28th: Pay-What-You-Can Matinee (2:00pm)
October 30th & November 8th: Tea Matinees (1:00pm, curtain at 2:00pm)
November 1st & 8th: Salon Saturday with Actress and Comedienne Veena Sood (1:00pm)
November 11th: Closing Night
To buy tickets, visit: www.vancouverplayhouse.com
Posted by Lori Henry
UBC (University of British Columbia) and VGH (Vancouver General Hospital) are jointly testing, along with funding from B.C. Health care, the procedure of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
Surgeons drill 2 holes into the skull and insert electrical wires through the sides of the frontal lobes. Leaving a remote control brain pacemaker, this devise sends shocks of energy into the brain with 3 volts of electricity.
This happens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is powered by a battery pack that sits on the subject’s neck. Co-sponsoring the clinical trial is a Texas-based medical devise manufacturer who hopes it takes off.
It’s sort of like a lobotomy and people are up in arms about its effectiveness and the link between health care and profits in Canada. Is this the new fix or just another test to find a way to quickly treat severe cases of depression, eating disorders and many other conditions?
Posted by Lori Henry
In some sports, such as wrestling, weight is an important issue. Weigh-ins, to determine a wrestler’s weight category, was a large issue for athletes who wanted to compete in the lightest group.
Some would go to such extremes as dehydrating themselves by visiting saunas and wearing vinyl suits while working out to try to lose water weight. When they re-hydrated after the weigh-in, they would get their energy back for the match.
Because weigh-ins are now done 1 hour before the match and not the day before, as was customary, as well as the National Collegiate Wrestling Association and the NCAA banning saunas and vinyl suits, this practice has greatly diminished.
“Former wrestlers have told me that after restrictively dieting to lose weight for a sport, their appetite may never get back to normal. They say that they’ll get hungry for no good reason because they’ve lost touch with what’s right for them,” said Myra Berkowitz, a nutritionist at Gannett and member of the Cornell Healthy Eating Program.
As for gymnasts, who have been known to go to extreme measure for thinness as well, coaches are saying the problem has been reduced by not focusing on weight and shape.
But, “We have had problems with exercise compulsion,” Melanie Dilliplane said, a gymnastics assistant, “Because gymnastics is an anaerobic sport- gymnasts will work for a high-intensity for only one to one-and-a-half minutes- some team members would go to the gym excessively for aerobic activity.”
Read the accompanying article titled, “Athletes and Eating Disorders.”
Posted by Lori Henry
Two companies have recently unrolled their sizes below 0. Nicole Miller offers the size “subzero” and Banana Republic offers “00.” The subzero reportedly outfits women with a 23.5-inch waist and 35-inch hips. What exciting news (can you feel my sarcasm dripping from the screen?)…
Probably in an attempt to make women feel better about themselves by offering us clothing that is larger than what the size says, they are actually distorting women’s body image even more.
What’s next, minus sizes? How can you be minus a size unless you’re dead?
Posted by Lori Henry
Amy confesses that she’s struggled with disordered eating since 2004. Her confession was made after pictures were published of her looking very thin, opposed to her naturally curvy figure. She is firm that she is in recovery but is still insecure.
“I went through every eating disorder you can have. A little bit of anorexia, a little bit of bulimia,” she said, “I’m not totally okay now but I don’t think any woman is.”
Posted by Lori Henry
How do you define when a diet has gone too far? Remuda Ranch, one of the most prominent centres for women and girls with anorexia and bulimia, has some answers.
"A diet has gone too far when the restrictive calorie level or limited foods on the diet lead to episodes of binge eating; a diet has gone too far when a person purges calories by self-induced vomiting," said Juliet Zuercher, registered dietitian and the director of nutrition services at Remuda Ranch.
"If these binging and purging behaviors increase to multiple times per week, for three months or more, that's considered a full-blown eating disorder."
When the individuals mind starts believing that more weight loss is required in order to be happy, they are on a slippery slope to disordered eating. The mind will begin obsessing over food and exercise as it loses control from erratic nutrition.
Posted by Lori Henry
Read the original blog post here.
Dawn Beye’s 16 year old daughter suffers from anorexia and needs critical treatment. But the insurance company doesn’t consider eating disorders mental illnesses and do not fall under the category of “biologically-based.”
An independent review organization has sided with the insurer, Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey, who declined to cover in-patient recovery treatment for over 30 days. Dawn appealed the decision and has found out that her appeal was denied. She will now fight against Horizon by filing a suit and push for a law that requires insurers to cover eating disorders.
"This is a huge disappointment. I think this decision is intellectually dishonest," Beye said last week.
The Horizon spokesperson, Thomas Rubino, declared, “We explained what the State of New Jersey law is and that anorexia and other eating disorders are not considered biologically based mental illnesses.”
Posted by Lori Henry
Over the last couple of weeks, the poll posted on the main eating disorders page was: “Do you think banning ultra thin models on the runway is a good idea?”
You can view the correlating blogs posts here, which cove the recent ban on runway models who were extremely underweight.
48% of readers voted: Yes, models are too thin and don't represent the majority
25% voted: Yes, they need to make a change
13% voted: Not sure if it's the right solution
4% voted: No, it's discrimination
10% voted: No, it won't change anything
I was actually surprised by so many votes in the first category. I think this attributes to people’s strong beliefs that the models walking down the runway are giving women a really messed up sense of beauty.
From models dying to fainting to falling over from fatigue, it is clear that the females who represent fashion designers clothing need to be updated. The too-thin look is not just scary to look at, it’s downright dangerous.
I don’t believe that banning models under a certain BMI is a solution, but it does send a clear message that the fashion industry has to start looking within it’s own walls to come up with some much-needed changes.
Thank you for voting.
Posted by Lori Henry
The study shows that doctors can analyze strands of hair for nutritional intake and carbon and nitrogen molecules. The researchers were able to accurately determine a diagnosis 80% of the time.
“Just as it can be used to determine if someone has used drugs or has been exposed to harmful amounts of mercury and lead, hair can show what someone has been eating,” Ken Hatch said, a professor in BYU's department of integrative biology. "This would give a clinician an objective measure to use to diagnose an eating disorder, and we hope it will eventually allow a sound diagnosis at an earlier stage.”
This might help doctors come to a conclusion, as suffers are often secretive and against seeking therapy.
"Their self-evaluation is very impaired," said Jennifer Tolman, clinical director at Avalon Hills, a treatment facility in Cache County, Utah. "We had a girl who was 5-10 and 98 pounds and she wasn't even sure she had an eating disorder, although she could recognize it in others," Tolman said.
Larger studies are planned to develop this test in clinics. The research findings were published last week in the journal Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry.
Posted by Lori Henry
Wales is hosting a conference for parents and carers of people with an eating disorer this month. It is the first of its kind in Wales and will focus specifically on providing extra support and practical ways of helping loved ones.
It is being organized by the Monmouthshire Council, in partnership with Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust and Gwent Eating Disorder Support Group. Experts will be on hand to talk about the day-to-day issues of caring for an individual with an eating disorder.
The event will be held on October 27th at the Marriot St. Pierre Hotel in Chepstow. It is free and you can find out more information by calling 01291 673018.
Posted by Lori Henry
Tara’s boob job was a matter of public view after her breast was on scrutiny at one of P-Diddy’s parties. The strap of her dress fell and exposed one breast for a good 15 seconds before she became aware of it.
What was exposed was more than she bargained for. She had had many complications after surgery and was suffering from a red and displaced nipple, as well as lumpiness and scarring on her stomach after liposuction.
The media attention and overall frenzy that followed was unprecedented, as every blog around the world seemed to have posted pictures of the woman in bikinis and revealing outfits. She has now had to have more surgery to correct what the last surgeon did and try to revert back to “normal,” as she has been quoted as saying.
It saddens me whenever I hear of someone else going under the knife. The pressure for actresses to look a certain way is getting so ridiculously out of control, it makes me sick. As for the rest of the population who isn’t under the flash of high-watt bulbs everyday, why the growing number of cosmetic surgeries?
I was quoted in Elevate: the cosmetic enhancement magazine, as saying: “What would the world be without flaws? We all have personality 'flaws' that make us human, so why do we try to attain perfection in our bodies? It disturbs me enormously that we are progressively becoming more desensitized to the dangers and consequences of cosmetic surgery.”
I stand by every word.
Posted by Lori Henry
Coca-Cola is said to be launching a new drink that states it can burn 50-100 calories just by drinking a 12 oz. serving. The marketing company says it will target “active life consumers,” which means “dieters,” in regular talk.
But how can a drink speed up metabolism? The company is obviously planning to compete with Jana Skinny Water, another drink that promises weight loss in a bottle. Even after their bomb of a drink last year, Coke Zero, which saw only a 0.8% volume share of the supermarket soda category, they’re still planning to go ahead with the launch.
Are they serious? Yes, the company has applied for a trademark on the name, has hired Publicis Groupe Saatchi & Saatchi to market it, and has partnered with Nestlé once again.
Whatever happened to a healthy lifestyle and moderate exercise to maintain the weight right for each individual? Boycott this Coca-Cola by refusing to drink this crap.
Posted by Lori Henry
Eating disorders are definitely on the rise, especially in school-aged children. Although concerns about overweight children surely need a resolution, not at the expense of fueling anorexia or bulimia.
"There are also fears that the intense focus on obesity is actually exacerbating the problem of eating disorders - we are now hearing about kids in primary school going on starvation diets in an attempt to look thinner," states federal Labor MP Anna Burke, in Sydney, Australia.
By promoting the dangers of obesity as a doom and gloom scenario, young children become confused and scared at the prospect of becoming fat. Instead of leading them to adopt healthy lifestyle choices, though, it often encourages them to start dieting or starving themselves in their terror of gaining weight.
Posted by Lori Henry
After changing their name from ANAD (Awareness and Networking around Disordered Eating) this year, the organization has also changed their focus. They are now known as Jessie’s Hope Society: “Celebrating the inner strength and beauty of everyBody!”
The new design offers photos, video, an on-line forum, a blog, resources, events listings, on-going and new programs and more info about the group.
You can visit the forum at: http://forum.jessieshope.org/
To visit the new site at the same address: www.jessieshope.org
Posted by Lori Henry
I’m interested to see how the show handles these large issues, especially from a woman who was in the modelling industry for so many years. A young woman will be on that watched “America’s Next Top Model” and relapsed into eating paper.
Jessica Weiner will also be on hand, titled as a “body activist,” (not too sure what that means) so hopefully she’ll provide some sound and helpful advice.
The show airs on Thursday October 19th, 2006. Check your local listings for showtime in your area.
For the article I wrote about the show, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
NEDA, The National Eating Disorders Association has partnered with Clear Channel Radio to launch a national PSA campaign. They will use Hollywood stars Paula Abdul (American Idol), Scarlett Pomers (Reba), Wynonna Judd (of the Judds), Sara Evans (Dancing with Stars) and Emme (plus size model) to record 17 spots that will run until mid 2007.
They will focus on raising public awareness about eating disorders and how to get help if someone you know is showing symptoms. Clear Channel Radio airs across the country and serves more than 110 million listeners each week.
Lynn Grefe, the CEO of NEDA, is excited about the partnership: "The National Eating Disorders Association applauds Clear Channel for its leadership in helping us to save lives and lead people toward help. This partnership with our celebrity ambassadors and Clear Channel will reach so many people to emphasize that eating disorders are illnesses, not choices. Eating disorders can be deadly and can devastate entire families- both emotionally and financially. But, we are here together to say that there is hope and there is help. Thank you Clear Channel, Paula, Scarlett, Emme, Wynonna and Sara. Lending your voices to the cause makes a difference and we are grateful."
Joel Delmonico, the Vice President of Clear Channel Radio, responded by saying, "Clear Channel Radio is deeply committed to our listeners in communities across the country. We are part of the daily lives of millions of people and reaching out with important messages like this is what we do every day. We believe that this campaign can have a real and measurable impact on the lives of those suffering from these disorders."
The celebrities are just as thrilled: "I'm so excited to be working with NEDA on this very important issue," said Scarlett Pomers. "The number of sufferers only increases every year and I hope we can step up awareness and relieve the shame and guilt that families feel, so they may get help before their loved ones suffer permanent damage or even death."
Emme added, "Awareness comes only when we are ready to see the whole picture. Here's to bashing false stereotypes and embracing our whole selves!"
Posted by Lori Henry
This weekend, Bryan Lask, emeritus professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at St. George’s University of London and one of Britain’s leading authorities on eating disorders, equated the fashion industry’s role in promoting disorder eating to that of the tobacco industry’s endorsement of smoking.
"If the question is: 'Does the whole emphasis within our society on being thin, does that play a part in the development of anorexia?', then the answer is undoubtedly and absolutely 'yes,'” he comented.
"The massive increase in eating disorders in the last 20 years has to be attributed to the whole issue of the pressure to be thin." He affirmed that the fashion industry needs to take responsibility for the dangerous ideals they promote and start making some drastic changes.
Patients at the Cygnet Hospital Ealing’s Eating Disorder Unit, ranging in ages from 21-57, note that although seeing waif-like models didn’t cause their disorders, but they certainly exacerbate the problem.
One patient said, "You look at them and think, 'God, I wish I did look like that. I really want to look like that.'"
Another young patient commented, "Why aren't they in hospital getting treated, like we are? Why can they be like that and we can't?…We're all sectioned and have tubes put down our noses to be able to eat, and we have people out there who have lower BMIs than us."
What a succinct comment, indeed. Read the original blog post about banning anorexic models in Spain and Italy or the news on the death of model Ana Carolina Reston.
Click here to read about the ban of ultra thin models in Italy.
For a list of all coverage, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
I am on the search for a group called "Women in Recovery" for a reader. They have held a conference in Ft. Walton Beach, FL and are believed to have a chapter in Gulf Breeze, FL.
If you have any information, please either email me or post in on the discussion boards.
Thanks!
Posted by Lori Henry
At the time of her death, her bones protruded from her body, her teeth were rotten and she could only fit into children’s clothing. After 3 years of binging and purging, her body weakened and her heart gave out.
Her mother has been battling the system after realizing they had been let down. Her daughter visited her GP more than 2 times but didn’t receive the help she needed. She was told it was just a fad and that she would eventually get better.
Her mother continues the fight. “I was unable to save Cat but I would like to be able to help others. I will continue to campaign for an outpatient centre in Norwich. I feel this might have helped Cat.”
“I will also continue to communicate with the Primary Care Trust until it recognises what went wrong in Cat's case. The fact it has gone external is a positive step. I know there are girls out there who need it and if this was here when Cat was alive she might be here now.”
Posted by Lori Henry
Doctors in London put out their strongest call yet for underweight models to be banned from the catwalk. In an open letter to the British Fashion Council, 40 health professionals and Doctors at London’s biggest eating disorders clinic insisted on a ban of models who are “clearly anorexic.”
"There is no doubt that there is cause and effect here," said Professor Janet Treasure of the Eating Disorders Service and Research Unit at King's College London. "The fashion industry showcases models with extreme body shapes, and this is undoubtedly one of the factors leading to young girls developing eating disorders."
The letter was in response to the recent controversy on models under the BMI of 18 to be banned from the Madrid Fashion Week and urges London’s fashion industry to follow suit.
Professor Janet was also quoted as saying, "The Spanish example is very sensible. Eating disorders go hand-in-hand with a range of other problems, including substance abuse, behavioural issues and self harm. If young girls are seeing these poor role models, they can develop habits that are very difficult to shift in later life."
Sales of an American size 0, size 4 in the UK, are on sale at popular shops such as Miss Selfridge and Top Shop. The trousers are made for a 22” waist, the average measurements of an 8 year old girl.
"There are increasingly very, very thin women, who look as underdeveloped as pre-teens and they seem desperate to fit into the smallest sizes," says a shop assistant at Top Shop where the petite sizes are selling very quickly.
An exerpt from the letter is as follows:
"The issue is not whether we should place the blame of unhealthy eating behaviours on the fashion industry or on anyone else. The issue is that Spanish health authorities have decided to intervene in a health issue, which is directly affecting the wellbeing of models as well as affecting the attitudes and behaviours of many young girls and women who may strive to imitate and attain these unhealthy pursuits.
"Adopting what Madrid has done is a good first step but the fashion industry, from designer to magazine editors, should not be making icons out of anorexically thin models. Magazines should stop printing these pictures and designers should stop designing for these models.
"People may say that clothes look better on skinny models but do not forget there was a time when smoking looked good too."
Posted by Lori Henry
Their current ad has a man shown without a head but a ripped torso, some say imitating Michelangelo’s David. It shows not one stray hair or imperfection and depersonalizes the model as they do in women’s ads.
"Body image is not just a concern for women," says Deborah Schooler, a research associate at Brown University who has studied the adverse affects media images can have on male self-esteem. "It affects men, too, and it demands attention."
She believes that when researching men and body image, the wrong questions are being asked. "Asking men about just weight or size misses the boat," Schooler. They care more about other “real body” factors like sweat, body hair and body odour.
A study done last spring at the San Francisco State University and recently published in Seed magazine, looked at 184 male college students. It reported that the more media these guys saw, especially music videos and prime-time TV, the worse they felt about the “real” aspects of their bodies they had mentioned before.
The study also revealed that these negative feelings impacted with sexual health and in some cases led to more aggressive and riskier sexual behaviour.
But David Zinczenko, editor of Men’s Health magazine, has a different view of the ad. “What's good about that image is that it's the picture of health… With diabetes rates skyrocketing over the past 70 years, a little more 'lean' wouldn't hurt us."
Hmmm...
Posted by Lori Henry
Larry Kirkwood is presenting his project, which features 2 nude body casts from neck down to the thighs and from all body types, genders and races, to show a more realistic view of the body.
“We have been collaborating for two years to bring this exhibit here,” said Gail Siegel, arts programming coordinator for Campus Involvement. “We are trying to use Larry’s artwork to provide information and increase awareness about learning to love our own bodies.”
The 22 moulds will be shown in conjunction with a lecture that Kirkwood will give about body image. He’s co-presenting the exhibit with The Visual, Performing and Literary Arts Committee, and Health and Wellness Services Eating Disorders Prevention Program.
“I didn’t expect it to be so powerful,” Siegel said. “Larry is an art activist who is passionate about making a difference.”
The artist drove the work from his residence in Kansas City, MO to Pullman himself, stating, “I just want to make a change by showing people what they really look like,” Kirkwood said, “because mirrors are anything but objective.”
“I didn’t expect it to be so powerful,” Siegel said, “Larry is an art activist who is passionate about making a difference.”
The lecture takes place Wednesday evening at 7:30pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium. An “a la carte” presentation will be held on Thursday at 12:10pm in the Bundy Reading Room in Avery Hall. The entire exhibit will be displayed until Thursday.
Posted by Lori Henry
This clinic specialized in Eating Disorders but can’t get enough funding to keep it going. One of the counselors says the closing of the clinic will lead to more people with illnesses going undiagnosed.
Carol Drew, a former spokesperson for the DHB association, says disorder eating is complex and she’s worried that people not getting specialized treatment will be lost in the system.
Posted by Lori Henry
Xenical is a weight loss drug that prevents the body from absorbing fat. During the prime-time TV slots, it’s being advertised to the consternation of many, including the Australian Medical Association. They say the commercial is misleading and will encourage young women to take the drug if they are concerned about their weight, even if they are not obese.
The tagline is: “One of the reasons you put on weight is that your body is very good at absorbing fat. Now there is Xenical.”
Because the second largest audience for the show is the 13-17 year old age group, consumer watchdog Choice is outraged at the company behind the commercial. The safety of the drug hasn’t been tested yet and it’s not recommended for people under the age of 18, which isn’t mentioned in the ad.
Posted by Lori Henry
She stated that she never goes to bed without her bra on because of her insecurity. After giving birth to a son, she went from baring all for the men’s magazine to covering up even in front of her husband, Jim Carey.
She said, “I do have a C-section scar that goes right across with the shelf that hangs over. I've got stretch marks. After childbirth, boobs hang down. I will not have sex without my bra. I can't stand it when they just slither past my arms and lay flat like pancakes... I'm insecure with the rest of them."
f you look like the Jenny McCarthy, which is an “ideal” to many men and women, and you still feel shitty about yourself, don’t you think that’s a problem? I’m not talking about her specifically now, but about the unattainable holy grail that is never reached, even by people who it seems have the secret.
Posted by Lori Henry
The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Bay Club Marin in Corte Madera, California.
The program, titled "Building a Community for Prevention 2006," will feature guest speaker Dr. Haleh Kashani, creator of Kaiser's outpatient eating disorder program, a silent auction, wine, appetizers and resource information provided by the organization’s founders.
For details, call (415) 459-2270.
Posted by Lori Henry
The results:
Occurrence of eating disorders on campus
· More than half of those polled (55.3%) said they know at least one person who has struggled with an eating disorder and have at least taken the initiative to speak to them about it (57.6%).
· Only 37.8% felt their lives were not personally impacted by an eating disorder.
· Of the 19.6% who admit to having personally had an eating disorder at some time, nearly 75% of those had never received or sought treatment.
· Students who have dieted and avoided or skipped meals (80.9% and 74.7%, respectively).
· Students who know someone who compulsively exercises more than two hours at a time, more days of the week than not (44.4%), purges by vomiting (38.8%); uses laxatives to lose weight (26%).
General awareness of eating disorders
· Of the respondents, 25.2% were familiar with anorexia; 22.9% with bulimia; 15.4% with binge eating disorder; 7.9% with compulsive exercise bulimia and 62.4% with all of the above. Only 10.9% selected "none of the above."
· A majority of respondents believe eating disorders will lead to major lifelong health problems and serious or fatal health issues (83% and 82.5%, respectively).
Among the common pressures believed by respondents to cause the onset of eating disorders
· Cultural pressures to be thin (57.3%)
· Stress from family and life in general (40.3% and 46.2%, respectively)
· Personal choice (39%)
· Mental illness (35.4%)
· History of trauma (17.9%)
· Genetics (17.6%)
Posted by Lori Henry
But instead of feeding the myth that actresses in the spotlight lead trouble free lives, she will speak at the Tween Health Conference hosted by the Girl Scouts Redlands Council in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
The conference is expected to attract over 500 moms' young women and their mothers, which will focus on healthy eating, self-esteem, peer pressure, Internet safety and leadership.
She will speak publicly about her treatment for Anorexia in hopes of sharing with the teens her experience. She wants them to know that, if they are going down that road, how to make better decisions and how to get help.
2 years ago, Scarlett was on a starvation diet that lead to a frightening spiral into an Eating Disorder. She exercised excessively, rarely ate and hid what she was doing. Fortunately, she turned to her mother, who had her admitted into an inpatient facility for treatment.
The thousands of emails from fans and young women who understand her struggle have come flooding in, confirming her impulse to speak publicly about it. She realizes that the disease is more widespread than most people think and that it is highly misunderstood.
"I think being a teenager is a hard time for anybody," Scarlett is quoted as saying. "I'm almost 18, thinking about adult things and teen things. It's definitely a time of transition and it helps to have a teen support system. I was 16, when Anorexia completely took over my life. Girls who have an eating disorder need to find someone they trust and talk to them. I made a choice to get better, and I talked to my mom."
Posted by Lori Henry
It is a 90 minute, one-man show, and discusses the state of male body image and how damaging men can be tot their own bodies for the sake of appearance. The show consists of three stories, a gay college student, a personal trainer and a newlywed documentary filmmaker, who each participate in different destructive behaviours to alter their own bodies.
After the show, a 30 minute panel discussion will be held by Michael himself, along with a group of UCF (University of Central Florida) health experts and counselors. The audience will be encouraged to share their opinions and experience on the issues presented, as well as ask any questions.
Incorporated into the show is also a filmed documentary featuring interviews with men talking about what they secretly think about their bodies, from their cycles of obsession to what drives them to steroid and supplement abuse.
The show is being held on the UCF campus on Monday October 2, 2006. It starts at 8:00 pm in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union Building and is free and open to the public.
Posted by Lori Henry
One of her latest films, Little Children, in which she plays a mother of two, had her doing a couple of nude scenes. She remembers thinking, "'How am I going to pull this off? The belly is certainly not what it was. The boobs are certainly not what they were.' You do think, 'Oh, God!' but at the same time, I was playing a mother, and it's so important to me to have those things look as real as possible."
Although she fears she will sound like a cracked record, with all that she says about positive body image, she won't stop talking at length about the subject. "More than ever now, I believe it's so important to look as real and true to life as possible, because nobody's perfect. I seem to be on a mission, but I don't want the next generation, your daughters and mine, growing up thinking that you have to be thin to look beautiful in certain clothes. It's terrifying right now. It's out of control. It's beyond out of control."
She is appalled by the magazines that publish photos of emaciated women on their covers "And then express faux concern for them. If you're really that concerned, don't do it. Don't put those pictures where young girls will see them."
Accepting her responsibility as a role model for the younger generation (and everyone else!), she says, "For a long time that seemed like a huge responsibility, but if I am that to some young women, then that's great. I'm tremendously flattered to be looked up to in that way, and I feel an enormous responsibility to stay normal and true to myself and not conform and all those things. You know? To be healthy. And normal. And to like to eat cake."
Posted by Lori Henry
Ms. Fogarty put the future of her company on the line when she decided to put out a call for models in nightclubs and universities for women and men who looked like the people that bought her line's swimsuits, the customers.
"We wanted to cast models that depicted "everyday Australian men and women" because they are the ones that are going to buy our swimwear, and with Fashion as such a huge subculture in our youth we have an ethical responsibility to demonstrate good role models," spokesperson Leesa Fogarty said.
Her and her team have since returned home of Manly Beach in Sydney in celebration of their Australian Fashion Week success. Their label was stocked in Sportsgirl last summer, the retail store's first time selling swimwear for about 8 years.
The are now gearing up to distribute the line internationally. The overwhelming amount of fan mail from the international general public was a welcome home gift, as were invitations from Fashion Week organizers in Miami and Mallorca, the latter asking Leesa to be an exclusive guest designer at their 2007 show.
"MaraJoara are celebrating our new swimwear range launch and promoting a healthy body image with everyday Australians on our catwalk! When we asked ourselves what depicted Australian - we were simply celebrating the fact that no matter what cultural background, if you were skinny, short, tall or curvaceous that MaraJoara had swimwear for men and women that could look and feel fantastic!" Leesa said.
Posted by Lori Henry
Uruguayan supermodel Luisel Ramos was gaining momentum in her modeling career and strutted her stuff down the catwalk last month to rapturous applause from the audience and fashion industry.
The 22 year old thought she was "making it big" last month after her agency said that she had what it took as long as she lost a few more pounds, which she was doing. In fact, for 3 months she had reportedly eaten nothing but salads and greens and drank only Diet Coke.
Indeed, she did reach the elusive size zero that the fashion world so openly aspires for. But minutes after stepping off the catwalk, she complained she didn't feel well and dropped dead from a heart failure.
This lead to the recent ban of models to walk down the runway if their BMI (Body Mass Index) is less than 18.
Click here for updates.
Click here for news on the death of another model, Ana Carolina Reston.
Click here to read about Luisel's sister, Eliana Ramos', death.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Pasarela Cibeles trade fair in Madrid (see the original blog post here) has actually banned models under a certain body mass or height weight ratio from strutting their stuff down the runways.
Now the organizers of London's Fashion Week are being encouraged to do the same. Britan's Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, is one of the many politicians who support such a ban in London. She said, "We shouldn't for one moment underestimate the power of fashion in shaping the attitude of young girls and their feelings about themselves."
But they're not budging. The head of Marks & Spencer, Stuart Rose, one of the main backers of London Fashion Week, has decided that it's up to the designers to decide the type of models they want to use.
"I am very wary of knee-jerk reactions. There is a debate, of course, just as there is at the moment about obesity, but the designers are not uncaring and we have to leave it to their own common sense. Nobody would want to use a model who was unhealthy. I would say there has been a bit of a over-reaction."
Meanwhile, the Vice-Councilwoman for the Economy of Madrid's regional government, Concha Guerra, has said, "Our intention is to promote good body image by using models whose bodies match reality and reflect healthy eating habits," setting the stage for other leaders to speak up.
The director of the Spain show, Pérez Pita, has now said he was glad to follow the new rule, "We've always tried to convey an image of health and beauty in our shows, and we wanted to contribute, if only a tiny bit, to re-shaping the image the girls focus on when they try to lose weight."
This means an estimated 30% of the 50 models that participated in last year's show will not be hired this week. Sergio Guiu, agent at one of the agencies who books his models for this show, says, "No one likes something that makes it more difficult to get work. And being tall and thin-boned doesn't mean you're sick."
The show organizers know that a BMI of 18.5 is "underweight," but they leave a little wiggle room for the naturally thin. And although the fashion shows in Paris and New York have showed no sign of following the lead, government officials are still confident that the decision will have appositive outcome.
Says Pérez Pita, "The problem isn't just with fashion shows, but if we can make sure the catwalks don't transmit an unhealthy image, then we've helped."
For more coverage, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
To accompany the article titled, Good vs. Bad Food. I will be publishing exercises to go along with it on Thursday.
Posted by Lori Henry
The fear of underweight girls bodies being strutted down the runway as the ideal figure scared the city enough into putting a ban on body type: models who are 5 feet 9 inches tall must weigh at least 123 pounds.
But is this a big step in helping to combat the negative self-image that such shows can give people, or is it discriminating against women who are very thin? And who makes the rules for the what is too thin?
"Fashion is a mirror and many teenagers imitate what they see on the catwalk," said regional official Concha Guerra. She says that Spain is concentrating their efforts on having models portraying a healthier body image and on putting out good work.
A similar view is taken in Italy, where mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti, said that she would seek a similar ban unless the industry could find a solution to "sick" looking models.
For continued coverage, click here.
For a list of all coverage, click here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Ann Marie Martin, a Fine Gael councilor, suffered from an Eating Disorder for five years, which lead her to struggle with both Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating. Now that she has overcome her own fight, she is intent on telling others that it's possible to get help and recover.
"The reason I am being so open about this now is that eating disorders can be such a guilty, secretive and shameful illness for a sufferer," Ann said. "If this had come out about me two years ago I would have been mortified, fearing that people would see me as some sort of failure."
She knows only too well how Disordered Eating can take control over your life and make you feel guilty, abused and secretive. "All my life I had issues with body image and was unhappy with how my body looked," she admitted. "There was a time when I wouldn't eat anything containing any fat and I lost a lot of weight. But then I would just relapse into bulimia once again. There comes a time when you realise that you have to cop on. I got to that point where I said that I just can't really take this anymore; the disorder was taking control over my life and I needed to regain it."
She has started a course run by the Eating Disorder Resource Centre of Ireland in Co Wexford, to put her experience and passion into gear. The course itself is only in its first year of operation, but has been successful in both London and Western Europe.
"This is a topic that is very close to my heart," Ann revealed. "I have suffered from an eating disorder myself and understand the heartache it can bring. Being a woman in today's demanding society, the pressure to pursue the perfect body image can become almost obsessive for some of us and my biggest worry is how it is affecting young children and teenagers."
Ann seems to really be a light in this dark struggle. She says, "Every single day I come into contact with girls in my area who have issues with body image. They need to learn that you have to have a balance in your life. If you are eating the right foods and your body chemistry is balanced then your mind will be more balanced and you are better prepared to make the right decisions about yourself."
Absolutely.
Posted by Lori Henry
Last week, during the Rosemont Australian Fashion Week, Leesa was asked to replace her average-sized models with "professionals," which she refused to do. Her group of amateur, size 8-12 models were told they weren't "fit for the catwalk." She is gaining praise from outside of the fashion industry, namely by professionals in the healthcare field who are speaking out in her support.
The Executive Officer of the Eating Disorders Foundation, Frances Sanders, said "Hooray, we applaud moves to include healthy normal Australian women in the fashion industry... I think it's refreshing what she's done."
Professor Andrew Hill, an obesity expert, was quoted as saying, "Ms Fogarty is to be applauded for using ordinary women to model her swimwear." He states in a study he has conducted that 70 percent of obese 11 year olds saw themselves as unnatractive, but images of super-thin women only made their self-esteem drop lower.
Pictures published of the "models" show them smiling, having fun, of various ages and body types and healthy. They seem to glow and isn't that the best way to sell clothing?
It's steps like this one that Leesa Fogarty has made that can actually make a difference in our body-obsessed world. Let's hope that she can pave the way for others in her position to do the same.
Posted by Lori Henry
He will be inaugurating the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education by hosting a series of dialogues with leading global thinkers. The talks will take place from Friday September 8th-Sunday September 11th, some private, some by invitation and one open to the public on the Saturday. I will be covering this event, and how his philosophy relates to recovery from an Eating Disorder, so check back on Monday for the full article.
The public talk is called "Cultivating Happiness" and he will focus on the causes and conditions for happiness and provide guidance on developing an authentic sense of well being that is not dependent on external circumstances.
The other dialogues include "Educating the Heart," where the Dalai Lama will converse with high school students from the Lower Mainland. The teens will bring their own stories of compassion and courage and engage in conversation around them. The afternoon of this session will be a dialogue with leading educators, researchers and policy makers on the themes of cultivating compassion and educating the heart.
"Happiness and Stress as Determinants of Mental Health" will be a discussion with a different group of leading researchers on the topic of enhancing authentic happiness and physical well being.
"Connecting for Change: Corporate and Social Leaders in Dialogue" will start with a small series of conversations among prominent national and international business leaders and social innovators.
The centre is scheduled for completion in 2009 and will be a non-political, non-religious institution that acts as a beacon for promoting peace through education, research and dialogue. It will run on the Dalai Lama's philosophy that each person must "cultivate the heart, and work for peace within yourself and in the world."
"The key concepts that define the goals of the Dalai Lama Center are: one, the promotion of human values; and two, the promotion of a sense of oneness within humanity. These two ideas serve to promote peace among different communities within one nation, within one world. And they will be particularly useful in shaping the long-term goals of the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education in Vancouver, Canada."
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama
The centre has an International Advisory Board led by the Dalai Lama. The board also includes four other Nobel Peace Laureates- Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Shirin Ebadi, Jimmy Carter and Mairead Maguire- all of whom will lend their extensive experience to support the Centre's objectives.
Posted by Lori Henry
A New Jersey insurance company is being battled on how it classifies Anorexia Nervosa. Presently, coverage in most states is limited to 30 in-patient days, a blink in the recovery process, even though the disorder has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
The issue is based on whether Eating Disorders are considered "biologically based," like mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression and other psychiatric disorders. But organizations such as Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, who are in agreement with most other insurance companies in the state, defends that there is no conclusive evidence that Anorexia is biologically based.
Mother, Dawn Beye, is gaining support from nearly a dozen of the most well known experts on Eating Disorders for her fight for treatment for her 15 year old daughter. The insurance appeal will be reviewed before an independent panel, which is expected to rule next week.
One of her supporters, Scott Craw, a psychiatrist at the University of Minnesota and one of the past presidents of the Academy of Eating Disorders, wrote a letter stating, "(Horizon)" could only have reached such an opinion through willful ignorance of the scientific literature."
Another is Wade Berrettini, who wrote an article in the American Journal of Human Genetics that Horizon is basing their decision on. It states that there is evidence suggesting the susceptibility gene for anorexia. But he says in a letter, "This is an entirely inappropriate interpretation of my work and the work of our group...It is my opinion that anorexia is biologically based. Dozens of researchers across the world are making an extraordinary effort to find genes which predispose individuals to anorexia."
But not everyone agrees that Anorexia should be covered. Critics state that professionals who lobby for Eating Disorders to be considered biologically based make their livings treating people with diseases. They are charged with thinking only of how it could affect their "business."
Dawn Beye is now paying out-of-pocket for her daughter's treatment at an out-of-state facility. She expects to go more than $200,000 into debt for the recovery, as her daughter has relapsed to a point where her heart rate dropped to dangerous levels, her extremities turned blue and Doctors have been declaring that she needs urgent long-term care immediately.
With other paying fees like $1,200.00 a day for hospital treatment, how many other people have to die before Eating Disorders are recognized as the deadly diseases that they are.
Read the follow up blog here.
Posted by Lori Henry
Sophie Gregoire is the Quebec correspondent for CTV's entertainment show eTalk Daily. She works with the Montreal-based BACA Eating Disorders Clinic and has admitted that her effort is fuelled by a personal cause.
"I came from an environment where there were a lot of young girls suffering from eating disorders," she was quoted as saying. It began with her trying to please those around her, as well as from peer pressure from society. She also holds the media responsible for their obsession with beauty.
Although she was never emaciated, she did suffer from ages 17-21 years old, which made it difficult for those around her to see what was going on. Her best friend is quoted as saying "I guess Sophie felt she had to be as intelligent as her father and as beautiful as her mother. She always wanted to impress, which put a lot on her shoulders. She was too hard on herself."
It seems that everyday there is news about someone else going pubic with their fight against and Eating Disorder. Sophie says she is now recovered and is channelling her energy into ever-expanding niches for herself. By staying positive and continuing her work with BACA Eating Disorders Clinic, let's hope that her strength will be an inspiration to those who see her on TV every day.
Posted by Lori Henry
Reach Program Workshop- Body Image: Changing The Way We See Our Bodies.
Friday, September 15th. Body Image: Changing the Way We See Our Bodies. Would you like to feel better about your body? Would you like to be less concerned about how you think others see your body? Join us as we develop strategies to question and confront distorted ways of seeing our bodies and enhance how we think about and see each other and ourselves.
This is the second part of a two-part workshop series that began in August. (You are welcome to join regardless of attendance at the first workshop!) The workshop, sponsored by the AIDS Health Project's REACH Program is free and open to gay and bisexual men regardless of HIV status. Friday, September 15, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the AHP Services Center, 1930 Market Street (San Fransisco). Space is limited. To RSVP, call the AHP Events Line at (415) 476-6448, ext. 1.
Posted by Lori Henry
The project will explore stereotyping, racism, violence, poverty, the politics of food and pleasures of cooking in East Vancouver, Canada.
MISCELLANEOUS Productions, creators and producers of THE REENA PROJECT / Outcasts & Angels , What You Carry With You..., e-race, and MISCELLANEOUS Magazine, will be holding Auditions and Interviews for East Vancouver Youth aged 14 - 27 for our new live performance and documentary video project. We are looking for performers who can act, sing, dance, write and/or play percussion or who possess a combination of some or all these talents, as well as video technicians and stage crew.
No experience neccessary.
Based on the main themes of stereotyping, poverty, racism, violence, peer pressure, substance abuse, family, the politics of food and pleasures of cooking, MISCELLANEOUS Productions will create an ensemble performance with music, dance and video featuring Vancouver Eastside youth. The performance will be performed in November 2007 at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre and we will be shooting a documentary of our process to create this original work throughout the next year. The live performance will be structured as a satire of an Iron Chef television show and the "celebrity chefs" will be the youth from East Vancouver with a strong plot elicited from the true stories of the participants. There will be "stock characters" -stereotypes that will be created and debunked.
Auditions and interviews for the cast and crews will be held at:
Gray's Park Hall
4850 St. Catherine's Street corner of 32nd Avenue
Just north east of 33rd and Fraser Street in East Vancouver
On the following dates:
Wednesday, September 20, 2006: 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday, September 22, 2006: 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday, September 29, 2006: 4 PM - 8 PM - Call-backs only
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can dance in!
Singers: prepare one verse and one chorus from a Soul, R&B or pop song.
We will be writing and rehearsing the performance in late 2006 and throughout 2007, and opening the play in Vancouver East Cultural Centre in November 2007. All positions for youth aged 14 -27 years old are completely open in the Performance Crew (cast), Video Crew (production) and Technical Theatre Crew.
For more information, please contact MISCELLANEOUS Productions at:
telephone- (604) 873 - 6522
e-mail- elaine-c@mdi.ca
web site- www.miscellaneous-inc.org
Posted by Lori Henry
I'm just glad that the anxiety and stress have diminished and I'm at home, relaxing in the gorgeous weather, about to make dinner. What I am truly grateful for is the tools that I learned along the way to recovery, as otherwise, this was a time that I would have certainly reverted back to Bulimic behaviour.
Instead, I took many deep breaths, kept stretching and trying to quiet the mind, leaned on my family to support me and kept communicating my feelings and thoughts throughout. I now feel a million times better and content that that part of my life is over. It makes me realize that, in the long run, it's so much easier to deal with situations as they arise, rather than stuffing them down and numbing the emotions.
Above all, I am grateful for being recovered and not having to deal with bad circumstances AND an Eating Disorder, just bad circumstances. It will all work out if we can just breathe and deal with each moment as it comes.
Posted by Lori Henry
Pica is widely misunderstood. I will be publishing an article on Monday about the symptoms and causes to help people be better informed.
The craving for non-food substances may seem strange to some, but it's more common than most people think.
Posted by Lori Henry
Not only do teenagers feel unconfident about their bodies, but their mothers often do, too. But instead of talking about it, most families say nothing, which increases the problem.
Dove is launching a Mothers and Daughters booklet, authored by well-known Psychotherapist Susie Orbach, that gives mothers practical advice and information on how to tackle issues both them and their young ones may be experiencing.
Dove hopes to promote a positive and wide-ranging definition of beauty for the next generation of women and boost self-esteem when it matters most.
If you live near Glasgow, you can enter the contest that offers mothers and daughters the chance to relax together with a day at MacDonald Crutherland House: facial, full body massage, use of the gym, sauna and steam room, and a two-course lunch where you'll meet the Dove team.
To enter, send them a letter stating why you and your daughter deserve to spend some quality time together (in no more than 50 words). Send your entries by August 14th to:
Dove Competition
Features, Daily Record
1 Central Quay
Glascow G3 8DA
Hmm, I could sure use a full body massage...
Posted by Lori Henry
Unfortunately, she seems to have changed her mind after allegedly getting a nose job recently. The magazine received more than a thousand angry letters from readers who say they are sick of the hypocrisy of celebrities.
They argued that stars are famous for saying it's easy to get rid of their belly after pregnancy (just breast feed!), that they have high metabolisms and don't actually have to work out, that they're too scared to go under the knife but have noticeable alterations to their breasts or face, the list goes on.
The new Editor at Marie Claire magazine says that they will be shifting the focus of the magazine away from celebrity nonsense and dig into a little more substance. What that means, we'll have to wait and see, but it is a promising step in the right direction.
All I can hope is that they can follow through with it. I can predict that it won't turn into a feminist magazine without any reference to fluff, but perhaps they can shift things a little- they have the power to do it and it would give other publications and media the hint that you can espouse genuine content and still pay the bills.
Posted by Lori Henry
It's almost unanimous, everyone visiting the site knows about Disordered Eating either firsthand or has gained the knowledge for some other reason. That encourages me, as there is so much misinformation about this field and I'm glad that readers are searching for more and better research, as well as a positive environment to further their recovery.
This writing tenure at Suite101 has been extremely fulfilling so far. I am enjoying the freedom to publish the important things I feel passionate about and have so much more to say, so many more topics to explore. This issue is limitless- thank you for coming by and sharing your insights in the Discussion Forums and private emails. I look forward to dissecting more subject matter with you.
Posted by Lori Henry
It deals with the notion that just because you don't have a diagnosable Eating Disorder, doesn't mean you aren't being unhealthy to yourself.
Chronic and yo-yo dieting can be just as dangerous but are acceptable in this society which believes that living inside a "thin cage" is normal.
So, I'll be continuing the theme of dieting that I started in my last article. Stay tuned.
Posted by Lori Henry
The book, You Are Not Alone, is coming along and should be ready to hit the stores in September. Andrea is excited and eager to see this project through to the end, as are all of the women who contributed. I think it will be an amazing collection of writing and artwork that will be able to touch many.
I'll do a review as soon as I receive my copy. Can't wait!
Posted by Lori Henry
The bi-weekly poll results have been counted for the Daily Routines poll. It asked how many of you had set daily routines that you followed, or whether you just went where the wind blew.
Almost half of you said that yes, you had daily routines or were on a diet, while 20% responded that they mostly did your own thing and another 20% that "I'm a pretty habitual person."
The rest of the votes were divided into "I'm about half and half," and one person voted for "I never know what I'm doing from one moment to the next."
I have an article coming up on challenging readers to step out of their daily routines to do something daring!
Posted by Lori Henry
The 2 articles that I wrote about the causes of disordered eating will now be published on Monday and Thursday, July 17th and 20th.
My computer is back safe and sound and nothing was lost- phew!
Posted by Lori Henry
It was an exquisite display of some of the most exciting dancers in the city. They explored how these 3-inch lotus shoes, so idolized by Chinese culture, would make them move and interact with both sexes and in their own bodies.
What emerged was passionate sensuality, athletic movements and some top-notch performances. Although most of the show moved from one abstract moment to the next, the parts that really stirred me were when the dancers had the shoes on and were learning how to walk and move for the first time.
It's hard to understand the beauty ideals of other cultures, in our dominant North American society. But that's what they are: ever-changing standards that differ from country to country, culture to culture.
Posted by Lori Henry
Tiny feet were considered the ultimate female attribute, similar to large breasts here in North America. The Chinese broke a young girl's foot bones and bound them with tight strips of silk cloth each day.
Wen Wai Weng has incorporated this torture as part of his newest dance piece, part of the Dancing on the Edge Festival here in Vancouver, Canada. I'm going to see the show on Friday night, so I'll report back how it was.
I can't wait to see this one, it sounds intriguing.
Click here for the short review.
Posted by Lori Henry
The majority of readers admitted to having an Eating Disorder, which, I can only hope, I am helping to understand. On the other end of the spectrum, many of you said that you regularly put healthy foods into your body. That's wonderful and what we can all strive for.
The other options, I try not to deprive myself, Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't and I am thinking about food most of the time, had a few votes each and go to show how varied we are in our relationship to food.
I hope that I can be a part of helping people reach a healthy relationship with both their bodies and food.
Posted by Lori Henry
My laptop has just broken and the articles are on that hard drive. Until I get it fixed, and hoping that I can retrieve them, they will be up shortly, I hope.
Until then, I'll be writing like mad to get up some new ones. Ah, technology...
Posted by Lori Henry
The 2 articles that I wrote about the causes of disordered eating will now be published on Monday and Thursday, July 17th and 20th.
My computer is back safe and sound and nothing was lost- phew!
Posted by Lori Henry
Katherine McPhee has gone public with her struggle with bulimia. A part of me thinks that clebrities glamourize the disorder and end up doing more damage than good, another part of me thinks that the attention paid to these people at least gains the cause some awareness.
We'll see how she uses Bulimia, to help others or to create more media to further her career. I can only hope she realizes how much power she has as a "star," so to speak.
Posted by Lori Henry
I laid out on the grass all day listening to artist's rock out and watching people dance. I wrote to my heart's content and relaxed while groovin' to the music.
What absolute paradise. The sun was beating down hot and vibrant, the people peaceful and happy, and the kids laughing and playing. It was absolutely divine. And I'm doing it again tomorrow.
Posted by Lori Henry
I watched the French film "Les Yeux Sans Visage" (Eyes Without a Face), by George Franju, last night and it brought up some interesting questions about identity.
The story follows an obsessive Doctor as he tries to find a way to give his daughter back a face. While driving "like a lunatic" one night, they get into a car accident and the young daughter somehow ends up with just a disfigured face (hey, it's a 1959 horror flick, stretch your imagination a little bit!).
The father ends up murdering other young women who have the same type of face as his daughter by taking them to his lab underneath his home in the French countryside. His surrogate wife, whose face has also been "saved" by this Doctor, lures the young ladies into the house with her innocent-seeming tactics. But as each surgery fails and more women go missing, he starts running out of time as the police get closer to the truth.
Anyways, apart from the horror of it making me close my eyes (there's a scene that's graphic and disgusting, even by today's standards) and squirm, it also made me think about how much our identity lies in our appearance. We put so much energy into looking a certain way, dressing in a certain style and trying to come across as a certain person, what happened if that was erased and all we had left was a disfigured body or face?
Who are we without our make up bag, hair products and stylish clothing?
Posted by Lori Henry
Spent the day today at the EARTH festival in Vancouver, which was promoting ways to have a more sustainable lifestyle. Not as many people as I expected, but still a good time. There was a performance by a Chinese dance company that was really beautiful and something that I haven't seen much of.
I finished off my time there with the African and Caribbean-inspired drum set that was up at 3:00. What a great performance! And today was the hottest day so far, my inside thermometer says almost 30 degrees- I love the heat. It was so nice to spend the day outdoors, relaxing, eating healthy food from sustainable plates and being surrounded by people energetic to make a difference.
Posted by Lori Henry
The newest camera coming out is one that will make you look thinner. There are functions built into the camera that will shrink the centre of the image, which means a person will look a few sizes smaller.
There is also a function called "soft focus," which focuses on blurring and smoothing imperfect skin. Hewlett Packard is the genius (do you hear my sarcasm?) behind this one and they're marketing it to consumers as a new devise that will take 10-15 pounds off of you with just the click of a button. It'll only set you back $400.
The sad thing is, these way-too-expensive toys will probably sell like hotcakes. They interviewed people on the street and they were all women who seemed very interested and liked the idea of being able to take off unwanted pounds for the family album. That's warped! So now people have one more mode of our tech-savvy world to make them feel that they are not okay they way they are.
Posted by Lori Henry
Happening in Vancouver, Canada this weekend, June 23-25, there are many activities for ladies to get inspired by: readings, films, paintings, forums, talks, burlesque, breakdancing, and a big wrap party.
It's geared towards teenagers and purposely has all-ages events and venues. Looks like it will be a blast! Visit their web site for more info.
Posted by Lori Henry
The Diane Farris Art Gallery in Vancouver, Canada, is featuring Angela Grossman's work that delves into the issue of girlhood pressures. Starting with the concept that most girls live their lives as knowledge seekers, sponges for information, inherent confidence and imagination until they're about 10 years old. After that, there's a switch that turns on in them to quietly silence their beauty.
This stage is explored in the exhibit Paper Dolls. It's tough being a teenager now a days, with role models like, well, you know the ones. This is really great work and I hope if you're in the area you can stop by the gallery and take a look. Then get our your journals and start writing- it's the sort of images that evoke memories and inspiration. It runs until June 24th, 2006.
Diane Farris Gallery
1590 West 7th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 737-2629
Posted by Lori Henry
The $1.5 million day centre will be run by Southern Health, which will be a pilot program for 3 years. They plan on treating 100 people each year, including teenagers, who often get left out of hospital programs. It will be run by the Butterfly Foundation in Australia.
This is an exciting step, as in-patient programs can be excessively expensive and out of reach for a lot of people. But maybe this will be a nice middle ground. I can't wait to see how this one turns out.
Posted by Lori Henry
I had to take a double look at it because I thought I was seeing things. Then I realized the ad was for a Diabetes contraption. What?!
The image is if a woman tied up to a big target and a man throwing knives at her. The caption reads, "You better have good aim." I won't even tell you what it's supposed to be advertising yet- I'll have to scan it and post it up so you all can see it.
Man, the advertising industry blows my mind. I used to write so many letters to companies about their despicable ad campaigns; perhaps it's time to start again...
Posted by Lori Henry
I went on about there being lots of chocolate and red wine, sex and dancing.
She told me that she would want to be thin (among other things). Now, this is a independent, confident, beautiful woman with her head on her shoulders.
But being thin was still at the top of her list of things to "be" in heaven. That makes me sad and angry- of all the things to wish for in a world that's a fantasy, and skinny is one of them? I would have thought the freedom to be curvy and still considered beautiful, but that's just me...
It took me by surprise and startled me, not so much because I haven't heard it before, but because I would have said that same thing only a couple of years ago and it makes me mad that I wasted so much of my energy thinking that way.
What would your heaven be like?
Posted by Lori Henry
Although we all know this, sometimes it's hard to remember it, and even harder to not let it affect us, when flipping through our favourite magazines.
Below is a link to a project that shows simply what changes can be made to an image. It's taken from the cover of a mock teen mag cover and the changes are startling when seen body part by body part.
Posted by Lori Henry
Their was a poll done for Norwhich Union Healthcare, of 500 respondents, that suggests men are just as body-obsessed as women. 1/4 said they had issues with their body and 1/3 said they hated their stomach.
Most males said they wanted the body of the football player David Beckham, with Brad Pitt and rugby player Gavin Henson following close behind.
Join me tomorrow when I write about Males and Eating Disorders.
Posted by Lori Henry
They took 3 women (all young and slim) and took 5 pictures of them. They then digitally altered the images, giving them bigger busts, longer legs or wider hips, and they had to choose which one was the unaltered one.
It would have been very interesting if they could have used more women and of a wider variety of sizes and shapes. Just how well do we know our bodies?
Posted by Lori Henry
It brought me back to the world in which I used to live in, that dark, emotional dungeon that trapped me. The memories flooded back so easily and I remembered so clearly things that I had forgotten.
Something that caught my eye was a little tidbit I had written in the middle of one of the pages, which had no connection to anything else, seemingly just a random thought that I had written down.
I wrote: "This overwhelming passion will flame up and burn down the whole entire planet!" It made me remember how uncontrollable I used to feel; I had so much going on inside of me, which I always described as a roaring fire, that I was scared to unleash for fear of scorching the earth and the people around me. It was a powerful feeling and one that I had forgotten was so prevalent in my life. It just goes to show how much energy and vitality lies within people who struggle with disordered eating, which they won't let out. But by letting it go slowly, we can live with a healthy amount of passion to fuel us.
Posted by Lori Henry
I watched in horror and interest the Barbara Walters show about the French woman who had a facial transplant- a donor gave her half of a face. This woman was depressed and had taken too many pills and passed out. While asleep, her dog mauled her and ate the bottom half of her face.
She was rushed to the hospital and kept there for months. The Doctors weren't sure what to do with her. One finally had the idea to transplant a dead woman's face, of about the same age and complexion, onto hers. It was the first one to happen in the world.
The woman is now recovering and can smile again. What an intriguing and gross story; I have a weak stomach for operations. The medical community is absolutely astounded at the results and have approved more operations such as these in other countries. They are stressing that this is a very complicated and risky procedure and only for those who are in desperate need. I only hope the attitude will not change, so this does not turn into a procedure as common as liposuction or breast enlargement, if someone doesn't like their face.
Posted by Lori Henry
One of the leading eating disorder recovery centres has created a new program for overweight children, which will debut this summer. The focus is on helping the young ones with positive growth and combating negative body image.
Because of their history with eating disorders, this sounds like it will be a great program. Wow, there seems to be a lot of news about overweight and obese children lately. I wonder where the motivation is coming from?
For more info: Remuda Ranch
Posted by Lori Henry
It was announced today that more funding will be given to treatment programs for people with eating disorders. They will invest $4.5 million this year, going to 8 hospitals that treat eating disorders.
This is fantastic news, as funding to this type of treatment is usually extremely low. The money will go to enhancing the existing programs and also establishing new services.
Posted by Lori Henry
It seems the government is stung by the criticism that they have not stopped childhood obesity, and are desperate to "do something."
They have come up with the idea to weigh all children at school so they can create a "fat map" that will inform them of which schools, neighbourhoods, race, sex, etc., have the highest rates of obesity.
Critics worry this will heighten the amount of bullying and prevalence of eating disorders among young children. Letters have flooded the office of the program, but because this test has already been implemented, we'll have to wait and see how it turns out.
Posted by Lori Henry
Although I've never watched the show in my life, I heard that a few young Big Brother contestants tearfully revealed their battles with bulimia and anorexia. It still astounds me how prevalent disordered eating is.
Posted by Lori Henry
Clark College is focusing its 10th annual Clark College Women's Conference, its largest academic event, to issues such as body image, female beauty, mothers and daughters, immigration and sexuality.
If you're in Vancouver, Washington, visit Clark College's Website for ticket and registration information.
Posted by Lori Henry
"I only have one body. I only have one soul. I will __________ not tomorrow, not the next day, not when I'm thin, but now, today."
Then take the risk and go do it!
Posted by Lori Henry
It brought me back to the time when I cringed at the thought of being intimate with someone. To have somebody else's hands run along my body was one of my worst fears: they would think I was fat, they would then hate me, they would laugh at me, they would tell everyone that I wasn't perfect, I would be devastated...
Ani Difranco sings:
"Touch me where I'm rusty/
Let me stain your hand."
I love those lyrics. We are all imperfect in our own perfect ways and if we accept ourselves for what size we are at today, we can begin to loosen the chains that lock us into the fear of what others will think.
Posted by Lori Henry
It is focused on educating young people how to feel good about their bodies. It will reach out to communities all over British Columbia and incorporate resources that already exist in those places.
Included will be training volunteers to do presentations in elementary schools, and training grade 12 students to peer council younger students.
I am very excited about the potential of this project and will be covering it as it progresses. If you want to get involved, keep an eye out, as I will let you know how once the information becomes available.
NOTE: this initiative is being created by Jesse's Hope Society (formerly ANAD- Awareness and Networking around Disordered Eating).
Posted by Lori Henry
I looked back at her and she was an average-sized woman, definitely not clinically overweight. Of course I don't know her situation or what she was referring to, but it shocked me to hear her say that to her someone who obviously looks up to her.
He replied, "Yeah, ok, me too." We have to remember that our own issues directly influence those of our children. We want them to grow up proud of who they are, at whatever size that may be.
Posted by Lori Henry
The book is called "All Made Up: a girl's guide to seeing through celebrity hype... and celebrating real beauty". I will be doing a full article on it within the next week or two. A really worthwhile read so far.
Posted by Lori Henry
Dr. Jan Yager is conducting a confidential survey on weight histories and welcomes participants, both male and female. Participants DON'T have to be overweight, underweight, or have an eating disorder to participate. She is looking to research those who have and do not have weight challenges, even those who are currently doing okay with their weight issues but have had issues in the past. She is finishing up a new book and the surveys are background research for that book. To participate, email her
with your age and return email address. Completed surveys can be returned by email, fax, or mail (information is in the survey). You must be 18 or older to participate. For more information on Jan Yager, PhD visit www.DrJanYager.com
Posted by Lori Henry
This is a difficult time for people who do not have a positive body image. On sale are skimpy tank tops and short skirts- not the kind of clothing that is easy to hide beneath.
Remember: summer is about enjoying the freedom that longer days bring, not worried about whether your thighs look too fat in shorts.
Today, focus on letting your spirit shine a little brighter. Who knows, maybe tomorrow you will radiate more brilliantly than the sun.
Posted by Lori Henry
Funny how such a small thing can make such a big difference. If you read my last blog posting, you'll know that I skipped doing my morning pages and felt unbalanced and scattered during that day. I hadn't realized that they made any impact in my life at all. Well, I'm back doing them every morning and starting the day with a fresh slate.
Posted by Lori Henry
Then I realized the culprit. I hadn't done my morning pages. Morning pages were created by Julia Cameron for artists to release their creativity by letting go of blocks and limiting beliefs. They are three pages of writing you do each morning just after you wake up: you free write whatever comes into your head, the only rule being that you cannot stop writing.
Even if you keep jotting down "I don't know what to say," or other less-than-brilliant thoughts, it's a start and after a few lines or days or weeks, you will be spilling your guts each morning before your censor has a chance to stop you.
They really stabilize me and give me a clean slate for the day. I have been doing them every morning for almost a year and yesterday I skipped doing them. My disconnected day was probably a culmination of many things, but it did remind me not to skip on doing the things that make me feel balanced.
Posted by Lori Henry
As a radical feminist, she noticed that she had become dissatisfied with her stomach after turning 40, and that she was spending too much time obsessing over it. She figured that many other women were going through the same thing.
She focuses on asking women why they ask the questions "Am I fat?" "Am I here?" "Am I alive?" "Do I have the right to be?" And why we are even asking for permission. The show sounds to be interesting, empowering and thought provoking. There is a one week run in Vancouver, BC next week, as well as Scottsdale, AZ the week after.
Website: The Good Body Show
Posted by Lori Henry
Things are going to start heating up here as I delve into some interesting information. This blog will become your news source for breaking updates on eating disorders and related info.
I will be covering Bulimia Nervosa next in the article section and have many ideas up my sleeve for further commentary. Thanks for checking back.
Posted by Lori Henry
Everything is big, bright and flashy. I feel a little like a small child in a large circus.
It gets me thinking about how our surroundings affect us. Things here are so unbalanced and nothing is in moderation. How, then, do people stay stable? Where can you retreat to?
The first night I went to the hotel spa and got a massage. That certainly helped. But I wonder: with the "all-you-can-eat" buffets and the casinos encouraging you to stay awake all night, what can we do to make sure that we are taken care of?
Posted by Lori Henry
This is where I will post news and tidbits about things that I have learned this week, and any other pieces of wisdom that I can impart.
My plan is to post a new article each Monday and a new blog entry each Friday. In between, I will create new polls and discussions. I will keep you in the loop!
